WO2001048567A1

WO2001048567A1 - Mechanical timepiece with timed annular balance power generating control mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2001048567A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/000679
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takeshi Tokoro; Koichiro Jujo; Masafumi Hoshino
Original assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
Priority date: 1999-12-24
Filing date: 2000-02-08
Publication date: 2001-07-05
Also published as: HK1046170A1; CN1434933A; WO2001048565A1; EP1241538A4; EP1164441A1; EP1241538A1; CN1347520A

Abstract

A mechanical timepiece comprising a main spring, a front train wheel, and an escapement/advancement and speed governor device, the escapement/advancement and speed governor device including a timed annular balance, an escape wheel, and a pallet fork, further comprising a quartz oscillator forming a source vibration, an IC including a dividing part for inputting output signals output by the oscillation of the quartz oscillator, dividing the signals, and outputting signals related to a time, a storage member for operating the IC, and further a timing rate detecting part for detecting the timing rate of the mechanical timepiece, and a timed annular balance power generating control part formed so that it controls the frequency of the rotating oscillation of the timed annular balance and generate power by the rotating oscillation of the timed annular balance based on the divided signals divided by the dividing part and the operating state signals indicating the timing rate detected by the timing rate detecting part, whereby the rotation of the timed annular balance can be controlled accurately and the timing rate of the mechanical timepiece can be adjusted accurately.

Description

Description Mechanical watch with balance control mechanism

〔Technical field〕

The present invention relates to a mechanical timepiece that can display time with high accuracy. In particular, the present invention provides a balance with a balance power generation control mechanism that is capable of controlling the period of the balance vibration of the balance with the energy generated by using the rotation vibration of the balance with hair in order to adjust the rate of the watch. Related to mechanical watches.

(Background technology)

(1) Configuration of conventional mechanical watch

In a conventional mechanical timepiece, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a movement (mechanical body) 110 of the mechanical timepiece has a main plate 1102 constituting a substrate of the movement. The winding stem 111 is rotatably incorporated into the winding guide hole 111a of the main plate 111. The dial 1 104 (shown in phantom in FIG. 11) is attached to the movement 110.

In general, of the two sides of the main plate, the side with the dial is called the “back side” of the movement, and the side opposite to the side with the dial is called the “front side” of the movement. The train wheel built into the “front side” of the movement is called “front train wheel”, and the train wheel built into the “back side” of the movement is called “back train wheel”.

The axial position of the winding stem 1 1 1 0 is determined by a switching device that includes the setting 1 1 9 0, the bar 1 1 92, the spring 1 1 94, and the back 1 1 96. Car 1 1 1 2 is rotatably provided on the guide shaft portion of the winding stem 1 1 1 1 0. When the winding stem 1 11 0 is rotated in a state where the winding stem 1 110 is located at the first winding position (the 0th stage) closest to the inside of the movement along the rotation axis direction, Car through the rotation of the thumbwheel

1 1 1 2 rotates. The round hole wheel 1 1 1 4 is rotated by the rotation of the wheel 1 1 1 2. The square wheel 1 1 1 6 is rotated by the rotation of the round hole wheel 1 1 1 4. The mainspring 1 1 2 2 housed in the barrel box 1 1 2 0 is wound up as the square wheel 1 1 1 6 rotates. The second wheel 1 1 2 4 is rotated by the rotation of the barrel 1 1 2 0. The escape wheel 1 1 3 0 power 4th wheel 1 1 2 8, 3rd wheel 1 1 2 6, second wheel 1 1 2 4 through the rotation of the rotation. Incense box 1 1 2 0, 2nd wheel 1 1 2 4, 3rd wheel 1 1 2 6 and 4th wheel 1 1 2 8 constitute a front wheel train.

The escape / governing device for controlling the rotation of the front wheel train includes a balance 111, an escape wheel 111, and an ankle 111. The balance 111 includes a balance 111a, a balance wheel 114Ob, and a hairspring 111c. Based on the rotation of the second wheel & pinion 1 1 2 4, the cylinder pinion 1 1 50 rotates simultaneously. The minute hand 1 1 5 2 attached to the cylindrical pin 1 1 50 displays “minute”. The cylinder pinion 1 1 50 is provided with a slip mechanism for the center wheel 1 1 2 4. Based on the rotation of the canal pinion 115, the hour wheel 1154 rotates through the rotation of the minute wheel. The hour hand 1 1 5 6 attached to the hour wheel 1 1 5 4 indicates “hour”.

The barrel car 1 120 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the main plate 1 102 and the barrel holder 1 160. The second wheel 1 1 2 4, the third wheel 1 1 2 6, the fourth wheel 1 1 2 8, and the escape wheel 1 1 3 0 are for the main plate 1 1 0 2 and the train wheel bridge 1 1 6 2 It is supported so that it can rotate. The ankle 1 1 4 2 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the main plate 1 1 10 2 and the ankle receiver 1 1 6 4. The balance with hairspring 1140 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the balance plate 1102 and the balance with hairspring 1166.

The hairspring 1 1 4 0 c has a spiral shape with multiple turns. It is a thin leaf spring. The inner end of the hairspring 1140c is fixed to the beard ball 1140d fixed to the balance 1140a, and the outer end of the hairspring 1140c is fixed to the balance 1166. It is fixed by screwing through the beard holder 1170a attached to the receiver 1170.

A needle 1168 is rotatably mounted on the balance 1166. Beard

1168a and beard bar 1168b are attached to the needle 1168. The portion of the hairspring 1140c near the outer end is located between the whiskers 1168a and the whiskers 1168b.

