EP3032354B1 - System for attaching a hairspring - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a hairspring system for a watch movement. It also relates to a watch movement including such a system. It also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprising such a system or such a movement. Finally, it relates to a setting process.

The traditional assembly of a balance-spring oscillator within a watch movement is carried out by means of a set of parts predisposed on the balance bridge which are provided to allow its movement in rotation, and thus allow a easy setting of the escapement so that at neutral, or equilibrium position, the center of the balance plate pin is on the line connecting the pivot points of the anchor, or of the blocker, and of the balance. To do this, the outer end of the hairspring is usually fixed to the balance bridge by means of a fixing support, for example a stud holder, which is movable in rotation relative to the frame of the watch movement. The removal of this angular positioning member from the balance bridge induces the loss of the setting of the mark.

The patent application EP1798609A2 discloses a conventional eyebolt holder on which is fixed the outer end of a hairspring. This eyebolt is assembled on a balance bridge. More particularly, it is pivoted in friction on the balance bridge by means of elastic means which are provided to cooperate with a guide portion of the balance bridge. Related elements such as a micrometric screw and a return spring allow fine adjustment of the rotation of the eyebolt relative to the balance bridge. The setting operation is thus carried out in a conventional manner by fine rotation of the hairspring fixing support relative to the frame of the clockwork movement. The disassembly of the eye bolt from the balance bridge also results in the loss of the setting of the mark.

The patent application EP2437126A1 describes a hairspring, the outer end of which has been manufactured with a connecting member designed to be fixed to an angular positioning member of a balance bridge. More particularly, this positioning member is guided in rotation on the balance bridge by means of a bore provided to cooperate with a cylindrical portion of the bridge. The removal of this member from the balance bridge here induces the loss of the setting of the mark. In an alternative embodiment, the spiral spring is movable relative to the balance bridge independently of an angular positioning member. The adjustment of the mark can here be carried out by directly modifying the angular position of the hairspring, in particular by means of the connecting member of the hairspring. Removing the oscillator from the balance bridge here induces the loss of the setting of the mark.

Requirement EP2799937A1 describes an angular positioning member of a spiral spring which is integral with a damper body. Thus, the setting operation is carried out by the angular displacement of the shock absorber body, in particular by means of a specific drive zone of the shock absorber body, which may for example be in the form of 'a set of teeth or flats. Removing the oscillator from the balance bridge leads to the loss of the setting of the mark.

The patent application EP2570868A1 describes an oscillator shaped and arranged so as to eliminate any setting operation. A hairspring, a large chainring, a chainring pin, as well as a small chainring are manufactured in one piece so that the angular indexing of these elements does not a priori require subsequent adjustment of the oscillator once. this one mounted within the movement. The end The exterior of the hairspring can therefore be secured to a fixed part of the movement, for example the plate, the anchor bridge, or the balance bridge. The eyebolt of the outer end of the spiral spring may in particular be provided to fit into a bore in the plate, and be maintained axially by a plate attached to the plate. This document does not disclose any means of adjusting the angular position of the hairspring, in particular of the eyebolt, relative to the frame of the movement.

The document EP2565730A1 relates to an escapement-holder module designed to pivot the components of the regulating organ, which is shaped to relate directly to the movement plate. This is distinguished by the fact that all the components of the regulating member are arranged in such a way that they can be assembled automatically from one side of the module. This device is devoid of snowshoes and of any device enabling the position of the outer end of the spiral spring to be mechanically adjusted; the end of this spring is probably glued or welded to a receiving surface of the lower bridge of the module. No relevant element relating to the setting of the oscillator emerges from this request.

The document CH705605A2 describes a device for adjusting the active length of a hairspring. The device comprises a racket on which is formed a groove intended to receive a slide which can be moved in the groove by rotating a toothed wheel. One end of the hairspring is linked to the slider and the active length of the hairspring can be adjusted by moving the slider. Note that if you want to remove the sprung balance, it is necessary to remove the slide. Its position before disassembly is not memorized by any element and the adjustment of the active length of the hairspring is inevitably lost.

