JP6652956B2 - Vibrating member, assembly, clock oscillator, clock speed adjuster, clock movement, clock, and operation method of clock mechanism - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a timepiece rotating member or a timepiece mechanism member and a timepiece oscillator. The invention further relates to a watch movement or a watch, in particular a portable watch, having these components or oscillators. Finally, the invention relates to a method of operating a clock oscillator or a timepiece hand.

  It is known that the timing accuracy of mechanical watches is lower than that of quartz watches. In addition, it is known that many parameters such as temperature, wear, frictional state, degree of winding of a barrel, and the position of a portable watch influence the timing accuracy of a mechanical watch. Furthermore, adjusting the mechanical watch requires opening the mobile watch and then manipulating the elements for adjusting the frequency of the oscillator, especially the index assembly, which is known to be a tedious task. .

  An object of the present invention is to provide a rotating member capable of improving the above-mentioned disadvantages and to improve a conventionally known rotating member. In particular, the present invention provides a precision rotating member having a predetermined frequency.

  The component according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Further embodiments of the component according to the invention are defined by claims 2 to 8 .

An assembly according to the invention is defined by claim 9 .

Another embodiment of the assembly according to the invention is defined by claims 10 to 16 .

An oscillator according to the invention is defined by claim 17 .

Another embodiment of the oscillator according to the invention is defined by claims 18 and 19 .

An accelerating needle according to the invention is defined by claim 20 .

A movement according to the invention is defined by claim 21 .

A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 22 .

The method according to the invention is defined by claim 23 .

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is defined by claims 24 to 31 .

  Examples of several embodiments of the member according to the invention are shown in the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first embodiment of the timepiece oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second modification of the first embodiment of the oscillator of the timepiece according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view showing a second modification of the first embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third modification of the first embodiment of the oscillator of the timepiece according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation principle based on the first embodiment of the timepiece oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the oscillator of the timepiece according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the timepiece oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view showing a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the timepiece oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the clock oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the operation principle of the second embodiment of the timepiece oscillator according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram of a timepiece according to the present invention.

  A feature of the invention resides in a means which makes it possible to adjust the vibration of the time slicing system.

  Said means are implemented by embedding an electromechanical component in the vibration system, which makes it possible to control the moment of inertia of the vibration system, in particular an electromechanical component, which makes it possible to control the moment of inertia of the vibration system This is implemented by embedding all or most of the electronic devices.

  That is, the system of the present invention comprises a vibration system, in other words, comprises at least a bob weight or a balance having, for example, three weights. The weight is in particular a relatively dense or heavier mass of mass, which can be displaced, in particular radially, for example along an axis, in particular along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the balance. The weight serves to correct the moment of inertia of the balance. Many high end balances have weights for static and dynamic balancing of the balance. In some cases, the weight is a screw that shifts the mass slightly outside the balance, or a washer that is held by a claw or screw applied around the balance.

  Preference is given to using so-called "piezoelectric" materials, ie materials which are excited (deformed) by the action of an electric current.

  According to the invention, the balance does not have a mechanically correctable weight to correct the moment of inertia, but has other elements, for example three beams or three blocks. The three elements have piezoelectric members, and more generally have members that deform when exposed to electrical and / or magnetic signals, particularly electric and / or magnetic fields.

  The above elements are arranged, for example, in a triangular shape. The element is modified in position or orientation by the action of an electric current, causing the weight to move away from or closer to the center of gravity of the balance.

  It is conceivable that the above-mentioned piezoelectric elements displace their masses to correct the moment of inertia of the balance by moving the elements fixed directly to them or pushing or pulling the elements.

  The piezoelectric means can be completely or partially replaced by so-called electromagnetic and / or magnetostrictive means.

  An electric current is supplied to the piezoelectric element in order to modify its shape to cause movement or displacement of the piezoelectric element. The management of this power distribution is performed by an electronic assembly called a computer. The computer has, in the simplest embodiment, electronic means that allow the measurement of the mechanical vibration to be compared with the frequency provided by a reference oscillator, for example quartz.

As the power source of this system, at least the following three solutions are assumed.
1. Using the armature embedded in the balance, the above-described electric energy is generated by an induction magnet fixed outside (outside the balance). These external guiding elements can sustain the system and provide a geometric reference to the system. The power supply can also be implemented by providing magnetic induction to a portion providing computer functions from outside the system.
2. An external power supply (external to the balance) can be connected using friction contacts or other devices.
3. Power can be provided by a battery, such as a lithium battery, embedded in an oscillator and / or supercapacitor.

