EP3839653A1 - Method for correcting the operation and/or the amplitude of a balance wheel-hairspring type oscillator in vertical positions - Google Patents

Method for correcting the operation and/or the amplitude of a balance wheel-hairspring type oscillator in vertical positions Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3839653A1
EP3839653A1 EP19218481.0A EP19218481A EP3839653A1 EP 3839653 A1 EP3839653 A1 EP 3839653A1 EP 19218481 A EP19218481 A EP 19218481A EP 3839653 A1 EP3839653 A1 EP 3839653A1
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Prior art keywords
pivot
oscillator
amplitude
pivots
bearing
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EP19218481.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Baptiste LE BRIS
Jean-Luc Bucaille
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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    • 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
    • G04B17/063—Balance construction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for correcting the rate and / or the amplitude of an oscillator of the spring balance type in vertical positions.
  • a traditional balance-spring type oscillator shown in figures 1a and 1b is composed of a balance 1 and a spiral spring attached by its ends to the balance 1 and to the pin 9 itself fixed to the cock.
  • the balance 1 is formed by a rim 1a integral with a balance axis 2.
  • the balance axis 2 comprises two pivots 3, 4 without bearing formed by a cylindrical part 3a, 4a connected by a fillet 3b, 4b to the tigeron of axis 2. Pivots 3, 4 pass through the hole of a pivot stone 5, 6 and press by their rounded end or pivot end 3c, 4c against the face of a second stone called counterpivot or counter-stone 7, 8.
  • a lubricant is used to improve the pivoting between the pivots 3, 4 and the pivot stones 5, 6 and the counter stones 7, 8.
  • the dimensions of the pivots 3, 4 and the holes in the pivot stones 5, 6 are generally less than 100 ⁇ m.
  • the balance axis 2 also carries, on one side of the balance 1, at least one plate 10 as well as the plate pin 11, through which the exhaust impulse arrives.
  • the oscillations of a sprung balance maintained by an escapement are not isochronous, that is to say they do not all occur in equal time.
  • the duration of the oscillations of a spiral balance, and therefore its isochronism i.e. its ability to oscillate in equal times, regardless of external influences, see Illustrated Professional Dictionary of Watchmaking, G.-A . Berner) is disturbed by the following main factors: the escapement, the contact between the pivots of the balance shaft and their bearings (stones and counter stones), the balance of the balance-spring assembly, faults of the whole and the shape of the hairspring.
  • Watchmakers generally study the oscillations of a sprung balance maintained by an escapement in six determined positions of said sprung balance and of the watch: two horizontal positions, horizontal up (HH, on bottom, natural position of the hand in pronation) and horizontal down (HB, on glass, position rarely observed when carrying the hand in supination) and four vertical positions, vertical up (VH, 3h up), vertical down (VB, 9h up), vertical right (VD, 12 o'clock above) and vertical left (VG, 6 o'clock above).
  • the observed period T is shorter than the theoretical period T o , the sprung balance is faster, the instantaneous rate is positive and the movement is ahead. Conversely, if the observed period T is longer than the theoretical period T o , the balance-hairspring is slower, the instantaneous rate is negative and the movement is lagging behind.
  • isochronism curves characterizing the isochronism of an oscillator of the balance-spring type maintained by an escapement.
  • the figure 2a illustrates these isochronism curves in the six typical positions.
  • the watchmaker considers more generally the range of amplitudes between 180 ° and 300 ° visible on the figure 2b .
  • the loss of amplitude is greater in the vertical positions than in the horizontal positions (on the figure 2a : maximum amplitude around 260 ° for vertical positions, against a maximum amplitude of 285 ° for horizontal positions). This is due to the fact that the friction is greater in the vertical positions than in the horizontal positions, since the contacts are different.
  • the vertical positions correspond to the balance resting on two stones (the resistant couple: lever arm linked to the radius of the pivot cylinder) while the horizontal positions correspond to the balance resting on a counter-stone (the resistant couple: lever arm related to the radius of the pivot end).
