EP2166419B1 - Clockwork comprising a constant-force device - Google Patents

Clockwork comprising a constant-force device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2166419B1
EP2166419B1 EP08105371.2A EP08105371A EP2166419B1 EP 2166419 B1 EP2166419 B1 EP 2166419B1 EP 08105371 A EP08105371 A EP 08105371A EP 2166419 B1 EP2166419 B1 EP 2166419B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clock movement
mobile
wheel
movement according
spiral spring
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP08105371.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2166419A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Marc Wiederrecht
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.)
Agenhor SA
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Agenhor SA
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 Agenhor SA filed Critical Agenhor SA
Priority to EP08105371.2A priority Critical patent/EP2166419B1/en
Priority to JP2011527267A priority patent/JP5317071B2/en
Priority to US13/119,956 priority patent/US8550700B2/en
Priority to CN2009801361945A priority patent/CN102160003B/en
Priority to PCT/EP2009/059902 priority patent/WO2010031631A1/en
Publication of EP2166419A1 publication Critical patent/EP2166419A1/en
Priority to HK11113377.3A priority patent/HK1159260A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2166419B1 publication Critical patent/EP2166419B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • 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
    • G04B1/00—Driving mechanisms
    • G04B1/10—Driving mechanisms with mainspring
    • G04B1/22—Compensation of changes in the motive power of the mainspring
    • G04B1/225—Compensation of changes in the motive power of the mainspring with the aid of an interposed power-accumulator (secondary spring) which is always tensioned