  Solution 1 has the best mechanical efficiency of the three solutions described above because it has the fewest elements in the friction contact.

  The vibration of the system is maintained by the spiral spring and the whole combination (the escapement used).

  The oscillator according to the present invention can be used in place of a conventional oscillator included in an existing movement. This is easy to apply to conventional movements with a detachable platform on which all parts of the escapement and vibration system, ie the escapement pinion to the balance, are arranged.

  Thus, the conventional detachable platform can be replaced with the platform according to the present invention, that is, the oscillator according to the present invention.

Options for the application of the present invention Quartz, in particular, provides the ability to use existing public officials that provide not only accurate and relative time counts but also absolute time accuracy taking into account other information such as accurate current time and date. Alternatively, it can be replaced with a receiver that receives a signal including time information composed of a private signal.

  Preferably, the present invention does not require the use of a power supply located outside of the oscillator or even outside of the entire system, for example a generator connected to the rotor or just a battery or battery.

  Power for the entire system can be generated by the operation of the system itself. For example, coils are placed between a computer plate and a coil holder plate, which are fixed to the system's oscillating axis and pass through without one or more magnets in their oscillating path. Recalling here that the main purpose of the power and deployed system is to change the moment of inertia of the oscillating system, the start-up energy and the maintenance energy of the whole system are now supplied by the drive of the mobile watch, i.e. In the case of a mechanical watch, it is supplied by a barrel.

Another field of application of the invention The main feature of the invention is to modify the moment of inertia of the oscillator 5 during operation. However, as defined, the oscillator is moved on either side of the axis of rotation or the axis of stable equilibrium. The present invention may also be configured to control the moment of inertia of any mobile, whether or not balanced, such that the moment of inertia is important to the operation of the system. . A mechanical adjustment system that allows controlling the speed of rotation about the axis of a part must control the moment of inertia to change the speed of rotation. The technology applied to mobile watchmaking exists in all speed regulators. Musical boxes, automatic puppets, and the mechanisms of the so-called quarter, minute and ground chisel functions use the mobile as a speed regulator to adjust the time required by the system to guarantee their function. For example, in a minute hitting mechanism, an ankle escapement is usually used to adjust the hitting speed. Alternatively, a mobile having a structure in which a weight movable on the rotation axis is forcibly separated from the rotation axis based on the rotation speed of the assembly, wherein the speed of the mobile is determined by a centrifugal force such as determined by a moment of inertia. It is also conceivable to use a mobile with

In a rotational speed regulation system based on the centrifugal effect, for example, when the weights move away due to a high system speed, the system consumes more energy and consequently slows down. The reduced speed causes the weights to move closer to the center of gravity of the assembly due to the effect of centrifugal force, thereby increasing the speed of the assembly.

Since the present invention enables autonomous control of the moment of inertia of the mobile device, the present invention can be used as a rotation speed regulator instead of a rotation speed adjustment system using friction, centrifugal force, or air resistance.

Preferably, according to the invention, the vibrating member of the timepiece mechanism, in particular the balance of the oscillator of the timepiece, has at least one weight whose configuration is modified to correct the moment of inertia of the member, wherein the member is operating or stopped. When in, modify the weight configuration dynamically or in a controlled manner.

  The weight is made of, for example, a piezoelectric material or a magnetostrictive material.

  The weight is, for example, arranged to occupy a first stable position defining a first moment of inertia of the member or a second stable position defining a second moment of the member. Advantageously, the intermediate position between the first stable position and the second stable position is an unstable or transient position.

  The member may have elements for modifying the configuration of the weight. The element for modifying the configuration of the weight is advantageously mounted on the member. The correction element is made of, for example, a piezoelectric material or a magnetostrictive material.

  The weight may have at least a first magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element, or an element that modifies the configuration of the weight, and an element that indexes the weight into a first stable position and a second stable position.

  The first magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element may be a magnet.

  The indexing element may be a blade, in particular a bent prestressed blade.

  The assembly according to the invention may have, in addition to the above-mentioned components, a second magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element, in particular an electromagnet, and the first and second magnetic / electromagnetic displacement elements may be configured to cooperate. .

