CH719747A2 - Clockwork regulating organ equipped with a racket system. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a regulating member for a clock movement comprising an inertial mass, for example an annular balance (23), a spiral spring (25), and a racket system for adjusting the rate of the spiral spring ( 25), the spiral spring (25) comprising a wound ribbon (2) and means for adjusting the stiffness of the spiral spring provided with an elastic element arranged in series with the wound ribbon (2), the racket system comprising a eyebolt holder (31) comprising a first eyebolt (34) and a second eyebolt, characterized in that the elastic element is arranged between the first eyebolt (34) and the second eyebolt, the first eyebolt (34) being movable relative to the second pin, the movement of the first pin (34) modifying the stiffness of the spiral spring (25).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to the field of mechanical watchmaking, where the regulation of the driving energy is provided by a regulating organ. The invention relates, more precisely, to a regulating member provided with a racket system, a clock movement comprising such a regulating member, as well as a timepiece comprising such a clock movement.

Technology background

[0002] In most mechanical watches, the energy necessary for the rotation of the hands (e.g. the minute and hour indicator hands) is accumulated in a barrel, then released by a balance-spring system, which includes a flywheel called balance wheel, associated with a spring in the form of a ribbon wound into a spiral, called hairspring.

[0003] Through an internal end, the hairspring is fixed on a shaft integral in rotation with the balance; through an external end, the hairspring is fixed on a pin mounted on a pin holder which is itself secured to a fixed bridge (or cock).

[0004] The rotation of the balance wheel is maintained - and its oscillations counted - by an escapement mechanism comprising an anchor driven by a low amplitude oscillating movement, provided with two pallets which engage the teeth of an escape wheel. Thus attacked, the escape wheel is subjected to a step-by-step rotational movement whose frequency is determined by the oscillation frequency of the pallet, itself aligned with the oscillation frequency of the sprung balance. ).

[0005] In a traditional escapement mechanism, the oscillation frequency is approximately 4 Hz, or approximately 28,800 vibrations per hour (A/h). An objective of good watchmakers is to ensure isochronism and regularity of the oscillations (or constancy of the rate) of the balance wheel.

[0006] It is known to adjust the rate of the balance by adjusting the active length of the hairspring, defined as the curvilinear length between its internal end and a counting point, located in the vicinity of the external end of the hairspring and generally defined by a pair of stops carried by a key mounted on a racket system.

[0007] In operation, this racket system is fixed in rotation relative to the axis of the hairspring. However, it is possible, through manual intervention, to finely adjust the angular position, e.g. by pivoting, using a screwdriver, an eccentric acting on the racket system in the manner of a cam.

[0008] The assembly comprising the bridge, the racket system, the key, the eyebolt holder, the eyebolt, the shaft, the spring and the balance wheel, is commonly referred to as a “regulating organ”. Examples of regulating organs are offered by international application WO 2016/192957 and by European patent EP 2 876 504, both in the name of the watch manufacturer ETA.

[0009] There are racket systems comprising a pin holder to which one end of the hairspring is fixed, and the key of the racket system leaves room to allow the hairspring to move between the two stops. However, the chronometric properties, in particular the anisochronism as a function of the amplitude, are very sensitive to racket key play, while this game is difficult to control precisely.

[0010] In certain devices, the stops are adjustable to tighten the hairspring in order to eliminate play, in particular during operation of the hairspring. In this case, we start by adjusting the rate by moving the racket key, then we tighten the hairspring with the key. But tightening the hairspring with a racket key risks constraining it and creating chronometric faults, in particular by off-centering the turns. In addition, removing the play also modifies the rate, and once the hairspring is tightened, you can no longer move the racket key along the hairspring to finish finely adjusting the rate.

Other spiral springs include an integrated adjustment device. In these spiral springs, the rate is not adjusted by modifying the effective length of the spiral spring, but by applying a force or a torque to an elastic element arranged in series with the spiral. It is thus possible to modify the stiffness of the elastic element and consequently of the spiral spring as a whole. Adjusting the stiffness of the spiral spring makes it possible to adjust the operation of the regulating organ. Such a spiral spring provided with an elastic element is for example described in patent application EP21202213.1.