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a constant-force device, comprising a spiral spring, and a train having a first kinematic chain arranged to connect a main energy source to a first end of the spiral spring, and a second chain kinematic for connecting a time base to a second end of the spiral spring.
  • the patent US 1,237,216 describes a watch movement comprising a primary cylinder spring, large power reserve, and a secondary cylinder spring, lower power reserve, the latter having the advantage of delivering a substantially constant torque while at the same time.
  • the secondary spring is used to power a time base in energy while the primary spring periodically recharges the secondary spring, without the variations in the delivered torque that it presents as a function of its state of charge do not disturb walking the time base.
  • a control mechanism driven from the motion train controls the periodic release of an end of the secondary spring to allow recharging of the secondary spring.
  • the main object of the present invention is to propose a watch movement comprising a constant-force device of simple construction, limiting as much as possible the disturbances related to its operation which could influence the movement of the motion time base and whose state of being. load of the secondary spring can be adjusted accurately and simply.
  • the mechanism according to the invention has the characteristics described above and is characterized in that one or the other of the first and second kinematic chains comprises an adjustment wheel comprising first and second connected members. to one another by a friction such that a rotation of one leads to the other during the running operation of the watch movement.
  • one of these members is an adjustment member having at least one bearing surface arranged in such a way that it is possible to act on it to rotate the adjustment member without rotating the other member, due to the friction, in order to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring.
  • the watchmaker can intervene on the movement to make an adjustment of the state of charge of the spiral spring relatively easily, even when the movement works. Indeed, unlike the known mechanisms of the state of the art, it is not necessary to disassemble any element of the movement whatsoever to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring.
  • the watch movement according to the invention is such that the adjustment wheel comprises a main shaft kinematically connected to the main energy source, a stop wheel integral with this shaft and carrying a fastening element integral with the first end of the spiral spring, the adjustment member, having the form of a shaft mounted coaxially and free to rotate relative to the main shaft and having a fastening element of the second end of the spiral spring, the second member, in the form of a drive wheel frictionally mounted on the adjustment member and kinematically connected to the time base.
  • the adjustment wheel comprises a main shaft kinematically connected to the main energy source, a stop wheel integral with this shaft and carrying a fastening element integral with the first end of the spiral spring, the adjustment member, having the form of a shaft mounted coaxially and free to rotate relative to the main shaft and having a fastening element of the second end of the spiral spring, the second member, in the form of a drive wheel frictionally mounted on the adjustment member and kinematically connected to the time base.
  • the adjustment mobile can perform the moving average function of the movement.
  • the movement comprises a stop device arranged to lock the stop wheel in a predefined angular position and to release it periodically in order to allow a spring-spiral spring to be recharged from the spring source.
  • main energy according to a predefined amplitude, via the main shaft and the stop wheel.
  • the adjustment member preferably has a circular periphery provided with a knurling or toothing forming the bearing surface, while the movement may comprise, in addition, a control mobile adjacent to the mobile of adjustment and comprising a pinion gear capable of cooperating with this bearing surface.
  • the toothed pinion is movable in translation between a first rest position, in which it is disengaged from the bearing surface, and a second adjustment position in which it meshes with the bearing surface.
  • control wheel is preferably provided with at least one slot adapted to cooperate with a tool for driving the toothed pinion in rotation.
  • FIG. 1 represents a simplified perspective view of a general embodiment of a watch movement comprising a constant-force device according to the invention
  • the figure 2 represents a simplified top plan view of the watch movement of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 represents a simplified sectional view of the watch movement according to the plane III-III of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 4 represents a simplified sectional view of a construction detail of the figure 3 , following the same section plane, and
  • Figures 5a and 5b represent simplified sectional views of the watch movement according to the IV-IV plane of the figure 2 in respective first and second configurations.
  • a watch movement consisting essentially of conventional constituent bodies has been illustrated on the Figures 1 to 3 , in particular a barrel 1 housing a barrel spring (not visible) and intended to feed the mechanical oscillations of a time base of which only the escape wheel 2 has been shown.
  • the energy of the mainspring is transmitted via a finishing gear comprising a center wheel 4 whose pinion 5 is engaged with the toothing of the barrel drum and whose wheel 6 is engaged with the pinion. 8 of a moving average 9.
  • the wheel 10 of the average mobile is in turn engaged with a pinion 12 of a first mobile seconds 13 whose wheel 14 is in engagement with the exhaust pinion 16.
  • the watch movement according to the present invention comprises a constant force device for transmitting a constant force to the time base from the force it receives from the mainspring which varies significantly according to the arming of the latter.
  • the constant force device comprises in particular a secondary spring 18 preferably having the shape of a spiral spring. It is mounted on the mobile of average 9 with a first of its ends, internal, integral with an adjustment member 20, whose operation will be described later, mounted free to rotate on the shaft of the mobile average 9 and carrying the wheel of average 10.
  • the second end, external, of the spiral spring 18 is secured to a stop wheel 22 via a stud 23, the stop wheel being integral in rotation with the average mobile tree 9.
  • the constant-force device also comprises a second second wheel 24 whose wheel 25 meshes with the wheel 14 of the first seconds wheel 13, in a 1/1 ratio by way of nonlimiting illustration.
  • the shaft of the second seconds mobile 24 carries a cam 26 with five bumps 28, integral with the rotating shaft.
  • the cam 26 here performs a turn on itself in sixty seconds.
  • the cam 26 cooperates with a first fork 30 of a control anchor 31 pivotally mounted on a frame member of the movement (not visible) between two extreme positions.
  • the control anchor 31 comprises a second fork 32 arranged to cooperate with sawtooth teeth of the stop wheel 22.
  • the second fork carries two pallets 34 and 35 arranged in such a way that, when the anchor pivots, one of the pallets being in contact with the toothing of the stop wheel 22, this pallet is disengaged from the toothing thus releasing the stop wheel which rotates here by twelve degrees (because the toothing has thirty teeth by way of non-limiting illustration) before another tooth abuts on the other pallet which, meanwhile, has positioned itself within reach of the toothing of the stopping wheel 22.
  • the pallets ensure the locking of the stopwheel alternating, the latter advancing one step each time from one pallet to another.
  • the period of the alternations can also be adjusted by the choice of the shape of the cam 26, in particular the number of its bumps 28.
  • each complete revolution of the cam 26 on itself causes ten pivoting of the anchor 31.
  • the stop wheel 22 is released every six seconds.
  • the spiral spring 18 Based on the principle that the spiral spring 18 has a non-zero state of load, the mechanical oscillator (a conventional balance spring, for example) being in oscillation mode, the spiral spring transmits a portion of its mechanical energy to the mechanical oscillator via the average wheel 10, the first seconds mobile 13, the exhaust pinion 16 and the escape wheel 2.
  • the mechanical oscillator a conventional balance spring, for example
  • the anchor 31 pivots under the effect of its cooperation with the cam 26 and releases the stop wheel 22, secured to the shaft of the average mobile 9, the latter being kept under tension by the barrel spring, via the center wheel 4.
  • the stop wheel 22 then rotates twelve degrees, as explained above, driving with it the bolt 23 and therefore the outer end of the spring- spiral 18 (in the direction of the arrow indicated on the figure 2 ).
  • the latter is thus recharged every six seconds by a relative displacement between its inner ends - fixed at the release of the stop wheel 22 - and external at an angle of twelve degrees.
  • the gears of the gear train are preferably chosen such that the average wheel 10 travels at an angle of twelve degrees during the six seconds separating two successive loads spiral spring 18, that is to say say that this wheel performs a complete turn on itself in three minutes. Thanks to these characteristics, the spiral spring 18 accumulates each time a quantity of energy from the mainspring corresponding to the spring that it transmitted to the mechanical oscillator of the movement during the previous six seconds.
  • the movement according to the present invention proposes a mechanism for adjusting the state of charge of the secondary spring, easy to access and use, which will now be described in connection with the figures 4 , 5a and 5b .
  • the figure 4 represents the average mobile 9 according to the invention in a cross-sectional view taken along the same sectional plane as the figure 3 , namely according to plan III-III of the figure 2 .
  • the stop wheel 22 is rotationally fixed to the shaft of the average mobile 9, formed in one piece with the pinion of average 8.
  • the adjustment member 20 carrying the inner end the spring-spiral 18 is mounted free on the shaft of the average mobile 9 and carries the average wheel 10.
  • the adjustment member 20 acts on the adjustment member 20 by its inner end, its outer end being held fixed by the stop wheel 22, for rotate the wheel of average 10 and maintain oscillations of the mechanical oscillator.
  • the state of charge of the spiral spring 18 can be adjusted by changing the relative angular positions of its two ends at a given moment.
  • the Applicant has had the idea of providing friction at the level of the connection between the adjustment member 20 and the average wheel 10. This friction is achieved in such a way that the adjustment member causes the average wheel during the running operation of the movement, while allowing to turn the adjustment member on itself when the average wheel is held fixed by the exhaust.
  • a rotation of the adjustment member clockwise on the view of the figure 2 thus causes a decrease in the tension of the spiral spring 18 while a rotation in the counterclockwise direction causes an increase in its tension.
  • the adjustment member in the form of a shaft integral with a board 40 provided with a peripheral toothing 41, defining a bearing surface on which it is possible to act to turn the adjustment member on itself more easily.
  • a control mobile 42 is also provided in a position adjacent to that of the average mobile 9, the latter having a pinion toothed 44 arranged to cooperate with the toothing 41 of the adjustment member to rotate the latter.
  • the pinion gear 44 is not in permanent engagement with the adjustment member to limit the friction losses of the watch movement, as is more clearly apparent from the Figures 5a and 5b .
  • the control mobile 42 is pivotally mounted and free in translation on a fixed foot 46 on an element of the frame 47 of the movement, such as the plate, the foot being disposed inside a hollow shaft of the control mobile.
  • a helical spring 48 is disposed between the control mobile and the frame member 47 tending to maintain the control mobile in a remote position with reference to the frame. In this position, represented on the figure 5a the toothed gear 44 is not engaged with the toothing 41 of the adjustment member 20.
  • control mobile 42 is advantageously provided with a slot 50 adapted to manipulation with a tool, such as a screwdriver, to further facilitate the adjustment of the state of charge of the spring- spiral 18 and therefore the amplitude of the oscillations of the mechanical oscillator of the watch movement.
  • a tool such as a screwdriver
  • the watch movement according to the present invention further comprises a safety device to prevent inadvertent discharge of the spiral spring 18, in particular when the mainspring is discharged almost completely to the point of no longer having sufficient energy to recharge it.
  • a safety device to prevent inadvertent discharge of the spiral spring 18, in particular when the mainspring is discharged almost completely to the point of no longer having sufficient energy to recharge it.
  • the spiral spring is discharged almost completely while continuing to feed the oscillations of the mechanical oscillator once the barrel spring is too discharged to be able to recharge it. It is then necessary to access the movement to reset the spiral spring 18 with a suitable tension to ensure a good accuracy of movement, which is very restrictive. To avoid this situation, the user of a watch equipped with such a mechanism must ensure that the mainspring is never fully discharged.
  • the average wheel 10 has a particular shape, visible on the figure 2 through the adjustment member 20, represented in transparency: the hub and the serge of the average wheel are connected to one another by means of double arms 100 whose function is to ensure the connection by friction with the shaft of the adjustment member.
  • the serge of the wheel of medium 10 also carries an addition of material 101 arranged in the plane of the serge and having a housing 102 inside which is disposed the peak 23 carrying the outer end of the spiral spring 18.
  • the housing 102 is arranged such that it has an angular aperture substantially equal to or slightly greater than the stroke made by the pin when the stop wheel 22 or the average wheel 10 rotates twelve degrees. The housing 102 thus defines stops to movements of the piton in one direction and the other.
  • the peak 23 is close to a first edge of the housing 102 when the spiral spring 18 has just been reloaded, while the average wheel 10 runs for the next six seconds, such that the peak 23 is close to the other edge of the housing 102 after six seconds. If at the moment of the next charge the barrel spring no longer has enough energy to recharge the mainspring, the bolt 23 does not return towards the first edge and thus quickly forms a stop for the edge of the housing located at side of it, blocking the rotational motion of the average wheel, which causes a stop of the movement, then, gradually a stop oscillations of the mechanical oscillator.
  • the spiral spring 18 still retains its initial state of charge, namely that which has been attributed to it during the adjustment of the movement by the manufacturer, relieving the user of the corresponding watch which is not forced to monitor the state of charge of the mainspring as in the case of movements of the state of the art.
  • the stud 23 carrying the outer end of the spiral spring 18 is disposed directly between two arms 100 of the same pair, the latter thus forming stops to the movements of the pin in one direction and in the other.
  • the spacing between the two arms of a pair is such that it is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the stroke made by the pin when the stop wheel 22 or the average wheel 10 rotates twelve degrees.
  • the period separating two successive loads of the spiral spring may also be modified without departing from the scope of the invention, to be for example equal to ten, twelve or even twenty seconds.
  • the principle of the present invention is not limited to a frictional implementation at the location indicated in the description.
  • the invention more generally relates to a watch movement comprising a constant force device, comprising a spiral spring, and a gear train having a first drive train arranged to connect a main power source to a first end of the hairspring spring, and a second drive train to connect a time base to a second end of the hairspring spring, one or the other of the first and second kinematic chains comprising an adjustment wheel comprising first and second members connected to one another by a friction such that a rotation of one causes the other during the current operation of the watch movement, one of these members being an adjustment member having at least one bearing surface arranged in such a way that it is possible to act on it to rotate the adjustment member without rotating the other member , because of the friction, in order to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring.
  • the average wheel 10 is rigidly connected to the adjustment member 20, which would then no longer be an adjustment member, a friction being provided alternately between the wheel 14 of the first mobile of seconds 13 and the pinion 12 of this mobile.
  • the state of charge of the spiral spring could be adjusted by action on the pinion 12 of the first seconds mobile 13, when the wheel 14 is held fixed by the exhaust.
  • the stop wheel 22 on the center wheel 4, making it integral with the shaft, thus the center pinion 5.
  • the center wheel 6 can be mounted friction on the shaft and be actuated to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring 18.
  • Specific additional wheels may also be provided alternatively.
  • the invention is also not limited to the particular embodiment described with regard to the bearing surface for actuating the adjustment member. It is of course conceivable to surface adapted to cooperate with a tool directly on the adjustment member 20, for example, without departing from the scope of the invention.

