EP4432020A1 - Uhrwerk - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP4432020A1
EP4432020A1 EP23161901.6A EP23161901A EP4432020A1 EP 4432020 A1 EP4432020 A1 EP 4432020A1 EP 23161901 A EP23161901 A EP 23161901A EP 4432020 A1 EP4432020 A1 EP 4432020A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elastic return
stiffness
return element
frame
blade
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23161901.6A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fabiano Colpo
Grégory Musy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rolex SA
Original Assignee
Rolex SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rolex SA filed Critical Rolex SA
Priority to EP23161901.6A priority Critical patent/EP4432020A1/de
Priority to JP2024035648A priority patent/JP2024132953A/ja
Priority to US18/599,311 priority patent/US20240310784A1/en
Priority to CN202410285366.1A priority patent/CN118655753A/zh
Publication of EP4432020A1 publication Critical patent/EP4432020A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
    • G04B18/04—Adjusting the beat of the pendulum, balance, or the like, e.g. putting into beat
    • G04B18/06—Adjusting the beat of the pendulum, balance, or the like, e.g. putting into beat by setting the collet or the stud of a hairspring
    • 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
    • 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
    • G04B17/32—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • 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
    • G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
    • G04B18/006—Mechanisms for setting frequency by adjusting the devices fixed on the balance

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a regulating system for a watch movement.
  • the invention also relates to a device for modifying the stiffness of an elastic return element.
  • the invention further relates to a watch movement comprising such a regulating system or such a stiffness modification device.
  • the invention finally relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch movement or such a regulating system or such a stiffness modification device.
  • means for adjusting the inertial element or the elastic return element are used. These may, for example, be adjustment means for varying the inertia of the inertial element, or means for acting on the stiffness of the elastic return element.
  • the inertial element may be provided with movable weights or adjustment screws in order to allow more or less fine adjustment of the rate of the movement, of the order of a few seconds or tens of seconds per day. These weights may, for example, be manipulated by a watchmaker when the inertial element is stationary, and a fortiori when the movement is stationary.
  • the stiffness of the elastic return element may be adjusted by modifying the effective length of said element, for example by means of an index.
  • the patent application EP4006648 relates to a device for adjusting the effective length of a first elastic return element connected to an inertial element, which has the particularity of being directly integrated into said first elastic return element.
  • a first elastic return element taking the form of a hairspring whose outer end comprises a set of elastic elements. The latter are provided to move a clamp precisely opposite the terminal part of the outer end of the hairspring.
  • the effective length of the hairspring can thus be adjusted, which induces a modification of the stiffness of the hairspring and therefore a modification of the frequency of the oscillator, namely of the inertial element - hairspring assembly, by modification of the ratio k/I where k is the stiffness of the hairspring and I the inertia of the balance.
  • such a device is particularly sensitive to variations in the effective length of the hairspring. Indeed, for an oscillator with a nominal frequency of 4 Hz, for example, a change in the stiffness of the hairspring of the order of 10% induces a variation in rate of several thousand seconds per day. It is therefore very difficult, with such an adjustment device, to achieve a fine adjustment of the order of a few seconds or tens of seconds per day. For a given hairspring, the length adjustment required for a rate adjustment of the order of ten seconds per day can be estimated at a few tens of micrometers. In addition, a direct action on the length of the hairspring entails risks of disruption to the operation of the oscillator.
  • the patent FR833085 relates to a method of synchronizing an oscillator of a mechanical clock with an electrical reference oscillator.
  • the clock oscillator comprises a balance returned by two hairsprings, preferably of the same dimensions, the respective inner ends of which are integral with the balance shaft and the respective outer ends of which are integral with a frame, the active length of one of the two hairsprings being modifiable by means of an ancillary device controlled by the electrical reference oscillator.
  • Such an arrangement, with two hairsprings arranged in parallel makes it possible to gain in the fineness of adjustment of the running of the mechanical clock, by a factor of 2, because the stiffness of only one of the two springs is likely to be modified. However, this gain is not sufficient to achieve a fine adjustment of the order of a few seconds or tens of seconds per day, in particular by means of an index.
