EP3118693B1 - Mechanism for regulating the rate of a clock oscillator - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a microsystem for adjusting a clock oscillator, comprising at least one flywheel arranged to pivot relative to a base plate that comprises said microsystem, said flywheel comprising an eccentric balance and comprising a toothing, said microsystem comprising at least one actuator arranged to drive a control wheel, a lever, or a ratchet wheel, said active pawl being arranged to drive said toothing, and said microsystem comprising at least one stop means in position of said toothing.

The invention also relates to a clock oscillator comprising at least one such microsystem.

The invention also relates to a watch movement, comprising at least one such oscillator.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such microsystem or such an oscillator.

The invention also relates to a device for adjusting a clock oscillator, comprising at least one such watch.

The invention relates to the field of adjustment of clock oscillators, more particularly for mechanical movements.

Background of the invention

Adjusting the mechanical time of a watch is a specialist task, and requires meticulous, precise and attentive work.

To adjust the running of a mechanical watch, it is generally necessary to open the box and extract the movement, to then access components for the adjustment of the step, and in particular, in the usual case of an oscillator comprising a set balance-spring, where the frequency of oscillation depends on the inertia of the balance and the stiffness of the balance spring, with components allowing to act independently on these two parameters: - screw on the arms or the shank of the pendulum and whose rotation adjustment makes it possible to modify the inertia of this equipped balance wheel, movable rack in pivoting and arranged to modify the rigidity of the hairspring, - or the like.

This operation therefore requires additional operations that are time consuming. In addition, the leak test must be redone. Often, the operation of re-nesting of the movement still produces a shift of the step, which requires to redo the adjustment.

The document EP2410386 A1 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR SA describes a pendulum equipped with timepiece, with inertia adjustment to adjust its inertia and / or its balance or / and its frequency of oscillation, with a balance having an inserted insert in a housing a serge connected to a hub by a junction surface. This balance or this insert is equipped with elastic holding means allowing, under stress, insertion of the insert into its housing, and prohibiting, once released after complete insertion of each insert, the extraction of this insert out of its housing. These elastic holding means can be made directly in the balance rod serge.

JPS5238254A in the name of SEIKO INSTR & ELECTRONICS describes an optical adjustment device.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to allow a fine or coarse adjustment of a function of a mechanical watch, and more particularly a fine adjustment of the running of a mechanical watch movement, without having to open the case of this watch.

The invention proposes to use the properties of energy transport by a light beam, or laser, or the like, towards the inside of the watch case, to reversibly deform certain zones of the oscillator.

To this end, the invention relates to a microsystem for adjusting a clock oscillator according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a clock oscillator comprising at least one such microsystem, according to claim 20.

The invention also relates to a watch movement, comprising at least one such oscillator, according to claim 22.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such microsystem or at least one such oscillator, according to claim 23.