However, in these cases, the usual racket systems cannot be used, because they are not compatible with the spiral spring adjustment device. Furthermore, as it involves very finely adjusting the rate, it is essential that there is no play between the hairspring and its areas of interaction with the racket. Indeed, otherwise, there would be a risk of modifying the action in the event of an impact, if the hairspring does not reposition itself in exactly the same way after the impact.

Summary of the invention

[0013] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages mentioned above by proposing a racket system compatible with this type of adjustment device.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to a regulating member for a clock movement comprising an inertial mass, for example an annular balance, a spiral spring, and a racket system for adjusting the rate of the spiral spring. , the spiral spring comprising a wound ribbon and means for adjusting the stiffness of the spiral spring provided with an elastic element arranged in series with the wound ribbon.

[0015] The invention is remarkable in that the racket system comprises a piton holder mechanically linked to the elastic element, the piton holder comprising a first piton and a second piton, characterized in that the elastic element is arranged between the first pin and the second pin, the first pin being movable relative to the second pin, the movement of the first pin modifying the stiffness of the spiral spring.

[0016] Thanks to the invention, we have a racket system compatible with an adjustment device for a spiral spring applying a force or a torque on an elastic element of the spiral spring.

[0017] Indeed, by moving the first eyebolt relative to the second eyebolt, the stiffness of the elastic element included between the two eyebolts is modified, because a variable force or torque is applied to the elastic element by the two eyebolts. .

[0018] Furthermore, such a racket system is easy to use, and mounting on the watch movement does not require significant modification because the assembly is little different from a racket system usually used for a spring- classic hairspring.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the eyebolt carrier comprises a first part provided with the first eyebolt, and a second part provided with the second eyebolt, the first part being movable relative to the second part to move the first peak

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first part and the second part are superimposed.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the racket system comprises an adjustment means, such as an eccentric screw, cooperating with the first part so as to be able to move it when it rotates.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the racket system comprises an arm arranged on the first part and a cam cooperating with the arm, so that the actuation of the cam moves the first part relative to the second part

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the racket system comprises a return means, such as a spring, exerting a force between the first part and the second part to hold the arm of the first part against the cam

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second part is immobile relative to the plate

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first part is movable in rotation relative to the second part.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first eyebolt is movable in rotation.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the spiral spring comprises a wound ribbon and means for adjusting the stiffness of the spiral spring, the adjustment means comprising an elastic element, the elastic element being arranged between the first eyebolt and the second eyebolt, the movement of the first eyebolt modifying the stiffness of the elastic element.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means comprise prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element, the prestressing means being arranged between the first eyebolt and the second eyebolt, the movement of the first eyebolt relative to the second eyebolt actuating the prestressing means.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a lever connected to the flexible element, the first eyebolt being secured to a free end of the lever.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element is linked to a fixed support, the second stud being integral with the fixed support.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a semi-rigid structure arranged in parallel to the flexible element, the lever being connected to the semi-rigid structure.

[0032] The invention also relates to a clock movement comprising such a regulating member.

[0033] The invention also relates to a timepiece, for example a watch, comprising such a clock movement.

Brief description of the figures

[0034] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear on reading several embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which: – Figure 1 schematically represents a perspective view of a regulating member according to a first embodiment of the invention, the regulating member being arranged in a clockwork movement, - Figure 2 schematically represents a perspective view of a part of the first embodiment of the the regulating member of Figure 1, without balance bridge and without racket system, – Figure 3 schematically represents a top view of a spiral spring of the regulating member, – Figure 4 schematically represents a perspective view of a part of a regulating member according to a second embodiment of the invention, the regulating member being arranged in a clockwork movement, and - Figure 5 schematically represents a perspective view of the second embodiment of the regulating organ of Figure 4.

Detailed description of the invention

[0035] Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a regulating member 1 arranged in a timepiece movement 10. The timepiece movement 10 comprises a plate 21, an inertial mass, a elastic return element of the inertial mass configured to make it oscillate, and a balance bridge 22.

The regulating member 1 further comprises a racket system 20, an annular balance 23 as an inertial mass, a balance shaft 24 and a spiral spring 25 as an elastic return element.

