EP1654597A1 - Thermally-compensated balance wheel - Google Patents

Thermally-compensated balance wheel

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Publication number
EP1654597A1
EP1654597A1 EP04735863A EP04735863A EP1654597A1 EP 1654597 A1 EP1654597 A1 EP 1654597A1 EP 04735863 A EP04735863 A EP 04735863A EP 04735863 A EP04735863 A EP 04735863A EP 1654597 A1 EP1654597 A1 EP 1654597A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balance wheel
circumference
disc
balance
pendulum
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04735863A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1654597B1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Gygax
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fore Eagle Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Fore Eagle Co Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fore Eagle Co Ltd filed Critical Fore Eagle Co Ltd
Publication of EP1654597A1 publication Critical patent/EP1654597A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1654597B1 publication Critical patent/EP1654597B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/063—Balance construction
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/20—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/22—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency for the effect of variations of temperature
    • G04B17/222—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency for the effect of variations of temperature with balances
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
    • G04B18/006—Mechanisms for setting frequency by adjusting the devices fixed on the balance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pendulum of a watch movement made from a material having in particular a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as diamond.
  • the dimensional variations of a balance due to temperature variations, are one of the major problems of these objects; in fact, these dimensional variations, associated with those of the spiral spring associated with it, are a cause of variation of the oscillation frequency of the balance / hairspring system, respectively a cause of the lack of precision of a clockwork movement in function of the temperature.
  • Means for compensating or correcting these variations have been proposed, for example the bimetallic balance wheel used in particular in marine chronometers.
  • the disadvantage of such a rocker is its unfavorable aerodynamic shape causing poor penetration into the air during its oscillation movement and the difficulty of maintaining the center of gravity of the balance on its pivot axis. It can not be installed in a watch movement that must work in any position.
  • a watch movement balance must have a mass as low as possible for as much inertia as possible, while having excellent mechanical strength.
  • a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, a low density and a high mechanical strength these parameters being compared here to those materials usually used for the construction of rockers, as per for example, copper alloys or nickel.
  • Several classes of materials fulfill these conditions: for example the non-metallic materials of the carbon group comprising, for example, diamond or else metal oxides including for example corundum such as sapphire or ruby, the list of materials mentioned here being absolutely not exhaustive.
  • An object of the invention is therefore to provide a balance whose characteristics are significantly improved relative to those existing balances, in particular its behavior, respectively its insensitivity to temperature variations and its moment of inertia / mass ratio.
  • a watch movement provided with such a balance, as well as a timepiece equipped with such a movement.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a balance wheel according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a detail of FIG. 1.
  • the balance 1 consists of a disc 10 obtained for example by chemical etching using a plasma (Deep reactive ion etching), or by any other method, a diamond plate of generally constant thickness.
  • a rocker pivot 11 is fixed in known manner to the center of the disk 10.
  • a plurality of fastening means 12, eight in the example shown, are arranged on a circumference 120 close to the outer perimeter of the disk 10.
  • Ferrules or weights 2 are fixed on the disc 10 by the known fastening means 12.
  • the rocker 1 is assembled in a known manner to a spiral spring, not shown in the figure so as not to overload, the latter being disposed under the plane of the disc 10 as shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 1 shows some examples of execution of the flyweights 2, it being understood that generally a given balance has only weights 2 of a certain type.
  • the weights 2 are essentially of shape or asymmetrically fixed relative to the circumference 120 on the disk 10.
  • the disk 10 comprises eight weights in the form of elongate elements, as represented for example by the weight 20, and assuming that the balance 1 thus formed is subjected to an increase in temperature, the disc 10 made of very low coefficient of thermal expansion, for example diamond, will see its diameter increase only very slightly.
  • the weights 20, that is to say made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient that is much larger than that of the material constituting the disc 10, will have their dimensions increase by a ratio higher than that of the record 10.
  • the oscillation frequency of the balance 1 depends in part on its moment of inertia, the latter parameter being equal to: mr 2 With: I: moment of inertia m. mass of the pendulum r: radius of gyration of the pendulum
  • the radius of gyration is the radius of the circumference over which the whole mass m of a pendulum having the same moment of inertia as that considered would be concentrated.
  • the oscillation frequency of the balance 1 also depends on the torque c supplied by the balance spring to said balance, this torque also varies with the temperature.
  • I / c constant as a function of temperature.
  • the mass m does not vary with the temperature, the shape, the dimensions and the positioning of the weights 20 will be determined so that for any temperature, the variation of the radius of gyration caused by the variation in diameter of the disk 10 is compensated by a corresponding variation of the radius of gyration caused by the dimensional variations of the weights.
