CH715356A2 - Magneto-mechanical clockwork escapement mechanism. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clock oscillator comprising a resonator (100), with inertial mass (1) returned by elastic return means and carrying input (PE) and output (PS) pallets cooperating with teeth ( 22) of an escape wheel (20) each provided with a magnet (23), each pallet (PE; PS) comprising a magnetic arrangement (30), with an annular sector, centered on the axis of oscillation (OR) of the resonator (100), defining a first magnetic barrier zone, extending above and / or below a mechanical pallet (16) that comprises the input (PE) or output pallet (PS), over the entire length of this mechanical pallet serving as a support for the teeth (22) during the free arc, so as to constitute an exhaust mechanism with a magnetic cylinder.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a timepiece oscillator, comprising at least one resonator, with an inertial mass biased by elastic return means relative to a fixed structure, said resonator oscillating around an axis of oscillation, said inertial mass carrying an input pallet and an output pallet, said oscillator comprising an escape mechanism comprising an escape wheel arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation and comprising end teeth, each arranged to cooperate with said input pallet or with said output pallet for maintaining the oscillation of said resonator.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such oscillator.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such movement and / or at least one such oscillator.

The invention relates to the field of clockwork oscillator mechanisms.

Background of the invention

The use of flexible guides makes it possible to produce high frequency and high quality factor resonators, as for example in patent applications EP 2 908 184, EP 2 908 185, EP 30 350 126, EP 3 035 127, in the name of THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, EP 2 891 929 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR, EP 3 054 357 in the name of ETA, EP 2 911 012 in the name of CSEM, EP 3 182 214 in the name of AUDEMARS PIGUET , WO 2017 157 870 on behalf of LVMH.

Magnetic exhausts without friction are well suited to maintain this type of resonator, as read in patent applications EP141999882.3 in the name of THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, or US 9,715,217 in the name of Dl DOMENICO, because they provide high yields. The addition of a mechanical anti-stall makes it possible to guarantee robustness when worn, as in patent application EP 16 195 405.2 in the name of THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, but it makes self-starting difficult.

Patent EP 2 889 704 B1 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR describes an exhaust mechanism, the exhaust wheel of which, subjected to a pivoting moment less than a nominal moment, includes actuators regularly spaced on its periphery, each arranged to cooperate directly with at least one first track of a regulating mobile, in particular a cylindrical track. Each actuator comprises first magnetic stop means acting as a barrier and arranged to cooperate with this first track which is magnetized or ferromagnetic, to exert on the first track a torque greater than the nominal moment. Each actuator also comprises second stop means arranged to constitute a limit stop of travel, arranged to constitute an autonomous exhaust mechanism with at least a first complementary stop surface which comprises the regulating mobile.

A general proposal to combine a magnetic, high-efficiency escapement and a mechanical escapement with its self-starting and safety characteristics is described in patent application EP2894522 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to provide a robust self-starting exhaust mechanism to maintain a high frequency and high quality factor resonator.

To this end, the invention relates to a clockwork oscillator mechanism according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such oscillator.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such movement and / or at least one such oscillator.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where: <tb> fig. 1 <SEP> represents, schematically, and in top view, an oscillator which comprises a balance with flexible blades maintained by a magneto-mechanical escapement; <tb> fig. 2 <SEP> shows, schematically and in perspective, the oscillator of FIG. 1; <tb> fig. 3 <SEP> represents, similarly to FIG. 1, a particular geometry of the magneto-mechanical escapement mechanism according to the invention; <tb> fig. 4 <SEP> illustrates, schematically, and in section along a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIGS. 1 to 3, the repulsive interaction between magnets carried by the escape wheel of fig. 3, and pallets that the resonator of FIG. 3; <tb> each of fig. 5 to 10 described, similarly to FIG. 3, a step in the sequence of operation of the exhaust on the outlet pallet: <tb> fig. 5: <SEP> free arc without friction; <tb> fig. 6: <SEP> clearance on the entry pallet; <tb> fig. 7: <SEP> advance of the escape wheel and impulse on the output pallet; <tb> fig. 8: <SEP> shock on the output pallet; <tb> fig. 9: <SEP> slight retreat of the escape wheel; <tb> fig. 10: <SEP> free arc without friction; <tb> each of fig. 11 to 16 described, similarly to FIGS. 5 to 10, a step in the sequence of operation of the exhaust on the input pallet: <tb> fig. 11: <SEP> free arc without friction; <tb> fig. 12: <SEP> clearance on the output pallet; <tb> fig. 13: <SEP> advance of the escape wheel and impulse on the input pallet; <tb> fig. 14: <SEP> shock on the entry pallet; <tb> fig. 15: <SEP> slight retreat of the escape wheel; <tb> fig. 16: <SEP> free arc without friction; <tb> fig. 17 <SEP> represents, similarly to fig. 3, the trajectories of the magnets of the escape wheel in the reference frame of the resonator; <tb> fig. 18 <SEP> represents, similarly to fig. 3, the mechanical functional zones of the magnetic input pallet; <tb> fig. 19 <SEP> represents, similarly to FIG. 3, the magnetic functional areas of the magnetic input palette; <tb> fig. 20 <SEP> represents, similarly to FIG. 3, the mechanical functional zones of the magnetic output pallet; <tb> fig. 21 <SEP> represents, similarly to FIG. 3, the magnetic functional areas of the magnetic output pallet; <tb> fig. 22 <SEP> represents, similarly to FIG. 3, safety, penetration, magnetic pads and auto-start; <tb> fig. 23 <SEP> represents, similarly to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the isochronism corrector; <tb> fig. 24 <SEP> represents, similarly to fig. 23, another alternative embodiment of the isochronism corrector; <tb> fig. 25 <SEP> is a block diagram which, similarly to FIG. 3, an entry point and an exit point, which are defined by the intersections between a first circle centered on the resonator axis and which follow the magnetic barriers of the input and output pallets of the resonator, and a second envelope circle of the escape wheel and centered on the escape axis, at which entry and exit points evolve respectively the entry pallet and the exit pallet of the resonator, and which shows the definition of directions elementary oriented at tangents to this first circle and to this second circle, at this entry point and at this exit point; <tb> fig. 26 <SEP> is a block diagram representing a watch comprising a movement comprising an oscillator with a balance with flexible blades maintained by a magneto-mechanical escapement according to the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The invention proposes to produce a robust and self-starting escapement mechanism, to maintain a high frequency and high quality factor resonator, with anti-stall properties.

