JP2017515119A - Method for synchronizing two timer oscillators with one gear train - Google Patents

Abstract

A timepiece regulating mechanism (100) having an escape wheel (51), wherein the escape wheel (51) is mounted so as to pivot at least with respect to the plate (1), and the escape shaft (D0) It is configured to pivot around and receive a driving torque via a gear train, and the regulation mechanism (100) is further connected to the plate (1) by a first elastic return means (210). A first oscillator (110) having a first rigid structure (310) and a second rigid structure (100) connected to the first rigid structure (310) by a second elastic return means (220). 320) and at least a second oscillator (120), wherein the second elastic return means (220) is at least of the second rigid structure (320) around the first rigid structure (310). Guide means configured to allow pivoting and wherein the second rigid structure (320) is configured to cooperate with complementary guide means (52) provided on the escape wheel (51) (42), the guide means (42) and the complementary guide means (52) together form a motion transmission means for synchronizing the first oscillator (110) and the second oscillator (120) with the gear train. The second rigid structure (320) is mounted for pivoting on the first rigid structure (310). [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a timepiece regulating mechanism having a plate and an escape wheel, the escape wheel being mounted so as to pivot at least with respect to the plate, pivoting around an escape shaft, and via a gear train. The control mechanism further includes a first oscillator having a first rigid structure connected to the plate by a first elastic return means.

  The present invention relates to a timepiece movement having such a restriction mechanism.

  The present invention relates to a timer having such a movement.

  The present invention relates to the field of regulation of mechanical timers, and in particular to the field of regulation of mechanical watches.

  In the timepiece escape mechanism, the efficiency of the commonly used Swiss lever escape is relatively low (on the order of 35%).

The main cause of loss in Swiss lever escape is
-Friction of pallet stones against teeth,
− Impact caused by jerky movements of the car and pallet lever,
-The reduction in efficiency required to accommodate machining errors.

By developing a new system that synchronizes the gear train driven by the main spring with the resonator in a watch movement with higher efficiency than the Swiss lever escape,
-Improving watch autonomy,
-Improvement of the chronometer nature of the watch,
-It can lead to marketing and aesthetic differentiation.

  There is a need for a system that can synchronize the gear train driven by the main spring with the resonator and is more efficient than the Swiss lever escape.

  The present invention proposes to create a mechanism that is more efficient than the Swiss lever escape.

  The present invention consists of a system that synchronizes the gear train with the resonator, in particular driven by a main spring.

  For this purpose, the present invention relates to a timer control mechanism according to claim 1.

  The present invention relates to a timepiece movement having such a restriction mechanism.

  The present invention relates to a timepiece that is a wristwatch having such a movement.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a first variant of the regulating mechanism according to the invention. It has two oscillators formed of spring-loaded balance assemblies, one of which is pivoted on the other oscillator and the moment each of these spring-loaded balance assemblies is oscillating. In a typical state, it is linked to an escape car. Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a second variant of the regulating mechanism according to the invention having two fan-shaped balances. In an instantaneous state where each of the oscillators is oscillating, the first balance is connected to the plate and the second strip is linked to the escape wheel connected to the first balance. Fig. 2 shows the mechanism of Fig. 1 in a resting state in the absence of any excitation. The balance spring is not shown. FIG. 3 shows the mechanism of FIG. 2 in a resting state in the absence of any excitation. It is a block diagram which shows the timepiece comprised by the wristwatch with which the movement provided with the control mechanism which concerns on this invention is attached.

  The present invention is constituted by a system that synchronizes a gear train driven by a main spring with a resonator.

  The invention particularly relates to the regulation of mechanical movement.

  The principle of the invention is based on attaching a movement with at least two oscillators connected in series to a mechanical wristwatch. Specifically, these oscillators overlap and are synchronized with the gear train. This is the mechanical linkage between the last oscillator and gear train components of this cascade configuration, between the guide means and the complementary guide means, in particular between the fingers and the cam, in particular between the fingers and the grooved wheel. Is done through. The present invention will be described using only two oscillators in cascade. However, it is not limited to this.

  In particular, the present invention relates to a timer regulating mechanism 100. The restriction mechanism 100 includes a main plate 1 and an escape wheel 51 and a first resonator 110 that are mounted so as to move at least in a pivotal motion with respect to the plate 1.

  The escape wheel 51 is configured to pivot about the escape axis D and receive drive torque via a gear train. In certain applications, this drive torque is supplied by the energy storage means of the movement 200 that is intended to incorporate the regulating mechanism 100. This energy storage means is, for example, a barrel.

  The first resonator 110 has a first rigid structure 310 connected to the plate 1 by a first elastic return means 210.

  According to the present invention, the regulation mechanism 100 further includes at least a second oscillator 120. The second oscillator 120 has a second rigid structure 320 that is connected to the first rigid structure 310 of the first oscillator 110 by a second elastic return means 220.

  This second elastic return means 220 is configured to allow at least pivoting movement of the second rigid structure 320 around the first rigid structure 310.