  The assembly may have elements that convert mechanical energy into electrical power, especially those that consist of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials, and / or the assembly may include elements that convert solar energy into electrical power, especially photovoltaic panels. The conversion element may have, in particular, be attached to the member.

  The conversion element may consist of weights and / or modification elements.

  The assembly may comprise an electrical circuit, in particular a computer, which is mounted on the component, in particular on a rotating shaft of the component.

  The electrical circuit may comprise a reference oscillator, in particular an oscillator comprising a resonant electrical circuit or a quartz oscillator.

  The assembly may have a sensor element, in particular a shock or acceleration sensor element, which is characteristic of the movement of the member, the sensor element being especially mounted on the member, the sensor element comprising, for example, a weight and / or a correction element.

  The assembly may be made entirely or almost entirely of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material.

The oscillator can have:
-A vibrating member as defined above, or an assembly as defined above, and-a spiral spring, in particular of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, or of any material capable of generating an electric current due to its geometric deformation, Spiral spring.

  The spiral spring may be used as an electrical conductor, and / or the oscillator may have at least two spiral lines acting as an electric fuselage.

  The element may enable power to be supplied between the correction element and the electronics driving the correction element.

  The speed regulator of the watch may have a rotating member as previously defined or an assembly as previously defined.

  The movement of the watch may have a previously defined oscillator or a previously defined member or a previously defined assembly or a previously defined graduation.

  A timepiece, in particular a portable timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, may have a previously defined movement or a previously defined oscillator or a previously defined member or a previously defined assembly or a previously defined rate hand.

First Embodiment A first embodiment of a timepiece 120 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The watch has a watch movement 110. The movement of the timepiece has an oscillator 100 or a hand 100. The oscillator or the needle has an assembly comprising a member 5, in particular a balance 5.

As shown in a first variant illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a solution for generating power which allows to move the mass for correcting the moment of inertia is to set the following means in a predetermined manner. Position.
1. Management and correction of the frequency of the vibration system is performed by changing the moment of inertia of the vibration system.
2. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 4 having the ability to deform by receiving an electric current further have the ability to generate and supply an electric current when subjected to mechanical deformation. The two physical properties of these piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials are used together.
3. Preferably, the element made of piezoelectric material 4 is mounted on the oscillator 5 by means of an escapement system mounted on a mobile watch, on a preferred axis for mechanically induced 13 frequency resonance. In that way, not only the vibrations generated by the escapement, especially the stop and propulsion at the escapement level, but also all shocks, especially those caused by wearing a portable watch, vibrate the piezoelectric element. This contributes to generating a current by the substantially continuous excitation of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 4. Since the piezoelectric element 4 supplies the current UPZT, as shown in FIG. 7, by damping various impacts on the portable watch 13 when the piezoelectric element 4 is subjected to geometric and physical deformation, The pressure element 4 is oscillated and / or induces a frequency (PZT vibration continuation, PZT vibration amplitude). Of course, if necessary, convert the oscillating mass of a mechanical movement, including self-winding winding in one or two directions, to a oscillating mass with a range of travel angular distance defined by pawls with or without a braking spring. You may. The movement of the wearer of the automatic portable timepiece impacts the oscillating masses on these claws, and the damping of these impacts causes the element 4 made of piezoelectric material to vibrate and be used to generate electric power.

  Naturally, the elements that allow mechanical energy to be converted into electrical power are mechanical energy generated from various types of mechanical energy sources, such as the impact of parts in a watch, the movement of the wearer, or simply the pulse of the wearer. Can be converted.

  In a preferred application, all parts included in the above description, including the coil 9 and the magnet 10, can be replaced by the geometry of the piezoelectric element 4 fixed to the oscillator 5. The only electronic components are located on the computer 7 and have the option of referring to the alternator computer quartz 6 or an external absolute time.

  4. The advantages of this solution over the above solutions are the ease of manufacture and the small number of components mounted. The overall system thickness can be reduced, and above all, it can be more easily attached to existing mechanical watches.

  According to the second variant shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electronic components or electrical circuits 7, including the quartz 6, the computer and the generator can be mounted at a position remote from the balance in order not to embed them. That is, these components are preferably located remotely from the vibration system.