(2) Rate of mechanical watch

In general, as shown in Fig. 12, in a typical conventional mechanical timepiece, as the mainspring is unwound from a state in which the mainspring is completely wound up (full winding state) and the duration of the mainspring has elapsed, the mainspring torque increases. Decreases. For example, in the case of Fig. 12, the mainspring torque is about 27 gcm in the fully wound state, about 23 gcm after 20 hours from the fully wound state, and 40 hours after the fully wound state. Approximately 18 g · cm.

In general, in a typical conventional mechanical timepiece, as shown in Fig. 13, when the spring torque decreases, the swing angle of the balance with hairspring also decreases. For example, in the case of Fig. 13, when the mainspring torque is 25 to 28 gcm, the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is about 240 to 270 degrees, and when the mainspring torque is 20 to 25 gcm, the swing of the balance with hairspring is obtained. The angle is about 180-240 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a transition of an instantaneous rate (a numerical value indicating the precision of a clock) with respect to a swing angle of a balance with a typical conventional mechanical timepiece. Here, “instantaneous rate” or “rate” means “mechanical watch when left for one day while maintaining the condition and environment such as the swing angle of the balance when measuring the rate. A value that indicates the advance or delay of a mechanical watch when the sun has passed. " In the case of Fig. 14, the balance When the swing angle is more than 240 degrees or less than 200 degrees, the instantaneous rate is delayed.

For example, in a typical conventional mechanical watch, as shown in Fig. 14, when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is about 200 to 240 degrees, the instantaneous rate is about 0 to 5 seconds / day. (Advancing about 0-5 seconds per day) When the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is about 170 degrees, the instantaneous rate is about 20 seconds / day (about 20 seconds behind each day).

FIG. 15 shows the transition of the elapsed time and the instantaneous rate when the mainspring is rewound from the fully wound state in a typical conventional mechanical timepiece. Here, in the conventional mechanical timepiece, the “rate” indicating the advance or the delay of the clock per day is the instantaneous rate with respect to the elapsed time when the mainspring shown in FIG. 15 is unwound from all windings. Obtained by integrating the curve over 24 hours.

Generally, in a conventional mechanical timepiece, the mainspring torque is reduced and the swing angle of the balance with hairspring decreases as the duration of the mainspring is unwound from the fully wound state, so that the instantaneous rate is delayed. . For this reason, in the case of a conventional mechanical watch, the instantaneous rate when the mainspring is fully wound is advanced in advance in anticipation of the delay of the watch after the elapse of 24 hours, and the clock per day It was adjusted in advance so that the "rate", which indicates the progress of the watch or the delay of the clock, became positive.

For example, in a typical conventional mechanical watch, as shown in Fig. 15, in the fully wound state, the instantaneous rate is about 3 seconds / day (about 3 seconds per day), but in the fully wound state. After 20 hours, the instantaneous rate is about 3 seconds / day (about 3 seconds behind each day), and after 24 hours from the full winding state, the instantaneous rate is about 8 seconds / day (1 After about 30 hours from the full winding state, the instantaneous rate is about-16 seconds / state (each is about 16 seconds late).

Conventional mechanical watches use a balance with a balance that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, a balance wheel that rotates based on the rotation of the front train wheel, and an escape wheel that rotates based on the operation of the balance. The accuracy of the watch was determined by the accuracy with which the escapement and governor, including the controlled vehicle, operated.

(3) Problems to be solved by the invention

Therefore, in order to improve the accuracy of the timepiece, the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring had to be increased, and it was difficult to manufacture an escapement / governing device including such a balance with hairspring.

In addition, the conventional mechanical timepiece has a problem that the range in which the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring can be increased is limited, and thus the range in which the accuracy of the timepiece can be improved is limited.

Therefore, the accuracy of conventional mechanical watches was worse than that of quartz watches. For this reason, the user of the conventional mechanical clock had to correct the time indicated by the mechanical clock at regular intervals.

(4) Object of the invention

Then, an object of the present invention is to provide an extremely accurate mechanical timepiece. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high-precision mechanical timepiece that can be used for a long time.

[Disclosure of the Invention]

(1) Configuration of mechanical watch of the present invention

A mechanical timepiece according to the present invention includes a mainspring constituting a power source, a front wheel train that rotates by a rotational force when the mainspring is unwound, and an escape / governing device for controlling the rotation of the front wheel train. This escapement / speed governor has a balance that alternately rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, an escape wheel that rotates based on the rotation of the front train wheel, and a balance based on the operation of the balance with hairspring. And a balance for controlling the rotation of the escape wheel, and the balance has a movement configured to include a hairspring, a balance and a balance wheel. The mechanical timepiece of the present invention further includes a quartz oscillator constituting a source oscillation, and an output signal output by the oscillation of the quartz oscillator being input, dividing the signal to output a signal relating to time. And an electricity storage member for operating the IC.

The mechanical timepiece of the present invention further includes a rate detector for detecting a rate of the mechanical timepiece, a frequency-divided signal obtained by the frequency divider, and an operating state signal indicating the rate detected by the rate detector. And a balance power generation control unit configured to control the period of the rotation vibration of the balance with hairspring and to generate power by the rotation vibration of the balance with hairspring.

A balance power generation control unit of a mechanical timepiece according to the present invention includes a balance magnet provided on a balance with hair and a coil arranged so as to exert a magnetic force on the balance magnet. It is preferable that a rotation force of the balance with hairspring can be suppressed by applying a magnetic force to the balance with hairspring based on the frequency-divided signal obtained by dividing the frequency and the operation state signal indicating the rate detected by the rate detector.

In the balance power generation control unit of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, it is preferable that the current generated by the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring is rectified by a rectification circuit and stored in a power storage member.

Further, the balance power generation control unit of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention can change the period of the rotation vibration of the balance with hairspring by controlling the rotation of the balance with hairspread by applying “Airy's theorem”.

Here, "Airy's theorem" means that the pendulum does not disturb the vibration even when energy is applied at the center point of the vibration.