  • the patent application EP4009115 discloses an oscillator having the particularity of comprising a first elastic return element taking the form of a hairspring connected to an inertial element taking the form of a balance, as well as a second elastic return element connected in series with the hairspring, the stiffness of this second elastic return element being modifiable by means of prestressing means provided to apply a variable force or torque to the second elastic return element, without modifying the stiffness of the hairspring.
  • the stiffness of the second elastic return element is greater than that of the hairspring, so that a modification of the stiffness of the second elastic return element allows a finer adjustment of the rate than if one acted directly on the stiffness of the hairspring.
  • this modification of the stiffness of the second elastic return element should be able to be done without varying the position of the outer end of the hairspring opposite the axis of rotation of the balance, particularly with regard to the isochronism of the oscillator, which in practice is difficult to achieve.
  • the patent application EP4016194 discloses a concept similar to that which is the subject of the application EP4009115 , but for a monolithic oscillator.
  • this oscillator comprises a flexible guide formed of elastic blades, which is provided to define a virtual pivot of an inertial element, as well as means for adjusting the stiffness of the oscillator comprising a flexible element arranged in series with the flexible guide.
  • These adjustment means also comprise prestressing means provided to apply a variable force or torque to the flexible element so as to vary its stiffness, and this without varying the location of the virtual pivot defined by the flexible guide, which in practice is difficult to achieve.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide a regulating system for solving the problems mentioned above and for improving the regulating systems known from the prior art.
  • the invention proposes a regulating system for fine and reliable adjustment of an oscillation frequency of an oscillator. Thanks to such a system, the adjustment can be carried out while the oscillator is operating and without disturbing it.
  • the timepiece 400 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.
  • the timepiece 400 comprises a watch movement 300 intended to be mounted in a timepiece case or box in order to protect it from the external environment.
  • the 300 watch movement may be a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement, namely a mechanical movement comprising electronic elements.
  • the 300 watch movement includes a 150 regulating system.
  • the first elastic return element 1; 1' and the second elastic return element 2 are mounted in series between the inertial element 4; 4' and the frame 6, and the third elastic return element 3 and the second elastic return element 2 are mounted in parallel between the frame 6 and the first elastic return element 1; 1'.
  • the first elastic return element 1 and the second elastic return element 2 are mounted in series between the assembled balance 4 and the frame 6, and the third elastic return element 3 and the second elastic return element 2 are mounted in parallel between the frame 6 and the first elastic return element 1.
  • Two elastic return elements of a system are said to be "in series" when they follow one after the other or are linked to each other by one of their respective ends, so as to connect two separate elements, so that when a mechanical stress having a given intensity is applied to the system, in particular to one or other of the two separate elements, each of the two elastic return elements is subjected at least substantially to this given intensity of this stress.
  • Two elastic recall elements of a system are said to be "in parallel" when they directly connect two distinct elements by their two respective ends, so that when a deformation having a given intensity is applied to the system, each of the two elastic return elements is deformed at least substantially by this intensity.
  • the regulating system and/or the oscillator are specifically shaped and/or arranged so as to allow fine adjustment of the movement rate by modifying the stiffness of an elastic return element taking part in said oscillator.
  • This adjustment can in particular be carried out by modifying the effective or active length of at least one elastic blade of an elastic return element taking part in said oscillator, in particular by means of a lever or a frame movable relative to the frame.
  • a variation of the order of ⁇ 10% of the stiffness k3 of the third elastic return element 3 can be made possible by the use of a lever or a frame allowing an adjustment of the effective or active length of at least one elastic blade 31 of the third elastic return element 3.
  • the lever or the frame can be manipulated by a watchmaker or by any autonomous device.
  • such a variation in stiffness of the order of ⁇ 10% can be generated by a movement of a lever or a frame by an angle of a few degrees or about ten degrees around the axis A4.
  • the regulating system 150 is described below according to different embodiments and variants which either involve traditional watch elements such as a balance wheel and at least one balance spring, or flexible guides and elements capable of forming a monolithic assembly.
  • the first elastic return element takes the form of a spiral spring 1 which is connected to an inertial element 4.
  • the first elastic return element takes the form of a flexible guide 1' provided to elastically return, but also guide, in particular pivot, the inertial element 4'.