  In order to transmit and receive electrical information to and from the vibrating device, the electrical contacts can be used as contacts with the external connection points of the vortex, i.e. whiskers, whiskers receiving or fixing the vortex ends in the oscillator restraint. .

  Due to the electrical reciprocation, a second vortex line can be attached to the oscillator, which, like the first vortex line, has, in the center, an attachment to the oscillator shaft or other parts fixed thereto. And the outer end of this second vortex line contacts another whisker, whisker receiver or fixed part of the vortex line end in the oscillator restraint.

  Of course, this second vortex line may be in the form of a wire arranged to maintain its ability to transmit power during oscillation of the oscillator (i.e., wound in a spiral shape or bent to a degree that does not impede the speed of the oscillator, or (Sufficient elastic shape).

Thus, the oscillator system of the present invention can be controlled by the power supplied from the normal elements of a normal spiral balance, that is, the balance spring shaft, beard ball, spiral spring, balance, double plate, rocking stone, and piezoelectric element 4. Can be constituted only by the whisker and the piezoelectric element 4 arranged at the end of the spiral spring capable of correcting the moment of inertia of the spiral spring.

  In the third variant shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 to 11, one or more weights 12 are attached to the end of one or more elements 4, for example a piezoelectric element 4, for modifying the configuration of the weight 12. . With this configuration, the moment of inertia of the balance can be corrected based on the power supplied from the piezoelectric element 4.

Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the timepiece 320 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the reference numbers assigned to the respective elements are numbers obtained by adding 200 to the reference numbers assigned to the elements having the same, similar, or the same function in the first embodiment.

  This watch has a watch movement 310. The movement of the watch has an oscillator 300 or a hand 300. The oscillator or stylus has an assembly comprising a member 205, in particular a balance 205.

  In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the particularly oscillating rotating member 205 of the timepiece mechanism 300, in particular the balance 205 of the clock oscillator 300, is modified at least in its configuration to correct the moment of inertia of the member. It has one weight 204. The weight is arranged so that the configuration of the weight can be controlled dynamically or in a controlled manner when the member is operating or stopped. At least one weight 204 is “two-piece”, ie, bistable. That is, the at least one weight can occupy a first stable position and a second stable position, wherein the first and second positions are clearly defined. The first stable position defines a first moment of inertia of the rotating member, and the second stable position defines a second moment of inertia of the rotating member.

  The at least one weight may have a first magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element 242 and an element 243 for determining the weight in the first and second stable positions.

  Thus, the at least one weight can move between the first radius of gyration and the second radius of gyration. The average radius of gyration (the weighted average of the first and second radii) can define the average moment of inertia and thus the frequency of rotation of the rotating member or the frequency of vibration of the member.

  Preferably, a second magnetic / electromagnetic element 252 is used in addition to the first magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element to create this displacement. The first and second magnetic / electromagnetic displacement elements are configured to cooperate and interact at least at a predetermined position of the member relative to the frame. This predetermined position may be the position of the unstable equilibrium of the vibrating member (the position where the speed of the member cancels out), and furthermore, the member is typically intentionally, especially for a fraction of a second. May be the position to be stopped for less than half a second, or even less than a quarter second. This position may be another position of the member. In the interaction position, the first and second magnetic / electromagnetic elements are, for example, opposite or substantially opposite each other.

  In the interaction position, the first and second magnetic / electromagnetic elements interact to modify the moment of inertia of the member by displacing the weight.

  In one particular variant, the second magnetic / electromagnetic element is an electromagnet mounted on the frame, in particular fixedly mounted on the frame. The first magnetic / electromagnetic element is a magnet attached to the member. The weight can have a first magnetic / electromagnetic element and an indexing element. The indexing element may consist of a bistable blade, such as a clicker. The blade extends, for example, perpendicular to the radius. The blade may be fixed at two ends, for example, and may be pre-stressed in a bend. The blade may be in a stable state or may be in a stable configuration as shown in FIG. 13 and correspond to a first moment of inertia. Alternatively, the blade may be bent outwardly to another stable state or configuration, corresponding to a second moment of inertia, where the second moment of inertia is greater than the first moment of inertia. In fact, in this second state, the center of gravity of the weight 204 is located at a radius greater than its radius when the blade is in the first stable configuration.

  A magnet attached to the mobile member can be used to generate power as it passes through a position opposite an electromagnet fixedly attached to the frame.

