EP1178371A1 - Mechanische uhr mit einem detektionselement von elektrostatischem kapazittstyp und mit einem bremselement - Google Patents

Mechanische uhr mit einem detektionselement von elektrostatischem kapazittstyp und mit einem bremselement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1178371A1
EP1178371A1 EP00905402A EP00905402A EP1178371A1 EP 1178371 A1 EP1178371 A1 EP 1178371A1 EP 00905402 A EP00905402 A EP 00905402A EP 00905402 A EP00905402 A EP 00905402A EP 1178371 A1 EP1178371 A1 EP 1178371A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balance
hairspring
capacitor electrode
rotation
electrostatic capacitor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00905402A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1178371A4 (de
Inventor
Keishi Seiko Instruments Inc. HONMURA
Koichiro Seiko Instruments Inc. JUJO
Takeshi Seiko Instruments Inc. TOKORO
Kenji Seiko Instruments Inc. Ogasawara
Masafumi Seiko Instruments Inc. HOSHINO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Seiko Instruments Inc
Original Assignee
Seiko Instruments Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seiko Instruments Inc filed Critical Seiko Instruments Inc
Publication of EP1178371A1 publication Critical patent/EP1178371A1/de
Publication of EP1178371A4 publication Critical patent/EP1178371A4/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/04—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance
    • G04C3/047—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance using other coupling means, e.g. electrostrictive, magnetostrictive
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/20—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/20—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/26—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency for the effect of variations of the impulses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C11/00—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks
    • G04C11/08—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks using an electro-magnet or-motor for oscillation correction
    • G04C11/081—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks using an electro-magnet or-motor for oscillation correction using an electro-magnet
    • G04C11/084—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks using an electro-magnet or-motor for oscillation correction using an electro-magnet acting on the balance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/04—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance
    • G04C3/06—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance using electromagnetic coupling between electric power source and balance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mechanical timepiece having an electrostatic capacitor type detector section and brake section, which is structured to apply such a force as suppressing rotation of the balance with hairspring to a balance with hairspring based on a detection result of a swing angle of the balance with hairspring.
  • a mechanical-timepiece movement 1100 (mechanical body) has a main plate 1102 constituting a base plate for the movement.
  • a hand setting stem 1110 is rotatably assembled in a hand-setting-stem guide hole 1102a of the main plate 1102.
  • a dial 1104 (shown by the virtual line in Fig. 14) is attached to the movement 1100.
  • the side having a dial is referred to as a "back side” of the movement and the opposite side to the side having the dial is referred to as a "front side” of the movement.
  • a train wheel assembled on the "front side” of the movement is referred to as a “front train wheel” and the train wheel assembled on the "back side” of the movement is as a “back train wheel”.
  • the hand setting stem 1110 is determined in axial position by a switch device including a setting lever 1190, a yoke 1192, a yoke spring 1194 and a back holder 1196.
  • a winding pinion 1112 is rotatably provided on a guide axis portion of the hand setting stem 1110.
  • the winding pinion 1112 rotates through rotation of a clutch wheel.
  • a crown wheel 1114 rotates due to rotation of the winding pinion 1112.
  • a ratchet wheel 1116 rotates due to rotation of the crown wheel 1114.
  • a mainspring 1122 accommodated in a barrel complete 1120 is wound up.
  • a center wheel and pinion 1124 rotates due to rotation of the barrel complete 1120.
  • An escape wheel and pinion 1130 rotates through rotation of a fourth wheel and pinion 1128, a third wheel and pinion 1126, and the center wheel and pinion 1124.
  • the barrel complete 1120, the center wheel and pinion 1124, the third wheel and pinion 1126, and the fourth wheel and pinion 1128 constitute a front train wheel.
  • An escapement/speed-control device for controlling rotation of the front train wheel includes a balance with hairspring 1140, the escape wheel and pinion 1130, and a pallet fork 1142.
  • the balance with hairspring 1140 includes a balance stem 1140a, a balance wheel 1140b and a stud mainspring 1140c.
  • an hour pinion 1150 rotates simultaneously.
  • a minute hand 1152 attached on the hour pinion 1150 indicates "minute”.
  • the hour pinion 1150 is provided with a slip mechanism for the center wheel and pinion 1124.
  • an hour wheel 1154 rotates through rotation of a minute wheel.
  • An hour hand 1156 attached on the hour wheel 1154 indicates "hour”.
  • the barrel complete 1120 is rotatably supported relative to the main plate 1102 and a barrel bridge 1160.
  • the center wheel and pinion 1124, the third wheel and pinion 1126, the fourth wheel and pinion 1128 and the escape wheel and pinion 1130 are rotatably supported relative to the main plate 1102 and a train wheel bridge 1162.