  • the first elastic return element 1 can be connected respectively to the second and third elastic return elements 2, 3 by means of a connecting member 5 as shown in the Figures 1 to 11
  • this connecting member 5 can be a rigid element contributing to mechanically decoupling the second and third elastic return elements 2, 3 from the first elastic return element 1 connected to the inertial element, so that any disturbances induced by the second and third elastic return elements 2, 3 (such as for example a non-linearity of the stiffnesses k2 and k3), affect to a lesser extent the operation of the assembly constituted by the inertial element and the first elastic return element.
  • the second and third elastic return elements 2, 3 are connected to the frame 6.
  • the frame may be a frame of the watch movement 300, in particular a blank 6, such as a plate or a bridge, in particular a balance bridge.
  • the third elastic return element 3 can be connected to the frame 6 via an adjustment element 7 of the modification device 200.
  • an advantageous way of producing the second elastic return element consists in using an RCC pivot (acronym for "Remote Center Compliance” or “pivot with offset axis”), consisting of at least two embedded blades, having a function of guiding the connecting member 5.
  • the virtual center of intersection of the flexible blades which constitute the RCC pivot can advantageously coincide with a point through which the geometric axis A4 of the inertial element passes (for the first embodiment) or coincide with a point through which the geometric (and virtual) axis A4' of the flexible guide 1' and of the inertial element passes (for the second embodiment).
  • This configuration improves the stability of the oscillator 100; 100' compared to any other arrangements of the three elastic return elements.
  • the inertial element 4; 4' in particular the "assembled balance 4", or more generally the oscillator 100; 100' or the regulating system 150, regulates a finishing chain or finishing train of the movement 300 by means of a watch escapement. Any known watch escapement structure and any known finishing train structure may be used.
  • the first elastic return element takes the form of a spiral spring 1 provided with a blade 11, a first proximal end of which is connected to an oscillating mass 41 of an inertial element 4 via an axis 42 of geometric axis A4.
  • the second elastic return element 2 comprises two elastic blades 21, 22.
  • the two blades 21, 22 are preferably rectilinear. They are for example oriented radially relative to the pivot axis A4 of the inertial element 4.
  • the third elastic return element 3 takes the form of a single elastic blade 31.
  • the blade 3 is preferably rectilinear.
  • the blade 31 is for example oriented radially relative to the pivot axis A4 of the inertial element 4.
  • the blades 21, 22, 31 are connected, at each of their first ends, to the spiral spring 1 at an end portion 5 of the spiral spring 1, substantially more rigid than the blade 11 and extending the blade 11 at the distal end of the spiral spring 1.
  • These blades 21, 22, 31 are also connected, at each of their second ends, to the frame 6.
  • the second ends of the blades 21, 22 are embedded, in particular permanently embedded, in the frame 6.
  • the second end of the blade 31 is taken or held between two pins 81, 82 secured to the adjustment element 7 consisting of a lever 7 or a frame 7 which is connected to the frame 6 while being able to be moved in translation relative to said frame 6.
  • the pins make it possible to pinch and/or hold and/or support the third blade 31.
  • the deflection of the third blade 31 is limited, or even cancelled.
  • the bending of the blade thus occurs between its point of connection to the end portion 5 and the points of contact with the pins. Consequently, the effective or active length of the third blade which is in bending can be adjusted by moving the lever 7 or the frame 7. This has the effect of modifying the stiffness k3 of the third blade 31.
  • the inertial element 4 oscillates around the axis A4, which induces an expansion and a compression of the blade 11, but also a bending of the blades 21, 22, 31.
  • the blades 21, 22 define a flexible guide making it possible to connect the blade 11 and the connecting member 5 of the hairspring 1 to the frame 6.
  • the blades 21, 22 here define a RCC (Remote Center Compliance) pivot connecting the blade 11 and the connecting member 5 of the hairspring 1 to the frame 6.
  • the axis of the RCC pivot is preferably coincident with the geometric axis A4 around which the inertial element 4 is pivoted.
  • a modification of the effective length of the blade 31 makes it possible to vary the stiffness k100 of the oscillator 100 comprising a such spiral spring 1 connected in series with respectively the blades 21, 22, and the blade 31.
  • pins 81, 82 which provide supports and make it possible to define the effective length of the blade 31 under the effect of a translation of the lever 7 or the frame 7.
