EP3502797A1 - Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system - Google Patents
Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system Download PDFInfo
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- EP3502797A1 EP3502797A1 EP17209121.7A EP17209121A EP3502797A1 EP 3502797 A1 EP3502797 A1 EP 3502797A1 EP 17209121 A EP17209121 A EP 17209121A EP 3502797 A1 EP3502797 A1 EP 3502797A1
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- voltage
- lobe
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- mechanical
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Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
- G04C3/04—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance
- G04C3/06—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance using electromagnetic coupling between electric power source and balance
- G04C3/065—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance using electromagnetic coupling between electric power source and balance the balance controlling gear-train by means of static switches, e.g. transistor circuits
- G04C3/067—Driving circuits with distinct detecting and driving coils
- G04C3/068—Driving circuits with distinct detecting and driving coils provided with automatic control
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
- G04C3/04—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
- G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
- G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04C10/00—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G19/00—Electric power supply circuits specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces
- G04G19/02—Conversion or regulation of current or voltage
- G04G19/06—Regulation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a system for regulating its average frequency.
- the regulation is of the electronic type, that is to say that the control system comprises an electronic circuit connected to an auxiliary oscillator which is arranged to provide a high precision electric clock signal.
- the control system is arranged to correct any temporal drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator.
- the mechanical oscillator comprises a mechanical resonator formed by a sprung balance and a maintenance device formed by a conventional exhaust, for example Swiss anchor.
- the auxiliary oscillator is formed in particular by a quartz resonator or by a resonator integrated in the electronic control circuit.
- Movement forming timepieces as defined in the field of the invention have been proposed in some previous documents.
- the patent CH 597 636 published in 1977 , proposes such a movement with reference to its figure 3 .
- the movement is equipped with a resonator formed by a sprung balance and a conventional maintenance device comprising an anchor and an escape wheel in kinematic connection with a barrel provided with a spring.
- This watch movement comprises a system for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator.
- This control system comprises an electronic circuit and an electromagnetic assembly formed of a flat coil, arranged on a support under the beam of the balance, and two magnets mounted on the balance and arranged close to each other so as to both pass above the coil when the oscillator is activated.
- the electronic circuit comprises a time base comprising a crystal resonator and for generating a reference frequency signal FR, this reference frequency being compared with the frequency FG of the mechanical oscillator.
- the detection of the frequency FG is carried out via the electrical signals generated in the coil by the pair of magnets.
- the control circuit is arranged to be able momentarily to generate a braking torque via a magnet-coil magnetic coupling and a switchable load connected to the coil.
- the document CH 597 636 gives the following teaching: "The resonator thus formed must have a frequency of oscillation variable according to the amplitude on either side of the frequency FR (defect of isochronism)".
- the charge is formed by a switchable rectifier via a transistor that recharges a storage capacity during the pulses of braking, to recover the electrical energy to power the electronic circuit.
- the constant teaching given in the document CH 597 636 is as follows: When FG> FR the transistor is conductive; a power Pa is then taken from the generator / oscillator. When FG ⁇ FR, the transistor is non-conductive; we do not therefore draws more energy from the generator / oscillator. In other words, it regulates only when the frequency of the generator / oscillator is greater than the reference frequency FR.
- This regulation consists of braking the generator / oscillator in order to reduce its frequency FG.
- the mechanical oscillator those skilled in the art understand that regulation is possible only when the mainspring is heavily armed and the free oscillation frequency (natural frequency) of the oscillator mechanical is greater than the reference frequency FR, as a result of a desired isochronism defect of the selected mechanical oscillator.
- the mechanical oscillator is selected for what is normally a defect in a mechanical movement and the electronic control is functional only when the natural frequency of this oscillator is greater than a nominal frequency.
- a braking of the mechanical oscillator by the generation of an electric power in the coils during a magnet-coil coupling, during a period of oscillation generates an increase in the corresponding period when this braking occurs before the passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral point (rest position), or a decrease in the corresponding period when the braking occurs after the passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral point.
- the document EP 1 241 538 proposes two achievements.
- a piezoelectric system associated with the escapement to detect a tilting of its anchor in each oscillation period.
- a detection system it is intended, on the one hand, to compare the oscillation period with a reference period, defined by a quartz oscillator, to determine whether the timepiece's running has a advance or delay and, secondly, to determine in alternate alternation the passage of the mechanical oscillator by its neutral point.
- the time drift corresponds to an advance or a delay
- the second embodiment it is intended to supply the control system by periodically taking energy from the mechanical oscillator via the electromagnetic assembly.
- the coils are connected to a rectifier which is arranged to recharge a capacitor (storage capacity), which serves as a power source for the electronic circuit.
- the electromagnetic set is that given to figures 2 and 4 of the document and the electronic circuit is shown schematically in the Figure 5 of this document.
- the coils are made conductive during constant time intervals which are centered on respective passages of the mechanical resonator (balance spring) by its neutral position (middle position alternations); 2) during these time intervals an induced current is rectified and stored in the capacitor; and 3) during said intervals In time, the period of oscillation of the balance-spring can be effectively controlled by adjusting the value of the power generated by the induced current, without further details given.
- the recharge of this storage capacity depends on its initial voltage at the beginning of a given time interval. Then, the induced voltage and the current induced in the coils vary in intensity with the angular speed of the sprung balance, this intensity decreasing when moving away from a neutral position where the angular velocity is maximum.
- the disclosed electromagnetic assembly makes it possible to determine the shape of the induced voltage / induced current signal. Although the angular position of the magnets relative to the coils for the neutral position (rest position) is not given and we can not deduce a teaching on the phase of the signal, it can be deduced that the recharge of the capacitance of Storage will normally take place for the most part before passing through the neutral position.
- a general objective in the context of the development that led to the present invention, was to produce a timepiece, comprising a mechanical movement with a mechanical oscillator and an electronic control system of this mechanical oscillator, for which it is not necessary to initially disturb the mechanical oscillator so that it advances, so as to have a timepiece that has the precision of an auxiliary electronic oscillator (in particular equipped with a quartz resonator) when the control system is functional and, in the opposite case, the accuracy of the mechanical oscillator corresponding to its best setting.
- it seeks to add an electronic control to a mechanical movement also set as precisely as possible so that it remains functional, with the best possible operation, when the electronic control is not active.
- the present invention has the primary objective of providing a timepiece of the type previously described and which is capable of correcting a delay or an advance in the time drift of the mechanical oscillator while at the same time making it possible to effectively ensure self-feeding of the regulation system.
- a particular objective is to provide such a timepiece which is capable, for a defined electromagnetic assembly, of providing a continuous or almost continuous electrical supply voltage which remains above a supply voltage which is sufficient for supplying the regulation device, and this independently of the regulation of the average frequency of the mechanical oscillator, in particular of the electrical energy generated by the regulation, and thus also in the absence of correction of a time drift (case where it remains weak or even zero).
- Another particular objective is to ensure the self-supply of the control system without inducing a parasitic temporal drift, in particular in the absence of a correction of a time drift, or for the less so that such a possible parasitic temporal drift remains minimal and negligible.
- Another objective is to use the electrical control energy to supply an auxiliary function and therefore an auxiliary load, effectively accumulating this electrical energy without inducing instability in the operation of the regulating device or disturbance of the regulation.
- 'voltage lobe' is meant a voltage pulse which is located entirely above or entirely below a zero value (defining a zero voltage), i.e. a voltage change in a certain time interval with either a positive voltage whose value positive goes up then down, a negative voltage whose negative value goes down then up.
- the transfer of a first electric charge in a first time zone as defined is intended to increase the recharge of the power capacity when a first voltage lobe appears following this transfer, relative to the case where no transfer would not take place.
- This increase of the recharge means a greater mechanical energy taken by the mechanical oscillator by the braking system and thus a higher braking of this mechanical oscillator.
- a braking in a first half-wave before the passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position generates a negative time phase in the oscillation of the resonator, and thus the duration of the alternation in question is increased .
- the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator is temporarily decreased and a certain delay in the operation of the mechanism which at least partially corrects the advance detected by the measuring device results.
- the transfer of a second electric charge in a second time zone as defined is intended to increase the recharging of the supply capacitance when a second voltage lobe appears according to this sampling, relative to the case where no picking would take place. As will be understood later, this generates a positive temporal phase shift in the oscillation of the resonator, and thus the duration of the alternation in question is decreased.
- the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator is increased momentarily and this results in a certain advance in the operation of the mechanism which at least partially corrects the delay detected by the measuring device.
- the timepiece comprises a main load connected or likely to be regularly connected to the electrical converter to be powered by the primary storage unit, the main load including the control device.
- the timepiece comprises an auxiliary load connected to or capable of being intermittently connected to the secondary accumulation unit so as to be powered by this secondary accumulation unit.
- the charge pump device is arranged to form a voltage booster which is arranged so that an auxiliary supply voltage across the secondary storage unit is greater than a voltage of less than main power supply to the terminals of the primary storage unit.
- the regulating device comprises at least one dissipative circuit for dissipating electrical energy accumulated in the primary storage unit, at least one switch associated with the dissipative circuit so as to be able to momentarily connect this dissipative circuit to the primary storage unit and a measuring circuit arranged to detect whether the voltage across the secondary storage unit is above a first voltage limit or the level of the secondary storage unit is greater than a first fill limit.
- control logic circuit is arranged so that, when the voltage at the terminals of the secondary storage unit is greater than the first voltage or filling limit, momentarily connect the at least one dissipative circuit to the primary accumulation unit so as to perform, when the measured time drift corresponds to said at least some advance, a first dissipative discharge of the primary accumulation unit so that a recharge thereof, following this first discharge, is generated mainly by at least a first voltage lobe among said plurality of first voltage lobes, and so to perform, when the measured time drift corresponds to said at least a certain delay, a second discharge of the primary accumulation unit so that a recharge thereof, following this second discharge, is generated for the most part by at least one second voltage lobe among said plurality of second voltage lobes.
- the timepiece further comprises a measurement circuit arranged to detect whether the voltage at the terminals of the secondary accumulation unit is lower than a second voltage limit (lower at the first voltage limit mentioned above) or if the fill level of the secondary storage unit is less than a second fill limit (less than the first fill limit mentioned above).
- control logic circuit is arranged so that when the voltage at the terminals of the secondary storage unit is lower than the second voltage or filling limit and when the measured time drift is between said at least delay and said at least some advance, activate the charge pump device to effect a transfer of a third electrical charge from the primary accumulation unit to the secondary accumulation unit, whereby a recharge of the primary storage unit following this transfer of a third electrical charge is generated for the most part by at least a first voltage lobe among said plurality of first voltage lobes, and a transfer of a fourth electric charge of the primary accumulation unit in the secondary accumulation unit, so that a recharge of the primary accumulation unit following this transfer a fourth electric charge is generated for the most part by at least one second voltage lobe among said plurality of second voltage lobes, the fourth electrical charge being substantially equal to the third electric charge.
- FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a timepiece 2 comprising a mechanical movement 4, equipped with a mechanical resonator 6, and a control system 8.
- the maintenance means 10 of the mechanical resonator are conventional. They include a barrel 12 with a motor spring, an exhaust 14 formed of an escape wheel and a pallet anchor, and an intermediate gear 16 kinematically connecting the barrel to the escape wheel.
- the resonator 6 comprises a rocker 18 and a conventional coil spring, the rocker being pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation 20 between a plate and a bridge.
- the mechanical resonator 6 and the maintenance means 10 together form a mechanical oscillator.
- the sprung balance oscillates about the axis 20 when it receives mechanical impulses from the exhaust whose escape wheel is driven by the barrel.
- the wheel 16 is part of a mechanism of the watch movement whose running is clocked by the mechanical oscillator. This mechanism comprises, in addition to the wheel 16, other mobiles and analog indicators (not shown) kinematically connected to the wheel 16, the displacement of these analog indicators being paced by the mechanical oscillator.
- Various mechanisms known to those skilled in the art can be provided.
- the Figure 2 is a partial view of the Figure 1 , in horizontal section at the rocker 18, showing a magnet 22 and a coil 28 forming an electromagnetic assembly 27 according to the invention.
- the coil 28 is preferably of the wafer type (disk shape having a relatively small thickness). It is arranged on the turntable of the watch movement and conventionally comprises two connection ends E1 and E2.
- the electromagnetic assembly comprises at least one coil and a magnetic structure formed of at least one magnet generating a magnetic flux, in the direction of a general plane of the coil, which passes therethrough when the The mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude within a useful operating range.
- the rocker 18 carries, preferably in an area located near its outer diameter defined by its serge, the bipolar magnet 22 which has an axially oriented axis of magnetization. It should be noted that it is preferable to confine the magnetic flux of the magnet or of the magnets carried by the balance beam by means of a shield formed by parts of the balance, in particular by magnetic parts arranged on both sides of the beam. magnet in the axial direction so that the coil is partially located between these two magnetic parts.
- the rocker 18 defines a half-axis 24, from its axis of rotation 20 and perpendicularly to the latter which passes in the center of the magnet 22.
- the half-axis 24 defines a neutral position (angular rest position of the sprung balance corresponding to a zero angle) around which the sprung balance can oscillate at a certain frequency, in particular at a free frequency F0 corresponding to the natural oscillation frequency of the mechanical oscillator , ie not subject to external force torques (other than the one supplied periodically via the exhaust).
- the mechanical resonator 6 shown without its spiral which is located above the section plane
- the mechanical resonator 6 is shown in its neutral position, corresponding to its state of minimum potential mechanical energy.
- the half-axis 24 defines a reference half-axis 48 which is angularly offset by an angle ⁇ relative to the fixed half-axis 50 which perpendicularly intercepts the axis of rotation 20 and the central axis of the coil 28.
- the center of the coil 28 has an angular offset ⁇ relative to the reference half-axis 48.
- this angular offset is 120 ° in absolute value.
- the angular offset ⁇ is between 30 ° and 120 ° in absolute value.
- Each oscillation of the mechanical resonator defines an oscillation period and it has a first alternation followed by a second alternation each between two extreme positions defining the oscillation amplitude of the mechanical resonator (note that we consider here the oscillating resonator and therefore the mechanical oscillator as a whole, the oscillation amplitude of the sprung balance being defined among other things by the maintenance means).
- Each alternation has a passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position at a median time and a certain duration between an initial moment and a final instant which are respectively defined by the two extreme positions occupied by the mechanical resonator respectively at the beginning and at the end of this alternation.
- Each alternation thus consists of a first half-cycle ending at said median instant and a second half-wave alternating at this median instant.
- the frequency regulator system 8 of the mechanical oscillator comprises an electronic circuit 30 and an auxiliary oscillator 32, this auxiliary oscillator comprising a clock circuit and for example a quartz resonator connected to this clock circuit.
- the auxiliary oscillator is integrated at least partially in the electronic circuit.
- the control system further comprises the electromagnetic assembly 27 described above, namely the coil 28 which is electrically connected to the electronic circuit 30 and the bipolar magnet 22 mounted on the balance.
- the various elements of the regulation system 8, with the exception of the magnet are arranged on a support 34 with which they form an independent module of the watch movement.
- this module can be assembled or associated with the mechanical movement 4 that when they are mounted in a watch case.
- the aforementioned module is attached to a casing ring 36 which surrounds the watch movement. It is understood that the control module can be associated with the watch movement once the latter fully assembled and adjusted, the assembly and disassembly of this module can occur without having to intervene on the mechanical movement itself.
- the mechanical resonator 40 of which only the balance 42 has been shown to Figures 4A-4C and 6A-6C , carries a single bipolar magnet 44 whose magnetization axis is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 20 of the balance, that is to say with an axial orientation.
- the half-axis considered 46 of the mechanical resonator 40 passes through the center of rotation 20 and the center of the magnet 44.
- the angle ⁇ between the reference half-axis 48 and the half-axis 50 has a value of about 90 °.
- the two half-axes 48 and 50 are fixed relative to the watch movement, whereas the half-axis 46 oscillates with the balance and gives the angular position ⁇ of the magnet mounted on this balance relative to the reference half-axis, the latter defining the zero angular position for the mechanical resonator.
- the angular offset ⁇ is such that an induced voltage signal generated in the coil at the passage of the magnet facing said coil is located, during a first alternation of any oscillation, before the passage of the mid-axis median by the reference half-axis (thus in a first half-cycle) and, during a second alternation of any oscillation, after the passage of this median half-axis by the reference half-axis (so in a second half-alternation).
- the Figure 3 shows four graphs.
- the first graph gives the voltage in the coil 28 as a function of time when the resonator 40 oscillates, that is to say when the mechanical oscillator is activated.
- the second graph indicates the time t P1 at which a braking pulse is applied to the resonator 40 to make a correction in the operation of the mechanism clocked by the mechanical oscillator.
- the instant of the application of a pulse of rectangular shape (that is to say of a binary signal) is considered here as the temporal position of the middle of this pulse.
