Watchmaking assembly comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a device for regulating its

专利摘要:
The watch assembly (2) comprises a mechanism, a mechanical oscillator controlling the operation of the mechanism and capable of oscillating around a neutral position of its mechanical resonator (6), as well as a device for regulating the frequency of the mechanism. mechanical oscillator, this regulating device (8) comprising a measuring device, arranged to measure a time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to an auxiliary oscillator (32) and to determine whether this time drift corresponds to a certain advance or to a certain delay, and a regulation pulse application device arranged to be able to apply to the mechanical resonator, when the measured time drift corresponds to the certain advance, at least one braking pulse in a half-cycle of the oscillation of the mechanical resonator occurring before the median instant at which the resonator passes through its neutral position in the alternation in question and, when the measured time drift corresponds to the certain delay, a braking pulse in a half-wave occurring after the median instant of the considered half-wave.
公开号:CH713306B1
申请号:CH01354/17
申请日:2017-11-09
公开日:2021-05-31
发明作者:Tombez Lionel；Winkler Pascal
申请人:Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Technical area
The present invention relates to a watch assembly, in particular a timepiece, comprising:a mechanism, which at least partially forms a mechanical movement of this watch assembly,a mechanical resonator capable of oscillating around a neutral position corresponding to its state of minimum potential mechanical energy, each oscillation of this mechanical resonator defining an oscillation period and exhibiting a first alternation followed by a second alternation between two positions extremes which define the amplitude of oscillation of the mechanical resonator,a device for maintaining the mechanical resonator forming with the latter a mechanical oscillator incorporated into the mechanical movement to control the operation of the mechanism,a regulating device arranged to regulate the frequency of the mechanical oscillator, this regulating device comprising an auxiliary oscillator, generally more precise than said mechanical oscillator, and a device designed to be able to apply a torque to the mechanical resonator on command.
In particular, the mechanical resonator is a sprung balance and the maintenance device comprises a conventional escapement, for example with a Swiss lever. The auxiliary oscillator is formed in particular by a quartz resonator or by a resonator integrated in an electronic circuit.
Technological background
[0003] Movements forming watch assemblies as defined in the field of the invention have been proposed in some prior documents. Patent CH 597 636, published in 1977, proposes such a movement with reference to its figure 3. The movement is equipped with a resonator formed by a sprung balance and a conventional maintenance device comprising an anchor and a wheel. exhaust in kinematic connection with a barrel provided with a spring. This watch movement comprises a device for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator. This regulation device comprises an electronic circuit and a magnetic assembly formed of a flat coil, arranged on a support under the rim of the balance, and two magnets mounted on the balance and arranged close to each other so as to both pass over the coil when the oscillator is on.
The electronic circuit comprises a time base comprising a quartz resonator and serving to generate a reference frequency signal FR, this reference frequency being compared with the frequency FG of the mechanical oscillator. The detection of the FG frequency is carried out via the electrical signals generated in the coil by the pair of magnets. The regulation circuit is designed to be able to momentarily generate a braking torque via a magnet-coil magnetic coupling and a switchable load connected to the coil. Document CH 597 636 gives the following teaching: "The resonator thus formed must have an oscillation frequency which varies according to the amplitude on either side of the frequency FR (isochronism defect)". It is therefore taught that a variation in the oscillation frequency of a non-isochronous resonator is obtained by varying its oscillation amplitude. An analogy is made between the amplitude of oscillation of a resonator and the angular speed of a generator comprising a rotor provided with magnets and arranged in a cog of the watch movement in order to regulate its rate. As a braking torque decreases the speed of rotation of such a generator and thus its frequency of rotation, it is only envisaged here to be able to reduce the oscillation frequency of a necessarily non-isochronous resonator by applying a torque. brake reducing its amplitude of oscillation.
To perform electronic regulation of the frequency of the generator, respectively of the mechanical oscillator, it is provided in a given embodiment that the load is formed by a switchable rectifier via a transistor which charges a storage capacitor during braking pulses, to recover electrical energy in order to supply the electronic circuit. The constant teaching given in document CH 597 636 is as follows: When FG> FR the transistor is conducting; a power Pa is then taken from the generator / oscillator. When FG <FR, the transistor is non-conductive; no more energy is therefore taken from the generator / oscillator. In other words, one regulates only when the frequency of the generator / of the oscillator is higher than the reference frequency FR. This regulation consists in braking the generator / oscillator in order to reduce its frequency FG. Thus, in the case of the mechanical oscillator, a person skilled in the art understands that regulation is only possible when the barrel spring is strongly armed and the free oscillation frequency (natural frequency) of the oscillator mechanical is greater than the reference frequency FR, as a result of a desired isochronism defect of the selected mechanical oscillator. We therefore have a double problem, namely the mechanical oscillator is selected for what is normally a fault in a mechanical movement and the electronic regulation is only functional when the natural frequency of this oscillator is greater than a nominal frequency.
[0006] A more recent patent application than the Swiss patent presented above also deals with the electronic regulation of a sprung balance. This is document EP 1 521 142 A1 published in 2005. The regulation device proposed in the latter document is similar in its general operation to that of patent CH 597 636. In fact, a pair of magnets is also provided. mounted on the balance and a flat coil arranged below so that the two magnets pass in front of this coil during the oscillations of the balance spring. This European document gives a lesson which goes in the same direction as that of the Swiss patent. He mentions in his paragraph [0007]: „In fact, in the present invention the aim is to use as far as possible a mechanical clockwork movement of usual construction, by simply adding an electronic regulator which cooperates with the regulator's balance. mechanical thanks to the addition of a pair of magnets on the balance. To do this, the only element that must necessarily be modified in the mechanical movement is the balance, because of the addition of magnets. It is obviously necessary that the natural frequency of oscillation is slightly higher than the original one, so that the electronic regulator can stabilize it by brief braking of the balance, but the frequency thus stabilized must be equal to the original frequency ”. By original frequency, we understand the desired frequency for precise operation of the watch movement, this original frequency being determined precisely by the electronic regulator which incorporates a quartz oscillator. The European document adds in its paragraph [0022]: „The mechanical regulator 20 is designed to have a natural frequency of oscillation slightly higher (for example by about 1%) than the theoretical frequency of 4 Hz over the entire useful range of the winding of the spring 54, so that the stabilization of its real frequency by the servo circuit can be done only by small braking pulses ”. It will be noted that 1% error on the theoretical frequency corresponds to a drift of thirty-six seconds per hour and therefore of more than ten minutes per day.
In conclusion, the teaching generally given to those skilled in the art is as follows: If we want to electronically regulate the frequency of a sprung balance of a classic watch movement, it is necessary to change the sprung balance to first arrange at least one magnet above and secondly to modify its natural frequency so that this natural frequency is higher than the desired frequency. The consequence of such a teaching is clear: We must deregulate the mechanical resonator so that it oscillates at too high a frequency so as to allow the regulating device to constantly bring its frequency to a lower frequency, corresponding to the desired theoretical frequency. , by a succession of braking pulses. Consequently, the resulting watch movement is deliberately adjusted so that a precise rate depends on electronic regulation, otherwise such a watch movement would have a very significant time drift. Thus, if for one reason or another the regulating device is deactivated, in particular due to deterioration, then the watch equipped with such a movement will no longer be precise, and this to such an extent that it is in fact no longer precise. more functional. Such a situation is problematic.
Summary of the invention
[0008] The problems of the prior art mentioned above in the technological background are certainly one of the main reasons why there are no or few watches on the market equipped with mechanical movements associated with a regulation circuit to ensure a more precise operation of the timepiece relative to a version with a purely mechanical oscillator.
An object of the present invention is to find a solution to the technical problems mentioned. A first objective, within the framework of the development which led to the present invention, was to produce a watch assembly comprising a mechanical movement with a mechanical oscillator and a device for regulating this mechanical oscillator, but without having to initially adjust the mechanical oscillator. , to have a timepiece which has the precision of an auxiliary electronic oscillator (in particular fitted with a quartz resonator) when the regulating device is functional and the precision of the mechanical oscillator when this regulating device is deactivated or off, but with a precision which may correspond to the best standard in the latter case. In other words, an attempt is made to add electronic regulation to a mechanical movement which is moreover as precise as possible so that it remains functional, with the best possible operation, when the electronic regulation is inactive.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical watch movement associated with a regulating device which allows intelligent management of the mechanical energy available, in particular by minimizing the regulating energy.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch assembly meeting the above-mentioned goals and which is robust, that is to say which can maintain high precision even after an external disturbance such as a shock.
To this end, the present invention relates to a watch assembly as defined above in the field of the invention and in which the mechanical oscillator defines, when activated, alternations which each have a passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position at a median instant and a certain duration between an initial instant and a final instant defined respectively by the two extreme positions occupied by the mechanical resonator respectively at the start and at the end of the considered half-wave. The device for regulating the mean frequency of the mechanical oscillator comprises an auxiliary oscillator, a device for applying regulating pulses to the mechanical resonator, a measuring device arranged to be able to measure the time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator and an electronic control circuit connected to the measuring device and arranged to control the device for applying regulating pulses. The measuring device and the electronic control circuit are designed to be able to determine whether the measured time drift corresponds to at least a certain advance. The device for applying regulation pulses is arranged so as to be able to generate on command regulation pulses each exerting a certain force torque on the mechanical resonator. This watch assembly is characterized by the fact that the measuring device and the electronic control circuit are designed to be able to further determine whether the time drift corresponds to at least a certain delay, and by the fact that the electronic control circuit and the regulation pulse application device are arranged to be able to selectively apply to the mechanical resonator:following a determination of at least a certain advance, a first braking pulse of which at least the major part occurs between the initial instant and the median instant of an alternation and / or a first driving pulse of which at least the major part intervenes between the median moment and the final moment of an alternation,following a determination of at least a certain delay, a second braking pulse of which at least the major part occurs between the median instant and the final instant of an alternation and / or a second driving pulse of which at least the major part intervenes between the initial moment and the median moment of an alternation.