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Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un mouvement horloger comportant un dispositif à force constante, comprenant un ressort-spiral, et un rouage présentant une première chaîne cinématique agencée pour relier une source d'énergie principale à une première extrémité du ressort-spiral, et une seconde chaîne cinématique pour relier une base de temps à une seconde extrémité du ressort-spiral.The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a constant-force device, comprising a spiral spring, and a train having a first kinematic chain arranged to connect a main energy source to a first end of the spiral spring, and a second chain kinematic for connecting a time base to a second end of the spiral spring.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

De nombreux mouvements horlogers comportant des dispositifs à force constante, du type mentionné ci-dessus, ont été décrits depuis longtemps.Many watch movements with constant force devices, of the type mentioned above, have been described for a long time.

A titre d'exemple, le brevet US 1,237,216 , délivré en 1917, décrit un mouvement horloger comportant un ressort de barillet primaire, de réserve de marche importante, et un ressort de barillet secondaire, de réserve de marche plus faible, le dernier présentant l'avantage de délivrer un couple sensiblement constant tout au long de son développement. Ainsi, le ressort secondaire est mis à profit pour alimenter une base de temps en énergie tandis que le ressort primaire permet de recharger périodiquement le ressort secondaire, sans que les variations du couple délivré qu'il présente en fonction de son état de charge ne perturbent la marche de la base de temps. Un mécanisme de commande entraîné à partir du rouage du mouvement permet de contrôler la libération périodique d'une extrémité du ressort secondaire pour permettre de recharger ce dernier.For example, the patent US 1,237,216 , issued in 1917, describes a watch movement comprising a primary cylinder spring, large power reserve, and a secondary cylinder spring, lower power reserve, the latter having the advantage of delivering a substantially constant torque while at the same time. along its development. Thus, the secondary spring is used to power a time base in energy while the primary spring periodically recharges the secondary spring, without the variations in the delivered torque that it presents as a function of its state of charge do not disturb walking the time base. A control mechanism driven from the motion train controls the periodic release of an end of the secondary spring to allow recharging of the secondary spring.

Quelques dizaines d'années plus tard, des mouvements de ce type ont été adaptés pour être utilisés dans des montres de poche ou dans des montres bracelet.A few decades later, movements of this type have been adapted for use in pocket watches or wristwatches.

Ces mouvements de petites dimensions sont complexes et donc délicats à assembler. En particulier, l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique, critique pour la précision de marche du mouvement, est difficile à ajuster, d'autant qu'elle dépend de l'état de charge du ressort secondaire. Ainsi, le réglage de la marche, qui est délicat, doit être effectué par le constructeur horloger au moment de l'assemblage du mouvement, notamment par ajustement de l'état de charge initial du ressort secondaire. Lorsque l'opération doit être réalisée plus tard, dans le cadre du service après-vente, elle présente à nouveau la même complexité.These small movements are complex and therefore difficult to assemble. In particular, the amplitude of the oscillations of the mechanical oscillator, critical for the precision of the movement, is difficult to adjust, especially as it depends on the state of charge of the secondary spring. Thus, the adjustment of the gait, which is delicate, must be performed by the watch manufacturer at the time of assembly of the movement, in particular by adjusting the initial state of charge of the secondary spring. When the operation is to be carried out later, as part of the after-sales service, it presents again the same complexity.

Le brevet CH 19839 , délivré le 4 août 1899, avait déjà présenté ce problème et proposé une solution. Il était prévu de munir d'une pluralité de trous la roue portant une extrémité du ressort secondaire. Ainsi, en disposant l'extrémité du ressort secondaire dans un trou ou dans un autre, il était possible de faire varier son état de charge.The patent CH 19839 , issued August 4, 1899, had already presented this problem and proposed a solution. It was intended to provide a plurality of holes the wheel carrying one end of the secondary spring. Thus, by arranging the end of the secondary spring in one hole or another, it was possible to vary its state of charge.

Toutefois, l'ajustement de l'état de charge du ressort secondaire au moyen de ce mécanisme reste périlleux, en particulier lorsque le mouvement fonctionne.However, adjustment of the state of charge of the secondary spring by means of this mechanism remains perilous, especially when the movement works.

Après plusieurs décennies d'oubli à la fin du 20ème siècle, les dispositifs à force constante semblent à nouveau présenter un certain intérêt pour de prestigieuses manufactures horlogères.After several decades of neglect at the end of the twentieth century, the constant force devices seem again to be of interest for prestigious watchmaking factories.

Ainsi, par exemple, le brevet US 7,293,912 B2 a été délivré le 13 novembre 2007 au nom de la société Lange Uhren GmbH. Toutefois, il est notable que ce dispositif à force constante, bien que de construction complexe, ne propose pas de moyen permettant de procéder aisément à un ajustement de l'état de charge du ressort secondaire.For example, the patent US 7,293,912 B2 was issued on 13 November 2007 on behalf of Lange Uhren GmbH. However, it is noteworthy that this constant-force device, although of complex construction, does not provide a means for easy adjustment of the state of charge of the secondary spring.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

La présente invention a pour but principal de proposer un mouvement horloger comportant un dispositif à force constante de construction simple, limitant autant que possible les perturbations liées à son fonctionnement qui pourraient influencer la marche de la base de temps du mouvement et, dont l'état de charge du ressort secondaire peut être ajusté de manière précise et simple.The main object of the present invention is to propose a watch movement comprising a constant-force device of simple construction, limiting as much as possible the disturbances related to its operation which could influence the movement of the motion time base and whose state of being. load of the secondary spring can be adjusted accurately and simply.

A cet effet, le mécanisme selon l'invention répond aux caractéristiques énoncées plus haut et est caractérisé par le fait que l'une ou l'autre des première et seconde chaînes cinématiques comporte un mobile d'ajustement comprenant des premier et second organes reliés l'un à l'autre par une friction telle qu'une rotation de l'un entraîne l'autre lors du fonctionnement courant du mouvement horloger. En outre, l'un de ces organes est un organe d'ajustement présentant au moins une surface d'appui agencée de telle manière qu'il est possible d'agir sur elle pour faire tourner l'organe d'ajustement sans faire tourner l'autre organe, du fait de la friction, afin d'ajuster l'état de charge du ressort-spiral.For this purpose, the mechanism according to the invention has the characteristics described above and is characterized in that one or the other of the first and second kinematic chains comprises an adjustment wheel comprising first and second connected members. to one another by a friction such that a rotation of one leads to the other during the running operation of the watch movement. In addition, one of these members is an adjustment member having at least one bearing surface arranged in such a way that it is possible to act on it to rotate the adjustment member without rotating the other member, due to the friction, in order to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring.

Grâce aux caractéristiques de l'invention citées ci-dessus, l'horloger peut intervenir sur le mouvement pour procéder à un réglage de l'état de charge du ressort-spiral relativement facilement, même lorsque le mouvement fonctionne. En effet, contrairement aux mécanismes connus de l'état de la technique, il n'est pas nécessaire de démonter quelque élément du mouvement que ce soit pour procéder au réglage de l'état de charge du ressort-spiral.Thanks to the features of the invention mentioned above, the watchmaker can intervene on the movement to make an adjustment of the state of charge of the spiral spring relatively easily, even when the movement works. Indeed, unlike the known mechanisms of the state of the art, it is not necessary to disassemble any element of the movement whatsoever to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring.