Therefore, in the balance of a mechanical timepiece, even if an external force is applied at the center point of the balance's rotational vibration, the period of the balance's rotational vibration does not change and the balance accelerates before the center of the balance's rotational vibration. It is known that when the speed is reduced after the center of the rotational vibration, the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hair advances. In the case of a balance with balance, It has been found that when accelerating after the center or decelerating before the center of the balance's rotational vibration, the period of the balance's rotational vibration is delayed.

In other words, the balance power generation control unit of the mechanical timepiece according to the present invention, when the rate of the mechanical timepiece is progressing, applies a brake to the rotation of the balance with the timing before it becomes the center of the rotational vibration of the balance. When the rate of the mechanical watch is delayed, it is preferable that the rotation of the balance with hair be braked after passing through the center of rotation of the balance with hairspring.

With this configuration, the rotation of the balance with hairspring can be accurately controlled, and the rate of the mechanical timepiece can be accurately adjusted.

Further, the rate detecting section of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention counts an ankle detecting piezoelectric element provided on the pin and a pallet detecting signal output by the pallet detecting piezoelectric element in order to detect the operation of the ankle. And a counting unit for counting the number of ankles.

In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the power storage member may be, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery or a rechargeable capacitor. As a rechargeable secondary battery, for example, a lithium secondary battery can be used.

Further, the mechanical timepiece of the present invention may include a self-winding power generation unit. In this case, the electric energy generated by the self-winding power generation unit is configured to be stored in the power storage member.

Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, it is preferable that the rectifier circuit is configured using a Schottky barrier diode. The reason for this is that the Schottky barrier diode has a higher operating speed and lower forward voltage than a PN junction diode, and is therefore most suitable for rectifying low voltages.

Furthermore, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, it is preferable that the IC is configured using SOI technology. The reason is that the use of “SOI technology” can reduce the capacitance of the transistor, increase the operating speed, and reduce the current consumption. This is because it can be done.

Further, the balance power generation control unit of the mechanical timepiece according to the present invention may be configured such that the coil is turned on at a certain time interval including the center of the balance vibration of the balance to generate an induced current in the coil by the rotation vibration of the balance. Preferably, it is constituted.

With this configuration, it is possible to reliably and efficiently generate an induced current in the coil.

(2) Effects of the mechanical watch of the present invention

In ordinary analog quartz watches, batteries, crystals, ICs, watches, wheel trains, hands, etc. are used. In such an analog quartz clock, the energy of the battery is used to operate the quartz crystal and IC to measure the time, and to rotate the motor to display the time. The ratio of the energy used to operate the crystal and IC to measure the time and the energy used to rotate the motor and display the time is about 3: 7.

Therefore, if only the function of measuring the time is used in an analog quartz watch, the battery life is more than tripled even if the same battery is used. The battery life of a normal analog quartz watch is about two years.

On the other hand, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the battery life of a normal analog quartz watch can be improved by using a power storage member having the same size and shape as a normal analog quartz watch, that is, a secondary battery or a capacitor. The rechargeable battery or capacitor can be used for a longer period.

Ordinary mechanical watches can be used for about 5 years without any repairs, and if they are overhauled after 5 years of use, they can be used for about 5 more years. Therefore, a normal mechanical watch can be used for about 10 years if it is overhauled once. Therefore, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, a crystal and an IC similar to a normal analog type quartz timepiece and an electricity storage member having dimensions and shapes similar to those of a normal analog type quartz timepiece, that is, a secondary battery or a capacitor are used. Even so, there is no need to change batteries until the need to overhaul. Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the capacity of the power storage member, that is, the secondary battery or the capacitor is increased,

By reducing the power consumption of IC, it is possible to obtain a watch that can be used until the end of the mechanical structure is reached.

Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, since the timepiece is operated by the mechanical structure, there is a possibility that the timepiece will stop even if the electricity storage member, that is, the electric energy stored in the secondary battery or the capacitor is lost. The accuracy of the time display will only be worse than before the electrical energy stored in the secondary battery or capacitor has been exhausted.

If the mechanical timepiece of the present invention is equipped with a self-winding power generation mechanism or a manual winding power generation mechanism, the possibility that the electric energy stored in the power storage member, that is, the secondary battery or the capacitor will be lost is reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic shape of a front side of a movement in an embodiment of a mechanical timepiece of the present invention (in FIG. 1, some parts are omitted, and a receiving member is indicated by a virtual line. Yes)

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial plan view showing a schematic shape of a balance with hairspring in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing a schematic shape of a balance with hairspring in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic shape of a balance magnet in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an operation of controlling the operation of the balance with hairspring in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the principle of controlling the operation of the balance with hair in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic partial plan view showing a configuration of a part for detecting an operation of a wheel train in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the principle of controlling the operation of the balance with hair in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of a portion for controlling the operation of the balance with hair in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic shape on the front side of a movement of a conventional mechanical timepiece (in FIG. 10, some parts are omitted, and a receiving member is shown by a virtual line). FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a movement of a conventional mechanical timepiece (in FIG. 11, some parts are omitted).

FIG. 12 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the elapsed time of unwinding a whole timepiece and a mainspring torque in a mechanical timepiece.

FIG. 13 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the swing angle of the balance with hairspring and the mainspring torque in a mechanical timepiece.

FIG. 14 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the swing angle of the balance with hair and the instantaneous rate in a mechanical timepiece.

FIG. 15 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the elapsed time and the instantaneous rate of unwinding from a full turn in a mechanical timepiece.

[Best mode for carrying out the invention] An embodiment of a mechanical timepiece according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall configuration of the mechanical watch of the present invention

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in an embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the movement 640 of the mechanical timepiece includes a main plate 102 constituting a substrate of the movement. The winding stem 110 is rotatably incorporated in the winding stem guide hole 102a of the main plate 102.

