CH718124B1 - Spiral spring device for a watch resonator mechanism provided with means for adjusting the rigidity. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a spiral spring device for a timepiece resonator mechanism, the spiral spring device (90) extending substantially in a plane, the spiral spring device comprising a flexible ribbon (2) wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon (2) having a predefined rigidity, the spiral spring device comprising means for adjusting the rigidity of the spiral spring device, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element (5 ) arranged in series with the ribbon (2), the rigidity of the flexible element (5) being preferably greater than that of the ribbon (2), the adjustment means comprising prestressing means (6) for applying a force or a variable torque on the flexible element (5), so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element (5). The invention also relates to a clock resonator mechanism for a watch movement, the clock resonator mechanism comprising such a spiral spring device.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a spiral spring device for a watch resonator mechanism, the spiral spring device being provided with means for adjusting the rigidity of said spiral spring device. The invention also relates to a watch resonator mechanism, provided with such a spiral spring device.

Technology background

[0002] Most current mechanical watches are equipped with a sprung balance and a Swiss anchor escapement mechanism. The sprung balance constitutes the time base of the watch. It is also called a resonator.

[0003] The exhaust, for its part, fulfills two main functions: – maintain the comings and goings of the resonator; – count these comings and goings.

[0004] To constitute a mechanical resonator, you need an inertial element, guidance and an elastic return element. Traditionally, a spiral spring device plays the role of an elastic return element for the inertial element that constitutes a balance wheel. This balance wheel is guided in rotation by pivots which rotate in smooth ruby bearings.

[0005] The balance spring device must generally be able to be adjusted to improve the precision of a watch. To this end, means of adjusting the rigidity of the spiral spring device are used, such as a racket to modify the effective length of the spring. Thus, its rigidity is modified to adjust the running precision of the watch. However, the effect of a traditional racket for adjusting gait remains limited, and it is not always effective in making the adjustment sufficiently precise, of the order of a few seconds or a few tens of seconds per day.

[0006] For finer adjustment of the step, there are adjustment means comprising one or more screws arranged in the rim of the balance wheel. By acting on the screws, we modify the inertia of the balance, which has the effect of modifying its course.

[0007] However, this adjustment mode is not easy to carry out, and still does not make it possible to obtain sufficient fineness of adjustment of the operation of the oscillator.

Summary of the invention

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks cited above by proposing a spiral spring device provided with effective and precise adjustment means, configured in particular to adjust the rate of a part of watchmaking by modifying the effective length of said hairspring.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a spiral spring device for a timepiece resonator mechanism, the spiral spring device extending substantially in a plane, the spiral spring device comprising a ribbon flexible wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon having a predefined rigidity, the spiral spring device comprising means for adjusting the rigidity of the spiral spring device.

[0010] The invention is remarkable in that the adjustment means comprise a flexible element arranged in series with the ribbon, the rigidity of the flexible element being preferably greater than that of the ribbon, the adjustment means comprising means prestressing to apply a variable force or torque on the flexible element so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, by acting on the prestressing means, the force or the torque applied to the flexible element is modified, which results in a modification of the rigidity of the assembly comprising the flexible element and the ribbon. In fact, the flexible element is placed in series with the ribbon. Thus, when the prestressing means apply a variable force or torque to the flexible element, they modify the rigidity of the flexible element and therefore of the assembly comprising the ribbon and the flexible element.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element is arranged at an external end of the ribbon.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a flexible neck.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a translation table provided with two substantially parallel flexible blades and a rigid movable part to which the ribbon is connected.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a flexible guide provided with two crossed blades and a rigid movable part to which the ribbon is connected.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a flexible guide provided with two uncrossed blades and a rigid movable part to which the ribbon is connected.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a flexible ring to which the ribbon is connected.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a flexible arm to which the ribbon is connected.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a plurality of rigid sections connected by flexible blades or necks.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a flexible blade.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a fixed support intended to be immobile relative to the watch movement, in which the watch resonator mechanism provided with the spiral spring device is intended to be mounted.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a screw configured to come to bear against the flexible element.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a first magnet secured to the flexible element and a second magnet movable relative to the first magnet.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a spring and a movable element making it possible to stretch or compress the spring.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the spring comprises several substantially parallel flexible blades and another movable element.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a secondary flexible blade connected to the flexible element.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a lever.