De manière préférée, le mouvement horloger selon l'invention est tel que le mobile d'ajustement comprend
un arbre principal relié cinématiquement à la source d'énergie principale,
une roue d'arrêt solidaire en rotation de cet arbre et portant un élément de fixation solidaire de la première extrémité du ressort-spiral,
l'organe d'ajustement, présentant la forme d'un arbre monté coaxial et libre en rotation par rapport à l'arbre principal et présentant un élément de fixation de la seconde extrémité du ressort-spiral,
le second organe, présentant la forme d'une roue d'entraînement montée à friction sur l'organe d'ajustement et reliée cinématiquement à la base de temps.Preferably, the watch movement according to the invention is such that the adjustment wheel comprises
a main shaft kinematically connected to the main energy source,
a stop wheel integral with this shaft and carrying a fastening element integral with the first end of the spiral spring,
the adjustment member, having the form of a shaft mounted coaxially and free to rotate relative to the main shaft and having a fastening element of the second end of the spiral spring,
the second member, in the form of a drive wheel frictionally mounted on the adjustment member and kinematically connected to the time base.

Préférablement, le mobile d'ajustement peut remplir la fonction de mobile de moyenne du mouvement.Preferably, the adjustment mobile can perform the moving average function of the movement.

En outre, il est avantageusement prévu que le mouvement comporte un dispositif d'arrêt agencé pour verrouiller la roue d'arrêt dans une position angulaire prédéfinie et pour la libérer périodiquement afin de permettre une recharge du ressort-spiral à partir de la source d'énergie principale, suivant une amplitude prédéfinie, par l'intermédiaire de l'arbre principal et de la roue d'arrêt.Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the movement comprises a stop device arranged to lock the stop wheel in a predefined angular position and to release it periodically in order to allow a spring-spiral spring to be recharged from the spring source. main energy, according to a predefined amplitude, via the main shaft and the stop wheel.

Par ailleurs, l'organe d'ajustement présente préférablement une périphérie circulaire munie d'un moletage ou d'une denture formant la surface d'appui, tandis que le mouvement peut comporter, en outre, un mobile de contrôle adjacent au mobile d'ajustement et comprenant un pignon denté susceptible de coopérer avec cette surface d'appui.Furthermore, the adjustment member preferably has a circular periphery provided with a knurling or toothing forming the bearing surface, while the movement may comprise, in addition, a control mobile adjacent to the mobile of adjustment and comprising a pinion gear capable of cooperating with this bearing surface.

De manière avantageuse, le pignon denté est mobile en translation entre une première position de repos, dans laquelle il est dégrèné de la surface d'appui, et une seconde position d'ajustement dans laquelle il engrène avec la surface d'appui.Advantageously, the toothed pinion is movable in translation between a first rest position, in which it is disengaged from the bearing surface, and a second adjustment position in which it meshes with the bearing surface.

De plus, dans un souci de simplification des interventions sur l'état de charge du ressort-spiral, le mobile de contrôle est préférablement muni d'au moins une fente adaptée pour coopérer avec un outil afin d'entraîner le pignon denté en rotation.In addition, for the sake of simplifying interventions on the state of charge of the spiral spring, the control wheel is preferably provided with at least one slot adapted to cooperate with a tool for driving the toothed pinion in rotation.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préféré qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et dans lesquels:Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

- la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée d'un mode général de réalisation d'un mouvement horloger comportant un dispositif à force constante selon l'invention;- the figure 1 represents a simplified perspective view of a general embodiment of a watch movement comprising a constant-force device according to the invention;

- la figure 2 représente une vue en plan de dessus simplifiée du mouvement horloger de la figure 1;- the figure 2 represents a simplified top plan view of the watch movement of the figure 1 ;

- la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe simplifiée du mouvement horloger suivant le plan III-III de la figure 2;- the figure 3 represents a simplified sectional view of the watch movement according to the plane III-III of the figure 2 ;

- la figure 4 représente une vue en coupe simplifiée d'un détail de construction de la figure 3, suivant le même plan de coupe, et- the figure 4 represents a simplified sectional view of a construction detail of the figure 3 , following the same section plane, and

- les figures 5a et 5b représentent des vues en coupe simplifiées du mouvement horloger suivant le plan IV-IV de la figure 2, dans des première et seconde configurations respectives.- the Figures 5a and 5b represent simplified sectional views of the watch movement according to the IV-IV plane of the figure 2 in respective first and second configurations.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

La structure et le fonctionnement général d'un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention vont être exposés en relation avec les figures 1, 2 et 3, représentant le mouvement respectivement en perspective, en plan et en coupe. Seuls les éléments contribuant à la compréhension de l'invention sont illustrés, pour plus de clarté. Certains éléments de la figure 2 sont représentés de manière partiellement arrachée pour rendre visibles d'autres éléments qui leur sont superposés.The structure and general operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be discussed in connection with the figures 1 , 2 and 3 , representing the movement respectively in perspective, in plan and in section. Only the elements contributing to the understanding of the invention are illustrated for the sake of clarity. Some elements of the figure 2 are partially broken away to make visible other elements superimposed on them.

Un mouvement horloger comportant essentiellement des organes constitutifs conventionnels a été illustré sur les figures 1 à 3, notamment un barillet 1 logeant un ressort de barillet (non visible) et destiné à alimenter les oscillations mécaniques d'une base de temps dont seule la roue d'échappement 2 a été représentée. L'énergie du ressort de barillet est transmise par l'intermédiaire d'un rouage de finissage comprenant un mobile de centre 4 dont le pignon 5 est en prise avec la denture du tambour de barillet et dont la roue 6 est en prise avec le pignon 8 d'un mobile de moyenne 9. La roue 10 du mobile de moyenne est quant à elle en prise avec un pignon 12 d'un premier mobile de secondes 13 dont la roue 14 est en prise avec le pignon d'échappement 16.A watch movement consisting essentially of conventional constituent bodies has been illustrated on the Figures 1 to 3 , in particular a barrel 1 housing a barrel spring (not visible) and intended to feed the mechanical oscillations of a time base of which only the escape wheel 2 has been shown. The energy of the mainspring is transmitted via a finishing gear comprising a center wheel 4 whose pinion 5 is engaged with the toothing of the barrel drum and whose wheel 6 is engaged with the pinion. 8 of a moving average 9. The wheel 10 of the average mobile is in turn engaged with a pinion 12 of a first mobile seconds 13 whose wheel 14 is in engagement with the exhaust pinion 16.

Par ailleurs, le mouvement horloger selon la présente invention comporte un dispositif à force constante destiné à transmettre une force constante à la base de temps à partir de la force qu'il reçoit du ressort de barillet qui varie de manière sensible en fonction de l'armage de ce dernier.Furthermore, the watch movement according to the present invention comprises a constant force device for transmitting a constant force to the time base from the force it receives from the mainspring which varies significantly according to the arming of the latter.

Plus précisément, le dispositif à force constante comprend notamment un ressort secondaire 18 présentant préférablement la forme d'un ressort-spiral. Celui-ci est monté sur le mobile de moyenne 9 avec une première de ses extrémités, interne, solidaire d'un organe d'ajustement 20, dont le fonctionnement sera décrit plus loin, monté libre en rotation sur l'arbre du mobile de moyenne 9 et portant la roue de moyenne 10. La seconde extrémité, externe, du ressort-spiral 18 est solidaire d'une roue d'arrêt 22 par l'intermédiaire d'un piton 23, la roue d'arrêt étant solidaire en rotation de l'arbre du mobile de moyenne 9.More specifically, the constant force device comprises in particular a secondary spring 18 preferably having the shape of a spiral spring. It is mounted on the mobile of average 9 with a first of its ends, internal, integral with an adjustment member 20, whose operation will be described later, mounted free to rotate on the shaft of the mobile average 9 and carrying the wheel of average 10. The second end, external, of the spiral spring 18 is secured to a stop wheel 22 via a stud 23, the stop wheel being integral in rotation with the average mobile tree 9.

