WO2001065318A1

WO2001065318A1 - Mechanical timepiece with optical detecting part and braking part

Info

Publication number: WO2001065318A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/001164
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuko Sasaki; Koichiro Jujo; Takeshi Tokoro; Kenji Ogasawara; Masafumi Hoshino
Original assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
Priority date: 2000-02-29
Filing date: 2000-02-29
Publication date: 2001-09-07
Also published as: EP1172713A1; CN1357120A

Abstract

A mechanical timepiece, comprising a movement (100) including a movement barrel (120), a second wheel (124), a third wheel (126), a fourth wheel (128), a timed annular balance (140), an escape wheel (130), and a pallet fork (142), coils (180a, 180b) being installed on the front surface of a main plate (102) so that these coils face the main plate side surface of an annular balance wheel (140b), a balance magnet (140e) being installed on the main plate side surface of the annular balance wheel (140b) so that the balance magnet (140e) faces the front surface of the main plate (102) , and additionally comprising a detection part (176) installed for detecting the swing angle of the timed annular balance by detecting, using light, the operating condition of the timed annular balance (140) and a braking part (146) formed so that a force to suppress the rotation of the timed annular balance (140) is applied to the timed annular balance (140) when the swing angle of the timed annular balance (140) detected by the detection part (176) is equal to or larger than a pre-set angle.

Description

Description Mechanical watch equipped with optical detection unit and braking unit

〔Technical field〕

The present invention relates to a mechanical timepiece provided with an optical detection unit and a braking unit configured to apply a force to suppress the rotation of the balance with hairspring based on the detection result of the swing angle of the balance with hairspring.

(Background technology)

In a conventional mechanical timepiece, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the movement (mechanical body) 110 of the mechanical timepiece has a main plate 1102 that constitutes a substrate of the movement. . The winding stem 111 is rotatably incorporated in the winding guide hole 111a of the main plate 111. Dial 1104 (shown in phantom in FIG. 9) is attached to movement 1100.

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 position of the winding stem 1 110 in the axial direction is determined by a switching device that includes the setting 1 1 9 0, the latch 1 1 9 2, the latch spring 1 1 9 4, and the back retainer 1 1 9 6. The wheel 1 1 1 2 is rotatably provided on the guide shaft of the winding stem 1 1 1 0. The winding 1 1 1 0 is located at the first winding position closest to the inside of the movement along the axis of rotation (0 step When the stem 1 1 1 0 is rotated in the state of the eye, the wheel 1 1 1 2 rotates through the rotation of the pinwheel. 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 rotates through the rotation of the 4th wheel 1 1 2 8, the 3rd wheel 1 1 2 6, and the 2nd wheel 1 1 2 4. 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 main plate 1102 and the balance with hairspring 1166.

The hairspring 111 4 c is a thin leaf spring having a spiral shape and a plurality of turns. The inner end of the hairspring 1 1 4 0 c is fixed to the beard ball 1 1 4 0 d fixed to the balance 1 1 4 0 a, and the outer end of the hairspring 1 1 4 0 c is It is fixed by screwing via a beard holder 1170a attached to a beard holder 1170 fixed to the balance with hairspring holder 1166.

A needle 1168 is rotatably mounted on the balance 1166. A beard holder 1 168 a and a beard bar 1168 b are attached to the needle 1 168. The portion near the outer end of the hairspring 1140c is located between the whiskers 1168a and the whiskers 1168b.

In general, in a typical conventional mechanical watch, as shown in Fig. 10, 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. 10, 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.

Generally, in a typical conventional mechanical timepiece, as shown in Fig. 11, when the mainspring torque decreases, the swing angle of the balance with hairspring also decreases. For example, in the case of Fig. 11, 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. 12, there is shown a transition of the instantaneous rate (a numerical value indicating the precision of the watch) with respect to the swing angle of the balance with a typical conventional mechanical watch. Here, the "instantaneous rate" is defined as "when the mechanical watch is left for one day while maintaining the state and environment, such as the swing angle of the balance when measuring the rate, A value indicating the advance or delay of a mechanical watch ”. In the case of FIG. 12, the instantaneous rate is delayed when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is 240 degrees or more, or 200 degrees or less.