A dial (not shown) is attached to the movement 640 of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention. The dial is provided with, for example, a 12 o'clock scale, a 3 o'clock scale, a 6 o'clock scale, and a 9 o'clock scale.

The winding stem 110 has a corner and a guide shaft. A thumbwheel (not shown) is installed at the corner of the winding stem 110. The ratchet wheel has the same rotation axis as that of the winding pin 110. That is, the ratchet wheel has a square hole, and is provided so as to rotate based on the rotation of the winding stem 110 by fitting the square hole into the corner of the winding stem 110. The ratchet wheel has insteps and teeth. The instep is located at the end of the wheel closer to the center of the movement. The tooth is located at the end of the wheel closer to the outside of the movement.

A movement device for determining the position of the winding stem 110 in the axial direction is incorporated in the movement 640. The switching device includes a setting lever 13, a latch 13 4, a latch spring 13 6, and a back retainer 13 36. The position of the winding pin 110 in the direction of the rotation axis is determined based on the rotation of the setting 1 32. The position of the wheel in the rotation axis direction is determined based on the rotation of the bar 1 34. On the basis of the rotation of the setting device 13, the bar 1 3 4 is positioned at two positions in the rotation direction.

The wheel 1 1 2 is rotatably incorporated in the guide shaft of the winding stem 110. When the winding stem 110 is rotated in a state where the winding stem 110 is located at the first winding stem position (0th stage) closest to the inside of the movement 64 0 along the rotation axis direction, Through the rotation of the thumbwheel The car 1 1 2 is configured to rotate. The round wheel 1 1 4 is incorporated so as to be rotated by the rotation of the wheel 1 1 2. The square hole wheel 116 is assembled so as to be rotated by the rotation of the round hole wheel 114.

Movement 640 uses a mainspring (not shown) housed in barrel barrel 120 as a power source. The mainspring is made of a springy elastic material such as iron. The square hole wheel 1 16 is configured to be able to wind up the mainspring by rotating. The center wheel & pinion 124 is mounted so as to be rotated by the rotation of the barrel wheel 120. The third wheel 1 26 is incorporated so as to rotate based on the rotation of the second wheel 124. The fourth wheel 128 is incorporated so as to rotate based on the rotation of the third wheel 126. The onion wheel 130 is incorporated so as to rotate based on the rotation of the fourth wheel 128. The barrel car 1 2 0, the second wheel 1 2 4, the third wheel 1 2 6 and the fourth wheel 1 2 8 constitute a front wheel train. (2) Escape

The movement 640 incorporates an escape / governing device for controlling the rotation of the front train wheel. The escapement and speed governor operate a balance wheel 140 that rotates clockwise and counterclockwise at regular intervals, an escape wheel 1300 that rotates based on the rotation of the front train wheel, and a balance wheel 140. And an ankle 142 that controls the rotation of the escape wheel 130 based on the

The basic operating principle of the escape wheel 130, the ankle 144 and the balance 140 is the same as the movement of a conventional mechanical watch.

Referring to FIG. 7, the ankles 142 are provided with an incisor stone 142 a provided so as to be able to contact the escape wheel 130 and an egress provided so as to be able to contact the escape wheel 130. It has a claw stone 14 2 b, an ankle sword tip portion 14 2 c provided to allow a balance stone (not shown) to enter and exit, and an ankle support portion 144 2 d.

When the balance and the bobbin turn counterclockwise, the bobble enters the ankle sword section 142c. Then, the rock rocks the ankle 14 2 clockwise (clockwise) and releases the stop at the ingrown stone 1 42 a side. Then, the pushcart 1 3 0 The rocking corner moves to the impact surface of the jaw stone 1 4 2 a. With the help of the escape wheel 130, push up the impact surface of the jaw stone 142a and rotate the ankle 142 clockwise (clockwise). Then, the ankle sword tip part 1 4 2 c pushes the rock, turning the rock counterclockwise (counterclockwise).

When the impact is over, the teeth of the escape wheel 1300 move away from the jaw stones 1442a, the escape wheel 1300 idles, and the escape wheel 1330 falls. When the escape wheel 130 completes its fall, the other teeth of the escape wheel 130 hit the stop surface of the jaw stone 144b, and the first stop state is established.

When the first stop state is over and the rocks move away from the ankle sword tip 14 2 c, the ankles 14 2 rotate the rocks counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by the force of the wheel 130. Let it. Then, the ankle support portion 142d comes into contact with the first pin 102d of the main plate, the rotation of the ankle 142 stops, and the second stop state is established.

Then, the balance 140 rotates counterclockwise (clockwise) and oscillates freely. Next, when the balance 140 reaches the position of the maximum swing angle, the balance 140 rotates clockwise (clockwise), and the shaking stone also rotates clockwise (clockwise).

The rock then makes contact with the ankle sword tip 142c, and the ankle 144 rotates counterclockwise. Then, the stop is released on the outgrowth stone 144b side, and the same operation as the outgrowth stone 144b is repeated on the ingrown stone 144a side.

(3) Structure of train wheel

Referring again to FIG. 1, based on the rotation of the center wheel & pinion 124, the cylindrical pinion (not shown) rotates at the same time. The minute hand (not shown) attached to the barrel pin is configured to display “minute”. The tube pinion is provided with a slip mechanism having a predetermined slip torque for the center wheel & pinion 124.

The minute wheel (not shown) rotates based on the rotation of the cylinder pinion. The hour wheel (not shown) rotates based on the rotation of the minute wheel. Hour hand attached to hour wheel (shown ) Is configured to display the hour.