The invention also relates to a watch resonator mechanism for a watch movement, comprising an oscillating mass and such a spiral spring device.

Brief description of the figures

[0029] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear on reading several embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which: – Figure 1 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a first embodiment of the invention, – Figure 2 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a second embodiment of the invention, – the Figure 3 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a third embodiment of the invention, - Figure 4 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a fourth mode of embodiment of the invention, - Figure 5 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 6 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device spiral spring according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 7 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, - Figure 8 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 9 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a ninth embodiment of the invention , – Figure 10 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, – Figure 11 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a eleventh embodiment of the invention, - Figure 12 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 13 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention, – Figure 14 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention, – Figure 15 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 16 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 17 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 18 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device spiral spring according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention, – Figure 19 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention, – Figure 20 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twentieth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 21 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twenty-and- first embodiment of the invention, and - Figure 22 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twenty-second embodiment of the invention, - Figure 23 schematically represents a view of above a spiral spring device according to a twenty-third embodiment of the invention, - Figure 24 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 25 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 26 schematically represents a top view of a spring device -spiral according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 27 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the invention, - Figure 28 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring device according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0030] Figures 1 to 28 each show a schematic representation of a different embodiment of a spiral spring device 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270 for a clockwork resonator mechanism. The spiral spring device extends substantially in a plane. The spiral spring device comprises a flexible ribbon 2 wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon 2 having a predefined rigidity. The spiral spring device includes means for adjusting its rigidity.

[0031] According to the invention, the adjustment means comprise a flexible element 5 in direct contact with the ribbon 2, and preferably integral with one of the ends 4, 9 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 preferably has greater rigidity than that of ribbon 2.

The spiral spring device 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 , 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270 further comprises prestressing means 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. Thus, the rigidity of the spiral spring device can be adjusted 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, in particular to improve the precision of the movement. The prestressing means 6 preferably allow a movable part of the flexible element 5 to move in translation or in rotation in the plane of the spiral spring device. Thus, the rigidity of the flexible element 5 is varied.

The embodiments described below include a flexible element 5 secured to the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The inner end 9 of the ribbon 2 is assembled to a support 3 of an oscillating mass of the resonator.

[0034] In the example of Figure 1, the flexible element 5 of the spiral spring device 1 comprises elongated body 7 provided with a neck 8 thinned in the thickness of the material, the neck being flexible. Thus, the flexible element comprises a fixed support 14, for example joined to the plate of the movement, and a movable part 15 joined to the external end 4 of the ribbon 2, the fixed support 14 and the movable part 14 being connected by the col 8. By applying a variable force or torque to the movable part 15, it moves relative to the fixed support 14. Thus, the rigidity of the flexible element 5 and therefore of the assembly comprising the ribbon 2 and the flexible element 5.

The second embodiment of the spiral spring device 10 of Figure 2 shows a flexible element 5 comprising a flexible ring 12 joined to the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 also comprises a fixed support 11 in the shape of a T, which is immobile in relation to the movement. The ring 12 is also linked to the base 13 of the T. Thus, by applying a variable force or torque to the ring 12, it deforms relative to the fixed support 11, so that the rigidity of the the flexible element 5.

[0036] For the third embodiment of the spiral spring device 20 of Figure 3, the flexible element 5 of the spiral spring device comprises a flexible arm 16 and a fixed support 17 on which the arm 16 is joined in cantilevered. The outer end 4 of the ribbon 2 is joined to the end 18 of the arm 16 in its extension. Thus, by applying a variable force or torque to the arm 16, it deforms relative to the fixed support 17, so as to modify the rigidity of the flexible element 5. In the figure, the variable force or torque is applied preferably parallel to arm 16.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a spiral spring device 30 whose flexible element 5 comprises a translation table. The translation table comprises at least one secondary flexible blade, here two secondary flexible blades 21, 22, and a rigid part 23. The flexible blades 21, 22 are joined by one end to the rigid part 23, and by another end to a fixed support 24. The secondary flexible blades 21, 22 are substantially parallel and are arranged on different lines. Preferably, the secondary flexible blades 21, 22 are joined to the same face 25 of the rigid part 23. The rigid part 23 has an elongated rectangular shape, to which the external end 4 of the ribbon 2 is joined in its extension. The secondary flexible blades 21, 22 are substantially perpendicular to the rigid part 23 and to the external end 4. In the figure, the variable force or torque is applied to the rigid part 23, preferably parallel to the blades 21, 22.

