EP3120199A2

EP3120199A2 - Rotary clock member, clock oscillator

Info

Publication number: EP3120199A2
Application number: EP15711739.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mathias Buttet; Jean-Michel BLUMENTHAL
Original assignee: Hublot SA
Current assignee: Hublot SA
Priority date: 2014-03-21
Filing date: 2015-03-20
Publication date: 2017-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-20
Also published as: WO2015140332A2; EP3120199B1; JP6652956B2; WO2015140332A3; JP2017508996A

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary member (5), in particular an oscillating member, of a clock mechanism (100), in particular a balance (5) of a clock oscillator (100), comprising at least one weight (4), the configuration of which can be modified such as to modify the moment of inertia of the member, the weight being arranged such that the configuration of the mass element can be modified in an active or controlled manner while the member is moving or stopped.

Description

Rotating watchmaking organ, watch oscillator.

The invention relates to a watch-making rotary member or a watch mechanism member and a watch oscillator. It also relates to a watch movement or a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a member or such an oscillator. Finally, it relates to a method of operating a watch oscillator or a watch regulator. It is known that mechanical watches have a lower chronometric accuracy than those of quartz watches. We still know that many parameters such as temperature, wear, tribological conditions, the degree of winding of the barrel, the position of the watch, have influences on the chronometric accuracy of mechanical watches. We still know that it is tedious to adjust a mechanical watch, because it requires opening the watch before being able to act on tuners of the frequency of the oscillator, in particular to act on a raquetetterie. The object of the invention is to provide a rotating member to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and to improve the rotary members known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a member rotating at a precisely given frequency. An organ according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Various embodiments of an organ according to the invention are defined by claims 2 to 5. An assembly according to the invention is defined by claim 6. Different embodiments of an assembly according to the invention are defined by claims 7 to 12.

An oscillator according to the invention is defined by claim 13.

Various embodiments of an oscillator according to the invention are defined by claims 14 and 15.

A regulator according to the invention is defined by claim 1 6.

A movement according to the invention is defined by claim 17.

A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 18.

A method according to the invention is defined by claim 19.

Different embodiments of a method according to the invention are defined by claims 20 to 27.

The attached drawing shows, by way of example, several embodiments of an organ according to the invention.

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first variant of a first embodiment of a watch oscillator according to the invention.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a second variant of the first embodiment of the watch oscillator according to the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third variant of the first embodiment of the watch oscillator according to the invention. FIG. 7 illustrates the operating principle of the first embodiment of the watch oscillator according to the invention. Figures 8 to 1 1 illustrate a fourth variant of the first embodiment of the watch oscillator according to the invention.

Figures 1 2 to 1 5 illustrate a second embodiment of a watch oscillator according to the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates the operating principle of the second embodiment of a watch oscillator according to the invention.

Figure 17 is a diagram of a timepiece according to the invention.

The invention lies in the means for regulating the oscillations of a time cutting system.

The means implemented are to embark on the oscillating system electromechanical components for managing the moment of inertia of the oscillating system, in particular to embark all or almost all of the electronics of the electromechanical components to manage the moment. inertia of the oscillating system.

The invention therefore consists of an oscillating system, that is to say a balance which is provided with at least one flyweight or mass element, for example three. By weight, is meant a pad of a mass material, especially relatively dense or heavy which can be moved radially, for example along an axis, for example along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the balance , this weight used to modify the moment of inertia of said balance. Most of the high-end balancers are equipped with weights that allow a static and dynamic balance balancers. Sometimes they are screws that move their mass more or less outside the balance or washers held by nails or screws that are added in the periphery of the balance.

Advantageously, so-called "piezoelectric" materials are used which are excited (which deform) under the action of an electric current.

According to the invention, the balance will not be equipped with flyweights, mechanically adjustable to modify its moment of inertia, but by elements, for example three beams or three studs. These elements will comprise piezoelectric parts or more generally deformable parts when subjected to an electrical and / or magnetic signal, in particular an electric and / or magnetic field.

The elements are arranged in triangular location, for example. Under the action of an electric current, they will modify their position or orientation, moving their mass closer or closer to the center of gravity of the pendulum.

It is of course conceivable that the piezoelectric elements mentioned above move elements that are attached and integral with themselves or act solely to push and stretch elements used to move masses in order to modify the moment of inertia of the balance.