In a particular variant, the electronic control circuit and the device for applying regulating pulses are arranged to be able to apply selectively to the mechanical resonator in a plurality of halfwaves:following a determination of at least a certain advance, respectively a plurality of first braking pulses, each similar to the first braking pulse, and / or a plurality of first driving pulses, each similar to the first driving pulse,following a determination of at least a certain delay, respectively a plurality of second braking pulses, each similar to the second braking pulse, and / or a plurality of second driving pulses, each similar to the second driving pulse.
By 'selectively applying regulation pulses to the mechanical resonator', it is understood that the watch assembly according to the invention allows the application of the various pulses mentioned in the halfwave, respectively the halfwaves in question; but that, firstly, the regulating device applies such regulating pulses only when one of the two conditions relating to the time drift is fulfilled and, secondly, the regulating device selects a single pulse between a first braking pulse and a second braking pulse, respectively between a first driving pulse and a second driving pulse as a function of the two conditions relating to the time drift, namely as a function of the fact of determining at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay .
The present invention is remarkable in that it takes advantage of a particular and surprising physical phenomenon of mechanical oscillators. The inventors arrived at the following observation: Contrary to general teaching in the watchmaking field, it is not only possible to decrease the frequency of a mechanical oscillator by braking pulses, but it is also possible to increase the frequency of such a mechanical oscillator also by braking pulses. Indeed, as demonstrated by document EP 1 521 142 A1 published in 2005, those skilled in the art expect to be able to practically only reduce the frequency of a mechanical oscillator by braking pulses and, as a corollary, to be able only to reduce the frequency of a mechanical oscillator by braking pulses. increasing the frequency of such a mechanical oscillator by applying driving pulses when energy is supplied to this oscillator. Such an intuition, which has prevailed in the watchmaking field and therefore comes first on board in the mind of a person skilled in the art, turns out to be false for a mechanical oscillator. Although such behavior is correct for a micro-generator, whose rotor rotates continuously in the same direction, this is on the other hand not true for a mechanical oscillator because it oscillates.
[0016] Thus, thanks to the characteristics of the watch movement according to the invention, it is possible to regulate, via an auxiliary oscillator comprising for example a quartz resonator, an otherwise very precise mechanical oscillator, which it momentarily has a slightly lower frequency. too high or too low. To do this, it is planned to select, depending on the rate of the mechanism in question and therefore the frequency of the mechanical oscillator which regulates this rate, the moment to apply either a braking impulse or a driving impulse ( we do not deal here in the first place with the question of the source of electrical energy to generate driving impulses). Frequency regulation consists of momentarily varying the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator so that its average frequency over time is equal to that of the auxiliary oscillator. It is a very precise regulation which eliminates any temporal drift of the operation of the mechanism in question.
The inventors have observed that the effect produced by a regulation pulse on a mechanical resonator depends on the moment when it is applied in an alternation relative to the moment when this mechanical resonator passes through its neutral position. According to this principle brought to light by the inventors and used in a watch assembly according to the invention, a braking pulse applied, in any alternation between the two extreme positions of the mechanical resonator, substantially before the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position. (rest position) produces a negative temporal phase shift in the oscillation of this resonator and therefore a delay in the operation of the mechanism clocked by the resonator, while a braking pulse applied in this alternation substantially after the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position produces a positive temporal phase shift in the oscillation of this resonator and therefore an advance in the operation of the mechanism. It is thus possible to correct too high a frequency or too low a frequency only by means of braking pulses. In summary, the application of a braking torque during an alternation of the oscillation of a sprung balance causes a negative or positive phase shift in the oscillation of this sprung balance depending on whether this braking torque is applied respectively before or after the sprung balance has passed through its neutral position.
Conversely, it is observed that a driving pulse applied, in any alternation, substantially before the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position produces a positive time phase shift in the oscillation of the mechanical resonator (positive time drift) and therefore a advance in the operation of the mechanism clocked by the resonator, while a driving pulse applied in this alternation substantially after the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position produces a negative time phase shift in the oscillation of this resonator (negative time drift) and therefore a delay in the functioning of the mechanism.
In a main embodiment of the invention, the regulation device comprises a device for determining the temporal positions of the mechanical resonator, this determining device being arranged to be able to determine, in an alternation of the oscillation of the mechanical resonator , at least a first instant which occurs before the median instant and after the initial instant of this alternation and, also in an alternation of the oscillation of the mechanical resonator, at least a second instant which occurs after the median instant and before the final moment of this alternation. The electronic control circuit of the regulation device is designed to be able to selectively trigger a first braking pulse or a second driving pulse substantially at the first instant and a second braking pulse or a first driving pulse substantially at the second instant.
In particular, the electronic control circuit and the regulation pulse application device are arranged to be able to apply to the mechanical resonator, when the measured time drift corresponds to a certain advance, a braking pulse in a half. alternation of the oscillation of the mechanical resonator occurring before the median instant at which the resonator passes through its neutral position in the considered half-wave and, when the measured time drift corresponds to a certain delay, a braking pulse in a half-wave occurring after the median instant of the considered alternation. By “median instant”, we understand an instant occurring substantially in the middle of the alternations. This is precisely the case when the mechanical oscillator oscillates freely. On the other hand, for the halfwaves during which regulation pulses are supplied, it will be noted that this median instant no longer corresponds exactly to the middle of the duration of each of these halfwaves due to the disturbance of the mechanical oscillator generated by the device. regulation.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the regulating device comprises a magnetic system formed of at least one magnet and at least one coil, this at least one magnet and this at least one coil being arranged either respectively on the mechanical resonator and on a support of this mechanical resonator, or respectively on the support of the mechanical resonator and on this mechanical resonator.
In a main embodiment of the invention, the mechanical resonator comprises a balance and elastic means associated with this balance to exert on it a return force when it deviates angularly from a rest position, which defines the neutral position of the resonator. This resonator is excited by a maintenance device conventionally comprising an escapement kinematically connected to a barrel provided with a spring, the escapement being capable of supplying the mechanical resonator with a mechanical torque for maintaining its oscillation.
The invention also relates to a method of regulating a mechanical oscillator which is implemented in a timepiece assembly according to the invention, a method defined in the appended claims to which it is the subject.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:Figure 1 is a top view of a watch assembly according to the invention,Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the balance of the movement of Figure 1 with the magnetic system of a regulating device,Figure 3 shows, for a variant of the watch assembly of Figure 1, the voltage induced in the coil of the magnet-coil magnetic system when the sprung balance oscillates and the application of a first braking pulse within a certain alternation before the sprung balance passes through its neutral position, as well as the angular speed of the balance and its angular position in a time interval in which the first braking pulse occurs,Figures 4A to 4C show, for the watch assembly considered in Figure 3, the balance at three particular instants of an alternation of the oscillating sprung balance during which the first braking pulse is supplied,Figure 5 is a figure similar to that of Figure 3 with the application of a second braking pulse in some alternation after the sprung balance has passed through its neutral position,Figures 6A to 6C show the balance at three particular instants of an alternation of the oscillating sprung balance during which the second braking pulse is supplied,Figure 7 is a figure similar to that of Figure 3 with, instead of a braking impulse, the application of a first driving impulse before the sprung balance passes through its neutral position,Figure 8 is a figure similar to that of Figure 7 with the application of a second driving impulse after the sprung balance has passed through its neutral position,Figure 9 shows, for a watch assembly similar to that of Figure 1, the voltage induced in the coil of the magnet-coil magnetic system when the sprung balance oscillates and the application of a first braking pulse to this balance. hairspring before it passes through its neutral position in a certain alternation,Figure 10A shows the approximate angular position of the balance when applying a braking pulse according to Figure 9,Figure 10B shows the balance of Figure 10A as it passes through the neutral position of the resonator,Figure 10C shows the approximate angular position of the balance when applying a braking pulse according to Figure 11,Figure 11 is a figure similar to that of Figure 9 but with the application of a braking pulse to the sprung balance after it has passed through its neutral position in some alternation,FIG. 12 shows the diagram of a first embodiment of a device for regulating the mechanical oscillator,Figure 13 shows various electrical signals intervening in the regulation device of Figure 12,Figure 14 is a flowchart of an operating mode of the regulator of Figure 12,Figure 15 shows the diagram of a variant of the first embodiment of the regulation device,Figure 16 shows various electrical signals intervening in the regulation device of Figure 15,Figure 17 is a flowchart of an operating mode of the regulator of Figure 15,Figure 18 shows the diagram of a second embodiment of a device for regulating the mechanical oscillator,Figure 19 shows various electrical signals intervening in the regulation device of Figure 18,Figure 20 is a flowchart of an operating mode of the regulator of Figure 18,Figure 21 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a mechanical resonator incorporated in a timepiece assembly,Figure 22 is a cross section of the mechanical resonator of Figure 21 along the line XXII-XXII.
Detailed description of the invention
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a description will be given below of a timepiece unit which is the subject of the present invention. Figure 1 is a partial plan view of a watch assembly 2 comprising a mechanical movement 4, equipped with a mechanical resonator 6, and a regulating device 8. The maintenance means 10 of the mechanical resonator are conventional. They include a barrel 12 with a mainspring, an escapement 14 formed of an escape wheel and a pallet anchor, as well as an intermediate gear 16 kinematically connecting the barrel to the escape wheel. The resonator 6 comprises a balance 18 and a usual spiral spring, the balance being mounted to pivot about an axis of rotation 20 between a plate and a bridge. The mechanical resonator 6 and the maintenance means 10 (also called excitation means) together form a mechanical oscillator. It will be noted that, in general, one retains in the definition of a horological mechanical oscillator only the escapement as maintenance means / means of excitation of this mechanical oscillator, the energy source and an intermediate gear train. being considered separately. The sprung balance oscillates around the axis 20 when it receives mechanical impulses from the escapement, the escape wheel of which is driven by the barrel. The gear train 16 is part of a mechanism of the watch movement, the rate of which is clocked by the mechanical oscillator. This mechanism comprises, in addition to the gear 16, other moving parts and analog indicators (not shown) kinematically connected to this gear 16, the movement of these analog indicators being punctuated by the mechanical oscillator. Various mechanisms known to those skilled in the art can be provided.
Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the balance 18 with below a coil 28 of an electromagnetic system which partly forms the regulating device 8. The coil 28 is preferably of the wafer type (disc shape having a relatively small thickness). The balance 18 carries, preferably in a zone located near its outer diameter defined by its rim, a pair of bipolar magnets 22 and 24 having axially oriented magnet axes with reversed polarities. These magnets are arranged close to one another, advantageously at a distance allowing an addition of their respective interactions with the coil 28 with regard to the voltage induced therein (more precisely at a central lobe of 'an induced voltage pulse generated during a passage of this pair of magnets above the coil). In a variant, a single bipolar magnet is provided with a magnetization axis parallel to the general plane of the balance and oriented tangentially to a geometric circle centered on the axis of rotation 20. The voltage signal induced in the coil may have substantially a same profile as for the pair of magnets described above, but with a lower amplitude given that only part of the magnetic flux of the magnet passes through the coil. It will be noted that it is preferable to confine the magnetic flux of the magnets by a shielding formed by parts of the balance, in particular by magnetic parts arranged on both sides of the magnets in the axial direction. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 21 and 22. It will be described at the end of the description.
The balance 18 defines a half-axis 26 from its axis of rotation 20 and perpendicular to the latter. This half-axis 26 passes through the middle of the pair of magnets 22 and 24. When the sprung balance is in its rest position, the half-axis 26 defines a neutral position (angular position of rest of the sprung balance) around of which the sprung balance can oscillate at a certain frequency, in particular at a free frequency F0 corresponding to the oscillation frequency of the undisturbed mechanical oscillator, that is to say not subjected to external force couples ( other than that supplied intermittently via the exhaust). In Figures 1 and 2, the resonator 6 is shown in its neutral position. Note that it is therefore arranged so that, in its neutral position, the half-axis 26 substantially intercepts the central axis of the coil 28. In other words, in projection in the general plane of the balance, the center of coil 28 is aligned with semi-axis 26 when the resonator is in its neutral position.
The mechanical resonator 6 is a control member of the rate of a mechanism comprising the gear 16, this mechanical resonator being capable of oscillating around a neutral position, corresponding to a state of minimum potential mechanical energy of the resonator. Each oscillation of this mechanical resonator defines an oscillation period and it presents a first alternation followed by a second alternation between two extreme positions defining the amplitude of oscillation of the mechanical resonator (note that the oscillating resonator is considered here and therefore the mechanical oscillator as a whole, the oscillation amplitude of the sprung balance being defined among other things by the maintenance means). Each alternation presents a passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position at a median instant and a certain duration between an initial instant and a final instant which are respectively defined by the two extreme positions occupied by the mechanical resonator respectively at the start and at the end of this alternation.
The device 8 for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator comprises an electronic circuit 30 and an auxiliary oscillator 32, this auxiliary oscillator comprising a clock circuit and for example a quartz resonator connected to this clock circuit . It will be noted that in a variant, the auxiliary oscillator is integrated into the electronic circuit. The regulation device further comprises the magnetic system described above, namely the coil 28 which is electrically connected to the electronic circuit 30 and the pair of bipolar magnets mounted on the balance. Advantageously, the various elements of the regulation device 8, with the exception of the pair of magnets, are arranged on a support 34 with which they form a module that is mechanically independent of the watch movement. Thus, this module can be assembled or associated with the mechanical movement 4 only during their assembly, in particular in a watch case. In particular, as shown in Figure 1, the aforementioned module is fixed to a casing circle 36 which surrounds the watch movement. It is understood that the regulation module can therefore be associated with the watch movement once the latter has been fully assembled and adjusted, the assembly and disassembly of this module being able to take place without having to intervene on the mechanical movement itself.
The regulation device 8 is arranged so as to be able to generate, when the mechanical oscillator is activated, successive regulation pulses each exerting a torque on the mechanical resonator. These regulation pulses are supplied to the mechanical resonator via the magnetic coupling between the pair of magnets 22, 24 and the coil 28, in particular by a short-circuit of this coil when the pair of magnets passes over it. It will be noted that, in order to obtain a higher induced voltage in the regulation device and therefore a stronger magnetic coupling between this device and the mechanical resonator, it is possible to provide two or more coils, angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation. of the balance and connected in series, these coils cooperating with a corresponding number of pairs of magnets arranged on the balance and having one or more corresponding angular offset / s.
Referring to Figures 3 to 8, we will first describe various physical phenomena observed on the basis of which is based the principle of regulation implemented in the watch assembly according to the invention. We consider a watch assembly similar to that of Figure 1, but with the following two differences: 1) The mechanical resonator 40, of which only the balance 42 has been shown in Figures 4A-4C and 6A-6C, carries a single bipolar magnet 44, the magnetization axis of which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 20 of the balance, that is to say that it has an axial orientation; 2) The coil 28 is fixedly arranged on a support with its center angularly offset by a non-zero angle θ relative to the reference semi-axis 48 corresponding to the position of a median semi-axis 46 when the mechanical resonator 40 is in its neutral position (state of minimum potential mechanical energy), the median semi-axis passing through the center of rotation 20 and the center of the magnet 44. In the example treated here, the angle θ between the semi-axis reference 48 and the half-axis 50, connecting the center of rotation 20 to the center of the coil, has a value of about 90 °. The two half-axes 48 and 50 are fixed relative to the watch movement, while the middle half-axis 46 oscillates with the balance and gives the angular position β of the magnet mounted on this balance relative to the reference half-axis, this last defining the zero angular position for the mechanical resonator. More generally, the angular shift θ is such that an induced voltage signal generated in the coil when the magnet passes opposite this coil is located, during a first alternation of any oscillation, before the passage of the median half-axis by the reference half-axis and, during a second alternation of any oscillation, after the passage of this median half-axis through the reference half-axis.
Figure 3 shows four graphs. The first graph gives the voltage in the coil 28 as a function of time when the resonator 40 oscillates, that is to say when the mechanical oscillator of the watch assembly is activated. The second graph indicates the instant tP1at which a braking pulse is applied to the resonator 40 to effect a correction in the operation of the mechanism clocked by the mechanical oscillator. The instant of application of a rectangular shaped pulse (that is to say of a binary signal) is considered here as the temporal position of the middle of this pulse. There is a variation in the oscillation period during which the braking pulse occurs and therefore a punctual variation in the frequency of the mechanical oscillator. In fact, as can be seen in the last two graphs of Figure 3, which show respectively the angular speed (values in radians per second: [rad / s]) and the angular position (values in radians: [rad]) of the balance over time, the variation in time concerns the only half-wave during which the braking pulse occurs. It will be noted that each oscillation has two successive alternations which are defined in the present text as the two half-periods during which the balance undergoes respectively an oscillating movement in one direction and then an oscillating movement in the other direction. In other words, as already explained, an alternation corresponds to a swing of the balance in one direction or the other direction between its two extreme positions defining the amplitude of oscillation.
By braking pulse, we understand an application, substantially during a limited time interval, of a certain force torque to the mechanical resonator which brakes it, that is to say of a force torque which s 'opposes the oscillation movement of this mechanical resonator. It will be noted that the braking torque can be of various kinds, in particular magnetic, electrostatic or mechanical. In the embodiment described, the braking torque is obtained by the magnet-coil coupling and it therefore corresponds to a magnetic braking torque exerted on the magnet 44 via the coil 28 which is controlled by the regulation device according to the invention. Such braking pulses can be generated by momentarily shorting the coil. This action is recognizable on the graph of the coil voltage in the time zone during which the braking pulse is applied, this time zone being provided when a voltage pulse appears in the coil by the passage of the magnet. It is obviously in this time zone that the magnet-coil coupling allows a contactless action via a magnetic couple on the magnet fixed to the balance. It is in fact observed that the coil voltage drops towards zero during the braking pulse (the voltage induced in the coil 28 by the magnet 44 being represented in broken lines in the aforementioned time zone). It will be noted that the braking torque can, depending on its intensity and the instant of its application, stop the sprung balance during a braking pulse, that is to say stop it momentarily.
In Figures 3, 5, 7 and 8, the period of oscillation T0 corresponds to a 'free' oscillation (that is to say without application of regulation pulses) of the mechanical oscillator of the watchmaking ensemble. Each of the two alternations of an oscillation period has a duration T0 / 2 without disturbance or external constraint (in particular by a regulation pulse). The time t = 0 marks the start of a first alternation. It will be noted that the 'free' frequency F0 of the mechanical oscillator is here approximately equal to four Hertz (F0 = 4 Hz), so that the period T0 = approximately 250 ms.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4A - 4C, we describe the behavior of the mechanical oscillator in a first case. After a first period T0 begins a new period T1, respectively a new alternation A1 during which a braking pulse P1 occurs. At the initial instant tD1, the alternation A1 begins, the resonator 40 then being in the state of FIG. 4A where the magnet 44 occupies an angular position β corresponding to an extreme position (maximum positive angular position Am). Then the braking pulse P1 intervenes at the instant tP1 which is situated before the median instant tN1 at which the resonator passes through its neutral position, FIGS. 4B, 4C representing the resonator respectively at the two successive instants tP1 and tN1. Finally, the alternation A1 ends at the final instant tF1.
In the first case, the braking pulse is generated between the start of an alternation and the passage of the resonator through its neutral position in this alternation. As expected, the angular speed in absolute value decreases at the moment of the braking pulse P1. This induces a negative temporal phase shift TC1 in the oscillation of the resonator, as shown by the two graphs of the angular speed and of the angular position in FIG. 3, ie a delay relative to the theoretical undisturbed signal (shown in broken lines). Thus, the duration of the alternation A1 is increased by a time interval TC1. The oscillation period T1, comprising the alternation A1, is therefore prolonged relative to the value T0. This causes a punctual reduction in the frequency of the mechanical oscillator and a momentary slowing down of the rate of the associated mechanism.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6A - 6C, we describe the behavior of the mechanical oscillator in a second case. The graphs in FIG. 5 represent the temporal evolution of the same variables as in FIG. 3. After a first period T0 begins a new period T2, respectively an alternation A2 during which a braking pulse P2 occurs. At the initial instant tD2, the alternation A2 begins, the resonator 40 then being in an extreme position (maximum negative angular position not shown). After a quarter of a period (T0 / 4) corresponding to a half-wave, the resonator reaches its neutral position at the median instant tN2 (configuration shown in FIG. 6A). Then the braking pulse P2 intervenes at the instant tP2 which is located after the median instant tN2 at which the resonator passes through its neutral position in the halfwave A2. Finally, this alternation ends at the final instant tF2at which the resonator again occupies an extreme position (maximum positive angular position). FIGS. 6B, 6C represent the resonator respectively at the two successive instants tN2 and tF2. It will be noted in particular that the configuration of Figure 6A differs from the configuration of Figure 4C by the opposite directions of the respective oscillating movements. Indeed, in Figure 4C, the balance wheel turns in a clockwise direction when it passes through the neutral position in the alternation A1, while in Figure 6A this balance wheel turns counterclockwise when passing through the neutral position in the A2 alternation.