[0038] In Figure 5, the flexible element 5 of the spiral spring device 40 comprises a pivot with crossed blades, the pivot comprising two crossed blades 27, 28, linked on the one hand to a fixed support 29, immobile by relative to the movement, and on the other hand to a rigid movable part 31 of the pivot. The rigid part 31 has an elongated rectangular shape arranged perpendicularly to the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The pivot with crossed blades 27, 28 is arranged so that the crossing of the blades is in the extension of the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. In the figure, the variable force or torque is applied to the rigid part 31, preferably parallel to the axis of symmetry of the crossed blade pivot and to the external end 4 of the ribbon 2.

[0039] In the sixth embodiment of Figure 6, the flexible element 5 of the spiral spring device 50 comprises a pivot with crossed blades, the pivot comprising two crossed blades 33, 34 joined at their intersection 35. The blades 33, 34 are linked on the one hand to a fixed support 38, immobile with respect to the movement, and on the other hand to a rigid part 37 in the shape of a T. The rod 39 of the T is joined to the external end 4 of the ribbon, while the blades are joined to the bar 41 of the T. The pivot with crossed blades is arranged so that the crossing of the blades is in the extension of the external end 4 of the ribbon 2. In the figure, the force or the variable torque is applied to the bar 37 of the T of the rigid part 37, the pivot being arranged obliquely relative to the ribbon 2.

[0040] For the seventh embodiment of Figure 7, the flexible element 5 of the spiral spring device 60 comprises a translation table arranged in the extension of the external end 4 of the ribbon 2. The translation table comprises at least one flexible blade, here two flexible blades 42, 43, and a rigid part 45. The flexible blades 42, 43 are joined at one end to the rigid part 45, and at another end to a fixed support 44 relative to the movement. The flexible blades 42, 43 are substantially parallel and are arranged on different lines. Preferably, the flexible blades 42, 43 are joined to the same face of the rigid part 45. The rigid part 45 has an elongated rectangular shape, on which the external end 4 of the ribbon 2 is joined perpendicularly in a cantilever . The flexible blades 42, 43 are substantially parallel to the external end 4 and perpendicular to the rigid part 45. In the figure, the variable force or torque is applied to the rigid part 45, in the direction of the blades 42, 43. Thanks to the bending of the flexible blades 42, 43, the rigid part 45 can move parallel to the fixed support 44. By pulling the external end 4 of the ribbon 2, the movement of the rigid part 45 varies the rigidity of the element flexible 5.

The eighth embodiment of the spiral spring device 70 of Figure 8 comprises a flexible element 5 identical to that of the seventh embodiment of Figure 7. The spiral spring device further comprises prestressing means 6 of the flexible element 5. The prestressing means 6 comprise magnets 47, 48, a first magnet 47 being arranged on the rigid part 45 of the translation table, and a second magnet 48 being arranged movable relative to the first magnet 47. Thus, the magnets 47, 48 attract or repel each other depending on their polarities, so that a force is applied to the rigid part 45. The second magnet 48 is for example arranged on a movable element relative to the translation table.

[0042] In the ninth embodiment of Figure 9, the flexible element 5 of the spiral spring device comprises a pivot with uncrossed flexible blades. The pivot comprises two uncrossed flexible blades 51, 52 and a rigid part 54. The flexible blades 51, 52 are joined, on the one hand laterally to an elongated fixed support 53, and on the other hand to the rigid part 54. The part rigid 54 has a circular shape of smaller diameter than the fixed support 53. Thus, preferably, the flexible blades 51, 52 approach from the fixed support 53 to the rigid part 54. The external end 4 of the ribbon is joined to the rigid part 54. In the figure, the variable force or torque is applied to the rigid part 54, obliquely relative to the pivot. Preferably, the force is parallel to the axis of symmetry of the flexible blade pivot.

[0043] Figures 10 to 20 are embodiments of spiral springs 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 comprising a flexible element 5 identical to that of the ninth mode of realization, but each having different prestressing means 6. These prestressing means 6 are of course adaptable to other embodiments of spiral springs with flexible elements 5 different from that of the ninth embodiment.