The piezoelectric means may be replaced, completely or partially, by so-called electromagnetic and / or magnetostrictive means. To modify the shape and thus to create a movement or displacement of the piezoelectric elements, an electric current must be supplied to these elements. The management of this electrical distribution is performed by an electronic assembly designated as a calculator. This calculator, in its simplest embodiment, contains the electronic means enabling it to compare a measurement of the mechanical oscillation with the frequency delivered by a reference oscillator, for example a quartz.

For the power supply of the system, at least three solutions are envisaged:

1 An armature embedded on the pendulum produces this electrical energy by means of external (ie external to the pendulum) and fixed inductor magnets. These external inductive elements can participate in the system sustenance and give it its geometric referencing. The source of electric current can also be brought by magnetic induction from the outside of the system to the part providing the computer function.

2 An external electric power source (that is external to the pendulum) can be connected by means of friction contacts or other devices.

The source of electrical power can come from batteries, eg lithium batteries, on the oscillator and / or supercapacitors.

Solution 1 is the one that has the least elements in frictional contact, which has the best mechanical performance of the three solutions above. The maintenance of system oscillations is carried out by the spiral spring and the whole assortment (the exhaust mechanism used).

An oscillator according to the invention can be used to replace a conventional oscillator implanted in an existing movement. This is all the easier for a conventional movement provided with a removable platform on which are installed all the components of the escapement and the oscillating system, that is to say, the escapement pinion to the balance.

Thus, one could replace a conventional removable platform with a platform according to the invention, that is to say having an oscillator according to the invention. Application options of the invention

The quartz could be replaced by a signal receiver containing temporal information, in particular an existing public or private signal which would give the additional advantage of not only giving a precise and relative time count, but a precision of the absolute time taking into account the exact time and other information such as today's date, etc.

Preferably, in the invention, a source of electric current outside the oscillator is not used, or even external to the entire system, such as for example a generatrix linked to rotors or simply batteries or batteries.

The electrical energy of the whole system can be produced by its own operation. For example, coils could be positioned between a computer plate and a reel plate, both being integral with the oscillating axis of the system and would pass without contact at above one or more magnets during their oscillating path. The start-up energy of the whole system and its maintenance being provided by the motor-organ of the watch, that is to say, in a case of a mechanical watch, by a cylinder recalling that the Electrical energy and the system put in place have as their main purpose the variation of the moment of inertia of the oscillating system.

Other fields of application of the invention:

The main characteristic of the invention consists in modifying the moment of inertia of an oscillator 5 during its operation. But, as defined, an oscillator evolves on either side of an axis of rotation or a stable equilibrium axis. However, the invention can also be used to control the moment of inertia of any balanced or unbalanced mobile whose moment of inertia is important for the operation of the system of which it is part. Some mechanical control systems to control the speed of rotation of a component around its axis, need to manage the moment of inertia to vary the speed of rotation. The example of application in watchmaking exists in all speed regulators. The mechanisms of music boxes, automata, and repetitions say quarter, minute or large ring use mobile as speed regulators to regulate the time that a system will provide its function. For example, in the repetition-minute mechanisms, an anchor escapement is usually used to regulate the ringing speed. One can alternatively imagine using a mobile centrifugal force in which movable flyweights on their axis of rotation are forced to deviate from their axis of rotation as a function of the speed of rotation of the assembly, the speed of the mobile dependent the moment of inertia. In a rotational speed control system by centrifugal effect, when the masses deviate due to a high speed of the system, the system consumes more energy, so slows down. By slowing down, under the effect of the centrifugal force, the weights approach the center of gravity of the whole, so the whole accelerates, etc. Thus, the invention, since it makes it possible to self-monitor the moment of inertia of a mobile, can be used as a rotational speed regulator in place of a friction or centrifugal rotation speed control system. or air resistance. Preferably, according to the invention, the clock mechanism oscillating member, in particular the watch oscillator pendulum, comprises at least one mass element whose configuration is modifiable so as to modify the moment of inertia of the organ. mass element being arranged so that the configuration of the mass element is modifiable actively or controlled while the organ is moving or stopped.

The mass element is for example piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material.

The mass element is, for example, arranged so as to occupy a first stable position defining a first moment of inertia of the member or a second stable position defining a second moment of inertia of the member. Advantageously, the intermediate positions between the first stable position and the second stable position are unstable or transient positions.

The member may comprise an element for modifying the configuration of the mass element. The element for modifying the configuration of the mass element is advantageously mounted on the member. The element modification is for example piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material.