In the second case considered, the braking pulse is generated, in an alternation, between the median instant at which the resonator passes through its neutral position and the final instant at which this alternation ends and at which the resonator occupies a extreme position. As expected, the angular speed in absolute value decreases at the moment of the braking pulse P2. Remarkably, the braking pulse here induces a positive temporal phase shift TC2 in the oscillation of the resonator, as shown by the two graphs of the angular speed and of the angular position in Figure 5, i.e. an advance relative to the theoretical signal not disturbed (shown in dashed lines). Thus, the duration of the alternation A2 is reduced by the time interval TC2. The oscillation period T2 including the alternation A2 is therefore shorter than the value T0. This consequently generates a punctual increase in the frequency of the mechanical oscillator and a momentary acceleration of the rate of the associated mechanism.
Referring to Figures 7 and 8, we describe the behavior of the mechanical oscillator of a timepiece assembly according to the invention when applied to driving pulses other than those provided by its usual maintenance device comprising a exhaust. It will be noted that the graphs of Figures 7 and 8 represent the temporal evolution of the same variables as in Figures 3 and 5. By driving impulse, one understands an application, substantially during a limited time interval, of a certain torque of force. to the mechanical resonator in the direction of the oscillation movement of this mechanical resonator. The motor torque is also obtained by the magnet-coil coupling of the magnetic system provided. It therefore corresponds to a motor magnetic torque exerted on the magnet 44 via the coil 28, the latter being controlled by the regulation device according to the invention. Such driving pulses require the application of a sufficient voltage in the coil by the regulating device. This action is recognizable in Figures 7 and 8 on the graph of the coil voltage in the time zone during which the driving pulse is supplied, this time zone being provided during the appearance of an induced voltage pulse in coil through the passage of the magnet. It is indeed observed that the coil voltage takes during the driving pulse a negative value, greater in absolute value than that of the negative half-wave (one half-wave of the induced voltage is defined between two passages by the zero value) of the induced voltage (shown in dotted lines in the time zone). Thus, a motor torque is generated on the sprung balance of the resonator.
It will be noted that a motor torque can also be produced by the application of a positive voltage pulse applied during a positive half-wave of the induced voltage. In the case shown, provision has been made to apply the correction pulse during the negative half-wave because it occurs following the positive half-wave which is used to control the triggering of this correction pulse. Those skilled in the art know how to use the induced voltage signal and, if necessary, a timer to determine, during the passage of the magnet above the coil, the temporal positions of the mechanical resonator and also to determine the corresponding angular positions of this mechanical resonator.
Referring to Figure 7, we describe the behavior of the mechanical oscillator in a third case. A driving pulse P3 is supplied in an alternation A3. At the initial instant tD3, this alternation A3 begins, the resonator 40 then being in the configuration of FIG. 4A. Then comes the driving pulse P3 at the instant tP3 which is located before the median instant tN3auquel which the resonator passes through its neutral position. FIGS. 4B and 4C represent the resonator respectively at the two successive instants tP3 and tN3. Finally, the alternation A3 ends at the final instant tF3.
In the third case considered, the driving pulse is generated between the start of an alternation and the passage of the resonator through its neutral position in this alternation. As expected, the angular speed in absolute value increases at the moment of the driving pulse P3. However, this induces a positive temporal phase shift TC3 in the oscillation of the resonator, as shown by the two graphs of angular speed and angular position in Figure 7, i.e. an advance relative to the theoretical undisturbed signal (shown in dotted lines) . Thus, the duration of the alternation A3 is reduced by the time interval TC3. The oscillation period T3, comprising the alternation A3, is therefore shorter than the oscillation period T0. This consequently generates a punctual increase in the frequency of the mechanical oscillator and a momentary acceleration of the rate of the associated mechanism.
Referring to Figure 8, we describe the behavior of the mechanical oscillator in a fourth case. After a first period T0 begins a new period T4, respectively an alternation A4 during which a driving pulse P4 occurs. At the initial instant tD4, the alternation A4 begins. After a half-wave (T0 / 4), the resonator reaches its neutral position at the middle instant tN4 (configuration shown in FIG. 6A). Then comes the driving pulse P4 at the instant tP4 which is located after the median instant tN4auquel which the resonator passes through its neutral position in the alternation A4. Finally, this alternation ends at the final instant tF4. The angular positions occupied by the resonator at the two successive instants tN4 and tF4 are respectively represented in FIGS. 6B and 6C.
In the fourth case considered, the driving pulse is generated, in an alternation, between the median instant at which the resonator passes through its neutral position and the final instant at which this alternation ends and at which the resonator occupies a position extreme. As expected, the angular speed in absolute value increases at the moment of the driving pulse P4. Surprisingly, the driving pulse here induces a negative temporal phase shift TC4 in the oscillation of the resonator, as shown by the two graphs of the angular speed and of the angular position in Figure 8, i.e. a delay relative to the theoretical undisturbed signal. . Thus, the duration of the alternation A4 is increased by the time interval TC4. The oscillation period T4, comprising the alternation A4, is therefore prolonged relative to the value T0. This consequently generates a punctual reduction in the frequency of the mechanical oscillator and a momentary slowing down of the rate of the associated mechanism.
Referring to Figures 9, 10A to 10C and 11, there will be described below a particular mode of regulation for a clock assembly similar to that described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. This clock assembly comprises a resonator 6A formed a balance 18A and a conventional hairspring (not shown). The half-axis 26 passes through the middle of the pair of bipolar magnets 22 and 24 already described. When the sprung balance is in its neutral position (rest position), the semi-axis 26 occupies an angular position given by the semi-axis 27 which defines the reference axis (zero angular position) to measure the angular movement of the resonator over time. The present arrangement is specific in that the coil is arranged with its center aligned with the half-axis 27, so that there is no angular offset between the center of the coil and the neutral position of the half-axis. axis 26. However, it will be noted that each of the two magnets considered individually has a small angular offset relative to the reference semi-axis when the resonator is in its neutral position (state shown in FIG. 10B). The induced voltage signal generated by the pair of magnets when passing opposite the coil has a profile as shown in Figures 9 and 11. This voltage profile forms a pulse with a central lobe having a peak defining the amplitude. maximum voltage induced in the coil and two side lobes (also called wings) on either side of the central lobe.
Figure 9 shows the effect of a braking pulse P5 applied during the appearance of the first side lobe of an induced voltage pulse, that is to say before the appearance of the central lobe, the peak of which defines the passage through the zero position of the semi-axis 26, and therefore before the passage of the resonator through its neutral position. FIG. 10A shows the angular position substantially occupied by the balance 18A during the generation of the braking pulse P5 in the half-wave A5 by a short-circuit of the coil. In a manner similar to what was observed previously, the pulse P5 generates a negative phase shift TC5 of the oscillation of the resonator in the half-wave A5. Thus, the duration of this half-wave is extended by the absolute value of this phase shift TC5relative to the half-period T0 / 2 of a free oscillation. The oscillation frequency is momentarily reduced relative to the frequency F0 of the free mechanical oscillator (the oscillation frequency in the absence of regulation pulses).
Figure 11 shows the effect of a braking pulse P6 applied during the appearance of the second side lobe of an induced voltage pulse, that is to say after the appearance of the central lobe and therefore after the resonator has passed through its neutral position. FIG. 10C shows the angular position substantially occupied by the balance 18A during the generation of the braking pulse P6. The pulse P6 generates a positive phase shift TC6 of the oscillation of the resonator in the half-wave A6. Thus, the duration of this half-wave is reduced by the absolute value of this phase shift TC6relative to the half-period T0 12 of a free oscillation. The oscillation frequency is momentarily increased relative to the frequency F0 of the free mechanical oscillator.
Note that an arrangement of the magnetic system with a pair of magnets, as shown in Figure 2, can advantageously be used in a clock assembly in which it is provided, as in the embodiment described above with reference in Figures 4A - 4C and 6A - 6C, a non-zero angular offset, for example from 60 ° to 120 °, between the reference semi-axis 27, defined previously and shown in Figures 10A to 10C, and the defined semi-axis by the center of the coil (corresponding to the half-axis 50 shown in Figure 4A). In this case, it is possible to intervene on the mechanical oscillator before and after passing through the neutral position of the mechanical resonator in a manner similar to what has been described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, while exploiting the central lobe of the pulses of induced voltage which allows a magnetic coupling of greater intensity in the magnetic system. It is thus possible in particular to generate stronger magnetic braking torques than in the case described above in relation to FIGS. 9 to 11. It will be observed that, in the latter case, the central lobe of the voltage pulses can however be used to generate electrical energy stored in a capacitor via a rectifier, this electrical energy being able to be used advantageously to supply the regulation device according to the invention. This is also possible in an embodiment with an aforementioned angular offset for the coil.
By exploiting the physical phenomena described above, the watch assembly according to the invention is characterized by a particular arrangement of the device for regulating the mechanical oscillator. Generally, this regulation device comprises a measuring device arranged to measure, where appropriate, a time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to an auxiliary oscillator, which is implicitly more precise than the mechanical resonator, and to determine whether this time drift corresponds to at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay. Then, the regulating device comprises an electronic control circuit and a regulating pulse application device, which are arranged to be able to apply to the mechanical resonator, when the time drift of the mechanical oscillator corresponds to the at least a certain the aforementioned advance, a first braking pulse substantially in a first half-wave before the median moment of passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position or a first driving pulse substantially in a second half-cycle after this middle moment and, when the drift time of the mechanical oscillator corresponds to at least a certain aforementioned delay, a second braking pulse substantially in a second half-wave after the median instant of passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position or a second driving pulse in a first half -alternation before this mid-point.
In a preferred embodiment which will be described later in more detail, the regulation device comprises a device for determining the temporal positions of the mechanical resonator, this determining device being arranged to be able to determine, in an alternation of an oscillation, a first instant which occurs before the median instant of passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position and after the initial instant at which this alternation begins, as well as, in the same alternation or another alternation of an oscillation, a second instant which occurs after the median instant of passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position and before the final instant at which this alternation ends. Then, the electronic control circuit is arranged to distinguish the first time and the second time and to trigger the above-mentioned first braking pulse or the above-mentioned second driving pulse at substantially the first time and the above-mentioned second braking pulse or the above-mentioned first driving pulse. substantially at the second instant.
