Control device based on an isotropic harmonic oscillator for a timepiece.

专利摘要:
The present invention relates to a device for regulating a clock mechanism on the basis of an isotropic harmonic oscillator, intended to be integrated in a timepiece, in particular in a wristwatch, said regulating device comprising a rigid frame, at least two masses (1.3) mounted so that they are movable relative to the rigid frame, a variable radius drive means (1.4) coupled by an elastic coupling means to at least one of said masses (1.3), said drive means (1.4) being adapted to be driven by a power source of said timepiece as well as to transmit the energy received to said masses (1.3) so as to set them in motion, and means inversion (1.5) coupled to said masses (1.3) and arranged to reduce the displacement of the center of mass of the regulating device. The device is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a supporting structure (1.2) mounted on said rigid frame pivotally via at least one pivot and capable of forming a guide to the movement of the masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2), said masses (1.3) being mounted on said supporting structure (1.2), and in that the inversion means (1.5) are situated on or form part of said supporting structure (1.2) and are arranged in in order to cause a correlated and symmetrical movement of said masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2). The present invention also relates to a watch movement, respectively a timepiece, comprising such a control device.
公开号:CH713837A2
申请号:CH00635/18
申请日:2018-05-22
公开日:2018-11-30
发明作者:Rey Benoit；Niaritsiry Tiavina；Pages Marc-Olivier；Clavel Reymond
申请人:Sa De La Manufacture Dhorlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Description
Fields of the invention The present invention relates to a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism on the basis of an isotropic harmonic oscillator, intended to be integrated in a timepiece, in particular in a wristwatch , said regulating device comprising a rigid frame, at least two masses mounted so that they are movable relative to the rigid frame, a variable radius drive means coupled by an elastic coupling means to at least one of said masses , said drive means being adapted to be driven by an energy source from said timepiece as well as to transmit the energy received to said masses so as to set them in motion, and reversing means coupled to said masses and arranged so as to reduce the displacement of the center of mass of the regulating device.
In general, the invention relates to the efforts to produce a regulating member for timepieces having a mechanical movement, in particular mechanical wrist watches, by overcoming the usual need to integrate a timepiece escapement, this using an isotropic harmonic oscillator. State of the Prior Art [0003] Efforts targeting a regulating member which does not require to be coupled to an escapement have already been undertaken at several times since the existence of mechanical watch movements with escapements. A recent example of this kind of effort is the document WO2015 / 104 692 which includes, in addition, a structured review of many different and theoretically possible approaches to achieve an isotropic harmonic oscillator as well as some theoretical bases of the physics of such oscillator. This document also includes sketches of numerous embodiments of such an isotropic harmonic oscillator, without, however, the technical feasibility or even the actual performance of these proposals having apparently been evaluated in all detail, so that it It is not clear which of these many proposals are actually viable.
Another recent example of this kind of effort is the document EP 3 054 358 which discloses a timepiece oscillator comprising a rigid frame, a plurality of separate primary resonators, temporally and geometrically phase shifted, and each comprising at least one inertial mass. returned to said frame by an elastic return means, coupling means arranged to allow the interaction of said primary resonators, and drive and guide means arranged to drive and guide said inertial masses using a means control. This device therefore achieves, in principle, a specific embodiment of an isotropic harmonic oscillator in which, in particular, said primary resonators are rotary resonators and are arranged in such a way that the axes of the articulations of any two of said primary resonators and the axis of articulation of said control means is never coplanar. If this proposal is more detailed, the specific construction proposed imposes a certain number of limitations, in particular in terms of the axes of the articulations of the primary resonators and of the control means. In addition, although this device is supposed to compensate the forces both in translation and in rotation, the proposed constellation does not seem to be optimal in this regard.
The disclosure of document FR 6 308 310 009 is an older example of the efforts undertaken in the past to produce an isotropic harmonic oscillator which can be used, inter alia, within the framework of a regulating organ for the field of watchmaking. This document also includes a large number of embodiments for producing such an oscillator which, however, are not either suitable for being integrated into wristwatches or are not endowed with sufficient running precision for this task, reason for which these proposals are not reviewed in detail thereafter.
It should therefore be noted that, despite the fact that several solutions of the prior art exist for producing a regulating member on the basis of an isotropic harmonic oscillator, these solutions are not completely satisfactory, in particular as regards the complexity of construction and the technical feasibility of such a mechanism, the arrangement of its drive, the compensation for the influence of gravity and forces both in translation and in rotation, shock absorption, as well as the running precision of a timepiece fitted with such a regulating member.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The aim of the present invention is to remedy, at least partially, the drawbacks of known devices and to produce a device for regulating a watch mechanism on the basis of an isotropic harmonic oscillator for parts of watchmaking which allows the construction of watchmaking movements without escapement, which has a simple and robust structure, in addition to guarantee a reasonable production cost, as well as reliable operation, and which makes it possible to obtain precision of an improved timepiece of a corresponding timepiece. Furthermore, such a regulating device should have sufficient flexibility, both in terms of its structure and its concrete implementation, to allow integration into a wide variety of timepieces.
Solution according to the invention To this end, the present invention provides a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism on the basis of an isotropic harmonic oscillator of the aforementioned type which is distinguished by the characteristics set out in claim 1. In in particular, the device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention comprises a bearing structure mounted on said rigid frame so as to pivot by means of at least one pivot and capable of forming a guide for the movement of the masses, said masses being mounted on said supporting structure, the reversing means being located on or forming part of said supporting structure and being arranged so as to cause a correlated and symmetrical movement of said masses.
By these measures, the regulating device of a timepiece mechanism comprises masses which are not mounted directly on the rigid frame of the device, but which are mounted on the rigid frame via said supporting structure. In addition, since the supporting structure is pivotally mounted on said rigid frame, this structure simultaneously serves as a support for the masses as well as a means of balancing the movements of said masses.
In a preferred embodiment of the regulating device according to the present invention, the drive means is directly and decentralized coupled to one of said masses by means of a return spring serving simultaneously as a means of transmission of driving force and elastic return means. Such direct and decentralized drive of one of the masses is possible thanks to the presence of said bearing structure pivotally mounted, respectively of its function of balancing the movements of said masses, and makes it possible to simplify the construction of the regulation device, d '' adapt its design to needs, as well as improve its functioning.
Preferably, the regulating device according to the present invention comprises an even number of masses mounted on said supporting structure. Preferably, said supporting structure comprises at least one lifting beam pivotally mounted on said rigid frame. In addition, the reversing means are preferably located on or form part of said supporting structure and are arranged so as to cause a symmetrical movement of said masses. By these measures, the device for regulating a watch mechanism can be arranged in a particularly simple and effective manner.
Furthermore, the invention also relates to a mechanical watch movement and a timepiece comprising at least one regulating device according to the present invention.
Other characteristics, as well as the corresponding advantages, will emerge from the dependent claims, as well as from the description setting out the invention below in more detail.
Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings show schematically and by way of example several embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1a shows a schematic perspective view from above of a first embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the drive means of the device not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 1b shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 1a; fig. 1 shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line A-A indicated in fig. 1b.
[0016] FIG. 2a shows a schematic perspective view from above of a first embodiment of a drive means for a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention; fig. 2b shows a plan view from above of the drive means of FIG. 2a; fig. 2c shows a plan view from above of the drive means of FIG. 2a, including a mass coupled to the drive means; fig. 2d shows a cross section of the drive means along the line B-B indicated in fig. 2c; fig. 2nd shows a schematic perspective view from above of a second embodiment of a drive means for a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention; fig. 2f shows a plan view from above of the drive means of FIG. 2nd.
[0017] FIG. 3a shows a schematic perspective view from above of a second embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the drive means of the device not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 3b shows a schematic perspective view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 3a; fig. 3c shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 3a; fig. 3d shows a cross section of the regulating device along line C-C indicated in fig. 3c.
[0018] FIG. 4a shows a schematic perspective view from below of a third embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the drive means of the device not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 4b shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 4a; fig. 4c shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 4a in which a part of the rigid frame is illustrated; fig. 4d shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line D-D indicated in fig. 4c.
[0019] FIG. 5a shows a schematic perspective view from below of a fourth embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the drive means of the device not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 5b shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 5a when the latter is in neutral position; fig. 5c shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line E-E indicated in fig. 5b; fig. 5d shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 5a when the device is in a different position relative to FIG. 5b; fig. 5th shows a plan view from below of the regulating device in the position illustrated in FIG. 5d, including a line F-F for a cross section; fig. 5f shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line F-F indicated in fig. 5e.
Figs. 6a to 6h show alternative embodiments of the first embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using knife guides, flexible blades, and a monolithic design; fig. 6a shows a schematic perspective view from above of an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using a knife guide, the drive means of the device n 'not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 6b shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 6a; fig. 6c shows a schematic perspective view from below of an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using a flexible blade guide, the drive means of the device not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 6d shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 6c; fig. 6th shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line G-G indicated in fig. 6d; fig. 6f shows a horizontal section of the regulating device of FIG. 6d; fig. 6g shows a schematic perspective view from above of an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using a monolithic design, the drive means of the device n ' not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 6h shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 6g, [0021] Figs. 7a to 7j show alternative embodiments of the second embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using a different geometric arrangement, flexible guidance, and flexible guidance combined with oblong holes; fig. 7a shows a schematic perspective view from below of an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using a different geometric arrangement, the drive means of the device n 'not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 7b shows a schematic perspective view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 7a; fig. 7c shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 7a; fig. 7d shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line H-H indicated in fig. 7c; fig. 7th shows a schematic perspective view from above of an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using flexible guidance, the drive means of the device does not not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 7f shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 7th; fig. 7g shows a schematic perspective view from above of another alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using flexible guidance, the drive means of the device n 'not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 7h shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 7g; fig. 7i shows a schematic perspective view from above of yet another alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using flexible guidance combined with oblong holes, the means device drive is not indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 7j shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 7i.