  The second structure 320 has a guide means 42 which is configured to cooperate with a complementary guide means 52 provided in the escape wheel 51. These guide means 42 and complementary guide means 52 together form a motion transmission means. Thereby, the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 are synchronized with the gear train. The escape wheel 51 belongs to this gear train.

  This motion transmission means may be in different forms such as the pin-groove system shown (but not limited to), a crank-connecting rod or other system.

  Here, the present invention will be described using two oscillators connected in series. Naturally, the present invention can be applied to a case where a plurality of oscillators connected in series are cascaded.

  Preferably, the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 have the same natural frequency.

  Preferably, there is a substantially constant angular phase shift between the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120, close to 90 °.

  The at least two resonators formed by these first and second oscillators 110 and 120 preferably have the same natural frequency, each resonator having one angular degree of freedom and 2 The two resonators overlap. This causes a specific point of the second resonator to move in a closed potato-like track 53 around the fixed point in the illustrated mechanism. Here, this fixed point is the pivot 151 of the escape wheel 51. The closer the shape of the track 53 is to a circle, the better the synchronization. The track 53 is more generally an ellipse, the eccentricity of which depends on the geometric configuration of the mechanism, in particular at the connection between the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52. .

  In one preferred embodiment, the first oscillator 110 pivots about the first pivot axis O1, vibrates in a plane parallel to the plate 1 on both sides of the first reference plane A1, The second oscillator 120 pivots about the second pivot axis O2, oscillates about the second reference plane A2 in a plane parallel to the plate 1, and the first reference plane A1 and the second reference plane A2. The reference plane A2 forms an angle of 60 ° to 120 ° with each other in the projection onto the plate 1.

  Preferably, this angle is between 80 ° and 100 °. In certain applications, this angle is 90 °.

  In some particular embodiments shown, the most downstream oscillator, here the second oscillator 120, has an interaction means, such as a pin, at a particular point. This interaction means forms a guide means 42 that is linked to the escape wheel 51. The vibrations of the two resonators that are the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 are maintained by the escape wheel 51. The escape wheel 51 further has interaction means such as cams or grooves, in particular radial grooves. Thereby, the complementary guide means 52 is formed. The escape wheel 51 receives driving torque. Its speed is synchronized by the frequency of the two resonators.

  The movement of each oscillator of the regulating mechanism 100 is preferably planar. The motion planes of the various oscillators forming the regulating mechanism 100 may be coincident or parallel to each other.

  Thus, preferably, the regulating mechanism 100 has first planar guide means, which at least pivots the first structure 310 around a point on the plate 1 in a plane P parallel to the plate 1. It is configured to allow exercise. Similarly, the regulating mechanism 100 has a second planar guide means, which is at least of the second structure 320 around the first structure 310 in the plane P or in a plane parallel to the plane P. It is configured to allow pivoting.

  In certain embodiments, the second rigid structure 320 is mounted for pivoting on the first rigid structure 310.

  FIG. 1 shows a first variant in which two traditional pivoting spring-loaded balances that overlap are synchronized with the gear train through pin-groove interactions. Thus, a mechanical watch 300 is made with two balances that overlap and are synchronized by a grooved car.

  Specifically, the first oscillator 110 has a first spring loaded balance assembly 11. This first spring-loaded balance 11 has a first balance 31 that forms a first rigid structure 310 and a first balance spring 21 that forms a first elastic return means 210. The outer coil is attached to the plate 1 by a first balance spring stud 61 and pivots about a first pivot axis O1.

  The first balance 31 has a first pivot 41, which is remote from the first pivot axis O1. This first pivot 41 defines a second pivot axis O 2 about which a second spring-loaded balance assembly 12 pivots, which forms a second oscillator 120.

  This second spring-loaded balance assembly 12 includes a second balance 32 forming a second rigid structure 320 and a second balance spring 22 forming a second elastic return means 220. The outer coil of the second balance spring 22 is attached to the first balance 31 at the second balance spring stud 62. This second balance 32 forms a second structure 320 having guide means 42.

  FIG. 2 shows a second variant. In this, the two balances at which the strips intersect are cascaded with each other and are synchronized with the gear train through pin-groove interactions.

  The first balance is here formed as two annular arcuate bodies (not limited to this), forming a first rigid structure 310 that is end-to-end connected. The second balance is here formed in the form of an annular arcuate body and forms a second rigid structure 320. Specifically, the first balance 310 and the second balance 320 are coplanar.

  Specifically, in this second variant, the first elastic return means 210 has at least a first flexible elongated member 210A and a second flexible elongated member 210B, which cross each other. The first planar guide means are formed together. This is configured to allow at least pivoting movement of the first structure 310 around the portion 101 of the plate 1 in a plane P parallel to the plane of the plate 1. This part 101 of the plate 1 may be an additional element or a part of the plate 1. The first flexible strip 210A is attached to the portion 101 of the plate 1 at point 211 and to the first balance 310 at point 214, and the second flexible strip 210B is attached to point 212. Attached to the portion 101 of the plate 1 and to the first balance 310 at point 213.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first flexible strip 210A and the second flexible strip 210B are spaced apart from each other and are disposed in two separate planes parallel to the plate 1.