- each oscillation has two successive alternations which are defined in the present text as the two half-periods during which the rocker is respectively subjected to an oscillation movement in one direction and then an oscillation movement in the other direction.
- an alternation corresponds to a rocking of the rocker in one direction or the other direction between its two extreme positions defining the amplitude of oscillation.
- braking impulse it is understood an application, during a limited time interval, of a certain torque of force to the mechanical resonator for braking it, that is to say of a force torque which opposes the oscillation motion of this mechanical resonator.
- the braking torque can be of various natures, in particular magnetic, electrostatic or mechanical.
- the braking torque is obtained by the magnet-coil coupling and therefore corresponds to a magnetic braking torque exerted on the magnet 44 via the coil 28 which is controlled by a control device.
- Such braking pulses may for example be generated by momentarily short-circuiting the coil.
- the oscillation period T0 corresponds to a 'free' oscillation (that is to say without application of regulation pulses) of the mechanical oscillator.
- Each of the two alternations of an oscillation period has a duration T0 / 2 without disturbance or external stress (in particular by a regulation pulse).
- the braking pulse is generated between the beginning of an alternation and the passage of the resonator by its neutral position, that is to say in a first half-wave of this alternation.
- the angular velocity in absolute value decreases at the moment of the braking pulse P1.
- This induces a negative temporal phase shift Tci in the oscillation of the resonator, as shown by the two graphs of the angular velocity and the angular position at the Figure 3 , a delay relative to the undisturbed theoretical signal (shown in broken lines).
- the duration of the alternation A1 is increased by a time interval Tci.
- the oscillation period T1, comprising the alternation A1 is thus prolonged relative to the value T0. This causes a specific decrease in the frequency of the mechanical oscillator and a momentary slowing of the operation of the associated mechanism.
- the braking pulse is thus generated, in an alternation, between the median instant at which the resonator passes through its neutral position and the final instant at which this alternation ends.
- the angular speed in absolute value decreases at the moment of the braking pulse P2.
- the braking pulse here induces a positive phase shift T C2 in the oscillator period of the resonator, as shown by the two graphs of the angular velocity and the angular position at the Figure 5 , an advance relative to the undisturbed theoretical signal (shown in broken lines).
- the duration of the alternation A2 is reduced by the time interval T C2 .
- the oscillation period T2 comprising the alternation A2 is therefore shorter than the value T0. This therefore generates a 'punctual' increase in the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator and a momentary acceleration of the operation of the associated mechanism.
- the electromagnetic assembly 27 also forms part of the measuring device.
- This measuring device furthermore comprises a bidirectional counter CB and a comparator 64 (of the Schmidt trigger type).
- the comparator receives at one input the induced voltage signal Ui (t) and at the other input a threshold voltage signal U th whose value is positive in the example given. Since the induced voltage signal Ui (t) has in each oscillation period of the resonator 6 two positive lobes ( Fig.10A ) exceeding the value U th , the comparator outputs a signal 'Comp' with two pulses S1 and S2 ( Fig.10C ) by oscillation period.
- This signal 'Comp' is supplied on the one hand to a control logic circuit 62 and on the other hand to a flip-flop 66 which inhibits every other pulse so as to provide a single pulse per oscillation period at a first input.
- UP 'bidirectional counter CB The bidirectional counter includes a second input 'Down' which receives a clock signal S hor at a nominal frequency / set frequency for the oscillation frequency, this clock signal being derived from the auxiliary oscillator which provides a signal digital reference defining a reference frequency.
- the auxiliary oscillator comprises a clock circuit CLK for exciting the crystal resonator 58 and for providing in return the reference signal which is composed of a succession of pulses respectively corresponding to the oscillation periods of the quartz resonator.
- the clock circuit supplies its reference signal to a divider DIV1 & DIV2 which divides the number of pulses in this reference signal by the ratio between the nominal period of the mechanical oscillator and the nominal reference period of the oscillator auxiliary.
- the divider thus provides a clock signal S hor defining a target frequency (for example 4 Hz) and having a pulse per set period (for example 250 ms) on the counter CB.
- the state of the counter CB determines the advance (if the number is positive) or the delay (if the number is negative) accumulated over time by the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator with a resolution corresponding substantially to a set period.
- the state of the counter is supplied to a control logic circuit 62 which is arranged to determine if this state corresponds to at least some advance (CB> N1, N1 being a natural number) or at least some delay (CB ⁇ -N2, N2 being a natural number).
- the electric converter 56 comprises an electrical energy storage circuit D1 & C AL which is arranged, in the variant described, to be able to recharge the supply capacitance C AL only with a positive voltage at the input of the electric converter. that is, only with a positive induced voltage provided by the coil 28.
- This supply capacitance here in itself forms a primary storage unit.
- a main load is connected or may be regularly connected to the electrical converter 56 and powered by the supply capacity which provides the main supply voltage U AL (t), shown in FIG. Figure 10A , between the two power supply terminals V DD and V SS , this main load including in particular the control circuit 54.
- the timepiece 2 is remarkable in that the regulation circuit 54 of the regulating device comprises a charge pump 60 arranged to be able to transfer on command a certain electric charge of the supply capacitance C AL in a unit of control. secondary accumulation formed here of a C Aux capacity.
- This C Aux capacitance is provided as a secondary supply source for an auxiliary load, for example a light diode, an RFID circuit, a temperature sensor, or another electronic unit that can be incorporated into the timepiece according to the invention.
- the capacitor C Aux has at its two terminals respectively a lower potential V L and a higher potential V H defining an auxiliary supply voltage.
- An alternative embodiment of such a charge pump is shown in FIG. Figure 8 .
- the charge pump 60 comprises an input switch Sw1 and an output switch Sw2 with a transfer capacitance C Tr .
- the switches Sw1 and Sw2 are controlled by the control logic circuit 62 according to a control method ( Figure 9 ) implemented in the first embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention and which will be described later.
- the induced voltage signal Ui (t) corresponds to that generated by the electromagnetic assembly 27 associated with the mechanical resonator 6 when the latter oscillates in a useful operating range.
- the braking device 27 & 56 is arranged so that, in each oscillation period of the mechanical resonator 6 at least when the oscillation amplitude of this mechanical resonator is in the useful operating range, the induced voltage signal Ui (t) has a first voltage lobe LU 1 involved in a first half-wave DA1 1 , DA1 P and a second voltage lobe LU 2 involved in a second half-wave DA2 1 , DA2 P.
- the induced voltage signal thus alternately has a succession of first voltage lobes LU 1 and second voltage lobes LU 2 .
- Each first voltage lobe LU 1 has a first maximum value UM 1 at a first instant ti of the corresponding first half-cycle and each second lobe of voltage LU 2 has a second maximum value UM 2 at a second instant t 2 of the corresponding second half-cycle.
- the first and second voltage lobes define, on the one hand, first time zones ZT1 each located before the first instant ti of a first different voltage lobe and after the second instant t 2 of the second voltage lobe preceding this first lobe.
- voltage and, secondly, second time zones ZT2 each located before the second time t 2 of a second different voltage lobe and after the first time ti of the first voltage lobe preceding this second voltage lobe.
- the first voltage lobes LU 1 generate pulses S1 in the signal 'Comp' at the output of the comparator 64
- the second voltage lobes LU 2 generate pulses S2 in this signal 'Comp' ( Fig.10C ).
- the lobes considered for the generation of the signals S1 and S2 are the positive voltage lobes because the threshold voltage U th has been chosen positive.
- the braking device is arranged in such a way that, at least when no time drift is detected by the measuring device and at least when said main load, connected to the terminals Vss and V DD , consumes continuously or in a continuous manner.
- quasi-continuous electrical energy accumulated in the supply capacity C AL (during a normal phase of operation of the timepiece, as shown in FIG. Figure 10A where the supply voltage U AL (t) has a certain negative slope in the absence of correction of the operation of the mechanical oscillator), the first voltage lobes LU 1 and the second voltage lobes LU 2 generate alternately pulses induced current P1 and P2 ( Fig.10B ) that recharge the power capacity.
- the electric converter 56 comprises a diode D1 arranged so that only positive voltage lobes are able to recharge the capacitance C AL .
- the electrical converter may have a diode arranged to define a single-wave rectifier so that it is then the negative voltage lobes that are likely to recharge the C AL capability. In this case, it is thus the negative voltage lobes that generate the induced current pulses and are considered to determine the sampling time zones of a certain electric charge as a function of the measured time drift, as explained below.
- the converter may comprise a full-wave converter.
- the charge pump 60 is arranged to be able to take a certain electrical charge from the supply capacitor C AL and to transfer it to the auxiliary capacitor C Aux , so as to temporarily reduce the voltage level U AL (t) of the supply capacity C AL .
- the control logic circuit 62 receives as input a measurement signal supplied by the measuring device, namely the bidirectional counter CB. This control logic circuit is arranged to activate the charge pump 60 so that, when the measured time drift corresponds to at least some advance (CB> N1), a sampling of a first electrical charge of the supply capacity C AL in a first time zone ZT1 and a transfer of this first load in the auxiliary capacity which forms a secondary power source.
- control logic circuit is arranged to activate the charge pump 60 so that, when the measured time drift corresponds to at least a certain delay (CB ⁇ -N2), a charge of a second charge power supply capacitance C AL in a second time zone ZT2, to lower the voltage U AL (t), and a transfer of this second electric charge in the auxiliary capacity.
- the control method implemented in the first embodiment of the invention is given in the form of a flowchart at the Figure 9 .
- the counter CB is reset.
- the detection of a rising edge of a pulse S1 or S2 supplied by the comparator 64 in the 'Comp' signal (see FIG. Fig. 10C ) that it transmits to the control logic circuit 62, and then initializes the time counter CT.
- the next rising edge is expected to be detected in the signal 'Comp' (second rising edge of a pulse S2 or S1).
- the logic circuit 62 transfers the state / value of the time counter CT into a register and compares this value with a differentiation value Tdiff which is selected lower than a first one. time interval between a first pulse S1 and a second pulse S2 and greater than a second time interval between a second pulse S2 and a first pulse S1. As soon as the state of the time counter CT is transferred into the register, this time counter is reset and a timer associated with the logic circuit 62 is triggered to measure a certain delay whose value Tci or T D1 is selected according to the result of the comparing the value of the counter CT with the value Tdiff.
- the regulating device therefore comprises a detection device, arranged to be able to detect the successive appearance alternately of first voltage lobes and second voltage lobes, and a time counter CT associated with the control logic circuit 62 to enable the latter to distinguish a first interval of time, separating a first voltage lobe from a second voltage lobe that follows, and a second time interval separating a second voltage lobe from a first voltage lobe that follows, the first and second time intervals being different due to the arrangement of the electromagnetic assembly.
- the curve of the induced voltage signal Ui (t) shown in FIG. Figure 10A follows from the electromagnetic assembly 27 described above.
- the coil 28 has at its center an angular offset ⁇ relative to the reference half-axis 48 ( Fig.
- the angular offset ⁇ is between 30 ° and 120 ° in absolute value.
- the timer associated with the logic circuit waits either a delay Tci when the value of the time counter CT is greater than the differentiation value Tdiff, or a delay T D1 when the value of the time counter CT is smaller than the differentiation value Tdiff.
- the comparison makes it possible to know that the detected pulse is a pulse S2 generated by a second voltage lobe LU 2 and the delay Tci is chosen so that it ends in a first time zone ZT1 following this second lobe of voltage.
- the comparison makes it possible to know that the detected pulse is a pulse S1 generated by a first voltage lobe LU 1 and the delay T D1 is chosen so that it ends in a second time zone ZT2 following this first lobe.
- the regulating device comprises a timer associated with the control logic circuit to enable the latter to activate, if necessary, the charge pump device after a first determined delay since the detection of a second lobe of voltage, this first delay being selected so that it ends in a first time zone, or after a second determined time since the detection of a first voltage lobe, this second delay being selected so that it ends in a second time zone.
- the mechanical oscillator has an advance relative to the auxiliary oscillator. To correct such an advance, it is provided according to the invention to transfer a first electrical charge of the supply capacity in the auxiliary capacity at the end of the aforementioned delay Tci and therefore in the corresponding first time zone ZT1.
- the delay T D1 when the delay T D1 is reached, it is detected whether the counter CB has a value lower than a given negative number - N2, N2 being a natural number. If this is the case, the mechanical oscillator has a delay relative to the auxiliary oscillator. To correct such a delay, it is provided according to the invention to transfer a second electrical charge of the supply capacity in the auxiliary capacity at the end of the aforementioned delay T D1 and therefore in the corresponding second time zone ZT2.
- P1 PC of greater amplitude in a first half-alternation DA1 P of an alternation A2 this first half-alternation having a duration greater than those of the second half-alternations DA1 ° and DA1 1 which respectively correspond to a half-alternation at during which no induced current pulse is generated and at a half-wave in which a compensation pulse P1 of the power consumption of the main load occurs.
- the Figure 11 is similar to the Figure 2 , but for an electromagnetic assembly 29 forming the electromagnetic transducer of a timepiece according to the second embodiment. It shows the mechanical resonator 6a in horizontal section at its balance 18a, this mechanical resonator being incorporated in a watch movement, similar to that of the Figure 1 , in place of the resonator 6 shown in this Figure 1 .
- the references already described will not be described again here.
- a set is planned electromagnetic device which comprises at least the coil 28 and a magnetic structure formed of at least one magnet and having at least one pair of magnetic poles of opposite polarities, each generating a magnetic flux towards a general plane of the coil, this a pair of magnetic poles being arranged such that when the mechanical resonator 6a oscillates with an amplitude within a useful operating range, their respective magnetic fluxes pass through the coil with a time shift but with at least partly a simultaneity of the incoming magnetic flux and the outgoing magnetic flux, so as to form a central voltage lobe having a peak value which is maximum.
- the balance 18a carries a pair of bipolar magnets 22 and 23 having axially oriented magnetization axes with opposite polarities.
- This pair of magnets and the coil 28 form the electromagnetic assembly 29 which is part of the control system.
- the magnets are arranged close to one another, at a distance allowing an addition of their respective interactions with the coil 28 with respect to the voltage induced therein (more precisely for the generation of central voltage lobes) .
- the voltage signal induced in the coil may present substantially the same profile as for the pair of magnets described above, but with a lower amplitude since only a portion of the magnetic flux of the magnet passes through the coil.
- Magnetic flux conduction elements may be associated with the single magnet to direct its magnetic flux substantially in the direction of the general plane of the coil.
- the balance 18a defines a half-axis 26, from its axis of rotation 20 and perpendicular to the latter, which passes in the middle of the pair of magnets.
- the half-axis 26 defines a neutral position around which the balance-spiral can oscillate.
- the mechanical resonator 6a is shown in its neutral position at the Figure 11 and its half-axis 26 defines a reference half-axis 48 which is angularly offset by an angle ⁇ relative to the fixed half-axis 50 which intercepts the axis of rotation 20 and the central axis of the coil 28.
- the angular offset ⁇ is between 30 ° and 120 ° in absolute value.
- the induced voltage signal Ui (t) generated by the electromechanical assembly 29 has, in each oscillation period of the mechanical oscillator, a first central voltage lobe LUC 1 (also called first voltage lobe) having a voltage negative maximum UM 1 and a second voltage lobe LUC 2 (also called second voltage lobe) having a maximum positive voltage UM 2 . Due to the angular offset ⁇ of the coil relative to the reference half-axis 48, a second voltage lobe and a first voltage lobe occur respectively in a second half-wave of alternating A0 1 , A1 1 , ....
- AN 1 , N being a natural number
- AN 2 , N being a natural number
- the polarities of the voltage lobes are opposite, that is to say that the first voltage lobes have a positive voltage while the second voltage lobes have a negative voltage.
- a simple inversion of the terminals E1 and E2 of the coil 28 or, in an equivalent manner, of the winding direction of the wire forming this coil generates a change of polarity for the induced voltage so that such an inversion makes it possible to switch from one variant to another.
- the electromagnetic assembly 29 also forms part of the measuring device, as in the first embodiment.
- the part of the electric diagram of the Figure 12 relating to the device for measuring an eventual time drift of the mechanical oscillator will not be described again in detail.
- the comparator 64 delivers a signal 'Comp', represented in FIG. Figure 14 which presents a pulse S2 per oscillation period.
- this signal can be directly supplied to the bidirectional counter CB.
- the electrical converter 57 comprises a first electrical energy storage circuit D1 & C1 which is arranged to be able to recharge a first power supply C1 of the primary storage unit only with a positive voltage at the input of the electric converter. and a second electrical energy storage circuit D2 & C2 which is arranged to be able to recharge a second power supply C2 of the primary storage unit only with a negative voltage at the input of the electrical converter.