[0022] FIG. 8a shows a schematic perspective view from above of an embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention which is produced using two devices juxtaposed according to the first embodiment of a device regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the drive means of the device not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 8b shows a plan view from above of the regulating device of FIG. 8a; fig. 8c shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 8a; fig. 8d shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line l-l indicated in fig. 8c.
[0023] FIG. 9a shows a schematic perspective view from below of an alternative embodiment of the third embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, produced using two partially superimposed devices according to the first form of execution of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the drive means of the device not being indicated to simplify understanding; fig. 9b shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 9a; fig. 9c shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line J-J indicated in fig. 9b.
Figs. 10a to 10f show an alternative embodiment of the fourth embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention using dumbbell-shaped masses; fig. 10a shows a schematic perspective view from below of this alternative embodiment of the fourth embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the drive means of the device not being indicated for simplicity comprehension; fig. 10b shows a plan view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 10a when the latter is in neutral position; fig. 10c shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line K-K indicated in FIG. 10b; fig. 10d shows a schematic perspective view from below of the regulating device of FIG. 10a when the device is in a different position relative to FIG. 10b; fig. 10th shows a plan view from below of the regulating device in the position illustrated in FIG. 10d; fig. 10f shows a cross section of the regulating device along the line L-L indicated in fig. 10th.
Detailed description of the invention The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating by way of example several embodiments of the invention.
The present invention relates to a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism on the basis of an isotropic harmonic oscillator, the device being intended to be integrated in a timepiece, preferably in a wristwatch having mechanical movement. For reasons of simplification of the language used, we will speak hereinafter indifferently of "timepiece" and "watch", without however wanting to limit the scope of the corresponding explanations which extend in all cases to any type of timepieces, having a source of energy either mechanical or electrical. In addition, such a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism can be integrated into modules of such a timepiece, such as a timepiece movement or other mechanisms which are capable of being fitted with a device. for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention. Because a watch movement and its essential components, or even other similar mechanisms which are adapted to be combined with the device for regulating a watch mechanism according to the invention, are known per se to those skilled in the art, the following description will be limited mainly and as far as possible to the structure and operation of said device for regulating a watch mechanism.
In order to comment first on the structure of a regulating device of a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, reference is made to FIGS. 1a to 1 which illustrate schematically and by way of example a first embodiment of such a device capable of forming the regulating organ of a watch movement. This regulating device 1 comprises a rigid frame 1.1, indicated in FIG. Symbolically by a plate and a bridge parallel to the plate, or even parallel bridges, which may, depending on the concrete arrangement of the device, take any necessary shape, and at least two masses 1.3.1.1.3.2 mounted so as to what they are movable relative to the rigid frame 1.1. The regulating device 1 also comprises a variable radius drive means 1.4 which is coupled by an elastic coupling means to at least one of said masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2. Said drive means 1.4, which is not illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 1 in order to simplify understanding and which will be described in more detail below, is capable of being driven by an energy source of said timepiece, for example by a barrel spring, as well as transmitting the energy received from the energy source at said masses 1,3,1, 1.3.2 so as to set them in motion in a plane. Furthermore, the regulating device 1 also comprises reversing means 1.5 coupled to said masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and arranged so as to reduce the displacement of the center of mass of the regulating device during its operation, that is to say ie during the movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2. In addition, the regulating device 1 also includes a supporting structure 1.2 pivotally mounted on said rigid frame 1.1, said masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 being mounted on this supporting structure 1.1. In general, the supporting structure 1.2, the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, the variable radius drive means 1.4, and the reversing means 1.5 are mounted between the plates of the rigid frame 1.1, formed for example by the plate and a bridge, so that, during impacts perpendicular to the plane of the system, said plates limit the travel of the moving parts and the risk of damage. The distance between the plates and the moving parts of the device is chosen so as to avoid shearing losses of air layers, in addition by providing, if necessary, absorbent growths reported on the moving parts or on the plates.
In order to describe in more detail the main components listed above of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, it can be seen in FIGS. 1a and 1b that the first embodiment of such a regulating device comprises two masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 which are mounted on said supporting structure 1.2 and which constitute a pair of masses having a correlated movement. The supporting structure 1.2 comprises for this purpose two suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, each carrying one of said masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 which can either be fixed to the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 by any means known to a person skilled in the art, for example by screwing, tightening, or the like, or having come in one piece with said suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, as well as a lifting beam 1.2.3. This lifter 1.2.3 has in its center a pivot axis 1.2.3.1 which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lifter as well as to said bridges forming the rigid frame 1.1 and which is pivotally mounted on this rigid frame 1.1 no -illustrated in fig. 1a and 1b, preferably using shock-absorbing bearings 1.2.3.2 placed at the ends of the pivot axis 1.2.3.1 and each fixed in one of said bridges. Thus, said supporting structure 1.2, including the suspension rods 1.2.1,1.2.2 and the masses 1.3.1,1.3.2, can perform a pivoting movement in a pivoting plane which is parallel to the bridges forming the frame rigid 1.1, as shown in FIG. 1e. Each of the two suspension rods 1.2.1.1.2.2 is articulated at one of its ends, preferably by means of ruby bearings, at one of the ends of the lifter 1.2.3, the two suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2 .2, respectively the corresponding masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, being placed on either side of the spreader 1.2.3 which is in the middle. In addition, the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 have a shape and are oriented so that the centers of mass Mi, M2, symbolically indicated by a cross in fig. 1b, of each mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of said pair of masses 1.3 are aligned with the pivot axis 1.2.3.2 of the spreader 1.2.3, as shown in FIG. 1b. The density of the material of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 is as high as possible in order to maximize the mass and minimize the inertia of each of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 around an axis perpendicular to said plane of pivoting and passing through their respective centers of gravity. One of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, in the example illustrated in figs. 1a to 1 the mass 1.3.1, carries at its center of mass Mt a pin 1.3.1.1 oriented perpendicular to said pivot plane and able to be driven by said drive means 1.4 in order to transmit energy to said masses 1.3 and so put them in motion.
To produce said correlated movement of the pair of masses 1.3, the reversing means 1.5 consist in the first embodiment of a regulation device according to the present invention in a first reversing lever 1.5.1 and a second reversing lever 1.5.2 coupled to said masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of the pair of masses 1.3. The first reversing lever 1.5.1 is in this embodiment oriented in extension of the longitudinal axis of the suspension rod 1.2.1 carrying the first mass 1.3.1, for example by coming in one piece with said suspension rod 1.2.1 or by being fixed to this rod 1.2.1, and is in particular located at the end of the suspension rod 1.2.1 which is articulated to the cross beam 1.2.3, so that the first reversing lever 1.5.1 is located opposite the suspension rod 1.2.2 carrying the second mass 1.3.2. The second reversing lever 1.5.2 is articulated at one of its ends at the other end of the suspension rod 1.2.2 carrying the second mass 1.3.2 and is articulated at its other end at the free end of the first 1.5.1 reversing lever, the articulations of the second 1.5.2 reversing lever preferably being also produced by means of ruby bearings. The first reversing lever 1.5.1 has a length chosen so that the second reversing lever 1.5.2 is parallel to the lifter 1.2.3, i.e. the length of the first reversing lever 1.5.1 corresponds substantially to the length of the suspension rod 1.2.2 carrying the second mass 1.3.2, and the second inversion sink 1.5.2 has a length chosen so that the assembly formed by the suspension rod 1.2.1 carrying the first mass 1.3.1 and the first reversing lever 1.5.1 is parallel to the suspension rod 1.2.2 carrying the second mass 1.3.2, that is to say the length of the second reversing lever 1.5.2 corresponds substantially to the length of the lifting beam 1.2.3, so that the reversing means 1.5 and a part of the supporting structure 1.2 form a parallelogram which is deformable during the movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 in the pivot plane, the sides oppo sés of said parallelogram being at all times parallel during said movement. In other words, this is due to the fact that, on the four articulations situated at the corners of said parallelogram, the two articulations situated at the ends of the spreader 1.2.3 are separated by the same distance as the two articulations situated at the ends of the second lever 1.5.2 and the joints located at the ends of the suspension rod 1.2.2 carrying the second mass 1.3.2 are separated by the same distance as the joints located at the ends of the first lever 1.5.1, which emerges very clearly from FIG. 1b. Furthermore, this constellation ensures that the straight line passing through the centers of mass Μ ·, M2 of each mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of said pair of masses 1.3 ee by the axis of pix ^ cptt ^ rme ^ r ^ t 12.3.2 of the spreader 12.3 is parallel to the assembly lorrné by the suspension rod 12.1 carrying the first mass 1.3.1 and the first reversing lever 1.5.1 as well as to the suspension rod 1.2.2 carrying the second mass 1.3.2.
Thus, thanks to the pivot axis 1.2.3.1 of the lifter 1.2.3 of the pivoting supporting structure 1.2 which forms a central pivot Pi as well as to the four joints which are located in said parallelogram and which each constitute a pivot P2, P3, P4, P5, the first embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention has five pivots. These pivots allow, by means of the inversion means 1.5 coupled to said masses 1.3.1, 13.2, correlated and symmetrical movement of the masses 13.1, 1.3.2 in the pivoting plane while reducing the displacement of the center of mass of the pair of masses 1.3 formed by these masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, respectively from the center of mass of the entire regulating device. This is due, furthermore, to the fact that the centers of mass Μί, M2 of each mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of said pair of masses 1.3 remain aligned, during the deformation of said parallelogram during the movement of masses 1.3.1 , 1.3.2 in the pivot plane, with the pivot axis of the lifter 1.2.3.