The barrel barrel 120 is supported rotatably with respect to the main plate 102 and barrel barrel 160. The second wheel 1 2 4, the third wheel 1 2 6, the fourth wheel 1 2 8, and the escape wheel 1 330 are supported so that they can rotate with respect to the main plate 10 2 and the train wheel bridge 16 2 Is done. The ankle 142 is supported rotatably with respect to the main plate 102 and the ankle receiver 164. (4) Balance of balance

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the balance with hairspring 140 is rotatably supported with respect to the main plate 102 and the balance with hairspring 166. In other words, the upper bell of the balance 140a is rotatably supported by the balance upper bearing 166a fixed to the balance holder 166. The balance-top bearing 1666a includes a balance-top stone and a balance-top stone. Tophole stones and balance stones are made of insulating material such as ruby. The balance 140 includes a balance 140 a, a balance wheel 140 O b, and a hairspring 144 c. The lower rim of the balance 140a is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the balance lower bearing 102 fixed to the plate 102. The balance wheel bearing 102b includes a balance hole stone and a balance stone. Hypothetical stones and balance stones are made of insulating materials such as ruby.

The hairspring 140c is a thin leaf spring having a spiral shape with a plurality of windings. The inner end of the hairspring 140 c is fixed to the beard ball fixed to the balance 140 a, and the outer end of the hairspring 140 c can be rotated to the balance spring 166. The beard holder fixed to the frame is fixed with screws via the beard holder attached to the 166 a. The balance with hairspring 166 is made of a metal conductive material such as brass. Beard support 1 6 6a is made of a conductive material of metal such as iron.

The hairspring 140 c expands and contracts in the radial direction of the hairspring 140 c according to the rotation angle of the balance 140. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 1, when the balance 140 rotates clockwise, the hairspring 140 c becomes the center of the balance 140. When the balance 140 rotates counterclockwise, the hairspring 140 c expands away from the center of the balance 140. The hairspring 140 c is made of a resilient material having a spring property such as “Elimber”. That is, the hairspring 140c is made of a metal conductive material.

A portion near the outer periphery of the hairspring 140c is supported between the beard holder 426 and the beard bar 428. Therefore, the effective length of the hairspring 14 ° c is determined by rotating the needle 422 to determine the position of the whiskers 4 266 and the whiskers 428. When the effective length of the hairspring 140c is determined, the period of the rotational vibration of the balance 140 is determined, and the rate of the mechanical watch is determined.

(5) Configuration of the balance magnet provided on the balance wheel and the coil provided on the main plate Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the coils 180, 180a, 180b, and 180c force It is attached to the front surface of the main plate 102 so as to face the main plate side surface of the balance wheel 140b. The number of coils is, for example, four as shown, but may be one, two, three, four or more. Is also good. The balance magnet 140 e is attached to the side of the main plate 140 b so as to face the front surface of the main plate 102.

As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, when a plurality of coils are arranged, the circumferential distance between the coils is equal to the S-pole and N-pole circles of the balance magnet 140e arranged opposite to the coil. It is preferable that the interval is an integral multiple of the circumferential interval, but it is not necessary that all coils have the same interval in the circumferential direction. Further, in such a configuration having a plurality of coils, it is preferable that the wiring between the coils be wired in series so as not to cancel out the current generated in each coil by electromagnetic induction. . Alternatively, the wiring between the coils may be wired in parallel so that the currents generated in the coils due to the electromagnetic induction are not canceled each other.

Referring to FIG. 4, the balance magnet 140 e has an annular (ring) shape, Along the circumferential direction, for example, magnet parts consisting of 12 S poles 140 s 1 to 140 s 12 polarized vertically and 12 N poles 140 n 1 to 140 n 12 are alternately arranged. ing. The number of magnets arranged in an annular shape (ring shape) in the balance magnet 140e is 12 in the example shown in FIG. Here, it is preferable that the length of one chord of the magnet part is substantially equal to the outer diameter of one coil provided facing the magnet part.

Referring to FIG. 3, a gap is provided between the balance magnet 140e and the coils 180, 180a. 180b, 180c. The size of the gap STC between the balance magnet 140 e and the coils 180, 180 a, 180 b, 180 c is determined when the coils 180, 180 a, 180 b, 180 c are conducting. It has been determined that the magnetic force can affect the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c.

When the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c are not conducting, the magnetic force of the balance magnet 140e does not affect the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c. The balance magnet 140 e contacts the balance wheel rim portion of the balance wheel 140 b with one surface in contact with the ring-shaped rim of the balance wheel 140 b and the other surface facing the front surface of the main plate 102. It is fixed by bonding or the like.

A first lead wire 182 is provided to connect one terminal of the coil 180 to the first coil terminal of the IC 642. A second lead wire 184 is provided to connect one terminal of the coil 180c to the second coil terminal of the IC 642.

In FIG. 3, the thickness of the hairspring 140c (the thickness in the radial direction of the balance with hairspring) is exaggerated, but is, for example, 0.021 mm. The balance magnet 140e has, for example, an outer diameter of about 9 millimeters, an inner diameter of about 7 millimeters, a thickness of about 1 millimeter, and a magnetic flux density of about 0.02 tesla.c coils 180, 180a , 180b, 180 c have the number of turns, It has 8 turns and the coil wire diameter is about 25 micrometers. The gap STC between the balance magnet 14 Oe and the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c is, for example, about 0.4 mm.

(6) Structure and action of 1 C

Next, the configuration and operation of the IC of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIG. 5, a crystal oscillator 210 forms a source oscillation of a circuit for counting time. The IC 642 includes a frequency dividing circuit 214, a modified pulse comparing circuit 216, a waveform modifying circuit 332, an electromagnetic brake operating circuit 340, and a rectifying circuit 342. The frequency dividing circuit 214 receives an output signal output by the oscillation of the crystal oscillator 210, divides the signal, and outputs a signal relating to time. The waveform correction circuit 332 corrects the waveform of the detection signal output from the rate detector.

