EP4515338A1 - Procédé de réglage d'un mouvement horloger dans le but de favoriser et/ou équilibrer son redémarrage - Google Patents
Procédé de réglage d'un mouvement horloger dans le but de favoriser et/ou équilibrer son redémarrageInfo
- Publication number
- EP4515338A1 EP4515338A1 EP24720476.1A EP24720476A EP4515338A1 EP 4515338 A1 EP4515338 A1 EP 4515338A1 EP 24720476 A EP24720476 A EP 24720476A EP 4515338 A1 EP4515338 A1 EP 4515338A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- watch movement
- anchor
- adjusting
- adjustment
- value
- 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
Links
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
-
- 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
- G04B15/00—Escapements
- G04B15/06—Free escapements
- G04B15/08—Lever escapements
-
- 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
- G04B15/00—Escapements
- G04B15/12—Adjusting; Restricting the amplitude of the lever or the like
-
- 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
- G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
- G04D7/12—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard
- G04D7/1207—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard only for measuring
- G04D7/1214—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard only for measuring for complete clockworks
- G04D7/1221—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard only for measuring for complete clockworks with recording, e.g. vibrograph
- G04D7/1228—Devices for facilitating the reading or the interpretation of the recording
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
- G04D7/12—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard
- G04D7/1257—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard wherein further adjustment devices are present
- G04D7/1271—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard wherein further adjustment devices are present for the control mechanism only (from outside the clockwork)
- G04D7/1278—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard wherein further adjustment devices are present for the control mechanism only (from outside the clockwork) whereby the adjustment device works on the compass
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
- G04D7/12—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard
- G04D7/1257—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard wherein further adjustment devices are present
- G04D7/1271—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard wherein further adjustment devices are present for the control mechanism only (from outside the clockwork)
- G04D7/1285—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard wherein further adjustment devices are present for the control mechanism only (from outside the clockwork) whereby the adjustment device works on the mainspring
Definitions
- Document CH716421A2 proposes a system to facilitate restarting, particularly in the case of a tourbillon.
- a stop cam is provided to stop the balance in a well-defined angular position different from the dead center of the oscillator, so as to facilitate restarting of the oscillator.
- Document CH716525A1 provides a relaunch system for an oscillator with flexible blade pivot.
- a mechanical impulse mobile powered by an energy source, is activated when the oscillation amplitude of the oscillator is zero or less than a given value, in order to transmit energy to the oscillator.
- Document CH717217A2 describes a mechanism for “gently” restarting a balance-spring oscillator by applying, using an additional mechanism, a movement to the balance.
- a regulating system is defined by claim 9.
- a watch movement is defined by claim 10.
- a value of the oscillator reference frame (2) in particular an oriented value of the reference frame and/or a function defining the oriented value of the reference frame according to the position of the watch movement relative to the direction of Earth's gravitation.
- Method according to proposition 1 characterized in that the reference value is a time value.
- an orthogonal projection of the direction of Earth's gravitation onto the plane (P) of the watch movement is zero or has an absolute value less than 5° or has an absolute value less than 10°, and/or in that at least one of the determined positions is such that the angle between:
- an orthogonal projection of the direction of Earth's gravitation or on the plane (P) of the watch movement is 90° or has an absolute value between 85° and 95° or has an absolute value between 80° and 100°.
- Method according to one of the preceding proposals characterized in that at least two determined positions are vertical positions of the watch movement and/or are positions having an angle of approximately 90° between them around an axis perpendicular to the frame.
- Method according to one of the preceding proposals characterized in that the function defining the oriented value of the reference mark according to the position of the watch movement is defined as a sinusoidal function or a polynomial function or a Bézier function or a spline function corresponding as closely as possible to the data relating to the reference mark of the oscillator.
- Method according to one of the preceding proposals characterized in that it comprises a step of determining an oscillation amplitude of the oscillator (3).
- Method according to the preceding proposal characterized in that it comprises a step of using the oscillation amplitude of the oscillator (2) to determine an angular value of the reference mark.
- Method for adjusting an oscillator (2) characterized in that it comprises a phase of implementing the method according to one of the previous proposals and a phase of adjusting the value of the oscillator reference (2).