The invention also relates to a device for adjusting a clock oscillator, comprising at least one such watch, according to claim 26.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de face, un balancier équipé pour mécanisme oscillateur d'horlogerie, qui comporte, portés par la serge d'un balancier, deux microsystèmes selon l'invention agencés pour transformer un flux d'énergie lumineuse, concentrée au niveau d'au moins une zone de chauffage, en une variation d'inertie de ce balancier équipé, par modification de la répartition dans l'espace des masses qui le composent ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en coupe, une montre comportant une boîte obturée par une glace de fond transparente, laquelle boîte renferme un mouvement comportant un oscillateur mécanique dont seul est représenté le balancier équipé de la figure 1, dont une partie de la surface est située dans une zone illuminée par un rayon lumineux d'origine externe, concentré par une lentille, et traversant le fond transparent de la boîte;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de face, un microsystème selon l'invention, comportant un actionneur thermomécanique fixé sur une plaque de base, constitué par un mobile déformable en forme de croix dont deux bras longitudinaux, reliés entre eux par une alternance de cols et de masses, et en léger déport transversal l'un par rapport à l'autre, constituent l'appui sur la plaque de base, et dont un bras transversal appelé baguette porte un premier cliquet dit actif, lequel est agencé pour entraîner une denture d'une roue-masselotte à balourd excentrique montée pivotante par rapport à la plaque de base, et dont un autre bras transversal libre en porte-à-faux constitue un contrepoids d'équilibrage;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe selon le tracé AA du microsystème de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 représente une variante de l'actionneur thermomécanique de la figure 3, en forme de té, et dépourvue de contrepoids dans le prolongement de la baguette, et avec un déport transversal des bras longitudinaux dans une autre configuration que la figure 3 ;
• la figure 6 est un schéma de répartition de température de l'actionneur de la figure 5 quand les extrémités les plus éloignées des bras longitudinaux sont maintenues à température ambiante, ainsi que l'extrémité distale de la baguette, tandis que la zone centrale comportant les cols est placée en zone de chauffage à une haute température comprise entre 150°C et 300°C ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de face, la déformée de l'actionneur thermomécanique de la figure 5 soumis à cette haute température, et la figure 8 en est un détail au niveau des cols ;
• la figure 9 est une courbe montrant la quasi-linéarité de la course de déplacement de l'extrémité distale de la baguette, correspondant à la course du premier cliquet actif, en fonction de la différence de température entre la zone de chauffage et la plaque de base;
• la figure 10 est une courbe similaire montrant l'évolution quasi-linéaire de la contrainte dans les cols, en fonction de la température ;
• la figure 11 est l'équivalent de la figure 9 pour l'actionneur de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 12 est un détail d'une roue-masselotte ;
• la figure 13 est une courbe montrant la différence de marche qui est une fonction sinusoïdale de l'angle de rotation de la roue-masselotte ;
• la figure 14 est un schéma-blocs représentant un dispositif de réglage de marche d'un oscillateur d'horlogerie, comportant une montre avec un mouvement comportant un oscillateur muni d'un microsystème selon l'invention, ce dispositif comportant des moyens de pilotage interfacés avec des moyens de surveillance de la marche et des moyens de surveillance de température, agencés à proximité de la boîte de la montre.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, and in front view, a pendulum equipped for clockwork oscillator mechanism, which comprises, carried by the serge of a balance, two microsystems according to the invention arranged to transform a light energy flow, concentrated at the level of at least one heating zone, in a variation of inertia of this equipped balance, by modifying the distribution in space of the masses which compose it;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically, partially, and in section, a watch comprising a box closed by a transparent background glass, which box contains a movement comprising a mechanical oscillator which only is represented the balance equipped with the figure 1 , part of the surface of which is located in an area illuminated by a light ray of external origin, concentrated by a lens, and passing through the transparent bottom of the box;
• the figure 3 represents, schematically, and in front view, a microsystem according to the invention, comprising a thermomechanical actuator fixed on a base plate, constituted by a deformable mobile cross-shaped including two longitudinal arms, interconnected by alternating collars and masses, and slight transverse offset relative to each other, constitute the support on the base plate, and a transverse arm called rod carries a first said active pawl, which is arranged to drive a toothing of an eccentric unbalanced flywheel pivotally mounted relative to the base plate, and another cantilever free transverse arm constituting a counterbalance weight;
• the figure 4 is a sectional view along the AA line of the microsystem of the figure 3 ;
• the figure 5 represents a variant of the thermomechanical actuator of the figure 3 , in the form of tee, and devoid of counterweight in the extension of the rod, and with a transverse offset of the longitudinal arms in a configuration other than the figure 3 ;
• the figure 6 is a temperature distribution diagram of the actuator of the figure 5 when the farthest ends of the longitudinal arms are held at ambient temperature, as well as the distal end of the rod, while the central zone comprising the necks is placed in a heating zone at a high temperature between 150 ° C and 300 ° C;
• the figure 7 represents, schematically, and in front view, the deformation of the thermomechanical actuator of the figure 5 subjected to this high temperature, and the figure 8 is a detail at the level of the passes;
• the figure 9 is a curve showing the quasi-linearity of the displacement stroke of the distal end of the rod, corresponding to the stroke of the first active pawl, as a function of the temperature difference between the heating zone and the base plate;
• the figure 10 is a similar curve showing the quasi-linear evolution of the stress in the necks as a function of temperature;
• the figure 11 is the equivalent of the figure 9 for the actuator of the figure 3 ;
• the figure 12 is a detail of a flywheel;
• the figure 13 is a curve showing the step difference which is a sinusoidal function of the rotation angle of the flywheel;
• the figure 14 is a block diagram representing a device for adjusting a clock oscillator, comprising a watch with a movement comprising an oscillator provided with a microsystem according to the invention, this device comprising control means interfaced with means gait monitoring and temperature monitoring means arranged near the watch case.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention proposes to allow an adjustment of a horological function, in particular an adjustment of the gait of a mechanical clockwork movement, without having to open the box 90 of a watch 1.

According to the construction and dimensioning of the mechanism according to the invention, and according to the required use, it is possible to perform a coarse or fine adjustment. The invention is, in fact, more specifically designed for a micro-adjustment, so as to be able to very precisely adjust the running of a watch with its movement nested in its final configuration, and the sizing examples that will be provided later are suitable for such a fine adjustment. Those skilled in the art will be able to extrapolate the architecture of the invention to make adjustments requiring a greater amplitude of adjustment.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a device 1000 for adjusting a watchmaking function, in particular for adjusting a clock oscillator 100, in particular for a mechanical movement 200.

The movement 200 is not illustrated in detail in the figures.

Oscillator 100 is not fully illustrated, it is constituted, in a particular non-limiting case, by a balance spring and spiral assembly, and only an equipped balance wheel 70 is shown in the figures, the invention illustrated in this particular application concerns changing the inertia of a clock balance, or changing the position of the center of inertia (unbalance correction).

Indeed, in a preferred embodiment illustrated by the figures, the invention uses, as will be seen below, the rotation of one or more eccentric flywheel wheels, reported indirectly on this balance within microsystems 10 to control optical, each having a base plate 60 fixed on a bare beam 7, or monobloc with this bare balance 7: the invention allows to change the angular position of each flywheel, and thus to change the position of the center of inertia specific to this flywheel, with respect to the main axis of pivoting D of the balance wheel 7.

The overall inertia of the equipped balance wheel 70, comprising the bare balance wheel and this or these microsystems 70, can therefore, in certain cases, remain unchanged if the center of gravity of the flywheel remains on the same radius relative to the main pivot axis D of the balance, while the position of the resulting center of inertia can be changed. It is understood that, in case of implantation of several microsystems, and according to their arrangement, one can either be forced to a symmetrical maneuver does not change the position of the overall center of inertia, or drive independently of each other, and, thus, modify the position of the overall center of inertia, and thus also be able to correct an intrinsic balance of the naked beam. The expression "modification of inertia" is used hereinafter to designate both the change of inertia value with respect to an axis, and the modification of the position of the center of inertia resulting from a mobile with respect to this axis.

The invention proposes to use the energy transport properties by a light beam, or laser, or the like, towards the inside of the watch box 90, to reversibly deform certain zones of the oscillator 100.