As another example, the same magnet and electromagnet combination may be used to displace the weight to generate energy. In practice, it is not necessary to energize the electromagnet each time the magnet passes to correct the inertia of the rotating member. In this case, electric power can be generated when the magnet passes several times before the electromagnet. Finally, a signal is generated by the passage of the magnet in front of the electromagnet, whereby the rotational frequency of the vibration of the member can be determined. Once the frequency is determined, it can be compared to the reference frequency described above and the moment of inertia of the member can be modified based on it.

  Power to the electromagnet is supplied by a current or controller 207. The device can also collect a signal representing the vibration frequency of the member. The device may further comprise an element for comparing this frequency to a reference frequency. The reference frequency can be supplied by an oscillation circuit, in particular quartz. Preferably, the device is fixed to the frame.

  In this embodiment, the displacement elements 242 and 252 are arranged partly on the part and in particular partly on the frame. In this example, the field is a magnet attached to the member, and the armature is an electromagnet or coil fixed to the frame of the oscillator.

  The function of the magnet attached to the member is to correct the moment of inertia of the member when the member is mobile and forms part of a bistable weight. However, other magnets can also be fixed to the member, which only contribute to the generation of power. Needless to say, the same applies to the armatures arranged around the members, due to the increased number of electromagnets or coils. Certain dimensions of the coil added solely for generating these powers can also be increased.

  FIG. 16 shows the trend of the instantaneous rate of the oscillator according to the third embodiment as a function of time, wherein the configuration of the oscillator changes over time. Further, control signals for modifying the configuration are shown. There may or may not be similar signals transmitted continuously. The only signals needed are those that modify the configuration of the oscillator. Further, the tendency of the moment of inertia over time as a result of the aforementioned control signal is illustrated. According to this moment of inertia configuration, the first configuration causes a negative rate and the second configuration causes a positive rate. Therefore, by controlling the time zone of the member based on the first configuration and the time zone of the member based on the second configuration, the daily rate can be canceled.

  The operation modes of the operation method of the timepiece oscillator according to the present invention will be described below. This can be implemented in any of the embodiments described above.

This method
-Spiral spring,
Control the operation of the oscillator of the timepiece having the vibrating member or the assembly described above.

  Alternatively, the method controls operation of the speed regulator described above.

  Preferably, the method is automatic, that is, does not require the intervention of the user or the manufacturer of the watch.

The method advantageously comprises the following method.
Determining the current frequency of the movement of the member, or the average frequency of the movement during a period, in particular during a sliding period;
Comparing the determined frequency with a reference frequency;
If a frequency error occurs, it corrects the inertia of the moving or stopped member, in particular by driving an element that corrects the weight configuration.

  Advantageously, by modifying the inertia of the members, it is possible to minimize the frequency error and also to cancel the frequency error.

  Preferably, the modifying step comprises a deformation of the weight and / or a displacement of the weight, in particular a deformation of the blade which is prestressed in a bend. This step is performed automatically, for example.

  The modifying step involves applying an electrical signal, in particular a voltage, to the modifying element, in particular the electromagnet 52.

  The modifying step comprises applying an electrical signal, in particular a voltage, to a modifying element comprising a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material and / or a weight comprising a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, and / or the modifying step comprises applying a magnetic signal, in particular local, to the piezoelectric material or Including applying a modifying element made of magnetostrictive material and / or a weight made of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material.

  The determining step includes the analysis and / or processing of the electrical signal supplied from the sensor element, in particular the sensor element attached to the component, wherein the analysis or processing comprises a process or a process attached to the component or a watch equipped with the component. Performed and / or analyzed or processed by the analytic element identifies and extracts the duration value of the component.

  The comparison step can be performed by a comparator attached to the component or to a watch equipped with the component.

  The method of operation may comprise the step of converting mechanical energy into electric power, which conversion step can be carried out, in particular, by a conversion element attached to the part or to a watch equipped with the part.

  The determining, comparing and modifying steps can be performed during operation of the component, especially automatically.

  Advantageously, in the correction step, if the determined frequency is higher than the reference frequency, the weight is placed in the first stable position, and in the correction step, if the determined frequency is lower than the reference frequency, the weight is moved to the second stable position. Placed in All positions intermediate the first stable position and the second stable position are unstable or transitional positions.