- the amount of electrical energy selectively supplied by the braking device to the first power supply capacity and the second power supply capacitance is greater the greater the voltage level in absolute value of this power supply.
- first feed capacity, respectively of this second feed capacity is low.
- a main load is connected or capable of being regularly connected at the output of the electrical converter 57 and powered by the primary power supply unit which supplies the supply voltages V DD and Vss.
- This main load includes the control circuit 55.
- the first and second supply capacitors have substantially the same capacitance value.
- the control circuit 55 of the regulating device 53 comprises a charge pump device 61 formed by two advantageously identical charging pumps PC1 and PC2, which are arranged to transfer on command electric charges respectively of the first power supply capacity C1. and the second power supply C2 in the auxiliary capacitor C Aux .
- this auxiliary capacitance forms a secondary accumulation unit which provides an auxiliary supply voltage between its two terminals V L and V H.
- Both charge pumps PC1 and PC2 are controlled by the control logic 62a.
- An alternative embodiment of a pump charge that can form each of the two charge pumps has already been described with reference to the Figure 8 .
- the two charge pumps are replaced by one and the same charge pump which then comprises switches controlled by the control circuit 62a so as to be able to transfer electric charges into the auxiliary capacitance by selectively collecting these electric charges.
- the control circuit 55 further comprises two dissipative circuits each formed of a resistor and a switch Sw3, respectively Sw4. These two dissipative circuits comprise a certain resistance and are respectively arranged in parallel with the two capacitors C1 and C2, between these and the two charge pumps PC1 and PC2.
- the Figures 14 and 15 also represented are the positive voltage Vci at the upper terminal (defining V DD ) of the supply capacitor C1 and the negative voltage V C2 at the lower terminal (defining Vss) of the supply capacitance C2 (the zero voltage being the end E1 of the coil connected between the two capacitors arranged in series).
- the supply voltage V AL available is therefore given by V C1 - V C2 , the addition of the respective voltages of the first and second capacitors C1 and C2.
- a main load is arranged at the output of the electrical converter. It includes in particular the control circuit 55 which is powered by the first and second supply capacitors arranged in series and delivering the supply voltage V AL .
- the voltage lobes LUC 1 and LUC 2 which respectively have the maximum negative induced voltage UM 1 (in absolute value) and the maximum positive induced voltage UM 2 respectively serve to recharge the capacitors C2 and C1. So, apart from short recharge periods of either of the two power supply capabilities, it There is a certain progressive decrease (in absolute value) of the voltages V C1 and V C2 over time.
- an inductive current pulse I1 2 recharges the capacitor C1 in a second half-wave and an induced current pulse I1 1 recharges the capacitor C2 in a first half-alternation.
- the induced current pulses IN 2 each occurring in a second half-cycle, cause a decrease in the duration of the alternations during which they occur, and therefore an increase in the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator
- the pulses induced current IN 1 each occurring in a first half-cycle, cause an increase in the duration of the alternations during which they occur, and therefore a decrease in the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator.
- the positive temporal phase shift which occurs globally in the two second half-cycles is compensated by the negative temporal phase shift which occurs globally in the first two half-cycles of each oscillation period.
- the positive temporal phase shift occurring in the first alternation A0 1 is compensated for by the negative temporal phase shift which occurs in the second alternation A0 2 of the corresponding oscillation period.
- control circuit 62a of the charge pump device 61 The control method implemented in the control logic 62a of the charge pump device 61 is given by the flowchart of the Figure 13 . After initializing the control circuit to 'POR' and in particular the bidirectional counter CB, a certain delay is expected, that is to say a certain time interval, for example a period T0 or several periods T0, and the control circuit 62a determines if at least some advance (CB> N1) has occurred in the running of the timepiece.
- the control circuit is arranged so that the control circuit can detect if the voltage V AC across the auxiliary capacitor is greater than a voltage threshold V th , which corresponds at a certain voltage for which the auxiliary capacity is filled to a level such that the charge pumps do not can no longer transfer significant electrical charges from either of the C1 and C2 capacitors into the auxiliary capacity.
- V th a voltage threshold
- the switch Sw2 is closed for a short time interval ⁇ t to generate a certain discharge of the capacitor C2 through the corresponding dissipative circuit, indicated by the step D C2 (which is descending in absolute value because the voltage of the capacitance C2 decreases) in the voltage V C2 at the Figure 14 .
- the control circuit activates the charging pump PC2 to make a transfer of a first electrical charge of the second supply capacitor C2 into the capacitance auxiliary C Aux .
- This regulation action also results in a decrease in the voltage V C2 indicated by the downward movement D C2 .
- This reduction in the voltage V C2 generates, at least in a period of oscillation following such a transfer, an increase in the recharge of the second capacitor C2 relative to the hypothetical case where such a transfer of the first electric charge would not take place .
- the reduction of the voltage V C2 effected by the control circuit in the alternation A1 1 generates, during the appearance of the next voltage lobe LUC 1 in the following alternation A1 2, an induced current pulse I2 1 whose amplitude (peak voltage value) is greater than that of the previous I1 1 . Since this current pulse induces I2 1 occurs in a first half-cycle, like all the induced current pulses that recharge the capacitor C2, a decrease in the voltage of this capacitor C2 always generates at least one regulating pulse that generates a negative phase shift in the oscillation of the mechanical resonator and therefore which momentarily decreases the oscillation frequency to at least partially correct the advance detected in the movement of the timepiece (positive time drift).
- the pulses I1 2 and I2 2 have an amplitude, in absolute value, substantially equal to that of the pulse I1 1 , these pulses each corresponding to an induced current pulse. generated by the single consumption of the main charge. This is therefore standard / nominal charging pulses.
- the control circuit determines if at least a certain delay (CB ⁇ -N2) has intervened in the running of this timepiece. If this is the case, the control circuit detects whether the voltage V AC across the auxiliary capacitor is greater than the voltage threshold V th . In this case, to effect a correction of the detected delay, the switch Sw1 is closed for a short time interval ⁇ t to generate a certain discharge of the capacitor C1 through the corresponding dissipative circuit, indicated by the step Dci (which is downward in absolute value because the voltage of the capacitance C2 decreases) in the voltage V C2 at the Figure 15 .
- CB ⁇ -N2 a certain delay
- the control circuit activates the charging pump PC1 for it to transfer a second electrical charge of the first power supply C1 in the capacitance auxiliary C Aux .
- This regulation action also results in a decrease in the voltage Vci indicated by the step Dci.
- This decrease in the voltage Vci generates, at least in a period of oscillation following such a transfer, an increase in the recharge of the second capacitor C1 relative to the hypothetical case where such a transfer of the second electric charge would not take place.
- the reduction of the voltage V C1 operated by the control circuit in the alternation A1 1 generates, during the appearance of the next LUC voltage lobe 2 in the same alternation, an induced current pulse I3 2 whose amplitude is greater than that of the previous I1 2 . Since this current pulse induces I3 2 occurs in a second half-wave, like all the induced current pulses that recharge the capacitor C1, a decrease in the voltage of this capacitor C1 always generates at least one regulating pulse that generates a positive phase shift in the oscillation of the mechanical resonator and therefore temporarily increases the oscillation frequency to at least partially correct the delay detected in the running of the timepiece (negative time drift).
- the next pulse I3 1 again substantially shows a standard / nominal amplitude.
- the second embodiment has an important advantage in that the selective charging of an electrical charge in the capacitor C1 or C2 as a function of a time drift detected in the timepiece can occur at any time since the first voltage lobes, which occur only in first half-cycles, have the same first polarity while the second voltage lobes, which occur only in second half-cycles, have the same second polarity opposite to the first polarity and in that the capacitors C1 and C2 can be recharged respectively by induced voltages of opposite polarities.
- control logic circuit knows which polarity, first or second, is capable of reloading which capacitance, C1 or C2, to selectively perform a sampling of a certain electrical charge in one or the other of these two capacitances according to the nature of a detected time drift, advance or delay, by a transfer of this certain electric charge in the auxiliary capacitance or by its dissipation through one of the two dissipative circuits provided if the auxiliary capacitance is full.
- a timer is provided which determines a certain delay following the appearance of a pulse S2 in the 'Comp' signal to perform selective sampling of an electric charge.
- the number of cycles of transfer of lower electrical charges by a charge pump is increased when the voltage V AC across the auxiliary capacitor increases, so as to take a charge substantially constant electrical capacitors C1 and C2 by sequence of preceded regulation.
- the increase in the voltage V CA generally causes a decrease in the first or second electrical charge taken and therefore less correction by regulation sequence.
- the control system is configured to be able to easily correct drifts in a standard drift range for the watch movement in question, a decrease in the value of the first and second electric charges per control sequence, for a drift given time, will result in an increase of control sequences per unit of time.
- the above remarks concern conventional capacitors and also super-capacitors whose voltage-electric charge characteristic curve is substantially linear.
- the electric charges transferred by the charge pump (s) are substantially constant regardless of the charge level of this secondary storage unit.
- the regulation method described above may vary as regards the decision to transfer a certain electric charge in the secondary storage unit or consume this electric charge in the dissipative circuit provided.
- the regulating device will generally comprise means for determining the level of filling of the secondary accumulation unit.
- the electromagnetic set includes two pairs 82 and 84 of bipolar magnets 90 and 91, respectively 92 and 93, which are mounted on rocker arm 18b of the mechanical resonator 6b and which have respective magnetization axes which are parallel to the axis of rotation 20 of the balance, and a coil 28 which is secured to the support of the mechanical resonator.
- Each of the two pairs 82, 84 of magnets, with its two bipolar magnets having respective opposite polarities, is similar to the pair of magnets 22, 23 of the electromagnetic assembly of the second embodiment and their interaction with the coil 28. is identical.
- Each pair of bipolar magnets defines a median half-axis 24a, 24b starting from the axis of rotation 20 of the beam and passing through the middle of the pair of bipolar magnets considered.
- Each half-center axis defines a respective reference half-axis 48a, 48b when the resonator 6a is at rest and thus in its neutral position, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 .
- the coil 28 has at its center a first angular offset ⁇ relative to the first reference half-axis 48a and a second angular offset - ⁇ (same absolute value as the first angular offset, but opposite mathematical sign) relative to the second half-axis of reference 48a, so as to generate in each alternation of the mechanical resonator, in a useful operating range, two central voltage lobes LUC 1 and LUC 2 having opposite polarities (negative and positive) and substantially the same amplitude UM 1 , UM 2 in absolute value and forming respectively a first voltage lobe and a second voltage lobe ( Fig. 20A ).
- the first and second voltage lobes LUC 1 and LUC 2 are respectively in first half-cycles and second half-cycles.
- the first and second angular phase shifts have an absolute value of 90 ° (variant represented in FIG. Figure 16 ).
- the two pairs of magnets 82 and 84 are arranged so that the polarities of the magnets of a pair are symmetrical to the polarities of the magnets of the other pair relative to a plane passing through the center of the coil and comprising the axis of rotation 20 (this plane comprising the half-axis 50 passing through the center of the coil and intercepting perpendicularly the axis of rotation 20).
- the variant of the third embodiment described with reference to the figures is an improved variant.
- a single pair of magnets having an angular offset of between 30 ° and 120 ° (in absolute value).
- This other variant comprises a control circuit without the flip-flop 66.
- the control method remains similar and the skilled person will be able to adapt it to this particular variant.
- the induced voltage signal Ui (t), shown in FIG. Figure 20A alternatively presents LUC voltage lobes 1 having a negative voltage and LUC voltage lobes 2 having a positive voltage.
- the electric converter 76 comprises a full-wave rectifier 78 formed by a bridge of four diodes well known to those skilled in the art.
- the first voltage lobes are rectified, which is represented in FIG. Figure 20A by the lobes in broken lines.
- the first and second voltage lobes LUC 1 and LUC 2 alternately recharge the supply capacitance C AL which supplies in particular the control circuit 74.
- each alternation has a first voltage lobe in a first half-wave and a second voltage lobe in a second half-wave. Since the signal 'Comp' has two pulses per oscillation period, there is provided a flip-flop 66 upstream of the bidirectional counter CB so as to inhibit every second pulse in the signal supplied to this counter.
- the variant represented in Figures 20A and 20C provides a positive threshold voltage U th while the first lobes of voltages are negative. The threshold voltage can be chosen positive or negative.
- the regulating device comprises a detection device which is arranged to be able to detect the successive appearance of first voltage lobes or second voltage lobes. Note that it is also possible to detect alternately these first and second voltage lobes using two comparators having respectively a positive voltage threshold and a negative voltage threshold. Those skilled in the art will be able to adapt the control method implemented in the control logic circuit 62b accordingly, in particular for the determination of the delays T C2 and T D2 .
- the charge pump device is formed of a charge pump 60b which defines a voltage booster and which is arranged between the supply capacitance C AL (primary storage unit) and an electrical capacitor (secondary storage unit) ) so as to be able to transfer electrical charges from the primary storage unit to the secondary storage unit.
- the charge pump 60b quadruple the main supply voltage U AL delivered by the primary power supply so that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply V AC of the electric capacitor can be greater, in particular twice the voltage U AL .
- the construction and operation of such a voltage booster are well known to those skilled in the art.
- the electrical diagram of a variant is given to the Figure 18 . It comprises four transfer capacitors C Tr , two input switches Sw1, six switches 82, three switches 84 and two output switches Sw2.
- the switches Sw1 and 82 are closed while the switches Sw2 and 84 are open (the capacitors C Tr are then arranged in parallel).
- the switches Sw1 and 82 are open while the switches Sw2 and 84 are closed (the capacitors C Tr are then arranged in series).
- the primary storage unit of this third embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment with a single capacitance C AL which receives all the induced currents supplied by the In the electromagnetic transducer, the fact that the electromagnetic assembly 86 is arranged in a manner similar to that of the second embodiment, with the first voltage lobes and the second voltage lobes having opposite polarities, enables the comparator 64 to detect directly either the first voltage lobes, ie the second voltage lobes (as shown in FIG. fig.20a ).
- the Figure 19 is a flowchart of the control method implemented in the control logic 62b of the third embodiment. We will no longer describe in detail all the elements, all the electrical signals and the consequences of the various events that occur, because they derive from the explanations already given previously, and the results are easily understood in the light of these explanations.
- the control circuit 74 When the control device is turned on, the control circuit 74 is initialized to 'POR', in particular the bidirectional counter CB. The logic circuit then waits for the appearance of a pulse S2, namely in particular its rising edge in the signal 'Comp'. The detection of this rising edge triggers the timer which measures a first time interval T C2 whose duration is chosen so that its end occurs in a first time zone ZT1 located temporally between a second voltage lobe LUC 2 and a first voltage lobe. LUC 1 , in particular between the instant t 2 and the instant ti where these two lobes respectively present their maximum values UM 2 and UM 1 ( Fig. 20A ).
- the logic circuit detects whether the counter value bidirectional CB is greater than a natural number N1 to determine whether there is an advance in the operation of the mechanism. If so, the control circuit waits for the end of the delay T C2 and, in a manner equivalent to the control method of the second embodiment, determines whether the electric capacitor C Acc is full (i.e., detects if its level of accumulation of electrical charges is greater than a certain limit). If the electric capacitor C Acc is full, it discharges the supply capacity C AL of a first electrical charge by closing the switch Sw5 of the dissipative circuit comprising a certain resistance and provided in parallel with the charge pump for a certain interval of time ⁇ t ( Fig. 17 ).
- the logic circuit waits for a second delay T D2 , directly following the first delay T C2 , to come to an end ( Fig.20C ). To do this, at the end of a first time interval T C2 , the timer begins to measure a second time interval T D2 .
- This second delay T D2 is chosen so that its end occurs in a second time zone ZT2 located between a first voltage lobe LUC 1 and a second voltage lobe LUC 2 .
- the logic circuit detects whether the value of the bidirectional counter CB is smaller than a number - N2, N2 being a natural number, to determine if there is a delay in the operation of the mechanism in question. If this is the case, the control circuit waits for the end of the delay T C2 + T D2 and determines whether the capacitor C Acc is full. Depending on whether the capacitor is full or not, the control circuit then operates in a manner similar to that described above in the case of the detection of an advance.
- the taking of a second electric charge in the capacitor C AL generates a downward movement PC 2 in the supply voltage U AL (t) and the induced current pulse P P2 PC , which intervenes in a second half-wave, then has an amplitude greater than that of a pulse P2 in the absence of previous sampling of an electric charge (see left part of Fig.20A to Fig.20C ), so that the mechanical oscillator then undergoes a higher braking in the second half-wave considered.
- a delay or advance observed in the operation of the mechanism in question is corrected by the temporally selective sampling of an electrical charge in the capacitor C AL forming the unit. primary accumulation of the regulating device.
- the control method of the third embodiment further comprises an improvement in connection with the fact that the secondary storage unit continuously or intermittently feeds an auxiliary load by delivering an auxiliary supply voltage V AC to this auxiliary load .