The tenth embodiment of Figure 10 comprises a screw as prestressing means 6. The screw is positioned obliquely against the rigid part 54 of the pivot, preferably parallel to the axis of symmetry of the pivot. Thus, by actuating the screw by screwing or unscrewing, it applies a variable force or torque on the rigid part 54, which moves relative to the fixed support 53, in particular in order to adjust the rigidity of the flexible element 5 .

[0045] In Figure 11, the prestressing means 6 comprise magnets 57, 58, a first magnet 57 being arranged on the rigid part 54, while a second magnet 58 is movable relative to the rigid part 54, in order to to exert a variable force or torque on the rigid part 54. The variable force or torque is exerted obliquely on the rigid part 54 in order to adjust the rigidity of the flexible element 5.

The prestressing means 6 of the twelfth embodiment of Figure 12 comprise a spring 55 and a movable element 59. The spring 55 is joined to the rigid part 54 of the pivot on the one hand, and to the movable element 59 on the other hand. Thus, by moving the movable element 59, the spring applies a variable force or torque on the rigid part in order to adjust the rigidity of the flexible element 5.

The thirteenth embodiment of Figure 13 shows a variant of the embodiment of the spiral spring device 110 of Figure 12, in which a secondary flexible blade 61 is arranged in series between the spring 55 and the rigid part 54 of the pivot. To this end, the prestressing means 6 are provided with a second movable element 62 to which the spring 55 is linked on one side, and the secondary flexible blade 61 on the other side. The secondary flexible blade 61 is linked to the second movable element 62 and to the rigid part 54. By acting on the first movable element 59, the variable force or torque acting on the rigid part of the pivot is modified via the second element. mobile 62 and the secondary flexible blade 61.

[0048] In Figure 14, the spiral spring device 130 is similar to that of Figure 13, the spiral spring device 130 comprising preloading means 6 provided with a secondary flexible blade 63 with a rigid section 64 in the middle of the secondary flexible blade 63.

[0049] In the fifteenth embodiment of the spiral spring device 140 of Figure 15, the prestressing means 6 comprise, in place of the secondary flexible blade of the two previous embodiments, an elongated part 65 provided with at least one flexible neck, here two flexible necks 66, 67. The part 65 comprises a rigid central section 69 and a flexible neck 66, 67 at each end.

The sixteenth and seventeenth embodiments of Figures 16 and 17 show the same prestressing means 6 oriented differently in the two figures. The prestressing means 6 comprise a spring formed of flexible blades. A secondary flexible blade connects the rigid part of the flexible element to a first rigid body 71 in the shape of an elbow.

[0051] The prestressing means 6 comprise a second rigid body 75 in the shape of an elbow, as well as tertiary blades 72 connecting the two rigid bodies 71, 75. The two rigid bodies 71, 75 are mobile and have substantially parallel segments two two in the rest position of the prestressing means 6. The four tertiary blades 72 are substantially perpendicular to the secondary blade 61 in the rest position of the prestressing means 6. The prestressing means 6 further comprise two quaternary blades 74 connecting the second body 75 to a fixed support 73. The quaternary blades 74 are substantially parallel to the tertiary blades 72 and arranged on the same side of the second rigid body 75. By applying a variable force or torque to the second rigid body 75, the rigidity of the flexible element 5 is varied.

[0052] In Figure 16, the prestressing means 6 are arranged in the axis of the flexible element 5, while in Figure 17, the prestressing means 6 are arranged obliquely relative to the flexible element 5.

[0053] The eighteenth embodiment of Figure 18 of the spiral spring device 170 is similar to that of the seventeenth embodiment, except for the fixed support 77 which is connected to the first movable body 71 by the blades quaternaries 78, and not to the second mobile body 76.

[0054] Figure 19 shows prestressing means 6 similar to those of Figure 17, to which a lever 81 has been added. The lever 81 is connected to the second movable body 75 by a flexible five-year blade 82 provided with a central section 83 rigid. The five-year flexible blade 82 is substantially parallel to the secondary blade 61 in the rest position of the prestressing means 6. The lever 81 is arranged perpendicular to the five-year flexible blade 82. The lever is also connected to a second fixed support 87 by two quinquenar blades 84, 85 arranged on either side of the lever 81. The free end 86 of the lever is U-shaped, on which it can be acted upon by operating it laterally, in order to apply a variable force or torque on flexible element 5.