  • the pallet fork 1142 is rotatably supported relative to the main plate 1102 and a pallet fork bridge 1164.
  • the balance with hairspring 1140 is rotatably supported relative to the main plate 1102 and a balance bridge 1166.
  • the stud mainspring 1140c is a thin leaf spring in a spiral (helical) form having a plurality of turns.
  • the stud mainspring 1140c at an inner end is fixed to a stud ball 1140d fixed on the balance stem 1140a, and the stud mainspring 1140c at an outer end is fixed by screwing through a stud support 1170a attached to a stud bridge 1170 fixed on the balance bridge 1166.
  • a regulator 1168 is rotatably attached on the balance bridge 1166.
  • a stud bridge 1168a and a stud rod 1168b are attached on the regulator 1168.
  • the stud mainspring 1140c has a portion close to the outer end positioned between the stud bridge 1168a and the stud rod 1168b.
  • the torque on the mainspring decreases while being rewound as the sustaining time elapses from a state the mainspring is fully wound (full winding state) .
  • the mainspring torque in the full winding state is about 27 g cm, which becomes about 23 g ⁇ cm at a lapse of 20 hours from the full winding state and about 18 g ⁇ cm at a lapse of 40 hours from the full winding state.
  • the decrease of mainspring torque also decreases a swing angle of the balance with hairspring.
  • the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is approximately 240 to 270 degrees when the mainspring torque is 25 to 28 g ⁇ cm, while the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is approximately 180 to 240 degrees when the mainspring torque is 20 to 25 g ⁇ cm.
  • Fig. 17 there is shown a transition of an instantaneous watch error (numeral value indicative of timepiece accuracy) against a swing angle of a balance with hairspring in the conventional representative mechanical timepiece.
  • instantaneous watch error refers to "a value representative of fast or slow of a mechanical timepiece at a lapse of one day on the assumption that the mechanical timepiece is allowed to stand while maintaining a state or environment of a swing angle of a balance with hairspring upon measuring a watch error".
  • the instantaneous watch error delays when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is 240 degrees or greater or 200 degrees or smaller.
  • the instantaneous watch error is about 0 to 5 seconds per day (about 0 to 5 seconds fast per day) when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is about 200 to 240 degrees while the instantaneous watch error becomes about -20 seconds per day (about 20 seconds slow per day) when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is about 170 degrees.
  • Fig. 18 there is shown a transition of an instantaneous watch error and a lapse time upon rewinding the mainspring from a full winding state in the conventional representative mechanical timepiece.
  • the "watch error" indicative of timepiece advancement per day or timepiece delay per day is shown by an extreme thin line in Fig. 18, which is obtainable by integrating over 24 hours an instantaneous watch error against a lapse time of rewinding the mainspring from the full winding.
  • the instantaneous watch error slows down because the mainspring torque decreases and the balance-with-hairspring swing angle decreases as the sustaining time elapses with the mainspring being rewound from a full winding state. Due to this, in the conventional mechanical timepiece, the instantaneous watch error in a mainspring full winding state is previously put forward in expectation of timepiece delay after lapse of a sustaining time of 24 hours, thereby previously adjusting plus the "watch error" representative of timepiece advancement or delay per day.
  • the instantaneous watch error in a full winding state is about 3 seconds per day (3 seconds fast per day).
  • the instantaneous watch error becomes about -3 seconds per day (about 3 seconds slow per day) .
  • the instantaneous watch error becomes about -8 seconds per day (about 8 seconds slow per day) .
  • the instantaneous watch error becomes about -16 seconds per day (about 16 seconds slow per day).
  • the present invention is, in a mechanical timepiece structured having a mainspring constituting a power source for the mechanical timepiece, a front train wheel rotating due to rotational force given upon rewinding the mainspring and an escapement/speed-control device for controlling rotation of the front train wheel, the escapement/speed-control device being structured including a balance with hairspring alternately repeating right and left rotation, an escape wheel and pinion rotating based on rotation of the front train wheel and a pallet fork controlling rotation of the escape wheel and pinion based on operation of the balance with hairspring, the mechanical timepiece characterized by comprising: a detector section provided for detecting a swing angle of the balance with hairspring by detecting an electrostatic capacitance varying corresponding to an operating sate of the balance with hairspring; and a brake section structured to apply to the balance with hairspring such a force as suppressing rotation of the balance with hairspring when a swing angle of the balance with hairspring detected by the detector section is equal to or greater than a set angle previously set.
