EP3252546B1 - Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment - Google Patents

Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3252546B1
EP3252546B1 EP16172843.1A EP16172843A EP3252546B1 EP 3252546 B1 EP3252546 B1 EP 3252546B1 EP 16172843 A EP16172843 A EP 16172843A EP 3252546 B1 EP3252546 B1 EP 3252546B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
outer ring
balance wheel
inertia
inner flange
balance
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.)
Active
Application number
EP16172843.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3252546A1 (en
Inventor
Lionel Paratte
Donald William Corson
Dominique Léchot
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.)
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Research and Development SA filed Critical Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority to EP16172843.1A priority Critical patent/EP3252546B1/en
Priority to JP2017099520A priority patent/JP6340116B2/en
Priority to CN201710409375.7A priority patent/CN107463083B/en
Priority to US15/613,747 priority patent/US10054905B2/en
Publication of EP3252546A1 publication Critical patent/EP3252546A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3252546B1 publication Critical patent/EP3252546B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
    • G04B18/006—Mechanisms for setting frequency by adjusting the devices fixed on the balance
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/04—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a balance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
    • G04D7/08—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus for balance wheels
    • G04D7/082—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus for balance wheels for balancing
    • G04D7/084—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus for balance wheels for balancing by setting adjustable elements, e.g. balance wheel screws
    • 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
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a timepiece with inertia adjustment, comprising a shaft bearing on the one hand a serge via at least one arm, and on the other hand an inner flange fixed on said shaft and bearing an outer ring by a plurality of first guide elastic links balanced inertia to perpendicular to the axis of said shaft and in a plane perpendicular to said axis, said outer ring being distinct from said serge, said balance having a plurality of weights.
  • the invention also relates to a mechanical clockwork movement comprising at least one clock oscillator mechanism comprising such a balance.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising such a movement, and a control member consisting of a pusher or a ring arranged to control through a sliding pinion the movement of a timer.
  • the invention also relates to a watch assembly comprising such a watch, and a setting tool arranged to allow the inertia adjustment of said balance.
  • the invention relates to the field of mechanical clockwork movements with pendulum oscillator, and the gait adjustment of such an oscillator.
  • a pendulum composed of two parts, one being rigid and provided with two cams at 180 °, and the other composed of two elastic arms pressing on these cams, ended by weights.
  • a first serge constitutes the balance proper, and comprises a guide portion configured to vary the distance, relative to the balance shaft, of an elastic portion arranged to slide along this guide portion, and which is capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction around the balance shaft.
  • a second serge comprises a plurality of parts of flyweights. The relative rotation between these two members causes a change of inertia by radial stroke of the weights.
  • a variant is provided with a set of teeth allowing the insertion of a special tool terminated by two pins, the rotation of this tool causes a precise tangential displacement of the weights.
  • this adjustment requires disassembly of the movement to access the tool with the pendulum.
  • This adjustment mode does not prevent the occurrence of unintentional unbalance during adjustment: the angular displacement imposed by the tool at one end may produce a smaller amplitude shift at the other end diametrically opposite, due to friction.
  • the document CH 708 675 A1 in the name of Sercalo Microtechnology Ltd presents a monolithic structure in "LIGA” -metal (Lith react, Galvanoformung und Abformung) or "DRIE” -Si (Deep Reactive Ion Etching), with several elastic blades between an inner fixing rhomb and a ring slightly outer elliptical, which can be fixed by elastic forces inside a serge.
  • the march is performed by rotating the outer elastic ellipse with tweezers, which moves the blades away from the center, and changes the inertia.
  • there is no built-in adjustment tool Even using silicon technology to achieve a very high manufacturing accuracy of this part, the positioning of the elliptical ring being performed at two points, unbalance may appear.
  • the invention proposes to develop a solution to adjust the running of a mechanical movement, without having to open the watch case, and without introducing unbalance.
  • the proposed solution preferably uses the high precision of silicon micro-fabrication, or similar, to minimize any imbalances introduced during the adjustment, and especially to propose a solution to adjust without having to disassemble the watch, with means integrated adjustment to the movement.
  • the invention relates to a timepiece with inertia adjustment, comprising a shaft carrying on the one hand a serge via at least one arm, and on the other hand an inner flange fixed on said shaft and carrying an outer ring by a plurality of first guide elastic links balanced inertia to perpendicular to the axis of said shaft and in a plane perpendicular to said axis, said outer ring being distinct from said serge, said balance having a plurality of flyweights, characterized in that said outer ring is arranged to pivot relative to said inner flange under the action of an external torque exerted against a resisting torque exerted by said first elastic guide links, and characterized in that each said flyweight is carried at least by said inner flange by at least a second elastic connection and is indexable in an angular position stable ulaire defined by the respective cooperation between a first indexing teeth carried by said inner flange or by said flyweight, and a second indexing toothing which is respectively carried by said fly
  • this rocker comprises a shaft bearing on the one hand a serge by means of at least one arm, and on the other hand a monoblock top plate comprising an inner flange fixed on said shaft and an outer ring, connected by a plurality of first guide elastic links balanced in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said shaft.
  • the invention also relates to a mechanical clockwork movement comprising at least one clock oscillator mechanism comprising such a balance.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising such a movement, and a control member, in particular pre-existing, consisting of a pusher or a ring arranged to control through a sliding pinion the movement of a timer.
  • the invention also relates to a watch assembly comprising such a watch, and a setting tool arranged to allow the inertia adjustment of said balance.
  • the invention proposes a solution for adjusting the running of a mechanical movement, without opening the watch case, with an inertia adjusting device concerning both a specially equipped oscillator, and accessible control means. to a user from outside the watch case, for example by the winding and setting rod, a push, or other.
  • a watch 1000 comprising a mechanical movement 300, itself comprising at least one oscillator 100 comprising at least one balance 10, in particular a balance-balance oscillator, comprising a balance 10 and at least one spiral 18.
  • the inertia adjustment device comprises a flexible structure of balance inertia adjustment.
  • the invention relates to a balance wheel 10 with inertia adjustment, comprising a shaft 11 which carries at least one serge 12 through at least one arm 13.
  • This balance 10 comprises at least one inner flange 1 fixed on the shaft 11, and at least one outer ring 2, which is distinct from the serge 12.
  • these first elastic guide links 3 are balanced in a plane perpendicular to the axis B of the shaft 11, so that the shaft 11 is positioned exactly in the center of inertia the structure to avoid unbalance, especially in the case where the inner flange 1 and the outer ring 2 are part of the same monobloc structure.
  • This outer ring 2 is arranged to pivot relative to the inner flange 1, under the action of an external torque exerted against a resistant torque exerted by these first elastic guide links 3.
  • the balance 10 comprises a plurality of weights 4.
  • the invention is described more particularly in the simple case where the balance has a single inner flange 1, a single outer ring 2, and is easy to extrapolate for a multi-stage construction.
  • any rotation of the outer ring 2 relative to the inner flange 1 changes the angular position of these weights 4.
  • the indexing means in position 6, and the complementary indexing means in position 7 comprise teeth. It is still conceivable to perform indexing magnetic type, or other.
  • the balance 10 comprises a plurality of weights 4.
  • each of the weights 4 is carried at least by the inner flange 1 by at least a second elastic connection 5 and each indexable in a stable angular position defined by the cooperation between a first indexing toothing 91 carried by the inner flange 1 or by the flyweight 4, and a second indexing toothing 92.
  • This second indexing teeth 92 is carried by the weight 4 or by the outer ring 2 when the first indexing teeth 91 is carried by the inner flange 1, or is carried by the outer ring 2 when the first indexing toothing 91 is carried by the weight 4.
  • each weight 4 is carried by the outer ring 2.
  • the figure 1 is a watch 10 according to the invention, which comprises, in a first upper plane PS an outer ring 2, carrying a peripheral toothing 8, and resiliently mounted relative to an inner flange 1 integral with the 11 of the balance wheel 10.
  • the balance 10 comprises, in a second lower plane PI and parallel to the first upper plane PS, a support surface and angular support of the balance, which consists, or an outer surface 120 of the serge 12 of the balance 10, or in a toothing 15 of a lower board 14, or the like; the lower plate 14 is shown with a lower elastic connection 16 with a hub 17 fixed on the shaft 11.
  • This rocker 10 is shown facing an operating member 20 according to the invention, which comprises, at the level of the upper plane PS a control means 80, in particular carrying a control gear, in particular in the form of a driving wheel 81, arranged to cooperate with the peripheral toothing 8 of the outer ring 2, and at the lower plane PI complementary means 150 of support and holding, arranged to cooperate with the outer surface 120 of the serge 12 in particular by frictional elastic support, or the toothing 15 of the lower board 14 by locking meshing.
  • a control means 80 in particular carrying a control gear, in particular in the form of a driving wheel 81, arranged to cooperate with the peripheral toothing 8 of the outer ring 2, and at the lower plane PI complementary means 150 of support and holding, arranged to cooperate with the outer surface 120 of the serge 12 in particular by frictional elastic support, or the toothing 15 of the lower board 14 by locking meshing.
  • a lower board 14 is fixed to the shaft 11 of the balance beam, while a monobloc top board 30 is fixed at its center to the shaft 11 of the balance, but can rotate in its outside.
  • Centering springs relative to the shaft 11 of the balance advantageously made in the form of elastic strips 19, visible on the figure 17 , make it possible to cancel any unintentional unbalance introduced by one or other of the lower boards 14 or greater 30 added. Care should be taken to judiciously adapt the number of elastic blades to the type of material.
  • the rigidity of the monocrystalline silicon is anisotropic, and which, for example, in the case of a perpendicular to the crystal plane ⁇ 100> has an azimuthal period of 90 °, this number should be even and equal to or greater than 4. In the case of an isotropic material, this number may be odd and equal to or greater than 3.
  • the centers of these boards are preferably fixed permanently by means such as, but not limited to, a bonding or brazing.
  • the resilient blades pinching the shaft 11 of the balance must exert a friction greater than the maximum torque exerted on the outer ring 2 during the adjustment of inertia.
  • the operating member 20 used to control the inertia adjustment advantageously comprises a setting device for limiting this printed torque to the outer ring 2.
  • the rocker 10 comprises a monoblock top board 30 which comprises the inner flange 1, the first elastic guide links 3, the outer ring 2, the weights 4, the second elastic links 5, the first teeth of indexing 91, and the second indexing teeth 92, and the third elastic links 50 when the balance 10 comprises.
  • the inner flange 1 comprises a plurality of resilient blades 19 concentrically tightening the shaft 11 with a friction torque greater than the maximum value of the external torque.
  • the inner flange 1 is irreversibly fixed to the shaft 11, by welding, brazing, bonding, or other similar process.
  • the inner flange 1 comprises a plurality of resilient blades 19 concentrically tightening the shaft 11 with a friction torque greater than the maximum value of the external torque, and these resilient blades 19 are fixed irreversibly on the shaft 11, by welding, brazing, gluing, or other similar process.
  • the rocker 10 comprises a lower plate 14 fixed directly or indirectly to the shaft 11 and having peripheral stop means 15, such as than a toothing or the like.
  • the outer ring 2 comprises a peripheral and continuous toothing 8 oriented on the axis B of the shaft 11, and the rotation of the toothing 8 modifies the position of the weights 4 between two stable indexing positions.
  • the inner flange 1 is integral with the shaft 11.
  • the rocker 10 embeds a flexible monolayer and micro-machined structure, taking advantage of the high contour accuracy of "MEMS" technologies, typically 1 to 2 micrometers of positioning accuracy, for a thickness of 150 microns, constituting an upper monobloc board 30 as defined above.
  • MEMS micro-machined structure
  • the boards are micro-machined (techniques from manufacturing on silicon) and if possible each in a single layer (mask process), as shown.
  • the rocker 10 When the rocker 10 has a lower plate 14, it can also be performed in a "MEMS" technology or the like.
  • FIGS. 2 to 11 illustrate variants of flexible inertia adjustment mechanisms, according to the invention, in the preferred but non-limiting embodiment comprising a monoblock top board 30.
  • the outer ring 2 in particular provided with a toothing 8 in the preferred embodiment illustrated, can pivot elastically relative to its center, which is fixed to the balance shaft 11 as explained above.
  • Angular portions of 180 °, 120 °, 90 °, 72 °, ..., and the number of respectively 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., are arranged between the center and the outer ring 2. They are responsible for carrying out the two main functions, ie the guiding for example with elastic blades, and the inertia adjustment for example with movable weights.
  • these functions are alternated by angular sector, or integrated if it is possible.
  • the rule of adaptation of the number of sectors to the material, mentioned above for the number of centering blades also applies here.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate two variants, at 120 ° and at 180 °, of an upper board 30 comprising, between the inner flange and the outer ring, an alternation of first elastic bonds filling the rotational guiding function, and interposed between the previous ones , weights each elastically suspended.
  • the first indexing toothing 91 is carried by the inner flange 1 and is constituted by an inner jumper 42 protruding radially
  • the second indexing toothing 92 is carried by the flyweight 4 and is a first gear sector 43.
  • This flyweight is suspended by a connection with three first necks 45, 21, 41, which together define an isosceles triangle ACC 'symmetrical with respect to a perpendicular to a radial end of the axis B of the beam 10, between two radial arm sections, l one resulting from the inner flange 11, and the other coming from the outer ring 2.
  • the flyweight 4 in the form of a circle sector can rotate elastically at C, during the angular displacement of the outer ring 2, moved by the triangle of C'-AC elastic pivots.
  • the inner jumper 42 cooperates in holding stop with teeth of the toothed sector 43, and allows the precise positioning of the weight 4.
  • a registration graduation 93 on the flyweight 4 allows the reading of its angular position. Correct sizing of the mechanism causes the synchronized displacement in the same notches of all weights, at the risk of causing an imbalance.
  • An alternative consists of a mechanism comprising a single jumper and a single indexing rack for the complete structure, with a compensation weight to reduce the center of gravity to the center of rotation of the balance.
  • the first indexing toothing 91 is carried by the weight 4 and comprises at least one tooth 46
  • the second indexing teeth 92 is carried by the outer ring 2 and comprises at least a second toothed sector 72 of distinct center of the shaft B of the shaft 11.
  • the weight 4 is a disc having two opposite teeth 46, attached by a flexible blade 47 perpendicular to a radial arm 49 from the inner flange 1.
  • the outer ring 2 carries, on tracks, RA and RB rays, non-concentric with the axis B of the balance 10, which makes it possible to modify the inertia, two toothed sectors 72, with which the two teeth 46 of the flyweight 4.
  • the change in inertia comes from the change in the radial position of the flyweight 4, which itself results from the change of relative angular position between the flyweight and the outer ring 2, via the slope corresponding to the radius RB or RA.
  • This second variant comprises, like the first, a bidirectional range of adjustment. It should be noted that in neutral position, in both solutions there is no clamping / stress between jumper and rack, the space will be as thin as one can micro-machine slots in a single-layer process (a only photolithographic mask). This space (of the 5 micrometer type for 0.10 mm thickness) can of course be reduced to a distance of 0 or less (constrained state) for the other angular positions.
  • the figure 7 illustrates a guiding mechanism with flexible blades, in a variant where the inner flange 1 carries radial arms which themselves, by means of radial elastic blades 31 with two second necks 34 each, an intermediate concentric sector 33 which is suspended by means of two other radial resilient blades 32 with two second necks 34 each, to the outer ring 2.
  • the outer ring 2 is suspended on two intersecting blades in the center, fixed on the intermediate bend 33, which is - even connected to the inner flange 1.
  • figure 8 illustrates the articulated connection at the second necks, for a half-structure with the four second necks 34 replaced by pivots K'L'M'N '. It is clear that the instantaneous center of rotation for small amplitudes is at the axis B of the shaft 11 of the balance 10.
  • the figure 9 illustrates a mechanism in which the inertia adjustment and the guidance are alternated by sectors of 60 °, substantially according to the variants respectively of the Figures 6 and 7 .
  • the modification of inertia comes from the change in the radial position of the flyweight 4, which itself results from the change of relative angular position between the weight and the outer ring 2, via the slope corresponding to the radius RB or RA.
  • pairs consisting, on the one hand of radial elastic blades 31 seen above, and also springs 36, mounted radially, for the reduction of the elastic torque of recall.
  • each spring 36 consists of half-springs 361 provided with hooks 362 presented head to tail, remote from each other during the preparation of the one-piece board 30, as visible in the left part of the figure, and then just hang to form a hitch 363 to obtain the required return force.
  • the figure 11 illustrates the variation of the elastic torque CE as a function of the deformation angle ⁇ , in solid lines without these springs, and in broken line with these springs.
  • the first indexing gear 91 is carried by the inner flange 1 and has a third gear sector 44 whose center is distinct from the axis B of the shaft 11, and the second indexing gear 92 is carried by the outer ring 2, and is constituted by an outer jumper 29.
  • the rocker 10 here comprises a monoblock top board 30 which is a flexible planetary structure, whose planets are unbalanced weights allowing the adjustment of inertia, which are connected to the inner flange 1 and / or to the outer ring 2 by means of elastic blades.
  • the inner flange 1 directly carries non-concentric toothed sectors 44 with the axis B of the balance 10, each indexed in position by an outer jumper 29 secured to the outer ring 2, and the weights 4 are each connected to both inside flange 1 and ring 2 outside, by resilient blades 48 substantially concentric with each other and with the axis B of the shaft 11.
  • This third variant functions as a planetary movement, in which the two flyweights 4 (planets) roll between the inner flange 1 and the outer ring 2, which are held together by these elastic blades 48 which wind around the flyweights 4.
  • the elastic return torque due to the resilient blades 48 may vary, in particular but not necessarily increase.
  • FIG. figure 18 A particular embodiment of the second variant family is illustrated in FIG. figure 18 it is a central spiral inertia adjusting structure, wherein the pivoting is not elastic, but made by friction on three centering supports.
  • the inner flange 1 comprises a toothed spiral 44 fixed to the shaft 11 of the balance 10, while the outer ring 2 carries three weights 4 each secured by means of an outer flexible blade 94.
  • the outer ring 2 has three bearing surfaces 53 on which slide three supports 52, on an angular sector of 30 °, corresponding to the adjustment range, which comprise arms 51 of the toothed spiral 44.
  • the relative rotation between the outer ring 2 and the toothed spiral 44, with which cooperate the teeth 55 of the weights 4, causes the centro-symmetric deployment of the weights 4.
  • this mechanism also comprises vertical guiding elements to ensure the Z-resistance of the outer ring 2, not shown in the figure.
  • the supports 52 of centering of the outer ring 2 and the bearing surfaces 53 are advantageously far from a set of micrometers.
  • the flyweights 4 which perfectly center the outer ring 2 to the notched spiral 44, itself centered on the shaft 11 by flexible blades 19.
  • the function arm 51 is to ensure that the teeth 55 of the three weights 4 fall synchronously into their toothed spiral notches 44, so that there is no offset.
  • the torque exerted by the blades via these notches is higher than the friction torque at the end of the fall of the weights in the notches.
  • the invention also relates to a 300 mechanical clockwork movement, such as visible in particular on the figure 20 , comprising at least one clock oscillator mechanism 100 comprising such a rocker 10, and an actuator 20 arranged to control the inertia adjustment of the balance 10 by changing the position of at least some of the weights 4 that includes the This operating member 20 is movable between an engaged position and at least one disengaged position.
  • the operating member 20 comprises a stop means 160 arranged to immobilize directly or indirectly the serge 12 in the engaged position, and at least one control means 80, in particular toothed, arranged for, in the position engaged, rotate the outer ring 2, including a toothing 8 that includes the outer ring 2, to change the position of the weights 4 with which cooperates the outer ring 2.
  • the invention also concerns, as can be seen in particular on the figure 20 , a watch 1000 comprising such a movement 300, a control member constituted by a pusher or a ring gear 110 arranged to control through a sliding pinion 111 the movement of a timer 112.
  • This timer 112 comprises a wheel 115, which is arranged to drive at least one such control means 80 toothed in the engaged position of the actuating member 20.
  • the watch 1000 according to the invention comprises a clutch ring 102 movable rotating to control the clutch or disengagement of the actuator 20, and this clutch ring 102 is preferably hidden from the user.
  • Such an arrangement allows the transformation of an existing watch, having, pre-existing, a control member such as crown, push, bezel, bolt or the like, a sliding pinion, and a timer.
  • the invention is described here in the particular, non-limiting case of a rocker 10 having a monobloc top plate 30, the outer ring 2 of which has a toothing 8.
  • this upper monobloc board 30 As can be seen in particular on the figure 16 by rotation of this upper monobloc board 30 relative to the seam 12 of the balance 10, or, as here to the lower board 14 when the balance 10 has one, and which is synchronous with the seam 12, this serge 12 being in advance locked in rotation, and for any angular position of the serge 12, the inertia of the upper monobloc board 30, and therefore of the balance 10, changes.
  • the rotation of the outer ring 2, in particular of this one-piece upper board 30 is carried out by the control means 80 of the operating member 20, in particular in the form of a driving wheel 81 adjacent the balance 10, carried by a 150 bistable lever that comprises the stop means 160, in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the figures.
  • the lever 150 is engaged / disengaged laterally by the mechanical action of a rotary ring 102 peripheral to the watch movement 300 which includes the oscillator 100, which allows access to the oscillator 100 wherever it is located on the periphery.
  • the figure 16 shows an example of a part of this clutch mechanism.
  • the clutch ring 102 acts on two slopes 154 and 155 of the lever 150 by a finger 103 that it comprises, to control the tilting of the lever 150, according to its direction of rotation.
  • the position drawn in solid lines shows the lever 150 in the locking position of the toothing 15 of the lower board 14, by a comb 151 that includes the lever 150, in an "ON" position: the balance 10 is engaged with the timer and the crown 110 of the watch 1000.
  • a jumper lever 156 introduces a bistability on the lever 150.
  • the lever 150 comprises a comb 151 to cooperate with the lower toothing 15 of the lower plate 14, it is understood that it can also, when the balance 10 is devoid of bottom plate 14, have a friction surface arranged to cooperate and in particular to come into contact with the outer surface 120 of the serge 12.
  • the flexible structure is held by an integrated jumper, such as the inner jumper 42 of the figure 4 , or the outer jumper 29 of the figure 12 .
  • This integrated jumper retains the flyweight 4, and exerts a sufficient return torque to also retain the outer ring 2.
  • the lower 14 and upper 30 boards are micromachined (techniques from silicon fabrication) and if possible in a single layer (mask process), as shown.
  • the lever 150 engaged by the action of the ring 102, approaches laterally of the balance 10 (ON position) and angularly maintains it by means of its comb 151 in engagement with the lower board 14 attached to the balance 10
  • the driving wheel 81 then meshes simultaneously with the upper board 30.
  • the watch 1000 comprises a control member consisting of a pusher, a bolt, or the like, or, as shown in the figures, in particular on the figure 20 a crown 110, which has the advantage of reversible adjustment in both directions.
  • the rotation by the crown 110 conventionally mobile between at least two positions T1 and T3, drives through the sliding pinion 111 the movement of the timer 112, the input wheel 115, the driving wheel 81, and therefore the outer ring 2 of the upper board 30, which can rotate and change the inertia of the balance 10.
  • the timer 112 may cause a wheel at the center 113 carrying a needle 114 to display the adjustment made.
  • the invention also relates to a watch assembly comprising such a watch 1000, as visible on the Figures 20 and 21 , and a setting tool which is arranged to control the rotation of the clutch ring 102.
  • the clutch ring 102 and the adjustment tool 200 in particular constituted by a magnetic key, as illustrated, comprise complementary magnetic zones 101, 201 respectively for the driving in rotation of the clutch ring 102 under the action of the adjusting tool 200 when the complementary magnetic zones 101 and 201 are in cooperation through the watch case 1000.
  • the ring 102 is advantageously, in a particular variant, provided with ferromagnetic targets 101: P, Q, R, S, judiciously placed and hidden, so that only an outer key 200 having magnetic pads 201, including neodymium magnets or the like, placed in certain places P ', Q ', R', S ', and facing, can take off if necessary and turn.
  • the advantage of a ring 102 only ferromagnetic, and of substantially circular shape, generally of revolution, is its insensitivity to external magnetic fields capable of rotating it, and external ferromagnetic objects in the undesirable case of presence of magnets.
  • the figure 20 illustrates an overview of the gait adjustment device by changing the inertia of the balance 10, without opening the watch 1000 and without adding a pusher.
  • the clutch ring 102 comprising the ferromagnetic targets 101 is rotated by a magnetic key 200, external tool to the watch, comprising the magnetic pads 201, when it is positioned coaxially with the watch (with their axes coincident).
  • the ring 102 may first be attracted axially against the magnets, then a rotation of the key 200 causes a rotation of the ring 102 by reluctant torque on the ferromagnetic targets 101.
  • the angular position of these targets being hidden from the user, only the right key can cause the ring to rotate.
  • the goal is to have the adjustment done by the SAV, so as not to tarnish the reputation of the brand, in case of attempted unsuccessful adjustment on the part of the wearer.
  • the magnetic key 200 thus cooperates with the clutch ring 102, the number and position of the ferromagnetic targets 101 are hidden from the user, to prevent an unsuccessful attempt by the user to adjust.
  • the magnetic pads 201 are also hidden at the key 200.
  • the process of setting the procedure is as follows. Firstly, the pivoting of the ring 102 by means of the magnetic key 200 causes the lever 150 to tilt towards the balance 10, in order to engage the driving wheel 81 of the lever 150 with the adjusting device of the lever. on-board rotational inertia on the balance 10. It thus goes from the OFF position to the ON position.
  • the driving wheel 81 is integral with the idler wheel 115 of the timer 112.
  • the crown 110 is at the same time engaged with the minute hand 114 and the inertia adjustment of the balance 10, via the sliding pinion 111 and the return.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un balancier d'horlogerie à réglage d'inertie, comportant un arbre portant d'une part une serge par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un bras, et d'autre part un flasque intérieur fixé sur ledit arbre et portant un anneau extérieur par une pluralité de premières liaisons élastiques de guidage équilibrées en inertie par rapport perpendiculaire à l'axe dudit arbre et dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe, ledit anneau extérieur étant distinct de ladite serge, ledit balancier comportant une pluralité de masselottes.The invention relates to a timepiece with inertia adjustment, comprising a shaft bearing on the one hand a serge via at least one arm, and on the other hand an inner flange fixed on said shaft and bearing an outer ring by a plurality of first guide elastic links balanced inertia to perpendicular to the axis of said shaft and in a plane perpendicular to said axis, said outer ring being distinct from said serge, said balance having a plurality of weights.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement mécanique d'horlogerie comportant au moins un mécanisme oscillateur d'horlogerie comportant un tel balancier.The invention also relates to a mechanical clockwork movement comprising at least one clock oscillator mechanism comprising such a balance.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant un tel mouvement, et un organe de commande constitué par un poussoir ou par une couronne agencée pour commander au travers d'un pignon coulant le mouvement d'une minuterie.The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a movement, and a control member consisting of a pusher or a ring arranged to control through a sliding pinion the movement of a timer.