The document US273138 describes a device for adjusting the position of the outer end of a hairspring. The device comprises a slide secured to the end of the hairspring and movable on a bridge. Note that if you want to remove the sprung balance, it is necessary to remove the slide. Its position before disassembly is not memorized by any element and the position adjustment of the outer end of the hairspring is inevitably lost.

The document US1181510 describes a device for adjusting the position of the outer end of a hairspring. The device comprises a toothed racket system cooperating with an adjusting wheel pivoted on a bridge and a toothed stud holder cooperating with an adjusting wheel pivoted on the bridge. Note that if one wishes to remove the sprung balance, it is necessary to act on the racket and on the eyebolt holder. The positions before disassembly are not memorized by any element and the position adjustment of the outer end of the hairspring is inevitably lost.

The document FR1293095 describes a hairspring device attached to a piton. The device conventionally comprises an active length adjustment of the hairspring with a racket. Note that if one wishes to remove the sprung balance, it is necessary to act on the racket. The position before disassembly is not memorized by any element and the position adjustment of the outer end of the hairspring is inevitably lost.

The document EP2781970A1 describes a device for adjusting the position of the outer end of a hairspring. The device comprises a toothing system integral with a frame cooperating with a tooth provided on a component for adjusting the position of a hairspring eyelet. Note that if you want to remove the sprung balance, it is necessary to remove the eyebolt. The position before disassembly is not memorized by any element and the position adjustment of the outer end of the hairspring is inevitably lost.

The document CH700408A2 describes a device for adjusting the position of the outer end of a hairspring. The device comprises a system for fixing and positioning a stud on a stud holder. Note that if you want to remove the sprung balance, it is necessary to remove the eyebolt. The position before disassembly is not memorized by any element and the position adjustment of the outer end of the hairspring is inevitably lost.

In all the documents known from the prior art which disclose a spiral spring intended to be movable relative to the blank on which it is mounted, it is necessary to perform operations for adjusting the oscillator, in particular a setting. mark, when mounting the oscillator in motion. This can lengthen and / or complicate the movement assembly operations.

The aim of the invention is to provide a hairspring system for a watch movement which makes it possible to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to improve the systems known in the art. prior. In particular, the invention proposes a system making it possible to simplify the operations of mounting and winding the oscillator of a mechanical watch movement.

A system according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments of the system are defined by dependent claims 2 to 11.

A movement according to the invention is defined by claim 12.

One embodiment of the movement is defined by dependent claim 13.

A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 14.

• Les figures 1 à 6 représentent, à titre d'exemple, un premier mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie incluant un premier mode de réalisation d'un système selon l'invention.
• Les figures 7 à 9 représentent, à titre d'exemple, un deuxième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie incluant un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un système selon l'invention.

A registration method according to the invention is defined by claim 15.

• The figures 1 to 6 represent, by way of example, a first embodiment of a timepiece including a first embodiment of a system according to the invention.
• The figures 7 to 9 show, by way of example, a second embodiment of a timepiece including a second embodiment of a system according to the invention.

A first embodiment of a timepiece 120, in particular of a wristwatch, is described below with reference to figures 1 to 6 . The timepiece includes a watch movement 110. This watch movement includes a spiral spring system 100.

• un ressort-spiral 1,
• une ébauche 3 du mouvement,
• un premier élément d'indexation 1c en position, notamment en position angulaire, d'une extrémité extérieure 10 du ressort-spiral relativement à l'ébauche 3, notamment un premier élément d'indexation 1c destiné à coopérer avec un deuxième élément d'indexation 3c prévu sur l'ébauche 3, et
• un organe OL de liaison de l'extrémité extérieure 10 du ressort-spiral à l'ébauche 3,

le premier élément d'indexation 1c étant agencé de sorte à être déplaçable, notamment déplaçable en rotation, relativement à l'organe de liaison.The system includes:

• a spiral spring 1,
• a draft 3 of the movement,
• a first indexing element 1c in position, in particular in angular position, of an outer end 10 of the spiral spring relative to the blank 3, in particular a first indexing element 1c intended to cooperate with a second indexing element 3c provided on draft 3, and
• a member OL for connecting the outer end 10 of the spiral spring to the blank 3,

the first indexing element 1c being arranged so as to be movable, in particular movable in rotation, relative to the connecting member.