  • a balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part is preferably provided on the balance with hairspring to measure rotational operation of the balance with hairspring, and the detector section including a detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode arranged with a constant spacing to the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part and arranged on a main plate through an insulating part.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part is preferably fixed on an outer periphery side surface of a balance wheel through a balance insulating part for insulating between the balance with hairspring and the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part is preferably fixed on an outer periphery side surface of the balance wheel.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part is preferably arranged on an underside of a balance arm part on a main plate side through a balance insulating part for insulating between the balance with hairspring and the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part may be arranged on an underside of a balance arm part on a main plate side.
  • the brake section preferably includes a coil to damp operation of a balance magnet provided on the balance with hairspring.
  • the mechanical timepiece can be effectively controlled in rotation angle of the balance with hairspring thereby improving the accuracy for the mechanical timepiece.
  • a mechanical timepiece of the invention preferably comprises a balance-rotation detecting circuit configured to control voltage applied to the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part, an electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit provided to measure a change of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode, and a balance-rotation control circuit configured to input a signal concerning a change of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode outputted by the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit and calculate a swing angle of the balance with hairspring based on a measurement result of a change of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode; wherein the balance-rotation control circuit is configured not to energize the coil where the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is smaller than a certain constant threshold, but to energize the coil where the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is equal to or greater than the certain constant threshold.
  • a mechanical timepiece of the invention is preferably structured by further comprising a storage battery section to operate the balance-rotation detecting circuit, the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit and the balance-rotation control circuit.
  • a mechanical timepiece of the invention preferably, further comprises a power generator section to charge the storage battery section.
  • the present invention is, in a mechanical timepiece having a mainspring constituting a power source for the mechanical timepiece, a front train wheel rotating due to rotational force given upon rewinding the mainspring and an escapement/speed-control device for controlling rotation of the front train wheel, the escapement/speed-control device being structured including a balance with hairspring alternately repeating right and left rotation, an escape wheel and pinion rotating based on rotation of the front train wheel and a pallet fork controlling rotation of the escape wheel and pinion based on operation of the balance with hairspring, the mechanical timepiece characterized by comprising: a storage battery section constituting a power source; a power generator section for charging the storage battery section; a speed control section including a balance with hairspring and a balance magnet provided on the balance with hairspring and a balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part provided on the balance with hairspring; a detector section including a detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode arranged with a constant gap to the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part and provided to detect a swing angle of the balance with hairspring by
  • the balance-rotation control circuit for the mechanical time piece of this invention is configured not to energize the coil where the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is smaller than a certain constant threshold, but to energize the coil where the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is equal to or greater than the certain constant threshold.
  • a movement (mechanical body) 200 of the mechanical timepiece has a main plate 102 structuring a base plate for the movement.
  • a hand setting stem 110 is rotatably assembled in a winding-stem guide hole 102a of the main plate 102.
  • a dial 104 (see Fig. 2) is attached on the movement 200.
  • the hand setting stem 110 has a squared portion and a guide shaft portion.
  • a clutch wheel (not shown) is assembled on the squared portion of the hand setting stem 110.
  • the clutch wheel has a same rotation axis as a rotation axis of the hand setting stem 110. That is, the clutch wheel is provided having a squared hole and rotating based on rotation of the hand setting stem 110 by fitting the squared hole on the squared portion of the hand setting stem 110.
  • the clutch wheel has teeth A and teeth B.
  • the teeth A are provided in the clutch wheel at an end close to a center of the movement.
  • the teeth B are provided in the clutch wheel at an end close to an outside of the movement.
  • the movement 200 is provided with a switch device to determine an axial position of the hand setting stem 110.
  • the switch device includes a setting lever 190, a yoke 192, a yoke spring 194 and a setting lever jumper 196.
  • the hand setting stem 110 is determined in rotational axial position based on rotation of the setting lever.
  • the clutch wheel is determined in rotation-axis position based on rotation of the yoke.
  • the yoke is to be determined at two positions in rotational direction.
  • a winding pinion 112 is rotatably provided on the guide shaft portion of the hand setting stem 110.
  • the winding pinion 112 is structurally rotated through rotation of the clutch wheel.
  • a crown wheel 114 is structured to rotate due to rotation of the winding pinion 112.
  • a ratchet wheel 116 is structured to rotate due to rotation of the crown wheel 114.
  • the movement 200 has as a power source a mainspring 122 accommodated in a barrel complete 120.
  • the mainspring 122 is made of an elastic material having springiness, such as iron.
  • the mainspring 122 is structured for rotation due to rotation of the ratchet wheel 116.
  • a center wheel and pinion 124 is structured for rotation due to rotation of the barrel complete 120.
  • a third wheel and pinion 126 is structured rotatable based on rotation of the center wheel and pinion 124.