The invention is a practical application of the magneto-mechanical escapement, such as that described in patent application EP2894522 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR, which combines the advantages of high efficiency, great robustness and self-starting.

As in patent EP 2 889 704 B1 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR, the invention adapts, with a markedly improved efficiency, the principle of mechanical cylinder escapements, which have the advantage of ensuring safety in the event of Too much torque, especially during an impact, but whose high level of friction significantly affects the efficiency of the exhaust. The improvement in efficiency results from the elimination of contact and friction in a cylinder escapement, by the placement of magnets, or electrons, or the like, which, judiciously placed, form a magnetic or electrostatic repulsion, which eliminates friction and therefore the main defect of this mechanical cylinder exhaust. The magnets, or the like, placed on the escapement wheel act as a contactless stop. Mechanical stops are added to prevent the escapement wheel from racing in the event of an impact.

The invention is here more particularly described in the magnetic alternative. Those skilled in the art will find in the prior art cited above the means of adapting it to an electrostatic, or even magnetic-electrostatic, version.

The complete oscillator 300 includes at least one resonator 100, in particular but not limited to a resonator with at least one inertial mass 1, in particular a pendulum, suspended directly or indirectly from a fixed structure 3, which is intended to be fixed to a turntable or the like. This at least one inertial mass 1 is returned by elastic return means. In a particular embodiment, these elastic return means comprise flexible blades 2, as visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, and this resonator 100 is maintained by a magneto-mechanical exhaust mechanism 200. In other variants not illustrated, these elastic return means may include at least one spiral spring, or the like.

At least one inertial mass 1 carries an inlet pallet PE and an outlet pallet PS.

The oscillator 300 comprising an exhaust mechanism 200. The exhaust mechanism 200 is an intermittent mechanism, and conventionally comprises at least one escape wheel 20, arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation. OE, and which comprises arms 21 provided with mechanical end teeth 22, arranged to interact alternately with the input pallets PE and output PS. Each of these teeth 22 is arranged to cooperate with the input pallet PE or with the output pallet PS for the maintenance of the oscillation of the resonator 100.

According to the invention, this exhaust mechanism 200 is magneto-mechanical. The escape wheel 20 has at least one magnet 23 at the end of each tooth 22. These teeth 22 are arranged to rest on a mechanical pallet 16, which each entry PE or exit PS pallet includes during the arc free of the resonator 100. And the input pallet PE has a first magnetic arrangement 30, the output pallet PS has a second magnetic arrangement 30. And this first magnetic arrangement 30 and this second magnetic arrangement 30 each have an annular sector, centered on the oscillation axis OR of the resonator 100, and defining a first magnetic barrier zone Z1. This first magnetic barrier zone Z1 extends above and / or below the mechanical pallet 16, with reference to the direction of the axis of oscillation OR, over the entire length of this mechanical pallet capable of serving supporting the teeth 22 during the free arc, so as to constitute an escape mechanism with a magnetic cylinder.

In the particular and nonlimiting variant illustrated, such an inertial mass 1 comprises a balance 11, in particular made of titanium alloy, comprising adjustment weights 101. This inertial mass 1 is secured to two plates 12, 13, made of silicon , or in silicon and silicon dioxide, or the like, each comprising a flexible blade 2. The two flexible blades 2 shown here intersect in projection substantially at the level of the axis of oscillation OR of the inertial mass 1. The ends of the two plates, opposite those fixed to the balance 11, constitute a single mass 4, or two separate masses 4, each suspended by flexible transverse blades 7 and / or at least one rigid beam 6 from an intermediate body 5, itself suspended to the fixed structure 3 by longitudinal flexible blades 8 and / or at least one rigid beam 9. This particular arrangement constitutes an anti-shock table, effective in protecting the flex pivot target formed by flexible blades 2.

