EP3410236B1 - Device and method for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for correcting the state of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency.

The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least one first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency.

The invention relates to a state correction device for the state correction of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency.

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least one first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency.

The invention relates to an interactive support device for interactive correction of a watch or respectively movement.

The invention relates to a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least one first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency.

The invention relates to the use of a state correction device, for the state correction of a watch or respectively a movement, comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at said nominal frequency, said device state correction device comprising a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correction oscillator, arranged to generate a correction oscillation at a correction frequency.

The invention relates to the use of a device for adjusting the rate and correcting the condition of a watch or respectively a movement, for adjusting the rate and correcting the condition of a watch or respectively a movement. , comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency with an initial value of the rate difference, said rate adjustment and state correction device comprising a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate a excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency which is approximately equal to, or equal to, a nominal frequency, or an integer multiple of said nominal frequency, with a master value of operating deviation from a reference, said device rate adjustment and state correction further comprising a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correcting oscillator, arranged to generate a correction oscillation at a correction frequency.

The invention relates to the use of an automatic winder for a mechanical or automatic watch with at least one receptacle for receiving a watch or respectively a movement, for subjecting at least one entire watch or respectively an entire movement to a generated excitation oscillation. by a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency which is approximately equal to or equal to a nominal frequency, or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency, with a master value of the operating deviation from a reference.

Background of the invention

Controlling the rate deviation of a watch or respectively a movement is the goal of any watch manufacturer.

The maximum rate deviation of a watch or respectively of a standard mechanical movement, without special certification, is of the order of 5 to 10 seconds per day, possible both early and late.

The maximum rate deviation of a neat watch, or respectively of a neat mechanical movement, in particular with a chronometer type certification, is 2 to 5 seconds per day.

The maximum rate deviation of a very neat watch (or respectively of a mechanical movement), for example prepared for a chronometry competition, is of the order of 1 second per day.

The operating deviation drifts in particular according to the unwinding of the barrel, but also, in a non-exhaustive way with the variations of the environment, of the temperature, humidity, or other, with the wear of the various moving parts, and with the degradation of lubricants over time.

The concern for mastery of the state is added to that of mastery of walking.

Automatic winders are designed for winding mechanical or automatic or manual watches, but only move the oscillating weight, or turn the crown, to recharge the barrel, without correction, neither for the rate, nor for the condition, the watch. When the user leaves his watch for a long time on such a winder, the displayed time drifts continuously and uncontrollably.

Breguet produced a so-called sympathetic pendulum, comprising a watch or respectively a specific movement associated with a pendulum serving as a reference, and arranged to be held on this pendulum, with a mechanism for resetting the hands of the watch, at midnight and at noon, by the control rod of the watch, operated by the pendulum.

• H.M. Oliveira et Al. : « Huygens synchronization of two clocks », Scientific Reports, vol.5, N°1, 23 juillet 2015, XP055418276, DOI :10.1038/srep11548 ; page 9, § experimental, figures 4, 7 ;
• H. Wallman : « Hit-or-miss synchronization to atomic time », Horological Journal. Ashford, GB, Vol.134, N°1, 1er juillet 1991, pages 26-27, XP000214989, ISSN : 0018-5108, pages 1-2, figures 2-3 ;
• J.P. Ramirez et Al.: « The sympathy of two pendulums clocks : beyond Huygens' observations », Scientific Reports, Vol.6, N° 1, 29 mars 2016, XP055418277, DOI : 10.1038/srep23580, page 3, § experimental, figures 3-6 .

Different scientific articles evoke the synchronization or sympathy between two clocks:

• HM Oliveira et al .: “Huygens synchronization of two clocks”, Scientific Reports, vol.5, No. 1, July 23, 2015, XP055418276, DOI: 10.1038 / srep11548; page 9, § experimental, figures 4, 7 ;
• H. Wallman: “Hit-or-miss synchronization to atomic time”, Horological Journal. Ashford, GB, Vol. 134, No. 1, July 1, 1991, pages 26-27, XP000214989, ISSN: 0018-5108, pages 1-2, figures 2-3 ;
• JP Ramirez et Al .: “The sympathy of two pendulums clocks: beyond Huygens' observations”, Scientific Reports, Vol.6, N ° 1, March 29, 2016, XP055418277, DOI: 10.1038 / srep23580, page 3, § experimental, figures 3-6 .

The document GB187814A in the name of WH Shortt describes a pendulum clock synchronized with another by means of electrical pulses which are used to operate a device associated with the slave pendulum as soon as the latter lags in phase beyond a predetermined value.

The document JP S55 67685A in the name of SEIKO describes a configuration for resetting the rate of an alarm clock, by using its sound generating means as receiving means, in combination with a signal corresponding to a predetermined sound.

The document DE102013012854B3 in the name of R Goder describes a fitting for a watch comprising means suitable for correcting the rate of the watch, by modifying its position, the temperature of the environment, or its winding level, according to the deviation of the display position revealed by an electronic camera, a proximity detector or a sensor, in particular acoustic.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to precisely control the frequency of at least one watch or respectively of a mechanical movement having at least at least one oscillator, and which oscillates with the aid of a device or apparatus or support. Each watch is fixed on a setting, which has access to a reference time base. The fitting imposes an oscillatory movement on the mechanical watch, which imposes on the sprung balance of the watch, or more generally on its oscillator, a reference frequency.