The mass element may comprise at least a first magnetic or electromagnetic displacement member or a mass-mass configuration modification element and an indexing element of the mass element in a first stable position and a second stable position. . The first magnetic or electromagnetic displacement element may be a magnet.

The indexing element may comprise a blade, in particular a flexural prestressing blade.

An assembly according to the invention may comprise an element as defined above and a second magnetic or electromagnetic displacement element, in particular an electromagnet, the first and second magnetic or electromagnetic co-operating displacement elements.

The assembly may comprise an element for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, especially a conversion element made of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, and / or the assembly may comprise an element for converting solar energy into electrical energy, in particular a panel. photovoltaic, the conversion element being mounted on the body.

The conversion element may be constituted by the mass element and / or the modification element. The assembly may comprise an electronic circuit, in particular a computer, the circuit being in particular mounted on the member, in particular mounted on an axis of rotation of the member. The electronic circuit may comprise a reference oscillator, in particular an oscillator based on a resonant or quartz electric circuit.

The assembly may comprise a sensor element of a characteristic of the movement of the member, in particular a shock or acceleration sensor element, the sensor element being in particular mounted on the member, the sensor element being for example constituted by the mass element and / or the modifying element. The assembly may be integrally or almost entirely made of piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material.

An oscillator can include:

an oscillating member as defined above or an assembly as defined above, and

a spiral spring, in particular a spiral spring of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material or of any material having the capacity to produce an electric current during its geometric deformation.

The spiral spring may be used as an electrical conductor and / or the oscillator may comprise at least two spirals serving as conductors of electricity. Elements may allow the transmission of electricity between the modifying element and an electronic control system of the modifying element. A watch speed controller may comprise a rotating member as defined above or an assembly as defined above.

A watch movement may comprise an oscillator as defined above or an organ as defined above or an assembly as defined previously or a regulator as defined above.

A timepiece, especially a watch, in particular a wristwatch, may comprise a movement as defined above or an oscillator as defined above or an organ as defined above or an assembly as defined above or a regulator as defined above. First embodiment:

A first embodiment of a timepiece 120 according to the invention is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 1 1.

The timepiece comprises a watch movement 1 10. The watch movement comprises an oscillator 100 or a regulator 100. The oscillator or regulator comprises an assembly including a member 5, in particular a pendulum 5.

In a first variant shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a solution for producing electrical energy for moving Masses modifying the moment of inertia consists of setting up the following means:

1. Management and correction of the frequency of the oscillating system is achieved by a change of the moment of inertia of said oscillating system.

2. The piezoelectric elements 4, which have the capacity to be deformed when receiving an electric current, also have the capacity to provide, to produce an electric current when they undergo a mechanical deformation. These two physical properties of the piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material can be exploited together.

3. Preferably, the piezoelectric material elements 4 are mounted on the oscillator 5 so that they are in a favorable axis to be frequency resonant mechanically induced by the exhaust system implemented in the watch. Thus, vibrations from the exhaust, including stops and pulses at the exhaust, but still from all shocks, even those related to the wearing of the watch, vibrate piezoelectric elements and contribute to generating a electric current by the more or less continuous excitation of these piezoelectric elements 4. On the understanding that the piezoelectric elements 4 deliver an electric current U PZT, see FIG. 7 when they are subjected to a geometrical and physical deformation, vibrations tend to make oscillate or / and induce a frequency (vibration duration PZT, vibration amplitude PZT) to the piezoelectric elements 4 by damping the different shocks in the watch 13. We could for example, if necessary, transform the oscillating weight of a mechanical movement self-winding, winding in one or two directions, in an oscillating mass delimited in its angular path pa r stops with or without damping springs. The movements of the wearer of the automatic watch would cause shocks of the oscillating weight on these stops and the damping of these shocks would have the effect of vibrating the piezoelectric elements 4 which can then be used to generate electrical energy.

Of course, the element for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy can convert mechanical energy from all kinds of mechanical sources such as component shocks in the timepiece, movements of the wearer, and even even just the wearer's pulse.

In this case of preferred application, all the part described in the text above, comprising the coils 9 and the magnets 10 can be replaced by this geometric arrangement of the piezoelectric elements 4 integral with the oscillator 5. The only electronic part resides in the calculator 7 which always has the option of referring to an alternator-calculator quartz 6 or an external absolute time.

4. The advantage of this solution, compared to previous solutions, is also in the simplicity of implementation and in reducing the number of components implemented The entire system becomes less bulky and especially allows its installation in any mechanical watch already existing much easier.