  • the disc 10 expands very slightly, thereby increasing its own radius of gyration. Due to the increased diameter of the disk 10, the attachment points 12 of the weights 20 also move on a circumference 120 of larger diameter.
  • the weights 20 also increase their length, by a factor greater than the increase in diameter of the disc 10 since the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weights 20 is significantly higher than that of the material of the disc 10, and given the asymmetrical arrangement of weights on their attachment point, the portion of the mass of the weight placed on the side of the center of the disk 10 being generally larger than the portion of the mass of the weight placed in the direction of the outer perimeter of the disk, the center of gravity of the each weight moves towards the center of the disc 10, respectively the radius of gyration due solely to the flyweights decreases, partially compensating, completely or overcompensating the variation of the radius of gyration due to the disc.
  • the phenomenon is exactly reversed in the event of a drop in temperature.
  • FIG. 1 also shows other possible forms of flyweights 2, it being understood that they are only shown by way of example and in no way limit the possible forms making it possible to obtain the desired effect described hereinafter. above.
  • the flyweight 21 is essentially triangular in shape with rounded corners, since its mass is distributed asymmetrically around its center of gravity, the adjustment of the degree of thermal compensation can be done by rotating the flyweight around its attachment point.
  • the flyweight 22 is common at two attachment points.
  • the weight 23 is in the form of an elongate bar, it can adjust its degree of compensation by varying the angle ⁇ that makes the axis of the weight to the radius of the disc. Another means of adjusting the degree of thermal compensation is shown on the weight 24 which has, for example an oblong hole 240 for adjusting the radial position of the weight.
  • the weights of each pair of two radially opposed weights are adjusted symmetrically, so as not to create unbalance.
  • at least one pair of orientable ferrules 25, generally known in the art, can be added to the device.
  • the flyweights may be cut and formed in such a way as to reduce their friction in the air, as represented by way of example in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 1 shows a rocker disc provided with eight attachment points 12 of flyweights. It is understood that the balance wheel may comprise any number of attachment points, different from eight.
  • Disk 10 is described above and shown as consisting of a solid disk. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in view of the friction in the air caused by the oscillation movements of the balance around its pivot, a balance in the form of a solid disc having a better aerodynamic behavior than a compound beam a center and a serge connected by arms.
  • This form of execution in the form of a solid disc is achievable thanks to the low density of the material, the production of a solid disc not excessively peeling the mass of the disc 10.
  • the disc 10 may not be absolutely flat and of constant thickness, it may also for example have a serge in the form of a flange on the outer perimeter of the disc.
  • a rocker as described above, according to one or the other of its variants as well as made with one or the other of the materials adapted for this purpose, can be used advantageously with a made spiral it is also made of a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as diamond, as well as with a metal balance spring.
  • the heat coefficient of the balance is then chosen so as to compensate for the thermal expansion of the spiral, low in the case of a diamond spiral and strong in the case of a metal balance spring.

Abstract

The balance wheel (1) is produced by chemical etching of a sheet of material with a low thermal coefficient of expansion and a low density, such as, for example, diamond on which a number of balance weights (2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24) are arranged. The form and position of the balance weights is determined such that the variation in the radius of gyration of the balance wheel caused by a variation in temperature is zero or negative, thus providing a balance wheel with a zero or negative thermal characteristic.

Description

BALANCIER THERMOCOMPENSE BALANCIER THERMOCOMPENSE
La présente invention concerne un balancier d'un mouvement d'horlogerie constitué à partir d'un matériau possédant notamment un faible coefficient de dilatation thermique, comme par exemple le diamant.The present invention relates to a pendulum of a watch movement made from a material having in particular a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as diamond.
Les variations dimensionnelles d'un balancier, dues aux variations de température, sont un des problèmes majeurs de ces objets ; en effet, ces variations dimensionnelles, associées à celles du ressort spiral qui lui est associé sont une cause de variation de la fréquence d'oscillation du système balancier / spiral, respectivement une cause du manque de précision d'un mouvement d'horlogerie en fonction de la température. Des moyens permettant de compenser ou corriger ces variations ont été proposés comme par exemple le balancier bimétallique utilisé notamment dans les chronomètres de marine. L'inconvénient d'un tel balancier est alors sa forme aérodynamique défavorable causant une mauvaise pénétration dans l'air lors de son mouvement d'oscillation ainsi que la difficulté de maintenir le centre de gravité du balancier sur son axe de pivotement. Il ne peut donc être installé dans un mouvement d'horlogerie devant fonctionner dans n'importe quelle position.The dimensional variations of a balance, due to temperature variations, are one of the major problems of these objects; in fact, these dimensional variations, associated with those of the spiral spring associated with it, are a cause of variation of the oscillation frequency of the balance / hairspring system, respectively a cause of the lack of precision of a clockwork movement in function of the temperature. Means for compensating or correcting these variations have been proposed, for example the bimetallic balance wheel used in particular in marine chronometers. The disadvantage of such a rocker is its unfavorable aerodynamic shape causing poor penetration into the air during its oscillation movement and the difficulty of maintaining the center of gravity of the balance on its pivot axis. It can not be installed in a watch movement that must work in any position.