The invention aims to achieve a periodic back and forth movement of the entire watch, without extracting the movement from its case, in order to control the frequency of its mechanical resonator.

To this end, the invention relates to a method for correcting the state of a watch or respectively of a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least one first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency, according to the claim 1.

The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch or respectively of a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency with an initial value of the path deviation, according to claim 2.

The invention also relates to a state correction device for the state correction of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency with a initial value of the operating deviation, according to claim 3.

The invention also relates to a device for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency with a value initial deviation of course, according to claim 7.

The invention also relates to an interactive support device for correcting a watch or respectively a movement, according to claim 8.

The invention also relates to a watch, said watch comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency with an initial value of the rate difference, according to claim 12.

The invention also relates to the use of a state correction device, for the state correction of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation. at said nominal frequency, comprising a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of the first oscillator, arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency which is approximately equal to, or equal, to a nominal frequency, or at an integer multiple of said nominal frequency, with a master value of the operating deviation with respect to a reference, and comprising a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correcting oscillator, arranged to generate an oscillation of correction at a correction frequency according to claim 14.

The invention also relates to the use of a device for adjusting the rate and correcting the condition of a watch or respectively a movement, for adjusting the rate and correcting the condition of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency with an initial value of rate deviation, said rate adjustment and state correction device comprising a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency which is approximately equal to, or equal, to a nominal frequency, or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency, with a master rate deviation from a reference, said rate adjustment and state correction device comprising enc or a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state-correcting oscillator, arranged to generate a correction oscillation at a correction frequency, -according to claim 15.

The invention relates to the use of an automatic winder for a mechanical or automatic watch with at least one watch receiving fitting or respectively movement, said watch or respectively said movement comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency with an initial value of the rate difference, to subject at least one whole watch or respectively an entire movement to an oscillation excitation generated by a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate an oscillation at an excitation frequency which is approximately equal to or equal to a nominal frequency, or at an integer multiple of said nominal frequency, with a master value of operating deviation from a reference, according to claim 16.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, une montre ou respectivement un mouvement mécanique fixée sur un posage soumis à une oscillation d'excitation périodique de fréquence précise par un générateur de fonction d'un dispositif d'asservissement, et des moyens de mesure de marche, par exemple de type microphone, en contact avec la couronne de la montre;
• la figure 2 est un diagramme représentant l'évolution de la marche, en ordonnée graduée en secondes par jour, en fonction du temps en abscisse graduée en minutes, de la montre de la figure 1, depuis un instant initial, jusqu'à une rampe abrupte correspondant à l'activation du dispositif d'asservissement et à une oscillation du posage à une fréquence d'excitation, laquelle rampe est suivie d'une phase de transition, lors de laquelle l'écart de marche est rapidement inversé et décroit ensuite régulièrement, jusqu'à l'atteinte d'une valeur d'écart de marche stabilisée très faible, sensiblement nulle ;
• la figure 3 est un diagramme similaire à celui de la figure 2, réduit à la seule phase de transition, et qui montre l'influence de la phase de l'excitation au moment où cette excitation est enclenchée, qui se traduit par des courbes d'allure différente, mais qui tendent toutes également vers la stabilisation autour de la valeur nulle à l'issue de la phase de transition;
• la figure 4 est un diagramme représentant l'évolution de l'état de la montre de la figure 1, en ordonnée graduée en secondes, en fonction du temps en abscisse graduée en minutes, dans une variante non asservie en trait plein, et dans une variante asservie avec un dispositif d'asservissement et correcteur d'état, en trait pointillé ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation schématisée d'un dispositif d'ajustement de la marche d'une montre ou d'un mouvement, comportant un oscillateur de référence, un convertisseur de fréquence si nécessaire, pour l'actionnement d'un entraîneur à une fréquence d'excitation, cet entraîneur entraînant un posage supportant la montre ou le mouvement qui comporte le premier oscillateur ;
• la figure 6 est un diagramme montrant l'évolution du rattrapage d'état en fonction du temps ;
• la figure 7 est un schéma-blocs de la correction d'état d'une montre, avec des moyens de mesure de l'état de la montre, tels qu'une caméra, interfacés avec des moyens de reconnaissance, une cellule de calcul de différence d'état par comparaison à une référence d'état absolue, une cellule de calcul de fréquence et de durée de correction, et un asservissement de marche.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, a watch or respectively a mechanical movement fixed on a fitting subjected to an oscillation of periodic excitation of precise frequency by a function generator of a servo device, and rate measuring means, by example of microphone type, in contact with the crown of the watch;
• the figure 2 is a diagram representing the evolution of the rate, on the ordinate graduated in seconds per day, as a function of the time on the abscissa graduated in minutes, of the watch of the figure 1 , from an initial instant, up to an abrupt ramp corresponding to the activation of the servo device and to an oscillation of the setting at an excitation frequency, which ramp is followed by a transition phase, during which l The rate of shift is rapidly reversed and then decreases regularly, until a very low, substantially zero, stabilized rate of variation is reached;
• the figure 3 is a diagram similar to that of the figure 2 , reduced to the only transition phase, and which shows the influence of the phase of the excitation at the moment when this excitation is triggered, which results in curves of different appearance, but which all tend equally towards stabilization around zero value at the end of the transition phase;
• the figure 4 is a diagram representing the evolution of the state of the watch from the figure 1 , on the ordinate graduated in seconds, as a function of time on the abscissa graduated in minutes, in a non-controlled variant in a solid line, and in a servo-controlled variant with a servo-control device and state corrector, in dotted lines;
• the figure 5 is a schematic representation of a device for adjusting the rate of a watch or a movement, comprising a reference oscillator, a frequency converter if necessary, for actuating a trainer at a frequency of excitation, this trainer causing a setting supporting the watch or the movement which includes the first oscillator;
• the figure 6 is a diagram showing the evolution of state correction as a function of time;
• the figure 7 is a block diagram of the state correction of a watch, with means for measuring the state of the watch, such as a camera, interfaced with recognition means, a cell for calculating the difference in state by comparison with an absolute state reference, a frequency and correction duration calculation cell, and a run servo.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