L'invention concerne encore un ensemble horloger comportant une telle montre, et un outil de réglage agencé pour autoriser le réglage d'inertie dudit balancier.The invention also relates to a watch assembly comprising such a watch, and a setting tool arranged to allow the inertia adjustment of said balance.

L'invention concerne le domaine des mouvements d'horlogerie mécanique avec oscillateur à balancier, et le réglage de marche d'un tel oscillateur.The invention relates to the field of mechanical clockwork movements with pendulum oscillator, and the gait adjustment of such an oscillator.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

Pour ajuster la marche d'une montre mécanique, il faut en général ouvrir la boîte et en extraire le mouvement, pour ensuite accéder aux composants permettant le réglage de la marche: rotation de la raquette pour changer la rigidité du spiral, rotation des vis du balancier pour en changer l'inertie, ou autre. Cette opération requiert donc des opérations supplémentaires coûteuses en temps. De plus, le contrôle d'étanchéité doit être refait. Parfois, également, il se produit aussi un décalage de la marche lors de l'opération d'emboîtage.To adjust the running of a mechanical watch, it is generally necessary to open the box and extract the movement, to then access the components allowing the adjustment of the step: rotation of the racket to change the rigidity of the spiral, rotation of the screws of the pendulum to change the inertia, or other. This operation therefore requires additional operations that are time consuming. In addition, the leak test must be redone. Sometimes, too, there is also a shift of the step during the casing operation.

Dans les mécanismes existants, le mouvement doit être démonté pour accéder aux organes de réglage, la structure ne coopérant pas avec un réglage intérieur. De plus, le risque d'introduire des balourds lors du réglage n'est pas minimisé.In the existing mechanisms, the movement must be disassembled to access the adjustment members, the structure does not cooperate with an internal setting. In addition, the risk of introducing unbalance during adjustment is not minimized.