Par ailleurs, un balancier de mouvement d'horlogerie se doit d'avoir une masse aussi faible que possible pour une inertie aussi élevée que possible, tout en présentant une excellente résistance mécanique.Furthermore, a watch movement balance must have a mass as low as possible for as much inertia as possible, while having excellent mechanical strength.
De manière avantageuse, pour confectionner un balancier, on choisira un matériau ayant un faible coefficient de dilatation thermique, une faible masse volumique et une résistance mécanique élevée, ces paramètres étant comparés ici à ceux des matériaux employés usuellement pour la confection de balanciers, comme par exemple les alliages cuivreux ou le nickel. Plusieurs classes de matériaux remplissent ces conditions : par exemple les matériaux non métalliques du groupe du carbone comprenant par exemple le diamant ou alors les oxydes métalliques comprenant par exemple les corindons comme le saphir ou le rubis, la liste des matériaux mentionnés ici n'étant absolument pas exhaustive.Advantageously, to make a rocker, one will choose a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, a low density and a high mechanical strength, these parameters being compared here to those materials usually used for the construction of rockers, as per for example, copper alloys or nickel. Several classes of materials fulfill these conditions: for example the non-metallic materials of the carbon group comprising, for example, diamond or else metal oxides including for example corundum such as sapphire or ruby, the list of materials mentioned here being absolutely not exhaustive.
Des procédés d'obtention de pièces mécaniques, notamment de pièces utilisées dans les mouvements d'horlogerie, par gravage chimique (Deep reactive ion etching) d'une plaque de diamant ont été décrits. Les caractéristiques physico-chimiques favorables du diamant, en particulier le faible coefficient de frottement, la forte résistance aux chocs, la résistance mécanique, la faible masse volumique, le module d'élasticité élevé, le faible coefficient de dilatation thermique sont parmi d'autres des paramètres favorisant son utilisation dans le domaine précité.Processes for obtaining mechanical parts, especially parts used in watch movements, by chemical etching (Deep reactive ion etching) of a diamond plate have been described. The favorable physicochemical characteristics of diamond, in particular the low coefficient of friction, the high impact resistance, the mechanical strength, the low density, the high modulus of elasticity, the low coefficient of thermal expansion are among others parameters favoring its use in the aforementioned field.
Selon des procédés d'usinage semblables à ceux mentionnés ci- dessus ou d'autres procédé, d'autres matériaux que le diamant sont aussi aptes à être utilisés pour la confection de pièces mécaniques comme des balanciers de mouvement d'horlogerie.According to machining methods similar to those mentioned above or other methods, other materials than diamond are also suitable for use in the manufacture of mechanical parts such as clockwork balances.
Ce sont donc le faible coefficient de dilatation thermique, la faible masse volumique et la forte résistance mécanique qui sont ici des paramètres favorables à l'utilisation de ces différents matériaux pour la confection d'un balancier. Un but de l'invention est donc de proposer un balancier dont les caractéristiques soient nettement améliorées relativement à celles des balanciers existants, en particulier son comportement, respectivement son insensibilité aux variations de température ainsi que son rapport moment d'inertie / masse. On propose aussi un mouvement d'horlogerie muni d'un tel balancier, de même qu'une pièce d'horlogerie équipée d'un tel mouvement.It is therefore the low coefficient of thermal expansion, the low density and the high mechanical strength which are here favorable parameters to the use of these different materials for the manufacture of a balance. An object of the invention is therefore to provide a balance whose characteristics are significantly improved relative to those existing balances, in particular its behavior, respectively its insensitivity to temperature variations and its moment of inertia / mass ratio. There is also a watch movement provided with such a balance, as well as a timepiece equipped with such a movement.
Un balancier tel que désiré est décrit à la revendication 1, alors qu'un mouvement d'horlogerie et une pièce d'horlogerie comme proposés sont respectivement décrits à la revendication 18 et à la revendication 19.A balance as desired is described in claim 1, while a watch movement and a timepiece as proposed are respectively described in claim 18 and claim 19.
Une forme d'exécution particulière d'un balancier selon l'invention comportant plusieurs variantes est décrite ci-dessous, cette description étant à considérer en regard du dessin annexé comportant les figures où : la figure 1 est une vue en plan d'un balancier selon l'invention, et la figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un détail de la figure 1.A particular embodiment of a balance according to the invention comprising several variants is described below, this description being to be considered with reference to the attached drawing comprising the figures in which: FIG. 1 is a plan view of a balance wheel according to the invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a detail of FIG. 1.
