EP2908191A2 - Adjustment of the frequency of a clock resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means - Google Patents
Adjustment of the frequency of a clock resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2908191A2 EP2908191A2 EP15153321.3A EP15153321A EP2908191A2 EP 2908191 A2 EP2908191 A2 EP 2908191A2 EP 15153321 A EP15153321 A EP 15153321A EP 2908191 A2 EP2908191 A2 EP 2908191A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- spiral
- return means
- elastic return
- regulating device
- resonator mechanism
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 86
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 66
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000005291 magnetic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000005686 electrostatic field Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241001080024 Telles Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009633 clock regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005294 ferromagnetic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008531 maintenance mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005381 potential energy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000930 thermomechanical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
- G04B18/02—Regulator or adjustment devices; Indexing devices, e.g. raquettes
-
- 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
- G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
- G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
- G04B17/063—Balance construction
-
- 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
- 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
- G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
- G04B18/04—Adjusting the beat of the pendulum, balance, or the like, e.g. putting into beat
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method of frequency maintenance and regulation, around its natural frequency, of a clockwork resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means which comprises at least one spiral or a torsion wire or a flexible guide, where at least one regulating device acting on said resonator mechanism is used with a periodic movement.
- the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one clock resonator mechanism designed to oscillate at a natural frequency, said clock resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means comprising at least one hairspring or a wire of torsion or flexible guidance.
- the invention also relates to a timepiece, more particularly a watch, comprising at least one such watch movement.
- the invention relates to the field of time bases in mechanical watchmaking, in particular based on a spiral balance resonator mechanism.
- the document EP 1 843 227 A1 of the same applicant describes a coupled resonator comprising a first low frequency resonator for example of the order of a few hertz and a second resonator at higher frequency, for example of the order of one kilohertz.
- the invention is characterized in that the first resonator and the second resonator comprise permanent mechanical coupling means, said coupling making it possible to stabilize the frequency in the event of external disturbances, for example in the event of shocks.
- the document CH 615 314 A3 in the name of PATEK PHILIPPE SA describes a mobile watch clock regulation unit, comprising an oscillating balance mechanically maintained by a spiral spring, and a vibrating member magnetically coupled with a fixed member for the synchronization of the balance.
- the balance and the vibrating member are constituted by a single mobile element vibrating and oscillating simultaneously.
- the vibration frequency of the vibrating member is an integer multiple of the oscillation frequency of the balance.
- the invention proposes to manufacture a time base as accurate as possible.
- the invention relates to a frequency maintenance and regulation method, around its natural frequency, of a clockwork resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means which comprises at least one hairspring or a wire torsion or flexible guide, wherein at least one regulating device acting on said resonator mechanism with a periodic movement is used, characterized in that said periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation, with a regulation frequency which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of said natural frequency, said integer being greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10, by controlling a periodic variation of the real part and / or the imaginary part of the rigidity of at least one said elastic return means.
- said periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonant frequency of said resonator mechanism, by imposing a modulation of the section of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the modulus of elasticity of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the shape of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the stresses at the attachment points of at least one said means elastic return.
- At least one said regulator device is used to impart periodic movement to at least one component of said resonator mechanism or to a tooling influencing the position of such a component of said resonator mechanism and prints said periodic movement to a said resonator mechanism comprising at least one means of resilient return comprising at least one hairspring or a torsion wire or a flexible guide, and is made to act at least one said regulating device by controlling a periodic variation of the rigidity of said elastic return means by modulating its section and / or its modulus elasticity and / or its shape and / or stresses at its attachment points.
- the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one clock resonator mechanism designed to oscillate at a natural frequency, said clock resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means comprising at least one hairspring or a wire of torsion or flexible guide, characterized in that said movement comprises at least one regulating device arranged to control a periodic variation of the rigidity of said elastic return means with a control frequency which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of said natural frequency of said resonator, said integer being greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10, and in that said regulating device is arranged to print a periodic movement to at least one component of said resonator mechanism for exerting on said component a twisting or pulling or compressive force, and / or for printing a periodic movement to at least one tooling influencing the position of such a component of said resonator mechanism, and in that at least one said regulating device is arranged to impose a modulation of the section of at least one said elastic return means, and
- the invention also relates to a timepiece, more particularly a watch, comprising at least one such watch movement.
- the object of the invention is to manufacture a time base to make a mechanical timepiece, including a mechanical watch, as accurate as possible.
- a parametric resonator system reduces the influence of the exhaust and thus make the watch more accurate.
- a parametric oscillator uses, for the maintenance of oscillations, a parametric actuation which consists in varying one of the parameters of the oscillator with a regulation frequency ⁇ R between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of a multiple integer of the eigenfrequency ⁇ 0 of the oscillator system to be regulated, this integer being greater than or equal to 2, and which is preferably an integer multiple, in particular double, of the natural frequency ⁇ 0.
- regulator 2 the oscillator which serves for maintenance and frequency regulation of the other system maintained, which is called “the resonator” 1.
- T is the kinetic energy
- V the potential energy and the inertia I ( t )
- the rigidity k ( t ) and the rest position x 0 ( t ) of said resonator are a periodic function of time
- x is the generalized coordinate of the resonator.
- the function f (t) takes the value 0 in the case of a non-forced oscillator.
- This function f (t) can, again, be a periodic function, or be representative of a Dirac type pulse.
- the invention consists in varying, by the action of a maintenance oscillator or regulator, one or the other, or all, the terms ⁇ (t), ⁇ (t), by modifying the real part and / or imaginary rigidity, with a regulation frequency ⁇ R which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple, this integer being greater than or equal to 2, in particular double, of the natural frequency ⁇ 0 of the system oscillator to be regulated.
- the regulation frequency ⁇ R is an integer multiple, in particular double, of the natural frequency ⁇ 0 of the resonator system to be regulated.
- the rest position x 0 (t) varies simultaneously with the parameters ⁇ (t), ⁇ (t), with a regulation frequency ⁇ R which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of a multiple integer, this integer being greater than or equal to 2, in particular double, of the natural frequency ⁇ 0 of the oscillator system to be regulated.
- all the terms ⁇ (t), ⁇ (t), x 0 (t), vary with a control frequency ⁇ R which is preferably multiple integer, in particular double, of the natural frequency ⁇ 0 of the resonator system to be regulated.
- the maintenance oscillator or regulator in addition to the modulation of the parametric terms, also introduces a nonparametric maintenance term f (t) , the amplitude of which is negligible once the parametric regime is reached [ WB Case, The pumping of a swing from the standing position, Am. J. Phys. 64, 215 (1996) )].
- forcing term f (t) may be introduced by a second maintenance mechanism.
- the principle can be reproduced in a timepiece or a watch which comprises a mechanical resonator balance sprung, with one end of the spiral attached to a ferrule integral with the balance, and the other end attached to a stud.
- the oscillation can be maintained and the accuracy of the system is notoriously improved.
- the maintenance is advantageously carried out with an integer multiple frequency, in particular double, of the frequency of the maintained resonator.
- the mechanical means of maintenance can take different forms.
- the present invention consists in varying the rigidity of the spiral.
- the excitation at twice the frequency can be performed with a square signal, or with a pulse signal, it is not essential to have a sinusoidal excitation.