  The second elastic return means 220 has at least a third flexible elongated member 220A and a fourth flexible elongated member 220B that intersect with each other in the same manner. These together form a second planar guide means. This second planar guide means allows at least pivoting movement of the second structure 320 around the first structure 310 in a plane P parallel to the plate 1 to ensure an elastic return function. It is configured. The third flexible strip 220A is attached to the first balance 310 at point 312 and to the second balance 320 at point 313. The fourth flexible strip 220B is attached to the first balance 310 at point 311 and to the second balance 320 at point 314.

  In a preferred embodiment, the third flexible strip 220A and the fourth flexible strip 220B are spaced apart from each other and located in two separate planes parallel to the plate 1.

  These various intersecting strips are preferably arranged in two parallel planes.

  In one preferred embodiment, portion 101 of plate 1, first flexible strip 210A and second flexible strip 210B, first balance 310, third flexible strip 220A and The fourth flexible strip 220B, second balance 320 forms an integrated assembly made of a microfabricable material such as silicon.

  In certain embodiments, the entire plate 1, the first flexible strip 210A and the second flexible strip 210B, the first balance 310, the third flexible strip 220A and the fourth The flexible strip 220B, the second balance 320 forms an integrated assembly made of a microfabricable material such as silicon.

  In both the first and second embodiments, the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52 can be of different forms. Note that the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments.

  In the variant shown, the linkage between the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52 is mechanical.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide means 42 has fingers, which are carried by the second rigid structure 320 and on the two opposite sides of the cam forming the complementary guide means 52. It is configured to work with the surface. This cam is provided in the escape wheel 51. The cam is remote from the escape axis D, and the finger track 53 surrounds the escape axis D.

  Preferably, the cam is a groove having parallel side surfaces provided in the escape wheel 51.

  In a preferred embodiment of the second variant, the portion 101 of the plate 1, the first flexible strip 210A and the second flexible strip 210B, the first balance 310, the third flexible strip. 220A and fourth flexible strip 220B, second balance 320, and fingers 42 (etc.) form an integrated assembly made of a microfabricable material such as silicon.

  Specifically, the cam is a substantially radial groove provided in the escape wheel 51, and is strictly a radial groove in the case of the drawing.

  Preferably, the cam groove has a first radially inner portion with respect to the escape axis D, the first radially inner portion being the same at the end as the tangential direction with the second bent portion. is there. The dent of the second bent portion is constant or decreases as the distance from the escape axis D increases. This compensates for isochronous defects.

  In certain embodiments, the fingers are pins configured to cooperate with the groove with minimal play, and thus the motion transmitting means is a pin-groove system.

  In a particular embodiment, the guide means 42 have fingers carrying the inner cage of the ball bearing. Preferably, the outer cage of the bearing is mounted in sliding contact with friction in a radial groove provided in the escape wheel. This sliding contact promotes a 90 ° phase shift between the two resonators, thereby preventing the trajectory from collapsing into a line.

  In a particular embodiment, the first oscillator 110 pivots about the first pivot axis O1 and oscillates in a plane parallel to the plate 1 on both sides of the first reference plane A1. The second oscillator 120 pivots around the second pivot axis O2 and oscillates around the second reference plane A2 in a plane parallel to the plate 1. Then, when the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 are at a non-excited rest position, the first pivot axis O1, the second pivot axis O2, and the fingers are at the second pivot axis O2. The angle θ to be formed is 60 ° to 120 °. Preferably, this angle θ is between 80 ° and 100 °.

  In certain embodiments of the invention, the linkage between the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52 is a magnetic and / or electrostatic linkage.

  Specifically, in another embodiment not shown, the guide means 42 has at least one magnet or at least one ferromagnetic path to eliminate friction, which is because the complementary guide means 52 It is configured to be linked to at least one magnet provided or at least one ferromagnetic path.

  In another embodiment not shown, the guide means 42 has at least one electrically charged path or electrostatically conductive path to eliminate friction as well, which is complementary. The guide means 52 is configured to be associated with at least one electrically charged path or electrostatically conductive path.

  The present invention further relates to a timepiece movement 200 having such a restriction mechanism 100.

  The invention further relates to a timer 300 having such a movement 200, in particular the timer 300 is a wristwatch.

The present invention has many advantages as follows.
-The present invention avoids the jerky movement characteristic of Swiss lever escapes and, as a result, avoids losses due to impact.
-The present invention proposes innovations in the field of escape while respecting traditional watchmaking practices by maintaining a spring-loaded balance.
-In the first variant, all the knowledge in watchmaking related to the use of isochronous resonators can be utilized.