Le document CH 709 052 A2 au nom de Seiko Instruments fait état d'un balancier composé de deux parties, l'une étant rigide et munie de deux cames à 180°, et l'autre composée de deux bras élastiques appuyant sur ces cames, terminées par des masselottes. Une première serge constitue le balancier proprement dit, et comporte une partie de guidage configurée pour faire varier la distance, par rapport à l'arbre de balancier, d'une partie élastique agencée pour glisser le long de cette partie de guidage, et qui est capable de déformation élastique dans la direction radiale autour de l'arbre de balancier. Une deuxième serge comporte une pluralité de parties de masselottes. La rotation relative entre ces deux membres provoque un changement d'inertie par course radiale des masselottes. Une variante est munie d'une denture permettant l'insertion d'un outil spécial terminé par deux goupilles, la rotation de cet outil provoque un déplacement tangentiel précis des masselottes. Bien que tirant avantage de l'absence de jeu, ce réglage nécessite un démontage du mouvement pour accéder avec l'outil au balancier. Ce mode de réglage ne permet pas d'empêcher l'apparition d'un balourd involontaire lors du réglage: le déplacement angulaire imposé par l'outil à l'une des extrémités risque de produire un décalage d'amplitude moindre à l'autre extrémité diamétralement opposée, en raison des frottements.The document CH 709 052 A2 In the name of Seiko Instruments there is a pendulum composed of two parts, one being rigid and provided with two cams at 180 °, and the other composed of two elastic arms pressing on these cams, ended by weights. A first serge constitutes the balance proper, and comprises a guide portion configured to vary the distance, relative to the balance shaft, of an elastic portion arranged to slide along this guide portion, and which is capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction around the balance shaft. A second serge comprises a plurality of parts of flyweights. The relative rotation between these two members causes a change of inertia by radial stroke of the weights. A variant is provided with a set of teeth allowing the insertion of a special tool terminated by two pins, the rotation of this tool causes a precise tangential displacement of the weights. Although taking advantage of the lack of play, this adjustment requires disassembly of the movement to access the tool with the pendulum. This adjustment mode does not prevent the occurrence of unintentional unbalance during adjustment: the angular displacement imposed by the tool at one end may produce a smaller amplitude shift at the other end diametrically opposite, due to friction.

Le document CH 708 675 A1 au nom de Sercalo Microtechnology Ltd présente une structure monolithique en « LIGA »-métal (Lithografie, Galvanoformung und Abformung) ou « DRIE »-Si (Deep Reactive Ion Etching), comportant plusieurs lames élastiques entre un losange de fixation intérieur et un anneau légèrement elliptique extérieur, pouvant se fixer par des forces élastiques à l'intérieur d'une serge. La mise de marche est effectuée par rotation de l'ellipse élastique externe à l'aide de brucelles, ce qui éloigne ou approche les lames du centre, et change l'inertie. Toutefois il n'existe pas d'outil de réglage intégré. Même en utilisant la technologie silicium permettant d'atteindre une très grande précision de fabrication de cette pièce, le positionnement de la bague elliptique étant effectué en deux points, un balourd risque d'apparaître.The document CH 708 675 A1 in the name of Sercalo Microtechnology Ltd presents a monolithic structure in "LIGA" -metal (Lithografie, Galvanoformung und Abformung) or "DRIE" -Si (Deep Reactive Ion Etching), with several elastic blades between an inner fixing rhomb and a ring slightly outer elliptical, which can be fixed by elastic forces inside a serge. The march is performed by rotating the outer elastic ellipse with tweezers, which moves the blades away from the center, and changes the inertia. However, there is no built-in adjustment tool. Even using silicon technology to achieve a very high manufacturing accuracy of this part, the positioning of the elliptical ring being performed at two points, unbalance may appear.

Le document CH 320 818 A au nom de H. Siegwart décrit également des lames élastiques et un appui élastique s'appuyant à l'intérieur de la serge.The document CH 320 818 A in the name of H. Siegwart also describes elastic blades and an elastic support resting inside the serge.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention se propose de mettre au point une solution permettant de régler la marche d'un mouvement mécanique, sans devoir ouvrir la boîte de montre, et sans introduire de balourd.The invention proposes to develop a solution to adjust the running of a mechanical movement, without having to open the watch case, and without introducing unbalance.

La solution proposée utilise préférentiellement la grande précision de la micro-fabrication silicium, ou similaire, pour réduire au maximum des éventuels balourds introduits lors du réglage, et surtout proposer une solution permettant d'effectuer le réglage sans devoir démonter la montre, avec des moyens de réglage intégrés au mouvement.The proposed solution preferably uses the high precision of silicon micro-fabrication, or similar, to minimize any imbalances introduced during the adjustment, and especially to propose a solution to adjust without having to disassemble the watch, with means integrated adjustment to the movement.

A cet effet, l"invention concerne un balancier d'horlogerie à réglage d'inertie, comportant un arbre portant d'une part une serge par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un bras, et d'autre part un flasque intérieur fixé sur ledit arbre et portant un anneau extérieur par une pluralité de premières liaisons élastiques de guidage équilibrées en inertie par rapport perpendiculaire à l'axe dudit arbre et dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe, ledit anneau extérieur étant distinct de ladite serge, ledit balancier comportant une pluralité de masselottes, caractérisé en ce que ledit anneau extérieur est agencé pour pivoter par rapport audit flasque intérieur sous l'action d'un couple externe exercé à l'encontre d'un couple résistant exercé par lesdites premières liaisons élastiques de guidage, et caractérisé en ce que chaque dite masselotte est portée au moins par ledit flasque intérieur par au moins une deuxième liaison élastique et est indexable dans une position angulaire stable définie par la coopération respective entre une première denture d'indexage portée par ledit flasque intérieur ou par ladite masselotte, et une deuxième denture d'indexage qui est portée respectivement par ladite masselotte ou par ledit anneau extérieur, et en ce que toute rotation dudit anneau extérieur par rapport audit flasque intérieur modifie la position angulaire desdites masselottes.To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece with inertia adjustment, comprising a shaft carrying on the one hand a serge via at least one arm, and on the other hand an inner flange fixed on said shaft and carrying an outer ring by a plurality of first guide elastic links balanced inertia to perpendicular to the axis of said shaft and in a plane perpendicular to said axis, said outer ring being distinct from said serge, said balance having a plurality of flyweights, characterized in that said outer ring is arranged to pivot relative to said inner flange under the action of an external torque exerted against a resisting torque exerted by said first elastic guide links, and characterized in that each said flyweight is carried at least by said inner flange by at least a second elastic connection and is indexable in an angular position stable ulaire defined by the respective cooperation between a first indexing teeth carried by said inner flange or by said flyweight, and a second indexing toothing which is respectively carried by said flyweight or said outer ring, and in that any rotation said outer ring relative to said inner flange changes the angular position of said flyweights.

Plus particulièrement, ce balancier comporte un arbre portant d'une part une serge par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un bras, et d'autre part une planche supérieure monobloc comportant un flasque intérieur fixé sur ledit arbre et un anneau extérieur, liés par une pluralité de premières liaisons élastiques de guidage équilibrées dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe dudit arbre.More particularly, this rocker comprises a shaft bearing on the one hand a serge by means of at least one arm, and on the other hand a monoblock top plate comprising an inner flange fixed on said shaft and an outer ring, connected by a plurality of first guide elastic links balanced in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said shaft.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement mécanique d'horlogerie comportant au moins un mécanisme oscillateur d'horlogerie comportant un tel balancier.The invention also relates to a mechanical clockwork movement comprising at least one clock oscillator mechanism comprising such a balance.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant un tel mouvement, et un organe de commande, notamment préexistant, constitué par un poussoir ou par une couronne agencée pour commander au travers d'un pignon coulant le mouvement d'une minuterie.The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a movement, and a control member, in particular pre-existing, consisting of a pusher or a ring arranged to control through a sliding pinion the movement of a timer.

L'invention concerne encore un ensemble horloger comportant une telle montre, et un outil de réglage agencé pour autoriser le réglage d'inertie dudit balancier.The invention also relates to a watch assembly comprising such a watch, and a setting tool arranged to allow the inertia adjustment of said balance.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, illustrant deux familles de variantes de l'invention, où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en coupe, un balancier d'horlogerie à réglage d'inertie selon l'invention, qui comporte, dans un premier plan supérieur un anneau extérieur, porteur d'une denture périphérique, monté de façon élastique par rapport à un flasque intérieur solidaire de l'arbre de ce balancier, et agencé pour commander le mouvement de masselottes du balancier, et, dans un deuxième plan inférieur et parallèle au premier, une surface d'appui et de maintien, consistant en une surface extérieure de la serge du balancier, ou en une denture d'une planche inférieure. Ce balancier est représenté face à un organe de manoeuvre selon l'invention, qui comporte, au niveau du plan supérieur une denture de commande agencée pour coopérer avec la denture périphérique, et au niveau du plan inférieur une surface complémentaire d'appui et de maintien;
  • la figure 2 est un schéma de principe d'une planche supérieure comportant, entre le flasque intérieur et l'anneau extérieur, d'une part trois premières liaisons élastiques à 120° les unes des autres et remplissant la fonction de guidage en rotation, et, intercalées entre les précédentes, et également disposées à 120° les unes des autres, trois masselottes chacune suspendue de part et d'autre par une deuxième liaison élastique non représentée;
  • la figure 3 est similaire à la figure 2, mais avec deux premières liaisons élastiques à un angle de 180° au lieu de 120°, et deux masselottes seulement ;
  • la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, une partie du mécanisme de réglage d'inertie, dans une première variante où la masselotte comporte un secteur denté qui est suspendu par une liaison à trois cols qui définissent ensemble un triangle isocèle symétrique par rapport à une perpendiculaire à une radiale issue de l'axe du balancier, entre deux tronçons de bras radiaux, l'un issu du flaque intérieur du balancier, et l'autre issu de l'anneau extérieur, le flasque intérieur portant encore un sautoir saillant radialement et coopérant en arrêt de maintien avec des dents du secteur denté, lequel comporte une graduation de repérage de la position angulaire de la masselotte ;
  • la figure 5 est une illustration simplifiée des liaisons du mécanisme de la figure 4;
  • la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, une partie du mécanisme de réglage d'inertie, dans une deuxième variante, dite à cames, où la masselotte est un disque comportant deux dents opposées, attaché par une lame flexible perpendiculaire à un bras radial issu du flasque intérieur du balancier, et où l'anneau extérieur porte, sur des pistes non concentriques avec l'axe du balancier, deux secteurs dentés avec lesquels coopèrent les deux dents de la masselotte;
  • la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, une partie d'un mécanisme de guidage à lames flexibles, dans une variante où le flasque intérieur porte des bras radiaux qui portent, par l'intermédiaire de lames élastiques radiales à deux cols chacune, un secteur concentrique intermédiaire qui est suspendu par l'intermédiaire de deux autres lames élastiques radiales à deux cols chacune, à l'anneau extérieur ;
  • la figure 8 est une illustration simplifiée des liaisons du mécanisme de la figure 7;
  • la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, un mécanisme où le réglage d'inertie et le guidage sont alternés par secteurs de 60°, sensiblement selon les variantes respectivement des figures 6 et 7 ;
  • la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, un détail avec des ressorts, montés radialement, pour la réduction du couple élastique de rappel, et la figure 11 illustre la variation du couple élastique en fonction de l'angle de déformation, en trait plein sans ces ressorts, et en trait interrompu avec ces ressorts ;
  • la figure 12 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de dessus, une troisième variante avec structure flexible planétaire, où le flasque intérieur porte directement des secteurs dentés qui, au besoin, peuvent être non concentriques avec l'axe du balancier, indexé en position par un sautoir solidaire de l'anneau extérieur, et où des masselottes-planètes sont, chacune, reliées à la fois au flasque intérieur et à l'anneau extérieur, par des lames élastiques sensiblement concentriques ;
  • la figure 13 est un schéma montrant que les couples provoqués par les balourds des masselotte-planètes de la figure 12 lors d'un choc linéaire s'annulent et ne provoquent pas de rotation involontaire de l'anneau extérieur ;
  • la figure 14 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, un détail d'un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant un tel balancier, au niveau de l'interface, dans le plan supérieur, entre l'anneau extérieur et l'organe de manoeuvre qui en commande la rotation, comportant un levier muni de roues, le corps de levier étant visible dans un plan inférieur distinct du plan supérieur dans lequel se fait un engrènement entre une roue menante que comporte l'organe de manoeuvre et une denture extérieure que comporte l'anneau extérieur;
  • la figure 15 est un détail grossi de cet engrènement ;
  • la figure 16 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, un détail d'une montre comportant un tel mouvement d'horlogerie, en particulier : un mécanisme de commande comportant une bague d'embrayage commandant le levier de la figure 14, au niveau de l'interfaçage, dans le plan inférieur, une denture d'une planche inférieure du balancier et un peigne que comporte ce levier, et, au niveau de l'interfaçage supérieur, l'anneau extérieur et l'organe de manoeuvre, ici une roue, qui en commande la rotation ;
  • la figure 17 est un détail de variante de réalisation de planche supérieure ou inférieur du balancier avec une pluralité de lames élastiques pinçant l'arbre de balancier ;
  • la figure 18 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, une réalisation particulière de la deuxième famille de variantes, dans une variante de balancier qui est une structure de réglage d'inertie à spirale centrale, dans laquelle le pivotage est réalisé par frottement sur trois appuis de centrage ;
  • la figure 19 représente, de façon schématisée, et en coupe, un balancier-spiral comportant une planche supérieure monobloc selon l'invention, et dans lequel le blocage de la serge se fait dans ce cas par friction sur le diamètre extérieur de celle-ci ;
  • la figure 20 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de dessus, une montre comportant un mouvement d'horlogerie, avec un balancier-spiral comportant un balancier selon l'invention,, avec son mécanisme de commande de réglage d'inertie commandé par la couronne, et, en perspective, un outillage externe, associé à ce type de montre, agencé pour commander sans contact, au travers de la boîte de montre, la bague d'embrayage de la figure 16.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, illustrating two families of variants of the invention, where:
  • the figure 1 schematically shows, in section, an inertia-controlled timepiece according to the invention, which comprises, in a first upper plane, an outer ring bearing a peripheral toothing, mounted elastically relative to to an inner flange integral with the shaft of this balance, and arranged to control the movement of flyweights balance, and, in a second lower plane and parallel to the first, a bearing surface and maintenance, consisting of an outer surface of the serge of the balance, or in a toothing of a lower plate. This balance is shown facing an operating member according to the invention, which comprises, at the upper plane a control gear arranged to cooperate with the peripheral toothing, and at the lower plane a complementary surface support and maintenance ;
  • the figure 2 is a block diagram of an upper board comprising, between the inner flange and the outer ring, on the one hand three first elastic links at 120 ° to each other and filling the rotational guiding function, and interposed between the previous ones, and also arranged at 120 ° from each other, three flyweights each suspended on either side by a second elastic connection not shown;
  • the figure 3 is similar to the figure 2 but with two first elastic links at an angle of 180 ° instead of 120 °, and only two flyweights;
  • the figure 4 represents, in a diagrammatic, partial and top view, part of the inertia adjustment mechanism, in a first variant where the weight comprises a toothed sector which is suspended by a three-neck connection which together define a symmetrical isosceles triangle compared to a perpendicular to a radial stem from the axis of the balance, between two radial arm sections, one from the inner puddle of the balance, and the other from the outer ring, the inner flange still carrying a radially projecting jumper and cooperating in holding stop with teeth of the toothed sector, which comprises a graduation of identification of the angular position of the weight;
  • the figure 5 is a simplified illustration of the links of the mechanism of the figure 4 ;
  • the figure 6 represents, schematically, partially and in plan view, a portion of the inertia adjustment mechanism, in a second variant, called cams, where the weight is a disc having two opposite teeth, attached by a flexible blade perpendicular to a radial arm from the inner flange of the balance, and wherein the outer ring carries, on non-concentric tracks with the axis of the balance, two toothed sectors with which cooperate the two teeth of the weight;
  • the figure 7 represents, in a schematic, partial and top view, a portion of a flexible blade guide mechanism, in a variant where the inner flange carries radial arms which carry, via radial two-necked elastic blades each, an intermediate concentric sector which is suspended by means of two other radial elastic blades with two necks each, to the outer ring;
  • the figure 8 is a simplified illustration of the links of the mechanism of the figure 7 ;
  • the figure 9 represents, schematically, partially and in plan view, a mechanism where the inertia adjustment and the guidance are alternated by sectors of 60 °, substantially according to the variants respectively of the Figures 6 and 7 ;
  • the figure 10 schematically, partially and in plan view, a detail with radially mounted springs for the reduction of the elastic return torque, and the figure 11 illustrates the variation of the elastic torque as a function of the angle of deformation, in solid lines without these springs, and in broken lines with these springs;
  • the figure 12 represents, schematically and in plan view, a third variant with planetary flexible structure, wherein the inner flange directly carries toothed sectors which, if necessary, may be non-concentric with the axis of the balance, indexed in position by a jumper attached to the outer ring, and where planetary weights are each connected to both the inner flange and the outer ring by substantially concentric elastic blades;
  • the figure 13 is a diagram showing that the couples caused by the imbalances of the flyweight-planets of the figure 12 during a linear shock cancel out and do not cause involuntary rotation of the outer ring;
  • the figure 14 represents, schematically, partially and in plan view, a detail of a clockwork movement comprising such a balance, at the interface, in the upper plane, between the outer ring and the operating member which controls rotation thereof, comprising a lever provided with wheels, the lever body being visible in a lower plane distinct from the upper plane in which is meshing between a driving wheel that comprises the actuating member and an external toothing that includes the outer ring;
  • the figure 15 is a gross detail of this meshing;
  • the figure 16 represents, schematically, partially and in plan view, a detail of a watch comprising such a clockwork movement, in particular: a control mechanism comprising a clutch ring controlling the lever of the watch; figure 14 at the level of the interfacing, in the lower plane, a toothing of a lower plate of the balance and a comb that comprises this lever, and, at the level of the upper interface, the outer ring and the operating member here a wheel, which controls its rotation;
  • the figure 17 is a detail of an embodiment variant of upper or lower plate of the balance with a plurality of elastic blades pinching the balance shaft;
  • the figure 18 represents schematically and in perspective, a particular embodiment of the second family of variants, in a balance variant which is a central spiral inertia adjusting structure, wherein the pivoting is achieved by friction on three supports of centering;
  • the figure 19 represents, schematically, and in section, a sprung balance having a monobloc upper board according to the invention, and wherein the locking of the serge is in this case by friction on the outer diameter thereof;
  • the figure 20 represents, schematically, and in top view, a watch comprising a clockwork movement, with a balance spring comprising a balance according to the invention, with its inertia adjustment control mechanism controlled by the crown, and, in perspective, an external tool, associated with this type of watch, arranged to control without contact, through the watch case, the clutch ring of the figure 16 .