Those skilled in the art of pendulum oscillators with balance springs, or oscillators with pendulum-wire torsion which are much more rare, will extrapolate the teachings of the invention to trigger controlled micromovements, in order to modify the stiffness of a spiral or the tension of a torsion wire, either directly or by indirect action on fixing means or tension of such elastic return means.

The invention is illustrated with a modification of inertia on a part of the oscillator constituted by a pendulum. Those skilled in the art will be able to extrapolate the use of optically controlled microsystems as described in detail below for an action on another component of an oscillator, for the adjustment of such means of fixing, of voltage, of modification the stiffness of a hairspring, adjustment of the useful length of a hairspring, or others.

The invention relates first of all to a microsystem 10 for adjusting a horological function, and, particularly in the application illustrated by the figures, a microsystem for adjusting a clock oscillator, in particular for mechanical movement.

The invention uses an optical energy transfer to trigger a movement of a mechanical adjustment component.

The invention preferably relates to high-end watches, having a transparent bottom 2, arranged to be transparent at certain ranges of desired wavelengths, to allow the passage of a light beam 3, or any other optical ray . Of course, the light passage can also be done, in particular for a skeletonized movement, from the upper side comprising the ice and readable by the user, or by a side or peripheral edge of the box 90. In a variant not shown, the light path in the watch 1 can also be performed along an optical fiber or a waveguide, which then allows a non-rectilinear light path.

The invention is thus illustrated in a particular, nonlimiting variant, in which a light beam 3 can pass through a transparent bottom window 2 at the selected wavelengths so as to illuminate an illuminated area 5, preferably on at least one sector device of a balance equipped 70.

This equipped balance wheel 70 comprises a bare rocker 7 connected to an elastic return means such as spiral or torsion wire, or else evolving in an environment of magnetic or electrostatic fields of attraction and / or repulsion, and this bare balance 7 carries at least one microsystem 10, which is arranged to transform a concentrated light energy flux into a variation of inertia equipped balance 70, by changing its inertia and the spatial distribution of the masses that compose it.

More particularly, if the illuminated area 5 can cover the entire surface of such microsystems 10, the concentration of the light beam, which is obtained with optical concentration means 4, is directed towards at least one heating zone 6 of a actuator that includes such a microsystem 10, after crossing the bottom glass 2. As will be seen below, this actuator is advantageously a thermomechanical actuator 30.

These optical means of concentration 4 are not detailed, and are either intrinsic to the watch 1 such as lenses, or external to the watch 1 as on the figure 2 which shows a lens arranged to concentrate the thermal energy of a light beam 3 towards such a heating zone 6.

In the preferred application of the invention to a balance equipped 70 and as visible in the figures, the inertia of the latter is modified by the addition of at least one microsystem 10 to change the inertia of this pendulum , and preferably by adding a plurality of such microsystems 10.

The invention is illustrated in the figures by an advantageous variant comprising two identical rotary microsystems, embedded diametrically and symmetrically on the serge of the bare balance 7, with respect to the main axis of pivoting D of the latter, in order to compensate the the unbalance effect of one of the rotating microsystems by the other.

In an advantageous embodiment illustrated by the figures, the microsystem 10, in particular a clock oscillator, has at least one flywheel 20 arranged to pivot with respect to a base plate 60 that this device comprises. microsystem 10. The flywheel 20 comprises an eccentric balancer 22 and has a ratchet toothing 21. According to the invention, this microsystem 10 comprises at least one actuator driving at least a first said active pawl 38 arranged to rotate the gearing 21, and comprises at least one stop means in the position of the toothing 21.

In a particular nonlimiting embodiment, illustrated by the figures, such a microsystem 10 comprises a base plate 60, an actuator which is a thermomechanical actuator 30 provided with a first active pawl 38, and a 20 ratchet flywheel having an eccentric balancer pivoting about a secondary axis D20.

Naturally, the invention can be realized with secondary mobiles having a shape other than the weight-bearing wheels 20 illustrated, for example in the form of moving masses in grooves, or other.

The thermomechanical actuator 30 may, depending on the embodiment variant chosen, be fixed to the base plate 60, or be integral with it.

The flywheel 20 may, depending on the embodiment variant chosen, be guided in the base plate 60, or be integral with it. In a first variant, at least one flywheel 20 is pivotally mounted about a fixed shaft 24 attached to the base plate 60 or integrated in this base plate 60, and pivoting about the secondary axis D20: the wheel -masselotte 20 shown on the figure 4 rotates about a fixed guide shaft 24, driven or glued into a bore 61 of the base plate 60. In a second variant not shown in the figures, at least one flywheel 20 is integrated in the base plate 60 relative to which it pivots carried by flexible guides, in particular of the type with thin elastic blades.

In a variant illustrated in the figures, the stopping means in position of the toothing 21 is a second said passive pawl 25 positioned on the base plate 60, and which comprises an elastic return means, for its support on the toothing 21 .

In the non-limiting variant illustrated by the figures, the first active pawl 38 is a pawl mounted tangentially to the toothing 21, and comprises at least one tooth or a comb biased towards this toothing 21 by an elastic return means that it comprises. Other embodiments are possible, depending on the available space, the first active ratchet can be replaced by a control wheel, a lever, a ratchet wheel, or other.

According to the invention, advantageously, at least one actuator of the microsystem 10 is a thermomechanical actuator 30, which is arranged to transform a light source energy flow into a displacement of a mechanical control member. The thermomechanical actuator 30 is designed for the transformation of the concentrated light energy into a displacement CC, and in particular a displacement which is comparable to a linear displacement. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated by the figures, the displacement CC relates to a distal end 380 of this thermomechanical actuator 30. This distal end 380 carries a first active pawl 38, or directly controls a movement of such a first active pawl 38, through a gear, a friction, a linkage or the like.