- Method for adjusting an oscillator (2) characterized in that it comprises a phase of positioning the watch movement in a predetermined position and a phase of adjusting the value of the marker to a zero value or to a non-zero value in this predetermined position.
- Adjustment method characterized in that the phase of adjusting the value of the reference mark comprises a movement of a support for fixing a spiral spring relative to a frame (99).
- Method for adjusting a regulating system comprising:
- an oscillator (2) in particular a balance oscillator (21) - hairspring (22), and
- an escapement (3) in particular a double impulse escapement, in particular a Swiss lever escapement (3)
- the adjustment method comprising, in order to promote and/or balance the restarting of the regulating system:
- Adjustment method characterized in that the step of adjusting the reference mark comprises a sub-step of positioning the adjusting system (100) according to a given orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field.
- Adjustment method according to proposition 14 characterized in that the step of adjusting the reference mark comprises a sub-step of adjusting the reference mark to a value, in particular to the zero value, while the adjusting system (100) is positioned according to the given orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field.
- Adjustment method according to one of propositions 13 to 15, characterized in that the non-zero adjustment value of the reference mark is between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1° and between +0.1° and +3°, or the modification of the reference mark is between - 3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1° and between +0.1° and +3°.
- Adjustment method according to one of the proposals 13 to 16, characterized in that the step of adjusting the entry penetration of the anchor into the escape wheel comprises:
- Adjustment method according to one of the proposals 13 to 17, characterized in that the step of adjusting the exit penetration of the anchor in the escape wheel comprises:
- Figure 2 is a schematic view of a timepiece seen as an example from the back side on which the methods which are the subject of the invention can be applied.
- Figure 3 is a view of an exemplary watch movement architecture viewed from the dial side detailing the orientation of a regulating system.
- the timepiece 300 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.
- the timepiece 300 comprises a watch movement 200, on which a dial 50 is advantageously fixed.
- the watch movement is intended to be mounted in a timepiece case or box in order to protect it from the external environment.
- the watch movement 200 may be a mechanical watch movement, in particular an automatic watch movement, or a hybrid watch movement.
- the 200 watch movement includes a 99 frame and a 100 regulating system.
- the 100 regulating system includes an oscillator 2 and an escapement system, such as a Swiss anchor escapement 3.
- Oscillator 2 includes:
- an inertial element 21 such as a pendulum 21
- a return spring 22 such as a spiral spring 22.
- the escapement comprises an escape wheel 32 and an anchor 31, the anchor cooperating:
- Figure 2 shows that the mark is defined by the angular offset between the neutral points of the escapement and the oscillator. For historical reasons, this quantity is expressed in milliseconds [ms] and thus characterizes half the time difference between two successive vibrations. In practice, this time depends on the speed of passage of the oscillator and therefore on its amplitude and frequency.
- the reference point has always been a zero or positive quantity expressed in [ms], which corresponds to the absolute time difference between the equilibrium position of the oscillator (defined by the direction passing through the center of the balance wheel pin at rest and the balance wheel pivot axis) and the line of the balance wheel and anchor pivot centers, with a zero adjustment target.
- the reference frame is a quantity centered on zero, whose sign depends on the direction of the angular shift. As it is measured today, the reference frame is unsigned. Apart from the fact that this quantity therefore does not follow a normal distribution, it presents a risk of leading to false conclusions about a difference or drift in the value of the reference point between two states, in particular between two measurements of the same watch movement at two different times, such as before and after an adjustment operation or a shock test or exposure to a magnetic field. For example, one may conclude that there is zero drift when in reality it is the (unknown) sign that has changed, or conclude that there is a systematic drift between two states when it is only a dispersive effect at the level of the watch movement.
- the reference frame can be made amplitude invariant by applying a conversion that takes into account the amplitude recorded during the measurement. Then, the sign of this quantity can be determined in several non-invasive ways, without having to modify the position of the piton holder (and therefore disturb the reference frame) as has been the case until now.
- the reference corresponds to the angular offset (measured in rotation or pivot angle of the inertial element, in particular the balance) between:
- the reference frame can be expressed as an oriented angle of position of the inertial element around its pivot axis.