It remains to be noted in this context that the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, the lifter 1.2.3, as well as the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2 are manufactured so as to be as light as possible, for example aluminum, titanium, magnesium, carbon or other suitable material which is very light and rigid, in order to reduce as much as possible the variation in the center of mass of the entire device regulation resulting from the displacement of these components and sos from the displacement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art easily understands that, for reasons of simplification and understanding, the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, the lifter 1.2.3, as well as the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2 have not been shown, in figs. 1a to 1 as well as to the other figures illustrating the other embodiments of a regulating device according to the present invention, only schematically and, in particular, often almost identically, while in reality the dimensions, that is to say in particular the section, of these components are normally different. For example, in order to influence as little as possible the variation in the center of mass of the entire control device, the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2 illustrated in figs. 1a to 1 preferably have a much smaller section than the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, the latter being able in turn to have a smaller section than the crossbar 1.2.3. So, these components have the minimum of dimensions and mass required to fulfill their respective function, namely to carry the masses and allow their movement es achieving a pivoting bearing structure for the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and the lifter 1.2.3 as well as reversing the movement of the masses for the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2 (and also the lifter 1.2.3 which participates in this function). Similarly, in terms of concrete implementation, it should be noted that the shock-absorbing bearings 1.2.3.2 mentioned above in the context of the pivot axis 1.2.3.1 and the ruby bearings mentioned above in the context of joints of the parallelogram formed by the reversing means 1.5 and a part of the supporting structure 1.2 can be replaced by any suitable means known to those skilled in the watchmaking. In this context, it should also be noted that, apart from the variable radius drive means 1.4 which will be described below, the pivot axis 12.3.1, respectively its shock-absorbing bearings 1.2.3.2, is in the first embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention the only lees between the supporting structure 1.2 and the rigid frame 1.1, so that the pivot axis 1.2.3.1 performs one of the main functions of the supporting structure 1.2 , namely to allow, co-operation with the additional pivots P2, Pß, P4, P5, a guided movement of the masses 1.3.1,1.3.2 in the pivoting plane. The anti-shock function of this component is only secondary while being necessary in order to protect the device against shocks.
A first embodiment of a variable radius drive means 1.4 for a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 2d. This variable radius drive means 1.4 achieves, by generalizing, a rotary drive system whose length of the lever transmitting the torque is variable and comprises a rotary plate 1.4.2 which is driven in rotation by a source of energy of the corresponding timepiece, preferably by a source of mechanical energy such as a spiral spring housed in a barrel which is kinematically linked to a clockwork train. The barrel and the gear train are not illustrated in the figures, since being well known to those skilled in the art, and the gear train can simply comprise a drive pinion 1.4.1 on which said rotary plate 1.4.2 is fixed coaxially. which rotates with the drive pinion 1.4.1 driven by the barrel spring. In principle, it can also be a source of electrical energy, for example if the drive pinion 1.4.1, re ^ i ^ f ^ i ^ i ^ t ^ ii ^ i ^ r ^ ent: said rotary plate 1.4.2, is driven by an electric motor, so that a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention can be integrated into a timepiece having an energy source is mechanical either electric. The turntable 1.4.2 carries a support lever 1.4.3 articulated at one of its ends which is located substantially on the periphery of the turntable 1.4.2. The free end of the support lever 1.4.3 is oriented towards the center of the turntable 1.4.2 and has on its front face oriented towards the center of the turntable 1.4.2 a notch substantially V-shaped which is suitable for receive either directly said pin 1.3.1.1 fixed on one of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of the pair of masses 1.3, or a roller 1.3.1.2 mounted on said pin 1.3.1.1 in order to reduce the friction forces between the lever support 1.4.3 and said pin 1.3.1.1. A return spring 1.4.4 substantially U-shaped mounted on the turntable 1.4.2 presses on the rear face of the free end of the support lever 1.4.3, so that its front face constrained , via the substantially V-shaped notch, the roller 1.3.1.2, respectively said pin 13.1.1 fixed on one of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of the pair of masses 1.3, against an eccentric 1.4 .5 mounted on the turntable 1.4.2. By adjusting the position of the eccentric 1.4.5 which is mounted close to the center of the turntable 1.4.2, it is possible to ensure that said pin 1.3.1.1 is never, during normal operation of the regulating device, ever confused with the center of the turntable 1.4.2, that is to say that the pin 1.3.1.1 normally has always a slight eccentricity with respect to the turntable 1.4.2. Thus, a rotation of the turntable 1.4.2, driven by the energy source of the corresponding timepiece via the gear train, causes a movement of the pin 1.3.1.1, so that the masses 1.3 .1, 1.3.2 of the pair of weights 1.3 sonf entrained, with their pivot pofranne structure 1 ..2 and the reversing means l .5, in motion in the edit pivot plan. The support lever 1.4.3, respectively the substantially V-shaped notch on its front face, performs in cooperation with the return spring 1.4.4 a substantially radial guide of the roller 1.3.1.2, respectively of the pin 1.3. 1.1, relative to the center of the turntable 1.4.2. The eccentricity of the pin 1.3.1.1 relative to the center of the turntable 1.4.2 also guarantees self-starting of the regulating device following a stop, for example following the reassembly of the barrel spring serving as a source of energy.
Simultaneously, the variable-radius drive means 1.4 has shock-absorbing means in order to avoid any breakage of the kinematic connection, namely of the pin 1.3.1.1, between the variable-radius drive means 1.4 and the masses 1,3 in the event of external shocks. In fact, in the event of a transverse shock overload, that is to say a shock oriented transversely to the substantially radial guide of the pin 1.3.1.1 produced by the substantially V-shaped notch on the front face of the lever support 1.4.3 in cooperation with the return spring 1.4.4, the support lever 1.4.3 moves back by slightly pivoting and the roller 1.3.1.2 slides or rolls on the inclined plane of the notch substantially in the form of V of the front face of the support lever 1.4.3. In the event of a radial shock overload, i.e. a shock oriented parallel to the substantially radial guide, the support lever 1.4.3 also moves back in the direction of the impact. For the latter case, the eccentric 1.4.5 can preferably be mounted on the turntable 1.4.2 using an eccentric lever which carries the eccentric 1.4.5 and which is prestressed by a prestressing spring towards the rest position of the eccentric 1.4.5. This configuration is not illustrated in Figs. 2a to 2d, but also provides protection against radial shocks towards the eccentric 1.4.5, because in this case it is the eccentric lever including the eccentric 1.4.5 which moves back instead of the support lever 1.4.3. In all cases, after a certain stroke following an impact, the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 tap on stops which can for example be provided on the rigid frame 1.1 and are not illustrated in the figures.
A second embodiment of a variable radius drive means 1.4 for a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 2nd and 2f. This variable radius drive means 1.4 also includes a turntable 1.4.2 which is rotated by an energy source from the corresponding timepiece in the same manner as explained above. Similarly, the turntable 1.4.2 also carries in this embodiment a support lever 1.4.7, an eccentric 1.4.5, and a return spring 1.4.4. These parts do not all have exactly the same role as in the first embodiment of the drive means. Indeed, in the second embodiment of the drive means, it is the return spring 1.4.4 U-shaped which has on its free end a notch substantially V-shaped and formed directly by the blade of the return spring 1.4.4 in order to accommodate the roller 1.3.1.2, respectively said pin 1.3.1.1 fixed on one of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of the pair of masses 1.3, the end l lbre of the return fessorr l. 4.4 presei-nani preferably also an additional loop which constrains the roller 1.3.1.2, respectively said pin 1.3.1.1, in said notch substantially V-shaped. Thus, it is in this embodiment only the return spring 1.4.4 which ensures, by deformation of its U-shaped blade, the substantially radial guide of the roller 1.3.1.2, respectively of the pin 1.3.1.1, relative to the center of the turntable 1.4.2. Indeed, as in the first embodiment of the drive means, the roller 1.3.1.2, respectively said pin 1.3.1.1, performs during the movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 in the pivot plane a movement substantially straight and radial with respect to the center of the turntable 1.4.2. The support lever 1.4.7, also articulated at one of its ends on the rotary plate 1.4.2, presses with a protrusion on its front face either directly on the roller 1.3.1.2, respectively said pin 1.3.1.1, or preferably on said additional loop on the free end of the return spring 1.4.4, so as to guarantee, during normal operation of the regulating device, a minimum eccentricity of the pin 1.3.1.1 relative to the center of the turntable 1.4. 2. To ensure this eccentricity, respectively the normal position of the support lever 1.4.7 which defines said minimum eccentricity, a spring of prestressing eccentricity 1.4.6 is fixed on the rotary plate 1.4.2 and constrains the support lever 1.4 .7 against an eccentric 1.4.5 mounted on the turntable 1.4.2, an adjustment of the position of said eccentric 1.4.5 allowing the adjustment of the normal position of the support lever 1.4.7. The eccentricity of the pin 1.3.1.1 relative to the center of the turntable 1.4.2 guaranteed also also in this case a self-starting of the re-ejection device following a stop. At the same time, this configuration automatically has shock protection, since in the event of transverse or radial shock overload, the 1.4.4 U-shaped return spring will deform, until the masses 1.3. 1, 1.3.2 tap, after a certain stroke following an impact, on stops provided on the rigid frame 1.1. Furthermore, it is possible to provide, in the two embodiments of a variable radius drive means 1.4, a limitation of the space available for the movement of the pin 1.3.1.1 or of a cylinder. coaxial with said pin, for example by a bore in a part of the frame 1.1. This option is not illustrated in the figures, but makes it possible to limit the amplitude of the movement of the pin 1.3.1.1, respectively of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, and to slow down the speed of rotation in the event of exceeding speed by the viscous friction of the air which will be sheared in the small space available between the pin 1.3.1.1 and the said bore or by the dry friction in the extreme cases. The bore in a part of the frame 1.1 can be arranged so that, during impacts, the pin 1.3.1.1 abuts against the interior of the bore before the mechanism is damaged.