  • the blade 31 has a curved geometry (circular or substantially circular), and its effective length can be adjusted by means of a lever 7 or a frame 7 movable in rotation.
  • the connecting member 5 has a slightly more complex conformation than that of the connecting member 5 of the first variant.
  • the connecting member 5 according to this second variant may have an angled geometry.
  • the connecting member 5 may have a first circular or substantially circular portion extending around the axis A4 to secure the blades 21, 22 to the blade 11 (identical to the first variant) and a second rectilinear portion, oriented radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A4, being provided to secure the blade 31 to the blade 11.
  • the other end of the blade 31 is, for its part, preferably embedded in the frame 6. Nevertheless, the effective or active length of this blade 31, which moves on either side of its rest position under the effect of the oscillations of the inertial element 4 around the geometric axis A4, is defined by pins 81 and 82 which are integral with a lever or a rotating frame 7 relative to the frame 6. In the same way as in the first variant, the pins 81 and 82 provide support points against the blade 31 and thus define one end of the effective or active length of this blade 31, that is to say define the length of the blade 31 actually subjected to bending.
  • the third elastic return element takes the form of a spiral spring 3 provided with a blade 31 whose proximal end 34 is connected or fixed to the frame 6 (shown schematically in the figures 4 And 6 ).
  • This spiral spring 3 is connected to the spiral spring 1, in particular to the blade 11 of the spiral spring 1, by means of a connecting member 5, which connecting member 5 is mechanically connected to the frame 6 via a second elastic return element 2.
  • the frame is here preferably a blank 6, like a bridge, in particular a balance bridge.
  • the second elastic return element 2 and the connecting member 5 are made from the same material as an intermediate member 61 fixed or attached to the rest of the frame 6.
  • the intermediate member 61 is therefore part of the frame 6.
  • the second elastic return element 2 and the connecting member 5 are included within the same intermediate member 61 fixed to the rest of the frame 6.
  • This intermediate organ 61 has a generally elongated plate shape.
  • This intermediate member 61 is advantageously provided with two pairs of elastic blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b forming the second elastic return element 2.
  • these two pairs of blades are arranged symmetrically opposite a plane P passing through the geometric axis A4 of the axis 42 which is connected to the balance 41, the axis 42 passing through a central opening 610 of the member 61.
  • the pair of blades 21a, 21b elastically connects a first portion or plate 51 to the intermediate member 61.
  • the pair of blades 22a, 22b elastically connects a second portion or plate 52 to the intermediate member 61.
  • the portions or plates 51 and 52 together constitute the connecting member 5.
  • the plates 51, 52 are respectively secured to the pairs of blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b.
  • Each of these plates 51, 52 is designed to be fixed respectively to a respective first end 13a, 33a and to a respective second end 13b, 33b of the spiral springs 1 and 3.
  • the spiral springs 1, 3 are connected to the plates 51, 52 constituting the connecting member 5.
  • These plates are themselves connected to the frame 6 by the elastic blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b.
  • the organ 61 fixed to the rest of the bridge 6 can thus constitute a support for spiral springs 1 and 3.
  • first ends 13a, 13b and second ends 33a, 33b each take the form of studs or pins intended to be attached, in particular driven, within openings 53a, 53b respectively formed at the level of each of the plates 51, 52.
  • the two plates could comprise studs and the means for connecting the spiral springs could comprise openings for receiving or driving these studs.
  • Each of the plates 51, 52 is formed in the continuity of the blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b which each here have a U-shape or substantially U-shape.
  • the elastic blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b may for example each have a V-shape or substantially V-shape or a W-shape or substantially W-shape.
  • the elastic blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b may for example each have a shape making it possible to obtain the targeted stiffness value.
  • the structures 21a, 21b, 51 and 22a, 22b, 52 constitute single-piece elements or elements formed from a single piece. More generally, these structures are included within the intermediate member 61, the latter forming a monolithic assembly.
  • the single-piece assembly can integrate the two plates 51, 52.
  • pairs of pads 13a, 13b and 33a, 33b are respectively secured to a connecting means 12, 32 formed respectively in the continuity of the blades 11, 31 of the spirals 1, 3 at their distal end.