- the auxiliary load is preferably associated with a useful auxiliary function of the timepiece, so it is desirable to be able to supply the auxiliary load.
- the control circuit 62b determines by appropriate means whether the capacitor is empty or not.
- control logic circuit waits for detection of the rising edge of the next pulse S2 to perform the next control sequence.
- the transfer of a first electric charge or a second electric charge can be carried out by a plurality of cycles of transfer of lower electrical charges by the charge pump in the same control sequence, in particular in a same time zone ZT1, respectively ZT2.
- the control logic circuit is arranged in such a way that, when the measured time drift corresponds to at least some advance, a plurality of electrical charge takings respectively in a plurality of first time zones during an same sequence of regulation. Similarly, when the measured time drift corresponds to at least a certain delay, a plurality of electrical charge takings respectively in a plurality of second time zones are made.
- the Figures 21 and 22 is shown an advantageous variant embodiment of a mechanical oscillator 106 incorporated in a movement according to the invention.
- the resonator 106 is formed by a rocker 18c which comprises two plates of ferromagnetic material 112 and 114.
- the upper plate 112 bears on the side of its underside the two bipolar magnets 22 and 23. This upper plate also serves to close the upper lines of fields of the two magnets.
- the lower plate 114 serves to close lower the field lines of the two magnets.
- the two plates of the balance thus axially form a magnetic shielding for the two magnets so that their respective magnetic fields remain substantially confined in a volume located between the respective outer surfaces of these two plates.
- the coil 28 is arranged partially between the two plates which are fixedly mounted on a cylindrical piece 116 of non-magnetic material, this piece being fixedly mounted on a shaft 118 of the balance.
- the piece 116 may be made of steel and thus conduct a magnetic field, which may be an advantage in a variant provided with a single bipolar magnet, having its magnetic axis oriented axially, on one of the two trays or on each two trays.
- the cylindrical connecting piece is non-magnetic
- at least one plate may have a ferromagnetic portion that approaches the other or the key to close the field lines of each magnet through the two trays and thus allow the coil or coils to be traversed axially by substantially the entire magnetic field produced by each magnet when the pendulum oscillates.
- the trays can be made only partially by a high magnetic permeability material which forms two parts located respectively above and below the magnet or, where appropriate, magnets, these two parts being arranged in in order to let the coil or, if necessary, the coils of the control system between them when the pendulum oscillates.
- the resonator 106 further comprises a spiral spring 110, one end of which is conventionally attached to the shaft 118.
- the Spiral spring is preferably made of non-magnetic material, for example silicon, or paramagnetic material.
- an escape mechanism formed of a pin arranged on a small plate secured to the balance shaft, an anchor 120 and an escape wheel 122 (shown partially).
- magnets are also carried by the lower plate. Such magnets are preferably arranged in front of the magnets carried by the upper plate.
- the balance generally comprises a magnetic structure which is arranged so as to define a magnetic shielding for the magnet or the magnets carried (s) by the pendulum while promoting the coupling Magnet of this magnet or magnets with the coil or coils provided.
Abstract
La pièce d'horlogerie comprend un mouvement mécanique avec un oscillateur mécanique et un dispositif électronique de régulation (52) de la fréquence moyenne de cet oscillateur mécanique. Elle comprend un transducteur électromagnétique et un convertisseur électrique (56) qui comprend une unité d'accumulation primaire (C) pour alimenter le circuit de régulation (54). Le transducteur électromagnétique est agencé pour fournir un signal de tension présentant des premiers lobes de tension dans des premières demi-alternances et des deuxièmes lobes de tension dans des secondes demi-alternances des oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique. Le dispositif de régulation comprend une pompe de charge agencée pour transférer des charges électriques de l'unité d'accumulation primaire dans une unité d'accumulation secondaire, ces charges électriques étant prélevées sélectivement en fonction d'une dérive temporelle détectée dans le fonctionnement de l'oscillateur mécanique relativement à un oscillateur auxiliaire, notamment à quartz.The timepiece comprises a mechanical movement with a mechanical oscillator and an electronic control device (52) for the average frequency of this mechanical oscillator. It includes an electromagnetic transducer and an electrical converter (56) that includes a primary storage unit (C) for powering the control circuit (54). The electromagnetic transducer is arranged to provide a voltage signal having first voltage lobes in first half-cycles and second voltage lobes in second half-cycles of oscillations of the mechanical oscillator. The regulating device comprises a charge pump arranged to transfer electric charges from the primary storage unit to a secondary storage unit, these electric charges being picked up selectively according to a time drift detected in the operation of the mechanical oscillator relative to an auxiliary oscillator, in particular quartz oscillator.
Description
La présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un oscillateur mécanique associé à un système de régulation de sa fréquence moyenne. La régulation est du type électronique, c'est-à-dire que le système de régulation comprend un circuit électronique relié à un oscillateur auxiliaire qui est agencé pour fournir un signal d'horloge électrique de grande précision. Le système de régulation est agencé pour corriger une dérive temporelle éventuelle de l'oscillateur mécanique relativement à l'oscillateur auxiliaire.The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a system for regulating its average frequency. The regulation is of the electronic type, that is to say that the control system comprises an electronic circuit connected to an auxiliary oscillator which is arranged to provide a high precision electric clock signal. The control system is arranged to correct any temporal drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator.
En particulier, l'oscillateur mécanique comprend un résonateur mécanique formé par un balancier-spiral et un dispositif d'entretien formé par un échappement classique, par exemple à ancre suisse. L'oscillateur auxiliaire est formé notamment par un résonateur à quartz ou par un résonateur intégré dans le circuit électronique de régulation.In particular, the mechanical oscillator comprises a mechanical resonator formed by a sprung balance and a maintenance device formed by a conventional exhaust, for example Swiss anchor. The auxiliary oscillator is formed in particular by a quartz resonator or by a resonator integrated in the electronic control circuit.
Des mouvements formant des pièces d'horlogerie telles que définies dans le domaine de l'invention ont été proposés dans quelques documents antérieurs. Le brevet
Le circuit électronique comprend une base de temps comprenant un résonateur à quartz et servant à générer un signal de fréquence de référence FR, cette fréquence de référence étant comparée avec la fréquence FG de l'oscillateur mécanique. La détection de la fréquence FG est réalisée via les signaux électriques générés dans la bobine par la paire d'aimants. Le circuit de régulation est agencé pour pouvoir engendrer momentanément un couple de freinage via un couplage magnétique aimant-bobine et une charge commutable reliée à la bobine. Le document
Pour effectuer une régulation électronique de la fréquence de la génératrice, respectivement de l'oscillateur mécanique, il est prévu dans un mode de réalisation donné que la charge soit formée par un redresseur commutable via un transistor qui recharge une capacité de stockage lors des impulsions de freinage, pour récupérer l'énergie électrique afin d'alimenter le circuit électronique. L'enseignement constant donné dans le document
La demande de brevet
La demande de brevet
Concernant l'implémentation d'une régulation électronique tirant profit de la constatation susmentionnée, le document
Dans la deuxième réalisation, il est prévu d'alimenter le système de régulation en prenant périodiquement de l'énergie à l'oscillateur mécanique via l'ensemble électromagnétique. A cet effet, les bobines sont reliées à un redresseur qui est agencé pour recharger un condensateur (capacité de stockage), lequel sert de source d'alimentation pour le circuit électronique. L'ensemble électromagnétique est celui donné aux
On peut penser que le choix d'intervalles de conduction des bobines centrés sur les positions neutres du résonateur mécanique a pour objectif de ne pas induire de dérive temporelle parasite dans l'oscillateur mécanique en prélevant de l'énergie à ce dernier pour alimenter le circuit électronique. En rendant conductrices les bobines pour une même durée avant et après le passage par la position neutre, l'auteur pense peut-être équilibrer l'effet d'un freinage précédant un tel passage par la position neutre avec l'effet d'un freinage suivant ce passage pour ainsi ne pas modifier la période d'oscillation en l'absence d'un signal de correction du circuit de régulation intervenant suite à la mesure d'une dérive temporelle. On peut fortement douter qu'il y parvienne avec l'ensemble électromagnétique divulgué et un redresseur classique relié à une capacité de stockage. Premièrement, la recharge de cette capacité de stockage dépend de sa tension initiale au début d'un intervalle de temps donné. Ensuite, la tension induite et le courant induit dans les bobines varient en intensité avec la vitesse angulaire du balancier-spiral, cette intensité diminuant lorsqu'on s'éloigne d'une position neutre où la vitesse angulaire est maximale. L'ensemble électromagnétique divulgué permet de déterminer la forme du signal de tension induite / de courant induit. Bien que la position angulaire des aimants relativement aux bobines pour la position neutre (position de repos) ne soit pas donnée et qu'on ne peut pas déduire un enseignement sur la phase du signal, on peut en déduire que la recharge de la capacité de stockage aura lieu normalement en majeure partie avant le passage par la position neutre. Ainsi, il en résulte un freinage qui n'est pas symétrique relativement à la position neutre et un retard parasite dans la marche de pièce d'horlogerie. Finalement, quant à l'ajustement de la puissance induite au cours des intervalles de temps prévus pour réguler la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie, rien n'est indiqué. On ne comprend pas comment un tel ajustement est effectué, aucun enseignement n'étant donné à ce sujet.It may be thought that the choice of conduction intervals of the coils centered on the neutral positions of the mechanical resonator has the objective of not inducing parasitic temporal drift in the mechanical oscillator by taking energy from it to supply the circuit electronic. By making the coils conductive for the same duration before and after the passage through the neutral position, the author may think to balance the effect of a braking preceding such a passage by the neutral position with the effect of braking according to this passage so as not to change the oscillation period in the absence of a correction signal of the control circuit involved following the measurement of a time drift. It is highly doubtful that this can be achieved with the disclosed electromagnetic assembly and a conventional rectifier connected to a storage capacitor. First, the recharge of this storage capacity depends on its initial voltage at the beginning of a given time interval. Then, the induced voltage and the current induced in the coils vary in intensity with the angular speed of the sprung balance, this intensity decreasing when moving away from a neutral position where the angular velocity is maximum. The disclosed electromagnetic assembly makes it possible to determine the shape of the induced voltage / induced current signal. Although the angular position of the magnets relative to the coils for the neutral position (rest position) is not given and we can not deduce a teaching on the phase of the signal, it can be deduced that the recharge of the capacitance of Storage will normally take place for the most part before passing through the neutral position. Thus, it results in a braking which is not symmetrical relative to the neutral position and a parasitic delay in the timepiece market. Finally, as for the adjustment of the power induced during the time intervals provided to regulate the running of the timepiece, nothing is indicated. One does not understand how such an adjustment is made, no teaching being given on this subject.
Un objectif général, dans le cadre du développement ayant conduit à la présente invention, était de réaliser une pièce d'horlogerie, comprenant un mouvement mécanique avec un oscillateur mécanique et un système de régulation électronique de cet oscillateur mécanique, pour laquelle il ne soit pas nécessaire de dérégler initialement l'oscillateur mécanique pour qu'il avance, de manière à avoir ainsi une pièce d'horlogerie qui a la précision d'un oscillateur électronique auxiliaire (notamment muni d'un résonateur à quartz) lorsque le système de régulation est fonctionnel et, dans le cas contraire, la précision de l'oscillateur mécanique correspondant à son meilleur réglage. En d'autres termes, on cherche à adjoindre une régulation électronique à un mouvement mécanique par ailleurs réglé le plus précisément possible de sorte qu'il reste fonctionnel, avec la meilleure marche possible, lorsque la régulation électronique est non active.A general objective, in the context of the development that led to the present invention, was to produce a timepiece, comprising a mechanical movement with a mechanical oscillator and an electronic control system of this mechanical oscillator, for which it is not necessary to initially disturb the mechanical oscillator so that it advances, so as to have a timepiece that has the precision of an auxiliary electronic oscillator (in particular equipped with a quartz resonator) when the control system is functional and, in the opposite case, the accuracy of the mechanical oscillator corresponding to its best setting. In other words, it seeks to add an electronic control to a mechanical movement also set as precisely as possible so that it remains functional, with the best possible operation, when the electronic control is not active.
La présente invention a pour objectif premier de fournir une pièce d'horlogerie du type décrit précédemment et qui soit capable de corriger un retard ou une avance dans la dérive temporelle de l'oscillateur mécanique tout en permettant d'assurer efficacement une auto-alimentation du système de régulation.The present invention has the primary objective of providing a timepiece of the type previously described and which is capable of correcting a delay or an advance in the time drift of the mechanical oscillator while at the same time making it possible to effectively ensure self-feeding of the regulation system.
Un objectif particulier est de fournir une telle pièce d'horlogerie qui soit capable, pour un ensemble électromagnétique défini, de fournir en continu ou quasi continu une tension électrique d'alimentation qui demeure au-dessus d'une tension d'alimentation qui soit suffisante pour alimenter le dispositif de régulation, et ceci indépendamment de la régulation de la fréquence moyenne de l'oscillateur mécanique, notamment de l'énergie électrique engendrée par la régulation, et donc également en l'absence de correction d'une dérive temporelle (cas où elle demeure faible, voire nulle).A particular objective is to provide such a timepiece which is capable, for a defined electromagnetic assembly, of providing a continuous or almost continuous electrical supply voltage which remains above a supply voltage which is sufficient for supplying the regulation device, and this independently of the regulation of the average frequency of the mechanical oscillator, in particular of the electrical energy generated by the regulation, and thus also in the absence of correction of a time drift (case where it remains weak or even zero).
Un autre objectif particulier est d'assurer l'auto-alimentation du système de régulation sans induire une dérive temporelle parasite, en particulier en l'absence d'une correction d'une dérive temporelle, ou pour le moins de sorte qu'une telle dérive temporelle parasite éventuelle reste minime et négligeable.Another particular objective is to ensure the self-supply of the control system without inducing a parasitic temporal drift, in particular in the absence of a correction of a time drift, or for the less so that such a possible parasitic temporal drift remains minimal and negligible.
Un autre objectif est d'utiliser l'énergie électrique de régulation pour alimenter une fonction auxiliaire et donc une charge auxiliaire, en accumulant efficacement cette énergie électrique sans induire d'instabilité dans le fonctionnement du dispositif de régulation ou de perturbation de la régulation.Another objective is to use the electrical control energy to supply an auxiliary function and therefore an auxiliary load, effectively accumulating this electrical energy without inducing instability in the operation of the regulating device or disturbance of the regulation.
A cet effet, la présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie, comprenant :
- un mécanisme, notamment un mécanisme d'indication de l'heure,
- un résonateur mécanique susceptible d'osciller autour d'une position neutre correspondant à son état d'énergie potentielle mécanique minimale, chaque oscillation du résonateur mécanique définissant une période d'oscillation et présentant deux alternances successives chacune entre deux positions extrêmes qui définissent l'amplitude d'oscillation du résonateur mécanique, chaque alternance présentant un passage du résonateur mécanique par sa position neutre à un instant médian et étant constituée d'une première demi-alternance entre un instant initial de cette alternance et son instant médian et d'une seconde demi-alternance entre cet instant médian et un instant final de cette alternance,
- un dispositif d'entretien du résonateur mécanique formant avec ce résonateur mécanique un oscillateur mécanique qui définit la cadence de la marche dudit mécanisme,
- un transducteur électromécanique agencé pour pouvoir convertir de la puissance mécanique de l'oscillateur mécanique en puissance électrique lorsque le résonateur mécanique oscille avec une amplitude comprise dans une plage de fonctionnement utile, ce transducteur électromagnétique étant formé par un ensemble électromagnétique comprenant au moins une bobine, montée sur un élément parmi l'ensemble mécanique constitué du résonateur mécanique et de son support, et au moins un aimant monté sur l'autre élément de cet ensemble mécanique, l'ensemble électromagnétique étant agencé de manière à pouvoir fournir un signal de tension induite entre les deux bornes de sortie du transducteur électromécanique au moins lorsque le résonateur mécanique oscille avec une amplitude comprise dans la plage de fonctionnement utile,
- un convertisseur électrique relié aux deux bornes de sortie du transducteur électromécanique de manière à pouvoir recevoir de ce transducteur électromécanique un courant électrique induit, ce convertisseur électrique comprenant une unité d'accumulation primaire agencée pour accumuler de l'énergie électrique fournie par le transducteur électromécanique, ce transducteur électromécanique et le convertisseur électrique formant ensemble un dispositif de freinage du résonateur mécanique,
- un dispositif de régulation de la fréquence de l'oscillateur mécanique, ce dispositif de régulation comprenant un oscillateur auxiliaire et un dispositif de mesure agencé pour pouvoir détecter une dérive temporelle éventuelle de l'oscillateur mécanique relativement à l'oscillateur auxiliaire, le dispositif de régulation étant agencé pour pouvoir déterminer si la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à au moins une certaine avance.