In a second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, in order not to embed the electronic part or electronic circuit 7, including the quartz 6, a computer and a generator, it is possible to implement them off the pendulum. Thus, these elements are preferably located outside the oscillating system.

In order to be able to receive and give electrical information to the oscillating device, it is possible to use electrical contact points such as the external attachment point of the hairspring, that is to say its contact with the hairspring. the peg, the bolt carrier or the attachment of the end of the hairspring in the oscillator carrier.

To have the possibility of a round-trip electric, we can install a second balance on the oscillator, second balance that will be provided as the first balance of a fastener at its center on the axis of the oscillator or any other integral part thereof and the outer end of the second hairspring will be in contact with another peg, bolt carrier or attachment of the end of the hairspring to the carrier frame of the oscillator.

It is obvious that this second hairspring can be simplified to the point of being similar to an electrical wire arranged in such a way as to be able to maintain its power transmission function during the oscillations of the oscillator (either a coil-like winding or a any winding or sufficiently flexible not to hinder the operation of the oscillator).

This option makes it possible to have on the oscillator system of the invention only the standard elements with an ordinary balance-spring, ie: axis of balance, ferrule, spiral, balance, double-plate, plateau pin, and the peak at the end of the spiral and the piezoelectric elements 4 for changing, according to the power supply of the piezoelectric elements 4, the moment of inertia of the balance.

In a third variant shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 to 11, one or more mass elements 12 are put in place at the end of one or more elements 4 for modifying the configuration of the mass element 12, as shown in FIGS. piezoelectric elements 4. Thus, the moment of inertia of the balance can be modified according to the power supply of the piezoelectric elements 4. Second embodiment

A second embodiment of a timepiece 320 according to the invention is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 2 to 1 6. In this second embodiment, the numerical references of the elements are deduced by the addition of 200, those identical elements, similar or providing the same function in the first embodiment. The timepiece comprises a watch movement 31 0. The watch movement comprises an oscillator 300 or a regulator 300. The oscillator or regulator comprises an assembly including a member 205, in particular a rocker 205. In the second embodiment, shown in Figures 1 2 to 1 6, the rotating member 205, in particular oscillating, the watch mechanism 300, including a pendulum 205 of a clock oscillator 300, comprises at least one mass element 204 whose configuration is modifiable so to modify the moment of inertia of the organ. The mass element is arranged so that the configuration of the mass element is modifiable actively or controlled while the organ is moving or stopped. The at least one mass element 204 is of the "binary" or bistable type. Thus, the at least one mass element can occupy a first stable position and a second stable position, the first and second positions being distinct. The first stable position defines a first moment of inertia of the rotating member and the second stable position defines a second moment of inertia of the rotating member. The at least one mass element may comprise a first magnetic or electromagnetic displacement element 242 and an element indexing 243 of the mass element in the first and second stable positions.

Thus, the at least one mass element can be moved between a first radius of gyration and a second radius of gyration. A mean radius of gyration (weighted average of the first and second rays) makes it possible to define a mean moment of inertia and therefore a rotation frequency of the rotating member or a frequency of oscillation of the member.

To carry out this movement, a second magnetic or electromagnetic element 252 is preferably used in addition to the first magnetic or electromagnetic displacement element. The first and second magnetic or electromagnetic elements are configured to cooperate or interact, at least in a defined position of the member relative to the frame. This defined position can in particular be an unstable equilibrium position of the oscillating member (position in which the speed of the organ is canceled), or even a position in which the organ is voluntarily stopped, in particular for a fraction of a second. typically less than half a second, or even less than a quarter of a second. This position can also be any other position of the organ. In the interaction position, the first and second magnetic or electromagnetic elements are for example facing one another or substantially.

In the interaction position, the first and second magnetic or electromagnetic elements can interact to modify the moment of inertia of the member by moving the mass element. In a particular variant, the second magnetic or electromagnetic element is an electromagnet mounted on the frame, in particular fixed mounted on the frame. The first magnetic or electromagnetic element is a magnet mounted on the organ. The mass element may here comprise the first magnetic or electromagnetic element and the indexing element. The indexing element can here consist of a bistable blade, such as a click. The blade extends for example perpendicular to a radius. It is for example fixed at both ends and flexural preload. It may be in the stable state or in the stable configuration shown in FIG. 13 and corresponding to a first moment of inertia. It can also adopt another stable state or other stable configuration in which the blade is bent outwards and corresponding to a second moment of inertia, the second moment of inertia being greater than the first moment of inertia. Indeed, in this second state the center of gravity of the mass element 204 is on a radius greater than that on which it is when the blade is the first stable configuration.