In the two embodiments of the variable radius drive means 1.4 described above, the return spring 1.4.4 is chosen and calibrated so as to form, on the one hand, an elastic coupling means which is able to couple said drive means 1.4 to at least one of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 so as to transmit the energy received from the energy source of the corresponding timepiece to said masses 1.3 and putting the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 in motion when said driving means 1.4 is driven by said energy source. On the other hand, the return spring 1.4.4 is chosen and calibrated so as to form an elastic return means for the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 ensuring the natural frequency of the movement of these masses 1.3.1,1.3.2 . In particular, it has an elastic constant K adapted to the targeted stabilized frequency of rotation and capable of ensuring a linear restoring force. Consequently, the return spring 1.4.4 simultaneously serves as a means of transmitting the driving force as well as an elastic return means of the masses 1.3.1.1.3.2 of the regulating device. Preferably and as is the case in the first embodiment of the regulating device illustrated in fig · 1s to 1e, the drive means 1.4 is directly and decentralized coupled to one of said masses 1.3.1 , 1.3.2 via dndit return spring 1.4.4.
The foregoing explanations concerning the strnctnrn of the first embodiment of a us regulating device for a horological mechanism according to the present invention, in particular at the level of the carrying strnctnrn 1.2 and reversing means 1.5 as well as at the variable radius drive means 1.4, make it easy to understand its operation. In fact, it appears from the description given above of the regulation device illustrated in FIGS. 1 s to 1 that, as soon as the energy source of the corresponding timepiece is activated or even reassembled, the drive train by said energy source causes, regardless of the use of the first - Or the second embodiment of the variable radius a'nntrainnnmnnt means 1.4 and by means of the drive pinion 1.4.1 which is integrated in the train, use rotation of the rotary plate 1.4.2. The latter in turn causes, by means of the return spring 1.4.4 transmitting the driving force, us movement of the pin 1.3.1.1 fixed to the center of mass M ·, M2 of one of the masses 1.3.1 , 1.3.2, so that the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 of the pair of masses 1.3 are driven, with their pivoting bearing strnctnrn 1.2 and the reversing means 1.5, are movement in the pivoting plane of the pivoting supporting structure 1.2. The supporting structure 1.2 and the reversing means 1.5, in particular the central pivot Pi of the supporting strnctnrn 1.2, formed by its pivot axis 1.2.3.1, as well as the four articulations P2, P3, P4, Ps of the parallelogram formed by the inversion means 1.5 and use part of the bearing strnctnrn 1.2, guarantee us correlated and symmetrical movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 in said pivot plane, during which the centers of mass Mi, M2 of each mass 1.3. 1, 1.3.2 of said pair of masses 1.3 remain aligned with the pivot axis of the lifter 1.2.3 of the pivoting carrying strnctnrn 1.2. Es general, the cooperation between the bearing strnctnrn 1.2 and the inversion means 1.5 defines us guiding of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 which guarantees us correlated and symmetrical movement of these masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 in the plane of pivoting, thus making it possible to reduce the displacement of the center of mass of the entire regulating device. During this guided movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, the return spring 1.4.4 realizes, by its action es as a return spring 1.4.4 exerting on the driven mass 1.3.1,1.3.2 a force linear return oriented substantially radially towards the center of the turntable 1.4.2 and if necessary co-operation with the support lever 1.4.3, 1.4.7, a substantially rsdisl guide of the pin 1.3.1.1, respectively of the roller 1.3 .1.2, and therefore from the center of mass Mi, M2 of the driven mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2, on the turntable 1.4.2. Thus, under the effect of the rotation of the turntable 1.4.2, the substantially radial guidance on said turntable 1.4.2 and the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 as well as due to the linear and isotropic central restoring force exercised on a mass in orbit, the pin 1.3.1.1, respectively the center of mass Mi, M2 of the driven mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2 describes a circular or elliptical trajectory whose amplitude stabilizes the speed of rotation of the turntable 1.4.2, respectively of the train. This results in a period of movement and rotation which should be, at least theoretically, constant.
Therefore, us regulating device according to the present invention achieves us isotropic harmonic oscillator and then allows to intrinsically regulate the speed of rotation of the train to which i 'is kinematically linked via the variable radius drive means 1.4 , in particular the drive pinion 1.4.1. It can therefore serve as a time base for chronometry, without the need to connect a conventional watch escapement to this cog. The regulation device with five pivots according to the first embodiment described above makes it possible to reduce the inevitable deviations in any physical realization of an isotropic harmonic oscillator of its period of movement is theoretically constant and desired rotation, since it is balanced with regard to gravity, that is to say changes in position in the space of a watch hosting this device, as well as with respect to disturbances due to linear accelerations , i.e. translation shocks. On the other hand, the first embodiment of this regulation device is not balanced with respect to rotary accelerations, that is to say rotational shocks. The eccentricity of the pin 1.3.1.1, respectively of the roller 1.3.1.2, and therefore of the center of mass Mn M2 of the driven mass 1.3.1,1.3.2 relative to the center of the turntable 1.4.2 guarantees self- starting of the regulating device following us stopping or using deactivation of the energy source of the corresponding timepiece, for example following reassembly of the barrel spring in the case of a mechanical energy source.
In the following description, other embodiments of a regulating device according to the present invention will be described. These embodiments are distinguished from the first embodiment of the regulating device mainly by the agsncsmsnt and the resulting characteristics of the pivoting supporting structure as well as the inversion means used, then, sometimes, by the number of masses. mounted on the supporting structure. On the other hand, these embodiments may include, in addition, one or other of the embodiments of the variable radius training means 1.4 described above or any other equivalent variable radius training means. , which also applies to the first embodiment of the regulating device. In addition, the general operation of the corresponding control devices is always analogous to the operation of the first embodiment of a control device according to the present invention. For these reasons, the following description will not repeat the details already given above, neither at the level of the variable radius drive means nor at the level of the operation of these devices, but will focus on the explanation of the agsncsmsnt and characteristics of the load-bearing structures as well as corresponding reversing means and possible particularities in the operation of the corresponding regulation devices which result therefrom.
A second embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3d. This regulating device also comprises two masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, that is to say a pair of masses 1.3, which are carried by a corresponding supporting structure 1.2. In this embodiment, the supporting structure 1.2 comprises a first spreader 1.2.3 and a second spreader 1.2.4 each of which has a pivot axis 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1 linked by means of shock-absorbing bearings 1.2.3.2 , 12.4.2 corresponding to the rigid frame 1.1. In addition, the supporting structure 1.2 comprises, on either side of the first spreader 1.2.3 which is in the middle, two suspension rods 12.1,1.2.2 each carrying one of said masses 13.1, 13.2. The two suspension rods 12.1, 12.2 are notched substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal I'sxs of the first pslonnisr 1.2.3 as well as articulated both at the corresponding end of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and at the corresponding end of the first spreader 1.2.3, for example using ruby bearings. The reversing means 1.5 of the second embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention can then consist simply of the first reversing lever 1.5.1 articulated at one end of the second lifting beam 1.2.4 and fixed the other side to the first mass 1.3.1 as well as a second reversing lever 1.5.2 articulated at the other end of the second lifting beam 1.2.4 st fixed on the other side to the second mass 1.3.2 of the pair of masses 1.3, the second spreader 1.2.4 being effect oriented substantially perpendicular to the first spreader 1.2.3. Again, the suspension rods l .S .., 12.2 are the reversing sinks 15.1, 15.2 tabbed sounds of the lightest brickwork possible, the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2 being able to, preferably, be even lighter than the suspension rods 1.2.1.1.2.2.2 st can for example be constituted by triangular double arms as illustrated in figs. 3a to 3c. The second embodiment of a regulation device according to the present invention then comprises eight pivots Pi, P2, P3, P4, P5, Pe, P7, Ps in the form of the two pivot axes 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1 of the first spreader 1.2.3 and second spreader 1.2.4 as well as six articulations on the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and the reversing levers 1.5.1, 15.2, as shown for example in fig . 3c.
Es as regards the functions assigned to these parts, i 'should be noted, provided that there are particularities compared to what has been described above compared to the first embodiment of the regulation device, which the first spreader 1.2.3 ensures, without cooperation with the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, the symmetry of the correlated movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and the equilibrium with respect to the direction perpendicular to the right passing through the pivot axes 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1 of the spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4. In this context, os can notice that the first spreader 1.2.3 can be slightly asymmetrical by the contribution to its pivot axis. 2.3.3 in order to take account of the difference in the position of the attachment points of the suspension rods 1.2 .1, 1.2.2 on the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2. The second lifting beam 1.2.4 ensures, in cooperation with the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2, the symmetry of the movement and the equilibrium with respect to the other direction in the plane of pivoting in the supporting structure 1.2, that is to say the direction parallel to the right passing through the axes of pivoting 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1 of the spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4. It should be noted in this context that, as in the first embodiment of the regulating device, it is not possible to completely separate the functions of the supporting structure 1.2 and the reversing means 1.5, since at least one of these two parts of the device has, and in the second embodiment of the regulating device each of them, two functions, namely carrying the masses as well as guiding the movement in order to cause a correlated and symmetrical movement of the masses 1.3 .1, 1.3.2. Consequently, depending on the specific constellation, the reversing means 1.5 either are simply located on the supporting structure 1.2 or simultaneously form part of said supporting structure 1.2. The shape and composition of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 are chosen so as to ensure that, in the position of the device illustrated in FIG. 3c, the center of gravity of each mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2 either on a straight line passing through the pivot axis of the first spreader 1.2.3 and perpendicular to the line passing through the pivot axes 1.2.3.1, 1.2. 4.1 spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4. In addition, this choice is made so that the positions of the centers of gravity of each mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2 are symmetrical with respect to the straight line passing through the pivot axes 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1 of the rudder pedals 1.2.3, 1.2.4 as well as the center of gravity of each mass 13.1,1.3.2 either on a straight line parallel to the right passing through the pivot axes 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1 of the lifting beams 1.2.3, 1.2. 4 and passing through the corresponding lateral articulation of the second lifter 1.2.4. By using such a configuration, the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 move, once entrained by the corresponding variable-radius drive means 1.4 by means of a pin fixed to the center of gravity of one of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, in pseudo-translation and, for small amplitudes of displacement, the angular parasitic movements are minimal, respectively negligible. Furthermore, the other explanations given above with respect to the first embodiment of the regulating device apply by analogy to the second embodiment. In particular, this eight-pivot regulation device is likewise balanced with regard to gravity and accelerations in translation. The pivots of the spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4 are again preferably shock-proof systems built on the same principle as the pivot of a pendulum - classic watchmaker's hairspring and all the other pivots are also of the watchmaker type, with a very small diameter axis in the bore of a ruby.