- the reference frame has historically been defined and measured in milliseconds. This time corresponds to the angular offset mentioned above, and will depend on the speed of the inertial element at the neutral point, and therefore on its amplitude and frequency. Ultimately, the lower the amplitude, the greater the time difference over two alternations.
- the objective of switching to a geometric reference frame is to relate a time difference on a periodic function to an angular difference, which is constant and representative of the direct physical cause of the offset. Taking into account the amplitude at the time of measurement therefore has the effect of making the reference frame constant over the entire discharge of the barrel or despite a drift in the amplitude over time.
- Rg TTXfxRtxA with:
- the reference point is defined as positive when the line of the neutral point of the oscillator has a positive angular offset (counterclockwise or trigonometric direction seen from the back side, i.e. the FH direction) relative to the line of centers passing through the pivot point of the anchor axis and the pivot point of the oscillator axis. Otherwise, it will be negative.
- the sign of the reference frame is essential information for the analysis of this quantity and for making adjustments to the watch movement.
- several techniques are possible to determine the sign, including several acoustic measurements, an opto-acoustic measurement, an analysis of a raw signal, a measurement in a non-Galilean reference frame, etc.
- the embodiment of the method for determining the reference mark set out below exploits the radial play of the pivot of the inertial element.
- the applicant's data reveal that this play has an influence on the reference mark: the latter varies greatly depending on the vertical orientation of the watch movement (for example, depending on the watch positions 3H, 6H, 9H, 12H).
- a numerical adjustment makes it possible to determine the sign and the value of the reference mark, according to a particularly simple model to implement with known equipment, in particular with acoustic measuring equipment.
- the method comprises at least the following steps:
- the reference value is an oriented value or a signed value, that is, a value that can be positive or negative.
- the watch movement is positioned successively in at least two determined positions, either distinct and defined, relative to the direction of Earth's gravitation.
- these positions can include reference watch positions where the watch movement is vertical, in particular a 3 o'clock position, a 6 o'clock position, a 9 o'clock position, a 12 o'clock position or any intermediate vertical position between two of the vertical positions mentioned above.
- the method can be implemented by positioning the watch movement in several distinct positions relative to the direction of Earth's gravitation.
- Horizontal clock positions, especially FH and CH positions, are not desirable for implementing the determination method.
- landmark time data (unsigned or unoriented).
- the method advantageously comprises a step:
- the oscillation amplitude of the oscillator does not vary or varies little during all the measurements in the different positions, it is possible to determine, in particular by measurement and calculation, the amplitude of the oscillator only once and to assume this amplitude to be constant during all the measurements carried out in the different positions.
- the oscillator oscillation amplitude varies during all measurements in the different positions, it is preferable to determine the oscillator amplitude in each position and to associate these different amplitude measurements with the different positions and with the different reference data obtained in the different positions.
- the determination(s), in particular the measurement(s), of the amplitude may be carried out in one and/or other of the distinct and defined positions. Alternatively, the determination(s), in particular the measurement(s), of the amplitude may be carried out in any other position.
- all the obtained reference data and their opposite values are used to define 2 n data combinations (assuming that the watch movement has been positioned in n positions and that a reference data has been obtained for each position).
- Each of these positions is associated with an angle X (according to the NIHS 95-10 standard).
- the combination best correlated with a sinusoidal function expressing the reference value as a function of the angle X is then sought and this function is then retained as the expression of the reference value of the tested watch movement as a function of the angle X, i.e. as a function of the position of the watch movement relative to the direction of Earth's gravitation.
- the orientation angle of the watch movement X is the oriented angle formed between:
- This angle is positively oriented when moving from the pointing orientation towards the 12H index in the orientation pointing towards the 3H index or by turning clockwise on the dial.
- a signed geometric reference mark value is an oriented angle value. This value is independent of the amplitude of the oscillations of the inertial element and of the frequency of the oscillator.
- an estimate of the reference frame variation induced by the difference in pivot position between a centered pivot and a pivot resting on the pivot stone gives 0.76°, which corresponds to a time reference frame of 0.25 ms with an oscillation amplitude of 240° and an oscillator frequency of 4 Hz.