- the maintenance regulator does not need to be very precise: its possible lack of precision only results in a loss of amplitude, but without variation of the frequency (except of course if this frequency is very variable, which is to be avoided).
- these two oscillators, maintenance regulator and resonator maintained are not coupled, but one maintains the other, one-way.
- the invention differs from the coupled oscillators known elsewhere: indeed, it is not desired, in the implementation of the invention, reversibility of energy transfer between two oscillators, but rather, in the whenever possible, a one-way energy transfer from one oscillator to the other.
- the invention more particularly relates to the frequency regulation of a clock resonator by acting on the rigidity of an elastic return means.
- the invention relates to a method of frequency regulation of a clock resonator mechanism 1 around its natural frequency ⁇ 0.
- This method implements at least one regulating device 2 imparting a periodic movement to at least one component of the resonator mechanism 1 or to a tooling influencing the position or the rigidity of such a component of the resonator mechanism 1.
- this periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation at least of the resonance frequency of the resonator mechanism 1, acting at least on the rigidity of an elastic return means that includes this resonator mechanism 1, with a regulation frequency ⁇ R which is included between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of the natural frequency ⁇ 0, this integer being greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10.
- the periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonant frequency of the resonator mechanism 1, imposing both a modulation of the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 1 and an inertial modulation of the mechanism resonator 1.
- the periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonance frequency of the resonator mechanism 1, by imposing a modulation of the section of an elastic return means, in particular but not exclusively a spring, that comprises said resonator mechanism 1 and / or a modulation of the modulus of elasticity of an elastic return means that comprises the resonator mechanism 1, and / or a modulating the shape of an elastic return means that comprises the resonator mechanism 1.
- this periodic movement may, again, impose a periodic modulation of the resonance frequency of the resonator mechanism 1, by imposing, again, a modulation of the active length of an elastic return means, in particular a spring , what does this resonator mechanism 1 involve?
- the periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonance frequency of the resonator mechanism 1 by imposing both a modulation of the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 1, and a modulation of the rest point of the resonator mechanism 1.
- At least one said regulator device 2 is used to impart periodic movement to at least one component of the resonator mechanism 1, or to a tool that influences the position of such a component of the resonator mechanism. 1, and this periodic movement is imparted to a resonator mechanism 1 comprising at least one elastic return means 40 comprising at least one hairspring 4 or a torsion wire 46, or an elastic flexible guide including a virtual pivot (such as butterfly guide, or 4-necked RCC, combination of flexible blades, or set of crossed blades, or the like, which can be produced in one piece by the technologies of micro-machinable materials, "MEMS", “LIGA” or the like), and at least one said regulator device 2 by controlling a periodic variation of the rigidity of the elastic return means 40 by modulating its section and / or its modulus of elasticity and / or its form e and / or constraints at its attachment points.
- a resonator mechanism 1 comprising at least one elastic return means 40 comprising at least one hairspring 4 or a torsion wire
- shape modulation is meant here a deformation, under the effect of an external constraint, with respect to the idle form of the elastic return means, and not the normal deformation in service that takes for example a spiral spring during its contraction and its elongation. This is for example a deformation induced by contact, by aerodynamic friction, a contactless force such as a force of magnetic or electrostatic origin, or other.
- the elastic return means 40 considered here is the means used to ensure the oscillation frequency of the resonator mechanism 1.
- the preferred application of the invention concerns watches, especially for an application where the elastic return means 40 is constituted by a torsion wire.
- this method is applied to a resonator mechanism 1 comprising at least one elastic return means 40 comprising at least one hairspring 4 or a torsion wire 46 or a flexible guide 46, and at least one such device is made to act.
- regulator 2 by controlling a periodic variation of the real part and / or the imaginary part of the rigidity of this elastic return means 40, the real part of the rigidity defining the frequency of this resonator mechanism 1, and the imaginary part of the rigidity defining the quality factor of this resonator mechanism 1.
- this method is applied to a sprung-balance assembly 3, the spiral 4 of which constitutes the elastic return means 40 and is held between a stud 5 at a first external end 6 and a ferrule 7 at a second inner end 8, and is made to act at least one such regulator device 2 by controlling a periodic variation of the real part and / or the imaginary part of the rigidity of the spiral 4.
- the external terminal curve 17 of the hairspring 4 is doubled locally by an additional turn 18 fixed to this hairspring 4 at at least a first junction point 19, and is made periodically with the regulating device 2 of twists in opposite directions on the outer end curve 17 and on the additional turn 18, by acting on the peak 5 for the outer terminal curve 17, and on an end 18A opposite this first junction point 19 of the additional turn 18 for the additional turn 18.
- This double torsion has the advantage of allowing the modification of the rigidity of the spiral, without modifying its position in its plane.
- the external terminal curve 17 of the spiral 4 is locally doubled by an additional turn 18 fixed to this spring 4 at at least a first junction point 19, and a movement is made periodically with the regulating device 2 on an opposite end 18A. at this first junction point 19 of the additional coil 18.
- the stiffness of the external terminal curve, and consequently that of the spiral, is thus modified. It is also possible to use the regulator device 2 to move the stud 5 and the end 18A.
- an arm 20 is attached to the external terminal curve 17 of the hairspring 4 at at least a second junction point 21, and a movement is made periodically with the regulating device 2 on one end 22 of the arm 20 opposite this second point.
- the arm 20 is chosen to be stiffer than the external terminal curve 17.
- the spiral 4 is made with at least two conductive strips 41, 42, separated by insulating elements 43 and such a regulating device 2 is used to periodically apply a field to the two blades 41, 42 so as to modify the gap E1 ( Figure 7A ) or E2 ( Figure 7B ) between these two blades 41,42, and thus to change the total section and stiffness of the spiral 4. In a variant, they are periodically applied a different field.
- the two blades 41, 42 are subjected to a different electromagnetic and / or electrostatic and / or magnetostatic field, by a movement printed on a ferromagnetic or magnetized or electrostatically conductive or electrised polar mass (in particular magnets or electrets) in the vicinity.
- each blade so as to give rise to an electric or magnetic or electrostatic or magnetostatic force between them, and to approach them or to move them away from each other.
- the rigidity of the spiral 4 is modified because its section varies.
- the movement is preferably mechanically printed to these polar masses.
- the two blades 41, 42 are subjected to an electric or electrostatic field so as to locally polarize the spiral 4 and locally modify its rigidity 4.
- such a regulating device 2 comprising a rotating mobile 28 equipped with magnets 29 at its periphery and whose field cooperates periodically with at least one magnet 45 placed on the spiral 4 (one can imagine placing the magnet on the side of the ferrule), to periodically change the stiffness of the hairspring 4.
- the prestressing of the hairspring and the radial position of the counting point are also periodically modified.
- a rotating mobile 28 is used that is inhomogeneously magnetized to periodically modify the rigidity of the spring 4 by the phenomenon of magnetostriction.
- a regulator device 2 comprising a similar rotating mobile 28, this time equipped with electrets at its periphery, and whose electric field cooperates periodically with at least one electret placed on the external terminal curve 17 of the spiral 4, to periodically change the rigidity of the spiral 4, by the phenomenon of piezoelectricity.
- the rigidity is modulated through a temperature variation.
- the regulation frequency ⁇ R is twice the natural frequency ⁇ 0.