Such anti-shock devices intended to protect the resonator blades are described in particular in patent applications CH 00 518/18 in the name of ETA and CH 00 540/18 in the name of THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT. Advantageously, such devices include such translation tables, allowing the inertial mass 1 of the resonator 100, in particular a balance 11, to be able to move in the event of an impact, and stops centered on the axis of rotation of this inertial mass, in order to retain it without acting on the pivot blades. These stops are not visible in the figures, and may consist of pins fixed to a plate or to a bridge, one being an upper pin cooperating with play with an upper bore 18 of the inertial mass 1, and limiting its deflection in the event of an impact, and the other being a lower pin cooperating with play with a lower bore 19 of the inertial mass 1, and limiting its deflection in the event of an impact. In fig. 2 this bore 19 passes through both an upper flange 15 and a lower flange 17, which surround a mechanical pallet 16 secured to the inertial mass 1.

Thus, the resonator 100 includes a stopper with an input pallet PE, and an output pallet PS, each able, during the oscillation of the resonator 100, to cooperate with the escape wheel 20. These pallets d PE inlet and PS outlet can be separate, or form a one-piece assembly, each is arranged to be fixed integral with the inertial mass 1, and the distal end of each pallet PE, PS is arranged to cooperate with the teeth 22 of the wheel 20. Each pallet PE, PS comprises a mechanical pallet 16 provided for mechanical contact with the teeth 22, and this mechanical pallet 16 ends advantageously, but not necessarily, with a pulse plane at the distal end of the pallet concerned, on the side of the escape wheel 20.

According to the invention, at least one escape wheel 20 has at least one magnet 23 at the end of each tooth 22. And the oscillator 300 has a first magnetic arrangement 30 for the PE input pallet and a second magnetic arrangement 30 for the output pallet PS, and which are not necessarily identical, as will be seen below. Each magnetic arrangement 30 is arranged to be attached to a pallet, or else forms an integral part of a pallet, at least at the level of an upper flange 15 and / or of a lower flange 17, framing the mechanical pallet 16, and disposed respectively above or below the escape wheel 20; these arrangements above and below are understood with reference to the direction of the axis of oscillation OR of the resonator 100, and of the axis of rotation OE of the escapement wheel 20, which is parallel to it.

In sum, an input pallet PE or an output pallet PS includes a mechanical pallet 16, arranged to cooperate with the teeth 22 of the wheel 20, and a magnetic arrangement 30 whose magnetic field effect comes into superimposition with the potential mechanical interaction surfaces of the mechanical pallet 16. This magnetic arrangement 30 can be produced at the level of different surfaces, in particular of the surfaces of the mechanical pallet 16, more particularly on the edge or beyond the area of mechanical interaction with the teeth 22 of the wheel 20. More particularly, at least one such magnetic arrangement 30 is installed under an upper flange 15 and / or on a lower flange 17 of one of the input pallets PE or output PS . More particularly, at least one such magnetic arrangement 30 is installed under an upper flange 15 and on a lower flange 17 of one of the inlet pallets PE or outlet PS. More particularly still, such a magnetic arrangement 30 is installed under an upper flange 15 and on a lower flange 17 of each of the input pallets PE and output PS.

In the variant illustrated by the figures, the resonator 100 is equipped with PE inlet and PS outlet paddles comprising mechanical paddles 16 • substantially tubular, and to which magnets have been added above and below, as seen in fig. 3 and 4, to constitute these magnetic arrangements 30. In a variant, all or part of the magnets can be replaced by at least one continuous or pixelated magnetized surface.

The geometry of the magneto-mechanical escapement is presented in more detail in fig. 3.

The magnets 23 of the escape wheel 20 interact in repulsion with the magnets carried by the resonator which are arranged on at least one level, and more particularly on two levels, above and below the wheel 20 according to the diagram in fig. 4.

The sequence illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 10 describes the functions of the exhaust.

After a free arc, without friction, on the PE entry pallet located in the left part of the figure, as visible in fig. 5, there is clearance on the PE inlet pallet, as visible in fig. 6.

Then, as visible in fig. 7, the escape wheel 20 starts to turn in the direction of the arrow, under the effect of the maintenance torque, and it transmits its impulse by magnetic repulsion to the output pallet PS located in the right part of the figure .

Then, in a particular variant, a mechanical contact, of shock type, between the escapement wheel 20 and the output pallet PS, makes it possible to absorb the rebounds, as visible in FIG. 8. This shock is useful, but not essential for the proper functioning of the exhaust. Indeed, one can achieve a similar exhaust in which the shock does not take place. The advantage that brings a small controlled shock, like this one, is to allow the dissipation of part of the energy, and to limit the recoil of the escape wheel 20. Let us note again that this shock has l advantage of allowing an acoustic measurement of the gait, since, in normal gait, it is then the only audible mechanical contact during the operation of the exhaust. Limiting the recoil of the wheel brings another advantage which is the possibility of increasing the number of teeth of the escapement wheel 20, with equal dimensions.

After this possible mechanical contact, and as visible in FIG. 9, the magnetic repulsion between the magnet 23 of the escape wheel 20 and the magnetic paddle 5 produces a slight recoil of the escape wheel 20, so that the free arc on the outlet paddle PS, visible on fig. 10, is done without friction. By "without friction" is meant here without mechanical contact between the escapement wheel 20 and the resonator 100, because of course there is friction with the air.