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

L'invention propose une solution de réglage de la marche d'un mouvement mécanique, sans ouverture de la boîte de montre, avec un dispositif de réglage d'inertie concernant à la fois un oscillateur équipé de façon particulière, et des moyens de commande accessibles à un utilisateur depuis l'extérieur de la boîte de montre, par exemple par la tige de remontage et de mise à l'heure, par un poussoir, ou autre.The invention proposes a solution for adjusting the running of a mechanical movement, without opening the watch case, with an inertia adjusting device concerning both a specially equipped oscillator, and accessible control means. to a user from outside the watch case, for example by the winding and setting rod, a push, or other.

Tel que visible notamment sur la figure 20, l'invention est décrite pour une montre 1000, comportant un mouvement mécanique 300, comportant lui-même au moins un oscillateur 100 comportant au moins un balancier 10, notamment un oscillateur à balancier-spiral, comportant un balancier 10 et au moins un spiral 18.As can be seen in particular on the figure 20 the invention is described for a watch 1000, comprising a mechanical movement 300, itself comprising at least one oscillator 100 comprising at least one balance 10, in particular a balance-balance oscillator, comprising a balance 10 and at least one spiral 18.

Plus particulièrement le dispositif de réglage d'inertie selon l'invention comporte une structure flexible de réglage d'inertie de balancier.More particularly, the inertia adjustment device according to the invention comprises a flexible structure of balance inertia adjustment.

Tel que visible sur les figures, notamment sur les figures 1à 3, l'invention concerne un balancier 10 d'horlogerie à réglage d'inertie, comportant un arbre 11 qui porte au moins une serge 12 par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un bras 13. Ce balancier 10 comporte au moins un flasque intérieur 1 fixé sur l'arbre 11, et au moins un anneau extérieur 2, qui est distinct de la serge 12.As visible in the figures, especially on the Figures 1 to 3 the invention relates to a balance wheel 10 with inertia adjustment, comprising a shaft 11 which carries at least one serge 12 through at least one arm 13. This balance 10 comprises at least one inner flange 1 fixed on the shaft 11, and at least one outer ring 2, which is distinct from the serge 12.

Selon les variantes de l'invention, cet anneau extérieur 2 peut être fixé de différentes façons :

  • sur les variantes préférées de la première famille des figures 4 à 9 et 12 à 16, l'anneau extérieur 2 est relié directement à un flasque intérieur 1, avec lequel il forme de préférence un ensemble monobloc, par une pluralité de premières liaisons élastiques de guidage 3 ;
  • sur la variante de la deuxième famille, de la figure 18, le flasque intérieur 1 porte directement ou indirectement l'anneau extérieur 2 avec, entre le flasque intérieur 1 et l'anneau extérieur 2, une pluralité de premières liaisons élastiques de guidage 3. Dans la variante illustrée, le flasque intérieur 1 et l'anneau extérieur 2 sont agencés pour pivoter l'un par rapport à l'autre, sont coplanaires et distincts. Selon l'amplitude de liberté en rotation, une exécution monobloc est possible, et requiert alors un niveau supplémentaire.
According to the variants of the invention, this outer ring 2 can be fixed in different ways:
  • on the preferred variants of the first family of Figures 4 to 9 and 12 to 16 , the outer ring 2 is connected directly to an inner flange 1, with which it preferably forms a one-piece assembly, by a plurality of first elastic guide links 3;
  • on the variant of the second family, of the figure 18 , the inner flange 1 directly or indirectly carries the outer ring 2 with, between the inner flange 1 and the outer ring 2, a plurality of first elastic guide links 3. In the variant shown, the inner flange 1 and the outer ring 2 are arranged to pivot relative to each other, are coplanar and distinct. Depending on the amplitude of freedom in rotation, a one-piece execution is possible, and then requires an additional level.

Dans l'un ou l'autre cas, ces premières liaisons élastiques de guidage 3 sont équilibrées dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe B de l'arbre 11, de sorte que l'arbre 11 se trouve positionné exactement au centre d'inertie de la structure pour éviter les balourds, en particulier dans le cas où le flasque intérieur 1 et l'anneau extérieur 2 font partie d'une même structure monobloc. Cet anneau extérieur 2 est agencé pour pivoter par rapport au flasque intérieur 1, sous l'action d'un couple externe exercé à l'encontre d'un couple résistant exercé par ces premières liaisons élastiques de guidage 3.In either case, these first elastic guide links 3 are balanced in a plane perpendicular to the axis B of the shaft 11, so that the shaft 11 is positioned exactly in the center of inertia the structure to avoid unbalance, especially in the case where the inner flange 1 and the outer ring 2 are part of the same monobloc structure. This outer ring 2 is arranged to pivot relative to the inner flange 1, under the action of an external torque exerted against a resistant torque exerted by these first elastic guide links 3.

Le balancier 10 comporte une pluralité de masselottes 4.The balance 10 comprises a plurality of weights 4.

Selon les variantes :

  • sur la première famille de variantes des figures 4 à 9 et 12 à 16, ces masselottes sont fixées chacune par au moins une deuxième liaison élastique 5 à un flasque intérieur 1, et qui, selon les variantes, peuvent encore être fixées par une troisième liaison élastique 50 à un anneau extérieur 2, tel que visible notamment sur les figures 1, 4 et 12. Chaque masselotte 4 comporte des moyens d'indexage en position 6, lesquels sont agencés pour coopérer dans une position stable avec des moyens complémentaires d'indexage en position 7 que comporte un flasque intérieur 1 et/ou un anneau extérieur 2 ;
  • sur la deuxième famille de variantes de la figure 18, chaque masselotte 4 est portée par l'anneau extérieur 2 par le moyen d'au moins une lame flexible extérieure 94, et est indexable dans une position angulaire stable définie par la coopération entre une première denture d'indexage 91 portée par le flasque intérieur 1 et une deuxième denture d'indexage 92 qui est portée par la masselotte 4.
According to the variants:
  • on the first family of variants of Figures 4 to 9 and 12 to 16 these flyweights are each fastened by at least one second elastic connection 5 to an inner flange 1, and which, according to the variants, can still be fixed by a third elastic connection 50 to an outer ring 2, as can be seen in particular on the figures 1 , 4 and 12 . Each weight 4 comprises indexing means in position 6, which are arranged to cooperate in a stable position with complementary indexing means in position 7 that includes an inner flange 1 and / or an outer ring 2;
  • on the second family of variants of the figure 18 each weight 4 is carried by the outer ring 2 by means of at least one outer flexible blade 94, and is indexable in a stable angular position defined by the cooperation between a first indexing toothing 91 carried by the inner flange 1 and a second indexing gear 92 which is carried by the weight 4.

L'invention est décrite plus particulièrement dans le cas simple où le balancier comporte un seul flasque intérieur 1, un seul anneau extérieur 2, et est facile à extrapoler pour une construction à plusieurs étages.The invention is described more particularly in the simple case where the balance has a single inner flange 1, a single outer ring 2, and is easy to extrapolate for a multi-stage construction.

Selon l'invention, toute rotation de l'anneau extérieur 2 par rapport au flasque intérieur 1 modifie la position angulaire de ces masselottes 4.According to the invention, any rotation of the outer ring 2 relative to the inner flange 1 changes the angular position of these weights 4.

Plus particulièrement, mais non limitativement, les moyens d'indexage en position 6, et les moyens complémentaires d'indexage en position 7 comportent des dents. Il est, encore, imaginable d'effectuer un indexage de type magnétique, ou autre.More particularly, but not exclusively, the indexing means in position 6, and the complementary indexing means in position 7 comprise teeth. It is still conceivable to perform indexing magnetic type, or other.

Dans cette variante avec dents, et tel que visible notamment sur les figures 4 et 6, le balancier 10 comporte une pluralité de masselottes 4. Dans la première famille de variantes, chacune des masselottes 4 est portée au moins par le flasque intérieur 1 par au moins une deuxième liaison élastique 5 et chacune indexable dans une position angulaire stable définie par la coopération entre une première denture d'indexage 91 portée par le flasque intérieur 1 ou par la masselotte 4, et une deuxième denture d'indexage 92. Cette deuxième denture d'indexage 92 est portée par la masselotte 4 ou par l'anneau extérieur 2 quand la première denture d'indexage 91 est portée par le flasque intérieur 1, ou bien est portée par l'anneau extérieur 2 quand la première denture d'indexage 91 est portée par la masselotte 4. Dans la deuxième famille de variantes, chaque masselotte 4 est portée par l'anneau extérieur 2.In this variant with teeth, and as visible especially on Figures 4 and 6 , the balance 10 comprises a plurality of weights 4. In the first family of variants, each of the weights 4 is carried at least by the inner flange 1 by at least a second elastic connection 5 and each indexable in a stable angular position defined by the cooperation between a first indexing toothing 91 carried by the inner flange 1 or by the flyweight 4, and a second indexing toothing 92. This second indexing teeth 92 is carried by the weight 4 or by the outer ring 2 when the first indexing teeth 91 is carried by the inner flange 1, or is carried by the outer ring 2 when the first indexing toothing 91 is carried by the weight 4. In the second family of variants, each weight 4 is carried by the outer ring 2.

Toute rotation de cet anneau extérieur 2 par rapport au flasque intérieur 1 sous l'action d'un couple externe modifie la position angulaire des masselottes 4 du balancier 10, chacune portée par le flasque intérieur 1 par liaison élastique 5 et chacune indexable parmi différentes positions angulaires stables correspondant à des inerties différentes du balancier 10. La rotation de l'anneau extérieur 2, modifiant la position des masselottes 4, modifie donc le réglage d'inertie du balancier 10.Any rotation of this outer ring 2 relative to the inner flange 1 under the action of an external torque changes the angular position of the weights 4 of the balance 10, each carried by the inner flange 1 by elastic connection 5 and each indexable among different positions stable angular corresponding to different inertias of the balance 10. The rotation of the outer ring 2, modifying the position of the flyweights 4, therefore modifies the inertia adjustment of the balance 10.

La figure 1 représente un tel balancier 10 d'horlogerie selon l'invention, qui comporte, dans un premier plan supérieur PS un anneau extérieur 2, porteur d'une denture périphérique 8, et monté de façon élastique par rapport à un flasque intérieur 1 solidaire de l'arbre 11 de ce balancier 10. Le balancier 10 comporte, dans un deuxième plan inférieur PI et parallèle au premier plan supérieur PS, une surface d'appui et de maintien angulaire du balancier, qui consiste, ou bien en une surface extérieure 120 de la serge 12 du balancier 10, ou bien en une denture 15 d'une planche inférieure 14, ou similaire; la planche inférieure 14 est représentée avec une liaison élastique inférieure 16 avec un moyeu 17 fixé sur l'arbre 11. Ce balancier 10 est représenté face à un organe de manoeuvre 20 selon l'invention, qui comporte, au niveau du plan supérieur PS un moyen de commande 80, notamment porteur d'une denture de commande, notamment sous la forme d'une roue menante 81, agencée pour coopérer avec la denture périphérique 8 de l'anneau extérieur 2, et au niveau du plan inférieur PI un moyen complémentaire 150 d'appui et de maintien, agencé pour coopérer avec la surface extérieure 120 de la serge 12 notamment par appui élastique frottant, ou de la denture 15 de la planche inférieure 14 par engrènement bloquant. Si les coopérations par dentures au niveau des plans supérieur PS et inférieur PI sont commodes, elles ne sont pas limitatives, et peuvent aussi consister en une friction, ou autre.The figure 1 is a watch 10 according to the invention, which comprises, in a first upper plane PS an outer ring 2, carrying a peripheral toothing 8, and resiliently mounted relative to an inner flange 1 integral with the 11 of the balance wheel 10. The balance 10 comprises, in a second lower plane PI and parallel to the first upper plane PS, a support surface and angular support of the balance, which consists, or an outer surface 120 of the serge 12 of the balance 10, or in a toothing 15 of a lower board 14, or the like; the lower plate 14 is shown with a lower elastic connection 16 with a hub 17 fixed on the shaft 11. This rocker 10 is shown facing an operating member 20 according to the invention, which comprises, at the level of the upper plane PS a control means 80, in particular carrying a control gear, in particular in the form of a driving wheel 81, arranged to cooperate with the peripheral toothing 8 of the outer ring 2, and at the lower plane PI complementary means 150 of support and holding, arranged to cooperate with the outer surface 120 of the serge 12 in particular by frictional elastic support, or the toothing 15 of the lower board 14 by locking meshing. If the cooperations by teeth at the level of the plans upper PS and lower PI are convenient, they are not limiting, and may also consist of friction, or other.