Such a thermomechanical actuator 30 is also usable, as such, for other control applications of a watch adjusting device.

This thermomechanical actuator 30 comprises a deformable mobile 300, precisely under the thermal action of the light ray, which acts more particularly at the necks or ball joints 34, 35, 36.

In a preferred manner and as visible in the figures, this thermomechanical actuator 30 comprises, substantially in a first longitudinal direction X, and in this order, a longitudinal line composed of an alternation of rigid masses 311, 45, 46, 312, and flexible necks 34, 35, 36, held between anchors 321, 322 on the base plate 60, the opposite outer rigid masses 311, 312, called arms bearing on these anchors 321, 322, or integral with these anchors 321 , 322.

In the particular and nonlimiting variant illustrated, the deformable mobile 300 comprises two arms 31: 311 and 312, extending substantially along the same longitudinal direction X, and anchored at their farthest opposite ends 320 to anchors 32: 321, 322, made integral with the base plate 60, for example by means of an oxide layer 50 in the advantageous case of a silicon embodiment.

These two arms 311 and 312 surround a central portion which comprises a first solid portion 45 and a second solid portion 46.

The first solid portion 45 is connected to a first arm 311 by a first neck 34, and to the second solid portion 46 by a second said central neck 35. The second solid portion 46 is connected to a second arm 312 by a third neck 36 .

The arms 311, 312, the necks 34, 35, 36, and the first solid portion 45 and second solid portion 46, are, at rest, substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction X.

And a central zone of this thermomechanical actuator 30, comprising at least the necks 34, 35, 36, is arranged to be superimposed on a heating zone 6 where this central zone can receive an energy input of light origin. The momentary difference in temperature between the hot central zone and its cold support causes a dilation of the central zone, which has the effect of effect of compressing the longitudinal line between the anchors 321, 322, and to bend at least one of said necks (34, 35, 36). This compression tends to subject the necks to a flexural force; so as to maintain substantially flat deformations, the total thickness of the actuator, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base plate 60, is important with respect to the thickness of these necks in this plane, for example thirty times more important. Thus the effect of the compression is a deformation of all the necks 34, 35, 36. When the microsystem 10 is subjected to a whole temperature variation, for example during a sun exposure of a watch comprising such a microsystem 10, the thermomechanical actuator 30 will not move, if it is made of the same material as the base plate 60. This is therefore an undeniable advantage, compared to bimetallic systems, for example.

At least one of the flexible necks 34, 35, 36, is offset, in a transverse direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X, of a transverse offset dy relative to the other necks 34, 35, 36, transforming the bending movement d at least one of these necks 34, 35, 36, in a plane rotational movement, parallel to the base plate 60, at least one intermediate mass 45, 46, not directly connected to one of the anchors 321, 322.

In the variants shown, an intermediate mass 45 or 46, drivable in rotation, carries a strip 37 extending substantially in the transverse direction Y and having a distal end 380 arranged to carry a mechanical control means. Preferably, the rotational stroke of the rod 37 is limited by rod stops 39 which surround it.

When using a setting device 1000 according to the invention, for a watch 1 equipped as described above, and for the application of adjustment of an oscillator 100 having a balance equipped 70, the one it is first immobilized in a position making it possible to visibly expose the two microsystems 10, or one after the other, to the energy supply of a light beam 3. In a variant, the device 1000 comprises synchronization means for controlling a light beam 3 to follow, on the fly, and aim at least, or each microsystem 10 it comprises, carried by a component of the oscillator 100 during oscillation, in particular on the rocker equipped 70 during oscillation.

To operate the system, such a light beam 3 is projected through the transparent bottom 2, and is concentrated, at a heating zone 6, on a particular heating part constituted by the central zone of the thermomechanical actuator. 30. It deforms, and the first active pawl 38, which is integral with a movable part of the thermomechanical actuator 30, and more particularly of the rod 37, drives the toothing 21 of the flywheel 20 on a or more teeth. The displacement of the center of gravity 23 (or inertia) of the flywheel 20 thus causes a change of inertia of the equipped balance 70.

It is understood that the drive by the first active pawl 38 is in one direction, which is clockwise in the case of the figure 2 , the second passive pawl 25 then prevents rotation in the counterclockwise direction when the first active pawl 38 returns when the central zone cools down.

Different modes of use are possible, those described below by way of examples are not limiting.

In a first mode, the duration of illumination of the heating zone is as short as possible, and is limited to obtaining the desired deformation of the actuator 30, preferably corresponding to the passage of a single tooth of the If there is a need for several teeth to pass, it is possible to allow the actuator to return quickly to room temperature, in a neutral position, and to illuminate it again for the passage of a single tooth. , and to repeat this operation as many times as necessary. This does not exclude operation with maintained illumination for the simultaneous passage of several teeth, the first active ratchet 38 may comprise, instead of a single tooth as shown in the figures, a comb or the like.

Of course, a single tooth at the first active ratchet 38 can also act on more than one step, and has the advantage of preventing any jamming phenomenon. To perform several clicks, that is to say the jumps made by the passive pawl 25, with a single round trip of the first active pawl 38, one can act on the distance between the stops 39 to obtain, for example, two or three clicks maximum before stop, and one or two clicks without going to stop but acting on the ignition time.