The first indexing element 1c comprises a pin mounted on the connecting member. In particular, the first indexing element may comprise or be a screw base 1c mounted on the linking member OL. Advantageously, the first indexing element is intended to cooperate with a second indexing element 3c provided on the blank. In particular, the second indexing element is a bore 3c made on the blank. Thus, thanks to the indexing element, the angular position of the hairspring vis-à-vis the frame of the movement is preserved in the event of dismantling of the oscillator. The system can include a first immobilization element V1 of the linking member OL with respect to the first indexing element 1c.

By indexing element, we mean any element capable of memorizing a position, in particular an angular position, of a spiral spring with respect to a blank.

In the first embodiment, the balance spring 1 of the oscillator is linked to a balance, in particular in the usual way by means of a ferrule. The OL linker includes a first linker part or body OL1 and a second linker part or second body OL2. For example, the second part of the connection member OL2 has been manufactured with the outer end 10 of the hairspring or is integral with the hairspring. The first part of the connecting member OL1 is for example fixed or attached to the second part of the connecting member OL2, in particular by means of pins or rivets 9. To do this, the first and second parts comprise for example holes intended to receive the pins or the rivets. The second part of the OL2 member is specifically designed to form an interface between the body of the hairspring made of a first material, for example silicon, and the first part of the OL1 connecting member, made of a second material, by example of NiP.

Alternatively, the link member OL can be fully manufactured with the outer end 10 of the spiral spring 1 or be integral with the spiral spring.

Preferably, the connecting member is located at the level of the median plane P of the spiral spring. In particular, the connecting member may be located between a first plane P1 and a second plane P2, the first plane and second plane being symmetrical with respect to the plane P and distant by a distance d. For example, d is less than 1.2 mm, or even less than 1 mm, or even less than 0.8 mm. More preferably, the interface between the first part of the link member OL1 and the second part of the member OL2 is located at the level of the median plane P of the spiral spring. In particular, the interface between the first part of the link member OL1 and the second part of the member OL2 can be located between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2.

Preferably, the mechanical connection between the first part of the link member OL1 and the second part of the member OL2 is non-removable, that is to say non-removable without damaging the mechanical connection and / or the first part of the connecting member and / or the second part of the connecting member.

The first part of the link member OL1 comprises elements for guiding the spiral spring in rotation, in particular the outer end of the spiral spring. The guide elements comprise oblong openings 1a, 2a, for example two grooves in the form of concentric circular arcs. The oblong grooves can be made on different radii. Advantageously, the center of rotation, or the center of the arcs of circles, coincides substantially with the center of the spiral spring. The openings 1a, 2a are for example provided to cooperate with other guide elements, such as positioning pins 3a attached to the blank 3, in particular on the plate 3. Thus, the guide elements also constitute elements of centering of the spiral spring. Preferably, the openings 1a, 2a are at least two in number in order to ensure a radial positioning of the spiral spring which is as precise as allowed by the manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Ideally, these guide elements make it possible to retain the initial shape, without constraint or minimal constraints, of the spiral spring in the rest position of the regulator member.

The system can comprise a second immobilizing element 1b, in particular an immobilizing surface 1b, of the first part of the connecting member relative to the blank 3 or of the outer end 10 of the spiral spring relative to the blank 3, in particular a second immobilizing element 1b, in particular an immobilizing surface 1b, intended to cooperate with at least a third immobilizing element 3b, in particular an immobilizing surface 3b, of the blank 3.