  • a fourth wheel and pinion 128 structured rotatable based on rotation of the third wheel and pinion 126.
  • An escape wheel and pinion 130 is structured for rotation due to rotation of the fourth wheel and pinion 128.
  • the barrel complete 120, the center wheel and pinion 124, the third wheel and pinion 126 and the fourth wheel and pinion 128 constitute a front train wheel.
  • the movement 200 has an escapement/speed control device to control rotation of the front train wheel.
  • the escapement/speed control device includes a balance with hairspring 140 to repeat right and left rotation with a constant period, an escape wheel and pinion 130 to rotate based on rotation of the front train wheel, and a pallet fork 142 to control rotation of the escape wheel and pinion 130 based on the operation of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the balance with hairspring 140 includes a balance stem 140a, a balance wheel 140b and a stud mainspring 140c.
  • Four balance arm portions 140f (referred to as “amida") are provided to couple the balance stem 140a and the balance wheel 140b.
  • the number of balance arm portions 140f may be two or three, or four or more.
  • the stud mainspring 140c is made of an elastic material having springiness, such as "elinvar". That is, the stud mainspring 140c is made of a metallic conductive material.
  • an hour pinion 150 Based on rotation of the center wheel and pinion 124, an hour pinion 150 simultaneously rotates.
  • the hour pinion 150 is structured having a minute hand 152 to indicate "minute”.
  • the hour pinion 150 is provided with a slip mechanism having predetermined slip torque to the center wheel and pinion 124.
  • a minute wheel (not shown) rotates.
  • an hour wheel 154 rotates.
  • the hour wheel 154 is structured having an hour hand 156 to indicate "hour”.
  • the barrel complete 120 is supported for rotation relative to the main plate 102 and a barrel bridge 160.
  • the center wheel and pinion 124, the third wheel and pinion 126, the fourth wheel and pinion 128 and the escape wheel and pinion 130 are supported for rotation relative to the main plate 102 and a train wheel bridge 162.
  • the pallet fork 142 is supported for rotation relative to the main plate 102 and a pallet fork bridge 164.
  • the balance with hairspring 140 is supported for rotation relative to the main plate 102 and a balance bridge 166. That is, the balance stem 140a has an upper tenon 140a1 supported for rotation relative to a balance upper bearing 166a fixed on the balance bridge 166.
  • the balance upper bearing 166a includes a balance upper hole jewel and a balance upper bridge jewel.
  • the balance upper hole jewel and the balance upper bridge jewel are formed of an insulating material such as ruby.
  • the balance stem 140a has a lower tenon 140a2 supported for rotation relative to a balance lower bearing 102b fixed on the main plate 102.
  • the balance lower bearing 102b includes a balance lower hole jewel and a balance lower bridge jewel.
  • the balance lower hole jewel and the balance lower bridge jewel are made of an insulating material such as ruby.
  • the stud mainspring 140c is a thin leaf spring in a spiral (helical) form having a plurality of turns.
  • the stud mainspring 140c at an inner end is fixed to a stud ball 140d fixed on the balance stem 140a, and the stud mainspring 140c at an outer end is screwed through a stud support 170a attached to a stud bridge 170 rotatably fixed on the balance bridge 166.
  • the balance bridge 166 is made of a metallic conductive material such as brass.
  • the stud bridge 170 is made of a metallic conductive material such as iron.
  • a balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part 240 is provided on the balance with hairspring 140 in order to measure rotational operation of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part 240 is fixed on an outer peripheral side surface of the balance wheel 140b through a balance insulation part 242.
  • the balance insulation part 242 is provided to insulate between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part 240 and the balance wheel 140b.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part 240 is formed of a conductive material, such as copper, for example.
  • the balance insulation part 242 is formed, for example, of a plastic material such as polycarbonate.
  • a balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part 240b is put in electric conduction to the balance wheel 140b through soldering or the like.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part 240b it is preferred to form the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode part 240b to be put in electric conduction with the balance wheel 140b through soldering, followed by previous adjustment to eliminate weight deviation in the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b may be fixed in an outer peripheral side surface of the balance wheel 140b without providing a balance insulating portion 242b.
  • the angle of providing the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 is preferably, for example, 150 to 210 degrees with reference to a rotation center of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the angle of providing the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 is more preferably 180 degrees with reference to the rotation center of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • a detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 is provided on the main plate 102.
  • the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 is fixed to the main plate 102 through a main plate insulating portion 252. That is, the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 constitutes a detector section.
  • the main plate insulating portion 252 is provided in order to insulate between the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 and the main plate 102.
  • the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 is formed, for example, of a conductive material such as copper.