Plus particulièrement, la fonction de variation d'inertie est réalisée dans un balancier intégré et redessiné, au lieu d'être ainsi rapportée. Une planche inférieure 14 est fixée à l'arbre 11 du balancier, alors qu'une planche supérieure monobloc 30 est fixée en son centre à l'arbre 11 du balancier, mais peut tourner en son extérieur. Des ressorts de centrage par rapport à l'arbre 11 du balancier, avantageusement réalisés sous la forme de lames élastiques 19, visibles sur la figure 17, permettent d'annuler tout balourd involontaire introduit par l'une ou l'autre des planches inférieure 14 ou supérieure 30 ajoutées. On veillera à adapter judicieusement le nombre de lames élastiques au type de matériau. Par exemple, la rigidité du silicium monocristallin étant anisotrope, et qui par exemple dans le cas d'une coupe perpendiculaire au plan cristallin <100> présente une période azimutale de 90°, ce nombre devrait être pair et égal ou supérieur à 4. Dans le cas d'un matériau isotrope, ce nombre peut être impair et égal ou supérieur à 3. Après insertion sur l'arbre 11, les centres de ces planches y sont de préférence fixées définitivement par un moyen comme, mais non limité à, un collage ou un brasage.More particularly, the function of variation of inertia is carried out in a built-in and redesigned balance, instead of being thus reported. A lower board 14 is fixed to the shaft 11 of the balance beam, while a monobloc top board 30 is fixed at its center to the shaft 11 of the balance, but can rotate in its outside. Centering springs relative to the shaft 11 of the balance, advantageously made in the form of elastic strips 19, visible on the figure 17 , make it possible to cancel any unintentional unbalance introduced by one or other of the lower boards 14 or greater 30 added. Care should be taken to judiciously adapt the number of elastic blades to the type of material. For example, since the rigidity of the monocrystalline silicon is anisotropic, and which, for example, in the case of a perpendicular to the crystal plane <100> has an azimuthal period of 90 °, this number should be even and equal to or greater than 4. In the case of an isotropic material, this number may be odd and equal to or greater than 3. After insertion on the shaft 11, the centers of these boards are preferably fixed permanently by means such as, but not limited to, a bonding or brazing.

Dans une alternative, les lames élastiques pinçant l'arbre 11 du balancier doivent exercer une friction supérieure au couple maximal exercé sur l'anneau extérieur 2 lors du réglage d'inertie. A cette fin, l'organe de manoeuvre 20 mis en oeuvre pour commander le réglage d'inertie comporte avantageusement un dispositif de tarage pour limiter ce couple imprimé à l'anneau extérieur 2.In an alternative, the resilient blades pinching the shaft 11 of the balance must exert a friction greater than the maximum torque exerted on the outer ring 2 during the adjustment of inertia. To this end, the operating member 20 used to control the inertia adjustment advantageously comprises a setting device for limiting this printed torque to the outer ring 2.

Dans une réalisation avantageuse, le balancier 10 comporte une planche supérieure monobloc 30 qui comporte le flasque intérieur 1, les premières liaisons élastiques de guidage 3, l'anneau extérieur 2, les masselottes 4, les deuxièmes liaisons élastiques 5, les premières dentures d'indexage 91, et les deuxièmes dentures d'indexage 92, et les troisièmes liaisons élastiques 50 quand le balancier 10 en comporte.In an advantageous embodiment, the rocker 10 comprises a monoblock top board 30 which comprises the inner flange 1, the first elastic guide links 3, the outer ring 2, the weights 4, the second elastic links 5, the first teeth of indexing 91, and the second indexing teeth 92, and the third elastic links 50 when the balance 10 comprises.

Dans un mode particulier de réalisation, le flasque intérieur 1 comporte une pluralité de lames élastiques 19 serrant concentriquement l'arbre 11 avec un couple de friction supérieur à la valeur maximale du couple externe.In a particular embodiment, the inner flange 1 comprises a plurality of resilient blades 19 concentrically tightening the shaft 11 with a friction torque greater than the maximum value of the external torque.

Dans un autre mode particulier de réalisation, le flasque intérieur 1 est fixé de façon irréversible sur l'arbre 11, par soudage, brasage, collage, ou autre procédé similaire.In another particular embodiment, the inner flange 1 is irreversibly fixed to the shaft 11, by welding, brazing, bonding, or other similar process.

Dans un autre mode encore de réalisation, le flasque intérieur 1 comporte une pluralité de lames élastiques 19 serrant concentriquement l'arbre 11 avec un couple de friction supérieur à la valeur maximale du couple externe, et ces lames élastiques 19 sont fixées de façon irréversible sur l'arbre 11, par soudage, brasage, collage, ou autre procédé similaire.In yet another embodiment, the inner flange 1 comprises a plurality of resilient blades 19 concentrically tightening the shaft 11 with a friction torque greater than the maximum value of the external torque, and these resilient blades 19 are fixed irreversibly on the shaft 11, by welding, brazing, gluing, or other similar process.

Dans une variante avantageuse, pour effectuer un arrêt en position angulaire meilleur qu'un simple appui sur la serge, le balancier 10 comporte une planche inférieure 14 fixée directement ou indirectement sur l'arbre 11 et comportant des moyens d'arrêt périphériques 15, tels qu'une denture ou similaire.In an advantageous variant, to make a stop in angular position better than a simple pressing on the serge, the rocker 10 comprises a lower plate 14 fixed directly or indirectly to the shaft 11 and having peripheral stop means 15, such as than a toothing or the like.

Dans une variante avantageuse, pour une commande précise de réglage d'inertie, l'anneau extérieur 2 comporte une denture 8 périphérique et continue axée sur l'axe B de l'arbre 11, et la rotation de la denture 8 modifie la position des masselottes 4 entre deux positions d'indexage stables.In an advantageous variant, for precise control of inertia adjustment, the outer ring 2 comprises a peripheral and continuous toothing 8 oriented on the axis B of the shaft 11, and the rotation of the toothing 8 modifies the position of the weights 4 between two stable indexing positions.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le flasque intérieur 1 est solidaire de l'arbre 11.In a particular embodiment, the inner flange 1 is integral with the shaft 11.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le balancier 10 embarque une structure flexible monocouche et micro-usinée, tirant profit de la grande précision de contour des technologies « MEMS », typiquement 1 à 2 micromètres de précision de positionnement, pour une épaisseur de 150 micromètres, constituant une planche supérieure monobloc 30 telle que définie plus haut.In a particular embodiment, the rocker 10 embeds a flexible monolayer and micro-machined structure, taking advantage of the high contour accuracy of "MEMS" technologies, typically 1 to 2 micrometers of positioning accuracy, for a thickness of 150 microns, constituting an upper monobloc board 30 as defined above.

De préférence, afin de conférer au système une précision maximum, les planches sont micro-usinées (techniques issues de la fabrication sur silicium) et si possible chacune dans une seule couche (procédé à un masque), comme représenté.Preferably, in order to give the system maximum precision, the boards are micro-machined (techniques from manufacturing on silicon) and if possible each in a single layer (mask process), as shown.

Il est ainsi possible de rajouter une telle planche supérieure monobloc 30 sur un balancier existant pour lui apporter la fonction de réglage d'inertie offerte par l'invention, sans occupation notable de volume dans l'oscillateur.It is thus possible to add such a monobloc top board 30 on an existing balance to bring it the inertia adjustment function offered by the invention, without significant volume occupation in the oscillator.

Quand le balancier 10 comporte une planche inférieure 14, celle-ci peut également être réalisée dans une technologie « MEMS » ou similaire.When the rocker 10 has a lower plate 14, it can also be performed in a "MEMS" technology or the like.

Bien sûr, toute autre technologie aussi précise, adaptée et connue de l'homme du métier est envisageable, telle que découpage laser, jet d'eau, ou autre.Of course, any other technology as precise, adapted and known to those skilled in the art is conceivable, such as laser cutting, water jet, or other.

Les figures 2 à 11 illustrent des variantes de mécanismes flexibles de réglage d'inertie, selon l'invention, dans le mode de réalisation préféré mais non limitatif comportant une planche supérieure monobloc 30.The Figures 2 to 11 illustrate variants of flexible inertia adjustment mechanisms, according to the invention, in the preferred but non-limiting embodiment comprising a monoblock top board 30.

De façon générale, tel que visible sur les figure 2 et 3, l'anneau extérieur 2, notamment pourvu d'une denture 8 dans la réalisation préférée illustrée, peut pivoter élastiquement par rapport à son centre, lequel est fixé à l'arbre 11 de balancier comme exposé plus haut. Des portions angulaires de 180°, 120°, 90°, 72°, ..., et au nombre de respectivement 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., sont disposées entre le centre et l'anneau extérieur 2. Elles sont chargées de réaliser les deux fonctions principales, soit le guidage par exemple avec des lames élastiques, et le réglage d'inertie par exemple avec des masselottes mobiles. On peut imaginer que ces fonctions soient alternées par secteur angulaire, ou encore intégrées si cela est possible. La règle d'adaptation du nombre de secteurs au matériau, citée plus haut pour le nombre des lames de centrage, s'applique également ici.Generally speaking, as visible on figure 2 and 3 , the outer ring 2, in particular provided with a toothing 8 in the preferred embodiment illustrated, can pivot elastically relative to its center, which is fixed to the balance shaft 11 as explained above. Angular portions of 180 °, 120 °, 90 °, 72 °, ..., and the number of respectively 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., are arranged between the center and the outer ring 2. They are responsible for carrying out the two main functions, ie the guiding for example with elastic blades, and the inertia adjustment for example with movable weights. One can imagine that these functions are alternated by angular sector, or integrated if it is possible. The rule of adaptation of the number of sectors to the material, mentioned above for the number of centering blades, also applies here.

Les figures 2 et 3 illustrent deux variantes, à 120° et à 180°, d'une planche supérieure 30 comportant, entre le flasque intérieur et l'anneau extérieur, une alternance de premières liaisons élastiques remplissant la fonction de guidage en rotation, et, intercalées entre les précédentes, de masselottes chacune suspendue élastiquement.The Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two variants, at 120 ° and at 180 °, of an upper board 30 comprising, between the inner flange and the outer ring, an alternation of first elastic bonds filling the rotational guiding function, and interposed between the previous ones , weights each elastically suspended.

Dans une première variante visible sur la figure 4, la première denture d'indexage 91 est portée par le flasque intérieur 1 et est constituée par un sautoir intérieur 42 saillant radialement, et la deuxième denture d'indexage 92 est portée par la masselotte 4 et est un premier secteur denté 43. Cette masselotte est suspendue par une liaison à trois premiers cols 45, 21, 41, qui définissent ensemble un triangle isocèle ACC' symétrique par rapport à une perpendiculaire à une radiale issue de l'axe B du balancier 10, entre deux tronçons de bras radiaux, l'un issu du flasque intérieur11, et l'autre issu de l'anneau extérieur 2. La masselotte 4 en forme de secteur de cercle peut pivoter élastiquement en C, lors du déplacement angulaire de l'anneau extérieur 2, mue par le triangle de pivots élastiques C'-A-C. Le sautoir intérieur 42 coopère en arrêt de maintien avec des dents du secteur denté 43, et permet le positionnement précis de la masselotte 4. Une graduation de repérage 93 sur la masselotte 4 permet la lecture de sa position angulaire. Un dimensionnement correct de la mécanique provoque le déplacement synchronisé dans les mêmes crans de toutes masselottes, au risque de provoquer un balourd. Une variante consiste en un mécanisme comportant un seul sautoir et une seule crémaillère d'indexation pour la structure complète, avec une masselotte de compensation pour ramener le centre de gravité au centre de rotation du balancier.In a first variant visible on the figure 4 , the first indexing toothing 91 is carried by the inner flange 1 and is constituted by an inner jumper 42 protruding radially, and the second indexing toothing 92 is carried by the flyweight 4 and is a first gear sector 43. This flyweight is suspended by a connection with three first necks 45, 21, 41, which together define an isosceles triangle ACC 'symmetrical with respect to a perpendicular to a radial end of the axis B of the beam 10, between two radial arm sections, l one resulting from the inner flange 11, and the other coming from the outer ring 2. The flyweight 4 in the form of a circle sector can rotate elastically at C, during the angular displacement of the outer ring 2, moved by the triangle of C'-AC elastic pivots. The inner jumper 42 cooperates in holding stop with teeth of the toothed sector 43, and allows the precise positioning of the weight 4. A registration graduation 93 on the flyweight 4 allows the reading of its angular position. Correct sizing of the mechanism causes the synchronized displacement in the same notches of all weights, at the risk of causing an imbalance. An alternative consists of a mechanism comprising a single jumper and a single indexing rack for the complete structure, with a compensation weight to reduce the center of gravity to the center of rotation of the balance.

Dans une deuxième variante visible sur la figure 6, la première denture d'indexage 91 est portée par la masselotte 4 et comporte au moins une dent 46, et la deuxième denture d'indexage 92 est portée par l'anneau extérieur 2 et comporte au moins un deuxième secteur denté 72 de centre distinct de l'axe B de l'arbre 11. Dans cette deuxième variante, dite à cames, la masselotte 4 est un disque comportant deux dents 46 opposées, attaché par une lame flexible 47 perpendiculaire à un bras radial 49 issu du flasque intérieur 1. L'anneau extérieur 2 porte, sur des pistes, de rayons RA et RB, non concentriques avec l'axe B du balancier 10, ce qui permet de modifier l'inertie, deux secteurs dentés 72, avec lesquels coopèrent les deux dents 46 de la masselotte 4. La modification d'inertie vient du changement de la position radiale de la masselotte 4, qui résulte elle-même du changement de position relative angulaire entre la masselotte et l'anneau extérieur 2, via la pente correspondant au rayon RB ou RA. Cette deuxième variante comporte, comme la première, une plage bidirectionnelle de réglage. Il faut remarquer qu'en position neutre, dans les deux solutions il n'y a pas de serrage/contrainte entre sautoir et crémaillère, l'espace sera aussi fin que l'on peut micro-usiner des fentes dans un procédé monocouche (un seul masque photolithographique). Cet espace (de type 5 micromètres pour 0.10 mm d'épaisseur) peut être bien entendu ramené à une distance de 0 ou moins (état contraint) pour les autres positions angulaires.In a second variant visible on the figure 6 , the first indexing toothing 91 is carried by the weight 4 and comprises at least one tooth 46, and the second indexing teeth 92 is carried by the outer ring 2 and comprises at least a second toothed sector 72 of distinct center of the shaft B of the shaft 11. In this second variant, called cam, the weight 4 is a disc having two opposite teeth 46, attached by a flexible blade 47 perpendicular to a radial arm 49 from the inner flange 1. The outer ring 2 carries, on tracks, RA and RB rays, non-concentric with the axis B of the balance 10, which makes it possible to modify the inertia, two toothed sectors 72, with which the two teeth 46 of the flyweight 4. The change in inertia comes from the change in the radial position of the flyweight 4, which itself results from the change of relative angular position between the flyweight and the outer ring 2, via the slope corresponding to the radius RB or RA. This second variant comprises, like the first, a bidirectional range of adjustment. It should be noted that in neutral position, in both solutions there is no clamping / stress between jumper and rack, the space will be as thin as one can micro-machine slots in a single-layer process (a only photolithographic mask). This space (of the 5 micrometer type for 0.10 mm thickness) can of course be reduced to a distance of 0 or less (constrained state) for the other angular positions.