  The present invention relates to a timepiece regulating mechanism having a plate and an escape wheel, the escape wheel being mounted so as to pivot at least with respect to the plate, pivoting around an escape shaft, and via a gear train. The control mechanism further includes a first oscillator having a first rigid structure connected to the plate by a first elastic return means, and a second And at least a second oscillator having a second rigid structure connected to the first rigid structure by an elastic return means, the second elastic return means around the first rigid structure The second rigid structure is configured to enable at least pivoting movement, and the second rigid structure is connected to complementary guide means provided in the escape wheel. The guide means and the complementary guide means together form a motion transmission means for synchronizing the first oscillator and the second oscillator with the gear train. And the second rigid structure is mounted for pivotal movement on the first rigid structure.

  The present invention relates to a timepiece movement having such a restriction mechanism.

  The present invention relates to a timer having such a movement.

  The present invention relates to the field of regulation of mechanical timers, and in particular to the field of regulation of mechanical watches.

  In the timepiece escape mechanism, the efficiency of the commonly used Swiss lever escape is relatively low (on the order of 35%).

The main cause of loss in Swiss lever escape is
-Friction of pallet stones against teeth,
− Impact caused by jerky movements of the car and pallet lever,
-The reduction in efficiency required to accommodate machining errors.

By developing a new system that synchronizes the gear train driven by the main spring with the resonator in a watch movement with higher efficiency than the Swiss lever escape,
-Improving watch autonomy,
-Improvement of the chronometer nature of the watch,
-It can lead to marketing and aesthetic differentiation.

  There is a need for a system that can synchronize the gear train driven by the main spring with the resonator and is more efficient than the Swiss lever escape.

  European patent application EP2365403A2 in the name of SEAGULL WATCH Co Ltd discloses an oscillator system for a mechanical timer. It comprises at least one balance that can freely rotate about an axis and at least one balance spring that connects at least one balance to a fixed point or another balance, said balance spring A first coil connected to at least one balance wheel, a second coil connected to a fixed point or another balance, and a transition section connecting the first coil to the second coil And a substantially linear return torque for at least one balance is essentially ensured by the elastic deformation of the transition section and the coil, whereby an oscillating motion for at least one balance Is done.

  European patent EP 2141555 in the name of SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd discloses a regulation mechanism with a low-frequency resonator connected to a high-frequency resonator. The low frequency resonator and the high frequency resonator have an inertial weight associated with the balance spring. Another balance spring is disposed between these inertia weight bodies, and connects the low-frequency resonator and the high-frequency resonator. The inertia weight body is formed by balance. The resonator is coaxially arranged inside the timer.

  European Patent EP 2431823 in the name of BLANCPAIN SA discloses an improved Swiss lever with two pallet stones (entry pallet and exit pallet) at the first end on both sides of the pin defining the pivot axis of the pallet lever doing. These pallet stones are mounted on the arms which are the entry arm and exit arm, respectively, and each pallet stone has an impulse surface configured to receive impulses given by the teeth of the escape wheel, and ends. Each pallet stone has a lock surface in contact with the impulse surface. This locking surface is configured to receive and support the teeth of the escape wheel at the second end when it is at rest. A fork connected to the entry arm and exit arm by a lever is configured to pivot between the corresponding entry and exit banking pins on the side of the corresponding arm. The fork has two entry horns and exit horns on either side of the fork notch, which horns are configured to limit the movement of the impulse pins in the balance of the restricting element. The fork further has a guard pin configured to be associated with a notch provided in the balance roller. The lock surface of each pallet stone is part of a prism having an elliptical cross-section such that the axis of symmetry coincides with the pivot axis of the pallet lever.

  European Patent EP 2908189 in the name of ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse is a timepiece having an escape wheel mounted to move at least pivotally with respect to a plate, a first oscillator, and a second oscillator A regulatory mechanism is disclosed. The escape wheel is configured to receive a driving torque via a gear train. The first oscillator has a first rigid structure connected to the plate by first elastic return means. The second oscillator has a second rigid structure connected to the first rigid structure by a second elastic return means. This comprises guide means adapted to cooperate with complementary guide means provided on the escape wheel for synchronizing the first oscillator and the second oscillator with the gear train.

  The present invention proposes to create a mechanism that is more efficient than the Swiss lever escape.

  The present invention consists of a system that synchronizes the gear train with the resonator, in particular driven by a main spring.

  For this purpose, the present invention relates to a timer control mechanism according to claim 1.

  The present invention relates to a timepiece movement having such a restriction mechanism.

  The present invention relates to a timepiece that is a wristwatch having such a movement.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a first variant of the regulating mechanism according to the invention. It has two oscillators formed of spring-loaded balance assemblies, one of which is pivoted on the other oscillator and the moment each of these spring-loaded balance assemblies is oscillating. In a typical state, it is linked to an escape car. Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a second variant of the regulating mechanism according to the invention having two fan-shaped balances. In an instantaneous state where each of the oscillators is oscillating, the first balance is connected to the plate and the second strip is linked to the escape wheel connected to the first balance. Fig. 2 shows the mechanism of Fig. 1 in a resting state in the absence of any excitation. The balance spring is not shown. FIG. 3 shows the mechanism of FIG. 2 in a resting state in the absence of any excitation. It is a block diagram which shows the timepiece comprised by the wristwatch with which the movement provided with the control mechanism which concerns on this invention is attached.