- a reference frame measurement made at close intervals throughout a complete rotation in vertical positions around an axis perpendicular to the frame and/or dial of the watch movement makes it possible to observe a total reference frame variation of the order of 0.5 ms. This The gaming phenomenon therefore seems to explain the variations in reference points observed in practice.
- orientation in the NIHS 95-10 standard
- 0° corresponds to the 12H watch position.
- the orientation is positive when the watch movement seen from the dial side (in the CH direction) turns counterclockwise: it goes from the 12H position (0°) to 3H (90°) and so on.
- the inclination in the NIHS 95-10 standard
- the position seen from the dial side is defined at 90° and the position seen from the back side at -90°.
- the extreme values of the reference mark must be noted when the line of centers L is in a horizontal position. Knowing that the line of centers L is inclined by 150° relative to the 12H position, the extreme values and the value of the middle reference mark are given for the following orientations (relative to 12H):
- the mark is at its maximum value.
- the mark is at its midpoint value, which can be called a “midpoint mark”.
- the reference frame follows a function of the type:
- R(X) reference point (signed or oriented) depending on the orientation of the watch movement, the reference point can be expressed temporally in [ms] or geometrically by an angle in [°] RO: amplitude of the sinusoidal function, always positive,
- X orientation of the watch movement relative to the direction of Earth's gravitation (0-360°)
- cp phase shift determined or defined by the architecture of the watch movement, in particular determined or defined by the direction of the line of centers,
- M offset, positive, zero or negative (corresponds to the reference at the midpoint, that is to say when the orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitation on the dial or on the plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator or on the main plane P of the watch movement or on the frame of the watch movement is parallel to the line of centers).
- the cp parameter is predefined based on the architecture of the watch movement, based on measured reference frame data for different positions of the watch movement, all that remains is to calculate the parameters R0 and M to define the value of the reference frame of a watch movement for all its positions relative to the direction of Earth's gravitation.
- a solution can be obtained by the least squares method to determine by calculation a sinusoidal function that best corresponds to the data relating to the oscillator reference frame measured in different positions of the watch movement.
- the parameter M corresponds to the theoretical reference frame, which the oscillator would present if the play in the pivots were zero.
- the term "midpoint” or "reference frame at the midpoint” for this parameter M can be used because it allows to describe the global or average behavior of the reference frame and is equal to the average of the reference frame values obtained in four vertical positions spaced 90° apart, for example in the four vertical watch positions.
- the reference data obtained by measurement are all positive.
- the signed reference data may be all positive or all negative or, if the watch movement is properly set to the reference, some positive and some negative.
- the final solution is expressed in the following form, the reference values being those measured, to which the sign of the values calculated according to the theoretical model established using the data obtained during the test carried out on the watch movement has been added:
- the function defining the oriented angular value of the reference mark according to the position of the watch movement can be determined as a sinusoidal function (of the orientation X of the watch movement) corresponding as best as possible to the data relating to the reference mark of the oscillator. Thanks to such a sinusoidal function, it is possible to interpolate the value of the watch movement reference mark in any of its positions (provided that the direction normal to the dial forms an angle of at least 2°, preferably at least 3°, with the direction of Earth's gravitation). It is thus possible to know a reference value for a position of the watch movement in which no reference measurement has been carried out.
- the previous example clearly illustrates the limits of the traditional definition of the reference mark and the corresponding measurement (time reference mark in absolute value): the measurements in vertical positions give two values close to zero (0.02 and 0.07 ms), and two values close to the maximum tolerance (0.36 and 0.43 ms). It was difficult for the watchmaker to adjust the reference mark: should the watch movement be left as is based on one of the measurements close to zero obtained, or should it be corrected based on one of the other two measurements obtained? Furthermore, in the case where the watchmaker decided to make a correction, what reference value should he try to achieve?
- optical measurement makes it possible to know the direction of passage of the inertial element at each alternation.
- optical measurement makes it possible to know the direction of passage of the inertial element at each alternation.
- acoustic measurement it becomes possible to know the direction of an alternation for each time measurement and thus to deduce the sign of the reference point.