It should be noted that the measuring device and the regulating pulse application device may have common elements or organs, in particular a magnetic assembly, formed of at least one magnet and a coil, of the type previously described. Likewise, the device for determining the temporal positions of the mechanical resonator may have elements or organs in common with the measuring device, in particular the aforementioned magnetic assembly and also electronic components, and with the control circuit, for example a logic circuit and possibly a counter. However, such embodiments are in no way limiting in the context of the present invention. In addition, it will be noted that the magnetic assembly used to couple the sprung balance to the regulation circuit is not limiting.
Embodiments of a regulating device according to the invention are described below with reference to Figures 12 to 19.
A first embodiment, described below with reference to Figures 12 to 14, relates to a watch assembly comprising a magnetic system of the type shown in Figures 4A-4C. The balance therefore carries a single bipolar magnet with axial magnetization and a coupling coil 28 is provided which is angularly offset by a non-zero angle θ relative to the reference semi-axis 48 (see FIG. 4A). The angle θ is greater than zero and preferably between 30 ° and 180 ° for an amplitude of the mechanical oscillator provided between 200 ° and 300 ° in the useful operating range, these ranges of values being in no way limiting. The regulation device 52 comprises a regulation circuit 30A and an auxiliary resonator 32A. This auxiliary resonator is for example an electronic quartz resonator. The induced voltage Ui generated at the terminals of the coil, when the mechanical oscillator is activated, forms an analog signal consisting of a succession of IAnet IAm pulses (n, m = 1, 2, 3, ..., N, ...) which correspond to the successive passages of the magnet opposite the coil. This analog signal is firstly compared with a threshold voltage Uthau by means of a hysteresis comparator 54 (Schmidt trigger) in order to generate a digital signal 'Comp' for the digital electronics of the regulation circuit. This digital signal 'Comp' consists of a succession of digital pulses 74 and 76 corresponding respectively to the succession of analog pulses IAnet lAm.
The comparator is an element of a measuring circuit described below. Given that there are two IAnet pulses IAmp per oscillation period of the mechanical resonator and that the succession of digital pulses 74 and 76 define between them alternately two different time intervals T7 and T8 (this resulting from the angular shift of the coil relatively to the reference axis), the digital signal 'Comp' is set either on the pulses 74, or on the pulses 76 by means of a flip-flop 56, which thus periodically supplies one pulse per period of oscillation. The flip-flop increments, at the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator, a bidirectional counter C2, which is decremented to a nominal frequency / set frequency by a clock signal Shord derived from the auxiliary oscillator which generates a digital signal at a frequency reference. This auxiliary oscillator is formed of the auxiliary resonator 32A and of a clock circuit 60. For this purpose, the relatively high frequency reference signal generated by the clock circuit is divided beforehand by the dividers DIV1 and DIV2 (these two dividers that can form two floors of the same divider). Thus, the state of the counter C2 determines the advance or the delay accumulated by the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator with a resolution corresponding substantially to a set period, the state of the counter being supplied to a logic circuit. command 62A.
The logic control circuit 62A, for example a microcontroller, is arranged to determine a succession of temporal positions tnet tmdu mechanical resonator corresponding respectively to the succession of digital pulses 74 and 76 (detected in particular on their rising flanks). It determines this information directly from the 'Comp' signal supplied by the comparator 54. In addition, the regulation circuit 30A is arranged to allow the logic circuit 62A to distinguish the pulses 74 which correspond to events occurring, in corresponding halfwaves, before the passage of the resonator through its neutral position of the pulses 76 which correspond to events occurring, in corresponding alternations, after the passage of the resonator through its neutral position. For this purpose, the presence of the fixed angular offset of the coil 28 relative to the reference half-axis, which defines the neutral position of the resonator at the center of the magnet fixed on the balance, is used.
The fixed angular offset of the coil has the consequence that two induced voltage pulses IAnet IAmgenerated in the same oscillation period occur on the same side of the reference semi-axis, so that the corresponding digital pulses 74 and 76 have between them a time interval T7 less than the time interval T8 which separate them from the two adjacent pulses intervening respectively in the preceding oscillation period and the following oscillation period. The induced voltage pulses IAm define, in the halfwaves during which they are generated, events which occur at least for the most part after passing through the neutral position, while the induced voltage pulses IAndefine events which occur at least for the most part. part before passing through the neutral position. Among two digital pulses 74 and 76 which are generated by the comparator in the same period, and which are separated by a time interval T7, the first pulse 76 therefore occurs after the resonator has passed through its neutral position and before the instant end of the half-wave during which this first pulse 76 occurs, while the second pulse 74 occurs before the resonator passes through its neutral position and after the initial moment of the half-wave during which this second pulse 74 occurs.
To differentiate between magnet-coil couplings occurring before the neutral position and magnet-coil couplings occurring after this neutral position in the alternations, provision is made to measure the time intervals T7 and T8 by means of a counter C1 which receives a clock signal derived between the two dividers DIV1 and DIV2, and then to compare these time measurements T7 and T8 with a differentiation value TDIF which is selected between the values T7 and T8 (ie T7 <TDIF <T8). Thus, this comparison carried out in the logic circuit 62A enables it to distinguish between the pulses 74 and the pulses 76, respectively between the instants tnet tm of their rising edges and thus to determine the instants tnsituated in the corresponding halfwaves before the resonator passes through its neutral position and the instants tmsituated in the corresponding half-waves after the resonator has passed through its neutral position, and to distinguish them from one another. Thanks to this distinction made between the instants tnet the instants tmp by the regulation device, the logic circuit 62A can selectively generate control pulses 74B and 76B to produce, respectively before and after the neutral position of the mechanical resonator, braking pulses and / or motor impulses. Thus, in the variant of the first embodiment described here, the electronic control circuit is arranged so that the regulation pulses are applied, as a function of the measured time drift and according to whether they are braking pulses. or driving pulses, respectively upon the appearance of induced voltage pulses either in first half-waves or in second half-waves, each oscillation of the mechanical resonator defining a first half-wave followed by a second half-wave.
In the case of braking pulses provided for the regulation of a mechanical oscillator which may have either a delay or an advance (a situation which may moreover change over time so that the watch movement may alternately exhibit delay periods and periods of advance), the logic circuit 62A controls a transistor 68, via a timer 66 (Timer TR), or by a control signal SCA triggering one or more control pulses 74B at substantially one or more tnrespective instants in the event of advance in the running of the watch movement, or a control signal SCR triggering one or more control pulses 76B at substantially one or more tmrespectives instants in the event of delay. Timer 66 determines the duration TR of the braking pulses.
To electronically regulate the frequency of the mechanical oscillator using braking pulses, it is therefore planned to provide in at least one half-wave of this mechanical oscillator, when its time drift corresponds to a certain advance, a braking pulse, corresponding here to a control pulse 74B, at a first instant tn which occurs before the median instant of passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position and, when the time drift of the mechanical oscillator corresponds to a certain delay, a braking pulse, corresponding to a control pulse 76B, at a second instant tm which occurs after the aforementioned median instant.
FIG. 14 gives the flowchart corresponding to the control algorithm implemented in the control logic circuit 62A to implement the regulation method carried out by the regulation device 52. In an initialization phase, following the activation of the device 52 in step POR, the bidirectional counter C2 is reinitialized ('Reset'). Then, upon detection of a rising edge of a first digital pulse 74 or 76, counter C1 is reset ('Reset'). When the next rising edge of a digital pulse is detected, the state of counter C1 is compared to the differentiation value TDIF. If the value of counter C1 is less than the TDIF value, this indicates that the pulse corresponding to the new rising edge detected occurs before the mechanical resonator passes through its neutral position. The position of this resonator during the magnet-coil coupling present can make it possible to reduce its instantaneous frequency by a braking pulse. On the other hand, if the value of the counter C1 is greater than the TDIF value, this indicates that the pulse corresponding to the new rising edge detected occurs after the mechanical resonator has passed through its neutral position. The position of this resonator during the magnet-coil coupling present can make it possible to increase its instantaneous frequency by a braking pulse.
Thus, if C1 <TDIF, the logic circuit checks the state of counter C2 to see if it indicates a certain advance of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator. To this end, this logic circuit compares the value of counter C2 with a positive integer number N1 greater than zero. If C2> N1, then the logic circuit instantly triggers a control pulse 74B and the regulating device directly generates a braking pulse. Otherwise, no braking pulse is generated and the sequence is terminated. Counter C1 is reset directly after each detection of a rising edge to determine the time period between the detected pulse and the next, and thus allow the sequence shown in the flowchart to be carried out in a loop for continuous regulation of the rate. of the watch movement. On the other hand, if C1> TDIF, then the logic circuit compares the value of counter C2 with a negative integer - N2, less than zero, to see if it indicates a certain delay of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator . If C2 <- N2, the logic circuit then instantly triggers a control pulse 76B and the regulator device directly generates a braking pulse. Otherwise, no braking pulse is generated and the sequence is terminated. Note that N1 and N2 are natural numbers (positive integers other than zero).
It will be noted that, in the case where C2> N1 or C2 <- N2, it is possible, in a variant, to provide a plurality of successive control pulses 74B, respectively 76B at a plurality of times tn, respectively tm according to the process described here. This amounts to inhibiting the interrogation of the state of counter C2 during a certain number of sequences. It will be noted that the values N1 and N2 can be identical in a particular variant. It will also be noted that a braking pulse can already be generated when C2 = N1 or C2 = - N2.
In a variant where provision is made to apply drive pulses, the circuit of FIG. 12 can easily be modified for this purpose by connecting the lower terminal of transistor 68 not to the 'earth' (Gnd) but to a electrical power source capable of generating drive pulses when the transistor is made conductive by timer 66. The control method is reversed relative to that described above for braking pulses. Thus, on the one hand, if C1> TDIF and C2> N1, the logic circuit triggers a control pulse 76B and the regulation device directly generates a driving pulse. If C2 <= N1, no driving pulse is generated and the sequence is terminated. On the other hand, if C1 <TDIF and C2 <- N2, the logic circuit then triggers a control pulse 74B and the regulating device directly generates a driving pulse. If C2> = - N2, no driving pulse is generated and the sequence is terminated.
With reference to Figures 15 to 17, a variant of the first embodiment will be described below. The elements already described and the operation of the regulating device already fully described will not be described again in detail. This variant differs from that which has just been described essentially by the fact that the counter C1 and the comparisons carried out by the logic circuit in relation to this counter C1 are replaced by a subcircuit which performs a similar function. This sub-circuit receives the signal 'Comp' from comparator 54, this signal being supplied to a timer 84 (Timer TDIF) and to two 'AND' gates 86 and 87. The second input of gate 86 receives a signal from timer 84. and the second input of gate 87 receives the signal from timer 84 inverted by gate 'NOT' 88. As shown by signals 'TDIF', 'AV' and 'AP' in Figure 16, timer 84 is reset to each falling edge of digital pulses 74 and 76. Its output signal indicates whether since the last reset the measured time interval is less (value '1') or greater (value '0') than the TDIF differentiation value. The AV signal at the output of logic gate 86 has pulses 74A (value '1') which reproduce the pulses 74 of comparator 54. The AP signal at the output of logic gate 87 has pulses 76A (value '1'). ) which reproduce the pulses 76 of the comparator 54. The signal AV therefore indicates to the logic control circuit 62B when a magnet-coil coupling occurs before the neutral position of the mechanical resonator and the signal AP indicates to this circuit when a coupling magnet-coil intervenes after the neutral position. It then suffices for the logic circuit 62B to interrogate the state of the counter C2 in order to generate, if necessary, a signal SCA or a signal SCR described above.