  • the balance 1 is not fixed symmetrically with respect to the pivots 3, 4 on the balance axis 2 of the figure 1a , and that the ankle of the double plate is not coplanar with the balance, the curves obtained for the top horizontal HH and bottom horizontal HB positions are not equivalent in operation and in amplitude.
  • Watchmakers seek to optimize the operation of the sprung balance and therefore to reduce the steps (the back-glass offset and the flat-hanging offset in motion), to optimize isochronism and to maximize the amplitude of the oscillations. In in practice, it is rather a matter of ensuring that all the faults (friction, influence of the escapement, shape of the hairspring, balance, construction constraints, etc.) are zero or neutralize each other.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a method making it possible to correct the rate and / or the amplitude of an oscillator of the spring balance type in vertical positions.
  • the present invention relates to a method for correcting the rate and / or the amplitude at the vertical positions for a timepiece oscillator of the sprung balance type according to claim 1.
  • a spiral balance type oscillator illustrated in figures 1a and 1b has already been partially described above.
  • the axis of the balance 2 supports by its two pivots 3, 4 in the holes of the pivot stones 5, 6.
  • the friction in the vertical positions is divided between a rolling friction and a sliding friction for the rest of the oscillation. This short rolling phase is responsible for an advance of several seconds per day and therefore has an influence on walking.
  • the clearance between a pivot 3, 4 of the oscillator and its respective pivot stone 5, 6 corresponds to the difference between the inside diameter of the hole of the pivot stone 5, 6 and the outside diameter of the pivot 3, 4.
  • the Applicant has been able to establish a link between the play between the pivots and their respective stone and the step in the vertical positions, when said pivots are supported in said stones.
  • This link is illustrated by the curve of the figure 7 for an amplitude between 260 ° and 270 °. It is possible to obtain results similar to those of the figure 7 for all other amplitudes. It has in fact been observed that the curves obtained are similar and only undergo a vertical shift.
  • the play is increased for the two pivot / bearing pairs of the oscillator in order to maintain symmetry in the pivoting.
  • the present invention relates to a method for correcting the rate and the amplitude at the vertical positions for an oscillator of the spring balance type of a clockwork movement.
  • the first step of the method consists in providing an assembly formed by an oscillator of the spiral balance type comprising an axis terminated by two pivots and two pivot bearings in which the pivots of the oscillator pivot in the vertical positions of the oscillator.
  • Each bearing comprises a hole characterized by an internal diameter while each pivot has an external diameter strictly less than said internal diameter of the pivot bearings.
  • the reference frame between the pivots and their respective bearing defined as the difference between the internal diameter of the bearing and the external diameter of the pivots is determined.
  • the third step consists in correcting the rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillator in the vertical positrons by increasing the reference beam either by increasing the internal diameter of the bearing or by decreasing the external diameter of the pivot for the one or both bearing / pivot pairs of the oscillator.
  • the reference range between the pivots and their respective bearing defined as the difference between the internal diameter of the bearing and the external diameter of the pivots is approximately 12 ⁇ m and the method according to the invention consists of acting on the bearing and / or the pivot so as to increase the internal diameter of the hole in the bearing or decrease the external diameter of the pivot to obtain a clearance greater than 12 ⁇ m.
  • the rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillator in the vertical positions can be determined for free or maintained oscillations. That is to say, the process can include a further step consisting in providing a clockwork movement comprising an escape mechanism intended to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator and that the rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillators maintained by said escape mechanism be corrected.
  • Any suitable technical means can be used to act on the bearing and / or the pivot so as to increase the internal diameter of the hole in the bearing or reduce the external diameter of the pivot.

