JP6355712B2 - Adjusting member for wristwatch and method for assembling the adjusting member - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an adjustment member for a wristwatch, and more particularly to an electronic adjustment member for a mechanical wristwatch.

  Mechanical watches are usually tuned by a combination that includes a spiral and balance. However, the accuracy that can be obtained using this type of adjustment member is limited.

  An electronic timepiece is usually adjusted by a crystal oscillator. Although the accuracy that can be obtained is higher than the accuracy of mechanical movements, these watches generally require batteries, which must be replaced periodically.

  In order to address these drawbacks, watches are also known from the prior art that include a mechanical movement that is regulated by an electronic circuit having a crystal oscillator. The energy required for the electronic circuit is supplied by a generator driven by the movement.

  Thus, Swiss Patent No. A-597636 (Ebauches SA) proposes a mechanical movement with a mainspring and a generator. The mainspring operates a time indicator and a generator for supplying an alternating voltage by means of a train wheel. The generator powers the rectifier, which charges the capacitor and thereby powers the crystal oscillator and the electronic control circuit. The electronic control circuit includes a comparison logic circuit and an energy dissipation circuit connected to the output from the comparison logic circuit, the power absorption of which can be controlled by the comparison logic circuit. The input to the comparison logic circuit is connected to the reference circuit, and another input to the comparison logic circuit is connected to the generator. Depending on the result of this comparison, the comparison logic circuit controls the absorption of power by means of an energy dissipation circuit and regulates the operation of the generator and time indicator by controlling the absorption of energy from the control circuit in this way. .

  In such a timepiece, the advantages of a mechanical timepiece, i.e., battery non-use, are combined with the accuracy of a quartz timepiece.

  EP 905589 describes a deceleration circuit for a watch micro-generator, which includes a counter and a deceleration circuit that decelerates immediately when the accumulated value of the counter exceeds a threshold value.

  EP 816955, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, describes an improvement in the electronic control circuit of a watch generator, where the voltage rectifier is replaced by a comparator instead of a diode after the circuit is started. Including controlled transistors.

  WO0063749, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, describes a timepiece movement with a micro-generator. To avoid charge accumulation, gears and train wheel pinions are electrically connected to the base surface (ie, plate) and made from a non-magnetic material.

  EP 0 851 322 describes a generator for a timepiece movement which includes a stator having three electrically connected coils and a rotor provided with a magnetized region. The coils are placed asymmetrically around the rotor shaft, thereby allowing the rotor to slide between the coils during assembly. However, this asymmetrical arrangement results in a slight loss of generator efficiency.

  Thus, the adjustment member described above allows for the replacement of the balance and spring device of most mechanical watches by providing higher accuracy. Ideally, it should be possible to retrofit an existing mechanical movement by replacing a conventional adjustment member with one of these new adjustment members. However, although the generator dimensions are generally compatible with existing balance dimensions, it is not readily possible to place a printed circuit that supports the coil and control electronics. As a result, it is generally necessary to completely change the design of the mechanical movement so that the adjustment member can be placed there.

  On the other hand, the assembly of the adjusting member is generally a delicate procedure. The rotor must be assembled at the same time as the rest of the train wheel with which the rotor engages. Next, the stator coil must be mounted toward the rotor. EP 0 851 322 simplifies the assembly procedure by allowing the printed circuit supporting the stator coils and the control electronics to slide around the pre-mounted rotor shaft. Definitely brings. However, this simplification is obtained at the expense of energy efficiency loss. On the other hand, in a nearly fully assembled movement, assembling the printed circuit around the rotor is a particularly delicate procedure. Furthermore, for the part of the printed circuit devoted to the crystal and other elements of the control electronics, it is necessary to provide a suitable space near the stator coil, which space cannot be obtained near the rotor. There are many.

  Various solutions exist in the prior art for placing printed circuits that support electronic components away from the stator coils. Therefore, JP2012212933 describes a timepiece including a generator having a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a coil and a stator body remote from the printed circuit. Similarly, JP2001042066 relates to a timepiece including a generator having a coil away from the rest of the electronic components. However, these documents do not describe how the different coils of the stator are aligned and electrically interconnected.

  EP-A-1049889 is a micro-generator having an electronic circuit attached to a rigid substrate, the rigid substrate also comprising a micro-generator that supports one of the two coils of the stator. Is described. A second rigid substrate supports two other coils of the stator. Electronic components are therefore always present near at least one of the coils, which is inconvenient. On the other hand, different coils of the stator are mounted on different substrates, which must be assembled separately and perfectly aligned with each other in such a way as to ensure proper magnetic coupling with the rotor.