A third embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4d. This regulating device also comprises two masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, that is to say a pair of masses 1.3, which are carried by a corresponding supporting structure 1.2. In this embodiment, the two masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 are arranged one on the other in two parallel planes, in particular so that the centers of mass Mn M2 of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3 .2 are superimposed in the neutral position of the device, as shown schematically in fig. 4a. The supporting structure 1.2 comprises in this case a first spreader 1.2.3 and a second spreader 1.2.4 which both have substantially an L shape as well as a third spreader 1.2.5 of straight shape each of which has a pivot axis 1.2.3.1,1.2.4.1,1.2.5.1 which link the supporting structure 1.2, preferably by means of shock-absorbing bearings 1.2.3.2, 1.2.4.2, 1.2.5.2 corresponding, to the rigid frame 1.1, the pivot axes 1.2 .3.1, 1.2.4.1, 1.2.5.1 forming pivots P-, P2, P3 corresponding. The first spreader 1.2.3 and the second spreader 1.2.4 substantially L-shaped each have a first arm oriented towards the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and a second arm oriented towards the corresponding second arm of the other spreader substantially an L shape. The first arm of the first lifting beam 1.2.3 is articulated at its free end, by a pivot P4, at one end of a first suspension rod 1.2.1 which carries in its middle the first mass 1.3.1 and which is articulated at the other end, by a pivot P5, at one end of a first reversing lever 1.5.1 of the reversing means 1.5. The other end of this first reversing lever 1.5.1 is articulated, by a pivot P6, at one end of the third lifting beam 1.2.5. Similarly, the first arm of the second spreader 1.2.4 ess articulated at its end lbre, by a pivoo P7, to an e> ^ tt ^ rmit ^ of a second suspension rod l.2.2 which is located in a plane parallel to the plane in which the first suspension rod 1.2.1 is located and which carries in its middle the second mass 1.3.2. The other end of the second suspension link 1.2.2 is articulated, by a pivot Ps, at one end of a second reversing lever 1.5.2 of the reversing means 1.5, this second reversing lever 1.5. 2 being articulated at the other end, by a pivot P9, at the other end of the third lifter 1.2.5. In addition, the second arm of the first spreader 1.2.3 and the second spreader 1.2.4 are linked, by means of pivots Pw, Pu, to one, respectively to the other end of a third lever of 1.5.3 inversion of the 1.5 inversion means. In order to have the necessary space for the third reversing lever 1.5.3, the second arm of the first spreader 1.2.3 forms an angle slightly less than a right angle relative to its first arm and the second arm of the second spreader 1.2.4 forms an angle slightly greater than a right angle to its first arm, or vice versa. Again, the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.3 are made as lightly as possible. Thus, as in the other embodiments of a regulating device described above or below comprising several pedals, the three pedals 1.2.3.1.2.4.1.2.5 are connected by a kinematic chain formed by the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.3 which are located on or form part of the supporting structure 1.2.
The third embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention then comprises eleven pivots P, P2, P3, P4, P5, Pe, P7, Ρβ, P9, Pio, P-11 in the form of three 1.23.1.1.2.4.1.1.2.5.1 pivot axes of the three spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.2.5 as well as eight articulations on the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and the levers 'nversion 1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.3, 1 el ccla i ^ ssc ^ or paa example of laf ig. 4a. In this connection, there is further clarified that, on the one hand, the pivots P4, Pe, and, on the other hand, the pivots P5, P7 are superimposed on the neutral position of the device without however being in contact. In addition, in order to guarantee the desired guidance of the movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, the distance between Iss pivots P4 and P5 is equal to the distance between Iss pivots P7 and P8 as well as to the distance between Iss pivots P6 and P9. Ds preferably, this distance also corresponds to the distance between Iss pivots Ρί and P., which can still be chosen differently es modifying the angles between the first arm and the second arm of the first and second spreader 1.2.3, 1.2. 4. Likewise, the distance between the pivots Pi and P4 is equal to the distance between the pivots P2 and P7, the distance between the pivots P8 and P9, as well as the distance between the pivots P5 and Pe.
Es with regard to the functions assigned to these parts, it should be noted, insofar as there are peculiarities compared to what has been described above with respect to the first and second forms of execution of the regulation device, which the first and second spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4 ensure, are cooperation with the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and the third reversing lever 1.5.3, the symmetry of the movement correlated with masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and balance with respect to a first direction in the pivoting plane, while the third cross beam 1.2.5 ensures cooperation with the first and second reversing levers 1.5.1 , 1.5.2, ls symmetry of the correlated movement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and the equilibrium with respect to ls direction perpendicular to said first direction in the pivot plane. Psr elsewhere, due to the fact mentioned above that the masses 1.3.1,1.3.2 are located one on the other, this device includes a double pivot plane of the pivoting structure 1.2. Finally, it remains to be noted with respect to this embodiment that this regulating device with eleven pivots is balanced with respect to gravity and accelerations in translation as well as, unlike the first and second embodiments of the regulating device and due to the arrangement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 so that the centers of gravity Mi, M2 of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 are combined in the neutral position of the device, also -with accelerations and rotation.
A fourth embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5a to 5f. This regulating device also comprises two masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, that is to say use a pair of masses 1.3, which are carried by a corresponding supporting structure 1.2, the two masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 being again arranged the use on the other in two parallel planes, in particular so that the centers of mass Mi, M2 of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 are superimposed es neutral position of the device, as illustrated diagrammatically in fig. 5a to 5c. In this embodiment, the supporting structure 1.2 comprises us first spreader 1.2.3, us second spreader 1.2.4, a third spreader 1.2.5 and us fourth spreader 1.2.6 each of which has us pivot point 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1, 1.2.5.1, 1.2.6.1 linked via shock-absorbing bearings 1.2.3.2, 1.2.4.2, 1.2.5.2, 1.2.6.2 corresponding to rigid frame 1.1 and each of which has two arms of identical and perpendicular length to one another. The first spreader 1.2.3 and the second spreader 1.2.4 carry, using first and second suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, the first mass 1.3.1. To this end, the first suspension rod 1.2.1 is articulated at one of its ends with the arms of the first spreader 1.2.3 and at its other end with said first mass 1.3.1, while the second suspension rod 1.2. 2 is articulated at one of its ends to an arm of the second lifting beam 1.2.4 and is fixed at its other end to said first mass 1.3.1. Similarly, the third spreader 1.2.5 and the fourth spreader 1.2.6 carry, using the third and fourth suspension rods 1.2.7, 1.2.8, the second mass 1.3.2. To this end, the third suspension rod 1.2.7 is articulated at one of its ends with the arms of the third lifting beam 1.2.5 and is fixed at its other end to said second mass 1.3.2, while the fourth suspension rod 1.2.8 is articulated at one of its ends with the arms of the fourth lifting beam 1.2.6 and its other end with said second mass 1.3.2. In addition, the supporting structure 1.2 comprises in this embodiment of the regulating device us first reversing lever 1.5.1 reversing means 1.5 which is articulated at one of its ends to the other arm of the first lifting beam 1.2 .3 and at its other end to the other arm of the third lifting beam 1.2.5 as well as a second reversing lever 1.5.2 which is articulated at one of its ends to the other arm of the second lifting beam 1.2.4 and at its other end to the other arm of the fourth spreader 1.2.6. Psr therefore, similarly as in the other embodiments of a regulating device described above or below comprising several pedals, the four pedals 1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6 are connected by a kinematic chain formed by the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.7, 1.2.8 and the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2 which are located on or form part of the structure bearing 1.2.
As is apparent, for example, from FIG. 5d, the fourth embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention comprises fourteen pivots Pi, P2, P3, P4, P5, Pe, P7, Pe, P9, P10, Pu, P12, P13, Pu in the form four pivot axes 1.2.3.1,1.2.4.1,1.2.5.1,1.2.6.1 four pedals 1.2.3,1.2.4,1.2.5,1.2.6, six articulations on the suspension rods 1.2.1 , 1.2.2, 1.2.7, 1.2.8, as well as four joints on the reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2. The alignment of the parts is such that, in the neutral position of the device, the pivots P3 and P8, on the one hand, and the pivots P5 and P10, on the other hand, are superimposed, without however being in contact, such as the corresponding suspension rods 1.2.1 and 1.2.7, on the one hand, and 1.2.2 and 1.2.8, on the other hand. Due to the arrangement of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 so that the centers of gravity Mi, M2 of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 are combined with the neutral position of the device, this embodiment of The regulation device with fourteen pivots is also balanced with regard to gravity and accelerations in translation as well as accelerations in rotation. The general operation of this device also corresponds to the explanations given above, in particular the terms of the drive via the variable rsyos drive means 1.4, except that a pin 1.3.2.1 s has been used in this case. placed, for example, on the second mass 1.3.2.