For example, in a typical conventional mechanical watch, as shown in Fig. 12, when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is about 200 to 240 degrees, the instantaneous rate is about 0 to 5 seconds. One 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. 13 shows the transition of the elapsed time and the instantaneous rate when the mainspring is rewinded from the fully wound state in a typical conventional mechanical timepiece. Here, in a conventional mechanical timepiece, the “rate”, which indicates the advancement of the clock or the delay of the clock per day, corresponds to the elapsed time when the mainspring is unwound from the entire winding, as shown by the fine line in FIG. It is obtained by integrating the instantaneous rate for 24 hours.

In general, in a conventional mechanical timepiece, as the mainspring is unwound from the fully wound state and the duration time elapses, the mainspring torque decreases and the swing angle of the balance with hairspring decreases, 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 conventional typical mechanical watch, the instantaneous rate is about 3 seconds / day (about 3 seconds per day) when fully wound, as shown by the fine line in Fig. 13. Twenty hours after the winding state, the instantaneous rate is about 3 seconds / day (about 3 seconds behind each day), and 24 hours after the full winding state, the instantaneous rate is about 8 seconds / day. (Delay of about 8 seconds per day) After 30 hours from the full winding state, the instantaneous rate becomes about -16 seconds / day (about 16 seconds late per day).

A conventional balance angle adjusting device for a balance with hairspring is provided with a swing angle adjusting plate that applies a braking force to the balance with an overcurrent generated each time the magnet of the balance approaches and swings. It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 544-141675.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a highly accurate mechanical timepiece with a small change in the rate even after a lapse of time from the fully wound state. [Disclosure of the Invention]

The present invention relates to a mainspring constituting a power source of a mechanical timepiece, a front train wheel which rotates by a rotational force when the mainspring is unwound, and an escape-governing device for controlling the rotation of the front train wheel. This escapement and speed governing device 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 spring wheel based on the operation of the balance. A detection unit provided for detecting the swing angle of the balance with hairspring by detecting the operating state of the balance with hair using a mechanical watch configured to include an pallet for controlling rotation of the balance; And a braking unit configured to apply a force to the balance with hairspring to suppress rotation of the balance with hairspring when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring detected by the unit is equal to or greater than a preset angle.

In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, it is preferable that the detection unit is configured to include a light-emitting unit for irradiating the balance with hair and a light-receiving unit for receiving light irradiated to the balance with hair.

Further, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, it is preferable that the braking portion is configured to include a coil arranged so as to be able to brake the movement of the balance magnet.

By using the detection unit and the braking unit configured as described above, the rotation angle of the balance of the mechanical watch can be effectively controlled, thereby improving the accuracy of the mechanical watch. it can.

Further, the mechanical timepiece of the present invention calculates the swing angle of the balance with hairspring by measuring the operation of the balance with hairspring rotation configured to control the light emitted from the light emitting unit and the balance with hairspring arm. A balance rotation control circuit configured in such a manner that when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is less than a certain threshold value, the coil is not turned on and the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is When the voltage is equal to or more than the certain threshold value, it is preferable that the coil be made conductive.

In addition, the mechanical timepiece of the present invention includes a balance rotation detection circuit and a balance rotation control circuit. It is preferable to further comprise a power storage unit for operation.

Further, the mechanical timepiece of the present invention preferably further includes a power generation unit for charging the power storage unit.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a mainspring constituting a power source of a mechanical timepiece, a front train wheel that rotates by a rotational force when the mainspring is unwound, and an escape / speed control for controlling the rotation of the front train wheel. This escapement / speed governor is equipped with a balance wheel that alternately rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, an escape wheel that rotates based on the rotation of the front train wheel, and a balance wheel based on the operation of the balance wheel. In a mechanical timepiece configured to include an pallet for controlling rotation of an escape wheel, a power storage unit forming a power supply, a power generation unit for charging the power storage unit, a balance, and a balance with a balance A speed control unit including a provided balance magnet, a light emitting unit for irradiating the balance arm, and a detection unit including a light receiving unit for receiving light irradiated to the balance arm are provided.