- the sign of the reference mark can be deduced by observing whether the reference mark increases or decreases during the measurement under acceleration: for example, if the reference mark increases when the plate is rotating, we will know that we are moving away from zero compared to the measurement in stationary. It thus becomes possible to know the sign of the reference mark.
- the sign of a reference mark very close to zero could however be difficult to identify.
- An improvement would be to apply a progressive acceleration, initially very weak to be able to detect the evolution of the measurement and possibly a change of sign when the torque increases.
- An alternative method consists in exciting the watch movement by a short pulse at a very precise moment, so that this disturbance is synchronous with an alternation of the watch movement, when the oscillator is close to the escapement function (in the middle of the alternation).
- the use of the signed reference frame makes it possible to determine the midpoint, i.e. the effective difference between the neutral point of the oscillator and the center line.
- the traditional measurement gives an absolute value.
- This reference value expressed in time depends on the amplitude, that it is therefore variable between the horizontal and vertical positions, and that it varies by typically 0.5 ms between the extreme values measured in vertical positions because of the pivot play.
- the method preferably comprises a phase of searching for a better fit of a sinusoidal function to the measurement points by trying different combinations of signs of the measurement data obtained.
- a phase can be applied in a production flow.
- the value of the reference point is far from zero and positive.
- the standard averages in absolute value offer a good approximation of the reference point at the midpoint, or even the right value if we consider the average of the four vertical positions (watch movements 3, 5). This is not surprising in view of the elements developed above.
- the value of the reference point is close to zero (watch movement 1).
- the average of the values differs from the average of the absolute values, inducing a significant error (a factor of 2 in the example) on the value of the reference point, which once again underlines the interest of the approach developed in this document.
- the orientation angle X of the watch movement is defined as already indicated previously, that is to say as the oriented angle formed between:
- At least one of the defined positions is such that the angle between:
- the orthogonal projection of the direction of Earth's gravitation on the dial of the timepiece or on the plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator or on the main plane of the watch movement or on the frame of the watch movement is zero or has an absolute value less than 5° or has an absolute value less than 10°.
- the second and third positions are therefore defined and distinct positions such that the angle between:
- the determination of the reference value will be all the more reliable and precise as the number of measurement points is high.
- the architecture of the watch movement is known, therefore when the positions of the minima, zeros and maxima of the theoretical sinusoidal function R(X) are known, it is possible to position the watch movement in two vertical positions (or inclined at least 2° to the horizontal) only and to determine the value by elimination, in particular by excluding certain sign combinations that do not respect the sign convention and/or a physical reality (resulting amplitude R0 too high).
- the measurement positions can be spaced 90° apart, or more than 90° apart, or correspond to positions for which the R(X) function has a maximum or a minimum.
- the setting of the reference mark or the adjustment of the reference mark is carried out systematically on each watch movement or watch, either manually (for example by a watchmaker during an after-sales service or in a manual manufacturing flow), or automatically (for example on a production machine).
- manually for example by a watchmaker during an after-sales service or in a manual manufacturing flow
- automatically for example on a production machine.
- the usual approach to adjusting the marker has been to perform an iterative series of acoustic measurements. Between each measurement, the piton holder is moved by a certain angle depending on the value of the marker measured in the previous iteration, taking a bet on the direction of movement during the first cycle. By measuring the marker before and after correction and knowing the direction in which the piton holder was moved, it is possible to deduce, in most cases, the direction in which to correct the marker. Another possibility is to move the piton holder strongly in one direction so that there is no doubt about the sign of the marker, and adjust the marker accordingly. This approach is however laborious because it relies on several measurements and modifications of the position of the piton holder to arrive at the desired value iteratively.
- the question of the direction of movement of the hairspring can be decided even before the first iteration of retouching, thus limiting the manipulations at the stud holder.
- Parts that immediately have a mark within the tolerances do not have to be adjusted to identify the mark sign.
- a series of measurements in vertical positions can identify the mark sign as explained above. Expressed as a signed geometric mark, this measurement also makes it possible to quantify the mark through the midpoint which reflects the overall behavior of the watch movement.