  In order to carry out the method according to the invention, the oscillator or the hand has all the necessary hardware and / or software elements to carry out the steps described above. Some elements may consist of software modules. Some hardware and / or software elements are included in the current 7.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 17, the oscillator 100; 300 or the needle has the following:
An element 501 for determining the current frequency of the movement of the member or an average frequency of the movement over a period of time, in particular a sliding period; this element may be a measuring sensor having a coil and a magnet or a piezoelectric element 4.
An element 502 for comparing the determined frequency to a reference frequency; this comparison element is driven by an input by a reference signal provided by, for example, quartz 6; 206 and by a reference signal from a component, for example provided by a sensor. A comparator 503 for modifying the inertia of the component, for example the piezo element 4; 252, 254; this modifying component can be driven with the component in operation or stopped.

The advantages of the components, oscillators and movements according to the invention in different embodiments are listed below.
1. The main advantage lies in obtaining a timing accuracy close to or equal to the accuracy of the electrical oscillator or quartz used in the system.
2. A further advantage lies in subverting the timekeeping quality standards of mechanical watches by immediately eliminating any errors that impair the isochronism of the mechanical watch. For example, the effects of thermal expansion change the moment of inertia of the components that make up the system that controls a mobile watch, but this problem is related to friction, in other words, if there is an effective lubricant at a particular location. Related to the presence or absence. The invention makes it possible to solve most of the problems arising from material wear over time. The invention can advantageously replace all systems called "contact force systems" with the aim of always applying the same force to the adjustment member. The present invention further makes it possible to directly influence the timekeeping average effect of the portable timepiece by correcting only the moment of inertia of the vibrating member. An important advantage of the present invention is that it directly works on the timing correction of the system, and by doing it in a loop, the moment of inertia of the balance for timing can always be corrected, and a reference oscillator such as quartz is used. Timekeeping accuracy is due to the fact that it can always be kept in the same state as the timekeeping performed.
3. An industrial advantage is that, thanks to the measures implemented in the present invention, a conventional oscillator employing a conventional index assembly system can be replaced by the vibration system of the present invention.
4. In addition, only a skilled artisan cannot visually distinguish a conventional portable watch from a portable watch incorporating the technology of the present invention. Undoubtedly, the only identification method is the extremely high accuracy that the mobile watch according to the invention allows.
5. In the system according to the present invention, there is no need to replace the battery. Operation of the system of the present invention is assured by the mechanical energy generated by the barrel conventionally included in mechanical watches.
6. Except for a very strong shock that could destroy the parts of a normal mobile watch, there are no external influences, no excessive heat or excessive cold, no magnetic fields, no vibrations, no "active" wearers and "active" The difference in the case of wearing by a wearer does not affect the operation of the portable timepiece according to the present invention.

Definitions of terms as used herein-"autonomous" means "self-managed". What is meant here is the autonomous management of the moment of inertia, in other words, contrary to what is known in the field of mobile watchmaking up to now, there is no need to manually adjust the watch parts. In fact, for a normal balance, the moment of inertia can be increased by adding a counterweight (balance washer), moving the weight forward or backward along the holes and threads, or milling, bending, or even This is performed by replacing the material removal performed by cutting the material with laser irradiation. The use of the word "autonomous" emphasizes that adjusting the oscillator's moment of inertia is not an external worker, man or machine.

  -Mechanical oscillator: Throughout this specification, the term "mechanical oscillator" defines a system that moves on both sides of a stable balance. An oscillator is a system that operates periodically and dynamically. The oscillator is a balance of the portable timepiece related to the spiral spring and is synonymous with the adjusting member, and the oscillator can be said to be a member called “a pendulum” in the field of a pendulum system.

  -Piezoelectric material: Throughout this specification, "piezoelectric material" is to be understood as meaning any piezoelectric material that has the characteristic of producing energy when deformed; It will be transformed if present. Although the molecular structure of quartz is a perfect electrical balance, when pressure is applied to the quartz, the balance is broken and an electric field is formed.

  The expression "a configuration that can be modified when the component is in operation" means that the configuration can be modified when the component is in operation. This configuration uses the same method and / or the same elements while the member is stationary, especially while the member is stopped in an unstable equilibrium position or for a fraction of a second. This does not exclude the possibility of modifying the configuration.