The plate 21 is provided with a housing 26 for receiving the regulating member 1, in which the balance 23, the spiral spring 25, the balance bridge 22 and the balance system are superposed from the bottom upwards. racket 20. The balance shaft 24 is centered in the housing 26 and passes through the center of the balance 23, the spiral spring 25 and the balance bridge 22. The balance shaft 24 is held by two anti-shock bearings 28 arranged at the two ends of the balance shaft 24. A first bearing is arranged at the bottom of the housing 26, and the second bearing 28 is arranged above the housing 26, and is held by the balance bridge 22, the balance bridge 22 crossing the top of the housing 26 passing through the central axis of the housing 26. The balance bridge 22 is provided with a through hole in which the second bearing 28 is held. The racket system 20 is mounted on the balance bridge 22 and is arranged on the central axis of the housing 26.

Shown in Figures 2 and 3, the spiral spring 25 preferably extends substantially in a plane. The spiral spring 25 comprises a flexible ribbon 2 wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon 2 having a predefined rigidity. The internal end 9 of the ribbon 2 is made from material or assembled to a support 3. The support 3 has a substantially triangular shape, and is threaded around the shaft of the balance 24.

The spiral spring 25 further comprises means for adjusting its rigidity. For example, the adjustment means can be activated by a user when the regulating member is mounted on the plate of the clock movement.

The adjustment means comprise a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the ribbon 2, the flexible element 5 connecting one end 4, 9 of said ribbon 2 to a fixed support 17, and secured to one of the ends 4, 9 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is integral with the external end 4 of the ribbon 2. The elastic element 5 is a different element from the ribbon 2. The fixed support 17 is fixed relative to the plate 21.

The flexible element 5 adds additional rigidity to that of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 preferably has a greater rigidity than that of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is here arranged in the extension of the ribbon 2. Preferably, the adjustment means and the ribbon 2 are in one piece, or even made of the same material, for example silicon.

The flexible element 5 of the spiral spring 25 comprises a pivot with uncrossed flexible blades. The pivot comprises two uncrossed flexible blades 11, 12 and a rigid part 18. The flexible blades 11, 12 are joined, on the one hand laterally to a fixed support 17, and on the other hand to the rigid part 18 by approaching the 'one from the other. Thus, preferably, the flexible blades 11, 12 move away from the rigid part 18 to the fixed support 17. The external end 4 of the ribbon 2 is joined to the rigid part 18. The fixed support 17 is immobile relative to to the plate 21. The fixed support 17 has an L shape, a first branch 46 of the L serving as a connection with the flexible blades 11, 12, the second branch 47 of the L being oriented on the side opposite the pivot with uncrossed blades to be able to be assembled with the clock movement 10.

The means for adjusting the spiral spring 25 further comprise prestressing means 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. Thus, the rigidity of the spiral spring can be adjusted. The torque or force is continuously adjustable by the prestressing means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not restricted to point values. Thus, the rigidity of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted with great precision.

The prestressing means 6 comprise a secondary flexible blade 19, arranged on an opposite side of the rigid part 18 in the extension of the pivot with uncrossed blades. The secondary flexible blade 19 is arranged tangentially to the ribbon 2, at the external end 4.

The secondary flexible blade 19 is connected at the other end to a curved lever 14 going around the ribbon 2. The lever 14 is connected, in addition to the secondary flexible blade 19, to a semi-rigid structure 27 linked to the support fixed 17. The semi-rigid structure 27 is partially deformed when the lever 14 is actuated by force or torque.

The force or torque is exerted on the free end 15 of the lever 14. Thus, the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the flexible blade secondary 19 and the semi-rigid structure 27, so as to modify the rigidity of the spiral spring 25.

[0047] To be able to apply the variable force or torque to the spiral spring 25, the regulating member comprises a particular racket system 20 according to the invention.

[0048] In the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the racket system 20 is provided with a eyebolt holder 31 in two parts, a first part 32 and a second part 33. The first part 32 of the eyebolt holder 31 suspends the first eyebolt 34, while a second part 33 of the eyebolt holder 31 is provided with the second eyebolt 35. The eyebolt holder 31 is mechanically linked to the elastic element 5, but it does not block the ribbon 2.

The first part 32 of the eyebolt holder 31 is arranged partly above the second part 33 of the eyebolt holder 31, which is in contact with the balance bridge 22. The racket system 20 comprises two screws 36, 37. A first screw 36 is eccentric in order to allow angular adjustment between the two parts of the eyebolt holder 31. The first screw 36 passes through the first 32 and the second part 33. A second screw 37 serves to fix the racket system 20 on the balance bridge 22.