Swiss Patent No. A-597636 European Patent Application No. 905589 European Patent Application No. 816955 International Publication No.0063749 Pamphlet European Patent Application No. 0851322 JP 2012129333 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001042066 European Patent Application No. 1048889

  Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to propose an electronic adjustment member for a watch that does not have these limitations.

According to the invention, these objects are adjustment members, in particular for watches,
A generator including a rotor provided with a permanent magnet and a stator provided with a plurality of coils;
A first electronic circuit powered by a generator and allowing adjustment of the rotational speed of the rotor, the first electronic circuit being attached to the first printed circuit;
A second printed circuit that supports and electronically connects all of the coils of the generator;
The first circuit and the second circuit constitute two separate modules that are spaced apart from each other and electrically connected to each other;
This is achieved by an adjustment member for a wristwatch.

  This solution allows the circuit connecting the generator coils to be separated from the electronic circuit, and the two circuits are electrically connected to each other by a conductive path.

  The coils are all attached to the same printed circuit, thereby avoiding the need to check their alignment during assembly and at the same time facilitating their interconnection.

  The electronic component is mounted on a separate printed circuit, which can thus be positioned away from the coil anywhere on the watch.

  Thus, the electronic circuit for regulating the speed and the circuit for connecting the generator coils can be manufactured, stored, mounted, tested and / or marketed in the form of two separate modules, i.e. independent of each other. Yes, and can be manufactured in the form of two elements that are easily interchangeable with respect to each other.

  The second printed circuit makes it possible, for example, to connect the electrical coils to each other and / or to attach the electrical coils to a support having a conductive path for connecting these coils to other components.

  The first circuit may include different electronic components that are brought together on one printed circuit.

  This solution thus makes it possible to reposition the electronic circuit at another position on the movement. If only one of the two modules fails, it is possible to replace just the generator or just the electronic circuit. This modular configuration further allows the same given generator to be used with different electronic circuits, or the same electronic circuit to be used with different generators.

  The conductive path connecting the printed circuit supporting the coil to the printed circuit supporting the electronic control circuit can be arranged in a printed circuit, for example a flexible printed circuit. It is also possible to use a cable, for example a flat cable, to connect the printed circuit supporting the coil to the printed circuit supporting the electronic control circuit. This connection can be disengaged.

  The rotor is advantageously removable in such a way that its shaft can be slid between the coils of the stator. In one embodiment, the rotor includes two rotor plates disposed on opposite sides of the stator and connected via a rotor shaft passing between the coils. At least one of the rotor plates may be in a disconnected state when the rotor is assembled and thus may be subsequently attached to the shaft. In this way, it is not necessary to provide a space between adjacent coils that is larger than the diameter of the rotor shaft, and the coils may even be adjacent.

  Examples of implementations of the invention are given in the description illustrated by the attached drawings.

1 shows an exploded view of a generator according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a generator assembled according to the present invention. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic control circuit according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a timepiece movement having a generator and an electronic control circuit according to the invention.

  The adjusting member for a wristwatch according to the present invention includes a generator M and a first circuit 8, the first circuit 8 being mounted on the first printed circuit 80 as a whole and supplied with power by the generator M, Allows adjustment.

  An example of a generator according to the present invention is shown in the exploded view of FIG. 1 and assembled in FIG. The generator shown includes a stator 1 and a rotor 2. The stator includes a plurality of coils 10, and the number of the coils 10 is six in this example. This second circuit 11 is also preferably a printed circuit, for example a flexible printed circuit, and includes a conductive path 110 for connecting the coils to each other and for connecting to a third printed circuit 6 described below. Alternatively, the coil 10 may be electronically connected in a modular fashion, but there is no need for a printed circuit plate.

  Preferably, the coils 10 are regularly spaced at an angle around the shaft 20. The distance between two adjacent coils is smaller than the diameter of the rotor shaft. Advantageously, the coils are adjacent to increase the magnetic coupling between the stator coil 10 and the rotor permanent magnet.

  The chassis 3 made of injected synthetic material allows the printed circuit 11 to be secured to the plate or bridge of the watch movement by means of screws that fit into the protrusions 30. The printed circuit 11 is pushed into or adhered to the chassis 3. Other types of mechanical attachment are also possible (eg by snap connection).