In the following description, several other embodiments of a regulating device according to the present invention will be described, these embodiments corresponding to variants and alternative embodiments, for example using equivalent means, embodiments of the regulating device described above, this mainly su nivesu of the realization of the pivoting bearing structure as well as reversing means, more particularly at the level of the means used for the realization of the pivots. Therefore, it is obvious that these embodiments can include, in addition, one or the other of the embodiments of the variable rsyos drive means 1.4 described above or any other means of equivalent variable radius drive, without the need to describe these drive means there. In addition, the general operation of these alternative control devices is analogous to the operation of the corresponding embodiment of the control device shown above. For these reasons, the following description will not repeat the details already given above, neither at the level of the variable radius drive means nor at the level of the operation of these devices, but will focus on the explanation of the alternative embodiment of the load-bearing structures as well as corresponding reversing means and any particularities in the operation of the corresponding regulation devices which result therefrom.
To this end, FIGS. 6a to 6h schematically show alternative embodiments of the first embodiment of a device for regulating a watch mechanism according to the present invention described above with the aid of FIGS. 1a to 1. In particular, figs. 6a and 6b illustrate an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the regulating device of a timepiece mechanism using knife guides. In this case, in order to minimize friction and play in the transmission, the four pivots P2, P3, P4, P5 located at the corners of the parallelogram mentioned above in the context of the description of the first embodiment and formed by the spreader 1.2.3, the first and second reversing levers 1.5.1,1.5.2 and the second connecting rod in suspension 1.2.2 are constructed using knife guides in line with ruby bearings. To this end, the first reversal lever 1.5.1. and the second suspension rod 1.2.2 have, at the points of the pivots P2, P3, P4, P5, notches es V each of which is capable of accommodating a knife edge provided on the ends of the lifter 1.2.3 st of the second lever reversal 1.5.2. This avoids the use of a ruby bearing and integrates a shock-absorbing system. In addition, two springs are arranged on either side of the second mass 1.3.2, in each case outside of the cross beam l .2.3, the spec ^ me ^ of the second l eversion of inversion l .5.2, lei that ilus1: d as an example in figs. 6a st 6b, in order to produce a preload in the parallelogram, which generates us psu ds friction at each knife bearing. To ensure better symmetry of the system, the two springs can alternatively be arranged on either side of the second mass 1.3.2 with respect to the third dimension not visible in FIG. 6b, i.e. below and / or above the lifter 1.2.3, respectively of the second reversing lever 1.5.2. The length of the springs is substantially identical to that of the lifter 1.2.3 and the second reversing lever 1.5.2, in order to avoid restoring forces in the rest position. In addition, the spreader 1.2.3 and the second reversing lever 1.5.2 have protrusions, not visible in the figures, on either side of the first reversing lever 1.5.1 and the second suspension rod. 1.2.2 in order to limit the relative displacement and to ensure the return of the knives to the bottom of the notches V after impact, then in order to avoid any untimely disassembly during impacts. On each knife bearing, a lateral stop very close to the cutting edge of the knife is provided in order to avoid displacement along said 3rd dimension which is not visible in FIG. 6b. Furthermore, the operation of this alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the regulation device corresponds to the detailed explanations given above.
Figs. 6c to 6f illustrate uss preferred alternative embodiment ds the first embodiment of the regulation device according to the present invention using us flexible blade guide. Es sffst, us such a regulation device can be achieved using flexible blades, cs which allows to further minimize iss games and friction generated at the pivots. Such an implementation requires ensuring that the rigidity of the flexible blades used does not disturb the operation of the regulating device, in particular that their use does not occur at too high a natural frequency at the level of the turntable 1.4.2 of the means of 1.4 drive while ensuring consistency of the centripetal return force by the return spring 1.4.4 regardless of the angular position of the turntable 1.4.2 of the drive means 1.4. In the alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the regulation device illustrated in FIGS. 6c to 6f, the lifter 1.2.3 is still linked to the rigid frame by means of an anti-shock bearing providing the central pivot P-, but has openings in its lateral arms allowing it to be housed in free translation, on one side, the part formed by the first connecting rod in suspension 1.2.1 and the first reversing lever 1.5.1 and, on the other side, the second connecting rod in suspension 1.2.2. The first suspension rod 1.2.1 and the second suspension rod 1.2.2 each comprise, arranged parallel to their respective longitudinal axes, a flexible blade which is fixed at one end to a lateral protrusion at the outer end of the rods. in suspension 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and at the other end to the corresponding end of the lifting beam 1.2.3. The second 1.5.2 reversing lever is made entirely as a flexible blade and is attached at its ends to the first 1.5.1 reversing lever and the second 1.2.2 suspension rod. The flexible blades can be fixed to the corresponding parts ds the supporting structure 1.2, respectively reversing means 1.5, by any means known to those skilled in the art or can also be manufactured in one piece with these parts, and also with iss masses 1.3 .1, 1.3.2, for example by cutting by wire EDM or made es Si by dss conventional methods, with zones of thickness es very fine bending and, if necessary, with inserts ss material ds high density for ensure iss masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2. In an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the central pivot Pi can be provided by us elastic guidance with crossed blades or with concurrent blades, an anti-overload system being integrated in these two cases either between the crossed blade assembly and the frame rigid 1.1, ie between the cross blade assembly and other parts of the pivoting load-bearing structure 1.2. Furthermore, the operation of this alternative embodiment of the regulation device is identical to that of the first embodiment of the regulation device.
Figs. 6g and 6h also illustrate another preferred alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the regulation device using a monolithic design. In this case, all of the parts of the supporting structure 1.2 and of the inversion means 1.5 and, if desired, also the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and their fixing elements, are in the form of a single monolithic part. which can for example be cut by wire EDM or manufactured by any other conventional process known to those skilled in the art. In case Iss masses form separate parts, each of them can for example be made in two parts and clamped on the monolithic part in the appropriate places. The supporting structure 1.2, respectively the central pnlonnixr 1.2.3, comprises in this alternative embodiment a part sn U 1.2.3.3 which produces the central pivot Pi and is fixed by tightening on the rigid frame 1.1. This device can be protected against out-of-plane shocks sn being disposed with play between two plates, for example the plate and a bridge of the rigid frame 1.1, so that Iss masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 vixccxct abut against these plates before d '' reach their elastic limit. Furthermore, the functionxmxnt of this alternative embodiment of the regulation device is identical to that of the first embodiment of the regulation device.
Es general, despite the fact that Iss alternatives at the level of the concrete embodiment, in particular parts of the supporting structure st of the inversion means 1.5 as well as pivots, have been described here and there in the context of the first form d execution of a regulating device according to the present invention, it is obvious that these embodiments using knife blades, flexible blades, or a monolithic design can be transposed to the other embodiments of the regulating device described below or below.
Figs. 7u to 7j schematically show alternative embodiments of the second embodiment of a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention described below using FIGS. 3a to 3d. Es particular, Iss fig. 7a to 7d illustrate an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the device for regulating a clockwork mechanism in which all the spreaders are positioned outside with respect to the masses. If sffst, depending on the configuration of the timepiece in which the device should be integrated, respectively of its movement, it may be advantageous to move the first pnlonnixr 1.2.3 es outside the area where Iss two masses are located 1.3.1, 1.3.2. Furthermore, the remarks appearing below concerning the relative positions of the pivots Ρυ P2, P3, P4, Ps, Ρε, Pï, Pe and the centers of gravity of the masses of the second embodiment of a regulating device are still valid and the function of this alternative embodiment of the regulating device is also identical to that of the second embodiment of the regulating device.
Figs. 7th and 7f illustrate an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the device for regulating a clockwork mechanism in which the technical instruction of the alternative embodiment described below comprising spreaders positioned outside with respect to the masses is combined with the technical instruction of the alternative embodiment illustrated in the context of FIGS. 6c to 6f, that is to say using a flexible blade guide. Es sffst, the device shown schematically in FIGS. 7th and 7f comprises, by means of shock-absorbing or ruby bearings making pivots as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7u to 7d, guides with flexible blades or other segment of variable section provide the functionality of a pivot. The pivots of the spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4 are each ensured by two blades fixed to the rigid frame 1.1 and fixed to the respective pnlonnixr, so that the point of intersection of the two blades sst, for small movements, comparable to pivot center of the corresponding pnlonnixr. The arrangement presented proposes the longest Iss blades possible in order to minimize Iss forces and moments of recall, but it is possible to shorten these parts as required. In addition, in this embodiment, Iss four flexible blades forming Iss reversing levers 1.5.1,1.5.2 are all connected to the second pnlonnixr 1.2.4. Two of these blades connect Iss ends of the pnlonnixr 1.2.4 to the masses 1.3.1,1.3.2, while Iss two other blades are connected respectively to outgrowths of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 in the direction of the second pnlonnixr 1.2. 4 and with a boss close to the center of pivoting of this plunger 1.2.4. These latter two blades can be produced in a single continuous piece fixed in its center to the second pen. 1.2.4. It is also possible to lengthen these two blades ss fixing each of these blades to the opposite side of the 1.2.4 plunger and ss choosing blade shapes allowing the blades to cross without interference.
Figs. 7g and 7h illustrate an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the device for regulating a clockwork mechanism corresponding sxnsiblxmxnt to the embodiment according to Iss fig. 7th and 7f, only in the embodiment according to Iss fig. 7g and 7h Iss four flexible blades forming Iss reversing levers 1.5.1,1.5.2 not all connected to the second pnlonnixr 1.2.4. In this embodiment, if two of these blades always connect the ends of the pnlonnixr 1.2.4 to the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, Iss two other blades are in effect each connected to an outgrowth of the respective mass 1.3.1, 1.3. 2 ss direction of the second pnlonnixr 1.2.4 and to the rigid frame 1.1, so that in this embodiment Iss pivots P5, P6 are made using a connection to the rigid frame 1.1 with a connection to the second pnlonnixr 1.2.4. In Iss alternative realizations according to Iss fig. 7th and 7f as well as according to fig. 7g st 7h, Iss blades which connect Iss ends of the pnlonnixr 1.2.4 to the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 are arranged so that their extension passes through Iss centers of gravity of each of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 so to limit Iss parasitic moments on Iss masses. Obviously, in Iss two alternative embodiments, it is also possible to realize the whole part comprising the bearing strecterx 1.2, Iss inversion means 1.5, st Iss masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 by a monolithic part as described oi-desses in the context of figs. 6g and 6h. In all these cases, the operation of these alternative embodiments of the weighting-regulating device is similar to that of the second embodiment of the regulating device illustrated in FIGS. 3u to 3d.