It is proposed here to precisely control, using a control device, the frequency of at least one watch, or respectively a mechanical movement, having at least a first oscillator, hereinafter referred to as "usual oscillator. "To distinguish it from so-called absolute oscillators capable of generating references, more particularly absolute references, and oscillators which will be called" master oscillators ", of intermediate quality between absolute oscillators and usual oscillators.

The invention is equally applicable to a timepiece which can be a complete watch, a watch head also called a “watch head”, or a movement. To simplify the description, the term “watch” is used hereinafter interchangeably to designate one or the other of these entities. What is applicable to an entire watch is directly transposable to an entire movement, and vice versa.

In an innovative way, each watch is fixed on a setting, which is coupled to a reference time base. The fitting imposes an oscillatory movement on the mechanical watch, which imposes a reference frequency on the first oscillator in the watch, in particular a sprung balance.

More particularly, a periodic back-and-forth movement is imposed on the entire watch, not dismantled, in order to control the frequency of its mechanical resonator.

The servo device has a time base, which must be more precise than that of the mechanical watch. It must therefore have an error of less than 1 second per day, advantageously less than 0.1 second per day, which allows in particular, but not limited to, a temperature-compensated quartz oscillator. A careful mechanical pendulum also achieves such precision.

The slaving of a watch by such a slaving device makes it possible to cancel the operating deviation of the watch during the time when the watch is associated with the slaving device, after a necessary transient synchronization regime, such as the show it figure 2 , which is taken from a measurement carried out in the laboratory with a watch displaying an initial rate deviation of about 15 seconds per day.

When the servo device is engaged, the operating deviation drifts during a transition phase of a few minutes, then converges after about ten minutes to zero seconds per day.

This behavior has been modeled, and the figure 3 shows that the shape of the curve during the transition phase depends on the phase of the excitation when it is triggered, the figure 2 corresponding to a phase shift value of π, which constitutes, in fact, the most unfavorable case. Exploration of the parameter space shows that the excitation difference must exceed a certain threshold for there to be synchronization, but it must not be too large either, in order to avoid rebat. We can compensate for a large difference in rate by increasing the difference in excitation.

Thus, a first development relates to a method of adjusting the rate of a watch comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0.

It is understood that the term “nominal frequency N0” is understood to mean the target frequency value at which the oscillator of the watch or of the movement concerned is supposed to operate.

In an innovative way, a servo device is used comprising a third oscillator, this oscillator being a quality master oscillator chronometric greater than that of the first oscillator, which is arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency NE, which is approximately equal to, or equal, to this nominal frequency N0, or to an integer multiple of the nominal frequency N0 , preferably with a master value AM of the operating deviation with respect to a reference, which is lower than the initial value DI of the operating deviation. More particularly, this reference is a so-called absolute reference, which has a rate deviation of less than 1 second per day, advantageously less than 0.1 second per day.

More particularly, this third oscillator is chosen, arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency NE which is equal to an odd integer multiple of the nominal frequency N0.

And this entire watch is subjected to an excitation oscillation generated by the third oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by the third oscillator, at the excitation frequency NE, after an initial moment of activation of the device. slaving, at least during a transition phase at the end of which the frequency of the oscillator of the watch or respectively of the movement is stabilized at the frequency NE. The rate of the oscillator of the watch is then stabilized at a rate of variation of rate less than or equal to the master value AM.

More particularly, the initial value DI of the operating deviation of this first oscillator of the watch is measured or evaluated beforehand, and such a third oscillator is chosen and used which has a master value AM of the operating deviation with respect to a reference, which is lower than this initial value DI for operating deviation. More particularly, this reference is an absolute reference, as defined above.

In particular, the servo-control device is designed to generate an excitation oscillation, around an axis parallel or coincident with that of the mobile of the first oscillator of the watch concerned. This excitation oscillation is preferably made with a stroke of small angular amplitude, for example +/- 5 °, or even less, for example +/- 2 °.

In a first variant, used for the example of figure 2 , the excitation oscillation is made in the form of a back and forth.

In another variant, the third oscillator generates an excitation oscillation which imparts a modulated movement to the watch or to the movement. concerned, for example with a unidirectional movement comprising rotations separated by jerks, or the like.

In short, it is a master-slave system, where the third oscillator of the control device is the master, and the first oscillator in the watch is the slave.