  • these two pairs of studs are arranged symmetrically opposite the aforementioned plane P, so that they can each cooperate with the pairs of elastic blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b by means of the plates 51, 52 which form the connecting member 5.
  • the first connecting means 12 is arranged at a first distal end of the first blade 11 and makes it possible to connect the first spiral spring 1 to the second elastic return element 2, in particular via the connecting member 5.
  • the second connecting means 32 is arranged at a second distal end of the third blade 31 and makes it possible to connect the second spiral spring 3 to the second elastic return element 2, in particular via the connecting member 5.
  • Each of these pairs of elastic blades 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b defines a flexible guide for the balance springs 1 and 3, in particular an RCC pivot (whose virtual center coincides with the axis A4), while connecting the balance springs 1 and 3 via the portions 51, 52.
  • the intermediate member 61 is arranged at the interface of the balance springs 1 and 3.
  • the intermediate member is arranged between the balance springs 1 and 3 along the axis A4 or along a vertical direction z represented schematically by an arrow on the figure 6 .
  • the modification device 200 can for example be arranged between the hairspring 3 and the frame 6, in particular the balance bridge 6 (in the vertical direction z).
  • pins 81, 82 are integral with a lever 7 or a frame 7, which is connected to the frame 6 while being able to be moved in rotation relative to said frame 6.
  • the blades 11 and 31 of the balance springs 1, 3 may be similar or substantially similar, or even identical.
  • k3 k1.
  • k1 stiffness which is equal to k3
  • Such a variant has the advantage of involving traditional watch elements (for example, the balance springs 1, 3, the assembled balance 4) while allowing assembly facilitated by the specific conformation of the intermediate member 61, which has the advantage of combining the functions of the second elastic return element 2 and the connecting member 5.
  • a ferrule 14 is preferably arranged at a first proximal end of the first blade 11 and fixed to the axis 42 secured to the balance 41.
  • the ferrule 14, the first blade 11 and the first connecting means 12 form a monolithic assembly.
  • the second proximal end 34, the second blade 31 and the second connecting means 32 can form a monolithic element.
  • the balance wheel 41, the axle 42 and the hairspring 1 (fixed to the axle 42 for example by means of the collet 14) have the advantage of be able to be assembled directly on a frame 6 if it is not desired to allow adjustment by means of a modification device 200.
  • this assembly 41, 42, 1 can constitute a standardized assembly which can be integrated both within a conventional movement, as well as within a movement 300 equipped with a modification device 200.
  • the balance 41 may comprise screws or movable weights in order to allow a fine adjustment of the rate of the movement, of the order of a few seconds per day.
  • These screws or weights are for example fixed in a movable manner to a felloe 410 of the balance 41.
  • These screws or weights can for example be manipulated by a watchmaker when the balance is stopped, by means of a key or a screwdriver which allows them to be moved (by moving them closer to or further away from the axis A4).
  • These tools are generally equipped with means which allow the advance or retreat of the screw or weight to be indicated, in order to allow a particularly fine adjustment of the rate of the movement.
  • the rim 410 of the balance 41 advantageously comprises two pairs of weights 43a, 43b and 44a, 44b having distinct conformations, in particular different masses.
  • the weights 43a, 43b are longer than the weights 44a, 44b.
  • the weights 44a, 44b induce a finer adjustment of the rate than the weights 43a, 43b.
  • the weights are moved in pairs in order to best maintain the balance of the assembled balance 4.
  • the third variant of the first embodiment allows, according to the procedure described in this document, fine adjustment of the operation of the movement by modifying the stiffness k3 of the elastic blade 31 of the balance spring 3, in particular by modifying the effective length of the elastic blade 31 of the balance spring 3, in particular by means of pins 81, 82 secured to a lever 7 or a frame 7 and providing a support for said blade.
  • This solution is likely to be implemented for adjusting the rate while the balance or the oscillator is in operation.
  • this solution is likely to be implemented while the balance is stopped, for example during assembly or reconditioning of the watch movement.
  • a possible step of setting the reference mark comprising an operation of moving the intermediate member 61 relative to the rest of the frame 6, can be carried out beforehand.
  • the operation of moving the intermediate member 61 is preferably an operation of rotating the intermediate member 61 around the geometric axis A4 relative to the rest of the frame 6.