Abstract

La présente invention a pour objet un procédé de correction de la marche et de l'amplitude aux positions verticales pour un oscillateur de type balancier spiral d'un mouvement d'horlogerie dans lequel on augmente en augmentant l'ébat de référence soit en augmentant le diamètre intérieur du palier soit en diminuant le diamètre extérieur du pivot pour l'un ou les deux couples palier/pivot de l'oscillateur.The present invention relates to a method for correcting the rate and the amplitude at the vertical positions for an oscillator of the spiral balance type of a clockwork movement in which one increases by increasing the reference range or by increasing the internal diameter of the bearing or by reducing the external diameter of the pivot for one or both bearing / pivot pairs of the oscillator.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un procédé de correction de la marche et/ou de l'amplitude d'un oscillateur de type balancier spiral aux positions verticales.The present invention relates to a method for correcting the rate and / or the amplitude of an oscillator of the spring balance type in vertical positions.

Un oscillateur traditionnel de type balancier-spiral représenté aux figures 1a et 1b est composé d'un balancier 1 et d'un ressort spiral attaché par ses extrémités au balancier 1 et au piton 9 lui-même fixé au coq. Le balancier 1 est formé d'une serge 1a solidaire d'un axe de balancier 2. L'axe de balancier 2 comprend deux pivots 3, 4 sans portée formés par une partie cylindrique 3a, 4a raccordée par un congé 3b, 4b au tigeron de l'axe 2. Les pivots 3, 4 traversent le trou d'une pierre de pivotement 5, 6 et appuient par leur extrémité arrondie ou bout de pivot 3c, 4c contre la face d'une seconde pierre appelée contrepivot ou contre-pierre 7, 8. En général, un lubrifiant est utilisé pour améliorer le pivotement entre les pivots 3, 4 et les pierres de pivotement 5, 6 et les contre-pierres 7, 8. Les dimensions des pivots 3, 4 et des trous dans les pierres de pivotement 5, 6 sont en général inférieures à 100 µm. L'axe de balancier 2 porte encore, d'un côté du balancier 1, au moins un plateau 10 ainsi que la cheville de plateau 11, par laquelle arrive l'impulsion de l'échappement.A traditional balance-spring type oscillator shown in figures 1a and 1b is composed of a balance 1 and a spiral spring attached by its ends to the balance 1 and to the pin 9 itself fixed to the cock. The balance 1 is formed by a rim 1a integral with a balance axis 2. The balance axis 2 comprises two pivots 3, 4 without bearing formed by a cylindrical part 3a, 4a connected by a fillet 3b, 4b to the tigeron of axis 2. Pivots 3, 4 pass through the hole of a pivot stone 5, 6 and press by their rounded end or pivot end 3c, 4c against the face of a second stone called counterpivot or counter-stone 7, 8. In general, a lubricant is used to improve the pivoting between the pivots 3, 4 and the pivot stones 5, 6 and the counter stones 7, 8. The dimensions of the pivots 3, 4 and the holes in the pivot stones 5, 6 are generally less than 100 µm. The balance axis 2 also carries, on one side of the balance 1, at least one plate 10 as well as the plate pin 11, through which the exhaust impulse arrives.

En pratique, les oscillations d'un balancier-spiral entretenu par un échappement ne sont pas isochrones, c'est-à-dire qu'elles ne se font pas toutes en temps égal. La durée des oscillations d'un balancier spiral, et donc l'isochronisme de celui-ci (soit son aptitude à osciller dans des temps égaux, quelles que soient les influences extérieures, voir Dictionnaire professionnel illustré de l'horlogerie, G.-A. Berner) est perturbée par les principaux facteurs suivants : l'échappement, le contact entre les pivots de l'axe de balancier et leurs paliers (pierres et contre-pierres), l'équilibre de l'ensemble balancier-spiral, les défauts de l'ensemble et la forme du spiral.In practice, the oscillations of a sprung balance maintained by an escapement are not isochronous, that is to say they do not all occur in equal time. The duration of the oscillations of a spiral balance, and therefore its isochronism (i.e. its ability to oscillate in equal times, regardless of external influences, see Illustrated Professional Dictionary of Watchmaking, G.-A . Berner) is disturbed by the following main factors: the escapement, the contact between the pivots of the balance shaft and their bearings (stones and counter stones), the balance of the balance-spring assembly, faults of the whole and the shape of the hairspring.

Les horlogers étudient en général les oscillations d'un balancier-spiral entretenu par un échappement dans six positions déterminées dudit balancier-spiral et de la montre : deux positions horizontales, horizontale haut (HH, sur fond, position naturelle de la main en pronation) et horizontale bas (HB, sur verre, position rarement observée au porter de la main en supination) et quatre positions verticales, verticale haut (VH, 3h en haut), verticale bas (VB, 9h en haut), verticale droite (VD, 12h en haut) et verticale gauche (VG, 6 heure en haut).Watchmakers generally study the oscillations of a sprung balance maintained by an escapement in six determined positions of said sprung balance and of the watch: two horizontal positions, horizontal up (HH, on bottom, natural position of the hand in pronation) and horizontal down (HB, on glass, position rarely observed when carrying the hand in supination) and four vertical positions, vertical up (VH, 3h up), vertical down (VB, 9h up), vertical right (VD, 12 o'clock above) and vertical left (VG, 6 o'clock above).

L'isochronisme du balancier-spiral peut par exemple être évalué en associant pour chacune des six positions type l'amplitude des oscillations avec la marche instantanée du mouvement. La marche est un terme de réglage qui désigne traditionnellement la différence de deux états de la montre séparés par 24 heures. Il est possible de mesurer la marche instantanée M [s/j] en fonction de la période des oscillations du balancier : M = − 86400 T − T o T

Figure imgb0001
où, T est la période observée de l'oscillateur, To est la période théorique des oscillations (isochronisme parfait) et 86400 est le nombre de secondes dans 24 heures.The isochronism of the sprung balance can for example be evaluated by associating for each of the six typical positions the amplitude of the oscillations with the instantaneous rate of the movement. Walking is a tuning term that traditionally designates the difference between two states of the watch separated by 24 hours. It is possible to measure the instantaneous rate M [s / d] as a function of the period of the oscillations of the balance: M = - 86400 T - T o T
Figure imgb0001
 where, T is the observed period of the oscillator, T o is the theoretical period of oscillations (perfect isochronism) and 86400 is the number of seconds in 24 hours.