A similar sequence occurs on the entry pallet after the release of the exit pallet, as illustrated in figs. 11 to 16: <tb> fig. 11: <SEP> free arc without friction; <tb> fig. 12: <SEP> clearance on the PS output pallet; <tb> fig. 13: <SEP> advancing from the exhaust street and impulse on the PE entry pallet; <tb> fig. 14: <SEP> shock on entry pallet; <tb> fig. 15: <SEP> slight retreat of the escape wheel; <tb> fig. 16: <SEP> free arc without friction.

In order to understand the design of the magnetic arrangements 30 of the pallets, which can be called magnetic pallets, it is useful to represent the path T of the magnets 23, preferably cylindrical, carried by the teeth 22 of the wheel. exhaust 20, in the reference frame of the resonator 100, as visible in FIG. 17, the curves of which, from the digital simulation, retrace the exact path T of the center of a magnet 23 relative to the corresponding PE or PS pallet.

If we consider the entry pallet PE, the point at the bottom left of the path T, in fig. 17, corresponds to the relative position of FIG. 13 where the magnet 23 traverses the ascending curve curved towards the right, before arriving at an extremum which corresponds to the shock of FIG. 14; the upward inflection to the left corresponds to the decline in fig. 15, the ascending trajectory, centered, like the pallet itself, and like its mechanical pallet 16, on the axis of oscillation OR of the resonator 10, corresponds to the free arc without friction of FIG. 16, and this free arc may in particular be longer than that illustrated in the figure, the high position corresponding to FIG. 5, before the downward return with clearance on the right on the PE inlet pallet as in fig. 6. The trajectory at the level of the output pallet PS is of course similar, FIG. 17 shows a magnet 23 in repulsion cooperation with a magnetic pad 32, which includes the magnetic arrangement 30, to give it a pulse.

This identifies the functional areas of the magnetic pallets according to Figs. 18 to 21.

We distinguish here, on the PE input pallet in fig. 18, or on the output pallet PS in fig. 20: a first pulse zone ZP; a shock zone ZC; a free, non-rubbing arc zone, ZA; a ZD clearance and second pulse zone.

These figs. 18 and 20 show that the magnetic arrangement 30 necessarily comprises a magnetic barrier 31, substantially concentric with the pallet PE or PS, and its mechanical pallet 16, around the axis of oscillation OR of the resonator 10. A certain distance, constant , exists between the part of the path T corresponding to the free arc and this magnetic barrier 31, or each magnetic barrier 31 if there are several. Each such magnetic barrier 31, in conjunction with a magnet 23 of the escapement wheel 20, makes it possible to avoid any contact, and therefore any friction, in normal operation, between the tooth 22 and the PE or PS pallet concerned. Naturally, mechanical contact can occur in the event of an impact, during a fall of the watch for example, between on the one hand the mechanical pallet 16 of the PE or PS pallet and on the other hand a tooth 22, which together ensure the safety stop function.

The magnetic arrangement 30 comprises, in the variants of these same figures, a complete, non-limiting arrangement since the oscillator 300 according to the invention can operate with all or part of the magnets or magnetized zones described below, at condition to include at least the magnetic barriers 31: at least one magnetic barrier 31, comprising at least one substantially cylindrical magnet around the axis of oscillation OR of the resonator 10; at least one magnetic pad 32, preferably completed by a magnetic heel 33, at least one ferromagnetic or weakly magnetized zone 34 for correcting isochronism.

[0042] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the situation, which shows, similarly to FIG. 3, an entry point E and an exit point S, which are defined by the intersection of a first circle CO centered on the resonator axis OR and which follow the magnetic barriers 31 of the entry pallets PE and PS outlet of the resonator 3, and a second circle CE, which constitutes the envelope of the escape wheel 20 and centered on the exhaust axis OE. The input pallet PE and the output pallet PS of the resonator 3 move respectively at the entry point E and the exit point S. FIG. 25 defines elementary directions, which are oriented at the tangents to this first circle CO and to this second circle CE, at this entry point E and at this exit point S: <tb> D1 +: <SEP> tangent to the entry pallet at the entry point, directed towards the OE exhaust axis; <tb> D1–: <SEP> tangent to the entry pallet at the entry point, opposite direction to D1 +; <tb> D2 +: <SEP> tangent to the wheel 20 at the point of entry, directed in the direction of rotation of the wheel 20; <tb> D2–: <SEP> tangent to wheel 20 at the point of entry, opposite direction to D2 +; <tb> D3 +: <SEP> tangent to the entry pallet at the exit point, directed towards the OE exhaust axis; <tb> D3–: <SEP> tangent to the entry pallet at the exit point, opposite direction to D3 +; <tb> D4 +: <SEP> tangent to the wheel 20 at the exit point, directed in the direction of rotation of the wheel 20; <tb> D4–: <SEP> tangent to wheel 20 at the exit point, in the opposite direction to D4 +.

The arrangement of this exhaust mechanism according to the invention defines one or more functional areas: a first magnetic barrier zone Z1, which is present in all cases, around the magnetic barrier 31, or of each magnetic barrier 31 if there are several; a second self-starting improvement zone Z2, around the magnetic pad 32, or of each magnetic pad 32 if there are several; a zone where the pulses occur, in immediate proximity or in at least partial superposition, with the second zone Z2 when it exists, and with the first zone Z1 of magnetic barrier, or with each first zone Z1; a third zone Z3 which is a zone for correcting the isochronism of the resonator 100.