The mechanical timepiece according to the present invention further includes a braking section including a coil arranged so as to be able to brake the movement of the balance magnet, and a balance with a balance rotating so as to control light emitted by the light emitting section. Ic including a detection circuit and a balance rotation control circuit configured to measure the operation of the balance arm and calculate the swing angle of the balance with hairspring. When the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is less than a certain threshold value, the coil does not conduct, and the swing angle of the balance with hairspring is as described above. When the voltage is equal to or higher than a certain threshold, the coil is made conductive.

With this configuration, it is possible to provide a highly accurate mechanical timepiece with little change in the rate even after the lapse of time from the fully wound state.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a front side of a movement in an embodiment of a mechanical timepiece of the present invention. 2 is a plan view showing the shape (in FIG. 1, some parts are omitted, and the receiving member is indicated by a virtual line).

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a train wheel, an escapement / governing device in an embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 3 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. 4 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. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic shape of a balance magnet used in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic shape of a front side of a movement of a conventional mechanical timepiece (in FIG. 8, some parts are omitted, and a receiving member is shown by an imaginary line).

FIG. 9 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a movement of a conventional mechanical timepiece (in FIG. 8, some parts are omitted).

FIG. 10 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the elapsed time of unwinding from a full turn and a mainspring torque in a mechanical timepiece.

FIG. 11 is a graph schematically showing a relationship between a swing angle of a balance with hairspring and a mainspring torque in a mechanical timepiece.

FIG. 12 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. 13 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the elapsed time and the instantaneous rate from the entire winding to the winding in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention and the conventional 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) Configuration of switching device and winding section

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in an embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, a movement (mechanical body) 100 of the mechanical timepiece has a main plate 102 constituting a substrate of the movement. The winding stem 110 is rotatably incorporated into the winding guide hole 102 a of the main plate 102. The dial 104 is attached to the movement 100.

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 second tooth is located at the end of the wheel closer to the outside of the movement.

Movement 100 is provided with a switching device for determining the position of winding stem 110 in the axial direction. The switching device includes a setting lever 190, a latch 1992, a latch spring 1994, and a back retainer 1996. The position of the winding stem 110 in the rotation axis direction is determined based on the rotation of the setting. Determine the position of the thumbwheel in the direction of the rotation axis based on the rotation of the bolt. Based on the rotation of the setting, the bar is positioned in two rotational directions.

The wheel 1 1 2 is rotatably provided on the guide shaft of the winding stem 110. When the winding stem 110 is rotated in the state where the winding stem 110 is located at the first winding stem position (the 0th stage) closest to the inside of the movement along the rotation axis direction, The wheel 1 1 2 is configured to rotate through the rotation of the vehicle. The round hole wheel 1 1 4 is turned by the rotation of the wheel 1 1 2 It is configured to rotate. The square hole wheel 116 is configured to rotate by the rotation of the round hole wheel 114.

(2) Power source and wheel train configuration

The movement 100 uses a mainspring 122 housed in a barrel car 120 as a power source. The mainspring 1 2 2 is made of an elastic material having a spring property such as iron. The configuration is such that the mainspring 1 2 2 can be wound up by rotating the square wheel 1 1 6.

The second wheel & pinion 124 is configured to rotate by the rotation of the barrel wheel 120. The third wheel 1 2 6 is configured to rotate based on the rotation of the second wheel 1 2 4. 4th car

1 2 8 is configured to rotate based on the rotation of the third wheel 1 2 6. Escape wheel

130 is configured to rotate based on the rotation of the fourth wheel & pinion 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.

(3) Escape

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the movement 100 is provided with an escapement / governing device for controlling the rotation of the front train wheel. The escapement and governor operate the balance 140 and the escape wheel 1340 that rotate based on the rotation of the front train wheel, and the balance wheel 140 that repeats clockwise and counterclockwise rotations at regular intervals. And an ankle 142 that controls the rotation of the escape wheel 130 based on

The balance 140 includes a balance 140a, a balance wheel 140b, and a hairspring 144c. Four balance arms 14 O f (referred to as “Amida”) for connecting the balance 140 a and the balance wheel 140 b are provided. The number of the balance arm portions 14Of may be two, three, or four or more.

The hairspring 140 c is made of a resilient material such as Elinvar It is. That is, the hairspring 140c is made of a metal conductive material.