The correction pulse comparison circuit 216 compares the frequency-divided signal output from the frequency division circuit 214 with the detection signal output from the waveform correction circuit 332.

The electromagnetic brake operation circuit 340 conducts the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c in response to the operation timing signal output from the waveform correction circuit 332 based on the signal output from the correction pulse comparison circuit 216. When the coils 180, 180a, 180b and 180c are conducted, an induced current is generated due to a change in magnetic flux of the balance magnet 140e. Due to this induced current, a force acting on the balance with hairspring 140 suppresses the rotational movement of the balance with hairspring 140. By this operation, a braking force is applied to the balance with hairspring 140 that suppresses the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140, and the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 can be reduced.

The rectifier circuit 342 is provided to rectify an induced current generated by a change in the magnetic flux of the balance magnet 140e while the coils 180, 180a, 180b, and 180c are conducting.

A power source for the storage member, that is, the capacitor 352 to operate the IC 642 Is configured. The current rectified by the rectifier circuit 342 is guided to the capacitor 352, and the electric energy generated by the induced current is stored in the capacitor 352.

In the present invention, the power storage member may be a rechargeable secondary battery or a rechargeable capacitor. Further, in the present invention, the rectifier circuit 342 may be built in the IC 642 as shown, or may be configured separately from the IC 642 using an external element.

When an external element is used, the rectifier circuit 342 is preferably manufactured using a Schottky barrier diode (SBD). The reason is that the Schottky barrier diode has a higher operation speed and a lower forward voltage than a PN junction diode, and is therefore most suitable for rectification of a low voltage.

In the present invention, the IC 642 is preferably manufactured using “SOI technology”. “S 0 I technology” means “silicon on insulator”. The use of “SOI technology” can reduce the capacitance of a transistor, increase operating speed, and reduce current consumption.

Substrates manufactured using “SOI technology” can be obtained, for example, from Komatsu Electronic Metals under the trade name “SIMOX”.

(7) Configuration and operation of rate detector

Next, the configuration and operation of the rate detector of the mechanical timepiece of the invention will be described.

Next, referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 7, the train wheel 224 rotates with the mainspring 222 as a power source. By the rotation of the train wheel 224, the minute hand 226 displays "minute" and the hour hand 228 displays "hour". The minute hand 2 2 6 is fixed to the center wheel & pinion 1 2 4. The second wheel 1 2 4 is configured to make one revolution per hour. When the train wheel 2 2 4 rotates, the escape wheel 1 330 rotates. The ankle 144 controls the rotation of the escape wheel 130 based on the operation of the balance 140.

Ankle detection piezoelectric element 3 3 6 is fixed to the first bin 1 102 d of main plate 102 Is done. Therefore, the pallet support 142d is configured to contact the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336. At the moment when the pallet abutment 142d hits the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336, the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336 generates a voltage (see (4) in FIG. 8).

The pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336 constitutes a rate detecting unit 330 for detecting the rotational operation state of the wheel train. When the pallet fork 142d hits the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336, the detection signal is input to the IC 642. Since the balance with hairspring 140 vibrates at 3 Hz, the rate detecting unit 330 outputs a detection signal at 3 Hz.

The waveform correction circuit 332 is configured to input a detection signal output from the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336.

Referring to FIG. 3, the modified pulse comparison circuit 216 measures the period of (1/3) seconds measured by the escapement / speed governor (see (1) in FIG. 6) and the IC 642 measures the period (1 / 3) It is configured to compare with the second period (see (2) in Fig. 6).

The rate detection unit 330 measures the escapement / governing device including the escape wheel 130, the ankle 142, and the balance 140 when the pallet abutment 142d hits the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336 (1/3) ) Outputs a detection signal with a cycle of seconds to the IC 642.

That is, rate detecting section 330 includes pallet fork 142 d and piezoelectric element 336 for pallet detection.

(8) Configuration and operation of balance power generation controller

Next, the configuration and operation of the balance power generation control unit of the mechanical timepiece according to the present invention will be described. Further, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 9, the frequency dividing circuit 214 The output signal of 32768 Hertz is divided and the frequency-divided signal of (1/3) second period is output to the modified pulse comparison circuit 216. It is.

The modified pulse comparison circuit 216 outputs a detection signal of the period (1/3) seconds measured by the escapement / speed governor (see (1) in FIG. 6), and the frequency divider 214 in the IC 642 outputs the signal. It is configured to compare a divided signal (see (2) in Fig. 6) with a period of (1/3) seconds and count the difference (see (3) in Fig. 6). This difference is the time to be corrected by adjusting the rate in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

Then, the electromagnetic brake operation circuit 340 conducts the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c based on the signal output from the modified pulse comparison circuit 216. Koinore 180, 180a, by 180b _s 180 c is conductive, to suppress the braking force to rotation of the balance 1 40 in addition to the balance 140, reducing the swing angle of the balance 140.

Therefore, in the balance power generation control unit, the corrected pulse comparison circuit 216, the electromagnetic brake operation circuit 340, the balance magnet 140e, and the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c are used to control the operation of the balance 140. Make up the part. The balance power generation control unit is configured to always control the operation of the balance 140, for example.

With this configuration, the rate of the mechanical timepiece can be adjusted so as to correspond to the difference shown in (3) of FIG.