  • the main plate insulating portion 252 is formed, for example, of a plastic material such as polycarbonate.
  • a speed control section 144 includes the balance with hairspring 140, the balance magnet 140e, the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the balance insulating portion 242. The detail of the balance magnet 140e will be described later.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 is structured to rotate with a constant gap to the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the constant gap is, for example, 0.2 to 0.3 millimeter.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 when the balance with hairspring is in a non-rotation state, the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 at its entire surface area structurally faces the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250. In contrast, referring to Fig. 6, when the balance with hairspring is in a state of rotating 90 degrees, the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 in a half of the surface area structurally faces the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 is approximately 0.6 pico-farad.
  • an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 is approximately 0.3 pico-farad.
  • the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 is connected to an IC 234.
  • a connecting lead wire 282 connects between a detecting terminal of the IC 234 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 in order to detect a change of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the IC 234 includes a balance-rotation detecting circuit 272, an electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit 273 and a balance-rotation control circuit 274.
  • the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 is configured to control a voltage applied to the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit 273 is provided to measure a change of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 is configured to input a signal concerning an electrostatic capacitance change outputted from the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit 273 and calculate a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 based on a result of measurement of an electrostatic capacitance change between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 previously stores an initial value of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250, and an after-change value of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 and a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140. Consequently, the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 can be calculated using an after-change value of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • a value of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 (referred to as a balance capacitor) is given as C1
  • a value of an electrostatic capacitance of a reference electrostatic capacitor built in the balance-rotation control circuit 274 (referred to as a built-in capacitor) is as C2.
  • a voltage applied to respective ends of series connection of the balance capacitor and built-in capacitor when the balance capacitor and the built-in capacitor are connected in series is as V
  • a terminal voltage of the balance capacitor when applied by this voltage V is as V1
  • a terminal voltage of the built-in capacitor is as V2.
  • the part connecting the balance capacitor and the built-in capacitor in series determines a value of a capacitor electrostatic capacitance, constituting an electrostatic capacitance part to detect a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • V2 328 [mV] is provided.
  • This 328 [mV] can be taken as a threshold Vth [mV] of a reference voltage corresponding to the balance with hairspring 140 when having a swing angle of 180 degrees.
  • V 1.5 [V] can be controlled with accuracy.
  • the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 can be accurately determined by determining a voltage V2 corresponding to a change in the electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 previously stores a relationship between a electrostatic capacitance value between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 and a voltage V2 value.
  • a balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b is arranged on the balance with hairspring 140 in order to measure rotational operation of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b is provided on a part of an underside surface of the balance arm portion 140f on a side of the main plate 102 through a balance insulating part 242b.
  • the balance insulating part 242b is provided to insulate between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b and the balance arm portion 140f.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b is put in electric conduction with the balance arm portion 140f through soldering.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b may be arranged on the balance with hairspring 140 without providing the balance insulating portion 242b.
  • the angle of providing the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b is preferably, for example, 150 to 210 degrees with reference to a rotation center of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the angle of providing the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 b is more preferably 180 degrees with reference to the rotation center of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • a detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250b is provided on the main plate 102.
  • the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250b is fixed to the main plate 102 through a main-plate insulating portion 252b. That is, the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250b constitutes a detector section.
  • the main-plate insulating portion 252b is provided in order to insulate between the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250b and the main plate 102.
  • an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic electrode portion 240b and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250b is approximately 0.6 pico-farad.
  • an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250b is approximately 0.3 pico-farad.
  • the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240b is structured to rotate with a constant gap to the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250b.
  • the constant gap for example, is 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters.
  • a secondary battery 136 for operating the IC 234 is fixed to the main plate 102.
  • the secondary battery 136 constitutes a storage battery section 137. That is, the storage battery section 137 constitutes a power source to operate the IC 234.
  • the storage battery section 137 may be configured by a secondary battery or a capacitor. Otherwise, a primary battery may be utilized in place of the storage battery section 137.
  • the main plate 102 is in electric conduction with one electrode of the secondary battery 136 for example, a plus electrode of the secondary battery 136.
  • the balance wheel 140b is also in electric conduction with the plus electrode of the secondary battery 136.
  • a generator section 150 is provided in order to charge the storage battery section 137, i.e. the secondary battery 136.
  • the generator section 150 may be a manual-winding generator mechanism to generate voltage due to rotation of the hand setting stem 110 or an automatic-winding generator mechanism to generate voltage due to rotation of a rotary weight.
  • the generator section 150 may be arranged on a "back side” of the movement 200 or on a “front side” of the movement 200.
  • the generator section 150 as its structure may use a similar one to a conventional structure and hence not depicted in Fig. 1.