  The present invention is constituted by a system that synchronizes a gear train driven by a main spring with a resonator.

  The invention particularly relates to the regulation of mechanical movement.

  The principle of the invention is based on attaching a movement with at least two oscillators connected in series to a mechanical wristwatch. Specifically, these oscillators overlap and are synchronized with the gear train. This is the mechanical linkage between the last oscillator and gear train components of this cascade configuration, between the guide means and the complementary guide means, in particular between the fingers and the cam, in particular between the fingers and the grooved wheel. Is done through. The present invention will be described using only two oscillators in cascade. However, it is not limited to this.

  In particular, the present invention relates to a timer regulating mechanism 100. The restriction mechanism 100 includes a main plate 1 and an escape wheel 51 and a first resonator 110 that are mounted so as to move at least in a pivotal motion with respect to the plate 1.

  The escape wheel 51 is configured to pivot about the escape axis D and receive drive torque via a gear train. In certain applications, this drive torque is supplied by the energy storage means of the movement 200 that is intended to incorporate the regulating mechanism 100. This energy storage means is, for example, a barrel.

  The first resonator 110 has a first rigid structure 310 connected to the plate 1 by a first elastic return means 210.

  According to the present invention, the regulation mechanism 100 further includes at least a second oscillator 120. The second oscillator 120 has a second rigid structure 320 that is connected to the first rigid structure 310 of the first oscillator 110 by a second elastic return means 220.

  This second elastic return means 220 is configured to allow at least pivoting movement of the second rigid structure 320 around the first rigid structure 310.

  The second structure 320 has a guide means 42 which is configured to cooperate with a complementary guide means 52 provided in the escape wheel 51. These guide means 42 and complementary guide means 52 together form a motion transmission means. Thereby, the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 are synchronized with the gear train. The escape wheel 51 belongs to this gear train.

  This motion transmission means may be in different forms such as the pin-groove system shown (but not limited to), a crank-connecting rod or other system.

  Here, the present invention will be described using two oscillators connected in series. Naturally, the present invention can be applied to a case where a plurality of oscillators connected in series are cascaded.

  Preferably, the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 have the same natural frequency.

  Preferably, there is a substantially constant angular phase shift between the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120, close to 90 °.

  The at least two resonators formed by these first and second oscillators 110 and 120 preferably have the same natural frequency, each resonator having one angular degree of freedom and 2 The two resonators overlap. This causes a specific point of the second resonator to move in a closed potato-like track 53 around the fixed point in the illustrated mechanism. Here, this fixed point is the pivot 151 of the escape wheel 51. The closer the shape of the track 53 is to a circle, the better the synchronization. The track 53 is more generally an ellipse, the eccentricity of which depends on the geometric configuration of the mechanism, in particular at the connection between the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52. .

  In one preferred embodiment, the first oscillator 110 pivots about the first pivot axis O1 and oscillates in a plane parallel to the plate 1 on both sides of the axis A1 in the first plane. The second oscillator 120 pivots about the second pivot axis O2, oscillates about the axis A2 in the second plane in a plane parallel to the plate 1, and in the first plane. The axis A1 and the axis A2 in the second plane form an angle of 60 ° to 120 ° with each other in the projection onto the plate 1.

  Preferably, this angle is between 80 ° and 100 °. In certain applications, this angle is 90 °.

  In some particular embodiments shown, the most downstream oscillator, here the second oscillator 120, has an interaction means, such as a pin, at a particular point. This interaction means forms a guide means 42 that is linked to the escape wheel 51. The vibrations of the two resonators that are the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 are maintained by the escape wheel 51. The escape wheel 51 further has interaction means such as cams or grooves, in particular radial grooves. Thereby, the complementary guide means 52 is formed. The escape wheel 51 receives driving torque. Its speed is synchronized by the frequency of the two resonators.

  The movement of each oscillator of the regulating mechanism 100 is preferably planar. The motion planes of the various oscillators forming the regulating mechanism 100 may be coincident or parallel to each other.

  Thus, preferably, the regulating mechanism 100 has first planar guide means, which at least pivots the first structure 310 around a point on the plate 1 in a plane P parallel to the plate 1. It is configured to allow exercise. Similarly, the regulating mechanism 100 has a second planar guide means, which is at least of the second structure 320 around the first structure 310 in the plane P or in a plane parallel to the plane P. It is configured to allow pivoting.

  In certain embodiments, the second rigid structure 320 is mounted for pivoting on the first rigid structure 310.

  FIG. 1 shows a first variant in which two traditional pivoting spring-loaded balances that overlap are synchronized with the gear train through pin-groove interactions. Thus, a mechanical watch 300 is made with two balances that overlap and are synchronized by a grooved car.