This first development also relates to such a slaving device, for the adjustment of the rate of a watch comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0, with a measured initial value DI of rate deviation. .

In an innovative way, this servo device comprises a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, which is arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency NE, which is approximately equal to or equal to the nominal frequency N0, or to an integer multiple, in particular odd, of the nominal frequency N0, with a master value AM of operating deviation from a reference, which is lower than the value initial DI of course deviation. More particularly, this reference is an absolute reference as defined above, for which the rate difference is less than 1 second per day, or even less than 0.1 second per day. And this servo device is designed to subject the entire watch to an excitation oscillation generated by this third oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by the third oscillator.

In an advantageous execution, as seen on the figure 5 , the servo device comprises a reference oscillator 6, and a frequency converter 5 if necessary, for actuating a driver 4 at the excitation frequency NE.

This driver 4 prints a movement, in particular back and forth, around a reference axis, to a mounting 3 which supports the watch 2 to be controlled, preferably with the axis of the oscillating mobile of the first oscillator 1 of the shows 2 which is parallel or coincident with the reference axis.

The oscillation angle α is a function of time, and is periodic. In particular, it is of the form: α (t) = A. sin (2π.NE), or similar. It can also follow a square, sawtooth, or other cycle.

Such a control device makes it possible to adjust the rate of the watch, by choosing this particular excitation frequency NE in relation to the nominal frequency N0. And this same device can, again, be used, no longer at the excitation frequency NE, but at a correction frequency NC, as will be seen later.

More particularly, this control device comprises control means, which are arranged to control the excitation oscillation of the third oscillator, and which are interfaced with means for measuring the rate of the watch, and which this device comprises enslavement.

In general, the piloting means, main piloting means, central piloting means, described here can be constituted by a computer, a calculator, a programmable logic controller, an integrated circuit, or any other means of artificial intelligence adapted to the system. 'application.

In a particular embodiment, this slaving device comprises an automatic winder for a mechanical or automatic watch, on which is fixed at least one mounting for receiving a watch, or movement, or the like. The servo device comprises, at this setting, excitation means which are arranged to subject the entire watch to an excitation oscillation generated by the third oscillator, and / or comprises drive means arranged to submit the entire watch has a modulated movement generated by this third oscillator.

More particularly, at least one measurement of the operating deviation is carried out, before and / or after its stabilization by implementing this method. More particularly still, a display or an edition of the measured deviation value is carried out on a display or editing means provided in this regard.

It will be understood that the rate adjustment is temporary, it is a temporary control, as long as the watch remains under the effect of the excitation oscillations generated by the third oscillator of the control device.

It is important to note that this first development makes it possible to compensate for both an advance and a delay: in fact, some watches leave the factory with a setting designed for running ahead, while others have a setting centered on the zero value, so that these watches can advance as well as delay. It is therefore possible to delay a watch which advances, or advance a watch which delays. It is notable that the rate of a watch that is already correctly adjusted is not degraded.

This control can be done in addition to the optimal winding of the movement, either in sequence or simultaneously.

It is advantageous to take advantage of this first development to achieve, in a second development, the correction of a state error.

In fact, this rate adjustment method, using a servo-control device, makes it possible to make the rate deviation tend towards zero seconds per day. But its principle can also be used for slaving the oscillator of the watch to another frequency, for example minus 90 seconds per day, in order to correct a state error. This state error is either a value measured and entered manually, or else a value identified by a vision system, such as a camera with image processing making it possible to recognize the position of the hands or displays, or the like.

For example, a watch is set perfectly to the time at 7 a.m., then is worn all day with a constant rate of +12 seconds per day, then an error is measured at 10 p.m. on the same day. state of about +7.5 seconds. The user can implement the rate adjustment method with the rate servo device.

This slaving device is configurable and capable of imposing on the watch, during the following night, an imposed rate deviation, which is not necessarily zero. For example if the servo device imposes on the watch, for two hours, a rate deviation of less than 90 seconds per day, the state of the watch is again exact after this two-hour period.

After performing this state correction, the device can then impose a 0 second per day operating deviation until the user recovers it. The watch will therefore be perfectly on time in the morning: not only will it not have the error of state that it would have had by staying one night at +12 seconds per day, but in addition it will have corrected its advance by 7.5 seconds taken during the day to wear from the day before. The table below summarizes this example: running of the watch without the invention (in seconds per day) state of the watch without the invention (in seconds) running of the watch with the invention (in seconds per day) state of the watch with the invention (in seconds) the day before at 7 a.m. +12 0 +12 0 the day before at 10 p.m. +12 +7.5 +12 +7.5 the day before from 10 p.m. to midnight +12 from +7.5 to +8.5 -90 from +7.5 to 0 the next day from midnight to 7 a.m. +12 from +8.5 to +12 0 0 the next day at 7 a.m. +12 + 12 +12 0

Obviously, if the invention is not used, this state error accumulates over the days, and can reach several minutes per month if the user does not manually reset his watch to the time.

The figure 4 shows a comparative experimental result with and without the invention. In this example, it is a watch, certified chronometer, produced on the market, and not adjusted or modified, which is not subject to any winding by automatic winding or other; the barrel of this watch discharges naturally in just over 2 days (i.e. around 190,000 seconds). The condition of the watch is measured using a precision device as used by watchmakers. The state measurement is made on the complete discharge, in dotted line in the controlled state according to the invention, and in solid line in the free state without the invention. This figure 4 clearly shows that, without the invention, a watch or respectively a movement, even a chronometer certified, accumulates a significant delay when its barrel discharges, whereas with the invention, its state remains very close to 0 seconds.