That is, referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, when the ankle contact 142d detects the contact of the ankle by hitting the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336, the waveform correcting circuit 332 outputs the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336. The detection signal is input c The waveform correction circuit 332 inputs the detection signal counted by the uncle detection signal counting unit, shapes the waveform, and outputs a correction signal as shown in (5) of FIG. The frequency dividing circuit 214 outputs a frequency-divided signal as shown in (2) of FIG. 6 to the modified pulse comparing circuit 216. Next, the correction pulse comparison circuit 216 outputs the (1/3) second period output signal (see (1) in FIG. 6) output from the waveform correction circuit 332 and the output signal from the frequency divider circuit 214 (1/3). The signal is compared with a divided signal (see (2) in Fig. 6) for a period of) seconds, and the difference (see (3) in Fig. 6) is counted.

Here, when the modified pulse comparison circuit 216 inputs the signal of (5) in FIG. 8, the timing at which the ankle tip 142 d hits the pallet detecting piezoelectric element 336 can be determined. Know the timing. Therefore, it is possible to detect the rotation direction in which the balance with hairspring 140 is rotating and the timing of the center of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140 from the timing of stopping the ankle 142.

The corrected pulse comparison circuit 216 compares the period of (1/3) seconds measured by the escapement / speed governor with the period of (1/3) seconds measured by the IC 642 to determine the rate of the watch. Determine if the watch is moving ahead or if the watch is running slowly.

The hairspring 140 c expands and contracts in the semi-suspicious direction of the hairspring 140 c according to the rotation angle of the balance 140. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 2, when the balance with hairspring 140 rotates clockwise, the hairspring 140 c contracts in a direction toward the center of the balance with hairspring 140, whereas the balance with hairspring 140 rotates counterclockwise. Then, the hairspring 140 c expands in a direction away from the center of the balance 140 c. Here, as described above, the balance power generation control unit 350 of the mechanical watch of the present invention applies the “Airy's theorem”. By controlling the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140, the period of the rotation vibration of the balance with hairspring is changed.

Such control of the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140 may be performed at a certain time interval from the center of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140, or may include the center of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140. It may be performed over a certain time interval. That is, the balance power generation control unit 350 of the mechanical watch of the present invention If the degree of advance is advanced, it is configured to apply a brake to the rotation of the balance with hairspring at a timing before the center of rotation of the balance with hairspring 140 (timing t1 in (5) in Fig. 8). . Further, when the rate of the mechanical timepiece is delayed, the balance power generation control unit 350 of the mechanical timepiece according to the present invention performs the timing after passing the center of the rotational vibration of the timepiece 140 (FIG. 8 (5)). At the timing of t2), it is configured to brake the rotation of the balance 140.

That is, the timing at which the electromagnetic brake actuation circuit 340 operates to turn on the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c is determined in response to the signal output from the waveform correction circuit 332. Then, the duration for which the electromagnetic brake operation circuit 340 operates to conduct the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c is determined based on the signal output from the modified pulse comparison circuit 216.

With this configuration, the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140 can be accurately controlled, and the rate of the mechanical timepiece can be accurately adjusted.

In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, when the rate of the mechanical timepiece is advanced, the coil is set at a timing before the center of rotation of the balance with hairspring 140 (timing of tl in (5) of FIG. 8). 180, 180a, 180b, 180c conduct, and the magnetic flux of the balance magnet 140e affects the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c. As a result, the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140 is reduced by the action of the balance with hairspring 140e and the coils 180, 180a, 180b, and 180c.

Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, when the rate of the mechanical timepiece is delayed, the timing after passing the center of the rotational oscillation of the balance 140 (the timing of t 2 in (5) of FIG. 8) ), The coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c conduct, and the magnetic flux of the balance magnet 140e affects the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c. As a result, the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140 is increased by the action of the balance with the balance magnet 140e and the coils 180, 180a, 180b, and 180c. In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention configured as described above, the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140 can be efficiently controlled.

Based on the judgment result of the correction pulse comparison circuit 216, the value of the time for adjusting the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140 is determined in advance by the rate of the mechanical watch and the conduction of the coils 180, 180a, 180b, 180c. It is preferable that the relationship with the change in the cycle of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140 due to the induced current generated by the change in the magnetic flux of the balance with hairspring 140e is obtained by an experiment and stored in the corrected pulse comparison circuit 216.

As described above, by using the present invention, the rate of a mechanical timepiece can be adjusted with high accuracy.

Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, for example, the coils 180, 180a, 180b, and 180c are conducted at a certain time interval including the center of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring 140. In a state where the coils 180, 180a, 180b, and 180c are conducted, the magnetic flux of the balance magnet 140e changes due to the rotational vibration of the balance 140. As a result, the coil 180, 180a, induced current 180b, induced current 180 c is _c generated generated is rectified by the rectifier circuit 342, storage member, i.e., is stored in capacitor 352. Therefore, the capacitor 352 constitutes a power supply for operating the IC 642.

"The fixed time interval including the center of rotation of balance 140" means, for example, that the swing angle is plus or minus 30 degrees from the center of balance vibration (right rotation is plus and left rotation is plus). It can be set between the time interval corresponding to the range of (when minus) and the time interval corresponding to the swing angle of plus or minus 120 degrees from the center of vibration of the balance with hairspring.

In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention configured as described above, the amount of induction current generated in the coils 180, 180a, 180b, and 180c is adjusted at certain time intervals including the center of the rotational oscillation of the balance with hairspring 140, Efficient cycle of rotational vibration of balance 140 Can be controlled.

(9) Circuit configuration of mechanical watch of the present invention

Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, circuits for performing various functions may be configured in the IC, and the IC may be a PL A-IC incorporating programs for performing various operations. Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, an external element such as a resistor, a capacitor, a coil, a diode, and a transistor can be used together with the IC as required.

(10) Example

Next, one embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention will be described.

For example, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the mainspring torque of the mainspring is set to 60 g · cm. Manufacture mechanical watches to use 5 g · cm of this spring torque for power generation.