- the adjustment method comprises:
- phase of implementing the method for determining the object reference of the invention in particular a phase of implementing a mode of execution of the determination method described above, and
- the phase of adjusting the value of the reference mark advantageously includes a movement of a support for fixing the spiral spring relative to the escapement and/or to the frame 99.
- a function for example a sinusoidal function, or any suitable function such as a polynomial or Bézier or spline function, to the measurement points.
- This adjustment method allows the benchmark to be adjusted in a single operation, without implementing iterative tests, and by directly targeting the correct value.
- the correction is all the more effective by using a determination of the signed geometric reference frame, which directly gives the correct angular value and the correct direction for the correction.
- This procedure of measuring the reference frame and aligning it using the signed reference frame makes it possible to center the distributions at a good value, as well as to control and reduce dispersions.
- the adjustment method described above is robust in that it allows reliable and precise adjustment of any watch movement.
- this adjustment method can be improved (particularly in terms of time and means of implementation) with knowledge of the architecture and/or the type of escapement of the watch movement to be adjusted.
- the applicant’s work makes it possible to predict changes in the value of the reference mark of a known watch movement based on the position on which the watch movement rests. Knowing the orientation of the regulating system in the watch movement, it is possible to determine a favorable position for adjusting the reference mark. In particular, the chosen position positions the watch movement according to a known orientation X. As a result, it is possible to determine the optimal reference mark value to be adjusted in such a position; this value may be a zero value, a maximum value, a minimum value or any other intermediate value.
- the watch movement is preferably positioned so that the normal to the dial has an angle 0 of at least 2°, preferably at least 3°, with the direction of Earth's gravitation. Any angle 0 greater than 10°, in particular greater than 30° or greater than 45°, also appears to be particularly interesting from an ergonomic point of view for a watchmaker.
- the following is implemented:
- This adjustment can be implemented for any type of escapement, including the Swiss lever escapement. However, it is particularly relevant for asymmetrically functioning escapements where the marker has an influence on the running, such as the Robin escapement.
- phase of adjusting the value of the marker advantageously comprises a movement of a support for fixing the spiral spring relative to the frame 99.
- the different modes of execution of the adjustment process can be combined.
- determining a function is meant a set of at least one step for establishing or defining the function, in particular the mathematical function, in particular and more precisely the coefficients and/or constants of said function. These steps include:
- the restart issue can vary significantly from one type of exhaust to another.
- the results and solutions from these studies can be generalized to any type of escapement where a blocker (in particular an lever) cooperates with an escape wheel.
- the protruding element such as the chainring pin, integral with the oscillator passes through a fork of the anchor in two opposite directions.
- the energy transmission functions at the input pallet and at the output pallet should be the same, otherwise the restart will be easier in one direction than the other.
- the energy transmission depends on the lever arm and the friction, which can be different between the two functions because the geometric configuration and the orientation of the tooth-pallet force is not identical. This means that, for the restart, we should have equivalent torques (applied to the anchor and resulting from the lever arm and the friction) at the input and output, to avoid having one side less favorable than the other.
- the adjustment method which is the subject of the invention is applied to the regulating system 100 or to the watch movement 200 or to the timepiece 300 in order to balance and/or promote its restart. It mainly includes:
- the adjustment process is, for example, implemented at the end of the manufacture of a watch movement or at the end of the manufacture of a watch fitted with a watch movement or during a chronometric adjustment or certification operation or during an after-sales service operation.
- the adjustment process Prior to the adjustment step, the adjustment process includes a step of defining the adjustment to be carried out. In other words, in this step, the nature and intensity of the adjustment that must be carried out are defined.
- the setting definition step may include:
- the anchor is positioned in a middle position, for example centered between its two extreme positions
- the torque values defined previously or their difference are used to determine the nature (reference adjustment and/or penetration adjustment) and the intensity of the adjustment to be applied to the adjustment system 100.
- the operator can perform a reference adjustment and/or a penetration adjustment.
- the choice of one and/or the other of the natures can be guided by:
- the restart measurements were performed at the inlet and outlet for different reference values.
- the restart torques at the inlet and outlet are given in Figure 4 as a function of the reference.
- the measurements for the inlet are connected by dashed lines, the measurements for the outlet by solid lines.