[0055] In Figure 20, the preloading means 6 comprise a lever 89 connected to the flexible element 5 by a spring 88, which can be helical or formed of a flat coil. The spring is connected to the rigid part 54 of the flexible element 5 on the one hand, and to the lever 89 on the other hand. The lever 89 can pivot around a fixed axis 91 passing through it at the end 92 connected to the spring. Thus, by moving the lever 89 laterally, the variable torque or the force exerted on the flexible element 5 is modified.

[0056] The twentieth and first embodiment of the spiral spring device 200 of Figure 21 comprises a flexible element 5 provided with a plurality of rigid sections 93, 94, 95, 96 joined by small flexible blades 97 In the rest position, the sections 93, 94, 95, 96 and the small flexible blades 97 are arranged on a line 98. In the figure, the flexible element 5 comprises four sections 93, 94, 95, 96 elongated in series and three small blades 97 connecting them. The first section 93 is a fixed support, while the other sections 94, 95, 96 are mobile. The external end 4 of the ribbon 2 is joined to the second section 94, the second section 94 comprising a lateral lug 99 to which the ribbon 2 is linked.

The prestressing means 6 comprise a rigid body 75 in the shape of an elbow, as well as secondary blades 72 connecting the rigid body 75 to the fourth section 96. The four secondary blades 72 are substantially perpendicular to line 98 in the rest position prestressing means. The prestressing means 6 further comprise two tertiary blades 74 connecting the rigid body 75 to a fixed support 73. The tertiary blades 74 are substantially parallel to the secondary blades 72 in the rest position of the prestressing means 6. By applying a force or a variable torque on the rigid body 75, the rigidity of the flexible element 5 is varied.

[0058] In the twenty-second embodiment of Figure 22, the spiral spring device 210 is substantially the same as that of Figure 21, the rigid sections 93, 94, 95, 96 being connected by flexible necks in place of the small blades 97 of Figure 21. A collar is an element of flexible thinned material. In the rest position, the sections 93, 94, 95, 96 and the passes are arranged on a line 101.

[0059] The embodiments of Figures 23 to 25 of the spiral spring device 220, 230, 240 each comprise a flexible element 5 such as that of Figures 9 to 20, that is to say a pivot provided with two uncrossed flexible blades 51, 52 and a rigid part 104. The rigid part 104 further comprises a square lug 105 to which the external part 4 of the ribbon 2 is joined. The prestressing means 6 comprise a secondary flexible blade 61 joined to a end 108 on the circular part of the rigid part 104, preferably in the axis of symmetry of the pivot. The prestressing means 6 further comprise a lever 106 attached to the opposite end 109 of the secondary blade 61. The lever 106 is preferably curved to bypass the wound tape 2. The force or torque is applied to its free end 107 parallel to the secondary blade 61.

[0060] In the embodiment of Figure 24, the preloading means 6 of the spiral spring device 220 additionally comprise two substantially parallel tertiary blades 111, 112. The tertiary blades 111, 112 are joined on the one hand to the lever 106, at the level of the connection to the secondary blade 61. The tertiary blades 111, 112 are connected on the other hand to a fixed support 113.

The spiral spring device 240 of Figure 25 describes preloading means provided with uncrossed tertiary blades 114, 115, which are joined to a fixed support 116 on the one hand, and to the lever 106 on the other hand. The tertiary blades 114, 115 move closer towards the lever 106 and are arranged in the curvature of the lever 106, being further away from the connection with the secondary blade 61.

[0062] The embodiments of the spiral spring device 250, 260, 270 in Figures 26 to 28 describe a flexible element 5 comprising a first flexible blade 119 and a rigid part 118, here rectangular, connected to the first flexible blade 119 and at the external end 4 of the ribbon 2, preferably on the same side of the rigid part 118. The first flexible blade 119 is also connected to a fixed support 117. The prestressing means 6 comprise a secondary flexible blade 122, 128 shorter, arranged on an opposite face of the rigid part 118 in the axis of the first flexible blade 119.

[0063] In Figure 26, the secondary flexible blade 122 is connected to a second rigid part 121 of the prestressing means 6. The force or torque is exerted on the second rigid part 121 in the direction of the first flexible blades 119 and secondary 122.