Ainsi, si la période observée T est plus courte que la période théorique To, le balancier-spiral est plus rapide, la marche instantanée est positive et le mouvement a de l'avance. A l'inverse, si la période observée T est plus longue que la période théorique To, le balance-spiral est plus lent, la marche instantanée est négative et le mouvement a du retard.Thus, if the observed period T is shorter than the theoretical period T o , the sprung balance is faster, the instantaneous rate is positive and the movement is ahead. Conversely, if the observed period T is longer than the theoretical period T o , the balance-hairspring is slower, the instantaneous rate is negative and the movement is lagging behind.

En associant ainsi l'amplitude des oscillations avec la marche instantanée du mouvement, il est possible d'obtenir des courbes, dites courbes d'isochronisme, caractérisant l'isochronisme d'un oscillateur de type balancier-spiral entretenu par un échappement. La figure 2a illustre ces courbes d'isochronisme dans les six positions types. L'horloger considère plus généralement l'intervalle d'amplitudes entre 180° et 300° visible sur la figure 2b.By thus associating the amplitude of the oscillations with the instantaneous rate of the movement, it is possible to obtain curves, called isochronism curves, characterizing the isochronism of an oscillator of the balance-spring type maintained by an escapement. The figure 2a illustrates these isochronism curves in the six typical positions. The watchmaker considers more generally the range of amplitudes between 180 ° and 300 ° visible on the figure 2b .

La perte d'amplitude est plus grande dans les positions verticales que dans les positions horizontales (sur la figure 2a : amplitude maximale à environ 260° pour les positions verticales, contre une amplitude maximale de 285° pour les positions horizontales). Cela est dû au fait que le frottement est plus important dans les positions verticales que dans les positions horizontales, car les contacts sont différents. Les positions verticales correspondent au balancier en appui sur deux pierres (le couple résistant : bras de levier lié au rayon du cylindre du pivot) alors que les positions horizontales correspondent au balancier en appui sur une contre-pierre (le couple résistant : bras de levier lié au rayon du bout de pivot).The loss of amplitude is greater in the vertical positions than in the horizontal positions (on the figure 2a : maximum amplitude around 260 ° for vertical positions, against a maximum amplitude of 285 ° for horizontal positions). This is due to the fact that the friction is greater in the vertical positions than in the horizontal positions, since the contacts are different. The vertical positions correspond to the balance resting on two stones (the resistant couple: lever arm linked to the radius of the pivot cylinder) while the horizontal positions correspond to the balance resting on a counter-stone (the resistant couple: lever arm related to the radius of the pivot end).

De plus, parce que le balancier 1 n'est pas fixé de manière symétrique par rapport aux pivots 3, 4 sur l'axe de balancier 2 de la figure 1a, et que la cheville du double plateau n'est pas coplanaire au balancier, les courbes obtenues pour les positions horizontale haut HH et horizontale bas HB ne sont pas équivalentes en marche et en amplitude.In addition, because the balance 1 is not fixed symmetrically with respect to the pivots 3, 4 on the balance axis 2 of the figure 1a , and that the ankle of the double plate is not coplanar with the balance, the curves obtained for the top horizontal HH and bottom horizontal HB positions are not equivalent in operation and in amplitude.

Les horlogers utilisent encore trois notions pour étudier les oscillations d'un balancier spiral : le décalage fond-verre est la différence de marche entre la position HB et la position HH pour une amplitude donnée (voir la figure 3) ; le décalage plat-pendu en marche est la différence de marche entre la moyenne des positions horizontales HH et HB et la moyenne des positions verticales VB, VH, VG et VD (voir la figure 4) ; tandis que le décalage plat-pendu en amplitude est la différence entre la moyenne des amplitudes maximales des positions horizontales HH et HB et la moyenne des amplitudes maximales des positions verticales VB, VH, VG et VD. Sur les courbes des figures 3 et 4, on lit les résultats suivants :

  • Décalage plat-pendu en marche aux amplitudes maximales (285° et 255°) :3s/j
  • Décalage plat-pendu en amplitude : 30°.
Watchmakers still use three concepts to study the oscillations of a sprung balance: the back-glass offset is the rate difference between the HB position and the HH position for a given amplitude (see figure 3 ); the flat-hanged offset in operation is the difference in rate between the average of the horizontal positions HH and HB and the average of the vertical positions VB, VH, VG and VD (see figure 4 ); while the flat-hanged amplitude offset is the difference between the average of the maximum amplitudes of the horizontal positions HH and HB and the average of the maximum amplitudes of the vertical positions VB, VH, VG and VD. On the curves of figures 3 and 4 , we read the following results:
  • Flat-hanging shift in motion at maximum amplitudes (285 ° and 255 °): 3s / d
  • Flat-hanged offset in amplitude: 30 °.