In a second mode, a sustained illumination is carried out: after a significantly longer time than in the first mode, the thermal flow towards the base is stationary, and the respective temperatures of the central zone and the base plate 60 approach, causing a rewiring of the actuator

In another embodiment using the two aforementioned heating modes, an indirect heat input is effected, the concentrated light beam then heating a buffer component, for example a ring, in front of which the central zone of the actuator 3 during the oscillation circulates. of the pendulum.

Another embodiment uses an embedded ring and securely connected to the central zone to be heated, which allows the heating spot to remain stationary.

It is also possible to combine the flight heating with a buffer target embedded and integral with the central zone, but having a larger surface, and allowing a more effective thermal coupling with the light spot.

The heating zone 6 is preferably arranged so as to cover at least the central part with the necks 34, 35, 36, and the first solid part 45 and the second solid part 46, and the inner ends of the arms 311, 312. As a result of the thermal action, the arms 311 and 312 become longer as the temperature increases, and are subjected to compressive stress. The three necks 34, 35, 36 make the system compliant, not hyperstatic.

And the slight transverse offset dy of at least one of the necks 34, 35, 36 relative to the others, suffices to subject at least the first solid portion 45 or the second solid portion 46 to a rotational movement parallel to the plane of rotation. the base plate 60. A very small difference is sufficient to initiate the rotational movement, which can then be well correlated with the heat input and the temperature in the heating zone 6, in order to regulate, in a virtually linear manner, the angle θ of rotation of the rod 37, and the displacement CC of the first active pawl 38, as visible on the figure 9 . The figure 10 shows that the stress S in the necks obeys an almost identical rule, with a substantially linear curve as a function of the temperature.

The figure 9 shows that the fact of subjecting the heating zone 6 to a temperature close to 260 ° C, in the illustrated example which corresponds to the variant of the figure 5 , makes it possible to obtain a displacement amplitude CC of 23 μm, which is sufficient to drive the toothing 21 of a flywheel 20, advantageously also made of silicon. We understand that the pronounced slope of the profile in figure 9 allows to increase, if necessary, the race of the first active pawl 38, while monitoring the degree of stress in figure 10 .

The figures 3 and 5 illustrate a same embodiment, according to variants of execution detail. These two variants have a common feature that is to rotate almost in situ the second massive portion 46, which carries a rod 37 which extends substantially in the transverse direction Y, and carries at its distal end 380 , the first active ratchet 38.

The variant of the figure 3 comprises rod stops 39, arranged so as to limit the travel of the first active pawl 38 to 1.5 teeth of the toothing 21 of the flywheel 20.

In this variant of the figure 3 , the thermomechanical actuator 30 carries, substantially in the extension of the rod 37 and the opposite side with respect to a line defined by the anchors 321, 322, at least one counterweight 40 intended to prevent the movement of the rod 37 during shocks , and prevent any alteration of the oscillation frequency and run adjustment.

In both variants of figures 3 and 5 , the central zone comprises the inner ends of two arms 311, 312, directly fixed by their ends external to the anchors 321, 322, whose inner ends are separated by recesses 33 arranged to isolate from the hot zone the bases 320 of the arms and these anchors 321, 322, when the central zone is subjected to a flow of energy. The central zone also includes the inner end of the rod 37 which is separated from the distal end 380 by a cavity arranged to isolate this distal end 380 from the hot zone when said central zone is subjected to a flow of energy.

The central zone may also include the inner end of the counterweight 40 which is separated from its distal end by a cavity arranged to isolate the distal end of the hot zone.

As visible on the figure 3 , the base plate 60 advantageously comprises at least one cavity 41, delimited by a border 42, arranged to isolate the anchors 321, 322, and each flywheel 20 of the hot zone when the central zone is subjected to a flow of energy.

The figure 1 is an overall view with a balance equipped 70 with a diameter of about 10 mm, which carries two microsystems 10 each made on the basis of a SOI chip of about 1.6 mm side, carrying wheels weights 20 of a diameter of about 0.7 mm, a radius of action Rm of about 4 mm, each heating zone 6 being a disc of about 0.8 mm in diameter.

The Figures 11 to 13 are related to the microsystem 10 in the variant with "S" design, made in silicon monocrystalline MEMS technology, the figure 3 , in a non-limiting numerical example, with a length L of 1.0 mm, a rod length w, characteristic of the distance between the inflection zones of two successive necks, of 0.100 mm, a coefficient of expansion of 2.10 ^{- 6} / ° C, and a radius R of ratchet rotation of 0.8 mm. The figure 11 shows that around the nominal point dT = 250 ° C, the stroke of 57 μm corresponds to a click. In this simplified numerical example, the stiffness of the necks 34, 35, 36 is very small, at least a hundred times lower than that of the base plate 60.

• le décalage dy doit être suffisamment élevé pour fournir assez de force au départ du mouvement, qui est déterminée par les frottements de la roue-masselotte 20, mais ce décalage dy doit être le plus petit possible ;
• la hauteur h, selon la direction transversale Y, de la première partie massive 45 et de la deuxième partie massive 46 doit être suffisamment élevée par rapport à la hauteur e, selon la direction transversale Y, des éléments flexibles constitués par les cols 34, 35, 36, pour que ces derniers agissent comme des rotules ;
• le rapport Ir / e des cols 34, 35, 36, faisant rotules doit être suffisamment élevé pour ne pas engendrer de contraintes matériau trop grandes, et suffisamment faible pour ne pas provoquer d'équilibre instable selon l'axe transversal Y, en particulier en cas de chocs ;
• un rapport L / w élevé augmente la rotation de la baguette 37, et donc la course CC, pour une différence donnée de température ;
• une distance R élevée augmente d'autant la course, mais diminue d'autant la force à l'extrémité distale 380, pour un angle de rotation donné ;
• l'épaisseur t de l'actionneur doit être suffisamment grande pour empêcher un flambage vertical de toute la partie de longueur L. Le rapport t / e devrait au moins valoir trois, pour que les cols 34, 35, 36, faisant rotules aient une compliance préférentielle dans le plan parallèlement à la plaque de base 60, et rester rigides hors du plan.