  Specifically, the first oscillator 110 has a first spring loaded balance assembly 11. This first spring-loaded balance 11 has a first balance 31 that forms a first rigid structure 310 and a first balance spring 21 that forms a first elastic return means 210. The outer coil is attached to the plate 1 by a first balance spring stud 61 and pivots about a first pivot axis O1.

  The first balance 31 has a first pivot 41, which is remote from the first pivot axis O1. This first pivot 41 defines a second pivot axis O 2 about which a second spring-loaded balance assembly 12 pivots, which forms a second oscillator 120.

  This second spring-loaded balance assembly 12 includes a second balance 32 forming a second rigid structure 320 and a second balance spring 22 forming a second elastic return means 220. The outer coil of the second balance spring 22 is attached to the first balance 31 at the second balance spring stud 62. This second balance 32 forms a second structure 320 having guide means 42.

  FIG. 2 shows a second variant. In this, the two balances at which the strips intersect are cascaded with each other and are synchronized with the gear train through pin-groove interactions.

  The first balance is here formed as two annular arcuate bodies (not limited to this), forming a first rigid structure 310 that is end-to-end connected. The second balance is here formed in the form of an annular arcuate body and forms a second rigid structure 320. Specifically, the first balance 310 and the second balance 320 are coplanar.

  Specifically, in this second variant, the first elastic return means 210 has at least a first flexible elongated member 210A and a second flexible elongated member 210B, which cross each other. The first planar guide means are formed together. This is configured to allow at least pivoting movement of the first structure 310 around the portion 101 of the plate 1 in a plane P parallel to the plane of the plate 1. This part 101 of the plate 1 may be an additional element or a part of the plate 1. The first flexible strip 210A is attached to the portion 101 of the plate 1 at point 211 and to the first balance 310 at point 214, and the second flexible strip 210B is attached to point 212. Attached to the portion 101 of the plate 1 and to the first balance 310 at point 213.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first flexible strip 210A and the second flexible strip 210B are spaced apart from each other and are disposed in two separate planes parallel to the plate 1.

  The second elastic return means 220 has at least a third flexible elongated member 220A and a fourth flexible elongated member 220B that intersect with each other in the same manner. These together form a second planar guide means. This second planar guide means allows at least pivoting movement of the second structure 320 around the first structure 310 in a plane P parallel to the plate 1 to ensure an elastic return function. It is configured. The third flexible strip 220A is attached to the first balance 310 at point 312 and to the second balance 320 at point 313. The fourth flexible strip 220B is attached to the first balance 310 at point 311 and to the second balance 320 at point 314.

  In a preferred embodiment, the third flexible strip 220A and the fourth flexible strip 220B are spaced apart from each other and located in two separate planes parallel to the plate 1.

  These various intersecting strips are preferably arranged in two parallel planes.

  In one preferred embodiment, portion 101 of plate 1, first flexible strip 210A and second flexible strip 210B, first balance 310, third flexible strip 220A and The fourth flexible strip 220B, second balance 320 forms an integrated assembly made of a microfabricable material such as silicon.

  In certain embodiments, the entire plate 1, the first flexible strip 210A and the second flexible strip 210B, the first balance 310, the third flexible strip 220A and the fourth The flexible strip 220B, the second balance 320 forms an integrated assembly made of a microfabricable material such as silicon.

  In both the first and second embodiments, the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52 can be of different forms. Note that the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments.

  In the variant shown, the linkage between the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52 is mechanical.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide means 42 has fingers, which are carried by the second rigid structure 320 and on the two opposite sides of the cam forming the complementary guide means 52. It is configured to work with the surface. This cam is provided in the escape wheel 51. The cam is remote from the escape axis D, and the finger track 53 surrounds the escape axis D.

  Preferably, the cam is a groove having parallel side surfaces provided in the escape wheel 51.

  In a preferred embodiment of the second variant, the portion 101 of the plate 1, the first flexible strip 210A and the second flexible strip 210B, the first balance 310, the third flexible strip. 220A and fourth flexible strip 220B, second balance 320, and fingers 42 (etc.) form an integrated assembly made of a microfabricable material such as silicon.

  Specifically, the cam is a substantially radial groove provided in the escape wheel 51, and is strictly a radial groove in the case of the drawing.

  Preferably, the cam groove has a first radially inner portion with respect to the escape axis D, the first radially inner portion being the same at the end as the tangential direction with the second bent portion. is there. The dent of the second bent portion is constant or decreases as the distance from the escape axis D increases. This compensates for isochronous defects.

  In certain embodiments, the fingers are pins configured to cooperate with the groove with minimal play, and thus the motion transmitting means is a pin-groove system.

  In a particular embodiment, the guide means 42 have fingers carrying the inner cage of the ball bearing. Preferably, the outer cage of the bearing is mounted in sliding contact with friction in a radial groove provided in the escape wheel. This sliding contact promotes a 90 ° phase shift between the two resonators, thereby preventing the trajectory from collapsing into a line.