- a mechanism, including a mechanism for indicating the time,
- a mechanical resonator capable of oscillating around a neutral position corresponding to its minimum mechanical potential energy state, each oscillation of the mechanical resonator defining a period of oscillation and having two successive alternations each between two extreme positions which define the amplitude oscillation of the mechanical resonator, each alternation having a passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position at a median time and consisting of a first half-alternation between an initial moment of this alternation and its median instant and a second half -alternance between this median moment and a final moment of this alternation,
- a mechanical resonator maintenance device forming with this mechanical resonator a mechanical oscillator which defines the rate of operation of said mechanism,
- an electromechanical transducer arranged to be able to convert the mechanical power of the mechanical oscillator into electrical power when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude within a useful operating range, this electromagnetic transducer being formed by an electromagnetic assembly comprising at least one coil, mounted on one of the mechanical assembly consisting of the mechanical resonator and its support, and at least one magnet mounted on the other element of this mechanical assembly, the electromagnetic assembly being arranged to be able to provide a voltage signal induced between the two output terminals of the electromechanical transducer at least when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude within the useful operating range,
- an electrical converter connected to the two output terminals of the electromechanical transducer so as to be able to receive an induced electric current from this electromechanical transducer, said electric converter comprising a primary storage unit arranged to accumulate electrical energy supplied by the electromechanical transducer, this electromechanical transducer and the electrical converter together forming a braking device of the mechanical resonator,
- a device for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator, this regulation device comprising an auxiliary oscillator and a measurement device arranged to be able to detect an eventual time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator, the regulation device being arranged to be able to determine if the measured time drift corresponds to at least some advance.
La pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention est caractérisée en ce que :
- le dispositif de régulation est agencé pour pouvoir également déterminer si la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à au moins un certain retard,
- le dispositif de freinage est agencé de manière que, dans chaque période d'oscillation du résonateur mécanique lorsque l'amplitude d'oscillation de celui-ci est dans la plage de fonctionnement utile, le signal de tension induite présente au moins un premier lobe de tension intervenant au moins en majeure partie dans une première demi-alternance et susceptible d'engendrer dans cette première demi-alternance une première impulsion de courant induit pour recharger l'unité d'accumulation primaire après un prélèvement d'une charge électrique de celle-ci et au moins un deuxième lobe de tension intervenant au moins en majeure partie dans une seconde demi-alternance et susceptible d'engendrer dans cette seconde demi-alternance une deuxième impulsion de courant induit pour recharger l'unité d'accumulation primaire après un prélèvement d'une charge électrique de celle-ci, le signal de tension induite présentant ainsi une pluralité de tels premiers lobes de tension et une pluralité de tels deuxièmes lobes de tension,
- le dispositif de régulation comprend un dispositif de pompe de charge agencé pour pouvoir transférer sur commande une certaine charge électrique de l'unité d'accumulation primaire dans une unité d'accumulation secondaire,
- le dispositif de régulation comprend en outre un circuit logique de commande qui reçoit en entrée un signal de mesure fourni par le dispositif de mesure et qui est agencé pour pouvoir activer le dispositif de pompe de charge de sorte qu'il effectue, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à ladite au moins une certaine avance, un transfert d'une première charge électrique de l'unité d'accumulation primaire dans l'unité d'accumulation secondaire de manière qu'une recharge de l'unité d'accumulation primaire, suite à ce transfert de la première charge électrique, soit générée en majeure partie par au moins un premier lobe de tension parmi ladite pluralité de premiers lobes de tension, le circuit logique de commande étant en outre agencé pour pouvoir activer le dispositif de pompe de charge de sorte qu'il effectue, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond audit au moins un certain retard, un transfert d'une deuxième charge électrique de l'unité d'accumulation primaire dans l'unité d'accumulation secondaire de manière qu'une recharge de l'unité d'accumulation primaire, suite à ce transfert de la deuxième charge électrique, soit générée en majeure partie par au moins un deuxième lobe de tension parmi ladite pluralité de deuxième lobes de tension.
- the regulating device is arranged to also be able to determine if the measured time drift corresponds to at least a certain delay,
- the braking device is arranged so that, in each oscillation period of the mechanical resonator when the oscillation amplitude thereof is in the useful operating range, the induced voltage signal has at least a first lobe of voltage intervening at least for the most part in a first half-wave and capable of generating in this first half-wave a first induced current pulse to recharge the primary storage unit after a charge of an electric charge thereof ci and at least a second voltage lobe intervening at least for the most part in a second half-cycle and capable of generating in this second half-wave a second induced current pulse to recharge the primary storage unit after a charge of an electrical charge thereof, the induced voltage signal thus having a plurality of such first voltage lobes and a plurality of such second voltage lobes,
- the regulating device comprises a charge pump device arranged to be able to transfer on command a certain electric charge of the primary accumulation unit in a secondary storage unit,
- the regulating device further comprises a control logic circuit which receives as input a measurement signal supplied by the measuring device and which is arranged to be able to activate the charge pump device so that it performs, when the time drift measured corresponds to said at least some advance, a transfer of a first electrical charge from the primary storage unit to the secondary storage unit so that a recharge of the primary storage unit, continued at this transfer of the first electric charge, is generated for the most part by at least a first voltage lobe among said plurality of first voltage lobes, the control logic circuit being further arranged to be able to activate the charge pump device of so that it performs, when the measured time drift corresponds to the at least a certain delay, a transfer of a second electric charge of the unit of a primary accumulation in the secondary accumulation unit such that a recharge of the primary accumulation unit, following this transfer of the second electric charge, is generated for the most part by at least one second voltage lobe among said plurality of second voltage lobes.
Par 'lobe de tension', on comprend une impulsion de tension qui est située entièrement en-dessus ou entièrement en-dessous d'une valeur nulle (définissant une tension zéro), c'est-à-dire une variation de tension dans un certain intervalle de temps avec soit une tension positive dont la valeur positive monte puis redescend, soit une tension négative dont la valeur négative descend puis remonte.By 'voltage lobe' is meant a voltage pulse which is located entirely above or entirely below a zero value (defining a zero voltage), i.e. a voltage change in a certain time interval with either a positive voltage whose value positive goes up then down, a negative voltage whose negative value goes down then up.
Le transfert d'une première charge électrique dans une première zone temporelle telle que définie est prévu pour augmenter la recharge de la capacité d'alimentation lors de l'apparition d'un premier lobe de tension suivant ce transfert, relativement au cas où aucun transfert n'aurait lieu. Cette augmentation de la recharge signifie une plus grande énergie mécanique prise à l'oscillateur mécanique par le système de freinage et donc un freinage supérieur de cet oscillateur mécanique. Comme ceci sera exposé par la suite, un freinage dans une première demi-alternance avant le passage du résonateur mécanique par sa position neutre engendre un déphasage temporel négatif dans l'oscillation du résonateur, et ainsi la durée de l'alternance en question est augmentée. On diminue donc momentanément la fréquence instantanée de l'oscillateur mécanique et il en résulte un certain retard dans la marche du mécanisme qui corrige au moins partiellement l'avance détectée par le dispositif de mesure. De même, le transfert d'une deuxième charge électrique dans une deuxième zone temporelle telle que définie est prévu pour augmenter la recharge de la capacité d'alimentation lors de l'apparition d'un deuxième lobe de tension suivant ce prélèvement, relativement au cas où aucun prélèvement n'aurait lieu. Comme on le comprendra par la suite, ceci engendre un déphasage temporel positif dans l'oscillation du résonateur, et ainsi la durée de l'alternance en question est diminuée. On augmente donc momentanément la fréquence instantanée de l'oscillateur mécanique et il en résulte une certaine avance dans la marche du mécanisme qui corrige au moins partiellement le retard détecté par le dispositif de mesure.The transfer of a first electric charge in a first time zone as defined is intended to increase the recharge of the power capacity when a first voltage lobe appears following this transfer, relative to the case where no transfer would not take place. This increase of the recharge means a greater mechanical energy taken by the mechanical oscillator by the braking system and thus a higher braking of this mechanical oscillator. As will be explained later, a braking in a first half-wave before the passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position generates a negative time phase in the oscillation of the resonator, and thus the duration of the alternation in question is increased . Thus, the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator is temporarily decreased and a certain delay in the operation of the mechanism which at least partially corrects the advance detected by the measuring device results. Likewise, the transfer of a second electric charge in a second time zone as defined is intended to increase the recharging of the supply capacitance when a second voltage lobe appears according to this sampling, relative to the case where no picking would take place. As will be understood later, this generates a positive temporal phase shift in the oscillation of the resonator, and thus the duration of the alternation in question is decreased. Thus, the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator is increased momentarily and this results in a certain advance in the operation of the mechanism which at least partially corrects the delay detected by the measuring device.
Dans un mode de réalisation principal, la pièce d'horlogerie comprend une charge principale connectée ou susceptible d'être régulièrement connectée au convertisseur électrique pour être alimentée par l'unité d'accumulation primaire, la charge principale comprenant notamment le dispositif de régulation.In a main embodiment, the timepiece comprises a main load connected or likely to be regularly connected to the electrical converter to be powered by the primary storage unit, the main load including the control device.
Dans un mode de réalisation avantageux, la pièce d'horlogerie comprend une charge auxiliaire connectée ou susceptible d'être connectée par intermittence à l'unité d'accumulation secondaire de manière à pouvoir être alimentée par cette unité d'accumulation secondaire.In an advantageous embodiment, the timepiece comprises an auxiliary load connected to or capable of being intermittently connected to the secondary accumulation unit so as to be powered by this secondary accumulation unit.
Dans une variante préférée, le dispositif de pompe de charge est agencé de manière à former un élévateur de tension qui est agencé pour qu'une tension d'alimentation auxiliaire aux bornes de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire soit supérieure à une tension d'alimentation principale aux bornes de l'unité d'accumulation primaire.In a preferred embodiment, the charge pump device is arranged to form a voltage booster which is arranged so that an auxiliary supply voltage across the secondary storage unit is greater than a voltage of less than main power supply to the terminals of the primary storage unit.
Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, le dispositif de régulation comprend au moins un circuit dissipatif pour dissiper de l'énergie électrique accumulée dans l'unité d'accumulation primaire, au moins un interrupteur associé au circuit dissipatif pour pouvoir connecter momentanément ce circuit dissipatif à l'unité d'accumulation primaire et un circuit de mesure agencé pour détecter si la tension aux bornes de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire est supérieure à une première limite de tension ou si le niveau de remplissage de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire est supérieure à une première limite de remplissage. Ensuite, le circuit logique de commande est agencé de manière à pouvoir, lorsque la tension aux bornes de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire est supérieure à la première limite de tension ou de remplissage, connecter momentanément ledit au moins un circuit dissipatif à l'unité d'accumulation primaire de sorte à effectuer, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à ladite au moins une certaine avance, une première décharge dissipative de l'unité d'accumulation primaire de manière qu'une recharge de celle-ci, suite à cette première décharge, soit générée en majeure partie par au moins un premier lobe de tension parmi ladite pluralité de premiers lobes de tension, et de sorte à effectuer, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond audit au moins un certain retard, une deuxième décharge de l'unité d'accumulation primaire de manière qu'une recharge de celle-ci, suite à cette deuxième décharge, soit générée en majeure partie par au moins un deuxième lobe de tension parmi ladite pluralité de deuxièmes lobes de tension.In a particular embodiment, the regulating device comprises at least one dissipative circuit for dissipating electrical energy accumulated in the primary storage unit, at least one switch associated with the dissipative circuit so as to be able to momentarily connect this dissipative circuit to the primary storage unit and a measuring circuit arranged to detect whether the voltage across the secondary storage unit is above a first voltage limit or the level of the secondary storage unit is greater than a first fill limit. Then, the control logic circuit is arranged so that, when the voltage at the terminals of the secondary storage unit is greater than the first voltage or filling limit, momentarily connect the at least one dissipative circuit to the primary accumulation unit so as to perform, when the measured time drift corresponds to said at least some advance, a first dissipative discharge of the primary accumulation unit so that a recharge thereof, following this first discharge, is generated mainly by at least a first voltage lobe among said plurality of first voltage lobes, and so to perform, when the measured time drift corresponds to said at least a certain delay, a second discharge of the primary accumulation unit so that a recharge thereof, following this second discharge, is generated for the most part by at least one second voltage lobe among said plurality of second voltage lobes.
Dans une variante particulière du mode de réalisation avantageux mentionné précédemment, la pièce d'horlogerie comprend en outre un circuit de mesure agencé pour détecter si la tension aux bornes de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire est inférieure à une deuxième limite de tension (inférieure à la première limite de tension mentionnée ci-avant) ou si le niveau de remplissage de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire est inférieur à une deuxième limite de remplissage (inférieure à la première limite de remplissage mentionnée ci-avant). Ensuite, le circuit logique de commande est agencé de manière à pouvoir, lorsque la tension aux bornes de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire est inférieure à la deuxième limite de tension ou de remplissage et lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée est comprise entre ledit au moins un certain retard et ladite au moins une certaine avance, activer le dispositif de pompe de charge de sorte qu'il effectue un transfert d'une troisième charge électrique de l'unité d'accumulation primaire dans l'unité d'accumulation secondaire, de manière qu'une recharge de l'unité d'accumulation primaire suite à ce transfert d'une troisième charge électrique soit générée en majeure partie par au moins un premier lobe de tension parmi ladite pluralité de premiers lobes de tension, et un transfert d'une quatrième charge électrique de l'unité d'accumulation primaire dans l'unité d'accumulation secondaire, de manière qu'une recharge de l'unité d'accumulation primaire suite à ce transfert d'une quatrième charge électrique soit générée en majeure partie par au moins un deuxième lobe de tension parmi ladite pluralité de deuxième lobes de tension, la quatrième charge électrique étant sensiblement égale à la troisième charge électrique.In a particular variant of the advantageous embodiment mentioned above, the timepiece further comprises a measurement circuit arranged to detect whether the voltage at the terminals of the secondary accumulation unit is lower than a second voltage limit (lower at the first voltage limit mentioned above) or if the fill level of the secondary storage unit is less than a second fill limit (less than the first fill limit mentioned above). Then, the control logic circuit is arranged so that when the voltage at the terminals of the secondary storage unit is lower than the second voltage or filling limit and when the measured time drift is between said at least delay and said at least some advance, activate the charge pump device to effect a transfer of a third electrical charge from the primary accumulation unit to the secondary accumulation unit, whereby a recharge of the primary storage unit following this transfer of a third electrical charge is generated for the most part by at least a first voltage lobe among said plurality of first voltage lobes, and a transfer of a fourth electric charge of the primary accumulation unit in the secondary accumulation unit, so that a recharge of the primary accumulation unit following this transfer a fourth electric charge is generated for the most part by at least one second voltage lobe among said plurality of second voltage lobes, the fourth electrical charge being substantially equal to the third electric charge.