FIG. 17 gives the flowchart corresponding to the control algorithm implemented in the control logic circuit 62B to implement the regulation method carried out by the regulation circuit 30B of the regulation device 82. In a phase d 'initialization, following the activation of the device 82 in the step POR, the bidirectional counter C2 is reinitialized (' Reset '). Then, the control circuit follows the evolution of the state of the bidirectional counter C2 to see if a certain advance, either C2> N1, or if a certain delay, or C2 <- N2, in the running of the watch movement is detected. . In the event of a detected advance, the control circuit waits for the signal AV to have a logic state '1', substantially indicating the start of a magnet-coil coupling before the neutral position of the resonator, to generate a control pulse 74B which directly produces a braking pulse before the neutral position. In the event of a delay detected, the control circuit waits for the signal AP to have a logic state '1', substantially indicating the start of a magnet-coil coupling after the neutral position of the resonator, to generate a control pulse 76B which produces a braking pulse directly after the neutral position. In this variant embodiment, the braking time TR is advantageously selected so as to be greater than the time required for the induced voltage 'Ui' in the coil 28 to drop below a voltage threshold 'Uth' in the non-case. braked, this so as to avoid, in the event of braking, the generation of a second rising edge of the signal 'Comp' in the positive half-wave of Ui.
In another variant of the first embodiment, the magnetic assembly comprises a pair of bipolar magnets mounted on the balance and having axial magnetization axes of opposite respective polarities, the coil being integral with the support of the mechanical resonator , the median half-axis starting from the axis of rotation of the balance and passing through the middle of this pair of magnets defining a reference half-axis when the resonator is at rest and therefore in its neutral position, the pair of magnets and the coil being arranged so that an induced voltage signal generated in the coil as the pair of magnets pass opposite this coil has a maximum amplitude lobe resulting from simultaneous coupling of the two magnets of the coil. pair of magnets with coil. Then, the coil has at its center an angular offset relative to the reference semi-axis such that a lobe of maximum amplitude is located before the passage of the median semi-axis through the reference semi-axis during a first alternation of any oscillation and after the passage of this median semi-axis through the reference semi-axis during a second alternation of any oscillation. Finally, the electronic control circuit is arranged so that the regulation pulses are applied, as a function of the measured time drift and according to whether they are braking pulses or motor pulses, respectively during appearances. lobes of maximum amplitude either in first half-waves or in second half-waves.
A second embodiment, described below with reference to Figures 18 to 20, relates to a watch assembly comprising a magnetic system of the type shown in Figures 10A-10C. The balance therefore carries a pair of axially magnetized bipolar magnets and a coupling coil 28 is provided, the center of which is aligned in superposition with the reference semi-axis 27 (see FIG. 10A) corresponding to the rest position of the half. axis 26 passing through the middle of the pair of magnets. The regulation device 92 comprises a regulation circuit 30C. The induced voltage Ui generated at the terminals of the coil (Figure 19) forms an analog signal consisting of a succession of pulses IPmet INm (m = 1, 2, 3, ..., N, ...) generated at the passages successive pair of magnets facing the coil.
In each period of oscillation, the resonator passes twice through its neutral position respectively in the two opposite directions of its oscillation movement. Thus, two pulses IPmet INmrepresented in FIG. 19 appear in each period of oscillation and respectively in two successive half-waves, one IPm having a central lobe Lcm of positive voltage and the other INm having a central lobe of negative voltage. Conversely, the IPm pulse has two side lobes of negative voltage and the IN pulse has two side lobes LAmet LRm of positive voltage.
The regulation circuit 30C comprises various elements already described. The divider DIV corresponds to the set of the two dividers DIV1 and DIV2 described in Figure 12. In this embodiment, as an additional function, there is provided a rectifier 94 associated with a storage capacitor 95, this rectifier being arranged to charge the storage capacity only when the negative central lobes of the INm pulses appear.
The circuit 30C comprises a circuit for measuring a time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator, which is arranged similarly to the measuring circuit 58 described above. Circuit 30C comprises two hysteresis comparators 96 and 98. The first comparator is used to detect the succession of central lobes Lcm having a positive voltage, these central lobes of the pulses IPmin intervening at the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator, that is to say once per period of oscillation. To do this, the voltage of the coil 28 is compared with a voltage threshold Th1, the value of which is greater than the maximum voltage of the side lobes. The signal 'Comp1' of the comparator 96 is supplied on the one hand to the counter C2 (already described above) and on the other hand to the logic control circuit 62C. The comparator 98 is used to detect the succession of side lobes LAmet LRm having a positive voltage by a comparison of the coil voltage to a voltage threshold Th2, this to allow the application of braking pulses either during the appearance of the first lateral lobes LAmen case of advance in the rate of the watch movement, ie during the appearance of second side lobes LRmen case of delay in the rate of this clock movement, so as to regulate this rate. Reference will be made to the description of Figures 9 to 11 in this regard. The signal 'Comp2' from comparator 98 is supplied to the control circuit. In summary, the first side lobes LAm appear before the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position, while the second side lobes LRm appear after the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position. The application of braking pulses during the appearance of the first side lobes LAm generates a correction which tends to reduce the oscillation frequency of the mechanical oscillator. On the contrary, the application of braking pulses during the appearance of second lateral lobes LRm generates a correction which tends to increase this oscillation frequency.
As shown in Figure 19, the signal 'Comp1' presents digital pulses 100 periodically at the instantaneous frequency of the mechanical oscillator. The signal 'Comp2' also detects the central lobes of positive voltage by a pulse 102 substantially centered on the corresponding pulse 100 and of duration greater than that of the latter. Then, the signal 'Comp2' generates two digital pulses 103 and 104 corresponding to the two side lobes of the pulses INm. These two digital pulses determine two respective instants tAmet tRm corresponding respectively to their rising edges. These two instants are distinguished by the control circuit so as to be able to selectively generate either a braking pulse at an instant tAmp to increase a period of the mechanical oscillator and thus temporarily reduce its instantaneous frequency, or a braking pulse at an instant tRmp for decrease a period of the mechanical oscillator and thus momentarily increase its instantaneous frequency.
FIG. 20 gives the flowchart corresponding to the control algorithm implemented in the control logic circuit 62C to implement the regulation method carried out by the regulation device 92. In an initialization phase, following the activation of the device 92 in the step POR, the bidirectional counter C2 is reinitialized ('Reset'). Then, the control circuit 62C firstly waits for the detection of a falling edge of a pulse 100 and then the detection of a rising edge of a pulse 103. If the value of the counter C2 is greater than a positive value N1, it then triggers a braking pulse substantially at the instant tAmet ends the sequence. Otherwise, the control circuit waits for the detection of the rising edge of the pulse 104 which follows. If the value of the counter C2 is less than a negative value - N2, it then triggers a braking pulse approximately at the instant tRmet ends the sequence. It will be noted that between the instants tAmet tRm, the mechanical resonator passes through its neutral position. It will be understood that it is alternatively possible to obtain a similar regulation by using the appearance of the negative voltages in the coil 28 and by then selecting negative voltage thresholds applied to the respective positive inputs of the two comparators 96 and 98.
Thus, in the second embodiment, the electronic control circuit is arranged so that the regulation pulses are applied, as a function of the measured time drift and according to whether they are braking pulses or motor impulses, respectively when one of the two side lobes appears or when the other of these two side lobes appears. In addition, preferably, the watch assembly further comprises a rectifier connected to an electrical energy storage capacity and arranged to charge this storage capacity, when the balance oscillates, during the appearance of said central lobe. This storage capacity can be used advantageously for the power supply of the regulation device. Note that in both embodiments, chopped brake pulses can be generated. Chopping can in particular be used to follow the evolution of the induced voltage while giving brief braking pulses. The chopping rate can also be modulated in order to vary the intensity of the braking pulse.
In Figures 21 and 22 is shown an advantageous variant embodiment of a mechanical oscillator 106 incorporated in a movement according to the invention. The resonator 106 is formed by a balance 18A which comprises two plates of ferromagnetic material 112 and 114. The upper plate 112 carries on the side of its lower face the two bipolar magnets 22 and 24. This upper plate also serves to close the lines of fields of the two magnets. The lower plate 114 serves to lower the field lines of the two magnets. The two plates of the balance thus axially form a magnetic shielding for the two magnets so that their respective magnetic fields remain substantially confined in a volume situated between the respective outer surfaces of these two plates. The coil 28 is partially arranged between the two plates which are fixedly mounted on a cylindrical part 116 made of non-magnetic material, this part being fixedly mounted on a shaft 118 of the balance. In a variant, the part 116 can be made of steel and thus conduct a magnetic field, which can be an advantage in a variant provided with a single bipolar magnet, having its magnetic axis oriented axially, on one of the two plates or on each one. of the two trays. In the latter case, if the cylindrical connecting piece is non-magnetic, then at least one plate may have a ferromagnetic part which approaches the other or touches it to close the field lines of each magnet through the two plates. and thus allow the coil or coils to be axially traversed by substantially the entire magnetic field produced by each magnet when the balance oscillates. It will also be noted that the plates can be produced only partially by a material with high magnetic permeability which forms two parts located respectively above and below the magnet or, where appropriate, the magnets, these two parts being arranged in so as to allow the coil or, where appropriate, the coils of the regulating device to pass between them when the balance oscillates.
The resonator 106 also comprises a spiral spring 110, one end of which is fixed in a conventional manner to the shaft 118. It will be noted that the spiral spring is preferably made of a non-magnetic material, for example of silicon, or of paramagnetic material. In Figure 22 is also shown an escape mechanism formed of a pin arranged on a small plate secured to the balance shaft, an anchor 120 and an escape wheel 122 (shown partially). Under the upper plate, opposite the magnets 22 and 24, a mass 124 for balancing the balance is provided. Other means for carrying out a fine adjustment of the inertia and a balancing of the balance can also be provided. It will be noted that in a variant, magnets are also carried by the lower plate. Such magnets are preferably arranged opposite the magnets carried by the upper plate, the coil or coils provided being arranged so as to be able to pass between the magnets fixed respectively to the first and second plates.
Thus, in the context of the advantageous variant described above, the balance generally comprises a magnetic structure which is arranged so as to define a magnetic shielding for the magnet or magnets carried by the balance while at the same time promoting the magnetic coupling of this magnet or these magnets with the coil or coils provided.