Advantageously, at least one tenon 3a is a screw foot. The latter preferably cooperates with the third immobilization element. The foot-screw constitutes a means allowing the fixing or the immobilization of the spiral spring on the frame of the movement. In addition to its functions of guiding the spiral in rotation in cooperation with a groove 2a, the screw foot 3a can also be provided to participate in the positioning and fixing of a balance bridge 4 on the plate 3 as shown in the figure. figure 4 . The fixing by screwing of this bridge 4 on the plate 3 induces the securing of the outer end of the spiral spring to the frame of the movement. Indeed, once the bridge 4 mounted on the plate, the bearing surfaces 1b of the first part of the connecting member OL1 are immobilized against respective bearing surfaces 3b and 4b of the plate 3 and of the balance bridge 4. The first part of the link member OL1 is then clamped between the plate and the bridge. The first part of the connection member OL1 can preferably be made of a material that is more ductile than that of the body of the hairspring to allow the first part of the connection member OL1 to be adequately held against the screwing forces.

The system comprises a first guide element 2a of the first indexing element 1c relative to the first part OL1 of the connecting member. In particular, the first guide element comprises a oblong opening 2a intended to cooperate with a second guide element 10c, such as a flat or two flats made on the screw foot 1c. The first indexing element is advantageously provided with a geometry substantially complementary to that of the oblong cutout 2a, for example a geometry including for example one or two flats 10c. These flats can be flat. One or more flats 10c may alternatively not be completely flat, but have a convexity or a concavity complementary to that of the opening edge with which the flat must cooperate. In the first embodiment, the first guide element 2a of the first indexing element 1c relative to the first part OL1 of the connecting member is an element for guiding the spiral spring in rotation, in particular the end. outside of the spiral spring.

The system can include a first immobilization element V1 of the linking member OL with respect to the first indexing element 1c. Thus, the first indexing element can be made integral or fixed to the first part of the connecting member OL1 by means of the first immobilizing element V1. The first immobilization element can be a V1 screw. To achieve the immobilization or fixing, the first part of the connecting member can be clamped between the head of the screw V1 and one or more shoulders 10d made at the lower ends of the flat or flats, as shown in Figure figure 5 .

When mounting the hairspring on the movement, the screw base 1c, secured to or fixed to the hairspring, in particular fixed to the first part of the connecting member OL1, is provided to fit into the bore 3c of the plate 3. The cooperation of these elements guarantees an angular positioning of the spiral spring as precise as allowed by the manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

The registration operation is made possible when the fixing screw V1 of the screw foot 1c and a screw V3 of the screw foot 3a are unscrewed. In this configuration, the spiral spring can be moved in rotation, in particular, the outer end 10 of the spiral spring can be moved in rotation. This results in a rotational movement of the balance, which allows setting the mark. To ensure this alignment, the system advantageously comprises a first adjustment element 1d of the position of the outer end 10 of the spiral spring relative to the blank. This first adjustment element is provided to cooperate with a second adjustment element 3d to ensure the adjustment. As shown on the figure 6 , the first adjustment element may be a toothed sector 1d and the second adjustment element may be a toothed nut 3d, mounted so as to be able to rotate on the blank, in particular on the plate 3.

For example, the toothed sector 1d can be produced on the first part of the connection member OL1. In particular, the sector can be provided on an arc concentric with the hairspring and the balance. Thus, the toothed nut can mesh with the toothed sector so that a rotation of the nut causes a rotation of the toothed sector and, in fact, a rotation of the hairspring. To allow rotation of the nut, the latter preferably has a drive conformation using a tool, for example a slot 3e allowing the nut to be driven using a screwdriver. Preferably, the adjustment nut 3d is mounted in friction on the blank 3, or cooperates with a friction spring 6, so that a resistive torque opposes its rotation and, consequently, opposes its rotation. the rotation of the spiral spring. The friction spring may comprise a leaf spring which is arranged to cooperate, directly or indirectly, with the toothed nut so as to create a friction torque opposing the rotation of the toothed nut. This leaf spring can be fixed on the blank and press on one side of the nut. The leaf spring can be prestressed to permanently apply a mechanical action to the nut.

The definition of the teeth of the adjustment elements, as well as the choice of the value of the resistive torque, participate in the implementation of a device for fine movement of the hairspring relative to its fixing support.