Thus, the second development relates to a method for correcting the state of a watch comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0.

According to this state correction method, the initial value DI for operating deviation is measured or evaluated. The state error is measured on the watch.

A state correction device is used comprising a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correcting oscillator, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at a correction frequency NC to impose an oscillation and / or a movement on the entire watch. , during a phase of catching up of state after an initial moment of activation of the state correction device. The duration of the state correction phase is adjusted to exactly catch up on a state error that is measured or evaluated on the watch at the initial activation moment.

More particularly, the initial value DI of the operating deviation of this first oscillator is measured, and a state correction device comprising a second oscillator, which is a state correcting oscillator, is chosen and used.

Of course, the state correction device can be the slaving device presented previously, on condition that frequency generation means are available which make it possible to obtain the required NC correction frequency.

It is understood that the duration D, during which it is necessary to apply an oscillation at a correction frequency NC to catch up a state error E, is defined by the relation: D = (tf - ti) = E / (NC-N0) .

But, of course, the correction frequency NC cannot be chosen in any way, because it is not necessary to deviate inconsiderately from the resonant frequency, and, in practice, the difference (NC-N0) is preferably to be limited. at about +/- 100 seconds per day.

The state correction can be implemented independently of the run adjustment, and uses a state correction device.

This state correction device is provided for the state correction of a watch comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0, with a measured initial value DI of the rate difference. In this second development, this state correction device comprises a second oscillator, which is a state correcting oscillator, which is arranged to generate a correction oscillation at a correction frequency NC. And this state correction device is designed to subject the entire watch to a correction oscillation generated by the second oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by this second oscillator.

More particularly, this state correction device comprises control means, which are arranged to control the oscillation of the second oscillator, and which are interfaced with means for measuring the state of the watch, and which the device comprises. state correction.

Advantageously, these control means are interfaced with means for manual entry by the user of a state correction duration, and / or are arranged to calculate this duration, as a function of the values of nominal frequency N0, of frequency NC correction, and measured state error.

More particularly, the means for measuring the state of the watch are optical vision means, which are advantageously supplemented by image processing means, in particular for recognizing the position of the hands or displays of the watch, or respectively of the position of marks on the moving parts.

In a variant, in the absence of automatic image processing means, the state correction device comprises control means which are arranged to control the correction oscillation of the second oscillator, and which are interfaced with means manual input by the user of a displayed time or a status error, such as keyboard, or touchscreen interface or the like, or even interfaced by a wireless device with a mobile phone or “Smartphone” or “ iPhone ”or similar which have such manual entry means.

The figure 7 illustrates such a device for correcting the state of a watch 2, with means 10 for measuring the state of the watch, such as a camera, interfaced with recognition means 11, a cell 12 for calculating the difference state by comparison with a state reference 13, a frequency and correction duration calculation cell 14, and a run servo 15. More particularly this state reference 13 is an absolute reference as defined above .

In a particular embodiment, this state correction device comprises an automatic winder for a mechanical or automatic watch, with at least one position for receiving a watch, or respectively a movement. The state correction device comprises, at this setting, excitation means, which are arranged to subject the entire watch, or respectively the entire movement, to a correction oscillation generated by this second oscillator, and / or drive means which are arranged to subject the entire watch, or respectively the entire movement, to a modulated movement generated by the second oscillator.

The invention makes it possible to combine the two actions described above, in the form of a method for adjusting the rate and correcting the condition of a watch. comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0, with an initial operating deviation value DI, and in which the state catch-up phase and the transition phase of the two methods are at least partially linked respective elementary.

The invention then implements a device for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch comprising at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0, with a measured initial value DI of deviation from market. According to the invention, this rate adjustment and state correction device comprises at least one such control device, and at least one such state correction device, and main control means, which are arranged for controlling the excitation oscillation of the third oscillator and which are interfaced with means for measuring the variation of the rate of the watch, which the servo device comprises, and for controlling the correction oscillation of the second oscillator, and which are interfaced with means for measuring the state of the watch, which this state correction device comprises.

More particularly, this rate adjustment and condition correction device comprises at least one automatic winder for a mechanical or automatic watch, on which at least one such fitting is fixed.

The invention also relates to an interactive watch correction support device, comprising at least one such slaving device, and this interactive correction support device comprises central rate control means for adjusting to an identical rate deviation value. all watches subject to servo-control devices.

More particularly, this interactive watch correction support device comprises at least one such state correction device, and this interactive correction support device comprises central state control means for adjusting to an identical state value every time. watches subject to condition correction devices.

More particularly still, this interactive correction support device comprises main control means which constitute or coordinate these central walking control means and these central state control means.

More particularly, this interactive correction support device comprises at least one automatic winder for a mechanical or automatic watch, on which is fixed at least one position for receiving a watch, or respectively movement.

In an advantageous application, this interactive correction support device is a display for displaying watches and / or movements to the user or to the public.

More particularly still, this display unit is designed to receive a plurality of watches and / or movements of the same nominal frequency N0.