Selon la forme d'exécution de la figure 1 , le balancier 1 est constitué d'un disque 10 obtenu par exemple, par gravage chimique à l'aide d'un plasma (Deep reactive ion etching), ou par tout autre procédé, d'une plaque de diamant d'épaisseur généralement constante. Un pivot de balancier 11 est fixé de manière connue au centre du disque 10. Une pluralité de moyens de fixation 12, huit dans l'exemple représenté, sont disposés sur une circonférence 120 proche du périmètre extérieur du disque 10. Des viroles ou masselottes 2 sont fixées sur le disque 10 par les moyens de fixation connus 12.According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the balance 1 consists of a disc 10 obtained for example by chemical etching using a plasma (Deep reactive ion etching), or by any other method, a diamond plate of generally constant thickness. A rocker pivot 11 is fixed in known manner to the center of the disk 10. A plurality of fastening means 12, eight in the example shown, are arranged on a circumference 120 close to the outer perimeter of the disk 10. Ferrules or weights 2 are fixed on the disc 10 by the known fastening means 12.
Le balancier 1 est assemblé de manière connue à un ressort spiral, non représenté sur la figure afin de ne pas la surcharger, ce dernier élément étant disposé sous le plan du disque 10 tel que représenté sur la figure.The rocker 1 is assembled in a known manner to a spiral spring, not shown in the figure so as not to overload, the latter being disposed under the plane of the disc 10 as shown in FIG.
La figure 1 montre quelques exemples d'exécution des masselottes 2, étant entendu que généralement un balancier donné ne comporte que des masselottes 2 d'un type déterminé. Les masselottes 2 sont essentiellement de forme ou fixées de manière asymétrique relativement à la circonférence 120 sur le disque 10. En effet, en considérant que le disque 10 comprend huit masselottes en forme d'éléments allongés, comme représenté par exemple par la masselotte 20, et en supposant que le balancier 1 ainsi constitué est soumis à une augmentation de température, le disque 10 en matériau de très faible coefficient de dilatation thermique, par exemple en diamant, ne verra son diamètre augmenter que très faiblement. Par contre, les masselottes 20, métalliques, c'est-à-dire constituées en un matériau à coefficient de dilatation thermique nettement plus important que celui du matériau constituant le disque 10, verront leurs dimensions augmenter d'un rapport plus élevé que celui du disque 10.FIG. 1 shows some examples of execution of the flyweights 2, it being understood that generally a given balance has only weights 2 of a certain type. The weights 2 are essentially of shape or asymmetrically fixed relative to the circumference 120 on the disk 10. In fact, considering that the disk 10 comprises eight weights in the form of elongate elements, as represented for example by the weight 20, and assuming that the balance 1 thus formed is subjected to an increase in temperature, the disc 10 made of very low coefficient of thermal expansion, for example diamond, will see its diameter increase only very slightly. On the other hand, the weights 20, that is to say made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient that is much larger than that of the material constituting the disc 10, will have their dimensions increase by a ratio higher than that of the record 10.
La fréquence d'oscillation du balancier 1 dépend d'une part de son moment d'inertie, ce dernier paramètre étant égal à : m r2 Avec : I : moment d'inertie m. masse du balancier r : rayon de giration du balancierThe oscillation frequency of the balance 1 depends in part on its moment of inertia, the latter parameter being equal to: mr 2 With: I: moment of inertia m. mass of the pendulum r: radius of gyration of the pendulum
Le rayon de giration est le rayon de la circonférence sur laquelle serait concentrée toute la masse m d'un balancier ayant le même moment d'inertie que celui considéré.The radius of gyration is the radius of the circumference over which the whole mass m of a pendulum having the same moment of inertia as that considered would be concentrated.
La fréquence d'oscillation du balancier 1 dépend d'autre part du couple c fourni par le spiral audit balancier, ce couple variant aussi avec la température.The oscillation frequency of the balance 1 also depends on the torque c supplied by the balance spring to said balance, this torque also varies with the temperature.
Pour un ensemble balancier / spiral, on cherche donc à obtenir un rapport :For a balance / hairspring assembly, we therefore seek to obtain a report:
I / c = constante en fonction de la température.I / c = constant as a function of temperature.