The system preferably comprises a first stop element, in particular a groove 1a or a pin intended to cooperate with a second stop element 3a provided on the plate, in particular a pin or a groove. Preferably, the angular range of rotation of the spiral spring is defined by stops. For example, first stops can be formed by the ends 1e of the oblong cutouts 1a, which are provided to cooperate with second stops, for example one or more tenons 3a. In the first embodiment, a single cutout 1a forms the first stops 1e. This angular range of rotation can for example be between 20 ° and 40 °.

A second embodiment of a timepiece 220, in particular of a wristwatch, is described below with reference to figures 7 to 9 . The timepiece comprises a watch movement 210. This watch movement comprises a hairspring system 200.

Mainly, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that functions are distributed between the first and second parts of the link member OL1, OL2. Indeed, in the first embodiment, the functions (guidance, immobilization, indexing, adjustment, stop, mark) are concentrated on the first part of the connecting member.

In the second embodiment, the guide elements 1a can for example be formed on the second part of the link member OL2 which has been manufactured with the body of the hairspring. Such a solution makes it possible to minimize the chain of tolerances and thus to ensure a particularly precise radial positioning of the spiral spring.

In this second embodiment, an oblong cutout 10a is specially dedicated to the implementation of the indexing elements 1c of the angular position of the hairspring. Their operation is identical to those described above, the screw foot 1c being designed to be housed within a bore 3c made in the plate 3. The figures 8 and 9 represent the hairspring assembled on the movement. This assembly differs from that of the first mode by the fact that the fixing of the hairspring is ensured by a V3 screw, mounted directly on the plate 3, which has no effect on the balance bridge 4. The bearing surfaces 1b of the first part of the link member OL1 are here immobilized against respective bearing surfaces 3b and V3b of the plate 3 and the head of the screw V3. Thus, the registration operation is made possible independently of the elements for fixing the balance bridge to the plate, by unscrewing the screw V3 and the screw V1 of the screw base 1c.

As described above, adjustment or drive elements 1d can be carried by the first part of the link member OL1. These elements are in the form of a toothing 1d which is capable of being driven by the toothing of an adjusting nut 3d pivotably mounted on the plate 3. The friction torque provided to oppose the rotation of the spring -spiral is here provided by a spring 6 reported under the balance bridge and which is intended to act against a bearing surface 1b of the first part of the member of OL1 link. Thus, a friction torque indirectly opposing the rotation of the toothed nut is created.

Alternatively, the fixing of the hairspring relative to the plate can be ensured by friction, in particular by friction due to the friction spring. Thus, the hairspring can be held on the blank only by a frictional force, induced by a support force. Thus, the fixing of the hairspring can be carried out independently of any fixing screw.

The system may include a first mark 1f of the position of the outer end of the spiral spring relative to the blank, in particular a first toothing 1f or a first mark intended to cooperate respectively with a second mark 3f provided on the blank or a second toothing provided on the blank. Marker or receipt elements for the angular indexing of the spiral spring are here in the form of a micro-toothing 1f, formed on the first part of the connection member OL1, provided to cooperate with a visual marker 3f performed on the turntable.

Of course, the various functions mentioned above can be distributed over the first and second parts of the connecting member as desired by those skilled in the art depending on the construction constraints and the environment of the regulating member. In other words, certain functions can be supported both by the first part of the connecting member and by the second part of the connecting member.

All or some of the other characteristics of the second embodiment which are not described above may be identical to the equivalent characteristics of the first embodiment.

In a third embodiment (not shown), the first and second parts of the connection member OL1 and OL2 can be merged so that a single link member OL come from manufacture with the body of the hairspring carries the set of functions. For a hairspring made of a fragile material such as silicon, the bearing surfaces 1b could for example be hardened by a localized coating so as to support the axial forces, in particular the screwing forces.

In the various embodiments, the blank is preferably a plate.

In the various embodiments, advantageously, at least one connecting member, whether or not produced with the outer end of the spiral spring, comprises elements for moving the spiral spring in rotation with respect to its support. so that it is possible to adjust the angular position of the spiral spring relative to its support. These displacement elements are advantageously combined with elements for indexing the angular position of the hairspring relative to the frame. These displacement elements can also be combined with elements for fine adjustment of the angular position of the hairspring relative to the frame.