  • the generator section 150 includes a winding mechanism 152 to operate due to rotation of a hand setting stem 110, a speed-up train wheel 154 to increase the speed of and transmit rotation of the winding mechanism 152, a rotor 156 to rotate due to rotation of the speed-up train wheel 154, a stator 157 having a rotor hole opposite to a rotor magnet of the rotor 156, generator coil 158 to generate electromotive force due to rotation of the rotor 156, and a rectifying circuit 160 to rectify the current generated on the generator coil 158.
  • the current rectified by the rectifying circuit 160 flows in a secondary battery 136 constituting a storage battery section 137.
  • a capacitor may be employed.
  • the rectifying operation by the rectifying circuit 160 may be half-wave rectification or full-wave rectification.
  • the rectifying circuit may be incorporated in the IC 234 or provided separately from the IC 234.
  • the generator section When the generator section is structured by an automatic-winding generator mechanism, the generator section includes a rotary weight, a speed-up train wheel to increase the speed of and transmit rotation of the rotary weight, a rotor to rotate due to rotation of the speed-up train wheel, a stator having a rotor hole opposite to a rotor magnet of the rotor, a power generating coil to generate electromotive force due to rotation of the rotor, and a rectifying circuit to rectify the current generated on the power generating coil.
  • the current rectified by the rectifying circuit structurally flows to the secondary battery 136.
  • electronic wrist watches with power generator unit are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 266989/1986 and Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 293143/1986, and a portable timepiece with charge function is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 288192/1986.
  • a battery such as a silver battery or a lithium battery, thereby providing a structure without using a power generating mechanism.
  • coils 180a, 180b are attached to a front surface of the main plate 102 in a manner facing to a main-plate-side surface of the balance wheel 140b.
  • the coils 180a, 180b constitute a control section 146.
  • the number of coils, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, is for example two, but may be one, two, three or four or more.
  • a balance magnet 140e is attached to the main-plate-side surface of the balance wheel 140b in a manner facing to the front surface of the main plate 102.
  • the coils in the case of arranging a plurality of coils 180a, 180b, the coils preferably have a circumferential spacing greater integer times a spacing between S and N poles of the balance magnet 140e arranged opposite to the coils 180a, 180b. However, all the coils may not have a same spacing in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in such a structure as having a plurality of coils, the interconnection between the coils is preferably connected in series not to mutually cancel current generated on each coil due to electromagnetic induction. Otherwise, the interconnection between the coils may be connected in parallel in a manner not to mutually cancel current generated on each coil due to electromagnetic induction.
  • the balance magnet 140e has an annular (ring-formed) shape and is alternately provided, along a circumferential direction, with magnet portions constituted, for example, by twelve S poles 140s1 - 140s12 and twelve N poles 140n1 - 140n12 that are vertically polarized.
  • the number of magnet portions arranged annular (in a ring form) in the balance magnet 140e in the example shown in Fig. 10 is twelve, it may be in a plurality of two or more.
  • a gap is provided between the balance magnet 140e and the coils 180a, 180b.
  • the gap between the balance magnet 140e and the coils 180a, 180b is determined such that the balance magnet 140e has a magnetic force capable of giving effects upon the coils 180a, 180b when the coils 180a, 180b are energized.
  • the balance magnet 140e is fixed, for example, through adhesion to the main-plate-side surface of the balance wheel 140b in such a state that one surface is in contact with a ring rim of the balance wheel 140b and the other surface facing to the front surface of the main plate 102.
  • a first lead wire 182 is provided to connect between one terminal of the coil 180 and a first coil terminal of the IC 234.
  • a second lead wire 184 is provided to connect between one terminal of the coil 180a and a second coil terminal of the IC 234.
  • the stud mainspring 140c has a thickness (radial thickness of the balance with hairspring) of 0.021 millimeter, for example.
  • the balance magnet 140e has, for example, an outer diameter of approximately 9 millimeters, an inner diameter of approximately 7 millimeters, a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter and a magnetic flux density of approximately 0.02 tesla.
  • the coils 180a, 180b respectively have the number of turns, for example, of 8 turns and a coil diameter of approximately 25 micrometers.
  • the gap between the balance magnet 140e and the coils 180a, 180b is, for example, approximately 0.4 millimeter.
  • the stud mainspring 140c expands and contracts radially of the stud mainspring 140c depending on a rotation angle of rotation of the balance with hairspring 140. For example, in a state shown in Fig. 3, when the balance with hairspring 140 rotates clockwise, the stud mainspring 140c contracts in a direction toward a center of the balance with hairspring 140. Contrary to this, when the balance with hairspring 140 rotates counterclockwise, the stud mainspring 140c expands in a direction away from the center of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the coils 180a, 180b are structurally not energized by operation of the balance-rotation control circuit 274.