Preferably, but not limited to, and as illustrated in the figures, for the PE input pallet: the first magnetic barrier zone Z1 is an annular sector, centered on the axis of rotation OR of the resonator 100, which extends above and / or below the mechanical pallet, over the entire length of the mechanical pallet on which the teeth 22 of the wheel 20 come to bear during the free arc, as visible in FIG. 19; the second self-starting improvement zone Z2 is an annular sector, centered on the axis of rotation OE of the wheel 20, which extends substantially in the directions D2 + and D2–, and which passes over and / or below the end of the mechanical pallet so as to cover at least the impulse plane of the pallet; the third isochronism correction zone Z3 is delimited by the first magnetic barrier zone Z1 and the second self-starting improvement zone Z2, and it extends in the directions D2– and D1– so to be covered, above and / or below, the magnet 23 of the tooth 22 of the wheel 20 which is supported on the pallet during the free arc.

Similarly, for the PS output palette: the first magnetic barrier zone Z1 is an annular sector, centered on the axis of rotation OR of the resonator 100, which extends above and / or below the mechanical pallet, over the entire length of the mechanical pallet on which the teeth 22 of the wheel 20 come to rest during the free arc, as visible in FIG. 21; the second self-starting improvement zone Z2 is an annular sector, centered on the axis of rotation OE of the wheel 20, which extends substantially in the directions D4 + and D4–, and which passes over and / or below the end of the mechanical pallet so as to cover at least the impulse plane of the pallet; the third isochronism correction zone Z3 is delimited by the first magnetic barrier zone Z1 and the second self-starting improvement zone Z2 and it extends in the directions D4– and D3– so as to cover, above and / or below, the magnet 23 of the tooth 22 of the wheel 20 which is supported on the pallet during the free arc.

The first magnetic barrier zone Z1 is essential, and has the function of repelling the teeth 22 of the escapement wheel 20, and thus makes it possible to remove the mechanical contact so that the free arc is effected without friction. This first magnetic barrier zone Z1 can be more or less intense but it must follow an arc centered on the axis of oscillation OR of the resonator 10. It is possible to increase the intensity of the barrier if one wishes to avoid mechanical shock between the teeth of the escape wheel 20 and the mechanical pallets 16 of the PE and PS pallets. Or conversely, it is possible to decrease the intensity of the barrier, if one wishes to minimize the recoil of the escape wheel 20 after the impact. A mechanism comprising only this magnetic barrier 31 is a variant of escapement with a magnetic cylinder, which represents an improvement of patent EP2889704B1 of NIVAROX-FAR.

The magnetic pad 32 of the second self-starting improvement zone Z2 is optional. It is advantageously added to reduce the friction between the escapement wheel 20 and the end of the mechanical pallet 16 of the PE or PS pallet at the time of starting thanks to the magnetic repulsion. This significantly improves self-starting. The length of the magnetic pad 32 and its shape are adjusted to optimize self-starting.

This magnetic pad 32 also has another effect. When the magnet of the escape wheel 20 passes near the magnetic pad, there is magnetic repulsion, which transmits a pulse to the resonator 100 and significantly improves the efficiency.

Preferably, the magnetic pad 32 comprises at least one magnet, and extends substantially perpendicular to the distal end of the magnetic barrier 31 closest to the escape wheel 20, and on the side of the entry into cooperation between a magnet 23 and the magnetic arrangement 30 of the pallet PE or PS concerned, by forming with the magnetic barrier 31 an inverted capital L. This magnetic pad 32 is not necessarily straight, it can also be slightly curved.

In a variant not illustrated, it may comprise, at its distal end opposite to the magnetic barrier 31, a magnetic lug, on the side opposite to the escapement wheel, and extending the zone where the pulses occur. More particularly, this magnetic lug is located at the distal end in the direction D2 - with regard to the input pallet PE, and at the distal end in the direction D4 - with regard to the output pallet PS. More particularly still, this magnetic lug extends in the direction D1 - with regard to the input pallet PE, and in the direction D3 - with regard to the output pallet PS. In another variant not illustrated, the magnetic pad 32 extends in the direction D2 +, respectively D4 +.

Note that the second zone Z2 for improving self-starting is not necessarily identical to the zone where the pulses occur, which means that the pulse can be adjusted without affecting the auto -start-up.

At the PE entry pallet, fig. 18 shows that the magnet 23 of the wheel 20 interacts twice with the magnetic pad 32: firstly, when the magnet 23 passes into the zone of first pulse ZP, it repels this magnetic pad 32, and thus transmits a first pulse to resonator 100; then, during the passage of the magnet 23 in the clearance zone and of the second pulse ZD, the magnetic pad 32 constitutes in a way a pass neck, due to the repulsion, and this is the high speed of the magnet 23 on its trajectory T which allows it to easily cross this pass. Immediately after passing the neck, the wheel 20 starts to rotate, and a second pulse is then transmitted to the resonator 100. At the output pallet PS, in the position of the first pulse zone ZP in FIG. 20, the repulsion between the magnet 23 and the magnetic pad 32 provides the first pulse to the resonator 100; the second pulse is transmitted after the neck has passed into the clearance zone and the second ZD pulse, similar to what happens on the input pallet.