Les horlogers cherchent à optimiser le fonctionnement du balancier-spiral et donc à réduire les marches (le décalage fond-verre et le décalage plat-pendu en marche), à optimiser l'isochronisme et à maximiser l'amplitude des oscillations. En pratique, il s'agit plutôt de faire en sorte que tous les défauts (frottements, influence de l'échappement, forme du spiral, équilibre, contraintes de construction...) soient nuls ou se neutralisent.Watchmakers seek to optimize the operation of the sprung balance and therefore to reduce the steps (the back-glass offset and the flat-hanging offset in motion), to optimize isochronism and to maximize the amplitude of the oscillations. In in practice, it is rather a matter of ensuring that all the faults (friction, influence of the escapement, shape of the hairspring, balance, construction constraints, etc.) are zero or neutralize each other.

Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un procédé permettant de corriger la marche et/ou de l'amplitude d'un oscillateur de type balancier spiral aux positions verticales.The aim of the present invention is to provide a method making it possible to correct the rate and / or the amplitude of an oscillator of the spring balance type in vertical positions.

La présente invention a pour objet un procédé de correction de la marche et/ou de l'amplitude aux positions verticales pour un oscillateur de pièce d'horlogerie de type balancier-spiral selon la revendication 1.The present invention relates to a method for correcting the rate and / or the amplitude at the vertical positions for a timepiece oscillator of the sprung balance type according to claim 1.

L'invention va maintenant être décrite en détail en référence aux figures annexées.

  • Les figures 1a et 1b illustrent un oscillateur de type balancier-spiral et ses moyens de pivotement traditionnels tels que décrits ci-dessus.
  • Les figures 2 à 4, également discutées en introduction, sont des courbes d'isochronisme obtenues pour un certain mouvement d'horlogerie dont l'oscillateur du type balancier-spiral illustré aux figures 1a et 1b présente les caractéristiques suivantes : fréquence 4Hz, masse du balancier 47mg, moment d'inertie 4,7 mg cm2, axe de balancier en acier, pivots de diamètre 63 µm, bouts de pivots avec surface de contact lisse, pierres de pivotement et contre-pierres en rubis.
  • La figure 5 est une vue en coupe d'un pivot dans sa pierre de pivotement d'un ensemble oscillateur-pierre de pivotement de l'art antérieur en position verticale de l'oscillateur, dans lequel l'ébat entre ledit pivot et sa pierre est de12 µm.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'un pivot dans sa pierre de pivotement d'un ensemble oscillateur-pierre de pivotement selon l'invention en position verticale de l'oscillateur, dans lequel l'ébat entre le pivot et sa pierre est de 22 µm.
  • La figure 7 illustre la marche dans les positions verticales en fonction de l'ébat entre le pivot et sa pierre de pivotement pour une amplitude comprise entre 260° et 270°.
  • La figure 8 illustre la moyenne des marches en positions horizontales haut et bas et la moyenne des marches en positions verticales en fonction de l'amplitude pour un premier exemple d'ensemble oscillateur- pierres selon l'invention tel qu'illustré à la figure 6.
  • La figure 9 illustre la marche en fonction de l'amplitude dans les positions horizontales HB et HH pour un coefficient de frottement valant 0,05 pour les deux couples bout de pivot/contre-pierre.
  • La figure 10 illustre l'amplitude dans les positions verticales en fonction du diamètre du pivot.
The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the appended figures.
  • The figures 1a and 1b illustrate an oscillator of the sprung balance type and its traditional pivoting means as described above.
  • The figures 2 to 4 , also discussed in the introduction, are isochronism curves obtained for a certain timepiece movement including the balance-spring type oscillator illustrated in figures 1a and 1b has the following characteristics: frequency 4Hz, balance mass 47mg, moment of inertia 4.7 mg cm2, steel balance axle, 63 µm diameter pivots, pivot ends with smooth contact surface, pivot stones and counter- ruby stones.
  • The figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pivot in its pivot stone of a prior art oscillator-pivot stone assembly in the vertical oscillator position, in which the clearance between said pivot and its stone is 12 µm .
  • The figure 6 is a sectional view of a pivot in its pivot stone of an oscillator-pivot stone assembly according to the invention in a vertical position of the oscillator, in which the clearance between the pivot and its stone is 22 μm .
  • The figure 7 illustrates walking in vertical positions depending on the swing between the pivot and its pivoting stone for an amplitude between 260 ° and 270 °.
  • The figure 8 illustrates the average of the steps in top and bottom horizontal positions and the average of the steps in vertical positions as a function of the amplitude for a first example of an oscillator-stones assembly according to the invention as illustrated on figure 6 .
  • The figure 9 illustrates the rate as a function of the amplitude in the horizontal positions HB and HH for a friction coefficient of 0.05 for the two pairs of pivot end / counter-stone.
  • The figure 10 illustrates the amplitude in the vertical positions as a function of the pivot diameter.