Le dispositif à force constante comprend également un second mobile de secondes 24 dont la roue 25 engrène avec la roue 14 du premier mobile de secondes 13, dans un rapport 1/1 à titre illustratif non limitatif. L'arbre du second mobile de secondes 24 porte une came 26 à cinq bosses 28, solidaire de l'arbre en rotation. Ainsi, la came 26 effectue ici un tour sur elle-même en soixante secondes.The constant-force device also comprises a second second wheel 24 whose wheel 25 meshes with the wheel 14 of the first seconds wheel 13, in a 1/1 ratio by way of nonlimiting illustration. The shaft of the second seconds mobile 24 carries a cam 26 with five bumps 28, integral with the rotating shaft. Thus, the cam 26 here performs a turn on itself in sixty seconds.

La came 26 coopère avec une première fourchette 30 d'une ancre de contrôle 31 montée pivotante sur un élément de bâti du mouvement (non visible) entre deux positions extrêmes.The cam 26 cooperates with a first fork 30 of a control anchor 31 pivotally mounted on a frame member of the movement (not visible) between two extreme positions.

L'ancre de contrôle 31 comprend une seconde fourchette 32 agencée pour coopérer avec une denture en dents de scie de la roue d'arrêt 22. La seconde fourchette porte deux palettes 34 et 35 disposées de telle manière que, lorsque l'ancre pivote, l'une des palettes étant en contact avec la denture de la roue d'arrêt 22, cette palette se dégage de la denture libérant ainsi la roue d'arrêt qui effectue ici une rotation de douze degrés (du fait que la denture présente trente dents à titre illustratif non limitatif) avant qu'une autre dent vienne buter sur l'autre palette qui, entretemps, s'est positionnée à portée de la denture de la roue d'arrêt 22. De ce fait, les palettes assurent le verrouillage de la roue d'arrêt en alternance, cette dernière avançant d'un pas à chaque fois en passant d'une palette à l'autre.The control anchor 31 comprises a second fork 32 arranged to cooperate with sawtooth teeth of the stop wheel 22. The second fork carries two pallets 34 and 35 arranged in such a way that, when the anchor pivots, one of the pallets being in contact with the toothing of the stop wheel 22, this pallet is disengaged from the toothing thus releasing the stop wheel which rotates here by twelve degrees (because the toothing has thirty teeth by way of non-limiting illustration) before another tooth abuts on the other pallet which, meanwhile, has positioned itself within reach of the toothing of the stopping wheel 22. As a result, the pallets ensure the locking of the stopwheel alternating, the latter advancing one step each time from one pallet to another.

On notera que la période des alternances peut également être ajustée par le choix de la forme de la came 26, notamment du nombre de ses bosses 28. Dans le cas de figure représenté, chaque tour complet de la came 26 sur elle-même entraîne dix pivotements de l'ancre 31. Autrement dit, la roue d'arrêt 22 est libérée toutes les six secondes.It will be noted that the period of the alternations can also be adjusted by the choice of the shape of the cam 26, in particular the number of its bumps 28. In the case shown, each complete revolution of the cam 26 on itself causes ten pivoting of the anchor 31. In other words, the stop wheel 22 is released every six seconds.

Le fonctionnement du mouvement horloger à dispositif à force constante qui vient d'être décrit est exposé ci-après.The operation of the watch movement with constant force device which has just been described is described below.

Partant du principe que le ressort-spiral 18 présente un état de charge non nul, l'oscillateur mécanique (un balancier spiral conventionnel, par exemple) étant en régime d'oscillations, le ressort-spiral transmet une partie de son énergie mécanique à l'oscillateur mécanique par l'intermédiaire de la roue de moyenne 10, du premier mobile de secondes 13, du pignon d'échappement 16 et de la roue d'échappement 2.Based on the principle that the spiral spring 18 has a non-zero state of load, the mechanical oscillator (a conventional balance spring, for example) being in oscillation mode, the spiral spring transmits a portion of its mechanical energy to the mechanical oscillator via the average wheel 10, the first seconds mobile 13, the exhaust pinion 16 and the escape wheel 2.

Après six secondes de fonctionnement, l'ancre 31 pivote sous l'effet de sa coopération avec la came 26 et libère la roue d'arrêt 22, solidaire de l'arbre du mobile de moyenne 9, ce dernier étant maintenu sous tension par le ressort de barillet, par l'intermédiaire du mobile de centre 4. La roue d'arrêt 22 effectue alors une rotation de douze degrés, comme expliqué plus haut, entraînant avec elle le piton 23 et donc l'extrémité extérieure du ressort-spiral 18 (dans le sens de la flèche indiquée sur la figure 2). Ce dernier est ainsi rechargé toutes les six secondes par un déplacement relatif entre ses extrémités interne - fixe lors de la libération de la roue d'arrêt 22 - et externe d'un angle de douze degrés.After six seconds of operation, the anchor 31 pivots under the effect of its cooperation with the cam 26 and releases the stop wheel 22, secured to the shaft of the average mobile 9, the latter being kept under tension by the barrel spring, via the center wheel 4. The stop wheel 22 then rotates twelve degrees, as explained above, driving with it the bolt 23 and therefore the outer end of the spring- spiral 18 (in the direction of the arrow indicated on the figure 2 ). The latter is thus recharged every six seconds by a relative displacement between its inner ends - fixed at the release of the stop wheel 22 - and external at an angle of twelve degrees.

Bien entendu, les rapports d'engrenages du rouage de finissage sont préférablement choisis de telle manière que la roue de moyenne 10 parcourt un angle de douze degrés pendant les six secondes séparant deux charges successives du ressort-spiral 18, c'est-à-dire que cette roue effectue un tour complet sur elle-même en trois minutes. Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le ressort-spiral 18 accumule à chaque fois une quantité d'énergie à partir du ressort de barillet correspondant à celle qu'il a transmise à l'oscillateur mécanique du mouvement pendant les six secondes précédentes.Of course, the gears of the gear train are preferably chosen such that the average wheel 10 travels at an angle of twelve degrees during the six seconds separating two successive loads spiral spring 18, that is to say say that this wheel performs a complete turn on itself in three minutes. Thanks to these characteristics, the spiral spring 18 accumulates each time a quantity of energy from the mainspring corresponding to the spring that it transmitted to the mechanical oscillator of the movement during the previous six seconds.

Cette valeur de six secondes est indicative et l'homme du métier ne rencontrera pas de difficulté particulière à adapter le présent enseignement à ses propres besoins, étant entendu que la condition à respecter ici, pour assurer un fonctionnement optimal du dispositif, est une amplitude de déplacement relatif entre les deux extrémités du ressort-spiral tel que le couple que ce dernier transmet à l'oscillateur mécanique est sensiblement constant.This value of six seconds is indicative and the person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the present teaching to his own needs, it being understood that the condition to be respected here, in order to ensure optimum operation of the device, is an amplitude of relative displacement between the two ends of the spiral spring such that the torque that the latter transmits to the mechanical oscillator is substantially constant.

Comme mentionné plus haut dans le présent exposé, l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique, critique pour la précision de marche du mouvement, est difficile à ajuster, d'autant qu'elle dépend de l'état de charge du ressort secondaire dans un mouvement du type comprenant un dispositif à force constante. Ainsi, le mouvement selon la présente invention propose un mécanisme d'ajustement de l'état de charge du ressort secondaire, facile d'accès et d'utilisation, qui va maintenant être décrit en relation avec les figures 4, 5a et 5b.As mentioned earlier in this paper, the amplitude of the oscillations of the mechanical oscillator, which is critical for the precision of the movement, is difficult to adjust, especially as it depends on the state of charge of the secondary spring. in a movement of the type comprising a constant force device. Thus, the movement according to the present invention proposes a mechanism for adjusting the state of charge of the secondary spring, easy to access and use, which will now be described in connection with the figures 4 , 5a and 5b .