  In a particular embodiment, the first oscillator 110 pivots about the first pivot axis O1 and oscillates in a plane parallel to the plate 1 on both sides of the axis A1 in the first plane. The second oscillator 120 pivots about the second pivot axis O2 and oscillates about an axis A2 in the second plane in a plane parallel to the plate 1. Then, when the first oscillator 110 and the second oscillator 120 are at a non-excited rest position, the first pivot axis O1, the second pivot axis O2, and the fingers are at the second pivot axis O2. The angle θ to be formed is 60 ° to 120 °. Preferably, this angle θ is between 80 ° and 100 °.

  In certain embodiments of the invention, the linkage between the guide means 42 and the complementary guide means 52 is a magnetic and / or electrostatic linkage.

  Specifically, in another embodiment not shown, the guide means 42 has at least one magnet or at least one ferromagnetic path to eliminate friction, which is because the complementary guide means 52 It is configured to be linked to at least one magnet provided or at least one ferromagnetic path.

  In another embodiment not shown, the guide means 42 has at least one electrically charged path or electrostatically conductive path to eliminate friction as well, which is complementary. The guide means 52 is configured to be associated with at least one electrically charged path or electrostatically conductive path.

  The present invention further relates to a timepiece movement 200 having such a restriction mechanism 100.

  The invention further relates to a timer 300 having such a movement 200, in particular the timer 300 is a wristwatch.

The present invention has many advantages as follows.
-The present invention avoids the jerky movement characteristic of Swiss lever escapes and, as a result, avoids losses due to impact.
-The present invention proposes innovations in the field of escape while respecting traditional watchmaking practices by maintaining a spring-loaded balance.
-In the first variant, all the knowledge in watchmaking related to the use of isochronous resonators can be utilized.

Claims (28)