The sizing of the micro-system 10 is preferably carried out according to the following principles:

• the shift dy must be high enough to provide enough force at the start of the movement, which is determined by the friction of the flywheel 20, but this shift dy must be as small as possible;
• the height h, in the transverse direction Y, of the first solid part 45 and the second solid part 46 must be sufficiently high with respect to the height e, in the transverse direction Y, of the flexible elements constituted by the necks 34, 35 , 36, so that the latter act as ball joints;
• the Ir / e ratio of the necks 34, 35, 36, which are ball-shaped, must be sufficiently high so as not to cause material stresses that are too great, and sufficiently low not to cause unstable equilibrium along the transverse axis Y, in particular in shock case;
• a high L / w ratio increases the rotation of the rod 37, and therefore the stroke CC, for a given difference in temperature;
• a high distance R increases all the stroke, but decreases by the force at the distal end 380, for a given angle of rotation;
• the thickness t of the actuator must be large enough to prevent vertical buckling of the entire length portion L. The t / e ratio should be at least three, so that the necks 34, 35, 36 preferential compliance in the plane parallel to the base plate 60, and remain rigid off the plane.

Thus, in a particular non-limiting embodiment and, as visible on the figure 5 , the necks 34, 35, 36 comprise a linear portion whose length Ir is about four times the thickness e of these necks, and the offset dy provided to initiate the rotation of the rod 37 is about twice that same thickness e. The height h of the first solid portion 45 and the second solid portion 46 is preferably between two and three times the length of the ball Ir, and close to half of the connecting rod length w.

The three ends of the actuator 30 are maintained at ambient temperature of the order of 20 ° C. The heating zone 6 can be brought to a temperature between 100 and 400 ° C, the upper limit being chosen according to the materials of the watch 1, in particular the box 90, to prevent damage to a component. This precaution also explains that we restrict ourselves to a heating zone 6 with the smallest possible surface area.

The Figures 6 to 8 illustrate the deformation of an actuator as shown in FIG. figure 5 , and the Figures 9 and 10 respectively illustrate the displacement CC of the distal end 380 of the rod 37, and the stress distribution S in the necks 34, 35, 36, as a function of the temperature in the heating zone 6.

The Figures 12 and 13 relate to the calculation of the running adjustment by the flywheel 20, monocrystalline silicon, which we give a non-limiting numerical example below. The outside diameter is 0.7 mm, with a centered eccentric equilibrium center distance x1 = 0.1 mm, thickness 150 μm, density (Si) 2330 kg / m ³ , mass radius Rm = 4 mm, number of teeth of the toothing 21 with ratchet Z = 50,

In this case, 1 step is obtained = 44 μm, 1 turn of the wheel = 13.6 seconds / day, a linear adjustment zone = 11 seconds / day, which corresponds to 15 levels = number of clicks of the wheel. actuator, 1 click = 0.74 sec / day.

The figure 13 illustrates the difference between the upper and lower limits of the linear range at +5.52 and -5.52 sec / day, as a function of the pivot angle α of the flywheel 20.

This microsystem lends itself well to a realization in technologies of the "MEMS" type or similar, in no way limiting because all other technologies and / or adapted materials and known to those skilled in the art are conceivable for the realization, for example with a shaping by laser cutting, water jet, electroerosion or other.

If the invention is described here with two microsystems 10 operating in the same direction, it is clear that one can equip the balance equipped with microsystems 10 performing inertial corrections in opposite direction of each other in case of need.

To modify the inertia, the system according to the invention is reversible, because by rotating the flywheel 20 uninterruptedly, the inertia is modified according to a sine function as visible on the figure 13 , which avoids being bidirectional. The only disadvantage in this case is that, to reach a lower inertia, while one is in the rising phase of the inertia in the direction of the activation of the ratchet, one must actually make a little less 'a complete turn to reach the good value.

In a particular embodiment, the microsystem 10 comprises a first level constituted by the base plate 60 around a thermal insulation cavity 41, and a second level comprising at least one flywheel 20, at least one actuator 30, at minus a first active pawl 38, and at least one stopping means 25 (or second passive pawl) in the position of the toothing 21.

In an advantageous variant, the base plate 60 and the thermomechanical actuator 30 are made of the same material, so as to prevent any maladjustments when the base plate 60 and the thermomechanical actuator 30 are subjected, within a watch, at the same temperature variations due to the external environment in which the user of the watch evolves.

In a particular embodiment, the microsystem 10 is made integrally and has cavities under the movable members that it comprises.

In a particular embodiment, the microsystem 10 is entirely made of silicon and / or silicon oxide. It can still be made in DLC or other micromechanical materials.

In a particular embodiment, the first level is a "handle" layer and the second level is a "device" layer.

Various variants are feasible, and in particular a microsystem 10 all silicon, including in particular cavities under the pawls 25 and 38, in order to achieve them in MEMS technology, and advantageously comprising a flywheel 20 on flexible pivots, with course a movement angular limited in the latter case.