Advantageously, such a design makes it possible to implement a system for setting the mark of an oscillator, the hairspring of which is fixed to the movement by one or more blanks which cannot be moved relative to the frame.

Advantageously, the system allows a rotational movement of a hairspring vis-à-vis its fixing support so that the setting operation can be performed directly by the rotation of the hairspring, and not by the rotation of its mounting bracket. A such a solution may be particularly advantageous for an oscillator the hairspring of which is fixed to a support which cannot be moved vis-à-vis the frame of the clockwork movement, for example one or more blanks such as a plate and / or a balance bridge . The system according to the invention has the advantage of allowing an adjustment of the mark which has the particularity of being able to be kept after removing the oscillator from its support by virtue of the elements for indexing the angular position of the spiral spring. Furthermore, the system can make it possible to implement fine adjustment elements of the mark by means of adjustment elements carried by the hairspring system.

Such a system is suitable for any type of watch exhaust.

In the embodiments described above, the outer end of the hairspring is fixed to the frame of the movement by the plate and the balance bridge or by the plate independently of the balance bridge. These architectures make it possible in particular to reduce the axial bulk of the oscillator and to simplify the system for adjusting the axial range of the assembled balance.

In the embodiments of the watch movement, the movement comprises the blank, in particular the plate 3, and a balance 99. Preferably, the spiral spring system is arranged between the balance and the plate. Optionally, an element of the spiral spring system, for example a first indexing element 1c, such as a screw foot, or a guide means such as a tenon 3a or an adjustment element, such as a nut 3d, may however be disposed in the blank or be partially disposed in the blank.

Unless there is a technical or logical incompatibility, the various technical characteristics of the first, second and third embodiments can be combined.

• un ressort-spiral 1, et
• un organe OL de liaison de l'extrémité extérieure 10 du ressort-spiral à une ébauche 3 du mouvement, l'organe de liaison incluant un premier élément de réglage 1d de la position de l'extrémité extérieure 10 du ressort-spiral relativement à l'ébauche, notamment un premier élément 1d de réglage destiné à coopérer avec un deuxième élément de réglage 3d prévu sur l'ébauche.

The invention further relates to a system 100; 200 of a hairspring of a watch movement 110; 120, comprising:

• a spiral spring 1, and
• a member OL for connecting the outer end 10 of the spiral spring to a blank 3 of the movement, the connecting member including a first adjustment element 1d for the position of the outer end 10 of the spiral spring relative to the 'blank, in particular a first adjustment element 1d intended to cooperate with a second adjustment element 3d provided on the blank.

• libérer le premier élément d'indexation 1c relativement à l'organe de liaison OL ;
• déplacer l'organe de liaison OL ;
• fixer la position du premier élément d'indexation 1c relativement à l'organe de de liaison OL.

According to the invention, the marking process comprises the following steps:

• releasing the first indexing element 1c relative to the link member OL;
• move the OL linker;
• fix the position of the first indexing element 1c relative to the linking member OL.

The release of the first indexing element is for example implemented by acting on the first immobilizing element V1 of the linking member OL with respect to the first indexing element 1c. This action consists for example in unscrewing the screw V1. Therefore, the first indexing element can be moved relative to the connecting member and vice versa.

The movement of the first indexing element can be carried out by direct action of the watchmaker on the indexing element or preferably by direct action of the watchmaker on the connecting member. Direct action is also understood to mean action by the watchmaker using a tool. Alternatively, the displacement of the first indexing element can be carried out by indirect action on the indexing element or preferably on the connecting member. In particular, this indirect action can be carried out via the first adjustment element 1d of the position of the outer end 10 of the spiral spring relative to the blank, in particular via the toothed nut 3d, mounted to be movable in rotation on the blank. 3. Thus, the watchmaker can move the first indexing element relative to the connecting member by acting with the aid of a tool on the toothed nut.

The fixing of the first indexing element is for example implemented by acting on the first immobilizing element V1 of the linking member OL with respect to the first indexing element 1c. This action consists, for example, of screwing in screw V1. Therefore, the first index element can no longer be moved.