  The rotor 2 includes a first rotor plate 22a and a second rotor plate 22b. The two rotor plates are intended to rotate relative to both sides of the stator. They are connected to each other and rotated by the rotor shaft 20. The rotor shaft 20 extends through the gap between the coils 10 and is driven by a pinion (not shown) through the movement wheel train, thereby controlling the operation of the movement wheel train.

  Each rotor plate 22a, 22b is provided with permanent magnets 21a and 21b. The permanent magnets 21a and 21b generate rotating magnetic fields, respectively, and the rotating magnetic fields induce an alternating current of the coil 10 when the rotor rotates. The permanent magnets 21a, 21b may be constituted by individual magnets or by magnetized rings. In an alternative embodiment, the rotor plates 22a, 22b are magnetized and thus directly constitute a permanent magnet.

  At least one of the two rotor plates 22a and / or 22b is removable so that the rotor shaft 20 can be inserted into the gap at the center of all the coils 10 of the stator. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower rotor plate 22b is removable. It is also possible to provide one removable upper rotor plate 22a or two removable rotor plates.

  The lower rotor plate 22b includes an opening 220b that allows the rotor shaft 20 to be inserted. The rotor plate 22b is held along the shaft 20 between the stage of the shaft and a ring 23b that can be pressed or fastened to the shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the rotor plate 22b may be pressed against the rotor shaft 20 without using the ring 23b.

  The surface of the printed circuit of the second circuit 11 that supports the coil 10 of the stator 1 and the dimensions of the chassis 3 are preferably substantially the same dimensions as the rotor 2. In particular, the circuit 11 preferably does not include any electronic components other than the coil 10. It is therefore possible to replace this generator with a large number of existing mechanical movement balance-spring devices.

  The rotational speed of the rotor is adjusted by the first electronic circuit 8. The first electronic circuit 8 is also preferably attached to the printed circuit 80 as shown in FIG. This is powered by the current induced in the coil 10 by the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotation of the permanent magnets 21a, 21b. The electronic circuit 8 may, for example, correspond to the circuit described in EP 816955 and may include an ASIC electronic circuit 82, thereby causing a signal induced in the coil 10. The frequency can be compared with the frequency supplied by the crystal oscillator 81. Element 83 is a capacitor, which is used to increase and correct the voltage.

  The first circuit 8 is electrically connected to the second circuit 11 that supports the stator by a conductive path 60. In the example shown, these conductive paths are configured on a third circuit 6 in the form of a flexible printed circuit 60. This third printed circuit 60 may be independent or may constitute part of the printed circuit of the second circuit 11 as shown. It is also conceivable that the third printed circuit 60 constitutes a part of the first printed circuit 80. According to numerous variations, the conductive path 60 may be replaced with any other suitable form of electrical connection.

  In the example shown, the electrical connection between the third flexible printed circuit 60 and the first printed circuit 80 is not permanent and is ensured by a detachable connector, for example at least one conductive screw 61, but the other This type of detachable connector (e.g. by clamping or by snap connection) may be used. Each of the two circuits 8 and 11 may also include a base surface, both of which are connected to the plate 50 or the bridge of the movement 5, thereby ensuring an electrical connection between these circuits through this base surface. it can.

  FIG. 4 shows in a simple manner a movement assembled according to the invention. Only certain components, in particular the adjustment members 2, 6, 8 and the barrel 7 are shown. Other components, such as train wheels, are not shown for the sake of simplicity.

  With respect to the adjusting member of the present invention, the generator M is modular and may be assembled away from the timepiece movement 5. Subsequently, the chassis 3 is attached to the plate or bridge, for example by screws in the protrusions 30, and then the second circuit 11 is connected to the third circuit 6 via a removable connector.

  Subsequently, the rotor assembly 2a having the rotor plate 22a, the magnet 21a and the shaft 20 is inserted into the gap at the center of the coil 10 of the stator. Subsequently, the second rotor plates 21b, 22b are slid over the shaft 20 on the opposite side of the stator 1, and then they are held by a ring 23b that is pressed against or held by the shaft 20. In an alternative embodiment, the ring may be omitted and the rotor plate may be pressed directly against the shaft.

  Alternatively, a portion of the rotor, such as elements 21a, 22a and shaft 20, can be assembled prior to placing the stator assembly around this shaft. A second rotor plate is then attached to the opposite side of the stator.

  The first printed circuit 80 is then attached to the plate or bridge of the movement 5, and the first printed circuit 80 is then connected to a connector, for example at least one conductive path 60 of the third printed circuit, It is electrically connected to the third printed circuit 6 by at least one screw ensuring an electrical connection between the two conductive paths. It is also possible to place and electrically connect this first printed circuit before assembling the rotor. It is also possible to arrange this first printed circuit before assembling the second printed circuit.