Based on the rotation of the second wheel & pinion 1, 24, the cylindrical pinion 150 rotates simultaneously. The minute hand 15 2 attached to the barrel pinion 150 is configured to display “minute”. The cannon pinion 150 is provided with a slip mechanism having a predetermined slip torque with respect to the center wheel & pinion 124.

The minute wheel (not shown) rotates based on the rotation of the cannon pinion 150. The hour wheel 154 rotates based on the rotation of the minute wheel. The hour hand 156 attached to the hour wheel 154 is configured to display "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. 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 140 a 1 of the balance 140 a is supported rotatably with respect to the balance upper bearing 166 a fixed to the balance holder 166. The balance-top bearing 1 66 a includes a balance-top stone and a balance-top stone. Balance stones and stones are made of insulating material such as ruby.

The lower border 140a2 of the balance 140a is rotatably supported with respect to the balance lower bearing 102b fixed to the main plate 102. The balance wheel bearing 102b includes a balance hole stone and a balance stone. Hypothetical pits and trowels are made of insulating materials such as ruby.

The hairspring 140 c is a thin leaf spring having a spiral shape with a plurality of turns. The inner end of the hairspring 140 c is fixed to a beard ball 140 d fixed to a balance 140 a, and the outer end of the hairspring 140 c is a balance 16 1 Beard holder 1 7 0 a attached to the beard holder 1 7 0 rotatably fixed to Is fixed with screws. Balance bridge 1 6 6 _c beard holder bridge 1 7 0 made of a metal conductive material such as brass is made of a conductive material of the metal such as iron.

(4) Configuration of detector

Next, the configuration of the detection unit of the mechanical timepiece according to the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the phototransistor 13 3 illuminates the balance arm 14f to measure the rotation operation of the balance arm 14Of of the balance 140. It is placed at the balance 1 16 6 That is, the phototransistor 130 forms a light emitting unit.

A photodiode 1332 is provided on the main plate 102 to receive the light illuminating the balance arm portion 140f. That is, the photodiodes 13 constitute a light receiving section. The light receiving section can be composed of, for example, a photodiode, an optical fino, a CCD, or the like.

The phototransistor 13 0 (light emitting unit) and the photodiode 13 2 (light receiving unit) constitute the detecting unit 1 76.

Governing section 144 includes balance 140 and balance magnet 140 e. Details of the balance magnet 140 e will be described later.

The balance arm portion 140f of the balance with hairspring 140 rotates between the phototransistor 130 and the photodiode 1332.

When the balance arm 140f is located between the phototransistor 130 and the photodiode 1332, the light emitted from the phototransistor 130 is blocked by the balance arm 140: It is configured not to be incident on the diode 1 32. On the other hand, when the balance arm portion 140f is not located between the phototransistor 130 and the photodiode 1332, the light emitted from the phototransistor 130 reaches the photodiode 1332. It is configured to Photodiode 1 32 is connected to IC 1 34. The IC 13 4 includes a balance rotation detection circuit 17 2 and a balance rotation control circuit 17 4. The balance rotation detection circuit 172 is configured to control the light emitted by the phototransistor 130. The balance rotation control circuit 174 is configured to measure the operation of the balance arm portion 140Of and calculate the swing angle of the balance 140.

The balance rotation control circuit 174 stores in advance the relationship between the cycle of light incident on the photodiode 1332 and the swing angle of the balance with hairspring. Therefore, the calculation of the swing angle of the balance 140 can be performed using the period of the light incident on the photodiode 132.

(5) Configuration of power generation unit and power storage unit

Next, the configuration of the power generation unit and the power storage unit of the mechanical timepiece of the invention will be described.

The secondary battery 1 36 for operating the IC 134 is fixed to the main plate 102. The secondary battery 13 6 constitutes a power storage unit 13 7. That is, the power storage unit 1337 constitutes a power supply to operate the IC 1334. The power storage unit 137 may be composed of a secondary battery or a capacitor. Alternatively, a primary battery can be used instead of the power storage unit 1337.

A power generation unit 150 is provided to charge the power storage unit 135. The power generation unit 150 may be a manually wound power generation mechanism that generates a voltage by rotating the winding stem 102, or may be an automatic winding power generation mechanism that generates a voltage by rotating a rotating weight.

The power generation unit 150 may be arranged on the “back side” of the movement 100, or may be arranged on the “front side” of the movement 100.