In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the reduction ratio of the gears from the barrel wheel containing the mainspring to the escape wheel is 1/5040. In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the combined efficiency of the train wheel and the escapement is 30%. In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the radius r of the balance wheel of the balance with hairspring is 0.42 cm, the width of the balance with hairspring is 0.04 cm, and the distance between the balance coil and the coil is, for example, 0 mm. Assume it is .04 cm.

In the mechanical timepiece of the invention, the balance wheel torque is

T = (5/5040) 0.3 = 2.98 x 10 ⁴ [gf-cm].

The force of the outer ring of the balance wheel is

F = T / r = (2.98 x 10 "/0.42 [gf-cm / mm]

^{= 7. 09 X 10- 4 [} gf] = (7. 09 10. "x (9.8 x 10" [N]

= 6. 95 x 1 O " ⁶ [N]

It is.

When the torque is transmitted to the balance magnet for 1 second and the balance magnet moves, assuming that the rotation angle of the balance from the start of impact to the first stop is 40 degrees,

27ΓΓ X (40/360) x 6 = l. 76 x 10 ² [m]

It is.

The energy △ E generated in the coil per second is

ΔΕ = 6.95 X 10 · ² Χ 1.76 x 1 Ο " ² [Ν · m / S]

= 1.22 x 10 ⁷ [J / S]

= 0. 12 [〃W]

In addition, the power required to drive the crystal unit and I C per second is, when using a substrate manufactured by S 0 I technology, I C including the frequency divider,

0.0 [zA] x l. 5 [V] = 0.09 [〃W]

It is.

Therefore, the power required to drive the crystal unit and IC per second is 0.09 [〃W], and the energy Δ に generated in the coil per second is 0.12 iuW]. It was confirmed that the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the invention works reliably.

In the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, no booster circuit is used. In the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, when a rectifier is configured using a Schottky barrier diode, the rectifier needs 0.2 [V]. 1.5 [V] is required. Therefore, the maximum voltage generated in the coil must be 2 [V].

An example of the use of a coil satisfying such conditions is as follows.

Residual magnetic flux density Br = l 0 [ki r oGaus s] Magnet radius R = l [mm]

Magnet length L = 0.5 [mm]

Distance between magnet and coil X = 0.5 [mm]

Magnet density

5 [cm ³ ]

Outer diameter of coil D c 2 2 4 [mm]

Coil inner diameter Dcl = 0.5 [mm]

Coil thickness t c = 0.5 [mm]

Conductor diameter of coil d c 1 = 0.0135 [mm]

Finished diameter of coil dc 2 = 0.0165 [mm]

In the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, four coils having the above specifications were prepared and wired in series. And the balance was made of iron.

In the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention thus manufactured, the voltage generated in the coil was about 2.36 [V]. Therefore, it was confirmed that in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the capacitor can be charged without using the booster circuit.

[Industrial applicability]

The mechanical timepiece of the present invention is suitable for producing a high-precision mechanical timepiece. In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the rate of rotation of the balance with hairspring can be controlled using the balance magnet to accurately adjust the rate.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. The mainspring that constitutes the power source of the mechanical timepiece, the front train wheel that rotates by the rotational force when the mainspring is unwound, and the escapement / governing device that controls the rotation of the front train wheel This escapement / speed governor has a balance that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, an escape wheel that rotates based on the rotation of the front train wheel, and a cancer based on the operation of the balance with hairspring. A balance that controls the rotation of the wheel and a balance with a balance, and a mechanical timepiece including a movement configured to include a hairspring, a balance, and a balance wheel; 210),

An I C (64 2) including a frequency divider (214) for inputting an output signal output by the oscillation of the crystal oscillator (210), dividing the signal, and outputting a time-related signal,

An energy storage member (352) for operating I C (642);

A rate detector (330) for detecting the rate of the mechanical watch;

Controlling the period of the rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring (140) based on the frequency-divided signal divided by the frequency divider (214) and the operating state signal indicating the rate detected by the rate detector (330); A power generation control unit (350) configured to generate power by the rotational vibration of (140);

A mechanical timepiece comprising:

2. The balance power generation control unit (350) is disposed so as to be able to exert a magnetic force on the balance magnet (140e) provided on the balance with hairspring (140) and the balance magnet (140e). Coils (180, 180a, 180b, 180c) and

The coil (180, 180a, 180b, 180c) is connected to the frequency divider (21 4) The magnetic force is applied to the balance magnet (140e) based on the frequency-divided signal of the balance and the operation state signal indicating the rate detected by the rate detector (330), and the rotational vibration of the balance (140) is obtained. 2. The mechanical timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical timepiece is configured to be able to control a cycle of the timepiece.

3. In the balance power generation control unit (350), a current generated by rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring (140) is configured to be rectified by a rectifier circuit and stored in a power storage member (352). The mechanical timepiece according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. When the rate of the mechanical watch is advanced, the balance power generation control unit (350) sets the balance (1) at a timing before the center of rotation of the balance (140) rotates.

If the rate of the mechanical watch is slow, apply a brake to the rotation of the balance (140) after passing the center of rotation of the balance (140). The mechanical timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mechanical timepiece is configured as follows.

5. The rate detecting section (330) includes: an ankle detecting piezoelectric element (336) provided on a dowel pin (102d) for detecting an operation of the ankle (142); The mechanical timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an uncle detection signal counting unit for counting the uncle detection signal output by (336).

6. The mechanical timepiece according to claim 3, wherein the rectifier circuit is configured using a Schottky barrier diode.

7. The mechanical timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the IC is configured using an SOI technology.

8. The balance power generation control unit (350) is configured to control the coil (180, 180a, 180b, 1) at predetermined time intervals including the center of rotational vibration of the balance (140). 80 c) is made conductive so as to generate an induced current in said coil (180, 180a, 180b, 180c) by rotational vibration of the balance with hairspring (140). The mechanical timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7.