Un oscillateur de type balancier spiral illustré aux figures 1a et 1b a déjà été décrit en partie ci-dessus.A spiral balance type oscillator illustrated in figures 1a and 1b has already been partially described above.

En positions verticales du balancier, l'axe du balancier 2 appuie par ses deux pivots 3, 4 dans les trous des pierres de pivotement 5, 6. En particulier, ce sont les surfaces cylindriques 3a, 4a des pivots 3, 4 qui appuient contre les parois intérieures de chacun des trous des pierres de pivotement 5, 6. Selon l'amplitude d'oscillations de l'oscillateur balancier-spiral, les frottements dans les positions verticales se partagent entre un frottement de roulement et un frottement de glissement pour le reste de l'oscillation. Cette courte phase de roulement est responsable d'une avance de plusieurs secondes par jour et a donc une influence sur la marche.In vertical positions of the balance, the axis of the balance 2 supports by its two pivots 3, 4 in the holes of the pivot stones 5, 6. In particular, it is the cylindrical surfaces 3a, 4a of the pivots 3, 4 which press against the inner walls of each of the holes of the pivot stones 5, 6. Depending on the amplitude of oscillations of the balance-spring oscillator, the friction in the vertical positions is divided between a rolling friction and a sliding friction for the rest of the oscillation. This short rolling phase is responsible for an advance of several seconds per day and therefore has an influence on walking.

De même, il est également démontré que les frottements dans les positions verticales engendrent une perte d'amplitude importante pour les oscillations de l'oscillateur (quelle que soit la position verticale considérée) et que cette perte d'amplitude est plus importante que dans les positions horizontales. Par conséquent, le décalage plat-pendu en amplitude est généralement significatif (30° selon les courbes de la figure 2b).Likewise, it is also shown that the friction in the vertical positions generates a significant loss of amplitude for the oscillations of the oscillator (whatever the vertical position considered) and that this loss of amplitude is greater than in the horizontal positions. Therefore, the flat-hanged offset in amplitude is generally significant (30 ° according to the curves of the figure 2b ).

L'ébat entre un pivot 3, 4 de l'oscillateur et sa pierre de pivotement 5, 6 respective correspond à la différence entre le diamètre intérieur du trou de la pierre de pivotement 5, 6 et le diamètre extérieur du pivot 3, 4.The clearance between a pivot 3, 4 of the oscillator and its respective pivot stone 5, 6 corresponds to the difference between the inside diameter of the hole of the pivot stone 5, 6 and the outside diameter of the pivot 3, 4.

La demanderesse a pu établir un lien entre l'ébat entre les pivots et leur pierre respective et la marche dans les positions verticales, lorsque lesdits pivots sont en appui dans lesdites pierres. Ce lien est illustré par la courbe de la figure 7 pour une amplitude comprise entre 260° et 270°. Il est possible d'obtenir des résultats similaires à ceux de la figure 7 pour toutes les autres amplitudes. Il a été en effet été constaté que les courbes obtenues sont similaires et ne subissent qu'un décalage vertical.The Applicant has been able to establish a link between the play between the pivots and their respective stone and the step in the vertical positions, when said pivots are supported in said stones. This link is illustrated by the curve of the figure 7 for an amplitude between 260 ° and 270 °. It is possible to obtain results similar to those of the figure 7 for all other amplitudes. It has in fact been observed that the curves obtained are similar and only undergo a vertical shift.

Il a été constaté qu'en augmentant l'ébat entre les pivots et leur pierre respective dans les positions verticales, la marche dans les positions verticales est augmentée. Ainsi la moyenne des marches en positions verticales est également rehaussée et se rapproche de la moyenne des marches en positions horizontales comme illustré sur la figure 8. Le décalage plat-pendu en marche a donc été réduit et amélioré.It has been found that by increasing the swing between the pivots and their respective stone in the vertical positions, the walking in the vertical positions is increased. Thus the average of the steps in vertical positions is also raised and approaches the average of the steps in horizontal positions as shown in the figure. figure 8 . The flat-to-hang offset while on the move has therefore been reduced and improved.