- the relative amplitude of the modulation of the real part of the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 1 is greater than twice the inverse of the quality factor of the resonator mechanism 1.
- the invention also relates to a watch movement 10, comprising at least one clocking resonator mechanism 1 designed to oscillate at a natural frequency ⁇ 0, this clock resonator mechanism 1 comprising at least one elastic return means 40 comprising at least a hairspring 4 or a torsion wire 46 or a flexible guide.
- this movement 10 comprises at least one regulating device 2 controlling a periodic variation of the rigidity of the elastic return means 40 with a regulation frequency ⁇ R, which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of the natural frequency ⁇ 0 of the resonator 1, said integer being greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10.
- the clockwork resonator mechanism 1 comprises at least one balance spring-balance 3, the spiral 4 constitutes the elastic return means 40 and is held between a stud 5 at a first outer end 6 and a ferrule 7 to a second internal end 8, and the regulator device 2 controls a periodic variation of the rigidity of the spiral 4.
- the movement 10 comprises an additional turn 18 fixed to this spring 4 in at least a first junction point 19 and lining locally with the external terminal curve 17 of the spiral 4.
- the regulating device 2 periodically makes twists of opposite directions on the outer terminal curve 17 and on the additional turn 18, by acting on the stud 5 for the outer terminal curve 17, and on one end 18A of the additional turn 18 opposite this first connection point 19.
- the movement 10 comprises an additional turn 18 fixed to this spring 4 at at least a first junction point 19 and lining locally with the external terminal curve 17 of the spring 4, and the regulating device 2 periodically moves on an end 18A of the additional turn 18 opposite this first junction point 19.
- the additional turn 18 is either of flexibility equivalent to that of the external terminal curve 17, or much more rigid than the external terminal curve 17.
- the movement 10 comprises an arm 20 fixed to the outer end curve 17 of the hairspring 4 at at least a second junction point 21, and the regulating device 2 periodically moves on one end 22 of the arm 20 opposite to this second junction point 21.
- the arm 20 is more rigid than the external terminal curve 17.
- the movement 10 comprises, in the vicinity of the outer terminal curve 17 of the spiral 4, another turn 23 which is maintained at a first end by a support 24 operated by the regulating device 2, and which is free at a second end 25 arranged to periodically come into contact with the external terminal curve 17 under the action of the regulating device 2 on this support 24.
- the hairspring 4 comprises at least two conductive strips 41, 42, separated by insulating elements 43, and the regulating device 2 is arranged to periodically subject the two blades 41, 42 to an electric and / or magnetic field (in the broad sense , according to the definition of fields above), so as to change the gap E1, E2, between the two blades 41, 42, and thus to modify the total section and the rigidity of the spiral 4.
- the regulator 2 is arranged to periodically subject the two blades 41, 42 to a different electric field.
- the regulating device 2 comprises a rotating mobile 28 equipped with magnets 29 at its periphery and whose magnetic field cooperates periodically with at least one magnet 45 placed on the external terminal curve 17 of the spiral 4, to periodically modify the rigidity of the spiral 4 .
- the resonator mechanism 1 comprises at least one rocker 26 comprising a ferrule 7 holding a torsion wire 46 which constitutes the elastic return means 40, and the regulating device 2 controls a periodic variation of the tension of the torsion wire 46.
- layers or electrostatic elements may be implemented to vary the rigidity of a spring or spiral by covering it partially or completely with a piezoelectric layer activated by a small electronic module.
- the regulation frequency ⁇ R of the regulating device 2 is twice the natural frequency ⁇ 0 of the resonator mechanism 1.
- the invention also relates to a timepiece, more particularly a watch, comprising at least one such watch movement 10.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Springs (AREA)
- Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
- Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
- Control Of Position Or Direction (AREA)
Abstract
Procédé de régulation en fréquence, autour de sa fréquence propre (É0), d'un mécanisme résonateur (1) comportant un moyen de rappel élastique (40) avec un spiral (4) ou un fil de torsion (46), où un dispositif régulateur (2) agit sur ledit mécanisme résonateur (1) avec un mouvement périodique, avec une fréquence de régulation (ÉR) qui est comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier entre 2 et 10 de ladite fréquence propre (É0), commandant une variation périodique de la partie réelle et/ou de la partie imaginaire de la rigidité dudit moyen de rappel élastique (40). Mouvement d'horlogerie (10) comportant un tel mécanisme résonateur (1) et comportant un tel dispositif régulateur (2) agencé pour commander une variation périodique de la rigidité dudit moyen de rappel élastique (40).A frequency regulation method, around its own frequency (É0), of a resonator mechanism (1) comprising an elastic return means (40) with a spiral (4) or a torsion wire (46), where a device regulator (2) acts on said resonator mechanism (1) with a periodic movement, with a control frequency (ER) which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple between 2 and 10 of said natural frequency ( É0), controlling a periodic variation of the real part and / or the imaginary part of the rigidity of said elastic return means (40). Clockwork movement (10) comprising such a resonator mechanism (1) and comprising such a regulating device (2) arranged to control a periodic variation of the rigidity of said elastic return means (40).
Description
L'invention concerne un procédé d'entretien et de régulation en fréquence, autour de sa fréquence propre, d'un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique lequel comporte au moins un spiral ou un fil de torsion ou un guidage flexible, où on met en oeuvre au moins un dispositif régulateur agissant sur ledit mécanisme résonateur avec un mouvement périodique.The invention relates to a method of frequency maintenance and regulation, around its natural frequency, of a clockwork resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means which comprises at least one spiral or a torsion wire or a flexible guide, where at least one regulating device acting on said resonator mechanism is used with a periodic movement.
L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie conçu pour osciller à une fréquence propre, ledit mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique comportant au moins un spiral ou un fil de torsion ou un guidage flexible.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one clock resonator mechanism designed to oscillate at a natural frequency, said clock resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means comprising at least one hairspring or a wire of torsion or flexible guidance.
L'invention concerne encore une pièce d'horlogerie, plus particulièrement une montre, comportant au moins un tel mouvement d'horlogerie.The invention also relates to a timepiece, more particularly a watch, comprising at least one such watch movement.
L'invention concerne le domaine des bases de temps en horlogerie mécanique, en particulier basées sur un mécanisme résonateur à balancier-spiral.The invention relates to the field of time bases in mechanical watchmaking, in particular based on a spiral balance resonator mechanism.
La recherche de l'amélioration de performances des bases de temps horlogères est une préoccupation constante. Une limitation importante à la performance chronométrique des montres mécaniques réside dans l'utilisation des échappements impulsionnels conventionnels, et aucune solution d'échappement n'a jamais pu éviter ce type de perturbation.The search for improved performance of watch time bases is a constant concern. An important limitation to the chronometric performance of mechanical watches is the use of conventional impulse exhausts, and no escape solution has ever been able to avoid this type of disturbance.
Le document
Le document
L'invention se propose de fabriquer une base de temps la plus précise possible.The invention proposes to manufacture a time base as accurate as possible.