The achievements of figures 3 and 5 use wavelers SOI (Silicon on insulator) at two silicon levels, for example 500 μm thick for the "handle" substrate forming the base plate 60, and 150 μm thick for the "device" layer (actuator 30, wheel 20, pawls 25 and 38, stops 39).

In a variant, it is possible to produce a single-level mechanism, for example of thickness 300 μm, and flexible pivots of the inertia element and recesses judiciously placed for thermal insulation. In this variant, it is then necessary to add a system of return to zero when reaching the maximum value, since the angular stroke is bounded.

It is also necessary to take into account the forces, forces and / or torques generated during shocks up to 500 rpm, which must not cause the system to be disturbed, which imposes a minimum force to be provided by the rider. actuator 30 to avoid any disturbance resulting from a random acceleration.

The invention also relates to a clock oscillator 100 comprising at least one such microsystem 10. The base plate 60 of this at least one microsystem 10 is attached to a component of the oscillator for its inertia adjustment for the correction of the progress of the oscillator.

More particularly, the oscillator 100 comprises a balanced rocker 70 constituted by a bare rocker 7 connected to an elastic return means or subjected to at least one repulsion and / or attraction field, this bare rocker 7 carrying at least one such microsystem 10 or being monoblock with at least one such microsystem 10.

The invention also relates to a horological movement 200, comprising at least one such oscillator 100. This movement 200 comprises at least one transparent crystal 2 at predetermined wavelength ranges, and allowing the passage of a light beam 3 for adjusting at least one such microsystem 10.

The invention also relates to a watch 1 comprising at least one such microsystem 10, at least one such oscillator 100. This watch 1 comprises at least one transparent mirror 2 at predetermined wavelength ranges, and allowing the passage of a light beam 3 for the adjustment of such a microsystem 10, which controls a mechanical component for setting a watch function of the watch, such as time setting, date setting, day, spindle, or the like. The control member of at least one microsystem 10 that includes the watch 1 is arranged to control a mechanical component for adjusting a watch function of the watch 1 when this microsystem 10 is subjected to a suitable light radiation.

In a particular application, the only means of adjustment of this watch 1 are these microsystems 10, and the adjustment is carried out without contact, without subjecting the watch to a magnetic or electrostatic field, and is made only by supply of energy by at least a light ray.

The invention also relates to a device 1000 for setting a clock oscillator, comprising at least one such watch 1. This device 1000 comprises control means 300 arranged to control the emission of a light beam 3 to an optical concentrator 4 guiding a light beam towards an illuminated area 5 of the watch 1 through the lens 2, inside which illuminated area 5 a heating zone 6 is superposable on a central zone of the thermomechanical actuator 30 for triggering a movement of at least one flywheel 20 during the supply of concentrated light energy to the heating zone 6.

More particularly, this device 1000 comprises means for monitoring the step 400 arranged to be arranged on or in the vicinity of a box 90 that includes the watch 1, and thermal monitoring means 500 arranged to be arranged on or in the vicinity of this box 90, and these control means 300 are arranged to generate light rays 3 only when the temperature of the box 90 is less than a set value, and are arranged to generate light rays 3 when the heating zone 6 is superimposed on the central zone of the thermomechanical actuator 30, as many times as necessary as long as the deviation is different from a set value. It is understood that the system is pulse, and the generation of light beam is not continuous, to limit the temperature in the box 90.

In short, the invention allows an extremely precise adjustment of the step without requiring the opening of the box. In addition, this setting is discrete, and therefore reproducible.

If the invention finds a preferred application for adjusting an oscillator, it is also applicable for other horological applications, because it makes it possible to make adjustments in a closed watch and perfectly sealed, which is particularly interesting for diving watches or the like, where Simple settings of time setting or date can now be achieved without any push or control means passing through the box.

Claims (28)