  • the coils 180a, 180b are energized by operation of the balance-rotation control circuit 274 to exert to the balance with hairspring 140 such a force as suppressing rotational motion of the balance with hairspring 140 due to an induction current caused by change of magnetic flux on the balance magnet 140e. Due to the action of the balance-rotation control circuit 274 and coils 180a, 180b and balance magnet 140e, a brake force suppressing the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140 is structurally applied to the balance with hairspring 140 thereby reducing the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 structurally operates not to energize the coils 180a, 180b. Accordingly, in a range that the swing angle exceeds 0 degree and in a range of less than 180 degrees, the coils 180a, 180b are not energized. Thus, the balance with hairspring 140 is not applied by such a force as suppressing rotation motion of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the operation of the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 starts detection of rotation of the balance with hairspring (step S21 of Fig. 12).
  • the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 determines a detection time (step S22 of Fig. 12). Determination of a detection time is made, e.g. by a counter.
  • the set time for detecting rotation of the balance with hairspring is previously stored in the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272.
  • the set time for performing rotation detection of the balance with hairspring is, for example, about one hour.
  • the set time for detecting rotation of the balance with hairspring is preferably approximately 0.25 to 6 hours, more preferably approximately 0.5 to 3 hours, further preferably approximately 1 to 2 hours.
  • the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 determines a lapse of the set time, the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 applies voltage to the electrostatic capacitor part. That is, the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 puts the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250 into conduction to a detection terminal of the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272, thereby applying voltage to the electrostatic capacitor part (step S23 of Fig. 12).
  • This application voltage is a constant voltage, for example, of minus 1.5 volts. That is, the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 controls the timing of applying voltage to the electrostatic capacitor part and the magnitude of application voltage.
  • balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 determines that the set time is not elapsed, the process returns to step S22 of Fig. 12 to repeat an operation of determining a detection time.
  • the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit 273 measures a change in electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 inputs a signal concerning the change of the electrostatic capacitance outputted by the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit 273 and calculates a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 based on a measurement result of the electrostatic capacitance change between the balance-electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250. Then, the balance-rotation control circuit 274 determines a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 (step S24 of Fig. 12).
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 previously stores the relations with an initial value of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250, and an after-change value of the electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250, and a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140. Consequently, the calculation of a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is made using an after-change value of an electrostatic capacitance between the balance electrostatic capacitor electrode portion 240 and the detecting electrostatic capacitor electrode 250.
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 determines that the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is at a set angle or greater, the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 puts off operation of applying voltage to the electrostatic capacitor part (step S25 of Fig. 12). In this case, the balance-rotation control circuit 274 energizes the coils 180a, 180b (step S26 of Fig. 12). The energization of the coils 180a, 180b causes an induction current due to change of magnetic flux of the balance magnet 140e and exerts to the balance with hairspring 140 such a force as suppressing the rotational movement of the balance with hairspring 140.
  • the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is reduced by applying to the balance with hairspring 140 a brake force of suppressing the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140. If the balance-rotation control circuit 174 energizes the coils 180a, 180b and reduces the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140, the process returns to the step S22 of Fig. 12 to repeat operation of determining a detection time.
  • the relationship between a time for energizing the coils 180a, 180b by the balance-rotation control circuit 274 and a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is empirically determined beforehand, a result of which is stored in the balance-rotation control circuit 274.
  • the swing set angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is previously stored in the balance-rotation control circuit 274.
  • the swing set angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is, for example, 180 degrees.
  • the swing set angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is preferably 150 to 210 degrees.
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 determines that the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is less than the set angle, the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 puts off the operation of applying voltage to the electrostatic capacitance part (step S27 of Fig. 12). In this case, the balance-rotation control circuit 274 does not energize the coils 180a, 180b (step S28 of Fig. 12).
  • the balance-rotation control circuit 274 determines the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is at the set angle or greater, the balance-rotation detecting circuit 272 puts off the operation of applying voltage to the electrostatic capacitor part and the balance-rotation control circuit 274 energizes the coils 180a, 180b and applies to the balance with hairspring 140 such a force as suppressing energizing the coils 180a, 180b the rotational movement of the balance with hairspring 140 so that after that the balance-rotation control circuit 274 again determines a swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140. That is, it is possible in Fig. 12 to provide such a loop as returning to step S24 a predetermined number of times after step S26.
  • the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 can be adjustedwith further accuracy by providing a feedback loop.
  • the mechanical timepiece of the invention can control the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 with accuracy and efficiency.