La masse m ne variant pas avec la température, la forme, les dimensions et le positionnement des masselottes 20 seront déterminées de manière à ce que, pour toute température, la variation du rayon de giration provoquée par la variation de diamètre du disque 10 soit compensée par une variation correspondante du rayon de giration provoquée par les variations dimensionnelles des masselottes. Par exemple, en cas d'augmentation de température, le disque 10 se dilate très légèrement, augmentant de ce fait son propre rayon de giration. A cause de l'augmentation de diamètre du disque 10, les points de fixation 12 des masselottes 20 se déplacent aussi sur une circonférence 120 de plus grand diamètre. Les masselottes 20 augmentent aussi leur longueur, d'un facteur plus élevé que l'augmentation de diamètre du disque 10 puisque le coefficient de dilatation thermique des masselottes 20 est nettement plus élevé que celui du matériau du disque 10, et vu la disposition asymétrique des masselottes sur leur point de fixation, la portion de la masse de la masselotte disposée du côté du centre du disque 10 étant généralement plus grande que la portion de la masse de la masselotte disposée en direction du périmètre extérieur du disque, le centre de gravité de chaque masselotte se déplace en direction du centre du disque 10, respectivement le rayon de giration dû uniquement aux masselottes diminue, compensant partiellement, complètement ou surcompensant la variation du rayon de giration dû au disque. Le phénomène est exactement inversé en cas de baisse de température.The mass m does not vary with the temperature, the shape, the dimensions and the positioning of the weights 20 will be determined so that for any temperature, the variation of the radius of gyration caused by the variation in diameter of the disk 10 is compensated by a corresponding variation of the radius of gyration caused by the dimensional variations of the weights. For example, in case of temperature increase, the disc 10 expands very slightly, thereby increasing its own radius of gyration. Due to the increased diameter of the disk 10, the attachment points 12 of the weights 20 also move on a circumference 120 of larger diameter. The weights 20 also increase their length, by a factor greater than the increase in diameter of the disc 10 since the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weights 20 is significantly higher than that of the material of the disc 10, and given the asymmetrical arrangement of weights on their attachment point, the portion of the mass of the weight placed on the side of the center of the disk 10 being generally larger than the portion of the mass of the weight placed in the direction of the outer perimeter of the disk, the center of gravity of the each weight moves towards the center of the disc 10, respectively the radius of gyration due solely to the flyweights decreases, partially compensating, completely or overcompensating the variation of the radius of gyration due to the disc. The phenomenon is exactly reversed in the event of a drop in temperature.
Ainsi, en choisissant judicieusement la forme, le volume, le degré d'asymétrie autour de la fixation ainsi que le matériau, respectivement le coefficient de dilatation thermique des masselottes 2, on peut obtenir une surcompensation de l'effet thermique faisant que le rayon de giration du balancier diminue en fonction de la température, donnant ainsi au balancier un coefficient de température négatif. En associant ce balancier à coefficient de température négatif à un spiral à coefficient de température positif, on peut ainsi obtenir un système balancier / spiral absolument insensible aux variations de température.Thus, by judiciously choosing the shape, the volume, the degree of asymmetry around the fastening as well as the material, respectively the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weights 2, one can obtain an overcompensation of the thermal effect so that the radius of gyration of the balance decreases as a function of temperature, thus giving the balance a negative temperature coefficient. By associating this balance with a negative temperature coefficient to a spiral with a positive temperature coefficient, it is thus possible to obtain a balance / hairspring system absolutely insensitive to temperature variations.
Le positionnement des masselottes 2 sur le disque 10 permet d'ajuster le coefficient thermique du balancier, respectivement du système balancier / spiral à une valeur positive, nulle ou négative selon les besoins. La figure 1 montre aussi d'autres formes possibles de masselottes 2, étant bien entendu qu'elle ne sont représentées qu'à titre d'exemple et ne limitent en aucun cas les formes possibles permettant d'obtenir l'effet désiré décrit ci-dessus. La masselotte 21 est de forme essentiellement triangulaire à coins arrondis, vu que sa masse est répartie asymétriquement autour de son centre de gravité, le réglage du degré de compensation thermique peut se faire en faisant pivoter cette masselotte autour de son point de fixation. La masselotte 22 est commune à deux points de fixation. La masselotte 23 est en forme de barrette allongée, on peut régler son degré de compensation en faisant varier l'angle α que fait l'axe de la masselotte avec le rayon du disque. Un autre moyen de réglage du degré de compensation thermique est représenté sur la masselotte 24 qui présente, par exemple un trou oblong 240 permettant de régler la position radiale de la masselotte.The positioning of the weights 2 on the disc 10 makes it possible to adjust the thermal coefficient of the balance, respectively of the balance / balance system to a positive, zero or negative value as required. FIG. 1 also shows other possible forms of flyweights 2, it being understood that they are only shown by way of example and in no way limit the possible forms making it possible to obtain the desired effect described hereinafter. above. The flyweight 21 is essentially triangular in shape with rounded corners, since its mass is distributed asymmetrically around its center of gravity, the adjustment of the degree of thermal compensation can be done by rotating the flyweight around its attachment point. The flyweight 22 is common at two attachment points. The weight 23 is in the form of an elongate bar, it can adjust its degree of compensation by varying the angle α that makes the axis of the weight to the radius of the disc. Another means of adjusting the degree of thermal compensation is shown on the weight 24 which has, for example an oblong hole 240 for adjusting the radial position of the weight.