  The piezoelectric material used in the present invention has the property of a single crystal, or a ceramic material in which grains are oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the piezoelectric capacitance, or a piezoelectric material trapped in a resin (matrix). May be used. Further, the piezoelectric material may be used in a very thin layer of 0.1 to 20 microns thickness.

The phrase "can modify the configuration of the weight dynamically or in a controlled manner" means that the configuration of the weight is controlled or driven, in particular, based on predetermined logic depending on one or more parameters. Means that This excludes weight configurations that are passively modified, for example, by the effect of thermal expansion of the weight or by weight supports due to ambient temperature changes or acceleration effects. This also excludes configurations where the weight is modified solely by the position of the member. Preferably, the approach is based on:
The current frequency of the determined movement of the member, or the average frequency of the movement during a predetermined period, in particular the sliding period; and / or a comparison of the determined frequency with a reference frequency; and / or the determined frequency and the reference frequency Frequency error between and.
This approach further eliminates modifications made by the portable watch manufacturer or user, particularly those made by displacement of the weight.

  In each variation or embodiment, the rotating member or assembly or oscillator or movement or watch may have only photovoltaic elements that generate power, or one or more piezoelectric elements and / or one or more such as coils. It may be added to other technologies, such as power generated by electromagnetic elements.

  The accuracy obtained in each variant or embodiment enables the mechanical frequency of the oscillator to be greatly reduced. For example, instead of 20600 vibrations / hour or 28800 vibrations / hour or 36000 vibrations / hour, the operating frequency of the oscillator according to the invention can be adjusted to 7200 vibrations / hour or less, and even 3600 vibrations / hour or less. is there. By reducing the mechanical frequency in this way, the energy consumption of the mechanical system can be reduced. That is, the lower the mechanical frequency, the lower the rate of the same mechanism. If the oscillator operates at a lower frequency, the term "proportional" can also be used, since the movement requires less mobile. That is, the efficiency is improved with a small energy loss. As a result, when the frequency becomes 1/4 of the normal mechanical frequency, the autonomy of the portable timepiece, in other words, the deployment time of the barrel spring can be quadrupled.

  In each of the modifications and embodiments, the hindrance to the isochronism of the portable timepiece can be corrected by actively managing the frequency of the oscillator. However, at the end of the barrel spring deployment, the energy provided by the spring may not be sufficient to operate the oscillator correctly. Under such assumptions, the accuracy of the oscillator may be low. Accordingly, in each variation or embodiment, a mechanism may be provided to stop the oscillator or one or more time display mobiles. This mechanism may function as a second stop mechanism. In particular, the mechanism has a piezoelectric-type element that receives an electrical signal controlling displacement or deformation to prevent the oscillator or one or more time display mobiles from operating if too little energy is available. be able to. Therefore, when the mechanical energy that can guarantee the correct operation is insufficient, the operation of the system can be prevented. The stop mechanism can stop the oscillator or one or more time indicating mobile or finishing gear trains if too little energy is provided by the barrel.

Claims (31)