It is possible to control the various watches with a single system if the watches are identical, for example, or individually with separate controls if they are different (settings, models, brands, or others).

It is also possible to have different classes, and therefore to differentiate the slavings, and / or state corrections between classes, or even between watches, if necessary.

The invention also relates to a watch which comprises at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0, with a measured initial value DI of the rate difference, which watch comprises a bracelet comprising at least one such device. enslavement.

More particularly, this bracelet comprises at least one state correction device, but which is much more difficult to integrate. Also, more particularly, this state correction device, integrated into the bracelet, comprises control means which are arranged to control the correction oscillation of the second oscillator, and which are interfaced with manual input means by the user of a displayed time or of a state error, such as keyboard, or interface, or else are interfaced with a means of communication, such as mobile telephone or “Smartphone” or “iPhone” or similar, which includes such means of manual entry.

A particular embodiment relates to a bracelet comprising, in addition to the watch head, the oscillating servo system and the energy source.

In another embodiment, this watch comprises means for resonating its plate at the nominal frequency N0, or at an integer, in particular odd, multiple of the nominal frequency N0.

The invention also relates to the use of a slaving device comprising a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of the first oscillator, arranged for generate an oscillation at an excitation frequency NE which is approximately equal to or equal to a nominal frequency N0, or to an integer multiple, in particular odd, of the nominal frequency N0, with a master value AM of operating deviation by compared to a reference, for adjusting the rate of a watch. More particularly, this reference is an absolute reference as defined above, the rate difference of which is less than 1 second per day, advantageously less than 0.1 second per day. This watch includes at least a first oscillator, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at this nominal frequency N0, with any initial value DI for any operating deviation. This rate adjustment is made by subjecting the entire watch to an excitation oscillation generated by the third oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by this third oscillator, for a period sufficient to stabilize the rate deviation of the oscillator of the watch to a value of the operating deviation less than or equal to the master value AM.

The invention also relates to the use of a state correction device comprising a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of the first oscillator, arranged to generate an oscillation at an excitation frequency NE , which is approximately equal to or equal to a nominal frequency N0, or to an integer multiple, in particular odd, of said nominal frequency N0, with a master value AM of operating deviation from a reference, and comprising a second oscillator, which is a state corrector oscillator, arranged to generate a correction oscillation at a correction frequency NC, for the state correction of a watch. More particularly, this reference is an absolute reference as defined above. This watch comprises at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at this nominal frequency N0, with any initial value DI for any operating deviation. This state correction is made by subjecting the entire watch to a correction oscillation generated by the second oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by this second oscillator, for a period sufficient to effect the required correction of the state of the watch, or respectively of the movement.

The invention also relates to the use of a device for adjusting the rate and correcting the condition of a watch. This rate adjustment and state correction device comprises a third oscillator, this oscillator being an oscillator master of chronometric quality higher than that of the first oscillator, which is arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency NE, which is approximately equal to, or equal, to a nominal frequency N0, or to an integer multiple, in particular odd, of said nominal frequency N0, with a master value AM of the rate deviation from a reference for adjusting the rate of a watch. More particularly, this reference is an absolute reference as defined above, the rate difference of which is less than 1 second per day, advantageously less than 0.1 second per day. This watch includes at least a first oscillator, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at this nominal frequency N0, with any initial value DI for any operating deviation. This rate adjustment is made by subjecting the entire watch to an excitation oscillation generated by the third oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by this third oscillator, for a period sufficient to stabilize the rate deviation of the watch oscillator, at a rate deviation less than or equal to the master value AM. And this rate adjustment and state correction device comprises a second oscillator, which is a state correcting oscillator, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at a correction frequency NC for the state correction of the watch, by subjecting this entire watch to a corrective oscillation generated by this second oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by this second oscillator, for a period sufficient to perform the required correction of the state of the watch.

The invention also relates to the use of an automatic winder for a mechanical or automatic watch, with at least one receptacle for receiving a watch, or movement, or the like for subjecting at least one entire watch to an excitation oscillation generated by a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of the first oscillator, arranged to generate an excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency which is approximately equal to or equal to a nominal frequency N0, or to an integer multiple, in particular odd, of said nominal frequency N0, with a master value AM of the rate deviation from a reference for the adjustment of the rate of a watch. More particularly, this reference is an absolute reference as defined above, for which the rate difference is less than 1 second per day, advantageously less than 0.1 second per day, for adjusting the rate of a watch. This watch has at least a first oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at this nominal frequency N0, with any initial value DI of any operating deviation.

This automatic winder comprises excitation means, which are arranged to subject the entire watch to an excitation oscillation generated by the third oscillator, and / or drive means arranged to subject the entire watch to a modulated movement generated by the third oscillator. This rate adjustment is made by subjecting the entire watch to an excitation oscillation generated by the third oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by this third oscillator, for a period sufficient to stabilize the rate deviation of the oscillator of the watch to a value of the operating deviation less than or equal to the master value AM. And this rate adjustment and state correction device comprises a second oscillator, which is a state correcting oscillator, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at a correction frequency NC for the state correction of the watch by subjecting this entire watch to a corrective oscillation generated by this second oscillator, and / or to a modulated movement generated by this second oscillator, for a period sufficient to effect the required correction of the state of the watch.

It is understood that the rate adjustment and the state correction are not done at the same time. But both can be carried out successively, in a short period of time, for example overnight, or for a period when the user does not need to use his watch.