Magnets mounted on the movable member can be used to generate electrical energy when they pass electromagnets mounted fixed on the frame.

Alternatively, the same magnet-electromagnet couple can be used to move the mass element and to generate energy. Indeed, it may not be necessary to feed the electromagnet at each passage of the magnet to change the inertia of the rotating member. In this case, certain passages of the magnet in front of the electromagnet can be used to produce electrical energy. Finally, the passages of the magnet in front of the electromagnet can be used to generate a signal for determining the frequency of rotation or oscillation of the organ. Once this frequency is determined, it can be compared to a reference frequency as already explained, and then to order changes in the moment of inertia of the organ. The power supply of the electromagnets is performed by an electric circuit or a control unit 207. This unit also makes it possible to collect a signal representative of the frequency of movement of the organ. This unit further comprises elements for comparing this frequency to a reference frequency. The reference frequency can be given by an electronic oscillator, in particular a quartz. Preferably, this unit is fixed on the frame. Thus, in this embodiment, the displacement elements 242, 252 are arranged partly on the body and partly on the frame, in particular. In this example, an inductor is a magnet mounted on the body and an armature is an electromagnet or a coil integral with the frame of the oscillator.

Magnets mounted on the organ have the function of modifying the moment of inertia of the organ since they are part of moving, bistable mass elements. However, other magnets could be attached to the organ and could only be dedicated to the production of electrical energy. It goes without saying that it is the same for the armatures around the body since the number of electromagnets or coils could be increased. The eigenvalues of these complementary coils intended only to produce electrical energy could also be increased.

FIG. 1 6 shows the evolution of the instantaneous step of an oscillator according to the third mode as a function of time, the configuration of the oscillator being modified over time. Control signals for modifying the configuration have also been shown. As a remark, signals of the same nature succeeding each other are optional. Only the signals that are actually going control a change in configuration of the oscillator. The changes in the moment of inertia over time have also been represented, as a consequence of the control signals mentioned above. It can be seen that the moment of inertia configurations are such that a first configuration causes a negative step and that a second configuration causes a positive step. Thus, by controlling time ranges in which the member is configured according to a first configuration and time ranges in which the member is configured in a second configuration, it is possible to cancel the daytime running.

One embodiment of a method of operating a watch oscillator according to the invention is described below. It can be implemented in particular with any of the embodiments described above.

The method governs the operation of a watch oscillator comprising: a spiral spring; and

an oscillating member as described above or an assembly as described above.

Alternatively, the method governs the operation of a speed regulator as described above. Preferably, the method is automatic, that is to say without the intervention of a user or a watchmaker.

The method advantageously comprises the following steps:

Determining a current frequency of the movement of the organ or an average frequency of the movement over a period, especially over a rolling period; Comparison of the frequency determined at a reference frequency;

In case of frequency deviation, modification of the inertia of the member, the member being in motion or stopped, in particular modification by activation of a modification element of the configuration of the mass element.

Advantageously, the modification of the inertia of the member makes it possible to minimize the difference in frequency, or even to cancel the frequency difference.

Preferably, the modifying step comprises a deformation of a mass element and / or a displacement of a mass element, in particular deformation of a flexural prestressing plate. This step is for example implemented automatically.

The modification step may comprise the application of an electrical signal, in particular an electrical voltage, to the modifying element, in particular to an electromagnet 52. The modifying step may comprise the application of an electrical signal, in particular an electrical voltage, on the modifying element which is made of piezoelectric material or of magnetostrictive material and / or on the mass element which is made of piezoelectric material or of magnetostrictive material and / or the modification step may comprise the application a magnetic signal, in particular a magnetic field, on the modification element which is made of piezoelectric material or of magnetostrictive material and / or on the mass element which is made of piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material. The determining step can comprise an analysis and / or a processing of an electrical signal supplied by a sensor element, in particular a sensor element mounted on the organ, the analysis or the treatment being carried out by a treatment element or analysis mounted on the body or mounted in a timepiece equipped with the organ and / or the analysis or treatment allow the identification and extraction of the value of the period of the organ.

The comparison step may be performed by a comparator mounted on the body or mounted in a timepiece equipped with the body.

The operating method may comprise a step of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, the conversion step being in particular carried out by a conversion element mounted on the member or mounted in a timepiece equipped with the member.