At least one weight (4; 12; 204), the configuration of which is modifiable to modify the moment of inertia of the member, wherein the weight is such that the configuration of the weight is during operation or at rest of the member. are arranged so as to be fixed in a dynamic or controlled conditions,
Vibrating member (5; 205 ) of the clock mechanism (100 ). The vibrating member is a balance of a clock oscillator .
The member according to claim 1. The weight is made of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, and / or the weight occupies a first stable position defining a first moment of inertia of the member or a second stable position defining a second moment of inertia of the member. Will be arranged as
The member according to claim 1. An element for modifying the configuration of the weight (4; 4a; 4b: 42; 204), wherein the element for modifying the configuration of the weight is attached to the member ;
The member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The correction element is made of a piezoelectric material or a magnetostrictive material ,
The member according to claim 4 . The weight (4; 204) is at least a first magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element (242) or an element for modifying the configuration of the weight (242) and an element for indexing the weight into a first stable position and a second stable position ( 243)
Part material according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The first magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element is a magnet (242);
Part material according to claim 6. Said indexing element comprises a blade (43), in particular a blade which is prestressed in a bend shape ;
The member according to claim 6 . A second magnetic / electromagnetic displacement element (52), in particular an electromagnet, said first and second magnetic / electromagnetic displacement elements cooperating;
Assembly having a member according to any one of the 請 Motomeko 6 8. Having elements (4; 4a; 4b) for converting mechanical energy into electric power, in particular the converting elements are made of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material and / or have elements for converting solar energy into electric power, in particular photovoltaic panels, The conversion element is attached to the member ;
An assembly comprising a member according to any one of the preceding claims. The conversion element comprises the weight, and / or the correction element ,
The assembly according to 請 Motomeko 10. Comprising an electrical circuit (7), in particular a computer (7), said circuit being especially mounted on said member, in particular being mounted on a rotation axis (1) of said member ,
An assembly comprising a member according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , or an assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11. Said electric circuit comprises a reference oscillator (6), in particular an oscillator based on a resonant electric circuit or a quartz oscillator,
The assembly according to claim 12 . A sensor element (4; 4a; 4b: 204) for movement characteristics of said member, in particular an impact or acceleration sensor element, said sensor element being especially mounted on said member;
An assembly comprising a member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or an assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 13 . The sensor element comprises the weight and / or the correction element,
The assembly according to claim 14 . Composed entirely or almost entirely of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material,
An assembly comprising a member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or an assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 15 . 17. A vibrating member (5; 205) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or an assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 16.
A spiral spring (2), especially having a spiral spring made of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material or a material capable of generating an electric current when subjected to geometric deformation;
Clock oscillator (100; 300) . Said spiral spring (2) is used as an electrical conductor and / or has at least two vortex lines acting as electrical conductor,
The oscillator according to claim 17 . Having a plurality of elements that allow power to be transferred between the modifying element and an electronic system that drives the modifying element
The oscillator according to claim 17 . A rotating member (5; 205) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or an assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 16.
Clock speed regulator . 20. Oscillator (100; 300) according to any one of claims 17 to 19 or a member (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 16. 21. An assembly according to claim 20, or a needle according to claim 20.
Watch movement (110: 310) . Movement (110; 310) according to claim 21 or an oscillator (100; 300) according to any one of claims 17 to 19 or a member (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Or having an assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 16 or an acupuncture needle according to claim 20.
Watches (120; 130), especially mobile watches, especially wrist watches . A spiral spring (2), and
A vibrating member (5; 205) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or an assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 16,
Of a clock oscillator (100: 300) having-
Or
-The speed regulator according to claim 20,
Operating method, especially automatic operating method,
Determining the current frequency of the movement of the member or the average frequency of the movement during a period, in particular during a sliding period;
Comparing said determined frequency with a reference frequency;
In the case of a frequency error, correct the inertia of the member during operation or at rest, in particular by activating the elements that modify the configuration of the weight;
An operation method having each step . Said modifying step comprises the deformation of the weight and / or the displacement of the weight, in particular the deformation of a blade which is prestressed in a flexure .
An operation method according to claim 23 . Said modifying comprises applying an electrical signal, in particular a voltage, to a modifying element, in particular an electromagnet (52) ;
The operation method according to claim 23 or 24 . The modifying step comprises applying an electrical signal, in particular a voltage, to the modifying element comprising a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, and / or the weight comprising a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, and / or the modifying step comprises: Applying, in particular, a magnetic field to the modifying element made of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, and / or the weight made of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material ,
The operation method according to claim 23 or 24 . The determining step includes analyzing and / or processing an electrical signal provided from a sensor element, particularly a sensor element attached to the member, wherein the analyzing or processing is attached to the member or the member Performed by a process or analysis element attached to a watch equipped with, and / or said analysis or process allows the value of said period of said member to be identified and extracted ,
An operation method according to any one of claims 23 to 26. The comparing step is performed by a comparator attached to the member or attached to a watch equipped with the member.
An operation method according to any one of claims 23 to 27. The method of operation comprises the step of converting mechanical energy into electric power, the conversion step being performed in particular by a conversion element attached to the member or to a watch equipped with the member.
An operation method according to any one of claims 23 to 28. The steps of determining, comparing and modifying are performed during operation of the member, in particular automatically,
An operation method according to any one of claims 23 to 29. In the modifying step, when the determined frequency is higher than the reference frequency, the weight is placed at the first stable position, and in the modifying step, when the determined frequency is lower than the reference frequency, The weight is placed in the second stable position,
An operation method according to any one of claims 23 to 30.

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