L'invention sera décrite ci-après de manière plus détaillée à l'aide de dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs, dans lesquels :
- La
Figure 1 est une vue générale de dessus d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, - La
Figure 2 est une vue partielle et agrandie de la pièce d'horlogerie de laFigure 1 , montrant l'ensemble électromagnétique formant un transducteur électromagnétique d'un système de régulation incorporé dans cette pièce d'horlogerie, - La
Figure 3 représente, pour un ensemble électromagnétique donné auxFigures 4A à 4C qui correspond au premier mode de réalisation, la tension induite dans la bobine de cet ensemble électromagnétique lorsque le balancier-spiral oscille et l'application d'une première impulsion de freinage dans une certaine alternance avant que le balancier-spiral passe par sa position neutre, ainsi que la vitesse angulaire du balancier et sa position angulaire dans un intervalle temporel dans lequel intervient la première impulsion de freinage, - Les
Figures 4A à 4C montrent, pour le transducteur électro-magnétique considéré à laFigure 3 , le balancier à trois instants particuliers d'une alternance de l'oscillateur mécanique au cours de laquelle la première impulsion de freinage est fournie, - La
Figure 5 est une figure similaire à celle de laFigure 3 avec l'application d'une deuxième impulsion de freinage dans une certaine alternance après que le balancier-spiral a passé par sa position neutre, - Les
Figures 6A à 6C montrent le balancier à trois instants particuliers d'une alternance de l'oscillateur mécanique au cours de laquelle la deuxième impulsion de freinage est fournie, - La
Figure 7 montre le schéma électrique d'un convertisseur électrique et d'un dispositif de régulation de l'oscillateur mécanique prévus dans le premier mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie, - La
Figure 8 montre le circuit électronique d'une variante de pompe de charge formant le dispositif de régulation représenté à laFigure 7 , - La
Figure 9 est un organigramme d'un mode de régulation de la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie selon le premier mode de réalisation, - Les
Figures 10A à 10C représentent divers signaux électriques intervenant dans le schéma électrique de laFigure 7 , - La
Figure 11 est une vue partielle d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, montrant l'agencement particulier de son transducteur électromagnétique, - La
Figure 12 montre le schéma électrique du convertisseur électrique et du dispositif de régulation de l'oscillateur mécanique tels qu'agencés dans le deuxième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, - La
Figure 13 est un organigramme d'un mode de régulation de la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie selon le deuxième mode de réalisation, - La
Figure 14 représente divers signaux électriques intervenant dans le schéma électrique de laFigure 12 dans le cas d'une correction d'une avance constatée dans la dérive temporelle mesurée, - La
Figure 15 représente divers signaux électriques intervenant dans le schéma électrique de laFigure 12 dans le cas d'une correction d'un retard constaté dans la dérive temporelle mesurée, - La
Figure 16 est une vue partielle d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, montrant l'agencement particulier de son transducteur électromagnétique, - La
Figure 17 montre le schéma électrique du convertisseur électrique et du dispositif de régulation de l'oscillateur mécanique tels qu'agencés dans le troisième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, - La
Figure 18 montre le circuit électronique d'une variante de pompe de charge formant l'élévateur de tension du dispositif de régulation représenté à laFigure 17 , - La
Figure 19 est un organigramme d'un mode de régulation de la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie selon le troisième mode de réalisation, - Les
Figures 20A à 20C représentent divers signaux électriques intervenant dans le schéma électrique de laFigure 17 , et - Les
Figures 21 montrent une variante de réalisation avantageuse d'un résonateur mécanique associé à un ensemble électromagnétique de la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention.et 22
- The
Figure 1 is a general view from above of a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, - The
Figure 2 is a partial and enlarged view of the timepiece of theFigure 1 , showing the electromagnetic assembly forming an electromagnetic transducer of a control system incorporated in this timepiece, - The
Figure 3 represents, for an electromagnetic set given toFigures 4A to 4C which corresponds to the first embodiment, the voltage induced in the coil of this electromagnetic assembly when the sprung balance oscillates and the application of a first braking pulse in a certain alternation before the sprung balance passes through its neutral position. , as well as the angular speed of the beam and its angular position in a time interval in which the first braking pulse occurs, - The
Figures 4A to 4C show, for the electromagnetic transducer considered atFigure 3 the pendulum with three particular instants of an alternation of the mechanical oscillator during which the first braking pulse is provided, - The
Figure 5 is a figure similar to that of theFigure 3 with the application of a second braking pulse in a certain alternation after the sprung balance has passed through its neutral position, - The
Figures 6A to 6C show the pendulum at three particular moments of an alternation of the mechanical oscillator during which the second braking pulse is provided, - The
Figure 7 shows the electrical diagram of an electric converter and a device for regulating the mechanical oscillator provided in the first embodiment of a timepiece, - The
Figure 8 shows the electronic circuit of a variant charge pump forming the control device shown in FIG.Figure 7 , - The
Figure 9 is a flowchart of a mode of regulation of the walking of the timepiece according to the first embodiment, - The
Figures 10A to 10C represent various electrical signals involved in the electrical diagram of theFigure 7 , - The
Figure 11 is a partial view of a second embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, showing the particular arrangement of its electromagnetic transducer, - The
Figure 12 shows the wiring diagram of the electric converter and the mechanical oscillator control device as arranged in the second embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, - The
Figure 13 is a flowchart of a mode of regulation of the walking of the timepiece according to the second embodiment, - The
Figure 14 represents various electrical signals involved in the electrical diagram of theFigure 12 in the case of a correction of an advance observed in the measured time drift, - The
Figure 15 represents various electrical signals involved in the electrical diagram of theFigure 12 in the case of a correction of a delay observed in the measured time drift, - The
Figure 16 is a partial view of a third embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, showing the particular arrangement of its electromagnetic transducer, - The
Figure 17 shows the electrical diagram of the electric converter and the mechanical oscillator control device as arranged in the third embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, - The
Figure 18 shows the electronic circuit of a charge pump variant forming the voltage booster of the control device shown in FIG.Figure 17 , - The
Figure 19 is a flowchart of a mode of regulation of the walking of the timepiece according to the third embodiment, - The
Figures 20A to 20C represent various electrical signals involved in the electrical diagram of theFigure 17 , and - The
Figures 21 and 22 show an advantageous embodiment of a mechanical resonator associated with an electromagnetic assembly of the timepiece according to the invention.
En référence aux
La
Le balancier 18 définit un demi-axe 24, depuis son axe de rotation 20 et perpendiculairement à ce dernier qui passe au centre de l'aimant 22. Lorsque le balancier-spiral est dans sa position de repos, le demi-axe 24 définit une position neutre (position angulaire de repos du balancier-spiral correspondant à un angle zéro) autour de laquelle le balancier-spiral peut osciller à une certaine fréquence, notamment à une fréquence libre F0 correspondant à la fréquence d'oscillation naturelle de l'oscillateur mécanique, c'est-à-dire non soumis à des couples de force externes (autres que celui fourni périodiquement via l'échappement). A la
Chaque oscillation du résonateur mécanique définit une période d'oscillation et elle présente une première alternance suivie d'une deuxième alternance chacune entre deux positions extrêmes définissant l'amplitude d'oscillation du résonateur mécanique (à noter que l'on considère ici le résonateur oscillant et donc l'oscillateur mécanique dans son ensemble, l'amplitude d'oscillation du balancier-spiral étant définie entre autres choses par les moyens d'entretien). Chaque alternance présente un passage du résonateur mécanique par sa position neutre à un instant médian et une certaine durée entre un instant initial et un instant final qui sont définis respectivement par les deux positions extrêmes occupées par le résonateur mécanique respectivement au début et à la fin de cette alternance. Chaque alternance est ainsi constituée d'une première demi-alternance se terminant audit instant médian et d'une seconde demi-alternance débutant à cet instant médian.Each oscillation of the mechanical resonator defines an oscillation period and it has a first alternation followed by a second alternation each between two extreme positions defining the oscillation amplitude of the mechanical resonator (note that we consider here the oscillating resonator and therefore the mechanical oscillator as a whole, the oscillation amplitude of the sprung balance being defined among other things by the maintenance means). Each alternation has a passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position at a median time and a certain duration between an initial moment and a final instant which are respectively defined by the two extreme positions occupied by the mechanical resonator respectively at the beginning and at the end of this alternation. Each alternation thus consists of a first half-cycle ending at said median instant and a second half-wave alternating at this median instant.
Le système 8 de régulation de la fréquence de l'oscillateur mécanique comprend un circuit électronique 30 et un oscillateur auxiliaire 32, cet oscillateur auxiliaire comprenant un circuit d'horloge et par exemple un résonateur à quartz relié à ce circuit d'horloge. On notera que dans une variante, l'oscillateur auxiliaire est intégré au moins partiellement dans le circuit électronique. Le système de régulation comprend en outre l'ensemble électromagnétique 27 décrit précédemment, à savoir la bobine 28 qui est reliée électriquement au circuit électronique 30 et l'aimant bipolaire 22 monté sur le balancier. De manière avantageuse, les divers éléments du système de régulation 8, à l'exception de l'aimant, sont agencés sur un support 34 avec lequel ils forment un module indépendant du mouvement horloger. Ainsi, ce module peut être assemblé ou associé au mouvement mécanique 4 que lors de leur montage dans une boîte de montre. En particulier, comme représenté à la
En référence aux
La
Par impulsion de freinage, on comprend une application, substantiellement durant un intervalle de temps limité, d'un certain couple de force au résonateur mécanique pour le freiner, c'est-à-dire d'un couple de force qui s'oppose au mouvement d'oscillation de ce résonateur mécanique. De manière générale, le couple de freinage peut être de natures diverses, notamment magnétique, électrostatique ou mécanique. Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, le couple de freinage est obtenu par le couplage aimant-bobine et il correspond donc à un couple magnétique de freinage exercé sur l'aimant 44 via la bobine 28 qui est commandée par un dispositif de régulation. De telles impulsions de freinage peuvent par exemple être générées en court-circuitant momentanément la bobine. Cette action est reconnaissable sur le graphe de la tension de bobine dans la zone temporelle au cours de laquelle l'impulsion de freinage est appliquée, cette zone temporelle étant prévue lors de l'apparition d'une impulsion de tension induite dans la bobine par le passage de l'aimant. C'est évidemment dans cette zone temporelle que le couplage aimant-bobine permet une action sans contact via un couple magnétique sur l'aimant fixé au balancier. On observe en effet que la tension de bobine descend vers zéro au cours d'une impulsion de freinage par court-circuit (la tension induite dans la bobine 28 par l'aimant 44 étant représentée en traits interrompus dans la zone temporelle susmentionnée). A noter que les impulsions de freinage par court-circuit représentées aux
Dans les
En référence aux
Dans le premier cas, l'impulsion de freinage est générée entre le début d'une alternance et le passage du résonateur par sa position neutre, c'est-à-dire dans une première demi-alternance de cette alternance. Comme prévu, la vitesse angulaire en valeur absolue diminue au moment de l'impulsion de freinage P1. Ceci induit un déphasage temporel négatif Tci dans l'oscillation du résonateur, comme le montrent les deux graphes de la vitesse angulaire et de la position angulaire à la
En référence aux
Dans le deuxième cas considéré, l'impulsion de freinage est donc générée, dans une alternance, entre l'instant médian auquel le résonateur passe par sa position neutre et l'instant final auquel se termine cette alternance. Comme prévu, la vitesse angulaire en valeur absolue diminue au moment de l'impulsion de freinage P2. De manière remarquable, l'impulsion de freinage induit ici un déphasage temporel positif TC2 dans la période d'oscillation du résonateur, comme le montrent les deux graphes de la vitesse angulaire et de la position angulaire à la
En référence aux
un mécanisme 12,16 (montré partiellement),- un résonateur mécanique 6 (balancier-spiral) susceptible d'osciller autour d'une position neutre 48 correspondant à son état d'énergie potentielle mécanique minimale, chaque alternance des oscillations successives présentant un passage du résonateur mécanique par sa position neutre à un instant médian et étant constituée d'une première demi-alternance se terminant à son instant médian et d'une seconde demi-alternance débutant à son instant médian,
- un dispositif d'entretien 14 du résonateur mécanique formant avec ce résonateur mécanique un oscillateur mécanique qui cadence la marche du mécanisme,
- un transducteur électromécanique agencé pour pouvoir convertir de la puissance mécanique de l'oscillateur mécanique en puissance électrique lorsque le résonateur mécanique 6 oscille avec une amplitude comprise dans une plage de fonctionnement utile, ce transducteur électromagnétique étant formé par
un ensemble électromagnétique 27 comprenant une bobine 28 (seul élément de l'ensemble électromagnétique représenté schématiquement à laFigure 7 ), montée sur le support (en particulier la platine du mouvement 4) du résonateur mécanique, etun aimant 22 monté sur ce résonateur mécanique, l'ensemble électromagnétique 27 étant agencé de manière à pouvoir fournir un signal de tension induite Ui(t) (Fig.10A ), entre les deux bornes de sortie E1 et E2 du transducteur électromécanique lorsque le résonateur mécanique oscille avec une amplitude comprise dans la plage de fonctionnement utile, - un convertisseur électrique 56 relié aux deux bornes de sortie du transducteur électromécanique de manière à pouvoir recevoir de ce transducteur électromécanique un courant électrique induit IRec (
Fig.10B ), ce convertisseur électrique comprenant une capacité d'alimentation CAL agencée pour accumuler de l'énergie électrique fournie par le transducteur électromécanique, ce transducteur électromécanique et le convertisseur électrique formant ensemble un dispositif de freinage du résonateur mécanique, - un dispositif de régulation 52 de la fréquence de l'oscillateur mécanique, ce dispositif de régulation comprenant un oscillateur auxiliaire 58 & CLK et un dispositif de mesure agencé pour pouvoir mesurer une dérive temporelle éventuelle de l'oscillateur mécanique relativement à l'oscillateur auxiliaire, le dispositif de régulation étant agencé pour pouvoir déterminer si la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à au moins une certaine avance ou à au moins un certain retard.
- a
mechanism 12,16 (shown partially), - a mechanical resonator 6 (spiral balance) capable of oscillating about a
neutral position 48 corresponding to its minimum mechanical potential energy state, each alternation of successive oscillations having a passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position at a median time and consisting of a first half-cycle ending at its mid-point and a second half-cycle beginning at its mid-point, - a
maintenance device 14 of the mechanical resonator forming with this mechanical resonator a mechanical oscillator which speeds the operation of the mechanism, - an electromechanical transducer arranged to convert the mechanical power of the mechanical oscillator into electrical power when the
mechanical resonator 6 oscillates with an amplitude within a useful operating range, this electromagnetic transducer being formed by anelectromagnetic assembly 27 comprising a coil 28 (only element of the electromagnetic set shown schematically in theFigure 7 ), mounted on the support (in particular the plate of the movement 4) of the mechanical resonator, and amagnet 22 mounted on this mechanical resonator, theelectromagnetic assembly 27 being arranged so as to be able to provide an induced voltage signal Ui (t) (Fig.10A ) between the two output terminals E1 and E2 of the electromechanical transducer when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude within the useful operating range, - an
electric converter 56 connected to the two output terminals of the electromechanical transducer so as to be able to receive from this electromechanical transducer an induced electric current I RecFig.10B ), this electrical converter comprising a supply capacitor C AL arranged to accumulate electrical energy supplied by the electromechanical transducer, this electromechanical transducer and the electrical converter together forming a braking device of the mechanical resonator, - a
device 52 for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator, this regulation device comprising anauxiliary oscillator 58 & CLK and a measurement device arranged to be able to measure an eventual time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator, the regulating device being arranged to be able to determine if the measured time drift corresponds to at least some advance or at least a certain delay.