A cet effet, l'invention concerne un procédé d'entretien et de régulation en fréquence, autour de sa fréquence propre, d'un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique lequel comporte au moins un spiral ou un fil de torsion ou un guidage flexible, où on met en oeuvre au moins un dispositif régulateur agissant sur ledit mécanisme résonateur avec un mouvement périodique, caractérisé en ce que ledit mouvement périodique impose une modulation périodique, avec une fréquence de régulation qui est comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier de ladite fréquence propre, ledit entier étant supérieur ou égal à 2 et inférieur ou égal à 10, en commandant une variation périodique de la partie réelle et/ou de la partie imaginaire de la rigidité d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique.For this purpose, the invention relates to a frequency maintenance and regulation method, around its natural frequency, of a clockwork resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means which comprises at least one hairspring or a wire torsion or flexible guide, wherein at least one regulating device acting on said resonator mechanism with a periodic movement is used, characterized in that said periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation, with a regulation frequency which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of said natural frequency, said integer being greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10, by controlling a periodic variation of the real part and / or the imaginary part of the rigidity of at least one said elastic return means.
Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, ledit mouvement périodique impose une modulation périodique de la fréquence de résonance dudit mécanisme résonateur, en imposant une modulation de la section d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique, et/ou une modulation du module d'élasticité d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique, et/ou une modulation de la forme d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique, ou/et une modulation des contraintes aux points de fixation d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique.According to one characteristic of the invention, said periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonant frequency of said resonator mechanism, by imposing a modulation of the section of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the modulus of elasticity of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the shape of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the stresses at the attachment points of at least one said means elastic return.
Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, on met en oeuvre au moins un dit dispositif régulateur imprimant un mouvement périodique à au moins un composant dudit mécanisme résonateur ou à un outillage influant sur la position d'un tel composant dudit mécanisme résonateur et on imprime ledit mouvement périodique à un dit mécanisme résonateur comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique comportant au moins un spiral ou un fil de torsion ou un guidage flexible, et on fait agir au moins un dit dispositif régulateur en commandant une variation périodique de la rigidité dudit moyen de rappel élastique en modulant sa section et/ou son module d'élasticité et/ou sa forme et/ou les contraintes à ses points de fixation.According to one characteristic of the invention, at least one said regulator device is used to impart periodic movement to at least one component of said resonator mechanism or to a tooling influencing the position of such a component of said resonator mechanism and prints said periodic movement to a said resonator mechanism comprising at least one means of resilient return comprising at least one hairspring or a torsion wire or a flexible guide, and is made to act at least one said regulating device by controlling a periodic variation of the rigidity of said elastic return means by modulating its section and / or its modulus elasticity and / or its shape and / or stresses at its attachment points.
L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie conçu pour osciller à une fréquence propre, ledit mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique comportant au moins un spiral ou un fil de torsion ou un guidage flexible, caractérisé en ce que ledit mouvement comporte au moins un dispositif régulateur agencé pour commander une variation périodique de la rigidité dudit moyen de rappel élastique avec une fréquence de régulation qui est comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier de ladite fréquence propre dudit résonateur, ledit entier étant supérieur ou égal à 2 et inférieur ou égal à 10, et en ce que ledit dispositif régulateur est agencé pour imprimer un mouvement périodique à au moins un composant dudit mécanisme résonateur pour exercer sur ledit composant un effort de vrillage ou de traction ou de compression, ou/et pour imprimer un mouvement périodique à au moins un outillage influant sur la position d'un tel composant dudit mécanisme résonateur, et en ce que au moins un dit dispositif régulateur est agencé pour imposer une modulation de la section d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique, et/ou une modulation du module d'élasticité d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique, et/ou une modulation de la forme d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique, ou/et une modulation des contraintes aux points de fixation d'au moins un dit moyen de rappel élastique.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one clock resonator mechanism designed to oscillate at a natural frequency, said clock resonator mechanism comprising at least one elastic return means comprising at least one hairspring or a wire of torsion or flexible guide, characterized in that said movement comprises at least one regulating device arranged to control a periodic variation of the rigidity of said elastic return means with a control frequency which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of said natural frequency of said resonator, said integer being greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10, and in that said regulating device is arranged to print a periodic movement to at least one component of said resonator mechanism for exerting on said component a twisting or pulling or compressive force, and / or for printing a periodic movement to at least one tooling influencing the position of such a component of said resonator mechanism, and in that at least one said regulating device is arranged to impose a modulation of the section of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the modulus of elasticity of at least one said elastic return means, and / or a modulation of the shape of at least one said elastic return means, or / and a modulation of the stresses at the points of fixing at least one said elastic return means.
L'invention concerne encore une pièce d'horlogerie, plus particulièrement une montre, comportant au moins un tel mouvement d'horlogerie.The invention also relates to a timepiece, more particularly a watch, comprising at least one such watch movement.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, en référence aux dessins annexés, où :
- la
figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, un pendule dont on fait varier la longueur ; - la
figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, un diapason avec deux balanciers-spiraux attachés l'un à l'autre - la
figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, et partielle, le spiral d'un ensemble balancier-spiral, avec une spire additionnelle fixée à ce spiral et venant en doublure localement avec la courbe terminale externe du spiral, et un dispositif régulateur pour effectuer des torsions de sens opposés sur la courbe terminale externe et sur cette spire additionnelle ; - la
figure 4 représente, de façon similaire à lafigure 3 , une spire additionnelle et un dispositif régulateur actionnant une extrémité de cette spire additionnelle ; - la
figure 5 représente un spiral auquel est fixé un bras, et un dispositif régulateur actionnant une extrémité de ce bras ; - la
figure 6 illustre un spiral avec, au voisinage de sa courbe terminale externe, une autre spire qui est maintenue à une première extrémité par un appui manoeuvré par un dispositif régulateur, et qui est libre à une deuxième extrémité agencée pour venir périodiquement en contact avec la courbe terminale externe sous l'action du dispositif régulateur sur cet appui ; - la
figure 7 illustre un spiral comportant deux lames conductrices séparées par des éléments isolants, et lesfigures 7A et 7B montrent, en coupe, deux sections de ce spiral selon les champs électriques appliqués à ce spiral ; - la
figure 8 illustre un dispositif régulateur comportant un mobile rotatif équipé d'aimants à sa périphérie et dont le champ coopère périodiquement avec un aimant placé sur la courbe terminale externe d'un spiral ; - la
figure 9 illustre un mécanisme résonateur comportant un balancier comportant une virole maintenant un fil de torsion, dont un dispositif régulateur commande une variation périodique de la tension ; - la
figure 10 représente, sous forme d'un schéma-blocs, une montre comportant un mouvement mécanique avec un mécanisme résonateur régulé selon l'invention.
- the
figure 1 represents, schematically, a pendulum whose length is varied; - the
figure 2 schematically represents a tuning fork with two spiral pendulums attached to each other - the
figure 3 represents, schematically and partially, the hairspring of a balance-hairspring assembly, with an additional turn attached to this hairspring and coming locally lined with the external terminal curve of the hairspring, and a regulating device for making twists of direction opposite on the outer terminal curve and on this additional turn; - the
figure 4 represents, similarly to thefigure 3 an additional turn and a regulating device actuating one end of this additional turn; - the
figure 5 represents a hairspring to which an arm is attached, and a regulating device actuating an end of this arm; - the
figure 6 illustrates a hairspring with, in the vicinity of its external terminal curve, another turn which is held at a first end by a support operated by a regulating device, and which is free at a second end arranged to periodically come into contact with the terminal curve external under the action of the regulator on this support; - the
figure 7 illustrates a spiral comprising two conductive blades separated by insulating elements, and theFigures 7A and 7B show, in section, two sections of this spiral according to the electric fields applied to this spiral; - the
figure 8 illustrates a regulating device comprising a rotating mobile equipped with magnets at its periphery and whose field cooperates periodically with a magnet placed on the outer terminal curve of a spiral; - the
figure 9 illustrates a resonator mechanism comprising a balance having a ferrule holding a torsion wire, a regulating device of which controls a periodic variation of the voltage; - the
figure 10 represents, in the form of a block diagram, a watch comprising a mechanical movement with a regulated resonator mechanism according to the invention.