M generator 1 stator 10 stator coil 11 second printed circuit for stator 110 11 conductive path on rotor 2 rotor 2a upper part of rotor 2b lower part of rotor 20 rotor shaft 200b second stage of rotor shaft 21a first permanent magnet 21b 2nd permanent magnet 22a 1st rotor plate 22b 2nd rotor plate 220b Opening of 2nd rotor plate 23a 1st ring 23b 2nd ring 3 Chassis 30 Protrusion for chassis attachment 5 Movement 50 Plate 6 3rd flexible printed circuit 60 Conductive path on 6 7 Barrel 8 Electronic circuit 80 First printed circuit for 8 81 Crystal 82 ASIC
83 capacitors

Claims (12)

A generator (M) including a rotor (2) provided with permanent magnets (21a, 21b) and a stator (1) provided with a plurality of coils (10);
A first electronic circuit (8) that is powered by the generator (M) and allows adjustment of the rotational speed of the rotor (2), the first electronic being attached to the first printed circuit (80) In an adjustment member for a wristwatch including a circuit (8),
A second electronic circuit (11) that supports and electronically connects all of the coils (10) of the generator (M);
Other than the first electronic circuit (8) and the coil (10) including electronic components other than the coil (10), which constitute two separate modules that are separated from each other and electrically connected to each other The second electronic circuit not including the electronic component of
A wristwatch adjusting member comprising the first electronic circuit (8) and the second electronic circuit (11) which are electrically connected to each other in a separable manner. The first electronic circuit (8) and the second electronic circuit (11) are electrically connected to each other by a conduction path (60);
The adjustment member according to claim 1, wherein the conductive path (60) is mounted on a flexible third printed circuit (6).   Adjusting member according to claim 2, wherein the second electronic circuit (11) and the third printed circuit (6) are in a single part.   The adjustment member according to claim 2, wherein the first printed circuit (80) and the third printed circuit (6) are electrically connected to each other in a separated manner by a connector (61).   Adjusting member according to claim 4, wherein the connector is configured by a retaining screw (61) of the third printed circuit (6) or by a snap connection system or by pressing into place. The rotor includes a shaft (20) and two rotor plates (22a, 22b) provided with the permanent magnets (21a, 21b);
The adjustment member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the rotor plates (22b) is removable for assembly or disassembly of the rotor. The first printed circuit (80) and the second electronic circuit (11) each include a base surface and means for electrically connecting the base surface to a plate (50) or a movement bridge (5); The adjusting member according to claim 1. A method for assembling an adjustment member for a watch,
The rotor (2) and the stator (1) of the generator (M) are assembled, and the stator includes a plurality of coils (10), and these coils (10) are all mounted on the second electronic circuit (11). ,
Assembling a first printed circuit (80) having a first electronic circuit (8) for adjusting the speed of the rotor (2),
Other than the first printed circuit (80) and the coil (10) including electronic components other than the coil (10) constituting two separate modules that are separated from each other and electrically connected to each other the method which consists in the said containing no electronic components second electronic circuit (11) electrically connected to the separation type.   The method according to claim 8, wherein the electrical connection of the first printed circuit (80) and the second electronic circuit (11) requires a flexible third printed circuit (6). 9. The electrical connection of the first printed circuit (80) and the second electronic circuit (11) requires pressing into a conductive screw (61) or snap connection system or a predetermined position. Method. The rotor includes first and second rotor plates (22a, 22b), the first and second rotor plates (22a, 22b) are respectively provided with permanent magnets (21a, 21b), and the rotor shaft (20). Connected to each other by
The assembly of the rotor and the stator includes assembly of the rotor shaft (20) and of the first rotor plate (22a), assembly of the stator (1), and then to the rotor shaft (20). The method according to claim 8, comprising assembly of the second rotor plate (22b). The rotor includes first and second rotor plates (22a, 22b), the first and second rotor plates (22a, 22b) are respectively provided with permanent magnets (21a, 21b), and the rotor shaft (20). Connected to each other through
The assembly of the rotor and the stator includes assembly of the stator (1), assembly of the rotor shaft (20) and the first rotor plate (22a), assembly of the stator (1), The method according to claim 8, comprising assembling the second rotor plate (22b) to the rotor shaft (20) on the side of the stator (1) opposite the first rotor plate (22a).

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