权利要求:
Claims (13)
[1]
1. Watch assembly (2), comprising:- a mechanism,- a mechanical resonator (6, 40, 6A, 106) capable of oscillating around a neutral position corresponding to its state of minimum mechanical potential energy, each oscillation of the mechanical resonator defining an oscillation period and having two successive alternations between two extreme positions which define the amplitude of oscillation of the mechanical resonator, each alternation having a passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position at a median instant and a duration between an initial instant and a final instant defined respectively by the two extreme positions occupied by the mechanical resonator at the start and at the end of this alternation,- a maintenance device (10) of the mechanical resonator forming with this mechanical resonator a mechanical oscillator which is arranged to control the operation of said mechanism,- a regulation device (8, 52, 82, 92) arranged to regulate the average frequency of the mechanical oscillator, this regulation device comprising an auxiliary oscillator, a device for applying regulation pulses to the mechanical resonator, a measuring device arranged to be able to measure the time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator and an electronic control circuit connected to the measuring device and arranged to control the regulation pulse application device, the control device measurement and the electronic control circuit being arranged to be able to determine whether the measured time drift corresponds to at least a certain advance, the device for applying regulating pulses being arranged so as to be able to generate on command regulating pulses each exerting a certain force torque on the mechanical resonator; the watch assembly being characterized in that the measuring device and the electronic control circuit are arranged so as to be able to further determine whether the time drift corresponds to at least a certain delay; and in that the electronic control circuit and the regulation pulse application device are arranged to be able to selectively apply to the mechanical resonator:- following a determination of said at least a certain advance, a first braking pulse (P1, P5) of which at least a major part occurs between said initial instant (tD1) and said median instant (tN1, tN5) of an alternation (A1, A5) and / or a first driving pulse (P4) at least a major part of which occurs between said median instant (tN4) and said final instant (tF4) of an alternation (A4),- following a determination of said at least a certain delay, a second braking pulse (P2, P6) of which at least a major part occurs between said median instant (tN2, tN6) and said final instant (tF2) of an alternation ( A2, A6) and / or a second driving pulse (P3) at least a major part of which occurs between said initial instant (tD3) and said median instant (tN3) of an alternation (A3).
[2]
2. Watch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control circuit and the device for applying regulating pulses are arranged to be able to selectively apply to the mechanical resonator in a plurality of alternations:- Following a determination of said at least a certain advance, respectively a plurality of first braking pulses, each similar to said first braking pulse, and / or respectively a plurality of first driving pulses, each similar to said first driving pulse,- Following a determination of said at least a certain delay, respectively a plurality of second braking pulses, each similar to said second braking pulse, and / or respectively a plurality of second driving pulses, each similar to said second driving pulse.
[3]
3. Watch assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the regulating device comprises a device (54, C1,62A; 54,84,86,87,88,628; 98,62C) for determining the temporal positions of the resonator mechanical, this determining device being arranged to be able to determine, in an alternation of an oscillation of the mechanical resonator, a first instant which occurs before said median instant and after said initial instant of this alternation and, also in an alternation of an oscillation of the mechanical resonator, a second instant which occurs after said median instant and before said final instant of this alternation; and in that said electronic control circuit is arranged to be able to selectively trigger said first braking pulse or said second driving pulse substantially at said first instant and said second braking pulse or said first driving pulse substantially at said second instant.
[4]
4. Watch assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulating device comprises a magnetic assembly formed of at least one magnet (22,24; 44) and at least one coil (28) arranged respectively on the mechanical resonator (6A, 40) and on a support of this mechanical resonator or respectively on the support of the mechanical resonator and on this mechanical resonator, this magnetic assembly forming said device for applying regulating pulses and partially said control device. measured.
[5]
5. Watch assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the mechanical resonator comprises a balance (18A) provided with elastic means, which are arranged to exert on this balance a return force when it deviates angularly from said neutral position. ; and in that said maintenance device comprises an escapement kinematically connected to a barrel provided with a mainspring, the escapement being capable of supplying the mechanical resonator with a mechanical torque for sustaining its oscillation.
[6]
6. Watch assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetic assembly comprises a bipolar magnet (44) mounted on the balance with an axial magnetization axis, the median half-axis (46) starting from the axis of rotation (20) of this balance and passing through the center of this bipolar magnet defining a reference semi-axis (48) when the resonator is at rest and therefore in its neutral position; in that the coil is integral with the support of the mechanical resonator and arranged so that said bipolar magnet passes opposite this coil when the balance oscillates, the coil having at its center an angular offset (θ) relative to the reference semi-axis such that an induced voltage signal generated in the coil when the bipolar magnet passes opposite this coil is substantially located, during a first alternation of any oscillation, before the passage of the central half-axis through the reference semi-axis and, during a second alternation of any oscillation, after the passage of this median semi-axis through the reference semi-axis; and in that the electronic control circuit is arranged so that the regulation pulses are applied respectively upon appearance of this induced voltage signal and selectively, as a function of the measured time drift and according to whether it is a question of 'braking pulses or driving pulses, in first vibrations or in second vibrations.
[7]
7. Watch assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetic assembly comprises a pair of bipolar magnets (22, 24) mounted on the balance and having respectively two axial magnetization axes with opposite polarities, the coil being integral with the support of the mechanical resonator, the median half-axis (26) starting from the axis of rotation of the balance and passing through the middle of the pair of bipolar magnets defining a reference half-axis (27) when the resonator is at rest and therefore in its neutral position, the pair of magnets and the coil being arranged so that an induced voltage signal generated in the coil as the pair of magnets pass opposite this coil has a central lobe and two lateral lobes, of lesser amplitude than that of the central lobe, which are located respectively on both sides of this central lobe; in that said coil is aligned with the reference semi-axis, the electronic control circuit being arranged so that the regulation pulses are applied, as a function of the measured time drift and according to whether they are pulses braking or driving pulses, respectively when one of the two side lobes appears or when the other of these two side lobes appears; and in that the watch assembly further comprises a rectifier connected to an electrical energy storage capacitor and arranged to charge this storage capacitor, when the balance oscillates, when said central lobe appears.
[8]
8. Watch assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetic assembly comprises a pair of bipolar magnets mounted on the balance and having respectively two axial magnetization axes of opposite polarities, the coil being integral with the support of the mechanical resonator. , the median half-axis starting from the axis of rotation of the balance and passing through the middle of the pair of bipolar magnets defining a reference half-axis when the resonator is at rest and therefore in its neutral position, the pair d 'magnets and the coil being arranged so that an induced voltage signal generated in the coil as the pair of magnets pass opposite this coil has a maximum amplitude lobe resulting from simultaneous coupling of the two magnets. the pair of magnets with the coil; in that the coil has at its center an angular offset relative to the reference semi-axis such that a maximum amplitude lobe is located before the passage of the median semi-axis through the reference semi-axis during a first alternation of any oscillation and after the passage of this median semi-axis through the reference semi-axis during a second alternation of any oscillation; and in that the electronic control circuit is arranged so that the regulation pulses are applied respectively during the appearance of lobes of maximum amplitude and selectively, as a function of the measured time drift and according to whether it is a question of 'braking pulses or driving pulses, in first vibrations or in second vibrations.
[9]
9. Watch assembly according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the mechanical oscillator is arranged so that, during a free oscillation in its useful operating range, its amplitude is greater than 200 °, characterized in that said offset angular (θ) is between 30 ° and 180 °.
[10]
10. Watch assembly according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the measuring device is arranged to detect the succession of periods of oscillation of the mechanical resonator on the basis of an induced voltage signal generated by said assembly. magnetic; in that the measuring device comprises a bidirectional counter (C2), a first sub-circuit (54,56; 96) arranged so as to supply, for each period of oscillation detected, one pulse or two pulses to a first input of the bidirectional counter, as well as a second sub-circuit which comprises a clock circuit (60) supplying a reference signal clocked at the frequency of said auxiliary oscillator and a divider circuit (DIV1, DIV2; DIV) which receives the signal from references and generates at output a reference signal with periodic pulses defining a reference frequency, respectively twice this reference frequency, this reference signal being supplied to a second input of the bidirectional counter; and in that the bidirectional counter is connected at output to said electronic control circuit which is arranged to read the value of this bidirectional counter and to determine whether this value is greater than a determined positive number or less than a determined negative number.
[11]
11. Watch assembly according to claims 3 and 9, characterized in that said circuit for determining temporal positions is formed by said magnetic assembly and by a differentiation circuit arranged to be able to differentiate, in said induced voltage signal generated by said magnetic assembly. , first magnet coil couplings occurring in respective halfwaves before the neutral position of the mechanical resonator and second magnet (s)-coil couplings intervening in respective halfwaves after the neutral position of the mechanical resonator, a first event associated with a first magnet coupling coil defining said first instant and a second event associated with a second magnet (s)-coil coupling defining said second instant.
[12]
12. A method of regulating the average frequency of a mechanical oscillator arranged in a watch movement and associated with a device for regulating the rate of a mechanism which is clocked by the mechanical oscillator, the latter being formed of a resonator. mechanical and a circuit for maintaining the oscillation of this mechanical resonator, the regulation device comprising an auxiliary oscillator, from which a reference signal having a reference frequency is derived, and being arranged so as to be able to generate, when the mechanical oscillator is activated, on command of the regulation pulses each exerting a force torque on the mechanical resonator, the regulation method comprising the following steps:- measure a possible temporal drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator,- determine whether the time drift corresponds, for the operation of said mechanism, to at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay,- when the time drift corresponds to said at least a certain advance, applying to the mechanical resonator at least a first braking pulse, of which at least a major part occurs between an initial instant of a first half-wave of the mechanical resonator and a median instant of this first half-wave where this mechanical resonator is in its state of minimum potential mechanical energy, and / or at least a first driving pulse of which at least a major part occurs between the median instant and a final instant of the first half-wave,- when the time drift corresponds to said at least a certain delay, apply to the mechanical resonator at least a second braking pulse, of which at least a major part occurs between a median instant of a second half-wave of the mechanical resonator and a final instant of this second half-wave, and / or at least one second driving pulse of which at least a major part occurs between an initial instant of the second half-wave and the median instant of this second half-wave.
[13]
13. Regulation method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises the following steps:A) when said time drift corresponds to said at least a certain advance,determining in said first half-wave a first moment which occurs before said middle moment and after said initial moment of this first half-wave and / or a second moment which occurs after said middle moment and before said final moment of this first half-wave, and- triggering said first braking pulse substantially at said first instant and / or said first driving pulse substantially at said second instant;B) when said time drift corresponds to a certain delay,determining in said second half-wave a first instant which occurs before said middle instant and after said initial instant of this second half-wave and / or a second instant which occurs after said middle instant and before said final instant of this second half-wave, and- triggering said second braking pulse substantially at said second instant and / or said second driving pulse substantially at said first instant.