De préférence, l'ensemble électromagnétique 27 forme également en partie le dispositif de mesure. Ce dispositif de mesure comprend en outre un compteur bidirectionnel CB et un comparateur 64 (du type Schmidt trigger). Le comparateur reçoit à une entrée le signal de tension induite Ui(t) et à l'autre entrée un signal de tension de seuil Uth dont la valeur est positive dans l'exemple donné. Comme le signal de tension induite Ui(t) présente dans chaque période d'oscillation du résonateur 6 deux lobes positifs (
Le circuit d'horloge fournit son signal de référence à un diviseur DIV1 & DIV2 qui divise le nombre d'impulsions dans ce signal de référence par le rapport entre la période nominale de l'oscillateur mécanique et la période de référence nominale de l'oscillateur auxiliaire. Le diviseur fournit ainsi un signal d'horloge Shor définissant une fréquence de consigne (par exemple 4Hz) et présentant une impulsion par période de consigne (par exemple 250 ms) au compteur CB. Ainsi, l'état du compteur CB détermine l'avance (si le nombre est positif) ou le retard (si le nombre est négatif) accumulé(e) au cours du temps par l'oscillateur mécanique relativement à l'oscillateur auxiliaire avec une résolution correspondant sensiblement à une période de consigne. L'état du compteur est fourni à un circuit logique de commande 62 qui est agencé pour déterminer si cet état correspond à au moins une certaine avance (CB > N1, N1 étant un nombre naturel) ou à au moins un certain retard (CB < -N2, N2 étant un nombre naturel).The clock circuit supplies its reference signal to a divider DIV1 & DIV2 which divides the number of pulses in this reference signal by the ratio between the nominal period of the mechanical oscillator and the nominal reference period of the oscillator auxiliary. The divider thus provides a clock signal S hor defining a target frequency (for example 4 Hz) and having a pulse per set period (for example 250 ms) on the counter CB. Thus, the state of the counter CB determines the advance (if the number is positive) or the delay (if the number is negative) accumulated over time by the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator with a resolution corresponding substantially to a set period. The state of the counter is supplied to a
Le convertisseur électrique 56 comprend un circuit d'accumulation d'énergie électrique D1 & CAL qui est agencé, dans la variante décrite, pour pouvoir recharger la capacité d'alimentation CAL seulement avec une tension positive en entrée du convertisseur électrique, c'est-à-dire seulement avec une tension induite positive fournie par la bobine 28. Cette capacité d'alimentation forme ici à elle seule une unité d'accumulation primaire. Lors d'une recharge de la capacité d'alimentation, la quantité d'énergie électrique fournie par le dispositif de freinage à cette capacité d'alimentation est d'autant plus grande que le niveau de tension de cette capacité d'alimentation est bas. Une charge principale est connectée ou susceptible d'être régulièrement connectée au convertisseur électrique 56 et alimentée par la capacité d'alimentation qui fournit la tension d'alimentation principale UAL(t), représentée à la
La pièce d'horlogerie 2 est remarquable par le fait que le circuit de régulation 54 du dispositif de régulation comprend une pompe de charge 60 agencée pour pouvoir transférer sur commande une certaine charge électrique de la capacité d'alimentation CAL dans une unité d'accumulation secondaire formée ici d'une capacité CAux. Cette capacité CAux est prévue comme source d'alimentation secondaire pour une charge auxiliaire, par exemple une diode lumineuse, un circuit RFID, un capteur de température, ou une autre unité électronique pouvant être incorporée dans la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention. A cet effet, la capacité CAux présente à ses deux bornes respectivement un potentiel inférieur VL et un potentiel supérieur VH définissant une tension d'alimentation auxiliaire. Une variante de réalisation d'une telle pompe de charge est représentée à la
Aux
Les premiers et deuxièmes lobes de tension définissent, d'une part, des premières zones temporelles ZT1 situées chacune avant le premier instant ti d'un premier lobe de tension différent et après le deuxième instant t2 du deuxième lobe de tension précédant ce premier lobe de tension et, d'autre part, des deuxièmes zones temporelles ZT2 situées chacune avant le deuxième instant t2 d'un deuxième lobe de tension différent et après le premier instant ti du premier lobe de tension précédant ce deuxième lobe de tension. Les premiers lobes de tension LU1 génèrent des impulsions S1 dans le signal 'Comp' en sortie du comparateur 64, alors que les deuxièmes lobes de tension LU2 génèrent des impulsions S2 dans ce signal 'Comp' (
Ensuite, le dispositif de freinage est agencé de manière que, au moins lorsqu'aucune dérive temporelle n'est détectée par le dispositif de mesure et au moins lorsque ladite charge principale, connectée aux bornes Vss et VDD, consomme en continu ou de manière quasi continue de l'énergie électrique accumulée dans la capacité d'alimentation CAL (lors d'une phase de fonctionnement normal de la pièce d'horlogerie, comme représenté à la
La pompe de charge 60 est agencée pour pouvoir prélever sur commande une certaine charge électrique de la capacité d'alimentation CAL et la transférer dans la capacité auxiliaire CAux, de manière à diminuer momentanément le niveau de tension UAL(t) de la capacité d'alimentation CAL. Dès que la capacité d'alimentation a été suffisamment chargée pour pouvoir alimenter le circuit de régulation 54, le circuit logique de commande 62 reçoit en entrée un signal de mesure fourni par le dispositif de mesure, à savoir du compteur bidirectionnel CB. Ce circuit logique de commande est agencé pour activer la pompe de charge 60 de manière qu'elle effectue, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à au moins une certaine avance (CB > N1), un prélèvement d'une première charge électrique de la capacité d'alimentation CAL dans une première zone temporelle ZT1 et un transfert de cette première charge dans la capacité auxiliaire qui forme une source d'alimentation secondaire. Il en résulte une baisse de la tension UAL(t). De même, le circuit logique de commande est agencé pour activer la pompe de charge 60 de manière qu'elle effectue, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à au moins un certain retard (CB < -N2), un prélèvement d'une deuxième charge électrique de la capacité d'alimentation CAL dans une deuxième zone temporelle ZT2, pour baisser la tension UAL(t), et un transfert de cette deuxième charge électrique dans la capacité auxiliaire.The
Le procédé de régulation implémenté dans le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention est donné sous forme d'organigramme à la
Dès la détection du deuxième flanc montant susmentionné dans le signal 'Comp', le circuit logique 62 transfert l'état / la valeur du compteur temporel CT dans un registre et compare cette valeur à une valeur de différentiation Tdiff qui est sélectionnée inférieure à un premier intervalle de temps entre une première impulsion S1 et une deuxième impulsion S2 et supérieure à un deuxième intervalle de temps entre une deuxième impulsion S2 et une première impulsion S1. Dès le transfert de l'état du compteur temporel CT dans le registre, ce compteur temporel est réinitialisé et un temporisateur associé au circuit logique 62 est enclenché pour mesurer un certain délai dont la valeur Tci ou TD1 est sélectionnée en fonction du résultat de la comparaison de la valeur du compteur CT avec la valeur Tdiff. Dans le premier mode de réalisation, le dispositif de régulation comprend donc un dispositif de détection, agencé pour pouvoir détecter l'apparition successive alternativement de premiers lobes de tension et de deuxièmes lobes de tension, et un compteur temporel CT associé au circuit logique de commande 62 pour permettre à ce dernier de distinguer un premier intervalle de temps, séparant un premier lobe de tension d'un deuxième lobe de tension qui suit, et un deuxième intervalle de temps séparant un deuxième lobe de tension d'un premier lobe de tension qui suit, les premier et deuxième intervalles de temps étant différents du fait de l'agencement de l'ensemble électro-magnétique.As soon as the above-mentioned second rising edge is detected in the signal 'Comp', the
L'agencement de l'ensemble électromagnétique est prévu ici tel que la courbe du signal de tension induite Ui(t) présente deux lobes de tension LU2 et LU1, avec une même amplitude maximale (UM2 = UM1), qui interviennent dans une seconde demi-alternance et dans la première demi-alternance suivante, mais aucun lobe de tension de sensiblement même amplitude n'est engendré dans les deux demi-alternances suivantes. La courbe du signal de tension induite Ui(t) représentée à la
Lors de la comparaison susmentionnée entre la valeur du compteur temporel CT et la valeur de différentiation Tdiff, le temporisateur associé au circuit logique attend soit un délai Tci lorsque la valeur du compteur temporel CT est supérieure à la valeur de différentiation Tdiff, soit un délai TD1 lorsque la valeur du compteur temporel CT est inférieure à la valeur de différentiation Tdiff. Dans le premier cas, la comparaison permet de savoir que l'impulsion détectée est une impulsion S2 générée par un deuxième lobe de tension LU2 et le délai Tci est choisi pour qu'il termine dans une première zone temporelle ZT1 suivant ce deuxième lobe de tension. Dans le second cas, la comparaison permet de savoir que l'impulsion détectée est une impulsion S1 générée par un premier lobe de tension LU1 et le délai TD1 est choisi pour qu'il termine dans une deuxième zone temporelle ZT2 suivant ce premier lobe de tension. De manière générale, le dispositif de régulation comprend un temporisateur associé au circuit logique de commande pour permettre à ce dernier d'activer, le cas échéant, le dispositif de pompe de charge après un premier délai déterminé depuis la détection d'un deuxième lobe de tension, ce premier délai étant sélectionné de sorte qu'il se termine dans une première zone temporelle, ou après un deuxième délai déterminé depuis la détection d'un premier lobe de tension, ce deuxième délai étant sélectionné de sorte qu'il se termine dans une deuxième zone temporelle.During the aforementioned comparison between the value of the time counter CT and the differentiation value Tdiff, the timer associated with the logic circuit waits either a delay Tci when the value of the time counter CT is greater than the differentiation value Tdiff, or a delay T D1 when the value of the time counter CT is smaller than the differentiation value Tdiff. In the first case, the comparison makes it possible to know that the detected pulse is a pulse S2 generated by a second voltage lobe LU 2 and the delay Tci is chosen so that it ends in a first time zone ZT1 following this second lobe of voltage. In the second case, the comparison makes it possible to know that the detected pulse is a pulse S1 generated by a first voltage lobe LU 1 and the delay T D1 is chosen so that it ends in a second time zone ZT2 following this first lobe. Of voltage. In general, the regulating device comprises a timer associated with the control logic circuit to enable the latter to activate, if necessary, the charge pump device after a first determined delay since the detection of a second lobe of voltage, this first delay being selected so that it ends in a first time zone, or after a second determined time since the detection of a first voltage lobe, this second delay being selected so that it ends in a second time zone.
Dans le premier cas susmentionné, lorsque le délai Tci est atteint, on détecte si le compteur CB, indiquant une dérive temporelle éventuelle de l'oscillateur mécanique, a une valeur supérieure à un nombre naturel donné N1 (nombre positif ou égal à zéro). Si tel est le cas, l'oscillateur mécanique présente une avance relativement à l'oscillateur auxiliaire. Pour corriger une telle avance, il est prévu selon l'invention de transférer une première charge électrique de la capacité d'alimentation dans la capacité auxiliaire à la fin du délai Tci susmentionné et donc dans la première zone temporelle ZT1 correspondante. La baisse de la tension d'alimentation UAL(t) qui en résulte (indiqué par la référence PC1 à la
Dans le second cas susmentionné, lorsque le délai TD1 est atteint, on détecte si le compteur CB a une valeur inférieure à un nombre négatif donné - N2, N2 étant un nombre naturel. Si tel est le cas, l'oscillateur mécanique présente un retard relativement à l'oscillateur auxiliaire. Pour corriger un tel retard, il est prévu selon l'invention de transférer une deuxième charge électrique de la capacité d'alimentation dans la capacité auxiliaire à la fin du délai TD1 susmentionné et donc dans la deuxième zone temporelle ZT2 correspondante. La baisse de la tension d'alimentation UAL(t) qui en résulte (indiqué par la référence PC2 à la
Un prélèvement d'une charge électrique dans une première zone temporelle ZT1 à la fin du délai Tci, indiqué par la référence PC1 qui pointe une marche descendante dans la tension d'alimentation UAL(t), engendre donc une impulsion de courant induit P1PC d'amplitude supérieure dans une première demi-alternance DA1P d'une alternance A2, cette première demi-alternance ayant une durée supérieure à celles des secondes demi-alternances DA1° et DA11 qui correspondent respectivement à une demi-alternance au cours de laquelle aucune impulsion de courant induit n'est engendrée et à une demi-alternance au cours de laquelle une impulsion de compensation P1 de la consommation électrique de la charge principale intervient. Un prélèvement d'une charge électrique dans une deuxième zone temporelle ZT2 à la fin du délai TD1, indiqué par la référence PC2 qui pointe une marche descendante dans la tension d'alimentation UAL(t), engendre donc une impulsion de courant induit P2PC d'amplitude supérieure dans une seconde demi-alternance DA2P d'une alternance A1, cette seconde demi-alternance ayant une durée moindre que les secondes demi-alternances DA2° et DA21 qui correspondent respectivement à une demi-alternance au cours de laquelle aucune impulsion de courant induit n'est engendrée et à une demi-alternance au cours de laquelle une impulsion de compensation P2 de la consommation électrique de la charge principale intervient.A collection of an electric charge in a first time zone ZT1 at the end of the delay Tci, indicated by the reference PC 1 which points a downward step in the supply voltage U AL (t), therefore generates an induced current pulse. P1 PC of greater amplitude in a first half-alternation DA1 P of an alternation A2, this first half-alternation having a duration greater than those of the second half-alternations DA1 ° and DA1 1 which respectively correspond to a half-alternation at during which no induced current pulse is generated and at a half-wave in which a compensation pulse P1 of the power consumption of the main load occurs. A sampling of an electric charge in a second time zone ZT2 at the end of the delay T D1 , indicated by the reference PC 2 which points a downward movement in the supply voltage U AL (t), therefore generates a current pulse induces P2 PC of greater amplitude in a second half-alternation DA2 P of an alternation A1, this second half-alternation having a shorter duration than the second half-alternations DA2 ° and DA2 1 which respectively correspond to a half-alternation at during which no induced current pulse is generated and half-wave in which a compensation pulse P2 of the power consumption of the main load occurs.
A l'aide des
La
Dans la variante avantageuse de la
Le balancier 18a définit un demi-axe 26, depuis son axe de rotation 20 et perpendiculairement à ce dernier, qui passe au milieu de la paire d'aimants. Lorsque le balancier-spiral est dans sa position de repos, le demi-axe 26 définit une position neutre autour de laquelle le balancier-spiral peut osciller. Le résonateur mécanique 6a est représenté dans sa position neutre à la
Dans la variante représentée aux
De préférence, l'ensemble électromagnétique 29 forme également en partie le dispositif de mesure, comme dans le premier mode de réalisation. La partie du schéma électrique de la
A la
Une charge principale est connectée ou susceptible d'être régulièrement connectée en sortie du convertisseur électrique 57 et alimentée par l'unité d'alimentation primaire qui fournit les tensions d'alimentation VDD et Vss. Cette charge principale comprend notamment le circuit de régulation 55. De préférence, les première et deuxième capacités d'alimentation ont sensiblement une même valeur de capacité.A main load is connected or capable of being regularly connected at the output of the
Le circuit de régulation 55 du dispositif de régulation 53 comprend un dispositif de pompe de charge 61 formé par deux pompes de charge PC1 et PC2, avantageusement identiques, qui sont agencées pour transférer sur commande des charges électriques respectivement de la première capacité d'alimentation C1 et de la deuxième capacité d'alimentation C2 dans la capacité auxiliaire CAux. Comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, cette capacité auxiliaire forme une unité d'accumulation secondaire qui fournit une tension d'alimentation auxiliaire entre ses deux bornes VL et VH. Les deux pompes de charge PC1 et PC2 sont commandées par le circuit logique de commande 62a. Une variante de réalisation d'une pompe de charge pouvant former chacune des deux pompes de charge a déjà été décrite en référence à la
Aux
Dans la première période d'oscillation T0 au cours de laquelle aucun événement de régulation n'intervient, une impulsion de courant induit I12 recharge la capacité C1 dans une seconde demi-alternance et une impulsion de courant induit I11 recharge la capacité C2 dans une première demi-alternance. Ces impulsions de courant induit correspondent à des puissances électriques engendrées par le transducteur électromécanique dans l'ensemble électromagnétique 29 et absorbées par le convertisseur électrique 57. Ces puissances électriques correspondent ainsi à des puissances mécaniques fournies par l'oscillateur mécanique. Elles sont converties par le convertisseur électrique et consommées par la charge principale qui lui est associée. Ainsi chaque impulsion de courant induit Ini et IN2, N = 1, 2, ..., fourni par le transducteur électromécanique au convertisseur électrique correspond à une impulsion de freinage et donc à un certain couple de freinage momentané appliqué à l'oscillateur mécanique. Selon le phénomène physique exposé précédemment en référence aux
Dans une période de fonctionnement au cours de laquelle aucun événement de régulation et aucun comportement particulier découlant d'un tel événement de régulation n'intervient, c'est-à-dire dans une période correspondant à un fonctionnement normal sans régulation, on a donc la situation représentée dans la première période d'oscillation aux
Le procédé de régulation implémenté dans le circuit logique de commande 62a du dispositif de pompe de charge 61 est donné par l'organigramme de la
Si la tension VCA est égale ou inférieure au seuil de tension Vth, alors le circuit de commande active la pompe de charge PC2 pour qu'elle effectue un transfert d'une première charge électrique de la deuxième capacité d'alimentation C2 dans la capacité auxiliaire CAux. Il résulte de cette action de régulation également une diminution de la tension VC2 indiquée par la marche descendante DC2. Cette diminution de la tension VC2 engendre, au moins dans une période d'oscillation suivant un tel transfert, une augmentation de la recharge de la deuxième capacité C2 relativement au cas hypothétique où un tel transfert de la première charge électrique n'aurait pas lieu. La diminution de la tension VC2 opérée par le circuit de commande dans l'alternance A11 engendre lors de l'apparition du prochain lobe de tension LUC1 dans l'alternance suivante A12 une impulsion de courant induit I21 dont l'amplitude (valeur du pic de tension) est supérieure à celle de la précédente I11. Etant donné que cette impulsion de courant induit I21 intervient dans une première demi-alternance, comme toutes les impulsions de courant induit qui rechargent la capacité C2, une diminution de la tension de cette capacité C2 engendre toujours au moins une impulsion de régulation qui génère un déphasage négatif dans l'oscillation du résonateur mécanique et donc qui diminue momentanément la fréquence d'oscillation pour corriger au moins partiellement l'avance détectée dans la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie (dérive temporelle positive). On remarquera que les impulsions I12 et I22 ont une amplitude, en valeur absolue, sensiblement égale à celle de l'impulsion I11, ces impulsions correspondant chacune à une impulsion de courant induit générée par la seule consommation de la charge principale. Il s'agit donc d'impulsions de recharge standard / nominales.If the AC voltage V is equal to or lower than the voltage threshold Vth, then the control circuit activates the charging pump PC2 to make a transfer of a first electrical charge of the second supply capacitor C2 into the capacitance auxiliary C Aux . This regulation action also results in a decrease in the voltage V C2 indicated by the downward movement D C2 . This reduction in the voltage V C2 generates, at least in a period of oscillation following such a transfer, an increase in the recharge of the second capacitor C2 relative to the hypothetical case where such a transfer of the first electric charge would not take place . The reduction of the voltage V C2 effected by the control circuit in the alternation A1 1 generates, during the appearance of the next voltage lobe LUC 1 in the following alternation A1 2, an induced current pulse I2 1 whose amplitude (peak voltage value) is greater than that of the previous I1 1 . Since this current pulse induces I2 1 occurs in a first half-cycle, like all the induced current pulses that recharge the capacitor C2, a decrease in the voltage of this capacitor C2 always generates at least one regulating pulse that generates a negative phase shift in the oscillation of the mechanical resonator and therefore which momentarily decreases the oscillation frequency to at least partially correct the advance detected in the movement of the timepiece (positive time drift). It will be noted that the pulses I1 2 and I2 2 have an amplitude, in absolute value, substantially equal to that of the pulse I1 1 , these pulses each corresponding to an induced current pulse. generated by the single consumption of the main charge. This is therefore standard / nominal charging pulses.