The determination, comparison and modification steps can be performed, especially performed automatically while the organ is moving.

Advantageously, in the modification step, the mass element is positioned in a first stable position if the determined frequency is greater than the reference frequency and, in the modification step, the mass element is positioned in a second position. stable if the determined frequency is lower than the reference frequency. The first and second stable positions may be the two willows stable positions. All intermediate positions between the first and second stable positions may be unstable or transient positions. In order to implement the method according to the invention, the oscillator or the regulator comprises all the hardware and / or software elements necessary for carrying out the steps mentioned above. Some elements may consist of software modules. Some hardware and / or software may be included in the electrical circuit 7.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 17, the oscillator 100; 300 or the regulator includes:

a determination element 501 of a current frequency of the movement of the organ or an average frequency of the movement over a period, in particular over a sliding period; this element may be a measuring sensor comprising for example a coil and a magnet or comprising a piezoelectric element 4.

a comparison element 502 of the determined frequency at a reference frequency; this comparison element may be a comparator input-etched by a reference signal, for example provided by a crystal 6; 206 and a frequency signal of the member for example provided by a sensor.

a modification element 503 of the inertia of the member, for example a piezoelectric element 4; 252, 204; the modifying element being activatable the member being in motion or stopped.

In the different embodiments, the advantages of the organs, oscillators and movement according to the invention are listed below: 1. The main advantage is to obtain a counting accuracy of time approaching or identical to the accuracy of the electric oscillator or quartz used in the system. 2. Another advantage is to upset the time counting quality criteria for a mechanical watch by eliminating from the outset all errors that disrupt the isochronism of the mechanical watch. For example, the effects of thermal expansion that would change the moment of inertia of the components forming part of the watch's regulating system, the problems related to tribology, that is to say, the presence or absence of active lubricants to certain places or not. The invention largely cancels the problems related to the wear of materials over time. The invention makes it possible to advantageously replace all the systems whose objective is to distribute a force equal in time to the regulating organ, these systems are termed "constant force systems". The invention also makes it possible to act directly on the consequence of the chronometric average of the watch by modifying only the moment of inertia of the oscillating member. The key advantage of the invention is therefore the chronometric precision because, by acting directly on the timekeeping correction and this in a loop, the system will always tend to want to change the moment of inertia of the pendulum for the counting time remains identical to the counting performed in parallel by a reference oscillator such as a quartz.

3. A significant advantage at the industrial level is to be able, through the means implemented in the invention, to consider the change of a conventional oscillator with its conventional racking system by an oscillating system according to the invention.

4. Furthermore, a neophyte could not claim to make the aesthetic difference between a normal classical watch and a fitted watch implementing the invention. The only means of identification for sure, remains undoubtedly the extreme precision delivered by the watch according to the invention.

5. No change of battery or battery is to be made on a system according to the invention. The operation of it is ensured by the mechanical energy delivered by the conventional barrel or barrels of mechanical watches.

6. No external influence, excessive heat, extreme cold, magnetic field, vibrations, difference in wear between "soft" carriers and "dynamic" carriers, nothing but extreme shocks that break components like in a normal watch, can not alter the operation of the watch according to the invention.

Definition of the terms used in this document.

- The term "autonomous" means "who administers himself". We speak here of a management of the moment of inertia autonomous, that is to say that, unlike all the means known until now in watchmaking, there is no need to adjust the means manually. Indeed, in the case of a standard balance wheel the moment of inertia is modified by addition or complement of counterweight (balancing washers) or by moving forward or away masses along bore and thread, or in milling, folding and again lately replacing the removal of material generally performed by the ablation of material by laser radiation. The use of the word "autonomous" is intended to emphasize that it is not an outside operator, human or machine, that regulates the moment of inertia of the oscillator.

Mechanical Oscillator: Throughout this document, the term "mechanical oscillator" defines a system evolving on both sides of a stable equilibrium. The oscillator is a system operating periodically and dynamically. The oscillator is a watch pendulum associated with a spiral spring, synonymous with regulating organ and, in the whole field of the clock, the oscillator is precisely the organ called "pendulum". Piezoelectric material: in this document, the term "piezoelectric material" will be understood to mean all the piezoelectric materials which have the particularity of producing energy while deforming and conversely, of being deformed in the presence of an electric field. The molecular structure of a crystal is a perfect electrical equilibrium, but when pressure is applied to the crystal, the equilibrium is broken and an electric field is formed.