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

EP3339982B1|2021-08-25|Regulation by mechanical breaking of a horological mechanical oscillator

---

EP1521141B1|2007-05-30|Timepiece with a mechanical movement coupled to an electronic regulator mechanism

---

EP1521142B1|2007-05-30|Timepiece with a mechanical movement coupled to an electronic regulator mechanism

---

EP3130966B1|2018-08-01|Mechanical clockwork provided with a motion feedback system

---

CH713306B1|2021-05-31|Watchmaking assembly comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a device for regulating its average frequency.

---

CH704457A2|2012-08-15|Horlogical inertia regulator for regulating rotation speed of sound or music generation mobile in musical or ringing mechanism of e.g. repeater watch, has counterweight including peripheral portion cooperated with regulating unit

---

EP3602207B1|2020-12-30|Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement of which the operation is improved by a correction device

---

WO2016037938A1|2016-03-17|Magnetic timepiece escapement and regulator device for the operation of a timepiece movement

---

WO2015140332A2|2015-09-24|Rotary clock member, clock oscillator

---

EP3602206B1|2020-12-30|Mechanical timepiece comprising a movement of which the operation is improved by a correction device

---

CH713637A2|2018-09-28|Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement whose running is improved by a correction device.

---

EP0135104B1|1987-11-19|Method and device for the control of a stepping motor

---

EP3620867B1|2022-01-05|Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator whose average frequency is synchronised to that of a reference electronic oscillator

---

CH713636A2|2018-09-28|Mechanical timepiece comprising a movement whose progress is improved by a correction device.

---

EP3502797B1|2020-07-08|Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system

---

EP3502796A1|2019-06-26|Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system

---

EP3629104B1|2021-05-12|Mechanical timepiece comprising an electronic device for regulatingthe time keeping precision of the timepiece

---

CH715295A2|2020-03-13|Timepiece including a mechanical oscillator whose average frequency is synchronized with that of a reference electronic oscillator.

---

CH713332A2|2018-06-29|Clock assembly comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a regulating device.

---

EP0108711B1|1987-06-10|Method and device for controlling a step motor

---

CH714483A2|2019-06-28|Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system.

---

EP3842876A1|2021-06-30|Timepiece fitted with a mechanical movement and a device for correcting the time displayed

---

EP3502798A1|2019-06-26|Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system

---

EP3584645A1|2019-12-25|Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement of which the operation is controlled by an electromechanical device

---

CH714485A2|2019-06-28|Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a control system.

同族专利:

---

公开号 | 公开日

---

CH713306A2|2018-06-29|

引用文献:

---

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

---

---

EP3629104B1|2018-09-27|2021-05-12|The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd|Mechanical timepiece comprising an electronic device for regulatingthe time keeping precision of the timepiece|

---

EP3719588B1|2019-04-03|2021-11-03|The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd|Auto-adjustable clock oscillator|

法律状态:

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

CH17272016|2016-12-23|

---