Optionally, before or after the release of the first indexing element, the immobilization surface of the connecting member can be released relative to the immobilization surface of the blank. The release of the immobilization surface is for example implemented by acting on the screw V3 of the screw foot 3a. This action consists, for example, in unscrewing screw V3. Therefore, the member can be moved relative to the blank.

Optionally, before or after the fixing of the first indexing element, it is possible to fix the immobilization surface of the connecting member relative to the immobilization surface of the blank. The fixing of the immobilization surface is for example implemented by acting on the screw V3 of the screw foot 3a. This action consists, for example, of tighten the V3 screw. Therefore, the member is immobilized relative to the blank.

Throughout this document, the terms “hairspring” and “hairspring” are used interchangeably to designate the same element.

In this document, the ordinal numeral adjectives "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" have a distinctive meaning. They are used to distinguish the elements from one another.

Preferably, the present invention excludes the fixing of the outer end of the spiral spring with the aid of a eyebolt or with the aid of an elastic fixing mechanism dedicated to come to cooperate with a eyebolt to clamp the spring. spiral.

Claims (15)

1. A balance spring system (100; 200) of a horology movement (110; 120), comprising:

   - a balance spring (1);

   - a movement blank (3);

   - a first element (1c) for indexing the position of an outer end (10) of the balance spring relative to the blank (3), and

   - a unit (OL) for connection of the outer end (10) of the balance spring to the movement blank (3),

   the first indexing element (1c) being designed such as to be displaceable relative to the connection unit (OL), being capable to memorize a position, in particular an angular position, of the balance spring relative to the blank and being intended to cooperate with a second indexing element (3c) provided on the blank (3), the first indexing element (1c) comprising a shaft which is fitted on the connection unit (OL), in particular a screw foot (1c) which is fitted on the connection unit (OL) and the second indexing element (3c) being a bore (3c) provided in the blank.
2. The system as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the connection unit is at a median plane (P) of the balance spring.
3. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft which is fitted on the connection unit (OL) is designed to cooperate with a bore (3c) provided in the blank and/or wherein the system comprises a first element (V1) for immobilization of the connection unit (OL) relative to the first indexing element (1c) and/or wherein the system comprises a first element (1a, 2a) for guiding of the first indexing element (1c) .
4. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a first element (1d) for adjustment of the position of the outer end (10) of the balance spring relative to the blank fitted such as to be mobile in rotation on the blank.
5. The system as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein a friction element (6) is designed to cooperate directly or indirectly with the second adjustment element, such as to create friction torque which opposes the rotation of the second adjustment element.
6. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a third element (1a) for guiding of the system in rotation relative to the blank.
7. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a second element (1b) for immobilization of the connection unit relative to the blank (3) or of the outer end (10) of the balance spring relative to the blank (3) which is designed to cooperate with at least a third immobilization element (3b).
8. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a first adjusting-mark (1f) for the position of the outer end of the balance spring relative to the blank and/or wherein the blank is a plate.
9. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection unit (OL) is produced integrally with the outer end (10) of the balance spring (1) or is in a single piece with the balance spring.
10. The system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connection unit (OL) comprises a first body (OL1) and a second body (OL2) produced integrally with the outer end (10) of the balance spring (1) or in a single piece with the balance spring, the first body (OL1) being permanently secured on the second body (OL2) or produced integrally with the second body (OL2).
11. The system as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the interface between the first body (OL1) and the second body (OL2) is at a median plane (P) of the balance spring.
12. A horology movement (110; 210) comprising a system (100; 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.
13. The horology movement as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the movement comprises a movement blank and a balance (99), the balance spring system being placed between the balance and the movement blank.
14. A horology piece (120; 220) comprising a system (100; 200) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, or a movement as claimed in claim 12 or 13.
15. A method for putting a horology movement as claimed in claim 12 or 13 into beat, wherein it comprises the following steps:

    - releasing the first indexing element (1c) relative to the connection unit (OL);

    - displacing the connection unit (OL); and

    - securing the position of the first indexing element (1c) relative to the connection unit (OL) .

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