In an advantageous variant, the magnetic pad 32 is completed by a magnetic heel 33, which is substantially in alignment, and on the opposite side with respect to the magnetic barrier, that is to say in the direction D2 + at the inlet pallet PE, and in the direction D4 + at the outlet pallet PS. This magnetic heel 33 makes it possible to separate the force from the axis, and tends to drive the magnet 23 tangentially from the escape wheel 20, and makes it possible to combat the force of friction, it allows the repulsion to last until the end of the pallet. This magnetic heel 33 is still useful in terms of overall kinematics, because the magnetic heel 33 located on the output pallet PS allows the next arm 21 of the escape wheel 20 to be sufficiently engaged in cooperation with the magnetic arrangement 30 of the PE entry pallet, so as not to undergo the threshold to be overcome during its passage at the entry into this zone.

Advantageously, the total length of the magnetic shoe 32 and the magnetic heel 33 which extends it is close to the half-pitch of the teeth ends 22 on the circle CE which is the envelope of the trajectory of the wheel. exhaust 20.

In a particular embodiment, the magnetic heel 33 is arranged by increasing radii from the axis of rotation OE of the wheel 20 while moving away from said magnetic (32).

In a particular embodiment, the magnetic heel 33 is made in steps with tapering steps, as visible in Figs. 18 and 20.

More particularly, the total curvilinear length of the magnetic shoe 32 is greater than that of the magnetic heel 33, in order to give a first impulse: at the entrance, the whole of the shoe and the heel extends more in the direction D2– than in the direction D2 +, and at the exit the whole skate and heel extends more in the direction D4– than in the direction D4 +.

The addition of such a magnetic pad 32 to the magnetic barrier 31 is advantageous for self-starting: if this magnetic pad does not exist, the escape wheel can, in certain configurations, come into abutment mechanical on the distal end of the mechanical pallet 16 of the PE or PS pallet, and the low torque available at the escape wheel 20 does not overcome friction. The advantage of the magnetic pad 32 is therefore to reduce the friction force at the end of the mechanical pallet 16 during start-up, which allows normal self-starting.

The digital simulation shows that it is possible to further increase the yield by adding magnets in the vicinity of the second self-starting improvement zone Z2 if necessary.

However, it is no longer useful to increase the yield when the nominal amplitude is reached. The amount of magnet to be put to optimize the pulse therefore depends on the resonator 100 used and on its quality factor. If the quality factor is low, more magnets are added. If the quality factor is high, we put less.

As the free arc is carried out without friction, except for the first impact, the shape of the mechanical pallet 16 can be optimized to minimize losses and also to promote self-starting. In particular, the end of the paddles (impulse planes) is optimized to favor starting, but the angle chosen no longer allows the impulse to be transmitted in stationary operation. In addition, it is not necessary for the mechanical pallets 16 of the pallets to be arcs of a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the resonator. If we look at fig. 18 to 21 we see that in the mechanical contact zone ZC the mechanical pallet 16 of the pallet has been modified, according to a profile 301, to minimize the effect of the shock on the balance. It is a question of adjusting the angle of this zone so that the support of the contact force passes through the center of rotation. It is also possible to tilt this contact zone, so that the shock transmits energy to the inertial mass 1, and consequently improves the efficiency. This profile 301 can be an inclined plane, or an evolving hollow profile as in the figures, and makes it possible to deflect the force exerted on the pallet downwards according to the representation of the figures, so that the result of the two forces that are this effort , and the upward tangential friction force on the pallet, passes through the axis of oscillation OR of the resonator 10. In the same way, the magnetic barrier 31 can comprise a similar variation in magnetization.

Also optionally but advantageously, small magnets (with weak interaction) are added in the third zone Z3 for correcting the isochronism, in order to adjust the anisochronism of the resonator 100 caused by the escape mechanism 100 The objective is that this induced anisochronism is compensated by that of the resonator 100 so that the total oscillator 300 is perfectly isochronous. The quantity and position of these small magnets is adjusted by iterations until the desired effect is obtained. As a variant, it may also be a simple ferromagnetic surface, cooperating weakly with the magnets 23 of the teeth 22 of the escapement wheel 20. This third zone Z3 extends, from the point of view of the teeth 22 of the wheel. exhaust 20, upstream of the first magnetic barrier zone; otherwise formulated, this third zone Z3 extends, relative to the oscillation axis OR of the resonator, beyond the magnetic barrier zone Z1, and, relative to the axis of rotation OE of the wheel d 'exhaust 20, beyond the distal end of the pallet; when the magnetic arrangement 30 comprises a magnetic pad 32 defining a second zone Z2, and an associated pulse zone, the third zone Z3 is situated, with respect to the axis of rotation OE of the escape wheel 20, at the beyond the second zone Z2.

In order to guarantee mechanical security, the mechanical paddles 16 carried by the resonator 100 enter the teeth of the escapement wheel 20 when the resonator 100 is in its rest position. The penetration values p1 and p2 are shown in fig. 22. In this figure we see the circle CE which is the envelope of the trajectory of the escape wheel 20. The penetrations p1 and p2, measured from radials coming from the axis of oscillation OR of the resonator 10, are necessary for security reasons, because they prevent any crazy rotation of the escape wheel 20 when the barrel is completely unloaded. For example, a penetration value of 40 micrometers ensures this safety function, while absorbing errors or simply the effect of manufacturing tolerances on the distance between the oscillation axis OR of the resonator 10 and l OE axis of the escape wheel 20.