The structure of the power generation unit 150 is not shown in FIG. 1 because the same structure as the conventional structure can be used.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration when the power generation unit 150 is configured by a manually wound power generation mechanism. Fig. 6 Referring to, the power generating unit 150 includes a hoisting mechanism 15 2 that operates by the rotation of the winding stem 102, a speed-up wheel train 15 4 that transmits the hoisting mechanism 15 2 by increasing the rotation thereof, and , A gear ring that rotates by the rotation of the gear train 154, a rocker hole that is opposed to the rocker magnet of the rocker magnet, and a rocker hole that is opposed to the rocker magnet. It includes a generating coil 158 for generating an electromotive force by the rotation of 6, and a rectifying circuit 160 for rectifying the current generated in the generating coil 158. The current rectified by the rectifier circuit 160 flows to the secondary battery 136 constituting the power storage unit 137. A capacitor may be used instead of the secondary battery 1 36. The rectification operation performed by the rectifier circuit 160 may be half-wave rectification or full-wave rectification. The rectifier circuit can be built in the IC 134 or may be provided separately from the IC 134.

When the power generation unit is configured by an automatic winding power generation mechanism, the power generation unit includes a rotating weight, a speed increasing gear train for transmitting the rotation of the rotating weight at an increased speed, and a rotor rotating by the rotation of the speed increasing gear train. , A stage having a roaster hole facing the magnet of the roaster, a generator coil for generating electromotive force by rotation of the rotor, and a rectifier circuit for rectifying a current generated in the generator coil. And The current rectified by the rectifier circuit is configured to flow through the secondary battery 1336.

For example, an electronic wristwatch with a power generating device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-2666989 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-293143, and a portable watch with a charging function is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-2888192 discloses this.

As a modified example, it is possible to use a battery (primary battery) such as a silver battery or a lithium battery so that the power generation mechanism is not used.

(6) Configuration of braking section

Next, the configuration of the braking unit of the mechanical timepiece according to the present invention will be described.

Coil 180 a, 180 O b so that it faces the side of the main plate of balance wheel 140 b It is mounted on the front side of the main plate 102. The coils 180a and 180b constitute the control unit 146. The number of coils is, for example, two, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, but may be one, two, three, or four. There may be more than one.

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 Figs. 1 and 3, when a plurality of coils 180a and 180b are arranged, the circumferential distance between the coils 180a and 180b is set to 180a. , 180 b are preferably an integral multiple of the circumferential interval between the S and N poles of the balance magnet 140 e disposed in the opposite direction, but all coils are the same in the circumferential direction. The intervals need not be the same. 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 currents generated in the respective coils due to the electromagnetic induction. Alternatively, the wiring between the coils may be arranged in parallel so that the currents generated in the coils by electromagnetic induction do not cancel each other.

Referring to FIG. 5, the balance magnet 140 e has an annular shape (ring shape), and has, for example, 12 S poles 140 s 1 polarized vertically along its circumferential direction. Magnets consisting of ~ 1400s12 and 12 N poles 1400n1 ~ 1400n12 are alternately provided. The number of magnets arranged in an annular shape (ring shape) in the balance magnet 140 e is 12 in the example shown in FIG. 5, but may be any number of 2 or more. 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.

A gap is provided between the balance magnet 140 e and the coils 180 a and 180 ob. The gap between the balance magnet 140 e and the coils 180 a and 180 ob is that when the coil 180 a and 180 ob are conducting, the magnetic force of the balance magnet 14 e is Coil 180 a, It has been determined that it can affect 18 Ob.

When the coils 180a and 180b are not conducting, the magnetic force of the balance magnet 140e does not affect the coils 180a and 180b. The balance magnet 140 e has 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, and the balance plate 14 O b has the base plate side. It is fixed to the surface with adhesive.

A first lead wire 182 is provided to connect one terminal of the coil 180a to the first coil terminal of the IC 134. A second lead 184 is provided to connect one end of the coil 18 Ob to a second coil terminal of the IC 134.

The thickness of the hairspring 140 c (the thickness in the radial direction of the balance with hairspring) 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. The coils 180a and 18Ob each have, for example, eight turns, and a coil wire diameter of about 25 micrometers. The gap between the balance magnet 140 e and the kozores 180 a and 180 b is, for example, about 0.4 mm.