Afin d'obtenir un équilibre du balancier, les masselottes de chaque paire de deux masselottes radialement opposées sont réglées symétriquement, de manière à ne pas créer de balourd. Pour réaliser un équilibre statique et dynamique fin, on peut adjoindre au dispositif au moins un paire de viroles orientables 25, généralement connues de la technique.In order to obtain balance of the balance, the weights of each pair of two radially opposed weights are adjusted symmetrically, so as not to create unbalance. To achieve a fine static and dynamic equilibrium, at least one pair of orientable ferrules 25, generally known in the art, can be added to the device.
Afin d'améliorer le comportement aérodynamique du balancier lors de son mouvement d'oscillation, les masselottes peuvent être taillées et formées de manière à diminuer leur frottement à l'air, comme représenté à titre d'exemple à la figure 2.In order to improve the aerodynamic behavior of the balance during its oscillation movement, the flyweights may be cut and formed in such a way as to reduce their friction in the air, as represented by way of example in FIG. 2.
On comprend donc qu'en montant des masselottes de l'un des types représentés à titre d'exemples de réalisations possibles en 20, 21, 22, 23 ou 24, ainsi qu'éventuellement une paire de viroles orientables 25, il est possible d'ajuster finement lors du montage, aussi bien le coefficient de température du balancier ainsi que son équilibre statique et dynamique. Une fois ces réglages effectués lors du montage, il n'est généralement plus nécessaire de procéder à des réglages ultérieurs.It is therefore understood that by mounting weights of one of the types shown as examples of possible embodiments at 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24, and optionally a pair of orientable ferrules 25, it is possible to 'finely adjust during assembly, both the temperature coefficient of the balance and its static equilibrium and dynamic. Once these settings have been made during editing, there is usually no need to make further adjustments.
L'exemple décrit ci-dessus et représenté sur la figure 1 montre un disque de balancier muni de huit points de fixation 12 de masselottes. II est bien entendu que le disque de balancier peut comprendre un nombre quelconque de points de fixation, différent de huit.The example described above and shown in Figure 1 shows a rocker disc provided with eight attachment points 12 of flyweights. It is understood that the balance wheel may comprise any number of attachment points, different from eight.
Le disque 10 est décrit ci-dessus et représenté comme étant constitué d'un disque plein. Cette forme d'exécution est particulièrement avantageuse en considération des frottements dans l'air provoqués par les mouvements d'oscillation du balancier autour de son pivot, un balancier ayant la forme d'un disque plein présentant un meilleur comportement aérodynamique qu'un balancier composé d'un centre et d'une serge reliés par des bras. Cette forme d'exécution sous forme de disque plein est réalisable grâce à la faible masse volumique du matériau, la réalisation d'un disque plein ne péjorant par excessivement la masse du disque 10. Toutefois, si une diminution de la masse du disque est absolument nécessaire, vu la forte résistance mécanique du matériau, notamment du diamant, des ouvertures, telles que représentées en 13 ou 130 peuvent être aménagées. De même, le disque 10 peut ne pas être absolument plat et d'épaisseur constante, il peut aussi par exemple présenter une serge sous forme d'un rehaut sur le périmètre extérieur du disque.Disk 10 is described above and shown as consisting of a solid disk. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in view of the friction in the air caused by the oscillation movements of the balance around its pivot, a balance in the form of a solid disc having a better aerodynamic behavior than a compound beam a center and a serge connected by arms. This form of execution in the form of a solid disc is achievable thanks to the low density of the material, the production of a solid disc not excessively peeling the mass of the disc 10. However, if a decrease in the mass of the disc is absolutely necessary, given the strong mechanical strength of the material, including diamond, openings, as shown in 13 or 130 can be arranged. Similarly, the disc 10 may not be absolutely flat and of constant thickness, it may also for example have a serge in the form of a flange on the outer perimeter of the disc.