In view of the penetrations p1 and p2, during startup, the torque applied to the escapement wheel 20 must be sufficient to push the resonator 100 out of its rest position so that the teeth can pass. This can make self-starting difficult when the resonator is mounted on flexible guide. The addition of magnetic pads 32 on the pallets considerably improves self-starting for two reasons. First, magnetic repulsion has the effect of reducing friction between the teeth and the tip of the paddles. On the other hand, this repulsion shifts the rest position of the resonator to the correct side so that the tooth can pass. The result is that the oscillator is self-starting over the majority of the useful torque range.

The effect of the magnets of the third zone Z3 for correcting the isochronism is to produce a slight disturbance in the inertial mass 1, so as to adjust the anisochronism of the exhaust, so that there is compensation with the anisochronism of the resonator 100. This anisochronism correction is not essential but may prove to be advantageous depending on the type of resonator used.

To achieve this ferromagnetic or weakly magnetized zone 34, instead of having the magnet pixels in a regular manner as in the anisochronism corrector of FIGS. 1 to 22, one can also imagine a variant in which there is available in the third zone Z3 a very thin continuous layer of magnet whose thickness is adjusted, by laser, or other.

Another variant is presented in FIG. 23 in which there are only two small protuberances 341 on the magnetic barrier 31, in the third zone Z3, which are sufficient to produce the disturbance necessary for the correction of anisochronism.

Yet another variant, in which the anisochronism corrector is arranged only on the PE input pallet is shown in FIG. 24. You can also put the anisochronism corrector only on the PS output palette.

In another variant, the anisochronism corrector can be placed only on the magnetic pallets of the upper flange 15, or else only on the magnetic pallets of the lower flange 17.

One can also imagine a variant in which the anisochronism is adjustable, by varying the distance between the magnets of the third zone Z3 upper and the magnets of the third zone Z3 lower, which has the effect of varying the intensity of the magnetic field seen by the magnets 23 of the escape wheel 20 when they are in the third zone Z3.

In a variant, the third zone Z3 contains a sacrificial excess of iron or magnets, this sacrificial excess is intended to be, at least in part, selectively removed according to the result of a measurement of the anisochronism of the complete oscillator 300, to restore its isochronism.

More particularly, the magnetic arrangement 30 is produced with an excess of magnet pixels in the third zone Z3, the excess magnets can then be removed by selective laser ablation after having carried out an anisochronism measurement.

In the variant comprising a ferromagnetic plate of variable thickness in the third zone Z3, the interaction is done by attraction rather than repulsion.

The invention can therefore be carried out in different configurations, but always with a first magnetic barrier zone Z1, and in particular and not limited to: a first magnetic barrier zone Z1, and a second self-starting improvement zone Z2, with only one magnetic pad 32; a first magnetic barrier zone Z1, a second self-starting improvement zone Z2, with a magnetic pad 32, and a magnetic heel 33; a first magnetic barrier zone Z1 and a third isochronism correction zone Z3; a first magnetic barrier zone Z1, a second self-starting improvement zone Z2, and a third isochronism correction zone Z3, with only one magnetic pad 32, a first zone Z1 of magnetic barrier, a second zone Z2 for improving self-starting, and a third zone Z3 correction of isochronism, with a magnetic pad 32 and a magnetic heel 33.

It is naturally possible to make a technical inversion of the invention as described above, which consists in putting point magnets on the paddles of the resonator 100, and in arranging on the escape wheel 20 magnetic structures more complicated, in order to produce the same effects of magnetic barrier, magnetic pad, impulse and anisochronism corrector described above.

Note that the versions presented above and illustrated, with point magnets on the escape wheel, have the advantage of minimizing the inertia of the escape wheel 20. This is important to guarantee the good operation of the escapement when the oscillator 300 undergoes external accelerations, which is frequent during the normal use of a watch, and to guarantee excellent resistance to wear.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement 500 comprising at least one such oscillator 300.

The invention also relates to a watch 1000 comprising at least one such movement 500 and / or at least one such oscillator 300.

Claims (18)