Le but de l'invention est de fabriquer une base de temps pour rendre une pièce d'horlogerie mécanique, notamment une montre mécanique, la plus précise possible.The object of the invention is to manufacture a time base to make a mechanical timepiece, including a mechanical watch, as accurate as possible.
Une manière d'y parvenir consiste à associer différents résonateurs, soit directement, soit via l'échappement.One way of doing this is to associate different resonators, either directly or via the exhaust.
Pour pallier le facteur d'instabilité lié au mécanisme d'échappement, un système de résonateur paramétrique permet de diminuer l'influence de l'échappement et de rendre ainsi la montre plus précise.To overcome the instability factor related to the escape mechanism, a parametric resonator system reduces the influence of the exhaust and thus make the watch more accurate.
Selon l'invention, un oscillateur paramétrique utilise, pour le maintien des oscillations, une actuation paramétrique qui consiste à faire varier un des paramètres de l'oscillateur avec une fréquence de régulation ωR comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier de la fréquence propre ω0 du système oscillateur à réguler, cet entier étant supérieur ou égal à 2, et qui est de préférence multiple entière, notamment double, de la fréquence propre ω0.According to the invention, a parametric oscillator uses, for the maintenance of oscillations, a parametric actuation which consists in varying one of the parameters of the oscillator with a regulation frequency ωR between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of a multiple integer of the eigenfrequency ω0 of the oscillator system to be regulated, this integer being greater than or equal to 2, and which is preferably an integer multiple, in particular double, of the natural frequency ω0.
Par convention et afin de bien les distinguer, on appelle ici « régulateur » 2 l'oscillateur qui sert à l'entretien et à la régulation en fréquence de l'autre système entretenu, lequel est dénommé « le résonateur» 1.By convention and in order to distinguish them well, here is called "regulator" 2 the oscillator which serves for maintenance and frequency regulation of the other system maintained, which is called "the resonator" 1.
La lagrangienne L d'un résonateur paramétrique de dimension 1 est :
où T est l'énergie cinétique et V l'énergie potentielle et l'inertie I(t), la rigidité k(t) et la position de repos x0(t) dudit résonateur sont une fonction périodique du temps, x est la coordonnée généralisée du résonateur.The Lagrangian L of a parametric resonator of
where T is the kinetic energy and V the potential energy and the inertia I ( t ), the rigidity k ( t ) and the rest position x 0 ( t ) of said resonator are a periodic function of time, x is the generalized coordinate of the resonator.
L'équation du résonateur paramétrique forcé et amorti est obtenue par l'équation de Lagrange pour la lagrangienne L en ajoutant un forçant f(t) et une force de Langevin prenant en compte les mécanismes dissipatifs :
La fonction f(t) prend la valeur 0 dans le cas d'un oscillateur non-forcé.
Cette fonction f(t) peut, encore, être une fonction périodique, ou encore être représentative d'une impulsion de type Dirac.The equation of the forced and damped parametric resonator is obtained by the Lagrange equation for the Lagrangian L by adding a forcing f (t) and a Langevin force taking into account the dissipative mechanisms:
The function f (t) takes the value 0 in the case of a non-forced oscillator.
This function f (t) can, again, be a periodic function, or be representative of a Dirac type pulse.
L'invention consiste à faire varier, par l'action d'un oscillateur d'entretien ou régulateur, l'un ou l'autre, ou tous, les termes β(t), ω(t), en modifiant la partie réelle et/ou imaginaire de la rigidité, avec une fréquence de régulation ωR qui est comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier, cet entier étant supérieur ou égal à 2, notamment double, de la fréquence propre ω0 du système oscillateur à réguler.The invention consists in varying, by the action of a maintenance oscillator or regulator, one or the other, or all, the terms β (t), ω (t), by modifying the real part and / or imaginary rigidity, with a regulation frequency ωR which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple, this integer being greater than or equal to 2, in particular double, of the natural frequency ω0 of the system oscillator to be regulated.
Dans une réalisation particulière, la fréquence de régulation ωR est multiple entière, notamment double, de la fréquence propre ω0 du système résonateur à réguler.In a particular embodiment, the regulation frequency ωR is an integer multiple, in particular double, of the natural frequency ω0 of the resonator system to be regulated.
Dans une variante, la position de repos x0(t), varie simultanément avec les paramètres β(t), ω(t), avec une fréquence de régulation ωR qui est comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier, cet entier étant supérieur ou égal à 2, notamment double, de la fréquence propre ω0 du système oscillateur à réguler.In one variant, the rest position x 0 (t) varies simultaneously with the parameters β (t), ω (t), with a regulation frequency ωR which is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of a multiple integer, this integer being greater than or equal to 2, in particular double, of the natural frequency ω 0 of the oscillator system to be regulated.
De préférence, tous les termes β(t), ω(t), x0(t), varient avec une fréquence de régulation ωR qui est de préférence multiple entière, notamment double, de la fréquence propre ω0 du système résonateur à réguler.Preferably, all the terms β (t), ω (t), x 0 (t), vary with a control frequency ωR which is preferably multiple integer, in particular double, of the natural frequency ω0 of the resonator system to be regulated.
Généralement, l'oscillateur d'entretien ou régulateur, en plus que la modulation des termes paramétriques, introduit aussi un terme d'entretien non paramétrique f(t), dont l'amplitude est négligeable une fois que le régime paramétrique est atteint [
Dans une variante, le terme forçant f(t) peut être introduit par un deuxième mécanisme d'entretien.Alternatively, the forcing term f (t) may be introduced by a second maintenance mechanism.
Les paramètres de cette équation sont le terme de fréquence ω et le terme de pertes et frottements β. Le facteur de qualité de l'oscillateur est défini par Q = ω/β.
Pour mieux comprendre le phénomène, on peut se rapprocher de l'exemple d'un pendule dont on fait varier la longueur. Dans ce cas,
To better understand the phenomenon, we can approach the example of a pendulum whose length is varied. In that case,
Dans cet exemple particulier, si la longueur L est modulée dans le temps périodiquement avec une fréquence 2ω et une amplitude de modulation δL suffisante (δL/L > 2β/ω), le système oscille à la fréquence ω sans s'amortir.
[
[
Le principe peut être repris dans une pièce d'horlogerie ou une montre qui comporte un résonateur mécanique à balancier-spiral, avec une extrémité du spiral fixée à une virole solidaire du balancier, et l'autre extrémité fixée à un piton.The principle can be reproduced in a timepiece or a watch which comprises a mechanical resonator balance sprung, with one end of the spiral attached to a ferrule integral with the balance, and the other end attached to a stud.
L'entretien paramétrique d'un tel système balancier-spiral peut notamment être réalisé en rendant ce piton mobile, de façon périodique.The parametric maintenance of such a balance spring-balance system can in particular be achieved by making this stud mobile, periodically.