Un balancier comme décrit ci-dessus, selon l'une ou l'autre de ses variantes d'exécution ainsi que confectionné avec l'un ou l'autre des matériaux adaptés à cet usage, peut être utilisé de manière avantageuse avec un spiral confectionné lui aussi en un matériau à faible coefficient de dilatation thermique, comme par exemple le diamant, de même qu'avec un spiral métallique. Le coefficient thermique du balancier est alors choisi de manière à compenser la dilatation thermique du spiral, faible dans le cas d'un spiral en diamant et forte dans le cas d'un spiral métallique. A rocker as described above, according to one or the other of its variants as well as made with one or the other of the materials adapted for this purpose, can be used advantageously with a made spiral it is also made of a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as diamond, as well as with a metal balance spring. The heat coefficient of the balance is then chosen so as to compensate for the thermal expansion of the spiral, low in the case of a diamond spiral and strong in the case of a metal balance spring.

Claims

Revendications Claims
1. Balancier pour un mouvement d'horlogerie, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : un disque (10) obtenu à partir d'une plaque en un matériau présentant un coefficient de dilatation thermique ainsi qu'une masse volumique inférieures à ceux du nickel, ledit disque comportant une pluralité de moyens de fixation (12) répartis sur une circonférence (120) proche du périmètre extérieur du disque, et une pluralité de masselottes (2, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) chacune étant fixée à un desdits moyens de fixation.1. Balance wheel for a timepiece movement, characterized in that it comprises: a disc (10) obtained from a plate made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion as well as a density lower than that of nickel , said disc comprising a plurality of fixing means (12) distributed over a circumference (120) close to the external perimeter of the disc, and a plurality of weights (2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24) each being fixed to a said fixing means.
2. Balancier selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau constituant ledit disque (10) est du groupe du carbone.2. Pendulum according to claim 1, characterized in that said material constituting said disc (10) is from the group of carbon.
3. Balancier selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau constituant ledit disque (10) est du groupe des oxydes métalliques.3. Balance wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that said material constituting said disc (10) is from the group of metal oxides.
4. Balancier selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau est du diamant.4. Balance according to claim 2, characterized in that said material is diamond.
5. Balancier selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau est un corindon comme du saphir ou du rubis.5. Pendulum according to claim 3, characterized in that said material is a corundum such as sapphire or ruby.
6. Balancier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le disque (10) est confectionné par gravage chimique à l'aide d'un plasma d'une plaque dudit matériau.6. Balance wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disc (10) is made by chemical etching using a plasma from a plate of said material.
7. Balancier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les masselotte (2, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) sont constituées en un matériau présentant un coefficient de dilatation thermique supérieur à celui du matériau constituant le disque. 7. Balance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weights (2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24) are made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the material constituting the disc.
8. Balancier selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que pour chaque masselotte, la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'extérieur de la circonférence (120) sur laquelle sont installés les moyens de fixation (12) est différente de la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'intérieur de ladite circonférence.8. Balance wheel according to claim 7, characterized in that for each counterweight, the mass portion of the counterweight located outside the circumference (120) on which the fixing means (12) are installed is different from the portion mass of the flyweight located inside said circumference.
9. Balancier selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le rapport entre la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'extérieur de la circonférence (120) sur laquelle sont installés les moyens de fixation (12) et la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'intérieur de ladite circonférence est choisi de manière à ce que la variation en fonction de la température du rayon de giration du balancier soit nulle, procurant audit balancier un coefficient de température nul.9. Balance wheel according to claim 8, characterized in that the ratio between the mass portion of the counterweight located outside the circumference (120) on which the fixing means (12) are installed and the mass portion of the counterweight located inside said circumference is chosen so that the variation as a function of the temperature of the pendulum's radius of gyration is zero, providing said pendulum with a zero temperature coefficient.
10. Balancier selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le rapport entre la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'extérieur de la circonférence (120) sur laquelle sont installés les moyens de fixation (12) et la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'intérieur de ladite circonférence est choisi de manière à ce que la variation en fonction de la température du rayon de giration du balancier soit négative, respectivement que le rayon de giration diminue pour une augmentation de température, procurant audit balancier un coefficient de température négatif.10. Pendulum according to claim 8, characterized in that the ratio between the mass portion of the counterweight located outside the circumference (120) on which the fixing means (12) are installed and the mass portion of the counterweight located inside said circumference is chosen so that the variation as a function of the temperature of the turning radius of the pendulum is negative, respectively that the turning radius decreases for an increase in temperature, providing said pendulum with a negative temperature coefficient.
11. Balancier selon l'une des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que le réglage du rapport entre la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'extérieur de la circonférence (120) sur laquelle sont installés les moyens de fixation (12) et la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'intérieur de ladite circonférence est obtenu par pivotement de la masselotte (21 , 23) autour de son moyen de fixation.11. Balance wheel according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the adjustment of the ratio between the mass portion of the counterweight located outside the circumference (120) on which the fixing means (12) are installed ) and the mass portion of the counterweight located inside said circumference is obtained by pivoting the counterweight (21, 23) around its fixing means.