• sa mise en œuvre est compatible avec toutes les montres mécaniques possédant au moins un résonateur avec oscillateur mécanique, coaxial, ou à ancre suisse ;
• sa mise en œuvre ne nécessite pas d'intervention sur la montre, et en particulier pas d'ouverture de la boîte ;
• la position angulaire de la montre, ou du mouvement, sur son posage, est indifférente ;
• dans le cas de mise en œuvre d'un dispositif d'asservissement ou de correction d'état comportant un remontoir automatique, une montre mécanique ou automatique peut à la fois rester armée et parfaitement à l'heure ;
• Il est possible de corriger une erreur d'état en imposant un écart de marche opposé pendant un certain temps ;
• Il est également possible de corriger les montres qui retardent, et qui présentent une marche négative de quelques secondes par jour ;
• le principe d'asservissement d'un écart de marche nul ne nécessite pas forcément de rétroaction; tandis que la correction d'état nécessite par contre la connaissance de l'état des afficheurs ou aiguilles, notamment par vision ;
• l'utilisateur peut librement, et de façon réversible, décider d'imposer de l'avance ou du retard à sa montre.

The invention has several remarkable advantages:

• its implementation is compatible with all mechanical watches having at least one resonator with mechanical, coaxial, or Swiss lever oscillator;
• its implementation does not require any intervention on the watch, and in particular no opening of the case;
• the angular position of the watch, or of the movement, on its setting, is irrelevant;
• in the case of implementation of a servo or condition correction device comprising an automatic winder, a mechanical or automatic watch can both remain armed and perfectly on time;
• It is possible to correct a state error by imposing an opposite run deviation for a certain time;
• It is also possible to correct watches which delay, and which show a negative rate of a few seconds per day;
• the principle of slaving of a zero operating deviation does not necessarily require feedback; while the state correction requires on the other hand knowledge of the state of the displays or hands, in particular by vision;
• the user can freely, and in a reversible manner, decide to impose an advance or a delay on his watch.

Of course, if the invention is designed to perform rate adjustments and condition corrections without opening the watch and without separating the movement from the case, it applies a fortiori to a single movement.

In a particular variant, the invention is applied to the rate adjustment of an electronic watch, of course with a third oscillator, the rate of which is appreciably less than that of conventional electronic watches.

Claims (16)