  • various functional circuits may be configured within an IC and the IC be a PLA-IC incorporating a program for carrying out various operations.
  • external elements such as resistors, capacitors, coils, diodes, transistors, etc. can be used as required together with the IC.
  • the present invention is structured, in a mechanical timepiece structured including a balance with hairspring having an escapement/speed-control device repeating right and left rotation, an escape wheel and pinion rotating based on rotation of a front train wheel, and a pallet fork controlling rotation of the escape wheel and pinion based on operation of the balance with hairspring, having a detector section for detecting a swing angle of a balance with hairspring and a brake section for controlling the rotation angle of the balance with hairspring. Accordingly, it is possible to improve accuracy for the mechanical timepiece without reducing a sustaining time of the mechanical timepiece.
  • the swing angle is kept constant with an eye put on a correlation between an instantaneous watch error and a swing angle, thereby suppressing the variation in instantaneous watch error and making adjustment to decrease advancement and delay per day of the timepiece.
  • the swing angle varies with a lapse of time due to a relationship between a sustaining time and a swing angle. Furthermore an instantaneous watch error varies with a lapse of time due to a relationship between a swing angle and an instantaneous watch error. Due to this, it has been difficult to increase a timepiece sustaining time that constant accuracy is to be maintained.
  • the watch error in a full winding state of the mainspring is approximately 18 seconds per day (approximately 18 seconds fast per day) .
  • the instantaneous watch error is approximately 13 seconds per day (approximately 13 seconds fast per day).
  • the instantaneous watch error is approximately -2 seconds per day (approximately 2 seconds slow per day).
  • the instantaneous watch error can be maintained approximately 5 seconds per day (maintaining a state of approximately 5 seconds fast per day) in a state the brake section is in operation, i.e. before lapse of 27 hours from the full winding state of the mainspring.
  • the instantaneous watch error is approximately -2 seconds per day (approximately 2 seconds slow per day).
  • the mechanical timepiece of the invention having the balance-rotation angle control mechanism suppresses the timepiece instantaneous watch error from varying due to control on the swing angle of the balance with hairspring, it is possible to increase the lapse time from the full winding state in which the instantaneous watch error is approximately 0 to 5 seconds per day as compared to a conventional timepiece shown by a square plotting and virtual line in Fig. 18.
  • the mechanical timepiece of the invention has a sustaining time of approximately 32 hours in which the instantaneous watch error is within approximately plus/minus 5 seconds per day.
  • This sustaining time value is approximately 1.45 times a sustaining time of approximately 22 hours of the conventional mechanical timepiece wherein the instantaneous watch error is approximately within plus/minus 5 seconds per day.
  • the mechanical timepiece of the present invention obtained a result of simulation that accuracy is well as compared to the conventional mechanical timepiece.
  • the mechanical timepiece of the present invention has a simple structure and is suited for realizing an extreme accurate mechanical timepiece.
  • the mechanical timepiece of the invention has an optical detection type of a swing-angle detector section and hence is extremely easy to manufacture and watch-error adjustment for the mechanical timepiece.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
EP00905402A 2000-02-29 2000-02-29 Mechanische uhr mit einem detektionselement von elektrostatischem kapazittstyp und mit einem bremselement Withdrawn EP1178371A4 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2000/001165 WO2001065319A1 (fr) 2000-02-29 2000-02-29 Piece d'horlogerie mecanique a element de detection a capacite electrostatique et element de freinage

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EP1178371A1 true EP1178371A1 (de) 2002-02-06
EP1178371A4 EP1178371A4 (de) 2005-10-12

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EP1791039A1 (de) * 2005-11-25 2007-05-30 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Spiralfeder aus athermisches Glas für ein Uhrwerk und Herstellungsverfahren dafür
EP3438764A1 (de) * 2017-08-04 2019-02-06 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Uhrwerk, das eine vorrichtung zur erfassung der winkelposition eines rads umfasst
CN110697412B (zh) * 2019-10-12 2021-01-26 浙江维克机械科技有限公司 定时器检测生产线及检测方法

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3937001A (en) * 1972-11-21 1976-02-10 Berney Jean Claude Watch movement driven by a spring and regulated by an electronic circuit

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE790818A (fr) * 1971-11-01 1973-02-15 Timex Corp Moyens de commande d'amplitude pour oscillateurs a balancier
JPS5441675U (de) * 1977-08-29 1979-03-20

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3937001A (en) * 1972-11-21 1976-02-10 Berney Jean Claude Watch movement driven by a spring and regulated by an electronic circuit

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO0165319A1 *

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EP1178371A4 (de) 2005-10-12
CN1357118A (zh) 2002-07-03

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