La figure 4 représente le mobile de moyenne 9 selon l'invention dans une vue en coupe transversale prise suivant le même plan de coupe que la figure 3, à savoir suivant le plan III-III de la figure 2.The figure 4 represents the average mobile 9 according to the invention in a cross-sectional view taken along the same sectional plane as the figure 3 , namely according to plan III-III of the figure 2 .

Il ressort plus clairement de la figure 4 que, comme mentionné précédemment, la roue d'arrêt 22 est solidaire en rotation de l'arbre du mobile de moyenne 9, formé d'une pièce avec le pignon de moyenne 8. L'organe d'ajustement 20 portant l'extrémité interne du ressort-spiral 18 est quant à lui monté libre sur l'arbre du mobile de moyenne 9 et porte la roue de moyenne 10.It is clearer from the figure 4 that, as mentioned above, the stop wheel 22 is rotationally fixed to the shaft of the average mobile 9, formed in one piece with the pinion of average 8. The adjustment member 20 carrying the inner end the spring-spiral 18 is mounted free on the shaft of the average mobile 9 and carries the average wheel 10.

Ainsi, lors du fonctionnement courant du mouvement horloger entre deux charges successives du ressort-spiral 18, ce dernier agit sur l'organe d'ajustement 20 par son extrémité interne, son extrémité externe étant maintenue fixe par la roue d'arrêt 22, pour faire tourner la roue de moyenne 10 et entretenir les oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique.Thus, during the current operation of the watch movement between two successive loads of the spiral spring 18, the latter acts on the adjustment member 20 by its inner end, its outer end being held fixed by the stop wheel 22, for rotate the wheel of average 10 and maintain oscillations of the mechanical oscillator.

L'état de charge du ressort-spiral 18 peut être ajusté en modifiant les positions angulaires relatives de ses deux extrémités à un instant donné.The state of charge of the spiral spring 18 can be adjusted by changing the relative angular positions of its two ends at a given moment.

De ce fait, la Demanderesse a eu l'idée de prévoir une friction au niveau de la liaison entre l'organe d'ajustement 20 et la roue de moyenne 10. Cette friction est réalisée de telle manière que l'organe d'ajustement entraîne la roue de moyenne lors du fonctionnement courant du mouvement, tout en permettant de tourner l'organe d'ajustement sur lui-même lorsque la roue de moyenne est maintenue fixe par l'échappement.As a result, the Applicant has had the idea of providing friction at the level of the connection between the adjustment member 20 and the average wheel 10. This friction is achieved in such a way that the adjustment member causes the average wheel during the running operation of the movement, while allowing to turn the adjustment member on itself when the average wheel is held fixed by the exhaust.

Une rotation de l'organe d'ajustement dans le sens horaire sur la vue de la figure 2 entraîne ainsi une diminution de la tension du ressort-spiral 18 tandis qu'une rotation en sens anti-horaire entraîne une augmentation de sa tension.A rotation of the adjustment member clockwise on the view of the figure 2 thus causes a decrease in the tension of the spiral spring 18 while a rotation in the counterclockwise direction causes an increase in its tension.

Pour faciliter cette manipulation, il est prévu de réaliser l'organe d'ajustement sous la forme d'un arbre solidaire d'une planche 40 pourvue d'une denture périphérique 41, définissant une surface d'appui sur laquelle il est possible d'agir pour faire tourner l'organe d'ajustement sur lui-même de manière plus aisée.To facilitate this manipulation, it is intended to make the adjustment member in the form of a shaft integral with a board 40 provided with a peripheral toothing 41, defining a bearing surface on which it is possible to act to turn the adjustment member on itself more easily.

En outre, un mobile de contrôle 42 est également prévu dans une position adjacente à celle du mobile de moyenne 9, celui-ci comportant un pignon denté 44 agencé pour coopérer avec la denture 41 de l'organe d'ajustement pour faire tourner ce dernier.In addition, a control mobile 42 is also provided in a position adjacent to that of the average mobile 9, the latter having a pinion toothed 44 arranged to cooperate with the toothing 41 of the adjustment member to rotate the latter.

De manière préférée, le pignon denté 44 n'est pas en prise permanente avec l'organe d'ajustement pour limiter les pertes par frottements du mouvement horloger, comme cela ressort plus clairement des figures 5a et 5b.Preferably, the pinion gear 44 is not in permanent engagement with the adjustment member to limit the friction losses of the watch movement, as is more clearly apparent from the Figures 5a and 5b .

Le mobile de contrôle 42 est monté pivotant et libre en translation sur un pied 46 fixe sur un élément du bâti 47 du mouvement, comme par exemple la platine, le pied étant disposé à l'intérieur d'un arbre creux du mobile de contrôle.The control mobile 42 is pivotally mounted and free in translation on a fixed foot 46 on an element of the frame 47 of the movement, such as the plate, the foot being disposed inside a hollow shaft of the control mobile.

En outre, un ressort hélicoïdal 48 est disposé entre le mobile de contrôle et l'élément du bâti 47 tendant à maintenir le mobile de contrôle dans une position éloignée en référence au bâti. Dans cette position, représentée sur la figure 5a, le pignon denté 44 n'est pas en prise avec la denture 41 de l'organe d'ajustement 20.In addition, a helical spring 48 is disposed between the control mobile and the frame member 47 tending to maintain the control mobile in a remote position with reference to the frame. In this position, represented on the figure 5a the toothed gear 44 is not engaged with the toothing 41 of the adjustment member 20.

Lorsqu'une pression est appliquée sur le mobile de contrôle 42, en direction du bâti, le ressort 48 est comprimé et le pignon denté 44 vient se placer à portée de la denture 41 avec laquelle il engrène, tel que représenté sur la figure 5b. Une rotation du mobile de contrôle 42 dans cette position entraîne alors une rotation de l'organe d'ajustement 20, soit une modification de l'état de charge du ressort-spiral 18.When a pressure is applied on the control wheel 42, in the direction of the frame, the spring 48 is compressed and the toothed pinion 44 is placed within reach of the toothing 41 with which it meshes, as shown in FIG. figure 5b . A rotation of the control wheel 42 in this position then causes a rotation of the adjustment member 20, ie a change in the state of charge of the spiral spring 18.

On notera que le mobile de contrôle 42 est avantageusement muni d'une fente 50 adaptée à une manipulation à l'aide d'un outil, tel qu'un tournevis, pour faciliter encore l'ajustement de l'état de charge du ressort-spiral 18 et donc l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique du mouvement horloger.Note that the control mobile 42 is advantageously provided with a slot 50 adapted to manipulation with a tool, such as a screwdriver, to further facilitate the adjustment of the state of charge of the spring- spiral 18 and therefore the amplitude of the oscillations of the mechanical oscillator of the watch movement.

Par ailleurs, le mouvement horloger selon la présente invention comporte en outre un dispositif de sécurité pour éviter une décharge intempestive du ressort-spiral 18, en particulier lorsque le ressort de barillet se décharge presque totalement au point de ne plus disposer de suffisamment d'énergie pour le recharger. Dans ce cas, lorsqu'aucune précaution particulière n'est prise, il se peut que le ressort-spiral se décharge quasiment complètement en continuant d'alimenter les oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique une fois que le ressort de barillet est trop déchargé pour pouvoir le recharger. Il convient alors d'accéder au mouvement pour réarmer le ressort-spiral 18 avec une tension appropriée pour assurer une bonne précision de marche du mouvement, ce qui est très contraignant. Pour éviter cette situation, l'utilisateur d'une montre munie d'un tel mécanisme doit veiller à ce que le ressort de barillet ne se décharge jamais totalement.Moreover, the watch movement according to the present invention further comprises a safety device to prevent inadvertent discharge of the spiral spring 18, in particular when the mainspring is discharged almost completely to the point of no longer having sufficient energy to recharge it. In this case, when no particular precaution is taken, it is possible that the spiral spring is discharged almost completely while continuing to feed the oscillations of the mechanical oscillator once the barrel spring is too discharged to be able to recharge it. It is then necessary to access the movement to reset the spiral spring 18 with a suitable tension to ensure a good accuracy of movement, which is very restrictive. To avoid this situation, the user of a watch equipped with such a mechanism must ensure that the mainspring is never fully discharged.