  • a preliminary or additional rate adjustment can be carried out by means of the weights 43a, 43b and 44a, 44b, while the balance is stationary, for example during assembly or reconditioning of the watch movement.
  • the first optional step can be performed prior to the second step, in particular before the assembly of the entire regulating system or the oscillator.
  • the first step is performed while the balance is stopped.
  • the second step can be performed while the balance is operating.
  • the second step can be performed while the balance is stopped.
  • a possible reference setting step comprising an operation of rotating the intermediate member 61, can be performed prior to the second step.
  • a fourth variant (shown on the figure 8 ) of the first embodiment differs essentially from the third variant in that the third blade 31 is much more rigid. Compared to the third variant, the section of the blade 31 is increased and/or the length of the blade 31 is shortened. For example, the stiffness of the second elastic return element 2 and the stiffness of the third elastic return element 3 are equal or substantially equal.
  • a fifth variant (shown schematically in the figure 9 ) of the first embodiment, it is proposed to form the second elastic return element 2, as well as the connecting member 5, in the continuity of the blade 11 of the spiral spring 1.
  • the second elastic return element 2, as well as the connecting member 5, is formed ...
  • elastic return element 2 is here in the form of a curved elastic blade 21, more rigid than the blade 11.
  • the connecting member 5 is in the form of an elbow 51 (oriented radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A4), which is formed at the distal end of the blade 11. This makes it possible to connect the blade 11 to a curved elastic blade 31 forming the third elastic return element, but also to connect the latter to the curved elastic blade 21.
  • the distal ends of the blades 21 and 31 are connected to the frame 6 by means of an elbow 210 formed at the distal end of the blade 21, for example by a recessed connection.
  • the first elastic return element 1' takes the form of a flexible guide 1' provided to elastically return, but also guide, in particular pivot, an inertial element 4' along an axis A4'.
  • the first elastic return element 1' may comprise two blades 11' and 12' which intersect so as to form for example a Wittrick pivot.
  • these blades 11' and 12' are arranged in two distinct and parallel planes.
  • These blades 11', 12' are connected, at each of their first ends, to a connecting member 5.
  • These blades 11', 12' are also connected, at each of their second ends, to an oscillating mass 41'.
  • the inertial element 4' can comprise the oscillating mass 41', but also the blades 11' and 12' forming the first elastic return element 1' as well as a guide element 42'.
  • the second elastic return element 2 comprises two rectilinear elastic blades 21, 22 constituting an RCC pivot
  • the third elastic return element 3 takes the form of a single rectilinear elastic blade 31, each of these blades 21, 22, 31 extending radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A4'.
  • the blades 11', 12' and 21, 22 and 31 are connected to each other, at each of their first ends, by means of a connecting member 5.
  • the blades 21, 22, 31 are also connected, at each of their second ends, to the frame 6.
  • the second ends of the blades 21, 22 are permanently embedded in the frame 6, and the second end of the blade 31 is taken between two projections 81, 82 secured to a frame 7 of a modification device 200, which is connected to the frame 6 while being able to be moved in translation relative to said frame 6.
  • the mass 41' oscillates around the axis A4', which causes the blades 11' and 12' to bend, but also the blades 21, 22, 31 to bend.
  • the blades 21, 22 define a flexible guide for connecting the blades 11', 12' and the connecting member 5 to the frame 6.
  • the blades 21, 22 define a pivot RCC connecting the blades 11', 12' and the connecting member 5 to the frame 6.
  • the axis of the pivot RCC is preferably the same as the geometric (and virtual) axis A4' around which the inertial element 4' is pivoted.
  • a modification of the effective length of the blade 31 makes it possible to vary the stiffness k100' of the oscillator 100' comprising such a first elastic return element 1' connected in series with the blades 21, 22, and the blade 31 respectively.
  • a second variation of the second embodiment is substantially equivalent to the first variant except that the blade 31 has a curved geometry, and that its effective or active length can be adjusted by means of a lever 7 which can be moved in rotation.
  • the connecting member 5 has a slightly more complex conformation than that of the connecting member 5 of the first variant.
  • the connecting member 5 according to this second variant has an angled geometry.