L'oscillation peut être maintenue et la précision du système est notoirement améliorée.The oscillation can be maintained and the accuracy of the system is notoriously improved.
Le choix d'une fréquence d'un oscillateur d'excitation au double de la fréquence du système que l'on veut stabiliser en régularité d'oscillation permet d'effectuer la modulation sur une alternance complète, et d'obtenir un amortissement nul ou négatif.The choice of a frequency of an excitation oscillator at twice the frequency of the system which one wants to stabilize in regularity of oscillation makes it possible to carry out the modulation on a complete alternation, and to obtain a null damping or negative.
L'industrialisation de tels systèmes d'oscillateurs paramétriques est liée aux deux fonctions essentielles: la fourniture d'énergie et le comptage.The industrialization of such parametric oscillator systems is related to two essential functions: energy supply and metering.
Ces deux fonctions peuvent être séparées, comme illustré par la
Il est encore possible de privilégier une modification des pertes par frottements dans l'air, plutôt que de faire osciller le terme de fréquence, ou encore de modifier l'inertie du balancier par un balourd.It is still possible to favor a modification of the losses by friction in the air, rather than to oscillate the term of frequency, or to modify the inertia of the balance by an imbalance.
Pour une efficacité maximale, l'entretien est avantageusement effectué avec une fréquence multiple entière, notamment double, de la fréquence du résonateur entretenu. Les moyens mécaniques d'entretien peuvent prendre différentes formes.For maximum efficiency, the maintenance is advantageously carried out with an integer multiple frequency, in particular double, of the frequency of the maintained resonator. The mechanical means of maintenance can take different forms.
La présente invention consiste à faire varier la rigidité du spiral.The present invention consists in varying the rigidity of the spiral.
L'excitation au double de la fréquence peut être effectuée avec un signal carré, ou encore avec un signal impulsionnel, il n'est pas indispensable d'avoir une excitation sinusoïdale.The excitation at twice the frequency can be performed with a square signal, or with a pulse signal, it is not essential to have a sinusoidal excitation.
Le régulateur d'entretien n'a pas besoin d'être très précis: son défaut de précision éventuel se traduit seulement par une perte d'amplitude, mais sans variation de la fréquence (sauf bien sûr si cette fréquence est très variable, ce qui est à éviter). En fait, ces deux oscillateurs, régulateur d'entretien et résonateur entretenu, ne sont pas couplés, mais l'un entretient l'autre, à sens unique.The maintenance regulator does not need to be very precise: its possible lack of precision only results in a loss of amplitude, but without variation of the frequency (except of course if this frequency is very variable, which is to be avoided). In fact, these two oscillators, maintenance regulator and resonator maintained, are not coupled, but one maintains the other, one-way.
Dans une réalisation préférée, il n'y a pas de ressort de couplage entre ces deux oscillateurs.In a preferred embodiment, there is no coupling spring between these two oscillators.
On comprend bien que l'invention se distingue des oscillateurs couplés connus par ailleurs: en effet, on ne souhaite pas, dans la mise en oeuvre de l'invention, de réversibilité du transfert d'énergie entre deux oscillateurs, mais plutôt, dans la mesure du possible, un transfert d'énergie à sens unique d'un oscillateur vers l'autre.It is well understood that the invention differs from the coupled oscillators known elsewhere: indeed, it is not desired, in the implementation of the invention, reversibility of energy transfer between two oscillators, but rather, in the whenever possible, a one-way energy transfer from one oscillator to the other.
L'invention concerne plus particulièrement la régulation en fréquence d'un résonateur d'horlogerie par action sur la rigidité d'un moyen de rappel élastique.The invention more particularly relates to the frequency regulation of a clock resonator by acting on the rigidity of an elastic return means.
Ainsi, l'invention concerne un procédé de régulation en fréquence d'un mécanisme résonateur 1 d'horlogerie autour de sa fréquence propre ω0. Ce procédé met en oeuvre au moins un dispositif régulateur 2 imprimant un mouvement périodique à au moins un composant du mécanisme résonateur 1 ou à un outillage influant sur la position ou sur la rigidité d'un tel composant du mécanisme résonateur 1.Thus, the invention relates to a method of frequency regulation of a
Et ce mouvement périodique impose une modulation périodique au moins de la fréquence de résonance du mécanisme résonateur 1, en agissant au moins sur la rigidité d'un moyen de rappel élastique que comporte ce mécanisme résonateur 1, avec une fréquence de régulation ωR qui est comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier de la fréquence propre ω0, cet entier étant supérieur ou égal à 2 et inférieur ou égal à 10.And this periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation at least of the resonance frequency of the
Dans une mise en oeuvre particulière de l'invention, le mouvement périodique impose une modulation périodique de la fréquence de résonance du mécanisme résonateur 1, en imposant à la fois une modulation de la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur 1 et une modulation d'inertie du mécanisme résonateur 1.In a particular embodiment of the invention, the periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonant frequency of the
Dans une mise en oeuvre particulière de l'invention, le mouvement périodique impose une modulation périodique de la fréquence de résonance du mécanisme résonateur 1, en imposant une modulation de la section d'un moyen de rappel élastique, notamment mais non limitativement un ressort, que comporte ledit mécanisme résonateur 1 et/ou une modulation du module d'élasticité d'un moyen de rappel élastique que comporte le mécanisme résonateur 1, et/ou une modulation de la forme d'un moyen de rappel élastique que comporte le mécanisme résonateur 1.In a particular implementation of the invention, the periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonance frequency of the
Dans une application particulière, ce mouvement périodique peut, encore, imposer une modulation périodique de la fréquence de résonance du mécanisme résonateur 1, en imposant, encore, une modulation de la longueur active d'un moyen de rappel élastique, notamment d'un ressort, que comporte ce mécanisme résonateur 1.In a particular application, this periodic movement may, again, impose a periodic modulation of the resonance frequency of the
Dans une mise en oeuvre particulière de l'invention, le mouvement périodique impose une modulation périodique de la fréquence de résonance du mécanisme résonateur 1 en imposant à la fois une modulation de la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur 1, et une modulation du point de repos du mécanisme résonateur 1.In a particular implementation of the invention, the periodic movement imposes a periodic modulation of the resonance frequency of the
Dans une application particulière illustrée par les figures, on met en oeuvre au moins un dit dispositif régulateur 2 imprimant un mouvement périodique à au moins un composant du mécanisme résonateur 1, ou à un outillage influant sur la position d'un tel composant du mécanisme résonateur 1, et on imprime ce mouvement périodique à un mécanisme résonateur 1 comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique 40 comportant au moins un spiral 4 ou un fil de torsion 46, ou un guidage flexible élastique notamment à pivot virtuel (tel que guidage papillon, ou RCC 4 cols, combinaison de lames flexibles, ou ensemble de lames croisées, ou similaire, réalisable de façon monobloc par les technologies des matériaux micro-usinables, « MEMS », « LIGA » ou similaires), et on fait agir au moins un dit dispositif régulateur 2 en commandant une variation périodique de la rigidité du moyen de rappel élastique 40 en modulant sa section et/ou son module d'élasticité et/ou sa forme et/ou les contraintes à ses points de fixation.In a particular application illustrated by the figures, at least one said
Par modulation de forme on entend ici une déformation, sous l'effet d'une contrainte externe, par rapport à la forme à vide du moyen de rappel élastique, et non la déformation normale en service que prend par exemple un ressort spiral au cours de sa contraction et de son élongation. Il s'agit par exemple d'une déformation induite par un contact, par un frottement aérodynamique, un effort sans contact tel qu'une force d'origine magnétique ou électrostatique, ou autre.By "shape modulation" is meant here a deformation, under the effect of an external constraint, with respect to the idle form of the elastic return means, and not the normal deformation in service that takes for example a spiral spring during its contraction and its elongation. This is for example a deformation induced by contact, by aerodynamic friction, a contactless force such as a force of magnetic or electrostatic origin, or other.