La figure 7 illustre un mécanisme de guidage à lames flexibles, dans une variante où le flasque intérieur 1 porte des bras radiaux qui portent eux-mêmes, par l'intermédiaire de lames élastiques radiales 31 à deux deuxièmes cols 34 chacune, un secteur concentrique intermédiaire 33 qui est suspendu par l'intermédiaire de deux autres lames élastiques radiales 32 à deux deuxièmes cols 34 chacune, à l'anneau extérieur 2. L'anneau extérieur 2 est suspendu sur deux lames concourantes au centre, fixées sur le coude intermédiaire 33, lequel est lui-même relié au flasque intérieur 1. Il s'agit de la mise en série de deux guidages rotatifs RCC (remote center compliance = élasticité à centre de rotation distant). Le principe est expliqué en figure 8, qui illustre la liaison articulée au niveau des deuxièmes cols, pour une demi-structure avec les quatre deuxièmes cols 34 remplacés par des pivots K'L'M'N'. On voit bien que le centre instantané de rotation pour de petites amplitudes est au niveau de l'axe B de l'arbre 11 du balancier 10.The figure 7 illustrates a guiding mechanism with flexible blades, in a variant where the inner flange 1 carries radial arms which themselves, by means of radial elastic blades 31 with two second necks 34 each, an intermediate concentric sector 33 which is suspended by means of two other radial resilient blades 32 with two second necks 34 each, to the outer ring 2. The outer ring 2 is suspended on two intersecting blades in the center, fixed on the intermediate bend 33, which is - even connected to the inner flange 1. This is the series connection of two rotary guides RCC (remote center compliance = remote center of rotation). The principle is explained in figure 8 , which illustrates the articulated connection at the second necks, for a half-structure with the four second necks 34 replaced by pivots K'L'M'N '. It is clear that the instantaneous center of rotation for small amplitudes is at the axis B of the shaft 11 of the balance 10.

La figure 9 illustre un mécanisme où le réglage d'inertie et le guidage sont alternés par secteurs de 60°, sensiblement selon les variantes respectivement des figures 6 et 7. La modification d'inertie vient du changement de la position radiale de la masselotte 4, qui résulte elle-même du changement de position relative angulaire entre la masselotte et l'anneau extérieur 2, via la pente correspondant au rayon RB ou RA. Entre les bras radiaux issus du flasque intérieur 1 et l'anneau extérieur 2 on voit des paires constituées, d'une part de lames élastiques radiales 31 vues plus haut, et aussi des ressorts 36, montés radialement, pour la réduction du couple élastique de rappel. Ces ressorts diminuent la rigidité de rotation naturelle des lames, si l'on veut éviter un couple trop fort à exercer sur l'anneau extérieur 2 et utiliser un système d'indexation crémaillère-sautoir à force constante basse. Comme il est impossible de lithographier des ressorts armés, on peut utiliser des crochets pour armer des ressorts fabriqués en position détendue : de façon avantageuse, quand le balancier 10 comporte une planche supérieure monobloc 30, confectionnée par un procédé « LIGA » ou « MEMS » ou similaire, chaque ressort 36 est constitué de demi-ressorts 361, munis de crochets 362 présentés tête-bêche, éloignés l'un de l'autre lors de l'élaboration de la planche monobloc 30, tel que visible en partie gauche de la figure, et qu'il suffit ensuit d'accrocher pour former un attelage 363 pour obtenir l'effort de rappel requis. La figure 11 illustre la variation du couple élastique CE en fonction de l'angle de déformation θ, en trait plein sans ces ressorts, et en trait interrompu avec ces ressorts.The figure 9 illustrates a mechanism in which the inertia adjustment and the guidance are alternated by sectors of 60 °, substantially according to the variants respectively of the Figures 6 and 7 . The modification of inertia comes from the change in the radial position of the flyweight 4, which itself results from the change of relative angular position between the weight and the outer ring 2, via the slope corresponding to the radius RB or RA. Between the radial arms coming from the inner flange 1 and the outer ring 2 are seen pairs consisting, on the one hand of radial elastic blades 31 seen above, and also springs 36, mounted radially, for the reduction of the elastic torque of recall. These springs reduce the natural rotation rigidity of the blades, if one wants to avoid a too strong torque to exert on the outer ring 2 and use a low constant force indexing rack-jumper system. Since it is impossible to lithograph armed springs, it is possible to use hooks to arm springs made in a relaxed position: advantageously, when the rocker 10 comprises a monoblock top board 30, made by a "LIGA" or "MEMS" method or similar, each spring 36 consists of half-springs 361 provided with hooks 362 presented head to tail, remote from each other during the preparation of the one-piece board 30, as visible in the left part of the figure, and then just hang to form a hitch 363 to obtain the required return force. The figure 11 illustrates the variation of the elastic torque CE as a function of the deformation angle θ, in solid lines without these springs, and in broken line with these springs.

Dans une troisième variante illustrée à la figure 12, la première denture d'indexage 91 est portée par le flasque intérieur 1, et comporte un troisième secteur denté 44 dont le centre est distinct de l'axe B de l'arbre 11, et la deuxième denture d'indexage 92 est portée par l'anneau extérieur 2, et est constituée par un sautoir extérieur 29. Plus particulièrement le balancier 10 comporte ici une planche supérieure monobloc 30 qui est une structure flexible planétaire, dont les planètes sont des masselottes à balourd permettant le réglage d'inertie, qui sont liées au flasque intérieur 1 et/ou à l'anneau extérieur 2 par le biais de lames élastiques.In a third variant illustrated in figure 12 the first indexing gear 91 is carried by the inner flange 1 and has a third gear sector 44 whose center is distinct from the axis B of the shaft 11, and the second indexing gear 92 is carried by the outer ring 2, and is constituted by an outer jumper 29. More particularly the rocker 10 here comprises a monoblock top board 30 which is a flexible planetary structure, whose planets are unbalanced weights allowing the adjustment of inertia, which are connected to the inner flange 1 and / or to the outer ring 2 by means of elastic blades.

Plus particulièrement, le flasque intérieur 1 porte directement des secteurs dentés 44 non concentriques avec l'axe B du balancier 10, indexés chacun en position par un sautoir extérieur 29 solidaire de l'anneau extérieur 2, et où les masselottes 4 sont chacune reliée à la fois au flasque intérieur 1 et à l'anneau extérieur 2, par des lames élastiques 48 sensiblement concentriques l'une à l'autre et à l'axe B de l'arbre 11.More particularly, the inner flange 1 directly carries non-concentric toothed sectors 44 with the axis B of the balance 10, each indexed in position by an outer jumper 29 secured to the outer ring 2, and the weights 4 are each connected to both inside flange 1 and ring 2 outside, by resilient blades 48 substantially concentric with each other and with the axis B of the shaft 11.

Cette troisième variante fonctionne comme un mouvement planétaire, dans lequel les deux masselottes 4 (planètes) roulent entre le flasque intérieur 1 et l'anneau extérieur 2, lesquels sont tenus ensemble par ces lames élastiques 48 qui s'enroulent autour des masselottes 4. A mesure que l'angle de rotation augmente, le couple élastique de rappel dû aux lames élastiques 48 peut varier, notamment mais non nécessairement augmenter. Ainsi, pour éviter un dérapage du système d'indexation, il est possible d'incliner la crémaillère de troisième secteur denté 44 de façon à obtenir une force de retenue qui compense le couple des lames 48 par l'action du sautoir extérieur 29. Dans une réalisation particulière, cette force de retenue est progressive. Relevons que ce système est insensible aux chocs. En effet, les couples provoqués par les balourds des masselotte-planètes lors d'un choc linéaire s'annulent et ne provoquent pas de rotation involontaire de l'anneau extérieur 2, tel que visible sur la figure 13. Ceci est également valable pour N masselottes-planètes sollicitées dans toute direction dans le plan du mouvement. Les sautoirs extérieurs 29 doivent vaincre les couples de rappel exercés par les lames élastiques 48, et, ce qui est très important, centrer l'anneau extérieur 2 pour ne pas introduire de balourd.This third variant functions as a planetary movement, in which the two flyweights 4 (planets) roll between the inner flange 1 and the outer ring 2, which are held together by these elastic blades 48 which wind around the flyweights 4. As the angle of rotation increases, the elastic return torque due to the resilient blades 48 may vary, in particular but not necessarily increase. Thus, to prevent skidding of the indexing system, it is possible to incline the toothed third sector rack 44 so as to obtain a retaining force which compensates for the torque of the blades 48 by the action of the external jumper 29. a particular embodiment, this retaining force is progressive. Note that this system is insensitive to shocks. Indeed, the couples caused by the imbalances of the flyweight-planets during a linear shock cancel each other out and do not cause involuntary rotation of the outer ring 2, as visible on the figure 13 . This is also valid for N flyweights solicited in any direction in the plane of motion. The external jumpers 29 must overcome the return torques exerted by the resilient blades 48, and, what is very important, center the outer ring 2 to not introduce unbalance.

Une réalisation particulière de la deuxième famille de variantes est illustrée à la figure 18 : il s'agit d'une structure de réglage d'inertie à spirale centrale, dans laquelle le pivotage n'est pas élastique, mais réalisé par frottement sur trois appuis de centrage. Le flasque intérieur 1 comporte une spirale crantée 44 fixée à l'arbre 11 du balancier 10, alors que l'anneau extérieur 2 porte trois masselottes 4 solidaires chacune par le moyen d'une lame flexible extérieure 94. L'anneau extérieur 2 comporte trois portées 53 sur lesquelles glissent trois appuis 52, sur un secteur angulaire de 30°, correspondant à la plage de réglage, que comportent des bras 51 de la spirale crantée 44. La rotation relative entre l'anneau extérieur 2 et la spirale crantée 44, avec laquelle coopèrent des dents 55 des masselottes 4, provoque le déploiement centro-symétrique des masselottes 4. Dans une application numérique particulière et non limitative, pour un balancier 10 avec une serge 12 de diamètre 10,6 mm, une planche supérieure monobloc 30 en silicium de diamètre 7,9 mm et d'épaisseur 150 micromètres, une inertie totale de 1,83. 10-9 kg.m2, le réglage de marche correspondant aux 30° d'amplitude de réglage atteint 37.4 secondes par jour. Les crans de la spirale crantée 44 peuvent bien entendu être adaptés et réduits, notamment pour atteindre une résolution demandée de par exemple 0.5 secondes par jour. De façon avantageuse, ce mécanisme comporte encore des éléments de guidage vertical pour assurer la tenue en Z de l'anneau extérieur 2, non-représentés sur la figure. Les appuis 52 de centrage de l'anneau extérieur 2 et les portées 53 sont avantageusement éloignés d'un jeu valant quelques micromètres. Ainsi ce sont les masselottes 4 qui centrent parfaitement l'anneau extérieur 2 à la spirale crantée 44, elle-même centrée sur l'arbre 11 par des lames flexibles 19. Lors de la sollicitation en rotation de l'anneau extérieur 2, la fonction des bras 51 est de garantir que les dents 55 des trois masselottes 4 tombent de façon synchrone dans leurs crans de spirale crantée 44, de sorte qu'il n'y ait pas de décalage. De ce fait, le couple exercé par les lames via ces crans est plus élevé que le couple de friction en fin de chute des masselottes dans les crans.A particular embodiment of the second variant family is illustrated in FIG. figure 18 it is a central spiral inertia adjusting structure, wherein the pivoting is not elastic, but made by friction on three centering supports. The inner flange 1 comprises a toothed spiral 44 fixed to the shaft 11 of the balance 10, while the outer ring 2 carries three weights 4 each secured by means of an outer flexible blade 94. The outer ring 2 has three bearing surfaces 53 on which slide three supports 52, on an angular sector of 30 °, corresponding to the adjustment range, which comprise arms 51 of the toothed spiral 44. The relative rotation between the outer ring 2 and the toothed spiral 44, with which cooperate the teeth 55 of the weights 4, causes the centro-symmetric deployment of the weights 4. In a particular numerical application and non-limiting, for a beam 10 with a serge 12 of diameter 10.6 mm, a monobloc top board 30 in silicon of diameter 7.9 mm and thickness 150 micrometers, a total inertia of 1.83. 10 -9 kg.m 2 , the run setting corresponding to the 30 ° amplitude of adjustment reaches 37.4 seconds per day. The notches of the toothed spiral 44 can of course be adapted and reduced, in particular to achieve a requested resolution of, for example, 0.5 seconds per day. Advantageously, this mechanism also comprises vertical guiding elements to ensure the Z-resistance of the outer ring 2, not shown in the figure. The supports 52 of centering of the outer ring 2 and the bearing surfaces 53 are advantageously far from a set of micrometers. Thus it is the flyweights 4 which perfectly center the outer ring 2 to the notched spiral 44, itself centered on the shaft 11 by flexible blades 19. During the rotational loading of the outer ring 2, the function arm 51 is to ensure that the teeth 55 of the three weights 4 fall synchronously into their toothed spiral notches 44, so that there is no offset. As a result, the torque exerted by the blades via these notches is higher than the friction torque at the end of the fall of the weights in the notches.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement mécanique 300 d'horlogerie, tel que visible notamment sur la figure 20, comportant au moins un mécanisme oscillateur 100 d'horlogerie comportant un tel balancier 10, et un organe de manoeuvre 20 agencé pour commander le réglage d'inertie du balancier 10 par modification de la position d'au moins certaines des masselottes 4 que comporte le balancier 10. Cet organe de manoeuvre 20 est mobile entre une position embrayée et au moins une position débrayée. Selon l'invention, l'organe de manoeuvre 20 comporte un moyen d'arrêt 160 agencé pour immobiliser directement ou indirectement la serge 12 dans la position embrayée, et au moins un moyen de commande 80, notamment denté, agencé pour, dans la position embrayée, entraîner en rotation l'anneau extérieur 2, notamment une denture 8 que comporte l'anneau extérieur 2, pour modifier la position des masselottes 4 avec lesquelles coopère l'anneau extérieur 2.The invention also relates to a 300 mechanical clockwork movement, such as visible in particular on the figure 20 , comprising at least one clock oscillator mechanism 100 comprising such a rocker 10, and an actuator 20 arranged to control the inertia adjustment of the balance 10 by changing the position of at least some of the weights 4 that includes the This operating member 20 is movable between an engaged position and at least one disengaged position. According to the invention, the operating member 20 comprises a stop means 160 arranged to immobilize directly or indirectly the serge 12 in the engaged position, and at least one control means 80, in particular toothed, arranged for, in the position engaged, rotate the outer ring 2, including a toothing 8 that includes the outer ring 2, to change the position of the weights 4 with which cooperates the outer ring 2.