En alternative, la Demanderesse a mis au point un dispositif de sécurité permettant de pallier à ce problème.Alternatively, the Applicant has developed a safety device to overcome this problem.

Dans ce but, la roue de moyenne 10 présente une forme particulière, visible sur la figure 2 au travers de l'organe d'ajustement 20, représenté en transparence: le moyeu et la serge de la roue de moyenne sont reliés l'un à l'autre au moyen de bras doubles 100 dont la fonction est d'assurer la liaison par friction avec l'arbre de l'organe d'ajustement. Il ressort des figures 2 et 3 que la serge de la roue de moyenne 10 porte en outre un ajout de matière 101 agencé dans le plan de la serge et présentant un logement 102 à l'intérieur duquel est disposé le piton 23 portant l'extrémité externe du ressort-spiral 18. Le logement 102 est ménagé de telle manière qu'il présente une ouverture angulaire sensiblement égale ou légèrement supérieure à la course effectuée par le piton lorsque la roue d'arrêt 22 ou la roue de moyenne 10 effectue une rotation de douze degrés. Le logement 102 définit ainsi des butées aux déplacements du piton dans un sens et dans l'autre.For this purpose, the average wheel 10 has a particular shape, visible on the figure 2 through the adjustment member 20, represented in transparency: the hub and the serge of the average wheel are connected to one another by means of double arms 100 whose function is to ensure the connection by friction with the shaft of the adjustment member. It emerges figures 2 and 3 that the serge of the wheel of medium 10 also carries an addition of material 101 arranged in the plane of the serge and having a housing 102 inside which is disposed the peak 23 carrying the outer end of the spiral spring 18. The housing 102 is arranged such that it has an angular aperture substantially equal to or slightly greater than the stroke made by the pin when the stop wheel 22 or the average wheel 10 rotates twelve degrees. The housing 102 thus defines stops to movements of the piton in one direction and the other.

Lors du fonctionnement courant du mouvement, le piton 23 se trouve à proximité d'un premier bord du logement 102 lorsque le ressort-spiral 18 vient d'être rechargé, tandis que la roue de moyenne 10 effectue sa course pendant les six secondes suivantes, de telle manière que le piton 23 se trouve à proximité de l'autre bord du logement 102 après ces six secondes. Si au moment de la charge suivante le ressort de barillet ne dispose plus de suffisamment d'énergie pour recharger le ressort-spiral, le piton 23 ne retourne pas en direction du premier bord et forme ainsi rapidement une butée pour le bord du logement situé à côté de lui, bloquant le mouvement de rotation de la roue de moyenne, ce qui entraîne un arrêt du mouvement, puis, progressivement un arrêt des oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique.During the current operation of the movement, the peak 23 is close to a first edge of the housing 102 when the spiral spring 18 has just been reloaded, while the average wheel 10 runs for the next six seconds, such that the peak 23 is close to the other edge of the housing 102 after six seconds. If at the moment of the next charge the barrel spring no longer has enough energy to recharge the mainspring, the bolt 23 does not return towards the first edge and thus quickly forms a stop for the edge of the housing located at side of it, blocking the rotational motion of the average wheel, which causes a stop of the movement, then, gradually a stop oscillations of the mechanical oscillator.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le ressort-spiral 18 conserve toujours son état de charge initial, à savoir celui qui lui a été attribué lors du réglage du mouvement par le constructeur, soulageant l'utilisateur de la montre correspondante qui n'est pas forcé de surveiller l'état de charge du ressort de barillet comme dans le cas des mouvements de l'état de la technique.Thanks to these characteristics, the spiral spring 18 still retains its initial state of charge, namely that which has been attributed to it during the adjustment of the movement by the manufacturer, relieving the user of the corresponding watch which is not forced to monitor the state of charge of the mainspring as in the case of movements of the state of the art.

En alternative, il est également possible de prévoir que le piton 23 portant l'extrémité externe du ressort-spiral 18 est disposé directement entre deux bras 100 d'une même paire, ces derniers formant ainsi des butées aux déplacements du piton dans un sens et dans l'autre. Dans ce cas, l'écartement entre les deux bras d'une cette paire est tel qu'il est sensiblement égal ou légèrement supérieur à la course effectuée par le piton lorsque la roue d'arrêt 22 ou la roue de moyenne 10 effectue une rotation de douze degrés.Alternatively, it is also possible to provide that the stud 23 carrying the outer end of the spiral spring 18 is disposed directly between two arms 100 of the same pair, the latter thus forming stops to the movements of the pin in one direction and in the other. In this case, the spacing between the two arms of a pair is such that it is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the stroke made by the pin when the stop wheel 22 or the average wheel 10 rotates twelve degrees.

La description qui précède s'attache à décrire un mode de réalisation particulier à titre d'illustration non limitative et, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la mise en oeuvre de certaines caractéristiques particulières qui viennent d'être décrites, comme par exemple la forme des organes constitutifs du dispositif à force constante ou encore leurs emplacements. En effet, l'emplacement du dispositif à force constante est préféré sur le mobile de moyenne, la Demanderesse ayant constaté qu'un tel emplacement permet de limiter les contraintes de couple de sortie du barillet appliquées au dispositif, tout en ayant un effet perturbateur négligeable sur le fonctionnement de l'oscillateur mécanique. Toutefois, la mise en oeuvre de l'invention n'est pas limitée à une telle disposition et l'homme du métier pourra adapter le présent enseignement à ses propres besoins sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, for example the shape of the constituent organs of the constant force device or their locations. Indeed, the location of the constant force device is preferred on the average mobile, the Applicant having found that such a location makes it possible to limit the output torque constraints of the barrel applied to the device, while having a negligible disturbing effect on the operation of the mechanical oscillator. However, the implementation of the invention is not limited to such a provision and the skilled person can adapt the present teaching to his own needs without departing from the scope of the invention.

La période séparant deux charges successives du ressort-spiral pourra également être modifiée sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, pour être par exemple égale à dix, douze ou encore vingt secondes.The period separating two successive loads of the spiral spring may also be modified without departing from the scope of the invention, to be for example equal to ten, twelve or even twenty seconds.

Par ailleurs, on notera que le principe de la présente invention n'est pas limité à une mise en oeuvre d'une friction à l'emplacement indiqué dans la description. En effet, l'invention concerne plus généralement un mouvement horloger comportant
un dispositif à force constante, comprenant un ressort-spiral, et
un rouage présentant une première chaîne cinématique agencée pour relier une source d'énergie principale à une première extrémité du ressort-spiral, et une seconde chaîne cinématique pour relier une base de temps à une seconde extrémité du ressort-spiral,
l'une ou l'autre des première et seconde chaînes cinématiques comportant un mobile d'ajustement comprenant des premier et second organes reliés l'un à l'autre par une friction telle qu'une rotation de l'un entraîne l'autre lors du fonctionnement courant du mouvement horloger,
l'un de ces organes étant un organe d'ajustement présentant au moins une surface d'appui agencée de telle manière qu'il est possible d'agir sur elle pour faire tourner l'organe d'ajustement sans faire tourner l'autre organe, du fait de la friction, afin d'ajuster l'état de charge du ressort-spiral.Furthermore, it should be noted that the principle of the present invention is not limited to a frictional implementation at the location indicated in the description. Indeed, the invention more generally relates to a watch movement comprising
a constant force device, comprising a spiral spring, and
a gear train having a first drive train arranged to connect a main power source to a first end of the hairspring spring, and a second drive train to connect a time base to a second end of the hairspring spring,
one or the other of the first and second kinematic chains comprising an adjustment wheel comprising first and second members connected to one another by a friction such that a rotation of one causes the other during the current operation of the watch movement,
one of these members being an adjustment member having at least one bearing surface arranged in such a way that it is possible to act on it to rotate the adjustment member without rotating the other member , because of the friction, in order to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring.