Pour augmenter l'ébat entre les pivots et leur pierre respective en positions verticales, il est possible soit de réduire le diamètre extérieur du pivot, soit d'augmenter le diamètre intérieur du trou de la pierre de pivotement dans lequel pivote ledit pivot en positions verticales.To increase the play between the pivots and their respective stone in vertical positions, it is possible either to reduce the external diameter of the pivot, or to increase the internal diameter of the hole of the pivot stone in which said pivot pivots in vertical positions. .

Il existe également un lien entre le diamètre extérieur du pivot et l'amplitude des oscillations dans les positions verticales. Ce lien est illustré par la courbe de la figure 10. L'amplitude θ est ainsi proportionnelle au diamètre d du pivot selon l'équation suivante : θ = − 0 , 53 d + 294.

Figure imgb0002
There is also a relationship between the outside diameter of the pivot and the amplitude of the oscillations in the vertical positions. This link is illustrated by the curve of the figure 10 . The amplitude θ is thus proportional to the diameter d of the pivot according to the following equation: θ = - 0 , 53 d + 294.
Figure imgb0002

En effet, en diminuant le diamètre du pivot, le roulement dudit pivot dans le trou de la pierre est favorisé et les frottements au contact sont réduits.In fact, by reducing the diameter of the pivot, the rolling of said pivot in the hole in the stone is favored and the friction on contact is reduced.

Ainsi, en diminuant le diamètre du pivot, il est également possible d'augmenter l'amplitude maximale d'oscillation dans les positions verticales. Le décalage plat-pendu en amplitude est alors également réduit et amélioré.Thus, by reducing the diameter of the pivot, it is also possible to increase the maximum amplitude of oscillation in the vertical positions. The flat-hanged amplitude offset is then also reduced and improved.

De préférence, on augmente l'ébat pour les deux couples pivot/palier de l'oscillateur afin de conserver une symétrie dans le pivotement. En variante, on pourrait augmenter l'ébat d'un seul couple pivot/palier, soit le couple pivot/palier haut ou bas.Preferably, the play is increased for the two pivot / bearing pairs of the oscillator in order to maintain symmetry in the pivoting. As a variant, we could increase the frolic of a single pivot / bearing couple, either the high or low pivot / bearing couple.

La présente invention a pour objet un procédé de correction de la marche et de l'amplitude aux positions verticales pour un oscillateur de type balancier spiral d'un mouvement d'horlogerie.The present invention relates to a method for correcting the rate and the amplitude at the vertical positions for an oscillator of the spring balance type of a clockwork movement.

La première étape du procédé consiste à fournir un ensemble formé d'un oscillateur de type balancier spiral comprenant un axe terminé par deux pivots et deux paliers de pivotement dans lesquels pivotent les pivots de l'oscillateur dans les positions verticales de l'oscillateur. Chaque palier comprend un trou caractérisé par un diamètre intérieur tandis que chaque pivot présente un diamètre extérieur strictement inférieur audit diamètre intérieur des paliers de pivotement.The first step of the method consists in providing an assembly formed by an oscillator of the spiral balance type comprising an axis terminated by two pivots and two pivot bearings in which the pivots of the oscillator pivot in the vertical positions of the oscillator. Each bearing comprises a hole characterized by an internal diameter while each pivot has an external diameter strictly less than said internal diameter of the pivot bearings.

Dans une seconde étape, on détermine l'ébat de référence entre les pivots et leur palier respectif défini comme la différence entre le diamètre intérieur du palier et le diamètre extérieur des pivots.In a second step, the reference frame between the pivots and their respective bearing defined as the difference between the internal diameter of the bearing and the external diameter of the pivots is determined.

La troisième étape consiste à corriger la marche et/ou l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateur dans les positons verticales en augmentant l'ébat de référence soit en augmentant le diamètre intérieur du palier soit en diminuant le diamètre extérieur du pivot pour l'un ou les deux couples palier/pivot de l'oscillateur.The third step consists in correcting the rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillator in the vertical positrons by increasing the reference beam either by increasing the internal diameter of the bearing or by decreasing the external diameter of the pivot for the one or both bearing / pivot pairs of the oscillator.

Par exemple, pour l'oscillateur de la figure 1, l'ébat de référence entre les pivots et leur palier respectif défini comme la différence entre le diamètre intérieur du palier et le diamètre extérieur des pivots vaut environ à 12µm et le procédé selon l'invention, consiste à agir sur le palier et/ou le pivot de sorte à augmenter le diamètre intérieur du trou du palier ou diminuer le diamètre extérieur du pivot pour obtenir un ébat supérieur à 12µm.For example, for the oscillator of the figure 1 , the reference range between the pivots and their respective bearing defined as the difference between the internal diameter of the bearing and the external diameter of the pivots is approximately 12 μm and the method according to the invention consists of acting on the bearing and / or the pivot so as to increase the internal diameter of the hole in the bearing or decrease the external diameter of the pivot to obtain a clearance greater than 12µm.