- the inlet and outlet penetrations are, respectively, 66 pm and 75 pm (mvt 1), 68 pm and 68 pm (mvt 2), 73 pm and 74 pm (mvt 3), 72 pm and 68 pm (mvt 4), and 70 pm and 74 pm.
- restart performances are linear in the first approximation in the reference range considered (typically between -3° and +3°, or even between -8° and +8°), and are opposite between the inlet and the outlet, with a slope that can vary between the two functions depending on the design of the exhaust.
- the point where the lines (representing the input restart torques and the output restart torques) cross correspond to a balanced performance between the input and the output.
- the balance is reached, on this sample of five movements, for a reference value at the midpoint between -1.1° and +1.2° depending on the parts.
- the equilibrium torque values are between 24 and 28 pNm (torque measured at the second wheel set). From the point of view of adjustment sensitivity, on this type of movement and escapement, there is a variation in torque depending on the manual winding and the adjustment possibilities, according to the following characteristics:
- Rod turn 3 to 4 [rod turns/pNm] (corresponding to approximately one barrel turn for this caliber);
- Figure 5 shows the difference in restart torque as a function of the penetration difference.
- the equilibrium point (torque difference of 0 pNm) depends on the difference in penetrations between the input and the output.
- the optimal reference point (with respect to the restart torques) is at +1°.
- the equilibrium point of the restart torques is obtained with a reference point at 0°. It is therefore interesting to combine the two effects, in order to symmetrize the restart and balance the restart torques.
- the operator moves the distal end of the hairspring of the oscillator relative to the frame 99 by rotating it relative to said frame around the axis of the oscillator by an angular value corresponding to the correction or modification of the mark which must be carried out.
- the non-zero value of adjustment of the mark at the midpoint is between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1° and between +0.1° and +3°, or the modification of the mark is between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1° and between +0.1° and +3°.
- the operator moves the entry pallet relative to the remainder of the anchor, this entry pallet being for example mounted pinched in the remainder of the anchor and fixed to the remainder of the anchor using a hot-melt resin.
- a heating of the anchor allows the input pallet to be detached and therefore moved relative to the rest of the anchor.
- this movement is controlled using a micrometer or using a measuring system by taking a calibrated image.
- the input pallet can be moved in a direction taking it out of the rest of the anchor or in a direction bringing it into the rest of the anchor.
- the anchor cools and the hot-melt resin hardens again and fixes the input pallet in its new position relative to the rest of the anchor.
- the movement of the input pallet is preferably less than 20 ⁇ m.
- the operator moves the exit pallet relative to the rest of the anchor, this exit pallet being for example mounted clamped in the rest of the anchor and fixed to the rest of the anchor using a hot-melt resin.
- heating the anchor allows the exit pallet to be separated and therefore to be moved relative to the rest of the anchor.
- this movement is controlled using a micrometer or using a measuring system by taking a calibrated image.
- the exit pallet can be moved in a direction taking it out of the rest of the anchor or in a direction putting it back into the rest of the anchor.
- the anchor cools and the hot-melt resin hardens again and fixes the exit pallet in its new position relative to the rest of the anchor.
- the displacement of the output pallet is preferably less than 20 pm.
- the step of adjusting the penetration of the anchor into the escape wheel can include:
- the orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the inertial element is parallel or substantially parallel to the line of centres (L) (i.e., in particular, the two directions form an angle of less than 10° or less than 5°), and
- the pivot axis of the inertial element forms an angle of at least 2° or at least 3° with the direction of the gravitational field.
- the reference can for example be set to a zero value. This is practical because it can be done without know the sign of the reference mark.
- the reference mark has a different and determined value when the regulating system is, after adjustment, positioned in another orientation. This way of proceeding with the adjustment of the reference mark is possible as long as the adjustment of the desired reference mark remains approximately between ⁇ 1 °.
- a zero reference mark value is aimed for in a movement orientation such that the average reference mark or the reference mark at the midpoint (line of centers aligned with the direction of the gravitational field) takes the targeted non-zero value.
- the reference modification can also be made without knowing precisely the value of the reference before correction. Indeed, the formula mentioned above indicates the modification of torque difference that is obtained for a given quantity of modification of the reference (independently of the original setting of the reference).