1. Microsystem (10) for setting the rate of a timepiece oscillator, comprising at least one wheel/inertia block (20) arranged to pivot with respect to a base plate (60) comprised in said microsystem (10), said wheel/inertia block (20) comprising an off-centre unbalance (22) and comprising a toothing (21), said microsystem (10) comprising at least one actuator arranged to drive at least a first active click (38) formed by a click arranged to drive a control wheel, a lever, or a click wheel, said active click (38) being arranged to drive said toothing (21), and said microsystem (10) comprising at least one means for stopping said toothing (21) in position, characterized in that at least one said actuator is an optically controlled thermomechanical actuator (30) arranged to convert a flow of light energy into a displacement of a control member comprised in said thermomechanical actuator (30), which control member carries a said first active click (38) or directly controls a movement of a first said active click (38).
2. Microsystem (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one means for stopping said toothing (21) in position is a second click (25) arranged to be returned towards said toothing (21) by an elastic return means comprised therein.
3. Microsystem (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one first active click (38) is a click mounted tangentially to said toothing (21) and comprises at least one tooth returned towards said toothing (21) by an elastic return means comprised therein.
4. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said thermomechanical actuator (30) comprises, substantially in a first longitudinal direction (X) a longitudinal line composed of alternating stiff weights (311, 45, 46, 312) and flexible neck portions (34, 35, 36) maintained between anchor elements (321, 322) on said base plate (60), and in that a central area of said thermomechanical actuator (30) comprising at least said neck portions (34, 35, 36) is arranged to be superposed on a heating area (6) where said central area can receive an application of light energy capable of compressing said longitudinal line between said anchor elements (321, 322) and of causing at least one of said neck portions (34, 35, 36) to bend.
5. Microsystem (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of said flexible neck portions (34, 35, 36) is offset, in a transverse direction (Y) orthogonal to said longitudinal direction (X), by a transverse offset (dy) with respect to said other neck portions (34, 35, 36), converting the bending motion of at least one of said neck portions (34, 35, 36) into a plane rotational motion, parallel to said base plate (60), of at least one intermediate weight (45, 46) not directly connected to one of said anchor elements (321, 322).
6. Microsystem (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that said intermediate weight (45, 46) that is drivable in rotation, carries a stick (37) extending substantially in said transverse direction (Y) and comprising a distal end (380) forming said control member.
7. Microsystem (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotational travel of said stick (37) is limited by stick stops (39) which surround said lever.
8. Microsystem (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said thermomechanical actuator (30) carries, substantially in the extension of said stick (37) and on the opposite side with respect to a line defined by said anchor elements (321, 322), at least one counterweight (40) intended to prevent motion of said stick (37) in the event of shocks.
9. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 4 to 8, characterized in that said central area comprises the inner ends of two arms (311, 312) directly attached via the outer ends thereof to said anchor elements (321, 322) wherein said inner ends are separated by recesses (33) arranged to insulate said anchor elements (321, 322) from the hot area when said central area is subjected to a flow of light energy.
10. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said central area comprises the inner end of said stick (37) which is separated from said distal end (380) by a cavity arranged to insulate said distal end (380) from the hot area when said central area is subjected to a flow of light energy.
11. Microsystem (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that said central area comprises the inner end of said counterweight which is separated from the distal end thereof by a cavity arranged to insulate said distal end from the hot area when said central area is subjected to a flow of light energy.
12. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 4 to 11, characterized in that said base plate (60) comprises at least one cavity (41) arranged to insulate the hot area from said base plate and from said at least one wheel/inertia block (20) when said central area is subjected to a flow of light energy.
13. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 4 to 12, characterized in that said base plate (60) and said thermomechanical actuator (30) are made of the same material to avoid being thrown out of adjustment when said base plate (60) and said thermomechanical actuator (30) are subjected, inside a watch, to the same temperature variations.
14. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one said wheel/inertia block (20) is mounted to pivot about a fixed axis (24) affixed to said base plate (60) or incorporated in said base plate (60).
15. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one said wheel/inertia block (20) is incorporated in said base plate (60) with respect to which said wheel/inertia block pivots carried by flexible bearings.
16. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said microsystem (10) comprises a first level formed by said base plate (60) and a second level comprising at least one said wheel/inertia block (20), at least one said actuator, at least one said first active click (38), and at least one said means for stopping said toothing (21) in position.
17. Microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said microsystem (10) is made in one-piece and comprises cavities underneath the movable members comprised therein.
18. Microsystem (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that said microsystem is made entirely of silicon and/or silicon oxide.
19. Microsystem (10) according to claims 16 and 18, characterized in that said first level is a handle layer and in that said second level is a device layer.
20. Timepiece oscillator (100) comprising at least one microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 19, characterized in that said base plate (60) of said at least one microsystem (10) is attached to a component of said oscillator to adjust the inertia thereof in order to correct the rate of said oscillator.
21. Oscillator (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that said oscillator comprises an equipped balance (70) formed by a bare balance (7) connected to an elastic return means or subjected to at least one field of repulsion and/or of attraction, said bare balance (7) carrying at least one said microsystem (10) or being in one-piece with at least one said microsystem (10).
22. Timepiece movement (200) comprising at least one oscillator (100) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that said movement (200) comprises at least one crystal (2) transparent to predetermined wavelength ranges, and allowing the passage of a light ray (3) for setting a said microsystem (10).
23. Watch (1) comprising at least one microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 19, or at least one oscillator (100) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that said watch (1) comprises at least one crystal (2) transparent to predetermined wavelength ranges, and allowing the passage of a light ray (3) for setting at least one said microsystem (10).
24. Watch (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that said watch (1) comprises at least one said microsystem (10) to one of the claims 1 to 19 whose said control member is arranged to control a mechanical component for setting a time-related function of said watch (1) when said microsystem (10) is subjected to suitable light radiation.
25. Watch (1) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the only means for setting time-related functions comprised in the watch are formed by at least one said microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 19 whose control member is arranged to control a mechanical component for setting a timerelated function of said watch (1) when said microsystem (10) is subjected to suitable light radiation.
26. Device (1000) for setting the rate of a timepiece oscillator, comprising at least one watch (1) according to one of the claims 23 to 25 comprising a said microsystem (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 19, characterized in that said device (1000) comprises control means (300) arranged to control the emission of a light ray (3) towards an optical concentrator (4) guiding a light beam towards an illuminated area (5) of said watch (1) through said crystal (2), inside which illuminated area (5) a heating area (6) can be superposed on a central area of said thermomechanical actuator (30) to initiate a motion of at least one said wheel/inertia block (20) when the concentrated light energy is applied to said heating area (6).
27. Device (1000) according to claim 26, characterized in that said device (1000) comprises rate monitoring means (400) arranged to be disposed on or in proximity to a case (90) comprised in said watch (1), and heat monitoring means (500) arranged to be disposed on or in proximity to a case (90), and in that said control means (300) are arranged to generate said light rays (3) only when the temperature of said case (90) is lower than a reference value, and are arranged to generate said light rays (3) when said heating area (6) is superposed on said central area of said thermomechanical actuator (30), as many times as necessary until the variation of rate is lower than a reference value.
28. Device (1000) according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that said device (1000) comprises synchronizing means for controlling a said light ray (3) to follow the motion of and to target at least one said microsystem (10) borne by a component of said oscillator (100) during the oscillation thereof.

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