1. Method for correcting the state of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), characterised in that there is used a state correction device including a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correction oscillator, arranged to generate oscillation at a correction frequency (NC) to impose oscillation and/or a motion on said entire watch, or respectively on said entire movement, during a state correction phase after an initial moment of actuation of said state correction device, the duration of said state correction phase being adjusted to exactly correct a state error that is measured or evaluated on said watch or respectively said movement at said initial moment of actuation, in that the initial variation of rate value (DI) of said first oscillator is measured,
   and in that there is incorporated in said state correction device a winder for mechanical or automatic watches, arranged to move at least one support on which is fixed said at least one watch or respectively said at least one movement.
2. Method for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), characterised in that there is used a servo device including a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency (NE), which is approximately equal to, or equal, to said nominal frequency (N0), or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency (N0), and in that said entire watch or respectively said entire movement is subjected to excitation oscillation generated by said third oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said third oscillator, after an initial moment of actuation of said servo device, at least during a transition phase at the end of which the frequency of the oscillator of said watch or respectively of said movement is stabilised at said excitation frequency (NE), and in that the state correction method according to claim 1 is implemented, and in that said state correction phase and said transition phase are at least partially performed one after the other.
3. State correction device for correcting the state of a watch or respectively of a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI), characterised in that said state correction device includes a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correction oscillator, arranged to generate oscillation at a correction frequency (NC), and in that said state correction device is arranged to subject said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to oscillation generated by said second oscillator, and/or to a modulated motion generated by said second oscillator, and characterised in that said state correction device includes control means arranged to control the oscillation of said second oscillator and interfaced with means for measuring the state of said watch or respectively of said movement, included in said state correction device.
4. State correction device according to claim 3, characterised in that said means for measuring the state of said watch or respectively of said movement are optical vision and image processing means.
5. State correction device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that said state correction device includes control means arranged to control the oscillation of said second oscillator and interfaced with means for manual entry by the user of a displayed time or of a variation of state.
6. State correction device according to claim 3 to 5, characterised in that said state correction device includes an automatic winder for mechanical or automatic watches with at least one support for receiving a watch or respectively a movement, in which support said state correction device includes excitation means arranged to subject said entire watch, or respectively said entire movement, to oscillation generated by said second oscillator, and/or drive means arranged to subject said entire watch, or respectively said entire movement, to a modulated motion generated by said second oscillator.
7. Device for adjusting the rate and correcting the state of a watch or respectively of a movement, including at least one state correction device according to one of claims 3 to 6, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI), characterised in that said rate adjustment and state correction device includes at least one servo device for adjusting the rate of a watch or respectively of a movement, characterised in that said servo device includes a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency (NE), which is approximately equal to, or equal, to said nominal frequency (N0), or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency (N0), with a master variation of rate value (AM) with respect to an external reference, said master value (AM) being lower than said initial variation of rate value (DI), and in that said servo device is arranged to subject said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to excitation oscillation generated by said third oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said third oscillator, and in that said rate adjustment and state correction device includes main control means, which are arranged to control the excitation oscillation of said third oscillator and interfaced with means for measuring the variation of rate of said watch or respectively of said movement, included in said at least one servo device, and to control the oscillation of said second oscillator and interfaced with means for measuring the state of said watch or respectively of said movement, included in said at least one state correction device.
8. Interactive support device for correction of a watch or respectively a movement including at least one state correction device according to one of claims 3 to 6, and at least one servo device for adjusting the rate of a watch or respectively of a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI), characterised in that said servo device includes a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency (NE), which is approximately equal to, or equal, to said nominal frequency (N0), or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency (N0), with a master variation of rate value (AM) with respect to an external reference, which is lower than said initial variation of rate value (DI), and in that said servo device is arranged to subject said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to excitation oscillation generated by said third oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said third oscillator, characterised in that said interactive correction support device includes central means for controlling rate for adjusting to an identical variation of rate value all the watches subjected to said servo devices, characterised in that said interactive correction support device includes central state control means for adjusting to an identical state value all the watches subjected to said state correction devices.
9. Interactive support device for correcting a watch or respectively a movement according to claim 8, characterised in that said interactive correction support device includes main control means forming or coordinating said central rate control means and said central state control means.
10. Interactive support device for correcting a watch or respectively a movement according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that said interactive correction support device includes at least one automatic winder for mechanical or automatic watches, on which is fixed at least one support for receiving a watch or respectively a movement.
11. Interactive support device for correcting a watch or respectively a movement according to claim 8 to10, characterised in that said interactive correction support device is a display unit for displaying watches and/or movements to the public.
12. Watch including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI), characterised in that said watch includes a watch band including at least one servo device for adjusting the rate of a watch or respectively of a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI), characterised in that said servo device includes a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency (NE), which is approximately equal to, or equal, to said nominal frequency (N0), or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency (N0), with a master variation of rate value (AM) with respect to a reference, which is lower than said initial variation of rate value (DI), and in that said servo device is arranged to subject said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to excitation oscillation generated by said third oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said third oscillator, and characterised in that said band includes at least one state correction device including control means which are arranged to control the correction oscillation of a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correction oscillator, arranged to generate oscillation at a correction frequency (NC) to impose oscillation and/or a motion on said entire watch or respectively on said entire movement, during a state correction phase after an initial moment of actuation of said state correction device, the duration of said state correction phase being adjusted to exactly correct a state error that is measured or evaluated on said watch or respectively said movement at said initial moment of actuation, the control means being interfaced with means for manual entry by the user of a displayed time or of a variation of state or being interfaced with a communication means which includes such manual entry means.
13. Watch according to claim 12, characterised in that said watch includes means for resonating its plate at said nominal frequency (N0), or at an integer multiple of said nominal frequency (N0).
14. Use of a state correction device according to one of claims 3 to 6, including a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correction oscillator, arranged to generate oscillation at a correction frequency (NC) for the correction of the state of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at said nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI), by subjecting said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to oscillation generated by said second oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said second oscillator, for a sufficient duration to perform the required correction of the state of said watch or respectively said movement.
15. Use of a rate adjustment and state correction device of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at a nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI), said rate adjustment and state correction device including a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency (NE), which is approximately equal to, or equal, to a nominal frequency (N0), or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency (N0), with a master variation of rate value (AM) with respect to an external reference, for adjusting the rate of a watch or respectively a movement, said first oscillator being arranged to generate oscillation at said nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI) higher than said master value (AM), by subjecting said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to excitation oscillation generated by said third oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said third oscillator, for a sufficient duration to stabilise the variation of rate of the oscillator of said watch or respectively of said movement at a variation of rate lower than or equal to said master value (AM), and said rate adjustment and state correction device including a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correction oscillator, arranged to generate oscillation at a correction frequency (NC) to correct the state of said watch or respectively of said movement, by subjecting said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to oscillation generated by said second oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said second oscillator, for a sufficient duration to perform the required correction of the state of said watch or respectively said movement.
16. Use of an automatic winder for mechanical or automatic watches with at least one support for receiving a watch or respectively a movement, to subject at least one entire watch or respectively one entire movement to excitation oscillation generated by a third oscillator, this oscillator being a master oscillator of higher chronometric quality than that of said first oscillator, arranged to generate excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency (NE), which is approximately equal to, or equal, to a nominal frequency (N0), or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency (N0), with a master variation of rate value (AM) with respect to an external reference, for adjusting the rate of a watch or respectively a movement, said watch or respectively said movement including at least a first oscillator arranged to generate oscillation at said nominal frequency (N0), with an initial variation of rate value (DI) higher than said master value (AM), by subjecting said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to excitation oscillation generated by said third oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said third oscillator, for a sufficient duration to stabilise the variation of rate of the oscillator of said watch or respectively of said movement at a variation of rate lower than or equal to said master value (AM), and said winder including a second oscillator, this oscillator being a state correction oscillator, arranged to generate oscillation at a correction frequency (NC) to correct the state of said watch or respectively of said movement, by subjecting said entire watch or respectively said entire movement to oscillation generated by said second oscillator and/or to a modulated motion generated by said second oscillator, for a sufficient duration to perform the required correction of the state of said watch or respectively said movement.

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