L'invention concerne encore, tel que visible notamment sur la figure 20, une montre 1000 comportant un tel mouvement 300, un organe de commande constitué par un poussoir ou par une couronne 110 agencée pour commander au travers d'un pignon coulant 111 le mouvement d'une minuterie 112. Cette minuterie 112 comporte une roue d'entrée 115, qui est agencée pour entraîner au moins un tel moyen de commande 80 denté dans la position embrayée de l'organe de manoeuvre 20. Et la montre 1000 selon l'invention comporte une bague d'embrayage 102 mobile en rotation pour commander l'embrayage ou le débrayage de l'organe de manoeuvre 20, et cette bague d'embrayage 102 est de préférence cachée à l'utilisateur.The invention also concerns, as can be seen in particular on the figure 20 , a watch 1000 comprising such a movement 300, a control member constituted by a pusher or a ring gear 110 arranged to control through a sliding pinion 111 the movement of a timer 112. This timer 112 comprises a wheel 115, which is arranged to drive at least one such control means 80 toothed in the engaged position of the actuating member 20. And the watch 1000 according to the invention comprises a clutch ring 102 movable rotating to control the clutch or disengagement of the actuator 20, and this clutch ring 102 is preferably hidden from the user.

Un tel agencement permet la transformation d'une montre existante, comportant, préexistants, un organe de commande tel que couronne, poussoir, lunette, targette ou similaire, un pignon coulant, et une minuterie.Such an arrangement allows the transformation of an existing watch, having, pre-existing, a control member such as crown, push, bezel, bolt or the like, a sliding pinion, and a timer.

L'invention est décrite ici dans le cas particulier, non limitatif, d'un balancier 10 comportant une planche supérieure monobloc 30, dont l'anneau extérieur 2 comporte une denture 8.The invention is described here in the particular, non-limiting case of a rocker 10 having a monobloc top plate 30, the outer ring 2 of which has a toothing 8.

Tel que visible notamment sur la figure 16, par rotation de cette planche supérieure monobloc 30 relativement à la serge 12 du balancier 10, ou, comme ici à la planche inférieure 14 quand le balancier 10 en comporte une, et qui est synchrone avec la serge 12, cette serge 12 étant au préalable bloquée en rotation, et pour n'importe quelle position angulaire de la serge 12, l'inertie de la planche supérieure monobloc 30, et donc du balancier 10, change. La rotation de l'anneau extérieur 2, notamment de cette planche supérieure monobloc 30 est effectuée par le moyen de commande 80 de l'organe de manoeuvre 20, notamment sous la forme d'une roue menante 81 adjacente au balancier 10, portée par un levier 150 bistable que comporte le moyen d'arrêt 160, dans le mode de réalisation non limitatif illustré par les figures. Le levier 150 est embrayé/débrayé latéralement par l'action mécanique d'une bague rotative 102 périphérique au mouvement d'horlogerie 300 qui comporte l'oscillateur 100, ce qui permet d'accéder à l'oscillateur 100 où qu'il se trouve sur le pourtour.As can be seen in particular on the figure 16 by rotation of this upper monobloc board 30 relative to the seam 12 of the balance 10, or, as here to the lower board 14 when the balance 10 has one, and which is synchronous with the seam 12, this serge 12 being in advance locked in rotation, and for any angular position of the serge 12, the inertia of the upper monobloc board 30, and therefore of the balance 10, changes. The rotation of the outer ring 2, in particular of this one-piece upper board 30 is carried out by the control means 80 of the operating member 20, in particular in the form of a driving wheel 81 adjacent the balance 10, carried by a 150 bistable lever that comprises the stop means 160, in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the figures. The lever 150 is engaged / disengaged laterally by the mechanical action of a rotary ring 102 peripheral to the watch movement 300 which includes the oscillator 100, which allows access to the oscillator 100 wherever it is located on the periphery.

La figure 16 montre un exemple d'une partie de ce mécanisme d'embrayage. La bague d'embrayage 102 agit sur deux pentes 154 et 155 du levier 150 par un doigt 103 qu'elle comporte, pour commander le basculement du levier 150, selon son sens de rotation. La position dessinée en trait plein montre le levier 150 en position de blocage de la denture 15 de la planche inférieure 14, par un peigne 151 que comporte le levier 150, dans une position « ON »: le balancier 10 est en prise avec la minuterie et la couronne 110 de la montre 1000 . Un sautoir de levier 156 introduit une bistabilité sur le levier 150. Pour passer en position « OFF » de déblocage, en trait interrompu sur la figure, la bague 102 tourne vers le bas et provoque le basculement et le débrayage du levier 150, libérant le balancier 10.The figure 16 shows an example of a part of this clutch mechanism. The clutch ring 102 acts on two slopes 154 and 155 of the lever 150 by a finger 103 that it comprises, to control the tilting of the lever 150, according to its direction of rotation. The position drawn in solid lines shows the lever 150 in the locking position of the toothing 15 of the lower board 14, by a comb 151 that includes the lever 150, in an "ON" position: the balance 10 is engaged with the timer and the crown 110 of the watch 1000. A jumper lever 156 introduces a bistability on the lever 150. To move to the "OFF" position of unblocking, in broken lines in the figure, the ring 102 rotates downwards and causes the tilting and disengagement of the lever 150, releasing the pendulum 10.

Si ici le levier 150 comporte un peigne 151 pour coopérer avec la denture inférieure 15 de la planche inférieure 14, on comprend qu'il peut aussi, quand le balancier 10 est dépourvu de planche inférieure 14, comporter une surface de friction agencée pour coopérer et notamment entrer en contact avec la surface extérieure 120 de la serge 12.If here the lever 150 comprises a comb 151 to cooperate with the lower toothing 15 of the lower plate 14, it is understood that it can also, when the balance 10 is devoid of bottom plate 14, have a friction surface arranged to cooperate and in particular to come into contact with the outer surface 120 of the serge 12.

Quand on relâche le levier 150, la structure flexible est maintenue par un sautoir intégré, tel le sautoir intérieur 42 de la figure 4, ou le sautoir extérieur 29 de la figure 12. Ce sautoir intégré retient la masselotte 4, et exerce un couple de rappel suffisant pour retenir aussi l'anneau extérieur 2.When the lever 150 is released, the flexible structure is held by an integrated jumper, such as the inner jumper 42 of the figure 4 , or the outer jumper 29 of the figure 12 . This integrated jumper retains the flyweight 4, and exerts a sufficient return torque to also retain the outer ring 2.

De préférence, afin de conférer au système une précision maximum, les planches inférieure 14 et supérieure 30 sont micro-usinées (techniques issues de la fabrication sur silicium) et si possible dans une seule couche (procédé à un masque), comme représenté. Le levier 150, embrayé par l'action de la bague 102, s'approche latéralement du balancier 10 (position ON) et maintient angulairement celui-ci à l'aide de son peigne 151 en prise avec la planche inférieure 14 attachée au balancier 10. La roue menante 81 engrène alors simultanément la planche supérieure 30.Preferably, in order to give the system maximum precision, the lower 14 and upper 30 boards are micromachined (techniques from silicon fabrication) and if possible in a single layer (mask process), as shown. The lever 150, engaged by the action of the ring 102, approaches laterally of the balance 10 (ON position) and angularly maintains it by means of its comb 151 in engagement with the lower board 14 attached to the balance 10 The driving wheel 81 then meshes simultaneously with the upper board 30.

La montre 1000 selon l'invention comporte un organe de commande constitué par un poussoir, une targette, ou similaire, ou, comme représenté sur les figures notamment sur la figure 20, une couronne 110, laquelle présente l'avantage d'un réglage réversible dans les deux sens. La mise en rotation par la couronne 110, mobile classiquement entre au moins deux positions T1 et T3, entraîne au travers du pignon coulant 111 le mouvement de la minuterie 112, de la roue d'entrée 115, de la roue menante 81, et donc l'anneau extérieur 2 de la planche supérieure 30, lequel peut pivoter et changer l'inertie du balancier 10.The watch 1000 according to the invention comprises a control member consisting of a pusher, a bolt, or the like, or, as shown in the figures, in particular on the figure 20 a crown 110, which has the advantage of reversible adjustment in both directions. The rotation by the crown 110, conventionally mobile between at least two positions T1 and T3, drives through the sliding pinion 111 the movement of the timer 112, the input wheel 115, the driving wheel 81, and therefore the outer ring 2 of the upper board 30, which can rotate and change the inertia of the balance 10.

Pour garantir une insertion sans effort des dentures, celles-ci sont pointues, tel que visible sur la figure 15. Une fois insérées, leur profil étant droit, à la rigueur légèrement négatif, le cisaillement des forces de contact exercées par la roue menante 81 et par le peigne 151 du levier 150 sur les deux planches, supérieure 30 et inférieure 14, ne provoque pas de résultante radiale susceptible de déplacer les pivots antichoc du balancier 10.To guarantee an effortless insertion of the teeth, these are pointed, as visible on the figure 15 . Once inserted, their profile being straight, at the slightly negative angle, the shearing of the contact forces exerted by the driving wheel 81 and the comb 151 of the lever 150 on the two boards, upper and lower 14, does not cause radial result likely to move the shockproof pivots of the pendulum 10.

La minuterie 112 peut entraîner une roue au centre 113 porteuse d'une aiguille 114 permettant de visualiser le réglage effectué.The timer 112 may cause a wheel at the center 113 carrying a needle 114 to display the adjustment made.

L'invention concerne encore un ensemble horloger comportant une telle montre 1000, tel que visible sur les figures 20 et 21, et un outil de réglage qui est agencé pour commander la rotation de la bague d'embrayage 102.The invention also relates to a watch assembly comprising such a watch 1000, as visible on the Figures 20 and 21 , and a setting tool which is arranged to control the rotation of the clutch ring 102.

De façon avantageuse et propre à l'invention, la bague d'embrayage 102 et l'outil de réglage 200, en particulier constitué par une clé magnétique, tel qu'illustré, comportent des zones magnétiques complémentaires 101, respectivement 201, pour l'entraînement en rotation de la bague d'embrayage 102 sous l'action de l'outil de réglage 200 quand les zones magnétiques complémentaires 101 et 201 sont en coopération au travers de la boîte de la montre 1000. La bague 102 est avantageusement, dans une variante particulière, munie de cibles ferromagnétiques 101 : P, Q, R, S, judicieusement placées et cachées, de façon que seule une clé extérieure 200 ayant des plots magnétiques 201, notamment aimants néodymes ou similaire, placés à certains endroits P', Q', R', S', et mise en regard, puisse décoller si besoin et tourner. L'avantage d'une bague 102 uniquement ferromagnétique, et de forme sensiblement circulaire, globalement de révolution, est son insensibilité aux champs magnétiques externes susceptible de la faire pivoter, et aux objets ferromagnétiques externes, dans le cas indésirable de présence d'aimants.Advantageously and according to the invention, the clutch ring 102 and the adjustment tool 200, in particular constituted by a magnetic key, as illustrated, comprise complementary magnetic zones 101, 201 respectively for the driving in rotation of the clutch ring 102 under the action of the adjusting tool 200 when the complementary magnetic zones 101 and 201 are in cooperation through the watch case 1000. The ring 102 is advantageously, in a particular variant, provided with ferromagnetic targets 101: P, Q, R, S, judiciously placed and hidden, so that only an outer key 200 having magnetic pads 201, including neodymium magnets or the like, placed in certain places P ', Q ', R', S ', and facing, can take off if necessary and turn. The advantage of a ring 102 only ferromagnetic, and of substantially circular shape, generally of revolution, is its insensitivity to external magnetic fields capable of rotating it, and external ferromagnetic objects in the undesirable case of presence of magnets.

La figure 20 illustre une vue d'ensemble du dispositif de réglage de marche par modification de l'inertie du balancier 10, sans ouvrir la montre 1000 et sans ajouter de poussoir. La bague d'embrayage 102 comportant les cibles ferromagnétiques 101 est mue en rotation par une clé magnétique 200, outil externe à la montre, comportant les plots magnétiques 201, lorsque celle-ci est positionnée coaxialement à la montre (avec leurs axes confondus). La bague 102 peut être d'abord attirée axialement contre les aimants, puis une rotation de la clé 200 provoque une rotation de la bague 102 par couple réluctant sur les cibles ferromagnétiques 101. La position angulaire de ces cibles étant cachée à l'utilisateur, seule la bonne clé pourra provoquer la rotation de la bague. Le but étant de faire faire le réglage par le SAV, afin de ne pas ternir le renom de la marque, en cas de tentative de réglage infructueuse de la part du porteur. La clé magnétique 200 coopère ainsi avec la bague d'embrayage 102, dont le nombre et la position des cibles ferromagnétiques 101 sont cachées à l'utilisateur, afin d'empêcher une tentative infructueuse de réglage de la part de l'utilisateur. De préférence, les plots magnétiques 201 sont également cachés au niveau de la clé 200.The figure 20 illustrates an overview of the gait adjustment device by changing the inertia of the balance 10, without opening the watch 1000 and without adding a pusher. The clutch ring 102 comprising the ferromagnetic targets 101 is rotated by a magnetic key 200, external tool to the watch, comprising the magnetic pads 201, when it is positioned coaxially with the watch (with their axes coincident). The ring 102 may first be attracted axially against the magnets, then a rotation of the key 200 causes a rotation of the ring 102 by reluctant torque on the ferromagnetic targets 101. The angular position of these targets being hidden from the user, only the right key can cause the ring to rotate. The goal is to have the adjustment done by the SAV, so as not to tarnish the reputation of the brand, in case of attempted unsuccessful adjustment on the part of the wearer. The magnetic key 200 thus cooperates with the clutch ring 102, the number and position of the ferromagnetic targets 101 are hidden from the user, to prevent an unsuccessful attempt by the user to adjust. Preferably, the magnetic pads 201 are also hidden at the key 200.