  • Two first circular or substantially circular portions extend around the axis A4' to secure the blades 21, 22 to the blades 11' and 12' and a second rectilinear portion, oriented radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A4', is provided to secure the blade 31 to the blades 11', 12'.
  • the other end of the blade 31 is embedded in the frame 6.
  • the effective length of this blade 31, which moves from one side to the other of its rest position under the effect of the oscillations of the inertial element 4' around the virtual axis A4', is defined by the pins 81 and 82 which are integral with the rotary lever 7 mechanically linked to the frame 6.
  • the oscillator 100, 100' may be monolithic or consist of an assembly of elements.
  • the spiral springs 1, 3 described in this document comprise a single and unique blade.
  • the oscillator 100; 100' may include one or more other elastic return elements in addition to the first, second and third elastic return elements described in the document.
  • the oscillator 100; 100' could include at least a fourth elastic return element for thermocompensation purposes or for the purpose of specifying the gait correction. This could for example be arranged in parallel with the second and third elastic return elements.
  • the elastic return elements may comprise at least in part monocrystalline silicon regardless of its orientation, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, amorphous silicon dioxide, doped silicon regardless of the type and level of doping, or porous silicon. They may also comprise silicon carbide, glass, ceramic, a composite material, or quartz. Alternatively, the elastic return elements may be made of metal or a metal alloy, in particular a paramagnetic metal alloy such as an alloy based on Nb-Zr or Nb-Ti.
  • the oscillation frequency of the inertial element may be between 3 Hz and 8 Hz, typically 4 Hz.
  • this frequency may be chosen according to the specific needs of the timepiece, and this frequency may also be equal to or greater than 8 Hz as 10 Hz or between 10 Hz and 100 Hz, or even equal to or greater than 100 Hz.
  • the second elastic return element 2 is a curved blade 21.
  • this curved blade can be formed in the continuity of a blade 11 of a spiral spring 1 forming the first elastic return element 1.
  • the inertial element 4; 4' and the first, second and third elastic return elements may be formed in one piece or may form a monolithic assembly.
  • the invention also relates to an adjustment device 200 as such.
  • the device makes it possible to adjust a regulating system 150; 150' as described above or an oscillator 100; 100' as described above.
  • the adjustment device 200 may in particular be a device for modifying the stiffness k3 of a third elastic return element 3. This modification of the stiffness may in particular be obtained by a modification of an active or effective length of the third elastic return element 3, in particular by a modification of an active or effective length of at least one blade 31 of the third elastic return element 3.
  • the adjustment device is a device 200 for modifying the stiffness of a return element.
  • elastic allowing more particularly to modify the active or effective length of the elastic return element.
  • the lever or frame 7 may be an element that can be moved relative to the frame and provides a support or a bearing for the third elastic return element.
  • the support or bearing may be provided by surfaces, in particular cylindrical surfaces, of pins 81, 82 arranged to bear against the third elastic return element, in particular against an elastic blade of the third elastic return element.
  • the invention also relates to a method for adjusting the oscillator 100; 100' of the regulating system 150; 150' described above or of the watch movement 300 described above or of the timepiece 400 described above.
  • the method comprises a step of modifying the third stiffness k3 of the third elastic return element 3.
  • This modification of the third stiffness k3 of the third elastic return element 3 may be a modification of an active length of the third elastic return element 3, in particular a modification of an active length of at least one blade 31 of the third elastic return element 3.
  • This modification is preferably carried out using an adjustment device as described above.
  • Such an adjustment device makes it possible in particular to limit, or even cancel, the deformation of the third elastic return element 3 at a point of the third elastic return element 3, this point being movable along the third elastic return element 3.
  • the solutions described in this document allow a fine adjustment of the rate of the movement by modifying the stiffness of a given elastic return element taking part in an oscillator, in particular by modifying the effective length of at least one elastic blade of an elastic return element taking part in said oscillator, in particular by means of a lever or a movable frame and providing a support for an elastic blade.
  • the proposed solution is also likely to be implemented for an adjustment of the rate while the oscillator is in operation.
  • the oscillator has the particularity of comprising a first elastic return element connected to an inertial element, a second elastic return element connected in series with the first elastic return element, as well as a third elastic return element also connected in series with the first elastic return element, in parallel with the second elastic return element 2, the stiffness of this third elastic return element being modifiable by means of an additional device for modifying the stiffness of the third elastic return element.