Ainsi, il est possible de prévoir que la roue de moyenne 10 est rigidement liée à l'organe d'ajustement 20, qui ne serait alors plus un organe d'ajustement, une friction étant prévue de manière alternative entre la roue 14 du premier mobile de secondes 13 et le pignon 12 de ce mobile. Dans ce cas, l'état de charge du ressort-spiral pourrait être ajusté par action sur le pignon 12 du premier mobile de secondes 13, lorsque la roue 14 est maintenue fixe par l'échappement.Thus, it is possible to provide that the average wheel 10 is rigidly connected to the adjustment member 20, which would then no longer be an adjustment member, a friction being provided alternately between the wheel 14 of the first mobile of seconds 13 and the pinion 12 of this mobile. In this case, the state of charge of the spiral spring could be adjusted by action on the pinion 12 of the first seconds mobile 13, when the wheel 14 is held fixed by the exhaust.

De manière similaire, il est possible de disposer la roue d'arrêt 22 sur le mobile de centre 4, en la rendant solidaire de l'arbre, donc du pignon de centre 5. Dans ce cas, la roue de centre 6 peut être montée à friction sur l'arbre et être actionnée pour ajuster l'état de charge du ressort-spiral 18. Des rouages additionnels spécifiques peuvent également être prévus en alternative.Similarly, it is possible to arrange the stop wheel 22 on the center wheel 4, making it integral with the shaft, thus the center pinion 5. In this case, the center wheel 6 can be mounted friction on the shaft and be actuated to adjust the state of charge of the spiral spring 18. Specific additional wheels may also be provided alternatively.

L'invention n'est pas non plus limitée au mode de réalisation particulier décrit en ce qui concerne la surface d'appui permettant d'actionner l'organe d'ajustement. Il est bien entendu envisageable de ménager une surface adaptée pour coopérer avec un outil directement sur l'organe d'ajustement 20, par exemple, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.The invention is also not limited to the particular embodiment described with regard to the bearing surface for actuating the adjustment member. It is of course conceivable to surface adapted to cooperate with a tool directly on the adjustment member 20, for example, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

  1. Clock movement containing
    a constant force device, comprising a spiral spring (18), and
    a train, having a first kinematic chain (4, 5, 6, 8, 22) arranged to connect a main energy source (1) to a first end of the said spiral spring and a second kinematic chain (10, 12, 13, 14, 16) for connecting a time base to a second end of the said spiral spring,
    characterized in that one or other of the said first and second kinematic chains contains an adjustment mobile (9) comprising first and second members (10, 20) connected to each other by a friction such that a rotation of one of the members drives the other member during routine working of the clock movement, and
    in that one of the said members is an adjustment member (20) having at least one bearing surface (41) arranged such that it is possible to act upon the latter so as to rotate the said adjustment member without rotating the other member (10) by dint of the said friction, in order to adjust the load state of the said spiral spring.
  2. Clock movement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said spiral spring (18) is borne by the said adjustment mobile (9), one of its ends being fixed to the said adjustment member (20).
  3. Clock movement according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said adjustment mobile (9) comprises
    a main shaft (8) kinematically connected to the said main energy source (1),
    a stop wheel (22) rotationally fixed to the said shaft and bearing a fixing element (23) fixed to the said first end of the said spiral spring, the said adjustment member (20) having the form of a shaft mounted coaxially and in a freely rotatable manner in relation to the said main shaft and having a fixing element for the second end of the said spiral spring,
    the said second member (10), having the form of a drive wheel frictionally mounted on the said adjustment member and kinematically connected to the said time base.
  4. Clock movement according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said adjustment mobile is a third mobile (9), the said main shaft being a third shaft bearing in a fixed manner a third pinion (8) kinematically connected to the said main energy source (1) and the said second member being a third wheel (10) arranged in mesh with a seconds mobile (12), itself in mesh with the said time base.
  5. Clock movement according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it contains a stop device (24, 26, 31) arranged to lock the said stop wheel (22) in a predefined angular position and to periodically release it to allow reloading of the said spiral spring (18) from the said main energy source (1), according to a predefined amplitude, via the said main shaft (8) and the said stop wheel.
  6. Clock movement according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said stop device (24, 26, 31) is arranged to release the said stop wheel (22) every six seconds.
  7. Clock movement according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the said stop wheel (22) has a peripheral toothing arranged to cooperate with a control pallet (31) capable of displacement between first and second end positions, according to the relative angular position of a cam (26) whose rotational movements are driven from a mobile (13, 24) of the said train, the said stop wheel being arranged so as to be free to turn by a predefined angle during the passage of the control pallet from one to the other of its two end positions.
  8. Clock movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said adjustment member (20) has a circular periphery provided with a knurling or a toothing (41) forming the said bearing surface.
  9. Clock movement according to Claim 8, characterized in that it further contains a control mobile (42) adjacent to the said adjustment mobile (9) and comprising a toothed pinion (44) capable of cooperating with the said bearing surface (41) of the said adjustment member (20).
  10. Clock movement according to Claim 9, characterized in that the said toothed pinion (44) is arranged so as to be translationally movable between a first rest position, in which it is arranged so as to be disengaged from the said bearing surface (41), and a second adjustment position, in which it is arranged to engage with the said bearing surface.
  11. Clock movement according to Claim 10, characterized in that the said first position is a high position, whilst the said second position is a depressed position, the said control mobile (42) further comprising an elastic member (48) arranged to hold the said toothed pinion (44) in its high position in the absence of any external action.
  12. Clock movement according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the said control mobile (42) is provided with at least one slot (50) suitable for cooperating with a tool in order to rotate the said toothed pinion (44).
  13. Clock movement according to any one of Claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the said stop wheel (22) and the said second member (10) are arranged one relatively to the other such that the said fixing element (23) defines a stop limiting their relative rotation movements.
  14. Timepiece provided with a clock movement according to any one of Claims 1 to 13.
EP08105371.2A 2008-09-18 2008-09-18 Clockwork comprising a constant-force device Not-in-force EP2166419B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08105371.2A EP2166419B1 (en) 2008-09-18 2008-09-18 Clockwork comprising a constant-force device
JP2011527267A JP5317071B2 (en) 2008-09-18 2009-07-30 Watch movement including constant load device
US13/119,956 US8550700B2 (en) 2008-09-18 2009-07-30 Clock movement containing a constant force device
CN2009801361945A CN102160003B (en) 2008-09-18 2009-07-30 Clock movement including a constant force device
PCT/EP2009/059902 WO2010031631A1 (en) 2008-09-18 2009-07-30 Clock movement including a constant force device
HK11113377.3A HK1159260A1 (en) 2008-09-18 2011-12-12 Clock movement including a constant force device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08105371.2A EP2166419B1 (en) 2008-09-18 2008-09-18 Clockwork comprising a constant-force device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2166419A1 EP2166419A1 (en) 2010-03-24
EP2166419B1 true EP2166419B1 (en) 2013-06-26

Family

ID=40451120

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08105371.2A Not-in-force EP2166419B1 (en) 2008-09-18 2008-09-18 Clockwork comprising a constant-force device

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US8550700B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2166419B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5317071B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102160003B (en)
HK (1) HK1159260A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2010031631A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HK1159260A1 (en) 2012-07-27
WO2010031631A1 (en) 2010-03-25
JP5317071B2 (en) 2013-10-16
JP2012503187A (en) 2012-02-02
CN102160003B (en) 2013-04-17
EP2166419A1 (en) 2010-03-24
US8550700B2 (en) 2013-10-08
CN102160003A (en) 2011-08-17
US20110235474A1 (en) 2011-09-29

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