By "configurable configuration while the organ is moving", it is meant that it is possible to change the configuration while the organ is moving. This formulation does not exclude the possibility of modifying, in the same manner and / or by using the same elements, the configuration while the organ is at a standstill, in particular at standstill in an unstable equilibrium position or especially during any stop of a fraction of a second of the organ.

The piezoelectric materials used in the invention may be of mono-crystalline order or of the family of ceramics whose grains are oriented in a predefined direction in relation to their piezoelectric capacity, or else composites, that is to say grains of piezoelectric materials trapped in a resin (matrix). Piezoelectric materials could also be used in the form of very thin layers of 0.1 to 20 microns thick. By "the configuration of the mass element is modifiable actively or controlled" is meant that the configuration of the mass element can be controlled or controlled, in particular according to a predefined logic dependent on one or more parameters. This precludes the configuration of the mass element being modified passively, for example under the effect of a thermal expansion of the mass element or of a support of the mass element under the effect of changes in ambient temperature or under accelerations.

This also excludes the configuration of the mass element being modified only according to the position of the organ. Preferably, the configuration is carried out on the basis of:

a determination of a current frequency of the movement of the organ or an average frequency of the movement over a period, in particular over a rolling period; and or

a comparison of the frequency determined at a reference frequency; and or

- a frequency difference between the determined frequency and the reference frequency.

The wording also excludes a modification made by a watchmaker or a user, in particular by moving weights. In the various variants and embodiments, the rotating member or the assembly or the oscillator or the movement or the timepiece may comprise a photovoltaic element for generating electrical energy exclusively or in a complementary manner to other technologies, in particular complementary to the electrical energy produced by one or more piezoelectric elements and / or by one or more electromagnetic elements such as coils.

In the different variants and embodiments, the accuracy achieved makes it possible to greatly reduce the mechanical frequency of the oscillator. For example, instead of 20,600 vibrations per hour or 28,800 vibrations per hour or 36,000 vibrations per hour, the operating frequency of an oscillator according to the invention can be brought to 7,200 vibrations per hour or less, or even 3'600 vibrations per hour or less. Such a decrease in mechanical frequency makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the mechanical system. Thus, the lower the mechanical frequency, the higher the Power reserve for the same mechanism is great. One can even speak of proportionality since if the oscillator operates at a low frequency, less moving will be necessary in the movement. It results in less energy loss, so better performance. Therefore, if we divide by four the ordinary mechanical frequency, we can imagine quadruple the autonomy of the watch, in other words the time of deployment of the mainspring. In the various variants and embodiments, the disturbances acting on the isochronism of the watch are corrected by active management of the frequency of the oscillator. However, it is possible that at the end of deployment of the mainspring, the energy supplied by the spring is no longer sufficient to operate the oscillator correctly. In such a case the accuracy of the oscillator may be bad. Therefore, the various variants and embodiments may include a mechanism for stopping the oscillator or stopping one or more time indication mobiles. This mechanism can act as a stop-second. In particular, the mechanism may comprise a piezoelectric-type element which would receive an electrical signal controlling its displacement or deformation in order to hinder the movement of the oscillator or one or more time indication mobiles when too few energy is available. Thus, it is possible to prevent the system from operating without enough mechanical energy available to ensure proper operation. The stop mechanism is thus able to stop the oscillator or one or more time indication mobiles or the finishing gear when too little energy is available in the barrel.

Claims

Oscillating member (5; 205) of a clock mechanism (100), especially a pendulum oscillator (5; 205) having at least one mass element (4; 12; 204) whose configuration is modifiable so as to modify the moment of inertia of the member, the mass element being arranged so that the configuration of the mass element is modifiable actively or controlled while the organ is moving or stopped , the mass element being for example of piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material and / or the mass element being for example arranged so as to occupy a first stable position defining a first moment of inertia of the member or a second stable position defining a second moment of inertia of the organ.

Organ according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises an element (4; 4a; 4b; 42; 204) for modifying the configuration of the mass element, the element for modifying the configuration of the mass element. being mounted on the member, the modifying element being for example of piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material.

Body according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mass element (4; 204) comprises at least a first magnetic or electromagnetic displacement element (242) or an element (242) for modifying the configuration of the device. mass element and an element (243) for indexing the mass element in a first stable position and a second stable position. Body according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first magnetic or electromagnetic displacement element is a magnet (242).

5. Body according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the indexing element comprises a blade (43), in particular a flexural prestressing blade.

6. An assembly comprising a member according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second element (52) magnetic or electromagnetic displacement, in particular an electromagnet, the first and second magnetic or electromagnetic moving elements cooperating.