The two parts 32, 33 surround the second bearing 28. For this, each part 32, 33 comprises a central ring 38, 39 arranged around the second bearing 28, the two central rings 38, 39 being superimposed.

The first part 32 comprises two protuberances 41, 42 extending radially from the central ring 38, a first protuberance 41 holding the first stud 34 downwards in the housing 26, the second protuberance 42 having the shape of arc of circle cooperating with the first screw 36.

The second part 33 comprises three protuberances 43, 44, 45 extending from the central ring 39. A first protuberance 43 holds the second eyebolt 35 downwards in the housing 26, a second protuberance 44 extending around of the first screw 36, and the third protuberance 45 having the shape of an arc of a circle cooperating with the second screw 37.

[0053] In a reference arrangement, the first eyebolt 34 and the second eyebolt 35 are for example arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the balance shaft 24.

The first eyebolt 34 cooperates with the free end 15 of the lever 14, and the second eyebolt 35 cooperates with the second branch 47 of the fixed support 17. Thus, the prestressing means 6 and the elastic element 5 are supported by the racket system 20 to which they are suspended.

The two eyebolts 34, 35 are arranged on either side of the prestressing means 6 and the elastic element 5. In addition, the two eyebolts 34, 35 are rigidly linked to the lever 14 and to the fixed support 17 In other words, the first 34 and the second pin 35 are respectively integral with the lever 14 and the fixed support 17. The assembly of the pins and the spiral spring 25 is for example carried out by bonding, brazing, welding, by deformation of metallic glass , or by mechanical fixing.

The first peg 34 is movable relative to the second peg 35. To this end, the first part 32 is movable relative to the second part 33. The first part 32 is movable in rotation around the second bearing 28. Thus, the first eyebolt 34 moves with the first part 32, the first eyebolt 34 being movable in rotation around the second bearing 28. The first eyebolt 34 can for example be moved over an angular range of 20°, or even 10°.

The movement of the first eyebolt 34 relative to the second eyebolt 35 modifies the stiffness of the elastic element 5, because the movement exerts a more or less significant force or torque on the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6, so that the stiffness of the elastic element 5 varies, and thus the stiffness of the entire spiral spring 25. The racket system 20 thus makes it possible to adjust the operation of the regulating member 1.

[0058] To this end, the regulating member 1 comprises adjustment means 30 for modifying the position of the first eyebolt 34 relative to the second eyebolt 35. The first eyebolt 34 and the second eyebolt 35 are connected to the adjustment means 30.

The adjustment means 30 comprise the second protuberance 42 in the shape of an arc of a circle of the first part 32 and the first eccentric screw 36. The arc of a circle has substantially the same diameter as the head of the first screw 36, so that the movement of the first screw 36 causes the movement of the second protuberance 42, and therefore of the first part 32 relative to the second part 33 circularly around the second bearing 28, while the second part 33 remains in position, when the first part 32 is actuated. Thus, by rotating the first screw 36, the second protuberance 42 in the form of an arc of a circle moves circularly around the second bearing 28. The first part 32 moves relative to the second part 33, and consequently, the first pin 34 moves relative to the second pin 35 to modify the force or the torque applied to the preloading means 6 of the spiral spring 25.

[0060] Adjustment marks 29 are arranged on the second protuberance 42 in the shape of an arc of a circle around the first eccentric screw 36. Thus, to adjust the racket system 20, the first screw 36 is oriented according to a preferred reference.

[0061] In the second embodiment of the regulating member 40 of Figures 4 and 5, the characteristics of the regulating member 40 are substantially identical to the first embodiment, except for the adjustment means 50 of the racket system 60.

The first part 52 of the racket system 60 comprises an arm 63 extending radially outwards from the first part 52 in the same plane. The second part 53 comprises two protuberances only, and does not include the protuberance in the shape of an arc of a circle cooperating with the second screw 37.