(7) Function of detector and brake

Next, the operation of the detection unit and the braking unit of the mechanical timepiece of the invention will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, when coiler 180a and 180b are not conducting, that is, when coil 140a and circuit 180b are open, the balance of balance 140 The operation will be described.

The hairspring 140 c expands and contracts in the radial direction of the hairspring 140 c in accordance with the rotation angle of the balance 140. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 3, when the balance with hairspring 140 rotates clockwise, the hairspring 140 c is positioned at the center of the balance with hairspring 140. Contracted in a direction toward the, contrast, when the balance with hairspring 140 you rotate in the counterclockwise direction, the rotation angle (swing angle) of _c balance 140 that extends in a direction away from the center of the balance spring 140 c Watenpu 140 If is less than a certain threshold value, for example, 180 degrees, the operation of the balance rotation control circuit 174 causes the coils 180a and 180b not to conduct.

Next, the operation of the balance with hairspring 140 when the coils 180a and 180b are conducting, that is, when the circuit including the coils 180a and 180b is closed will be described. That is, when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is 180 degrees or more, the coils 180a and 180b are configured to conduct.

When the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 becomes 180 degrees or more, the coils 180a and 18 Ob conduct by the operation of the balance with hairspring rotation control circuit 174, and the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140 is caused by an induced current generated by a change in the magnetic flux of the balance with magnet 140e. Exercise exerts a force on balance 140 to suppress movement. The balance rotation control circuit 174, the coils 180a and 180b, and the balance magnet 140e apply a braking force to the balance 140 to suppress the rotation of the balance with hairspring 140, thereby reducing the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140. It is configured as follows.

Then, when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is reduced from 0 degree to less than 180 degrees, the operation of the balance rotation control circuit 174 prevents the coils 180a and 18 Ob from conducting. Therefore, when the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 exceeds 0 degree and is less than 180 degrees, the coils 180a and 18 Ob do not conduct, and no force that suppresses the rotational movement of the balance with hairspring 140 is applied.

Next, the operation of the detection unit and the braking unit in the mechanical timepiece of the invention will be described. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation of the balance rotation detecting circuit 172 starts the balance rotation detection (step S1 in FIG. 7).

The balance rotation detection circuit 172 determines the detection time (step S2 in FIG. 7). detection The determination of the time is performed by, for example, counting. The set time for performing the balance rotation detection is stored in advance in the balance rotation detection circuit 1-2.

The set time for detecting the rotation of the balance with hairspring is, for example, about 1 hour. The set time for performing the rotation detection of the balance with hairspring is preferably about 0.25 to 6 hours, more preferably about 0.5 to 3 hours, and even more preferably about 1 to 2 hours. . When the balance rotation detecting circuit 172 determines that the set time has elapsed, the balance rotation detecting circuit 1772 turns on the phototransistor 130 (step S3 in FIG. 7). If the balance rotation detection circuit 172 determines that the set time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S2 in FIG. 7 and the operation of determining the detection time is repeated.

When the balance rotation detection circuit 172 turns on the phototransistor 130, the balance rotation control circuit 1704 determines the swing angle of the balance 140 (step S4 in FIG. 7). That is, the balance rotation control circuit 174 measures the operating state of the balance arm portion 140f using the light incident on the photodiode 1332, and calculates the swing angle of the balance 140. The balance rotation control circuit 174 stores the relationship between the cycle of light incident on the photodiode 1332 and the swing angle of the balance with hair in advance. This is performed using the cycle of light incident on the diode 1 32.

When the balance rotation control circuit 1 7 4 determines that the swing angle of the balance 1 4 0 is equal to or greater than the set angle, the balance rotation detection circuit 1 7 2 turns off the phototransistor 13 0 (step S 5 in Fig. 7). . In this case, the balance rotation control circuit 174 turns on the coils 180a and 180Ob (step S6 in FIG. 7). When the coils 180a and 180b are made conductive, a change in magnetic flux of the balance magnet 140e causes an induced current to generate a force that suppresses the rotational movement of the balance 140. Affects 0. The swing angle of the balance 140 is reduced by applying a braking force to the balance 140 to suppress the rotation of the balance 140. When the balance rotation control circuit 17 4 conducts the coils 180 a and 18 O b, and the swing angle of the balance 140 decreases, the operation proceeds to step S 2 in FIG. Return and repeat the operation to determine the detection time.