7. An assembly comprising a member according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a member (4; 4a; 4b) for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, in particular a piezoelectric material conversion element. or magnetostrictive and / or in that it comprises an element for converting solar energy into electrical energy, in particular a photovoltaic panel, the conversion element being in particular mounted on the member.

8. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the conversion element is constituted by the mass element and / or the modifying element.

9. An assembly comprising a member according to one of claims 1 to 5 or assembly according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an electronic circuit (7), including a computer (7), the circuit being in particular mounted on the member, in particular mounted on an axis (1) of rotation of the member.

10. An assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electronic circuit comprises a reference oscillator (6), in particular an oscillator based on resonant or quartz electric circuit.

1 1. Assembly comprising a member according to one of claims 1 to 5 or assembly according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a sensor element (4; 4a; 4b; 204) of a characteristic of the movement of the member, in particular a shock or acceleration sensor element, the sensor element being in particular mounted on the member, the sensor element being for example constituted by the mass element and / or the element of modification. 12. An assembly comprising a member according to one of claims 1 to 5 or assembly according to one of claims 6 to 1 1, characterized in that it is integrally or almost completely made of piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material.

13. Clock oscillator (100; 300), comprising:

- an oscillating member (5; 205) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or an assembly according to one of claims 6 to 12, and

a spiral spring (2), in particular a spiral spring of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material or of any material having the capacity to produce an electric current during its geometric deformation.

14. Oscillator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spiral spring (2) is used as an electrical conductor and / or in that it comprises at least two spirals serving as conductors of electricity.

15. Oscillator according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that elements allow the transmission of electricity between the modification element and an electronic control system of the modification element.

1 6. Clock speed controller, comprising a rotating member (5;

205) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or an assembly according to one of claims 6 to 12.

17. Watch movement (110; 310) comprising an oscillator (100;

300) according to one of claims 13 to 15 or a member (5) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or an assembly according to one of claims 6 to 12 or a regulator according to claim 1 6. Timepiece (120; 320), in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch, comprising a movement (1 10; 310) according to the preceding claim or an oscillator (100; 300) according to one of Claims 13 to 15 or a member (5) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or an assembly according to one of claims 6 to 12 or a regulator according to claim 1 6.

Operating method, in particular automatic operation method,

a watch oscillator (100; 300) comprising:

- a spiral spring (2); and

- an oscillating member (5; 205) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or an assembly according to one of claims 6 to 12,

or

- a speed controller according to claim 16,

the method comprising the following steps:

Determining a current frequency of the movement of the organ or an average frequency of the movement over a period, especially over a rolling period;

Comparison of the frequency determined at a reference frequency;

Operating method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the modifying step comprises a deformation of a mass element and / or a displacement of a mass element, in particular deformation of a flexural prestressing plate.

21. Operating method according to claim 1 9 or 20, characterized in that the modifying step comprises applying an electrical signal, in particular an electrical voltage, to the modifying element, in particular to an electromagnet (52). 22. Operating method according to claim 1 9 or 20, characterized in that the modifying step comprises the application of an electrical signal, in particular an electrical voltage, to the modification element which is made of piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material and / or on the mass element which is made of piezoelectric material or of magnetostrictive material and / or in that the modifying step comprises the application of a magnetic signal, in particular a magnetic field, on the element of modification which is piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material and / or the mass element which is piezoelectric material or magnetostrictive material.

23. Operating method according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the determining step comprises an analysis and / or treatment of an electrical signal provided by a sensor element, in particular a sensor element mounted on the organ, the analysis or the treatment being performed by a treatment or analysis element mounted on the organ or mounted in a timepiece equipped with the organ and / or the analysis or the treatment allow the locating and extracting the value of the period of the organ.

24. Operating method according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the comparison step is performed by a comparator mounted on the body or mounted in a timepiece equipped with the body.

25. Operating method according to one of claims 1 9 to 24, characterized in that it comprises a step of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, the conversion step being in particular made by a conversion element mounted on the body or mounted in a timepiece equipped with the body. Operating method according to one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the steps of determination, comparison and modification are performed, in particular performed automatically while the body is moving.

Operating method according to one of Claims 19 to 26, characterized in that, in the modification step, the mass element is positioned in a first stable position if the determined frequency is greater than the reference frequency and in that that, in the modifying step, the mass element is positioned in a second stable position if the determined frequency is lower than the reference frequency.