Le processus de réglage de marche se déroule comme suit. En premier lieu, le pivotement de la bague 102 à l'aide de la clé magnétique 200 provoque le basculement du levier 150 en direction du balancier 10, dans le but d'engrener la roue menante 81 du levier 150 avec le dispositif de réglage d'inertie rotatif embarqué sur le balancier 10. On passe ainsi de la position OFF à la position ON. La roue menante 81 est solidaire de la roue de renvoi 115 de la minuterie 112. Ensuite, en tirant la couronne 110 en position T3 (réglage de l'heure), la couronne 110 est à la fois en prise avec l'aiguille des minutes 114 et le réglage d'inertie du balancier 10, via le pignon coulant 111 et le renvoi. La rotation de la couronne 110 permet alors l'ajustement d'inertie, avec en plus une lecture de cette correction possible par l'aiguille des minutes 114, ce qui est très pratique. Une fois le réglage effectué, on débraye le levier 150 à l'aide de la clé 200 en repassant de position ON en position OFF, puis on effectue une mise à l'heure et on remet finalement la couronne 110 en position T1.The process of setting the procedure is as follows. Firstly, the pivoting of the ring 102 by means of the magnetic key 200 causes the lever 150 to tilt towards the balance 10, in order to engage the driving wheel 81 of the lever 150 with the adjusting device of the lever. on-board rotational inertia on the balance 10. It thus goes from the OFF position to the ON position. The driving wheel 81 is integral with the idler wheel 115 of the timer 112. Then, by pulling the crown 110 at position T3 (setting the time), the crown 110 is at the same time engaged with the minute hand 114 and the inertia adjustment of the balance 10, via the sliding pinion 111 and the return. The rotation of the ring 110 then allows the adjustment of inertia, with in addition a reading of this possible correction by the minute hand 114, which is very convenient. Once the adjustment has been made, the lever 150 is disengaged with the aid of the key 200 by returning from the ON position to the OFF position, then a time-setting is performed and the crown 110 is finally put back into position T1.

En somme, l'invention permet :

  • de modifier l'inertie du balancier, notamment sur une plage de typiquement 10 à 100 secondes par jour, voire davantage;
  • par modification de position de masselottes entre différentes positions stables, puisqu'elles sont toujours accrochées dans des crans ;
  • à l'aide d'au moins un élément flexible à inertie réglable micro-usiné, embarqué sur ce balancier ;
  • de disposer d'un mécanisme d'embrayage de la rotation de couronne vers le changement d'inertie via une clé magnétique agissant sur une bague d'embrayage au travers de l'emboîtage.
In short, the invention allows:
  • to modify the inertia of the balance, in particular over a range of typically 10 to 100 seconds per day or more;
  • by modifying the position of weights between different stable positions, since they are always hooked in notches;
  • using at least one flexible element with adjustable micromachined inertia, embedded on this beam;
  • to have a clutch mechanism of the rotation of the crown to the change of inertia via a magnetic key acting on a clutch ring through the casing.

Claims (17)

  1. Timepiece balance wheel (10) with adjustable inertia, comprising an arbor (11) carrying firstly a felloe (12) via at least one arm (13), and secondly an inner flange (1) fixed to said arbor (11) and carrying an outer ring (2) by means of a plurality of first elastic guide connections (3), which are inertia balanced with respect to the axis (B) of said arbor (11) and in a plane perpendicular to said axis (B), said outer ring (2) being distinct from said felloe (12), said balance wheel (10) comprising a plurality of inertia blocks (4), characterized in that said outer ring (2) is arranged to pivot with respect to said inner flange (1) under the action of an external torque exerted counter to a resistant torque exerted by said first elastic guide connections (3), and characterized in that each said inertia block (4) is carried at least by said inner flange (1) by means of at least one second elastic connection (5) and can be indexed in a stable angular position defined by the respective cooperation between a first indexing toothing (91) carried by said inner flange (1) or by said inertia block (4), and a second indexing toothing (92) that is carried respectively by said inertia block (4) or by said outer ring (2), and in that any rotation of said outer ring (2) with respect to said inner flange (1) modifies the angular position of said inertia blocks (4).
  2. Balance wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first indexing toothing (91) carried by said inner flange (1) is formed by an inner jumper (42), and in that said second indexing toothing (92) carried by said inertia block (4) is a toothed sector (43).
  3. Balance wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first indexing toothing (91) carried by said inertia block (4) comprises at least one tooth (46), and in that said second indexing toothing (92) carried by said outer ring (2) comprises at least one toothed sector (72) with a centre distinct from the axis (B) of said arbor (11).
  4. Balance wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first indexing toothing (91) carried by said inner flange (1) comprises a toothed sector (44) with a centre distinct from the axis (B) of said arbor (11), and in that said second indexing toothing (92) carried by said outer ring (2) consists of an outer jumper (29).
  5. Balance wheel (10) according to one of claims 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that each said inertia block (4) is carried by said outer ring by means of at least one third elastic connection (50).
  6. Balance wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said inner flange (1) comprises a plurality of elastic strips (19) concentrically clamping said arbor (11) with a friction torque greater than the maximum value of said external torque.
  7. Balance wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said inner flange (1) is irreversibly attached to said arbor (11).
  8. Balance wheel (10) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said balance wheel (10) comprises a bottom plate (14) fixed directly or indirectly to said arbor (11) and comprising peripheral stop means (15).
  9. Balance wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said outer ring (2) comprises a continuous peripheral toothing (8) aligned on the axis (B) of said arbor (11), and in that the rotation of said toothing (8) modifies the position of said inertia blocks (4) between two stable indexing positions.
  10. Balance wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said balance wheel (10) comprises a single-piece top plate (30) that comprises said inner flange (1), said first elastic guide connections (3), said outer ring (2), said inertia blocks (4), said second elastic connections (5), said first indexing toothings (91) and said second indexing toothings (92).
  11. Balance wheel (10) according to claims 5 and 10, characterized in that said single-piece top plate (30) also comprises said third elastic connections (50).
  12. Balance wheel (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said single-piece top plate (30) is a planetary flexible structure, the planets of which are said inertia blocks (4) with unbalance allowing adjustment of inertia, which are connected to said inner flange (1) and/or to said outer ring (2) by means of elastic strips.
  13. Mechanical timepiece movement (300) comprising at least one timepiece oscillator mechanism (100) including a said balance wheel (10) according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said mechanical movement (300) includes an operating member (20) arranged to control the inertia adjustment of said balance wheel (10) by modifying the position of at least some of said inertia blocks (4) comprised in said balance wheel (10), said operating member (20) being movable between a coupled position and at least one uncoupled position, characterized in that said operating member (20) comprises a stop means (160) arranged to directly or indirectly immobilise said felloe (12) in said coupled position, and at least one control means (80) arranged, in said coupled position, to drive in rotation said outer ring (2) to modify the position of said inertia blocks (4) with which said outer ring (2) cooperates.
  14. Mechanical movement (300) according to claim 13, characterized in that the rotation of said outer ring (2) is accomplished by said control means (80) which includes a drive wheel (81) adjacent to said balance wheel (10), carried by a bistable lever (150) comprised in said stop means (160), said lever (150) being coupled/uncoupled sideways by the mechanical action of a rotary ring (102) peripheral to said timepiece movement (300).
  15. Watch (1000) comprising a said mechanical timepiece movement (300) according to claim 14, and a control member consisting of a push piece or a crown (110) arranged to control, via a sliding pinion (111), the movement of a motion-work (112), characterized in that said motion-work (112) includes an input wheel (115) arranged to drive at least a said control means (80) in said coupled position of said operating member (20), and further characterized in that said watch (1000) includes a coupling ring (102) that can be moved in rotation to control the coupling or uncoupling of said operating member (20).
  16. Timepiece assembly comprising a said watch (1000) according to claim 15, and an adjustment tool (200) arranged to allow the inertia adjustment of said balance wheel (10), characterized in that said adjustment tool (200) is arranged to control the rotation of said coupling ring (102), and in that said coupling ring (102) and said adjustment tool (200) include complementary magnetic areas (102; 201) for driving in rotation said coupling ring (102) under the action of said adjustment tool (200) when said complementary magnetic areas (102; 201) are cooperating through the case of said watch (1000).
  17. Timepiece assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that said adjustment tool (200) is a magnetic key comprising magnetic studs (201) and arranged to cooperate with said coupling ring (102), whose magnetic areas (101) are ferromagnetic targets (101), the number and position of which are concealed from the user, to prevent an unsuccessful attempt at adjustment by the user.
EP16172843.1A 2016-06-03 2016-06-03 Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment Active EP3252546B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16172843.1A EP3252546B1 (en) 2016-06-03 2016-06-03 Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment
JP2017099520A JP6340116B2 (en) 2016-06-03 2017-05-19 Timer mechanism with a balance wheel with adjustable inertia
CN201710409375.7A CN107463083B (en) 2016-06-03 2017-06-02 Clockwork with adjustable inertia balance wheel
US15/613,747 US10054905B2 (en) 2016-06-03 2017-06-05 Timepiece mechanism with adjustable inertia balance wheel

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16172843.1A EP3252546B1 (en) 2016-06-03 2016-06-03 Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3252546A1 EP3252546A1 (en) 2017-12-06
EP3252546B1 true EP3252546B1 (en) 2019-08-28

Family

ID=56098159

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16172843.1A Active EP3252546B1 (en) 2016-06-03 2016-06-03 Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US10054905B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3252546B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6340116B2 (en)
CN (1) CN107463083B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3835879A1 (en) 2019-12-09 2021-06-16 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Timepiece resonator mechanism with inertial mass wheel with inertia and unbalance adjustment

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3252545B1 (en) * 2016-06-03 2019-10-16 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment
US10838366B2 (en) * 2017-09-14 2020-11-17 Timex Group Usa, Inc. Bidirectional MEMS driving arrangements with a force absorbing system
EP3525046B1 (en) * 2018-02-12 2024-07-10 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Clock oscillator not sensitive to the angular accelerations of the wearing
EP3667431A1 (en) * 2018-12-13 2020-06-17 Montres Breguet S.A. Timepiece display wheel with friction adjustment mechanism
EP3805874B1 (en) * 2019-10-09 2023-12-27 Meco S.A. Adjustable threaded crown
EP3907564A1 (en) * 2020-05-05 2021-11-10 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Timepiece indexing element

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE928398C (en) * 1952-09-02 1955-05-31 Hugo Hettich Control device for timing devices
CH320818A (en) 1953-12-11 1957-04-15 Siegwart Hans Balance wheel for timepiece
US2880570A (en) * 1956-11-26 1959-04-07 Elgin Nat Watch Co Balance with adjustable moment of inertia
CH333583A (en) * 1958-01-23 1958-10-31 Ciana Jean Charles Balance wheel with variable moment of inertia
CH342898A (en) * 1958-08-08 1959-11-30 Rolex Montres Balance wheel for timepiece
EP2410386B1 (en) * 2010-07-19 2018-10-03 Nivarox-FAR S.A. balance wheel with inertia adjustment with insert
EP2410387B1 (en) * 2010-07-19 2016-07-06 Nivarox-FAR S.A. balance wheel with inertia adjustment without insert
JP5820543B2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2015-11-24 ザ・スウォッチ・グループ・リサーチ・アンド・ディベロップメント・リミテッド How to improve wheelset turning
US9188956B2 (en) * 2012-12-28 2015-11-17 Seiko Instruments Inc. Balance, timepiece movement, timepiece and manufacturing method of balance
CN104007650B (en) * 2013-02-25 2017-09-05 精工电子有限公司 Temperature compensating type escapement and its manufacture method, clock machine core, mechanical clock
EP2781969B1 (en) * 2013-03-19 2017-05-03 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Non-removable one-piece timepiece component
CH708675A2 (en) 2013-10-14 2015-04-15 Giuseppe Fabozzi recovery process of filamentous polymer fibers.
JP2015143673A (en) * 2013-12-27 2015-08-06 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Balance with hairspring, movement, and timepiece
EP2990882B1 (en) * 2014-08-26 2020-01-15 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Balance with inertia adjustment.
EP3252545B1 (en) * 2016-06-03 2019-10-16 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3835879A1 (en) 2019-12-09 2021-06-16 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Timepiece resonator mechanism with inertial mass wheel with inertia and unbalance adjustment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3252546A1 (en) 2017-12-06
CN107463083A (en) 2017-12-12
JP6340116B2 (en) 2018-06-06
JP2017219540A (en) 2017-12-14
US10054905B2 (en) 2018-08-21
US20170351218A1 (en) 2017-12-07
CN107463083B (en) 2019-08-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3252545B1 (en) Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment
EP3252546B1 (en) Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment
EP2533110B1 (en) Timepiece provided with a device for the control of functions and/or time indications
EP2701014A1 (en) Clutch lever and clutch device for a clockwork mechanism
EP3182213A1 (en) Mechanism for adjusting an average speed in a clock movement and clock movement
WO2018083586A1 (en) Timepiece movement
EP3835879B1 (en) Timepiece resonator mechanism with inertial mass wheel with inertia and unbalance adjustment
EP0568499B1 (en) Device for displaying the power-reserve of a watch
CH713530A2 (en) Exhaust, timepiece movement and timepiece.
CH712523A2 (en) Clock balance with inertia adjustment.
CH712524A2 (en) Clock balance with inertia adjustment.
CH715052B1 (en) Constant torque mechanism, timepiece movement, and timepiece.
EP2993532B1 (en) Driving mechanism of at least one mobile element
CH715211A2 (en) Timepiece mechanism with variable geometry with elastic hand.
EP2096504A2 (en) Mechanism for displaying dead seconds
EP2990880B1 (en) Clockwork
EP3435362A1 (en) Display system having a display module by mobile elements around flexible links, and timepiece comprising such a display system
CH713531A2 (en) Exhaust, timepiece movement and timepiece.
EP3825786B1 (en) Display mechanism for a timepiece
EP3714336B1 (en) Support of a mobile holding a display disc
EP3629100B1 (en) Symmetrical device for guiding two elements, especially for timepieces
EP2990879B1 (en) Clockwork
EP2990881B1 (en) Clockwork
EP1832941B1 (en) Timepiece
CH716908A2 (en) Clockwork resonator mechanism with inertial mass with inertia and / or unbalance adjustment.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20180606

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 602016019272

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: G04D0007080000

Ipc: G04B0018000000

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: G04D 7/08 20060101ALI20190411BHEP

Ipc: G04C 3/00 20060101ALN20190411BHEP

Ipc: G04C 3/04 20060101ALN20190411BHEP

Ipc: G04B 18/00 20060101AFI20190411BHEP

Ipc: G04B 17/20 20060101ALI20190411BHEP

Ipc: G04B 17/06 20060101ALI20190411BHEP

Ipc: G04B 17/00 20060101ALN20190411BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190510

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTD

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1173159

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016019272

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191230

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191128

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191128

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191228

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191129

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1173159

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200224

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016019272

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG2D Information on lapse in contracting state deleted

Ref country code: IS

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200603

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200603

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200603

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230615

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230702

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240521

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240521

Year of fee payment: 9