[0064] In the embodiment of Figure 27, the secondary flexible blade 122 is connected to a curved lever 124 bypassing the wound ribbon 2. A tertiary flexible blade 123 connects the lever 124 to a fixed support 126, in the curvature of the lever 124. The force or torque is exerted on the free end 125 of the lever 124, preferably parallel to the first 119 and secondary 122 flexible blades. .

[0065] Figure 28 shows a final embodiment in which the secondary flexible blade 128 is connected by the other end to a curved lever 124 bypassing the wound ribbon 2. The lever 124 is connected, in addition to the secondary flexible blade 128, to a semi-rigid structure 127 linked to the fixed support 117. The semi-rigid structure 127 is partially deformed when the lever 124 is actuated by force or torque . The force or torque is exerted on the free end 125 of the lever.

[0066] The flexible blades described in the different embodiments of the spiral spring device can be continuous flexible blades, as is generally the case in the figures, or else blades with rigid sections and flexible necks connecting the sections.

[0067] The invention also relates to a watch resonator mechanism, in particular rotary, for a watch movement. The resonator mechanism comprises an oscillating mass, not shown in the figures, and a spiral spring device as described previously. The oscillating mass is for example an annular balance wheel. The oscillating mass is joined to the spiral spring device to be secured to the support 3.

Claims (18)

1. Spiral spring device for a clockwork resonator mechanism, the spiral spring device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270) extending substantially in a plane, the spiral spring device comprising a flexible ribbon (2) wound on itself along several turns, the ribbon (2) having a predefined rigidity, the spiral spring device comprising means for adjusting the rigidity of the spiral spring device, characterized in that the adjustment means comprise a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the ribbon (2), the rigidity of the flexible element (5) being preferably greater than that of the ribbon (2), the adjustment means comprising prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5), so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element (5). 2. Spiral spring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible element (5) is arranged at an external end (4) of the ribbon (2). 3. Spiral spring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a flexible neck (8), the flexible neck (8) being thinned in the thickness of the material. 4. Spiral spring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a fixed support (11, 14, 17, 24, 29, 38, 44, 53, 93, 117 ), intended to be stationary relative to the watch movement in which the watch resonator mechanism provided with the spiral spring device is intended to be mounted. 5. Spiral spring device according to claim 4, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a translation table provided with two flexible blades (21, 22, 42, 43, 74, 78) substantially parallel and d a rigid part movable (23, 45) relative to the fixed support (24, 44), and to which the ribbon (2) is connected. 6. Spiral spring device according to claim 4, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a flexible guide provided with two crossed blades (27, 28, 33, 34) and a rigid movable part (31 , 37) relative to the fixed support (29, 38), and to which the ribbon (2) is connected. 7. Spiral spring device according to claim 4, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a flexible guide provided with two uncrossed blades (51, 52) and a rigid movable part (54) relative to the fixed support (53, 93), and to which the ribbon (2) is connected. 8. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a flexible ring (12) to which the ribbon (2) is connected. 9. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a flexible arm (16) to which the ribbon (2) is connected. 10. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a plurality of rigid sections (93, 94, 95, 96) connected by blades (97) or flexible collars. 11. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a single flexible blade (119). 12. Spiral spring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) comprise a screw configured to come to bear against the flexible element (5). 13. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the preloading means (6) comprise a first magnet (47, 57) secured to the flexible element (5) and a second magnet (48, 58) movable relative to the first magnet (47, 58). 14. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the preloading means (6) comprise a spring (55) connected to the flexible element (5), and a movable element (59 , 75) relative to the flexible element (5), the movable element (59, 75) allowing the spring (55) to be stretched or compressed. 15. Spiral spring device according to claim 14, characterized in that the spring comprises several flexible blades (72) substantially parallel and another movable element (75, 76) relative to the flexible element (5). 16. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) comprise a secondary flexible blade (61, 122, 128) connected to the flexible element (5). 17. Spiral spring device according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the preloading means (6) comprise a lever (81, 89, 106, 124). 18. Clockwork resonator mechanism for a watch movement, comprising an oscillating mass, characterized in that it comprises a spiral spring device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 , 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270) according to one of claims 1 to 17.