Si aucune avance n'est détectée dans la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie, alors le circuit de commande détermine si au moins un certain retard (CB < -N2) est intervenu dans la marche de cette pièce d'horlogerie. Si c'est le cas, le circuit de régulation détecte si la tension VCA aux bornes de la capacité auxiliaire est supérieure au seuil de tension Vth. Dans ce cas, pour effectuer une correction du retard détecté, l'interrupteur Sw1 est fermé durant un court intervalle de temps Δt pour engendrer une certaine décharge de la capacité C1 au travers du circuit dissipatif correspondant, indiqué par la marche Dci (qui est descendante en valeur absolue car la tension de la capacité C2 diminue) dans la tension VC2 à la
Le deuxième mode de réalisation présente un avantage important par le fait que le prélèvement sélectif d'une charge électrique dans la capacité C1 ou C2 en fonction d'une dérive temporelle détectée dans la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie peut intervenir en tout temps puisque les premiers lobes de tension, qui interviennent seulement dans des premières demi-alternances, ont une même première polarité alors que les deuxièmes lobes de tension, qui interviennent seulement dans des secondes demi-alternances, ont une même deuxième polarité opposée à la première polarité et par le fait que les capacités C1 et C2 ne peuvent être rechargées respectivement que par des tensions induites de polarités opposées. Il suffit donc que le circuit logique de commande connaisse quelle polarité, première ou deuxième, est susceptible de recharger quelle capacité, C1 ou C2, pour effectuer sélectivement un prélèvement d'une certaine charge électrique dans l'une ou l'autre de ces deux capacités en fonction de la nature d'une dérive temporelle détectée, avance ou retard, par un transfert de cette certaine charge électrique dans la capacité auxiliaire ou par sa dissipation au travers d'un des deux circuits dissipatifs prévus si la capacité auxiliaire est pleine. Dans une variante, on prévoit cependant un temporisateur qui détermine un certain délai suite à l'apparition d'une impulsion S2 dans le signal 'Comp' pour effectuer le prélèvement sélectif d'une charge électrique.The second embodiment has an important advantage in that the selective charging of an electrical charge in the capacitor C1 or C2 as a function of a time drift detected in the timepiece can occur at any time since the first voltage lobes, which occur only in first half-cycles, have the same first polarity while the second voltage lobes, which occur only in second half-cycles, have the same second polarity opposite to the first polarity and in that the capacitors C1 and C2 can be recharged respectively by induced voltages of opposite polarities. It is therefore sufficient for the control logic circuit to know which polarity, first or second, is capable of reloading which capacitance, C1 or C2, to selectively perform a sampling of a certain electrical charge in one or the other of these two capacitances according to the nature of a detected time drift, advance or delay, by a transfer of this certain electric charge in the auxiliary capacitance or by its dissipation through one of the two dissipative circuits provided if the auxiliary capacitance is full. In a variant, however, a timer is provided which determines a certain delay following the appearance of a pulse S2 in the 'Comp' signal to perform selective sampling of an electric charge.
Dans une variante avantageuse, pour transférer une première ou deuxième charge électrique, le nombre de cycles de transfert de moindres charges électriques par une pompe de charge est augmenté lorsque la tension VCA aux bornes de la capacité auxiliaire augmente, de manière à prélever une charge électrique sensiblement constante des capacités C1 et C2 par séquence du précédé de régulation. Dans une autre variante où le nombre de cycles de transfert de moindres charges électriques est prévu constant, l'augmentation de la tension VCA engendre généralement une diminution de la première ou deuxième charge électrique prélevée et donc une moindre correction par séquence de régulation. Toutefois, dans la mesure où le système de régulation est configuré pour pouvoir aisément corriger des dérives dans une plage de dérive standard pour le mouvement horloger en question, une diminution de la valeur des premières et deuxièmes charges électriques par séquence de régulation, pour une dérive temporelle donnée, engendrera une augmentation de séquences de régulation par unité de temps. Les remarques ci-dessus concernent des capacités classiques et également des super-capacités dont la courbe caractéristique tension - charge électrique est sensiblement linéaire. Par contre, il est aussi possible de prévoir comme unité d'accumulation secondaire un condensateur électrique dont la tension varie peu, au-delà d'un certain niveau de charge minimal, en fonction de la charge électrique accumulée. Dans ce cas, les charges électriques transférées par la ou les pompe(s) de charge sont sensiblement constantes indépendamment du niveau de charge de cette unité d'accumulation secondaire. Dans un tel cas, le procédé de régulation décrit précédemment peut varier pour ce qui concerne la décision de transférer une certaine charge électrique dans l'unité d'accumulation secondaire ou de consommer cette charge électrique dans le circuit dissipatif prévu. Le dispositif de régulation comprendra généralement des moyens pour déterminer le niveau de remplissage de l'unité d'accumulation secondaire.In an advantageous variant, for transferring a first or second electric charge, the number of cycles of transfer of lower electrical charges by a charge pump is increased when the voltage V AC across the auxiliary capacitor increases, so as to take a charge substantially constant electrical capacitors C1 and C2 by sequence of preceded regulation. In another variant in which the number of transfer cycles for lower electrical charges is expected to be constant, the increase in the voltage V CA generally causes a decrease in the first or second electrical charge taken and therefore less correction by regulation sequence. However, insofar as the control system is configured to be able to easily correct drifts in a standard drift range for the watch movement in question, a decrease in the value of the first and second electric charges per control sequence, for a drift given time, will result in an increase of control sequences per unit of time. The above remarks concern conventional capacitors and also super-capacitors whose voltage-electric charge characteristic curve is substantially linear. On the other hand, it is also possible to provide as secondary storage unit an electrical capacitor whose voltage varies little, beyond a certain minimum charge level, depending on the accumulated electric charge. In this case, the electric charges transferred by the charge pump (s) are substantially constant regardless of the charge level of this secondary storage unit. In such a case, the regulation method described above may vary as regards the decision to transfer a certain electric charge in the secondary storage unit or consume this electric charge in the dissipative circuit provided. The regulating device will generally comprise means for determining the level of filling of the secondary accumulation unit.
A l'aide des
Chacune des deux paires 82, 84 d'aimants, avec ses deux aimants bipolaires ayant des polarités respectives opposées, est semblable à la paire d'aimants 22, 23 de l'ensemble électromagnétique du deuxième mode de réalisation et leur interaction avec la bobine 28 est identique. Chaque paire d'aimants bipolaires définit un demi-axe médian 24a, 24b partant de l'axe de rotation 20 du balancier et passant par le milieu de la paire d'aimants bipolaires considérée. Chaque demi-axe médian définit un demi-axe de référence respectif 48a, 48b lorsque le résonateur 6a est au repos et ainsi dans sa position neutre, comme représenté à la
Comme dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, les premiers et deuxièmes lobes de tension LUC1 et LUC2 interviennent respectivement dans des premières demi-alternances et des secondes demi-alternances. De préférence, pour équilibrer le balancier 18a, les premier et second déphasages angulaires ont une valeur absolue de 90° (variante représentée à la
Le signal de tension induite Ui(t), représenté à la
Le dispositif de pompe de charge est formé d'une pompe de charge 60b qui définit un élévateur de tension et qui est agencée entre la capacité d'alimentation CAL (unité d'accumulation primaire) et un condensateur électrique (unité d'accumulation secondaire) de manière à pouvoir transférer des charges électriques de l'unité d'accumulation primaire dans l'unité d'accumulation secondaire. La pompe de charge 60b quadruple la tension d'alimentation principale UAL délivrée par l'alimentation primaire de sorte que la tension de l'alimentation auxiliaire VCA du condensateur électrique peut être supérieure, notamment le double de la tension UAL. La construction et le fonctionnement d'un tel élévateur de tension sont bien connus de l'homme du métier. Le schéma électrique d'une variante est donné à la
Bien que l'unité d'accumulation primaire de ce troisième mode de réalisation est identique à celle du premier mode de réalisation avec une seule capacité CAL qui reçoit la totalité des courants induits fournis par le transducteur électromagnétique, le fait que l'ensemble électromagnétique 86 est agencé de manière similaire à celui du deuxième mode de réalisation, avec les premiers lobes de tension et les deuxièmes lobes de tension ayant des polarités opposées, permet au comparateur 64 de détecter directement soit les premiers lobes de tension, soit les deuxièmes lobes de tension (cas représenté à la
La
Lors de la mise en fonction du dispositif de régulation, le circuit de régulation 74 est initialisé à 'POR', en particulier le compteur bidirectionnel CB. Le circuit logique attend ensuite l'apparition d'une impulsion S2, à savoir notamment son flanc montant dans le signal 'Comp'. La détection de ce flanc montant déclenche le temporisateur qui mesure un premier intervalle de temps TC2 dont la durée est choisie pour que sa fin intervienne dans une première zone temporelle ZT1 située temporellement entre un deuxième lobe de tension LUC2 et un premier lobe de tension LUC1, notamment entre l'instant t2 et l'instant ti où ces deux lobes présentent respectivement leurs valeurs maximales UM2 et UM1 (
Si le compteur CB a une valeur égale ou inférieure au nombre naturel N1, alors le circuit logique attend qu'un deuxième délai TD2, suivant directement le premier délai TC2, arrive à sa fin (
En conclusion, comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, un retard ou une avance constaté(e) dans la marche du mécanisme considéré est corrigé(e) par le prélèvement temporellement sélectif d'une charge électrique dans la capacité CAL formant l'unité d'accumulation primaire du dispositif de régulation.In conclusion, as in the first embodiment, a delay or advance observed in the operation of the mechanism in question is corrected by the temporally selective sampling of an electrical charge in the capacitor C AL forming the unit. primary accumulation of the regulating device.
Le procédé de régulation du troisième mode de réalisation comprend en outre un perfectionnement en lien avec le fait que l'unité d'accumulation secondaire alimente en continu ou par intermittence une charge auxiliaire en délivrant une tension d'alimentation auxiliaire VCA à cette charge auxiliaire. En effet, la charge auxiliaire est de préférence associée à une fonction auxiliaire utile de la pièce d'horlogerie, de sorte qu'il est souhaitable de pouvoir assurer l'alimentation de cette charge auxiliaire. A cet effet, comme indiqué dans l'organigramme de la
Comme déjà évoqué, le transfert d'une première charge électrique, respectivement d'une deuxième charge électrique peut être effectué par une pluralité de cycles de transfert de moindres charges électriques par la pompe de charge dans une même séquence de régulation, en particulier dans une même zone temporelle ZT1, respectivement ZT2. Dans une variante, le circuit logique de commande est agencé de manière à pouvoir effectuer, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à au moins une certaine avance, une pluralité de prélèvements de charges électriques respectivement dans une pluralité de premières zones temporelles au cours d'une même séquence de régulation. De même, lorsque la dérive temporelle mesurée correspond à au moins un certain retard, une pluralité de prélèvements de charges électriques respectivement dans une pluralité de deuxièmes zones temporelles sont réalisés.As already mentioned, the transfer of a first electric charge or a second electric charge can be carried out by a plurality of cycles of transfer of lower electrical charges by the charge pump in the same control sequence, in particular in a same time zone ZT1, respectively ZT2. In a variant, the control logic circuit is arranged in such a way that, when the measured time drift corresponds to at least some advance, a plurality of electrical charge takings respectively in a plurality of first time zones during an same sequence of regulation. Similarly, when the measured time drift corresponds to at least a certain delay, a plurality of electrical charge takings respectively in a plurality of second time zones are made.
Aux
Le résonateur 106 comprend encore un ressort-spiral 110 dont une extrémité est fixée de manière classique à l'arbre 118. On notera que le ressort-spiral est de préférence réalisé en matériau non magnétique, par exemple en silicium, ou en matériau paramagnétique. A la
Ainsi, dans le cadre de la variante avantageuse décrite ci-avant, le balancier comprend généralement une structure magnétique qui est agencée de manière à définir un blindage magnétique pour l'aimant ou les aimants porté(s) par le balancier tout en favorisant le couplage magnétique de cet aimant ou de ces aimants avec la bobine ou les bobines prévue(s).Thus, in the context of the advantageous variant described above, the balance generally comprises a magnetic structure which is arranged so as to define a magnetic shielding for the magnet or the magnets carried (s) by the pendulum while promoting the coupling Magnet of this magnet or magnets with the coil or coils provided.
Claims (22)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17209121.7A EP3502797B1 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2017-12-20 | Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system |
JP2018233294A JP6873094B2 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2018-12-13 | A watch with a mechanical oscillator linked to a governor system |
US16/220,232 US11422510B2 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2018-12-14 | Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a regulation system |
CN201811555788.7A CN109991834B (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2018-12-19 | Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a regulating system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP17209121.7A EP3502797B1 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2017-12-20 | Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3502797A1 true EP3502797A1 (en) | 2019-06-26 |
EP3502797B1 EP3502797B1 (en) | 2020-07-08 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP17209121.7A Active EP3502797B1 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2017-12-20 | Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US11422510B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3502797B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6873094B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN109991834B (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
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EP3502798B1 (en) * | 2017-12-20 | 2020-06-24 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system |
EP3502796B1 (en) * | 2017-12-20 | 2020-05-20 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system |
Citations (3)
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EP1241538A1 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2002-09-18 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Mechanical timepiece with timed annular balance power generating control mechanism |
EP1521142A1 (en) | 2003-10-01 | 2005-04-06 | Asulab S.A. | Timepiece with a mechanical movement coupled to an electronic regulator mechanism |
US20130051191A1 (en) * | 2010-04-21 | 2013-02-28 | Team Smartfish Gmbh | Controller for a clockwork mechanism, and corresponding method |
Family Cites Families (15)
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US3124731A (en) * | 1964-03-10 | Electronic time pieces | ||
US3407344A (en) * | 1964-09-26 | 1968-10-22 | Shigeru Kakubari | Electronic timekeeper |
US3568431A (en) * | 1969-07-07 | 1971-03-09 | Voumard Machines Co Sa | Electric time piece with balance wheel and hairspring |
US3618311A (en) * | 1970-01-13 | 1971-11-09 | Timex Corp | Synchronized horological system |
JPS5535587Y1 (en) * | 1970-02-17 | 1980-08-22 | ||
US3803829A (en) * | 1970-03-31 | 1974-04-16 | Suwa Seikosha Kk | Coil structure for electric watches |
CH1691872A4 (en) * | 1972-11-21 | 1977-05-31 | ||
ES430659A1 (en) * | 1973-10-24 | 1976-11-01 | Jauch | Method and apparatus for synchronizing andoscillating system which is driven by an energy storage device |
JPS5129027Y1 (en) * | 1975-04-16 | 1976-07-22 | ||
JPS5236066A (en) * | 1975-09-16 | 1977-03-19 | Rhythm Watch Co Ltd | Balance device |
CN87203228U (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1988-06-01 | 李刚 | Self-rechargeable electronic wristwatch |
WO1989006834A1 (en) * | 1988-01-25 | 1989-07-27 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Electronic wrist watch with power generator |
JP3335986B2 (en) * | 1994-08-03 | 2002-10-21 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Electronic control clock |
JP5079366B2 (en) * | 2007-03-28 | 2012-11-21 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Rotating tool |
EP3339982B1 (en) * | 2016-12-23 | 2021-08-25 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Regulation by mechanical breaking of a horological mechanical oscillator |
-
2017
- 2017-12-20 EP EP17209121.7A patent/EP3502797B1/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-12-13 JP JP2018233294A patent/JP6873094B2/en active Active
- 2018-12-14 US US16/220,232 patent/US11422510B2/en active Active
- 2018-12-19 CN CN201811555788.7A patent/CN109991834B/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1241538A1 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2002-09-18 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Mechanical timepiece with timed annular balance power generating control mechanism |
EP1521142A1 (en) | 2003-10-01 | 2005-04-06 | Asulab S.A. | Timepiece with a mechanical movement coupled to an electronic regulator mechanism |
US20130051191A1 (en) * | 2010-04-21 | 2013-02-28 | Team Smartfish Gmbh | Controller for a clockwork mechanism, and corresponding method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP6873094B2 (en) | 2021-05-19 |
CN109991834A (en) | 2019-07-09 |
US11422510B2 (en) | 2022-08-23 |
US20190187623A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 |
JP2019113547A (en) | 2019-07-11 |
EP3502797B1 (en) | 2020-07-08 |
CN109991834B (en) | 2020-12-25 |
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