The relationship between the time during which the balance rotation control circuit 174 should conduct the coils 180a and 180b and the swing angle of the balance 140 is determined in advance by experiments, and the result is used as the balance rotation control. It is stored in circuit 1 74.

The set angle of the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 is stored in advance in the balance rotation control circuit 174. The setting angle of the swing angle of the balance 140 is, for example, 180 degrees. The set angle of the swing angle of the balance 140 is preferably about 150 to 210 degrees, and more preferably about 180 degrees.

When the balance rotation control circuit 1 7 4 determines that the swing angle of the balance 1 4 0 is less than the set angle, the balance rotation detection circuit 1 7 2 turns off the phototransistor 13 0 (step S 7 in Fig. 7). . In this case, the balance rotation control circuit 174 does not conduct the coils 180a and 180b (step S8 in FIG. 7).

Then, returning to step S2 in FIG. 7, the operation of determining the detection time is repeated.

As a modification, when the balance rotation control circuit 17 4 determines that the swing angle of the balance 14 0 is equal to or larger than the set angle, the balance rotation detection circuit 1 7 2 turns off the phototransistor 13 0 and rotates the balance balance. The control circuit 174 conducts the coils 180a and 180b, and conducts the coils 180a and 180b with a force that suppresses the rotational movement of the balance with hairspring 140. After affecting the balance with hairspring 140, the balance rotation control circuit 1-4 may again determine the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140. That is, in FIG. 7, after step S6, a loop that returns to step S4 a certain number of times can be provided.o

In this configuration, by providing a feedback loop, the swing angle of the balance with hairspring 140 can be adjusted more accurately.

Therefore, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the swing angle of the balance 140 can be accurately and efficiently controlled. (8) Configuration of circuit used in mechanical timepiece of the present invention

Further, in the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, circuits for performing various functions may be configured in the IC, and the IC is a PL A-IC incorporating programs for performing various operations. Is also good.

In the embodiment of the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, if necessary, an external element such as a resistor, a capacitor, a coil, a diode, a transistor, or the like can be used together with the IC.

(9) Effects of the present invention

As described above, the present invention provides a balance with a balance with an escapement / governing device that repeats clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, an escape wheel and wheel that rotates based on the rotation of a front train wheel, and A mechanical timepiece configured to include an pallet for controlling the rotation of a balance wheel, including a detection unit for detecting a swing angle of the balance with hairspring and a braking unit for controlling the rotation angle of the balance with hairspring. With this configuration, the accuracy of the mechanical timepiece can be improved without reducing the duration of the mechanical timepiece.

That is, in the present invention, by focusing on the correlation between the instantaneous rate and the swing angle, and keeping the swing angle constant, the change in the instantaneous rate is suppressed, and the advance and delay of the clock per day are reduced. Was adjusted as follows.

In contrast, in conventional mechanical watches, the swing angle changes over time due to the relationship between the duration and the swing angle. Furthermore, the instantaneous rate changes over time due to the relationship between the swing angle and the instantaneous rate. For this reason, it was difficult to maintain a certain level of accuracy and to extend the duration of the clock.

(10) Simulation of instantaneous rate Next, the results of a simulation on the instantaneous rate performed on the mechanical timepiece of the present invention developed to solve such a problem of the conventional mechanical timepiece will be described. Referring to FIG. 13, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the instantaneous rate of the timepiece is first adjusted to an advanced state as shown by the X-marked plot and the thin line in FIG. 13.

That is, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the rate is about 18 seconds / day when the mainspring is completely wound up, as shown by the plot X and the thin line in FIG. 13 (about 1 day per day). The instantaneous rate is about 13 seconds / day after 20 hours from the full winding state (about 13 seconds per day), and the instantaneous rate is 30 hours after the full winding state. Approximately 12 seconds / day (about 2 seconds behind each day).