Naturellement, le moyen de rappel élastique 40 considéré ici est le moyen utilisé pour assurer la fréquence d'oscillation du mécanisme résonateur 1.Naturally, the elastic return means 40 considered here is the means used to ensure the oscillation frequency of the
L'application préférée de l'invention concerne les montres, tout particulièrement pour une application où le moyen de rappel élastique 40 est constitué par un fil de torsion.The preferred application of the invention concerns watches, especially for an application where the elastic return means 40 is constituted by a torsion wire.
Selon l'invention, on applique ce procédé à un mécanisme résonateur 1 comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique 40 comportant au moins un spiral 4 ou un fil de torsion 46 ou un guidage flexible 46, et on fait agir au moins un tel dispositif régulateur 2 en commandant une variation périodique de la partie réelle et/ou de la partie imaginaire de la rigidité de ce moyen de rappel élastique 40, la partie réelle de la rigidité définissant la fréquence de ce mécanisme résonateur 1, et la partie imaginaire de la rigidité définissant le facteur de qualité de ce mécanisme résonateur 1.According to the invention, this method is applied to a
Dans les variantes illustrées aux
Dans la variante de la
Dans la variante de la
On peut choisir de donner une rigidité particulière à cette spire additionnelle 18, et notamment :
- ou bien on choisit une telle
spire additionnelle 18 de souplesse équivalente à celle de la courbe terminale externe 17, - ou bien on choisit une telle
spire additionnelle 18 plus rigide que la courbe terminale externe 17.
- or one chooses such
additional turn 18 of flexibility equivalent to that of theexternal terminal curve 17, - or we choose such
additional turn 18 more rigid than the outerterminal curve 17.
Dans la variante de la
Dans la variante de la
Dans la variante de la
Notamment on soumet les deux lames 41, 42, à un champ, électromagnétique et/ou électrostatique et/ou magnétostatique, différent, par un mouvement imprimé à une masse polaire ferromagnétique ou magnétisée ou électrostatiquement conductrice ou électrisée (notamment aimants ou électrets) à proximité immédiate de chaque lame de façon à faire naître une force électrique ou magnétique ou électrostatique ou magnétostatique entre elles, et les approcher ou les éloigner l'une de l'autre. La rigidité du spiral 4 est modifiée car sa section varie. Le mouvement est de préférence imprimé mécaniquement à ces masses polaires.In particular, the two
Dans une variante on soumet les deux lames 41, 42, à un champ électrique ou électrostatique de façon à polariser localement le spiral 4 et à modifier localement sa rigidité 4.In a variant, the two
Dans la variante de la
Dans une autre variante, on utilise un mobile rotatif 28 aimanté de manière inhomogène pour modifier périodiquement la rigidité du spiral 4 par le phénomène de la magnétostriction.In another variant, a rotating mobile 28 is used that is inhomogeneously magnetized to periodically modify the rigidity of the
Dans une variante électrostatique, on utilise un tel dispositif régulateur 2 comportant un mobile rotatif 28 similaire, cette fois équipé d'électrets à sa périphérie, et dont le champ électrique coopère périodiquement avec au moins un électret placé sur la courbe terminale externe 17 du spiral 4, pour modifier périodiquement la rigidité du spiral 4, par le phénomène de la piézoélectricité.In an electrostatic variant, use is made of such a
Dans une autre variante encore, on module la rigidité à travers une variation de température.In yet another variant, the rigidity is modulated through a temperature variation.
Dans une mise en oeuvre avantageuse de ce procédé, valable pour toutes les variantes exposées ci-dessus, la fréquence de régulation ωR est le double de la fréquence propre ω0.In an advantageous implementation of this method, valid for all the variants exposed above, the regulation frequency ωR is twice the natural frequency ω0.
Dans une mise en oeuvre avantageuse du procédé, l'amplitude relative de la modulation de la partie réelle de la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur 1 est supérieure à deux fois l'inverse du facteur de qualité du mécanisme résonateur 1.In an advantageous implementation of the method, the relative amplitude of the modulation of the real part of the rigidity of the
L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie 10, comportant au moins un mécanisme résonateur 1 d'horlogerie conçu pour osciller à une fréquence propre ω0, ce mécanisme résonateur 1 d'horlogerie comportant au moins un moyen de rappel élastique 40 comportant au moins un spiral 4 ou un fil de torsion 46 ou un guidage flexible. Selon l'invention ce mouvement 10 comporte au moins un dispositif régulateur 2 commandant une variation périodique de la rigidité du moyen de rappel élastique 40 avec une fréquence de régulation ωR, qui est comprise entre 0.9 fois et 1.1 fois la valeur d'un multiple entier de la fréquence propre ω0 du résonateur 1, ledit entier étant supérieur ou égal à 2 et inférieur ou égal à 10.The invention also relates to a
Dans les variantes illustrées aux
Dans la variante de la
Dans la variante de la
La spire additionnelle 18 est, ou bien de souplesse équivalente à celle de la courbe terminale externe 17, ou bien plus rigide que la courbe terminale externe 17.The
Dans la variante de la
Dans une réalisation particulière, le bras 20 est plus rigide que la courbe terminale externe 17.In a particular embodiment, the
Dans la variante de la
Dans la variante de la
Dans la variante de la
Dans la variante de la
Dans une autre variante encore, des couches ou éléments électrostatiques peuvent être mis en oeuvre pour faire varier la rigidité d'un ressort ou spiral en le recouvrant partiellement ou complètement d'une couche piézoélectrique activée par un petit module électronique.In yet another variant, layers or electrostatic elements may be implemented to vary the rigidity of a spring or spiral by covering it partially or completely with a piezoelectric layer activated by a small electronic module.