Figs. 7i and 7j illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the device for regulating a watchmaking mechanism using a guide with flexible blades whose direction corresponds to the direction of the main force and similar to the guide with flexible blades realizations according to Iss fig. 7th and 7f as well as according to fig. 7g and 7h. On the other hand, this embodiment includes, at the level of each pneumatic 1.2.3, 1.2.4, us central pivot ΡΊ, P2 produced by means of a pin 1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1 combined with us oblong hole whose longitudinal axis is oriented in the direction of the corresponding flexible blade. In the same way, Iss suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 carrying Iss masses 1.3.1, 1..3.2, mounted in this embodiment on the second lifting beam 1.2.4, each have at the articulated end of the second spreader 1.2.4 a pin cooperating with an oblong hole corresponding to the ends of said second spreader 1.2.4. Us guidance by this oblong hole - pin system ensures that the mobility perpendicular to the direction of the corresponding blade is blocked, to the clearance between the oblong hole and the pin near, everything is allowing using the oblong hole to avoid us guiding . The relative movement on the level of the pin and the oblong hole is very weak, which arastiqnnmnnt limit the dissipated energy. In the figures, for the pivoting of the lifting beams 1.2.3, 1.2.4, the oblong hole is made on the moving part and the pin is mounted on the fixed frame, but the reverse is possible. The position of the oblong hole and the pin can also be reversed at the joints located between the second lifting beam 1.2.4 and the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2. Psr elsewhere, due to the fixing of the suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 carrying the masses 1. ^. 1,1.3.2 on the second lifting beam 1.2.4, this embodiment of the device comprises levers d 'additional inversion 1.5.3, 1.5.4, 1.5.5, 1.5.6 including two, namely those formed by the flexible blades 1.5.5, 1.5.6 illustrated in figs. 7i and 7j are each fixed at the end in the center of the corresponding lifting beam 1.2.3, 1.2.4 and at the other end on the rigid frame 1.1. As for the alternative embodiments of the regulation device described above, the ratio between the lengths of the arms of the first spreader 1.2.3 can be adapted according to the position of attachment of the flexible blades to the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and their extensions. Again, the extension of the flexible blades 1.5.1,1.5.2 passes through the center of gravity of the corresponding mass 1.3.1, 1.3.2 and the general operation of this alternative embodiment of the regulation device is analogous to the explanations given below. -above.
Es general, although these alternatives su level of concrete realization, especially es terms of the geometric arrangement of certain parts of the device, have been described above in the context of the second embodiment of us device of regulation according to the present invention, it is obvious that similar modifications can be applied to the other embodiments of the regulation device described above or below.
Figs. 8a to 8d show schematically and by way of example an embodiment of a device for regulating a clockwork mechanism built on the basis of the first embodiment of the device described above, but modified so as to that the device is balanced sos only vis-à-vis ls gravity and accelerations es translation, but also vis-à-vis accelerations es rotation. In effect, using another measure making it possible to avoid disturbing moments due to angular accelerations, alongside the use of masses so that the centers of gravity of the masses are combined. The neutral position of the regulating device consists in providing devices identical to those mentioned above, for example a device according to the first embodiment of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 s to 1, to which bone adds an identical device, but connected to the first device with spreaders and reversing levers making it possible to reverse the effect of accelerations and rotation on the masses. The embodiment of the regulating device according to figs. 8a to 8d is an example of this type of device and corresponds to the combination of two devices according to the first embodiment of the device according to FIGS. 1a to 1. The first sub-entity of the device according to FIGS. 8a to 8d therefore comprises us first spreader 1.2.3 pivoting around us first pivot axis 1.2.3.1, first and second suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, first and second reversing levers 1.5.1 , 1.5.2, and first and second masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2, these parts being assembled as described in the context of the first embodiment of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 s to 1. The second sub-entity of the device according to FIGS. 8a to 8d similarly includes us second lifter 1.2.4 pivoting around us second pivot axis 1.2.4.1, third and fourth suspension rods 1.2.5,1.2.6, third and fourth reversing levers 1.5 .3,1.5.4, and third and fourth masses 1.3.3,1.3.4, these parts being assembled in the same way. In addition, this device also includes a fifth reversing lever 1.5.5 and a third lifting beam 1.2.7 pivoting around the third pivot axis 1.2.7.1 and the sixth and seventh reversing sinks 1.5.6, 1.5. .7. The two sub-entities are kinematically isolated, on the one hand, using the fifth reversing lever 1.5.5 which is linked to respective extensions of the first and second spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4 and which transmits the movement of the first spreader 1.2.3 pivoting around the first pivot axis 1.2.3.1 on the second spreader 1.2.4 pivoting around the second pivot axis 1.2.4.1. The geometrical arrangement, as shown in fig. 8b, make sure that the angular movements of the first spreader 1.2.3 and the second spreader 1.2.4 are reversed. On the other hand, the sixth and seventh reversing levers 1.5.6, 1.5.7 are each articulated using their ends at one end dndit third lifter 1.2.7 and at the other of their ends with us respective extension of the second suspension rod 1.2.2 of the first sub-entity, respectively to a respective extension of the fourth suspension rod 1.2.6 of the second sub-entity. Thus, by means of the third spreader 1.2.7 pivoting around the third pivot axis 1.2.7.1, said sixth and seventh reversing levers 1.5.6, 1.5.7 transmit the displacement of the second suspension link 1.2.2 from the first sub-entity to the fourth suspension rod 1.2.6 of the second sub-entity, the third cross beam 1.2.7 and said extensions on the second and fourth suspension rod 1.2.2,1.2.6 allowing to assemble an inversion of the movement between the first sub-entity and the second sub-entity. To produce the same effect, it is also possible a'nrticnlnr the seventh reversing lever 1.5.7 on us an extension of the third reversing lever 1.5.3 instead of articulating it with us extending the fourth suspension rod 1.2 .6 of the second sub-entity. This same regulating device can of course be produced using a guide with flexible blades, a guide with knives, or a monolithic part as described above. As is also apparent from fig. 8b, this device has seventeen pivots and is balanced with respect to gravity as well as with respect to translational accelerations and to rotational accelerations.
Analogously to the embodiment of the regulating device illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8d, figs. 9a to 9c show schematically and by way of example an alternative embodiment of the third form of execution of a positive device for regulating a timepiece mechanism described above in the context of FIGS. 4a to 4d, the embodiment of the device according to iss fig. 9a to 9c being carried out using two partially superimposed devices according to the first embodiment of the regulation device according to iss fig. 1a to 1e. The device is therefore constructed ds even on the basis of a first sub-entity and a second sub-entity which each comprise the same components as listed above, namely us first spreader 1.2.3 pivoting around us first pivot axes 1.2.3.1, first and second suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, first and second reversing levers 1.5.1, 1.5.2, and first and second masses 1.3.1, 1.3.2 for the first sub-entity as well as the second spreader 1.2.4 pivoting around a second axis of pivoting 1.2.4.1, of the third and fourth connecting rods of suspension 1.2.5, 1.2.6, of the third and fourth inversion levers 1.5.3, 1.5.4, and third and fourth masses 1.3.3, 1.3.4 for the second sub-entity, these sub-entities each being assembled in the same manner as described above. These two sub-entities are in the form of execution of the device according to iss fig. 9a to 9c positioned one with respect to the other in such a way that the centers of gravity Μί, M3 in the mass 1.3.1 in the first sub-entity and in the mass 1.3.3 in the second sub-entity are confused. In addition, these two sub-entities are simply kinematically linked to the other by passing the pin 1.3.1.1 mounted for example at the center of gravity M i in the mass 1.3.1 through a bore, preferably equipped of rubies to minimize friction, provided at the center of gravity M3 of the mass 1.3.3. Obviously, the reverse constellation is possible. In this context, bone can also note that, the pin 1.3.1.1, respectively the roller 1.3.1.2 mentioned above, can in all iss of execution be fixed on the spring ds recall 1.4.4 of the turntable 1.4.2 variable radius drive means 1.4 instead of being fixed on uss mass which in this case comprises a means of interaction with the pin, for example us corresponding housing. This device has, as can be seen in addition to FIG. 9b, eleven pivots, including the pivot Pu produced by the pin 1.3.1.1 as well as located at the centers of gravity M-, M3 of the masses 1.3.1, 1.3.3, and is balanced with respect to gravity as well as vis-à-vis acceleration ss translation and acceleration es rotation. The general operation of this alternative embodiment of a regulation device is again analogous to the explanations given above.
Figs. 10a to 10f show schematically and by way of example an alternative embodiment of the fourth embodiment of a device for regulating a watch mechanism described above in the context of FIGS. 5a to 5f, the embodiment of the device according to FIGS. 10a to 10f being carried out using weights in the form of dumbbells. To this end and as shown in Figs. 10a and 10d, each of the first and second suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 carrying the first mass 1.3.1 as well as the third and fourth suspension rods 1.2.7, 1.2.8 carrying the second mass 1.3.2 comes out In this alternative form, in comparison with Iaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaae of iusiree in Figs. 5a to 5f, extended symmetrically with respect to the articulations connecting them to the first and second spreaders 1.2.3, 1.2.4, respectively to the third and fourth spreaders 1.2.5, 1.2.6. In addition, each arm of the first st second suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and of the third and fourth suspension rods 1.2.7, 1.2.8 carries at its opposite ends an identical mass 1.3.1a, 1.3.1b , 1.3.1c, 1.3.ld, 1.3.2a, 1.3.2b, 1.3.2c, 1.3.2d. Identical masses 1.3.1a, 1.3.1b, 1.3.1c, 1.3.ld together form the first mass 1.3.1 and iss identical masses 1.3.2a, 1.3.2b, 1.3.2c, 1.3.2d together form the second mass 1.3.2, the first and second suspension rods 1.2.1, 1.2.2, respectively the third and fourth fourth suspension rods 1.2.7, 1.2.8 being hinged to each other at the center of gravity of the identical masses superxposed 1.3.1a and 1.3.1c, respectively superimposed identical masses 1.3.2a and 1.3.2c. This specific configuration of the masses makes it possible to balance the device even better. Furthermore, the structure and the function of this device for regulating a watch mechanism are analogous to the explanations given above in the context of the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5a to 5f.