1. Clock oscillator (300), comprising at least one resonator (100), with an inertial mass (1) returned by elastic return means (2) relative to a fixed structure (3), said resonator (100 ) oscillating around an axis of oscillation (OR), said inertial mass (1) carrying an input pallet (PE) and an output pallet (PS), said oscillator (300) comprising an escape mechanism ( 200) comprising an escape wheel (20) arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation (OE) and comprising end teeth (22), each arranged to cooperate with said inlet pallet (PE) or with said output paddle (PS) for maintaining the oscillation of said resonator (100), characterized in that said exhaust mechanism (200) is magneto-mechanical and that said escape wheel (20) comprises at least a magnet (23) at the end of each said tooth (22), said teeth (22) being arranged to act alternatively with said input and output pallets (PE; PS), and in that said inlet pallet (PE) has a first magnetic arrangement (30), in that said outlet pallet (PS) has a second magnetic arrangement (30), and in that said first arrangement magnetic (30) and said second magnetic arrangement (30) each have an annular sector, centered on said axis of oscillation (OR) of said resonator (100), and defining a first magnetic barrier zone (Z1), which extends above and / or below said mechanical pallet (16) of said input pallet (PE) or said output pallet (PS), with reference to the direction of said axis of oscillation (OR), on the entire length of said mechanical pallet capable of serving as a support for said teeth (22) during said free arc, so as to constitute an escape mechanism with a magnetic cylinder. 2. Oscillator (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first magnetic arrangement (30) and / or said second magnetic arrangement (30) comprises, for the improvement of self-starting, at said pallet at least one magnetic pad (32) which comprises at least one magnet, and which extends in a second zone for improving the self-starting (Z2), which is an annular sector, centered on said axis of rotation (OE) of said wheel (20), and which extends, for said input pallet (PE), substantially in a tangent direction input (D2 +, D2–) which is tangent to said wheel (20) and which passes above and / or below said mechanical pallet (16) of said input pallet (PE), and / or for said outlet pallet (PS), substantially in a tangent outlet direction (D4 +, D4–) which is tangent to said wheel (20) and which passes over and / or below said mechanical pallet (16) of said output pallet (PS), with reference to the direction of said axis of oscillation (OR), so as to cover at least one impulse plane which comprises at its end said inlet pallet (PE) and / or said outlet pallet (PS). 3. Oscillator (300) according to claim 2, characterized in that said magnetic pad (32) is extended, from said magnetic barrier (31) and in the direction tangent to said wheel (20) and which goes in the direction of rotation of said wheel (20), by a magnetic bead (33), which is substantially in alignment with said magnetic shoe (32), and which is arranged to apply a force to a said magnet (23) of said wheel (20) tending to drive it tangentially, and which is arranged to combat the friction force at the distal end of said pallet on the side of said escape wheel (20). 4. Oscillator (300) according to claim 3, characterized in that said magnetic heel (33) is arranged by increasing spokes from said axis of rotation (OE) of said wheel (20) away from said magnetic pad (32) . 5. Oscillator (300) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said magnetic heel (33) is made of stairs with tapering steps. 6. Oscillator (300) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the total curvilinear length of said magnetic pad (32) and of a possible magnetic heel (33), which extends said magnetic pad (32), is close to the half-pitch of the ends of said teeth (22) on a circle (CE) which defines the envelope of the path of said teeth (22) of said escape wheel (20). 7. Oscillator (300) according to claim 3, or according to one of claims 4 to 6 according to claim 3, characterized in that the length of said magnetic pad (32) is greater than that of said magnetic heel (33), so to give a first impulse. 8. Oscillator (300) according to claim 3 or 7, or according to one of claims 4 to 6 according to claim 3, characterized in that said magnetic pad (32) and said magnetic heel (33) are arranged so as to define a continuous magnetic field on the curvilinear arc on which they are arranged. 9. Oscillator (300) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that said magnetic pad (32) comprises, at its distal end opposite to said magnetic barrier (31), a magnetic lug, on the side opposite to said escape wheel (20), and extending the second self-starting improvement zone (Z2). 10. Oscillator (300) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said magnetic arrangement (30) comprises a third isochronism correction zone (Z3) which extends, from the point of view of said teeth (22) of said wheel (20), upstream of said first magnetic barrier zone (Z1), and, with respect to said axis of rotation (OE) of said escape wheel (20), beyond distal end of said pallet (16), at the entry in a tangential direction of entry (D2–) opposite to the direction of rotation of said wheel (20) and in a radial direction of entry (D1–) moving away from the center of rotation (OE) of said wheel (20), and at the outlet in a tangential direction of exit (D4–) opposite to the direction of rotation of said wheel (20) and in a radial direction outlet (D3–) moving away from the center of rotation (OE) of said wheel (20), so as to cover, above and / or below of said mechanical pallet (16) of said input pallet (PE) or of said output pallet (PS), with reference to the direction of said axis of oscillation (OR), a said magnet (23) of said wheel ( 20) which is supported on said pallet during the free arc. 11. Oscillator (300) according to claim 10 and according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that said third zone (Z3) is located, relative to said axis of rotation (OE) of said escape wheel ( 20), beyond said second self-starting improvement zone (Z2), which delimits, with said first magnetic barrier zone (Z1), said third isochronism correction zone (Z3). 12. Oscillator (300) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said third zone (Z3) is a zone of weak magnetic interaction in attraction or repulsion with a said magnet (23), of magnetic interaction lower than that other magnetic interaction zones of said magnetic arrangement (30) of which it is a part. 13. Oscillator (300) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said third zone (Z3) contains iron or magnets which are in magnetic, attractive or repulsive interaction, with a said magnet (23) during the arc free. 14. Oscillator (300) according to claim 13, characterized in that the average quantity of iron or magnet per unit area is constant in the direction tangent to said wheel (20), and varies in the direction tangent to said pallet , so as to present a magnetic interaction with a said magnet, which is variable according to the angle of said inertial mass (1) with its rest position. 15. Oscillator (300) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that said third zone (Z3) contains a sacrificial excess of iron or magnets, intended to be, at least in part, selectively suppressed according to the result of a measurement of the anisochronism of said complete oscillator (300), for restoring the isochronism of said oscillator (300). 16. Oscillator (300) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said inertial mass (1) comprises at least one pendulum. 17. Clock movement (500) comprising at least one oscillator (300) according to one of claims 1 to 16. 18. Watch (1000) comprising at least one movement (500) according to claim 17, and / or at least one oscillator (300) according to one of claims 1 to 15.