The adjustment means 50 comprise a cam 55 movable in rotation in place of the first screw. The cam 55 cooperates with the arm 63 of the first part 52 to rotate it around the second bearing 28. The end 56 of the arm 63 is constantly in contact with the cam 55, so that the rotation of the cam 55 exerts a movement on the arm 63 according to the angular position of the cam 55. Thus, the first part 52 of the racket system 60 moves in a manner similar to the first embodiment. Such adjustment means 50 provided with a cam 55 make it possible to vary the rigidity of the spiral spring 25 with linearity.

[0064] To keep the arm 63 of the first part 52 in contact with the cam 55, the adjustment means 50 comprise a spring 57 exerting a restoring force on the first part 52. The spring 57 has a substantially U shape surrounding the second screw 37, a first end 58 of the U being assembled to the second part 53 of the racket system 20, and a second end 59 of the U being retained by a retaining hook 61 arranged on the first part 52. The spring 57 is arranged on the balance bridge 22 symmetrically of the cam 55 with respect to the second bearing 28. The spring 57 is covered by a cover 62 assembled on the balance bridge 22, in order to hold it in place.

[0065] Thus, the spring 57 exerts a restoring force on the two parts 52, 53 of the racket system 60, the restoring force having the function of constantly maintaining the arm 63 of the first part 52 in contact with the cam 55 When acting on the cam 55, the first part 52 rotates to move the first eyebolt 34 relative to the second eyebolt 35, while undergoing a restoring force exerted by the spring 57, to allow contact of the arm 63 of the first part 52 against the cam 55, in particular when the peripheral wall 64 of the cam 55 moves away from the arm 63.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments of regulating members described with reference to the figures, and variants could be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. Regulating member (1, 40) for a watch movement comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance wheel (23), a spiral spring (25), and a racket system (20, 60) for adjusting the rate of movement of the spiral spring (25), the spiral spring (25) comprising a wound ribbon (2) and means for adjusting the stiffness of the spiral spring provided with an elastic element (5) arranged in series with the wound ribbon ( 2), the racket system (20, 60) comprising a piton holder (31) mechanically linked to the elastic element (5), the piton holder (31) comprising a first piton (34) and a second piton ( 35), characterized in that the elastic element (5) is arranged between the first eyebolt (34) and the second eyebolt (35), the first eyebolt (34) being movable relative to the second eyebolt (35), the displacement of the first eyebolt (34) modifying the stiffness of the spiral spring (25). 2. Regulating member according to claim 1, characterized in that the eyebolt holder comprises a first part (32, 52) provided with the first eyebolt (34), and a second part (33, 53) provided with the second eyebolt (35) , the first part (32, 52) being movable relative to the second part (33, 53) to move the first eyebolt (34). 3. Regulating member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first part (32, 52) and the second part (33, 53) are superimposed. 4. Regulating member according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the racket system (20) comprises an adjustment means, such as an eccentric screw (36), cooperating with the first part (32) in such a manner to be able to move it when it is screwed or unscrewed. 5. Regulating member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the racket system (60) comprises an arm (63) arranged on the first part (52) and a cam (55) cooperating with the arm (63), so that the actuation of the cam (55) moves the first part (52) relative to the second part (53). 6. Regulating member according to claim 5, characterized in that the racket system (60) comprises a return means, such as a spring, exerting a force between the first part (52) and the second part (53) to maintain the arm (63) of the first part (52) against the cam (55). 7. Regulating member according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part (33, 53) is immobile relative to the plate (21). 8. Regulating member according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (32, 52) is movable in rotation relative to the second part (33, 53). 9. Regulating member according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pin (34) is movable in rotation. 10. Regulating member according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment means comprise prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5), the prestressing means (6) being arranged between the first eyebolt (34) and the second eyebolt (35), the movement of the first eyebolt (34) relative to the second eyebolt (35) actuating the prestressing means 11. Regulating member according to claim 10, characterized in that the preloading means (6) comprise a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5), the first eyebolt being secured to a free end (15) of the lever (14). 12. Regulating member according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the flexible element (5) is linked to a fixed support (17), the second eyebolt (35) being integral with the fixed support (17). 13. Regulating member according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the preloading means (6) comprise a semi-rigid structure arranged in parallel with the flexible element (5), the lever (14 ) being connected to the semi-rigid structure. 14. Clockwork movement, characterized in that it comprises a regulating member (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims. 15. Timepiece, for example a watch, characterized in that it comprises a timepiece movement according to claim 14.