- a nominal target for restart torque can be determined, for a batch or a series or a production on the basis of a few precursor watch movements.
- a part-by-part optimization can also be performed, which however requires stopping the motion, measuring the required restart torque on the entry and exit, respectively, and then modifying the penetrations and/or the reference frame to balance the restart torques.
- the process for obtaining a balanced restart is as follows, in the case where an unbalanced restart torque is measured or observed: -
- the input penetration is decreased or increased to modify the restart torque (according to the sign of the dependence between the variation of the input penetration and the variation of the torque between input and output); and/or
- the output penetration is increased or decreased to modify the restart torque (according to the sign of the dependence between the variation of the output penetration and the variation of the torque between input and output);
- the reference frame is modified towards the input or output according to the sign of the dependence between the variation of the reference frame and the variation of the torque differential between input and output.
- the reference frame has been oriented so that if the reference frame increases, the restart torque on the output vane also increases.
- the concept can in particular be applied to any type of double impulse escapement. It is all the more important for structures on which the adjustment of the penetrations is no longer possible, as in the case of a monobloc anchor for example, which removes a means of action to balance the restart between the input and output. Setting the mark to a non-zero value is then an excellent alternative, if not the only and/or simplest to implement.
- the concept can be applied to any type of escapement with direct or indirect pulses, as well as to any type of escapement with tangential pulses.
- oscillator in particular an oscillator formed by an oscillating system with periodic oscillations.
- This oscillator can be formed of an inertial element and a return spring, as in the case of an oscillator formed of a balance wheel and a balance spring, or as in the case of a flexible blade oscillator formed of an inertial element and at least two separate flexible blades which return the inertial element to a rest position and allow the inertial element to pivot about a pivot axis.
- the invention also relates to the regulating system 100 or to the watch movement 200 or to the timepiece 300 obtained by implementing the adjustment method which is the subject of the invention.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP23168332 | 2023-04-17 | ||
| PCT/EP2024/060448 WO2024218168A1 (fr) | 2023-04-17 | 2024-04-17 | Procédé de réglage d'un mouvement horloger dans le but de favoriser et/ou équilibrer son redémarrage |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP4515338A1 true EP4515338A1 (fr) | 2025-03-05 |
Family
ID=86052003
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP24720476.1A Pending EP4515338A1 (fr) | 2023-04-17 | 2024-04-17 | Procédé de réglage d'un mouvement horloger dans le but de favoriser et/ou équilibrer son redémarrage |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4515338A1 (fr) |
| CN (1) | CN121311829A (fr) |
| CH (1) | CH720705A2 (fr) |
| WO (1) | WO2024218168A1 (fr) |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2596537B1 (fr) * | 1986-03-28 | 1988-07-01 | Marque Usine | Dispositif de reglage d'un mecanisme d'horlogerie du type a echappement a ancre et utilisation dans une fusee eclairante |
| CH716421B1 (fr) | 2019-07-23 | 2023-06-15 | Omega Sa | Dispositif régulateur comportant des moyens de blocage d'un oscillateur porté par la cage d'un tourbillon ou carrousel. |
| CH716525B1 (fr) | 2019-08-26 | 2023-02-28 | Csem Ct Suisse Delectronique Microtechnique Sa Rech Developpement | Régulateur mécanique horloger auto-démarrant. |
| JP6751215B1 (ja) | 2020-03-02 | 2020-09-02 | セイコーウオッチ株式会社 | てんぷ規正機構、時計用ムーブメントおよび時計 |
-
2024
- 2024-04-17 CH CH000407/2024A patent/CH720705A2/fr unknown
- 2024-04-17 WO PCT/EP2024/060448 patent/WO2024218168A1/fr not_active Ceased
- 2024-04-17 EP EP24720476.1A patent/EP4515338A1/fr active Pending
- 2024-04-17 CN CN202480039827.5A patent/CN121311829A/zh active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CH720705A2 (fr) | 2024-10-31 |
| WO2024218168A1 (fr) | 2024-10-24 |
| CN121311829A (zh) | 2026-01-09 |
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