In the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, when the braking unit is operated, as shown by a black circle plot and a thick line in FIG. 13, the braking unit is operated, that is, from a state in which the mainspring is completely wound up. Until 27 hours elapse, the instantaneous rate can be maintained for about 5 seconds Z days (maintain the state advanced about 5 seconds per day), and the instantaneous rate will be 30 hours after the full winding state About 12 seconds / day (about 2 seconds behind each day) c The mechanical watch with the balance rotation angle control mechanism of the present invention controls the instantaneous rate of the watch by controlling the swing angle of the balance. As compared with the conventional mechanical clock shown by the square plot and the imaginary line in Fig. 13, it is possible to increase the elapsed time from the whole volume where the instantaneous rate is about 0 to 5 seconds / day. it can.

That is, in the mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the duration at which the instantaneous rate is within about plus or minus 5 seconds / day is about 32 hours. The value of this duration is about 1.45 times the duration of about 22 hours, in which the instantaneous rate of a conventional mechanical watch is within about ± 5 seconds / day.

Therefore, a simulation result was obtained in which the mechanical timepiece of the present invention was much more accurate than the conventional mechanical timepiece. [Industrial applicability]

The mechanical timepiece of the present invention has a simple structure and is suitable for realizing a highly accurate mechanical timepiece.

Furthermore, since the mechanical timepiece of the present invention is provided with the light detection type balance angle detection unit, manufacturing and adjusting the rate of the mechanical timepiece are extremely easy.

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 The escapement and speed governor are equipped with a balance that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, an escape 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 wheel. In a mechanical timepiece configured to include an heel for controlling the balance, a detection unit (176) provided to detect the swing angle of the balance with hairspring by detecting the operating state of the balance with light (140). ) When,

When the swing angle of the balance with hairspring (140) detected by the detection unit (176) is equal to or greater than a preset angle, a force that suppresses rotation of the balance with hairspring (140) is applied.

A braking unit (146) configured to add to (140);

A mechanical timepiece comprising:

2. The detecting section (176) includes a light emitting section (130) for irradiating the balance arm (140f) and a light receiving section (132) for receiving light illuminating the balance arm (14 Of). The mechanical timepiece according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The braking portion (146) includes a coil (180a, 180b) arranged so as to be able to brake the movement of the balance magnet (140e) provided on the balance (140). The mechanical timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

4. Measure the operation of the balance rotation detection circuit (172) and the balance arm (140f) configured to control the light emitted by the light emitting section (130), and measure the balance with the balance.

A balance rotation control circuit (174) configured to calculate a swing angle of (140),

The balance rotation control circuit (174) determines that the swing angle of the balance (140) is constant. If it is less than the threshold value, the coils (180a, 180b) are not conducted, and if the swing angle of the balance (140) is above the certain threshold value, the coil (180a, 180b)

4. The mechanical timepiece according to claim 3, wherein:

5. The mechanical timepiece according to claim 4, further comprising a balance rotation detection circuit (172) and a power storage unit (137) for operating the balance rotation control circuit (174).

6. The mechanical timepiece according to claim 5, further comprising a power generation unit (150) for charging the power storage unit (137).

7. The mainspring that constitutes the power source of the mechanical timepiece, the front wheel train that rotates by the rotational force when the mainspring is unwound, and the escapement and speed control device that controls the rotation of the front wheel train The escapement and speed governor are equipped with a balance that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, an escape 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. A mechanical timepiece configured to include an ankle that controls

A power generation unit (150) for charging the power storage unit (137);

A speed governor (144) including a balance with a balance (140) and a balance magnet (140e) provided on the balance with the balance (140);

A detecting section (176) including a light emitting section (130) for irradiating the balance arm (140f) and a light receiving section (132) for receiving light illuminating the balance arm (140f);

A braking unit (146) including coils (180a, 180b) arranged so as to be able to brake the movement of the balance magnet (140e) provided on the balance (140);

Balance rotation configured to control the light emitted by the light emitting section (130) An IC (134) including a detection circuit (172) and a balance rotation control circuit (174) configured to measure the operation of the balance with hairspring (140f) and calculate the swing angle of the balance with hairspring (140). )

When the swing angle of the balance with hairspring (140) is smaller than a certain threshold value, the balance with hairspring rotation control circuit (174) does not conduct the coils (180a, 180b), and swings the balance with hairspring (140). If the angle is greater than or equal to the certain threshold, the coil (180a, 180b) is configured to conduct.

A mechanical watch characterized by the following.