La marche et/ou l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateur dans les positions verticales peuvent être déterminées pour des oscillations libres ou entretenues. C'est-à-dire que le procédé peut comprendre encore une étape consistant à fournir un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant un mécanisme d'échappement destiné à entretenir les oscillations de l'oscillateur et qu'on corrige la marche et/ou l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateurs entretenues par ledit mécanisme d'échappement.The rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillator in the vertical positions can be determined for free or maintained oscillations. That is to say, the process can include a further step consisting in providing a clockwork movement comprising an escape mechanism intended to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator and that the rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillators maintained by said escape mechanism be corrected.

Tout moyen technique approprié peut être utilisé pour agir sur le palier et/ou le pivot de sorte à augmenter le diamètre intérieur du trou du palier ou diminuer le diamètre extérieur du pivot.Any suitable technical means can be used to act on the bearing and / or the pivot so as to increase the internal diameter of the hole in the bearing or reduce the external diameter of the pivot.

La présente invention a été décrite ci-dessus en relation avec un axe de balancier et ses paliers de pivotement. Il est envisageable d'appliquer l'enseignement de l'invention à d'autres systèmes pivotés entre paliers comme l'axe de l'ancre d'un échappement à ancre notamment.The present invention has been described above in relation to a balance shaft and its pivot bearings. It is conceivable to apply the teaching of the invention to other systems pivoted between bearings, such as the axis of the anchor of an anchor escapement in particular.

Claims (2)

Procédé de correction de la marche et de l'amplitude aux positions verticales pour un oscillateur de type balancier spiral d'un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant les étapes suivantes : • fournir un oscillateur de type balancier spiral comprenant un axe terminé par deux pivots et deux paliers de pivotement dans lesquels pivotent les pivots de l'oscillateur dans les positions verticales de l'oscillateur, chaque palier comprenant un trou destiné à recevoir un pivot et caractérisé par un diamètre intérieur tandis que chaque pivot présente un diamètre extérieur strictement inférieur audit diamètre intérieur des paliers de pivotement ; • déterminer l'ébat de référence entre les pivots et leur palier respectif défini comme la différence entre le diamètre intérieur du palier et le diamètre extérieur des pivots ; • corriger la marche et/ou l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateur dans les positons verticales en augmentant l'ébat de référence soit en augmentant le diamètre intérieur du palier soit en diminuant le diamètre extérieur du pivot pour l'un ou les deux couples palier/pivot de l'oscillateur. Method for correcting rate and amplitude at vertical positions for a spiral balance type oscillator of a clockwork movement comprising the following steps: • provide a spiral balance type oscillator comprising an axis terminated by two pivots and two pivot bearings in which pivot the oscillator pivots in the vertical positions of the oscillator, each bearing comprising a hole intended to receive a pivot and characterized by an internal diameter while each pivot has an external diameter strictly less than said internal diameter of the pivot bearings; • determine the reference frame between the pivots and their respective bearing defined as the difference between the internal diameter of the bearing and the external diameter of the pivots; • correct the rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillator in the vertical positrons by increasing the reference beam either by increasing the internal diameter of the bearing or by reducing the external diameter of the pivot for one or both oscillator bearing / pivot couples. Procédé selon la revendication 1 caractérisé par le fait que l'on fournit en outre un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant un mécanisme d'échappement destiné à entretenir les oscillations de l'oscillateur et que l'on corrige la marche et/ou l'amplitude des oscillations de l'oscillateur entretenu par ledit mécanisme d'échappement.Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that a clockwork movement is furthermore provided comprising an escapement mechanism intended to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator and correcting the rate and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillator maintained by said escape mechanism.
EP19218481.0A 2019-12-20 2019-12-20 Method for correcting the operation and/or the amplitude of a balance wheel-hairspring type oscillator in vertical positions Pending EP3839653A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1986059A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-10-29 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece
EP2551732A1 (en) * 2011-07-29 2013-01-30 Rolex S.A. Balance with optimised pivotal movement
CH708217A2 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-15 Breitling Montres Sa Swivel rocker.

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1986059A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-10-29 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece
EP2551732A1 (en) * 2011-07-29 2013-01-30 Rolex S.A. Balance with optimised pivotal movement
CH708217A2 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-15 Breitling Montres Sa Swivel rocker.

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