De préférence, la fréquence de régulation ωR du dispositif régulateur 2 est le double de la fréquence propre ω0 du mécanisme résonateur 1.Preferably, the regulation frequency ωR of the
L'invention concerne encore une pièce d'horlogerie, plus particulièrement une montre, 30 comportant au moins un tel mouvement d'horlogerie 10.The invention also relates to a timepiece, more particularly a watch, comprising at least one
Claims (41)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP15153321.3A EP2908191B1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2015-01-30 | Adjustment of the frequency of a clock resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP14155433.7A EP2908188B1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2014-02-17 | Adjustment of a clock piece resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means |
EP15153321.3A EP2908191B1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2015-01-30 | Adjustment of the frequency of a clock resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2908191A2 true EP2908191A2 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
EP2908191A3 EP2908191A3 (en) | 2015-09-02 |
EP2908191B1 EP2908191B1 (en) | 2020-03-18 |
Family
ID=50101823
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14155433.7A Active EP2908188B1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2014-02-17 | Adjustment of a clock piece resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means |
EP15153321.3A Active EP2908191B1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2015-01-30 | Adjustment of the frequency of a clock resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14155433.7A Active EP2908188B1 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2014-02-17 | Adjustment of a clock piece resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9201400B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2908188B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5997305B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104849994B (en) |
HK (1) | HK1213646A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2015105166A (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH709281A2 (en) * | 2014-02-17 | 2015-08-28 | Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd | Clockwork resonator mechanism comprising an oscillating member carrying an oscillating regulator device. |
CN110546581B (en) * | 2017-03-28 | 2021-09-03 | 斯沃奇集团研究和开发有限公司 | Mechanical timepiece comprising a movement whose operation is enhanced by an adjustment device |
EP3457223A1 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2019-03-20 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Piezoelectric element for a frequency self-regulation circuit, and oscillating mechanical system and device including the same |
EP3457224B1 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2020-10-28 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Piezoelectric element for a frequency self-regulation circuit, oscillating mechanical system and device including the same, and method for manufacturing the piezoelectric element |
EP3502788B1 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2021-03-17 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Standalone device for adjusting the active length of a hairspring |
EP3629103B1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2021-05-12 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement of which the oscillation precision is regulated by an electronic device |
EP4009115A1 (en) * | 2020-12-02 | 2022-06-08 | Omega SA | Hairspring for timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a means for adjusting rigidity |
EP4016193A1 (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2022-06-22 | Omega SA | Timepiece resonator mechanism with flexible guide provided with a means for adjusting the rigidity |
EP4187326A1 (en) * | 2021-11-29 | 2023-05-31 | Omega SA | Hairspring for timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a means for adjusting stiffness |
CN115603698B (en) * | 2022-11-28 | 2023-05-05 | 电子科技大学 | Tunable film bulk acoustic resonator based on elastic softening effect |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1843227A1 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2007-10-10 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Coupled resonator for control system |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1217883B (en) * | 1960-04-06 | 1966-05-26 | Baehni & Co S A | Electric clock with a pulse generator and a drive element for the gear train, using a magnetostrictive oscillator |
US3451210A (en) * | 1966-07-01 | 1969-06-24 | Benrus Corp | System for maintaining oscillations in an electric timing mechanism having an oscillatory element |
CH1810272A4 (en) * | 1972-12-13 | 1977-02-28 | ||
FR2748583B1 (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1998-06-26 | Asulab Sa | STABILIZATION OF AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT FOR REGULATING THE MECHANICAL MOVEMENT OF A WATCHMAKING PART |
CH696507A5 (en) * | 1998-02-05 | 2007-07-13 | Asulab Sa | An electronic timepiece comprising a generator driven by a spring barrel. |
DE60314142T2 (en) * | 2003-10-01 | 2008-01-24 | Asulab S.A. | Clock with a mechanical movement, which is coupled with an electronic regulator |
ATE481662T1 (en) * | 2004-10-26 | 2010-10-15 | Lvmh Swiss Mft Sa | WRISTWATCH REGULATOR AND MECHANICAL MOVEMENT HAVING SUCH A REGULATOR |
EP2410386B1 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2018-10-03 | Nivarox-FAR S.A. | balance wheel with inertia adjustment with insert |
EP2570871B1 (en) * | 2011-09-14 | 2014-03-19 | Montres Breguet SA | Hairspring with two spiral springs |
HK1178376A2 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2013-09-06 | Master Dynamic Ltd | Hairspring for mechanical timepiece |
EP2690507B1 (en) * | 2012-07-26 | 2014-12-31 | Nivarox-FAR S.A. | Holorological hairspring |
CH707814A2 (en) * | 2013-03-19 | 2014-09-30 | Nivarox Sa | Clockwork mechanism spiral adjustment. |
-
2014
- 2014-02-17 EP EP14155433.7A patent/EP2908188B1/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-01-30 EP EP15153321.3A patent/EP2908191B1/en active Active
- 2015-02-12 US US14/620,733 patent/US9201400B2/en active Active
- 2015-02-12 CN CN201510075805.7A patent/CN104849994B/en active Active
- 2015-02-16 RU RU2015105166A patent/RU2015105166A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2015-02-16 JP JP2015027462A patent/JP5997305B2/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-02-11 HK HK16101510.1A patent/HK1213646A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1843227A1 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2007-10-10 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Coupled resonator for control system |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
A. H. NAYFEH; D. T. MOOK: "Nonlinear Oscillations", 1977, WILEY-INTERSCIENCE |
D. RUGAR; P. GRUTTER: "Mechanical parametric amplification and thermomechanical noise squeezing", PRL, vol. 67, 1991, pages 699, XP000238493, DOI: doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.67.699 |
W. B. CASE: "The pumping of a swing from the standing position", AM. J. PHYS., vol. 64, 1996, pages 215 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN104849994A (en) | 2015-08-19 |
EP2908188B1 (en) | 2018-06-27 |
CN104849994B (en) | 2017-12-05 |
RU2015105166A3 (en) | 2018-09-20 |
EP2908188A1 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
EP2908191B1 (en) | 2020-03-18 |
US20150234356A1 (en) | 2015-08-20 |
EP2908191A3 (en) | 2015-09-02 |
JP2015152604A (en) | 2015-08-24 |
US9201400B2 (en) | 2015-12-01 |
RU2015105166A (en) | 2016-09-10 |
HK1213646A1 (en) | 2016-07-08 |
JP5997305B2 (en) | 2016-09-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2908191B1 (en) | Adjustment of the frequency of a clock resonator by changing the rigidity of a resilient return means | |
EP2908185B1 (en) | Device for maintaining and adjusting a clock piece resonator | |
EP3108305B1 (en) | Method for maintaining and adjusting a clock piece resonator | |
EP2908187B1 (en) | Adjustment of a clock piece resonator by changing the active length of a hairspring | |
US9871472B2 (en) | Energy-harvesting apparatus with plural mechanical amplifiers | |
EP2487547B1 (en) | Regulator of a clockwork wheel or an alarm wheel | |
CH709279A2 (en) | Regulation of a clockwork resonator by acting on the rigidity of an elastic return means. | |
EP3273309B1 (en) | Timepiece with hybrid oscillator | |
EP1276126A1 (en) | Microelectromechanical device | |
EP2908186B1 (en) | Frequency regulation of a clock resonator with movement of the hairspring | |
CH709278A2 (en) | Regulation of a clockwork resonator by acting on the active length of a balance spring. | |
EP3140698B1 (en) | Tuning fork mechanical oscillator for clock movement | |
CH709280A2 (en) | Method for maintaining and regulating a timepiece resonator. | |
CH702188B1 (en) | A regulating organ for a wristwatch, and a timepiece comprising such a regulating organ. | |
CH681067A5 (en) |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: G04B 17/26 20060101AFI20150728BHEP |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20160302 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20180423 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20191111 |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTD |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602015048865 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1246619 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200415 Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200618 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20200318 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200618 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200619 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200718 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200812 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1246619 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200318 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602015048865 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20201221 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210130 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20210131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20150130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230615 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20231219 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231219 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200318 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231219 Year of fee payment: 10 Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20240202 Year of fee payment: 10 |