  • the stiffness of this third elastic return element can be modified by adjusting the effective length of at least one elastic blade of said third elastic return element, in particular by means of an additional device for modifying the effective length of the third elastic return element which can take the form of a lever or a movable frame.
  • This lever or this movable frame advantageously comprises pins or projections which make it possible to pinch and/or hold and/or support the third blade 31 at the point of contact with the pins or with the projections. At these points of contact, the deflection of the third blade 31 is limited, or even cancelled.
  • this lever or this frame comprises a pair of two pins or two projections. Naturally, this lever or frame may include more than two pins or two projections.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
EP23161901.6A 2023-03-14 2023-03-14 Uhrwerk Pending EP4432020A1 (de)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23161901.6A EP4432020A1 (de) 2023-03-14 2023-03-14 Uhrwerk
JP2024035648A JP2024132953A (ja) 2023-03-14 2024-03-08 時計ムーブメント
US18/599,311 US20240310784A1 (en) 2023-03-14 2024-03-08 Timepiece movement
CN202410285366.1A CN118655753A (zh) 2023-03-14 2024-03-13 计时器机芯

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23161901.6A EP4432020A1 (de) 2023-03-14 2023-03-14 Uhrwerk

Publications (1)

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EP4432020A1 true EP4432020A1 (de) 2024-09-18

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EP23161901.6A Pending EP4432020A1 (de) 2023-03-14 2023-03-14 Uhrwerk

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US (1) US20240310784A1 (de)
EP (1) EP4432020A1 (de)
JP (1) JP2024132953A (de)
CN (1) CN118655753A (de)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR833085A (fr) 1937-02-09 1938-10-11 Junghans Geb Ag Procédé et dispositif de synchronisation de l'organe régulateur de la marche d'une pendule au moyen d'un oscillateur normal
US20140286143A1 (en) * 2013-03-19 2014-09-25 Nivarox-Far S.A. Timepiece balance spring adjustment mechanism
EP4006648A1 (de) 2020-11-27 2022-06-01 Omega SA Spiralfeder für resonatormechanismus eines uhrwerks, der mit mitteln zur regulierung der effektiven länge dieser spiralfeder ausgestattet ist
EP4009115A1 (de) 2020-12-02 2022-06-08 Omega SA Spiralfeder für resonatormechanismus eines uhrwerks, der mit mitteln zum ausgleichen der starrheit ausgestattet ist
CH718124A2 (fr) * 2020-12-02 2022-06-15 Omega Sa Ressort-spiral pour mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie muni de moyens d'ajustement de la rigidité.
EP4016194A1 (de) 2020-12-18 2022-06-22 Omega SA Resonatormechanismus eines uhrwerks mit flexibler führung, die mit mitteln zur einstellung der steifigkeit ausgestattet ist

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR833085A (fr) 1937-02-09 1938-10-11 Junghans Geb Ag Procédé et dispositif de synchronisation de l'organe régulateur de la marche d'une pendule au moyen d'un oscillateur normal
US20140286143A1 (en) * 2013-03-19 2014-09-25 Nivarox-Far S.A. Timepiece balance spring adjustment mechanism
EP4006648A1 (de) 2020-11-27 2022-06-01 Omega SA Spiralfeder für resonatormechanismus eines uhrwerks, der mit mitteln zur regulierung der effektiven länge dieser spiralfeder ausgestattet ist
EP4009115A1 (de) 2020-12-02 2022-06-08 Omega SA Spiralfeder für resonatormechanismus eines uhrwerks, der mit mitteln zum ausgleichen der starrheit ausgestattet ist
CH718124A2 (fr) * 2020-12-02 2022-06-15 Omega Sa Ressort-spiral pour mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie muni de moyens d'ajustement de la rigidité.
EP4016194A1 (de) 2020-12-18 2022-06-22 Omega SA Resonatormechanismus eines uhrwerks mit flexibler führung, die mit mitteln zur einstellung der steifigkeit ausgestattet ist

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CN118655753A (zh) 2024-09-17
JP2024132953A (ja) 2024-10-01
US20240310784A1 (en) 2024-09-19

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