12. Balancier selon l'une des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que le réglage du rapport entre la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'extérieur de la circonférence (120) sur laquelle sont installés les moyens de fixation (12) et la portion de masse de la masselotte située à l'intérieur de ladite circonférence est obtenu par déplacement radial de la masselotte (24) sur son moyen de fixation.12. Balance wheel according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the adjustment of the ratio between the mass portion of the counterweight located outside the circumference (120) on which the fixing means (12) and the mass portion of the counterweight located inside said circumference is obtained by radial displacement of the counterweight (24) on its fixing means.
13. Balancier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre au moins une paire de viroles orientables (25) permettant d'équilibrer statiquement et dynamiquement le balancier.13. Balance wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one pair of orientable ferrules (25) making it possible to statically and dynamically balance the balance wheel.
14. Balancier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les masselottes sont taillées de manière à présenter une faible résistance aérodynamique.14. Balance wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weights are cut so as to have low aerodynamic resistance.
15. Balancier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le disque (10) est plein.15. Balance wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disc (10) is full.
16. Balancier selon l'une des revendications 1 à 14, caractérisé en ce que le disque (10) présente au moins une ouverture (13, 130).16. Pendulum according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the disc (10) has at least one opening (13, 130).
17. Balancier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, associé à un ressort spiral, caractérisé en ce que le rapport du moment d'inertie de l'ensemble divisé par le couple fourni par le ressort spiral au balancier est une constante en fonction de la température.17. Balance wheel according to one of the preceding claims, associated with a spiral spring, characterized in that the ratio of the moment of inertia of the assembly divided by the torque supplied by the spiral spring to the balance wheel is a constant as a function of the temperature.
18. Mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant un balancier selon l'une des revendications précédentes.18. Clock movement comprising a pendulum according to one of the preceding claims.
19. Pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un mouvement d'horlogerie selon la revendication 18. 19. Timepiece comprising a timepiece movement according to claim 18.
EP04735863A 2003-08-13 2004-06-03 Thermally-compensated balance wheel Active EP1654597B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH0300547 2003-08-13
CH21322003 2003-12-12
PCT/CH2004/000339 WO2005017631A1 (en) 2003-08-13 2004-06-03 Thermally-compensated balance wheel

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EP1654597A1 true EP1654597A1 (en) 2006-05-10
EP1654597B1 EP1654597B1 (en) 2009-11-11

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WO (1) WO2005017631A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2842313B1 (en) 2002-07-12 2004-10-22 Gideon Levingston MECHANICAL OSCILLATOR (BALANCING SYSTEM AND SPIRAL SPRING) IN MATERIALS FOR REACHING A HIGHER LEVEL OF PRECISION, APPLIED TO A WATCHMAKING MOVEMENT OR OTHER PRECISION INSTRUMENT
GB0324439D0 (en) 2003-10-20 2003-11-19 Levingston Gideon R Minimal thermal variation and temperature compensating non-magnetic balance wheels and methods of production of these and their associated balance springs
WO2006123095A2 (en) 2005-05-14 2006-11-23 Gideon Levingston Balance spring, regulated balance wheel assembly and methods of manufacture thereof
US8100579B2 (en) 2006-09-08 2012-01-24 Gideon Levingston Thermally compensating balance wheel
EP2102717B1 (en) * 2006-12-21 2013-06-26 CompliTime S.A. Mechanical oscillator for timepiece
CH701155B1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2010-12-15 Complitime Sa Balance spiral type mechanical oscillator for e.g. wrist watch, has balance and spiral, which are made of non-magnetic material such as diamond, where material possesses very low thermal expansion coefficient
CH708926A3 (en) 2013-12-05 2015-07-31 Tgm Développement Sa C O Etude Tissot Diamond mechanical part and method of manufacturing a mechanical diamond part for watch movement.
CH708925A1 (en) 2013-12-05 2015-06-15 Tgm Développement Sa C O Etude Tissot diamond mechanical room to watch movement.
CH718969A2 (en) * 2021-09-09 2023-03-15 Rolex Sa Inertial element for watch movement, resistant to magnetic fields.
CN115091394B (en) * 2022-08-22 2022-11-08 天津海鸥表业集团有限公司 Positioning tool for balance wheel without clamping degree

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FR2731715B1 (en) * 1995-03-17 1997-05-16 Suisse Electronique Microtech MICRO-MECHANICAL PART AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME
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DE602004024076D1 (en) 2009-12-24
EP1654597B1 (en) 2009-11-11
WO2005017631A1 (en) 2005-02-24
ATE448509T1 (en) 2009-11-15

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