A timer regulating mechanism (100) having a plate (1) and an escape wheel (51),
The escape wheel (51) is mounted so as to pivot at least with respect to the plate (1), pivots about the escape shaft (D0), and receives a driving torque via a gear train. Configured
The regulating mechanism (100) further includes a first oscillator (110) having a first rigid structure (310) connected to the plate (1) by a first elastic return means (210), and At least a second oscillator (120) having a second rigid structure (320) connected to the first rigid structure (310) by a second elastic return means (220);
The second elastic return means (220) is configured to allow at least pivoting movement of the second rigid structure (320) about the first rigid structure (310);
Said second rigid structure (320) comprises guide means (42) configured to cooperate with complementary guide means (52) provided on said escape wheel (51);
The guide means (42) and the complementary guide means (52) together form a motion transmission means for synchronizing the first oscillator (110) and the second oscillator (120) with the gear train. The regulation mechanism (100) characterized by the above. The regulation mechanism (100) of claim 1, wherein the first oscillator (110) and the second resonator (120) have the same natural frequency. 3. A regulating mechanism according to claim 2, wherein there is a substantially constant phase shift close to 90 ° between the first oscillator (110) and the second resonator (120). 100). The first oscillator (110) and the second oscillator (120) of the regulation mechanism (100) are each formed by a spring-loaded balance assembly,
The second oscillator (120) pivots on the first oscillator (110), and the escape wheel (51) in an instantaneous state where each of the spring-loaded balance assemblies is oscillating. Work with
The escape wheel (51) maintains the first oscillator (110) in a first direction and maintains the second oscillator (120) in a second direction, the second direction being The regulating mechanism (100) of claim 1, wherein the regulating mechanism (100) is substantially orthogonal to the first direction of vibration of the first oscillator (110). The first oscillator (110) pivots about a first pivot axis (O1) and vibrates in a plane parallel to the plate (1) on both sides of the first reference plane (A1). ,
The second oscillator (120) pivots around a second pivot axis (O2) and vibrates in a plane parallel to the plate (1) on both sides of the second reference plane (A2). ,
In the projection onto the plate (1), the angle formed between the first reference plane (A1) and the second reference plane (A2) is 60 ° to 120 °. The regulation mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In the projection onto the plate (1), the angle formed between the first reference plane (A1) and the second reference plane (A2) is 80 ° to 100 °. The regulation mechanism (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The regulating mechanism (100) is capable of at least pivoting the first rigid structure (310) around a point on the plate (1) in a plane (P) parallel to the plane of the plate (1). First planar guide means configured to:
The regulating mechanism (100) is configured such that the second rigid structure (320) around the first rigid structure (310) in the plane (P) or in a plane parallel to the plane (P). The regulating mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises second planar guide means configured to allow at least pivoting movement of the above. The restriction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second rigid structure (320) is mounted to pivot on the first rigid structure (310). (100). The first oscillator (110) has a first spring loaded balance assembly (11) having a first balance (31) and a first balance spring (21);
The outer coil of the first balance spring (21) is attached to the plate (1) via a first balance spring stud (61),
The first balance spring (21) pivots about a first pivot axis (O1);
The first balance (31) has a first pivot (41) that is spaced from the first pivot axis (O1), the first pivot (41) being a second pivot. A second spring-loaded balance assembly (12) pivots about the second pivot axis (O2);
The second spring-loaded balance assembly (12) forms the second oscillator (120) and has a second balance (32) and a second balance spring (22),
The outer coil of the second balance spring (22) is attached to the first balance (31) by a second balance spring stud (62),
9. The regulating mechanism (100) according to claim 8, wherein the second balance (32) forms the second rigid structure (320) having the guide means (42). The first elastic return means (210) has at least a first flexible elongated member (210A) and a second flexible elongated member (210B) intersecting each other,
The first flexible strip (210A) and the second flexible strip (210B) together form the first planar guide means;
The first planar guide means at least pivots the first rigid structure (310) around a point on the plate (1) in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate (1). 8. The regulating mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that it is configured to ensure an elastic return function. The first flexible strip (210A) and the second flexible strip (210B) are spaced apart from each other and disposed in two separate planes parallel to the plate (1). The regulating mechanism (100) according to claim 10, wherein the regulating mechanism (100). The second elastic return means (220) has at least a third flexible elongated member (220A) and a fourth flexible elongated member (220B) intersecting each other,
The third flexible elongate member (220A) and the fourth flexible elongate member (220B) are formed of the second rigid member around the first rigid structure (310) in the plane (P). 8. A restricting mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that said second planar guide means are formed together so as to allow at least pivoting of the structure (320). . The third flexible strip (220A) and the fourth flexible strip (220B) are spaced apart from each other and arranged in two separate planes parallel to the plate (1). The regulating mechanism (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The plate (1), the first flexible elongated member (210A) and the second flexible elongated member (210B), the first balance (310), and the third flexible elongated member. (220A) and the fourth flexible strip (220B) and the second balance (320) form an integrated assembly made of microfabricable material or silicon. A regulation mechanism (100) according to claims 10 and 12, characterized by: 15. The regulating mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the linkage between the guide means (42) and the complementary guide means (52) is mechanical. The guide means (42) has a finger carried by the second rigid structure (320), and the finger is used for the complementary guide means (52) provided in the escape wheel (51). It is configured to work with the two opposite surfaces of the cam to be formed,
16. The regulating mechanism (100) according to claim 15, wherein the cam is separated from the escape shaft (D), and the track (53) of the finger surrounds the escape shaft (D). ). The restriction mechanism (100) according to claim 16, wherein the cam is a groove having parallel side surfaces provided in the escape wheel (51). The restriction mechanism (100) according to claim 17, wherein the groove is provided in a substantially radial direction with respect to the escape shaft (D). The groove has a first radially inner portion relative to the escape axis (D);
The first radially inner portion has the same tangential direction at the end as the second bent portion, and the recess of the second bent portion is constant or far from the escape axis (D). 18. The regulation mechanism (100) of claim 17, wherein the regulation mechanism is reduced, thereby compensating for isochronous defects. 20. The finger of claim 17-19, wherein the finger is a pin configured to be associated with the groove with minimal play, whereby the motion transmitting means is a pin-groove system. The restriction mechanism (100) according to any one of the above. The guide means (42) has fingers carrying the inner cage of a ball bearing;
The outer cage of this ball bearing is mounted in sliding contact with friction in a radial groove provided in the escape wheel (51),
The escape wheel (51) forms complementary guide means (52) that eliminate any rotational friction of the inner cage and ensure friction when the outer cage is in radial motion. The regulating mechanism (100) according to claim 15, wherein the regulating mechanism (100). The first oscillator (110) pivots around a first pivot axis (O1), vibrates in a plane parallel to the plate (1) on both sides of the first reference plane (A1),
The second oscillator (120) pivots about the second pivot axis (O2) and oscillates around a second reference plane (A2) in a plane parallel to the plate (1). And
When the first oscillator (110) and the second oscillator (120) are in a non-excited rest position, the first pivot axis (O1), the second pivot axis (O2), and the The restriction mechanism (100) according to any of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the angle (θ) that the fingers together form on the second pivot axis (O2) is between 60 ° and 120 °. . The regulation mechanism (100) according to claim 22, wherein the angle (θ) is between 80 ° and 100 °. 15. A regulating mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linkage between the guide means (42) and the complementary guide means (52) is magnetic and / or electrostatic. ). Said guide means (42) has at least one magnet or at least one ferromagnetic path, which comprises at least one magnet or at least one ferromagnetic path provided in said complementary guide means (52). The restriction mechanism (100) according to claim 24, wherein the restriction mechanism (100) is configured to be linked. The guide means (42) is configured to be associated with at least one electrically charged path or electrostatically conductive path provided in the complementary guide means (52). 25. The regulating mechanism (100) according to claim 24, wherein the regulating mechanism (100) has at least one path charged in or electrostatically conductive. A timepiece movement (200) comprising the regulating mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 26. A timepiece (300) comprising the timepiece movement (200) according to claim 27 and being a wristwatch.

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