The present invention also relates to us watch movement, intended to be integrated into us timepiece, in particular in a mechanical wristwatch, comprising uss energy source, us cog, and us regulating organ. In particular, the regulating member of a watch movement according to the present invention consists of a regulation device as described above, so that it is not necessary for this movement to have an escapement. Es sffst, the frequency of rotation of the driving means 1.4 being managed airxctxmxnt by the oscillation of said at least two masses 1.3.1,1.3.2 forming the isotropic harmonic oscillator of the regulation device, the cog in the watch movement can be es direct kinematic connection with the a'xntrainnxmxnt 1.4 means, without the need for an additional component such as the escapement of traditional mechanical watch movements.
Finally, the present invention also concxrnx a timepiece, in particular uss mechanical wristwatch, which comprises at least one device for regulating a horological mechanism or a horological movement as described above. Es particular, it can be sos only a timepiece equipped with a source of mechanical energy, that is to say, a spring in the barrel housed in the corresponding barrel, but also in other type of timepiece, for example a wristwatch fitted with a source of electrical energy. In this axrnixr case, the timepiece may nevertheless include a device for regulating a timepiece mechanism according to the present invention, the train of the said timepiece being linked airxctxmxnt to the device ds regulation.
Given the αxxxxmxnt st the functionxmxnt of the various embodiments of a us device in the regulation of the watch mechanism described above, bone understands that it makes it possible to achieve the main objective of the present invention, namely to realize a device for regulating a clock mechanism on the basis of an isotropic harmonic oscillator allowing to build watch movements without escapement. Furthermore, such a regulating device has many other advantages, including, in the majority of embodiments, a simple and robust structure so as to guarantee us a reasonable production cost as well as reliable and precise operation, in addition ss terms of running precision of a corresponding timepiece. In addition, the number CIsvc of the various embodiments described below shows that it has very great flexibility, both in terms of its structure and its concrete implementation, to allow integration into a wide variety of parts. watchmaking. As a general rule, the device can be integrated into all kinds of timepieces, preferably in wristwatches having a source of mechanical energy, but it is also possible to use it in watches having a source of electrical energy. . More particularly, in terms of the drive means, the proposed regulating device makes it possible, by means of an adequately calibrated return spring, to provide almost frictionless radial guidance as well as a proportional return force. to the radial displacement of the masses. In particular, there is no difference in the stiffness of the return spring according to its angular position. Ds more, the system has a clearance that at the roller, respectively ds the pin fixed to one of the masses, this clearance can be reduced by conventional production means known to those skilled in the art, and it is with a nntichoc function in all Iss directions of the pivot plane. In addition, the ss system requires no lubrication, therefore no maintenance, and can be integrated without other into existing watch movements. Likewise, the minimum eccentricity present in the drive means ensures self-starting after any stopping of the device. In addition, in terms of the supporting strecterx and reversing means, the proposed regulation device makes it possible to carry out a large number of variants, whether at the geometric and constructive level or at the level of the concrete embodiment, for example at using traditional watchmaking means such as bearings used as pivots or using other means such as flexible blades or monolithic strecterxs. In all Iss oae, a correlated and symmetrical movement of the masses of at least one pair of masses is ensured by means of reversals located on and in cooperation with the supporting strecterx which carries Iss masses. This makes it possible to reduce the displacement of the center of mass of the entire regulation device. Ls correlated and symmetrical movement of the masses of at least one pair of masses ensured by Iss means of inversions located on and ss cooperation with the bearing structure a in all forms of execution, due to the pivots provided in Iss devices according to the present invention, a component ss rotation, which allows a great simplification of the design and construction of these systems. Depending on the choice of terms of construction and construction from among the options described above, it is possible to reduce the influence of gravity depending on the position in the space of the watch on the behavior of the proposed regulation device as well as to avoid, respectively to reduce ss large part, disturbances during shocks ss translation and, in cxrtninxs constellations proposed, during shocks ss rotation, so that the device sst, ss brief, balanced with respect to gravity as well as linear accelerations and, in some cases, rotary accelerations.

权利要求:
Claims (20)
[1]
claims
1. Regulating device (1) of a timepiece mechanism based on an isotropic harmonic oscillator, intended to be integrated in a timepiece, in particular in a wristwatch, said regulating device comprising a rigid frame ( 1.1), at least two masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2) mounted so that they are movable relative to the rigid frame (1.1), a variable radius drive means (1.4) coupled by a means of elastic coupling to at least one of said masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2), said drive means (1.4) being able to be driven by an energy source from said timepiece as well as to transmit the energy received from said energy source at said masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2) so as to set them in motion, and reversing means (1.5) coupled to said masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2 ) and arranged so as to reduce the displacement of the center of mass of the regulating device, cara confirmed by the fact that the regulation device comprises a supporting structure (1.2) mounted on said rigid frame (1.1) in a pivoting manner by means of at least one pivot (Pi, P2, P3, P4) and capable of forming guiding the movement of the masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2), said masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2) being mounted on said supporting structure (1.2), and by the fact that the reversing means (1.5) are located on or form part of said supporting structure (1.2) and are arranged so as to cause a correlated and symmetrical movement of said masses (1.3.1,1.3.2).
[2]
2. Regulating device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the drive means (1.4) is directly and decentralized coupled to one of said masses (1.3) by means of a return spring (1.4. 4) serving simultaneously as a means of transmitting the driving force and as an elastic return means for the masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2).
[3]
3. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (1.2) comprises at least one lifting beam (1.2.3) mounted on said rigid frame (1.1) so as to pivot through said at least one pivot (Pi, P2, P3, P4).
[4]
4. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulating device comprises an even number of masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2) mounted on said supporting structure (1.2).
[5]
5. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (1.2) is connected to the rigid frame (1.1) by means of a central pivot (Pi) formed by a pivot axis (1.2.3.1) located in the center of a lifting beam (1.2.3) of the supporting structure (1.2).
[6]
6. Regulating device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reversing means (1.5) and a part of the supporting structure (1.2) form a parallelogram which is deformable during the movement of the masses (1.3.1,1.3 .2) in the pivoting plane thanks to four articulations located at the corners of said parallelogram, so that the device comprises five pivots (Pi, P2, P3, P4, P5) formed by the pivot axis (1.2.3.1 ) of the lifting beam (1.2.3) of the supporting structure (1.2) and by said articulations of said parallelogram.
[7]
7. Regulating device according to the preceding claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the centers of mass of each mass (1.3.1, 1.3.2) of a pair of masses (1.3) are aligned with the axis of pivoting of the corresponding lifting beam (1.2.3).
[8]
8. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the supporting structure (1.2) is connected to the rigid frame (1.1) by means of two pivots (ΡΊ, P2) formed by pivot axes (1.2.3.1, 12.3.2) of a first lifter (1.2.3) and a second lifter (1.2.4) of the supporting structure (1.2), the second lifter (1.2.4) being oriented substantially perpendicular to the first spreader (1.2.3).
[9]
9. Regulating device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the carrying structure (1.2) comprises, on either side of the first lifting beam (1.2.3) which is in the middle, two suspension rods (12.1, 1.2.2) each carrying one of the masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2) of a pair of masses (1.3), oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first lifting beam (1.2.3), and articulated as well the corresponding end of the masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2) than the corresponding end of the first spreader (1.2.3), and by the fact that the reversing means (1.5) comprise a first lever reversal (1.5.1) articulated at one end of the second lifter (1.2.4) and fixed on the other side to the first mass (1.3.1) and a second reversing lever (1.5.2) articulated to the other end of the second lifting beam (1.2.4) and fixed on the other side to the second mass (1.3.2) of the pair of masses (1.3), so that the device comprises eight pivots (ΡΊ, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, Pe) constituted by the pivot axes (1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1) of the lifting beams (1.2.3, 1.2. 4) of the supporting structure (1.2) as well as by said articulations of the suspension rods (1.2.1,1.2.2) of the supporting structure (1.2) and of the reversing levers (1.5.1, 1.5.2) of the reversal means (1.5).
[10]
10. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the supporting structure (1.2) is connected to the rigid frame (1.1) by means of three pivots (Pi, P2, P3) formed by pivot axes (1.2.3.1, 1.2.3.2) of a first lifter (1.2.3), a second lifter (1.2.4), and a third lifter (1.2.5) of the structure bearing (1.2), the device comprising eleven pivots (P, P2, P3, P4, P5, Pe, P7, Pe, Pg, P10, P11) constituted by the pivot axes (1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1, 1.2. 5.1) lifting beams (1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.2.5) of the supporting structure (1.2) as well as by the articulations of the suspension rods (1.2.1, 1.2.2) of the supporting structure (1.2) and reversing levers (1.5.1, 1.5.2) reversing means (1.5).
[11]
11. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the supporting structure (1.2) is connected to the rigid frame (1.1) by means of four pivots (Pi, P2, P3, P4 ) formed by pivot axes (1.2.3.1, 1.2.3.2) of four lifting beams (1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6) of the supporting structure (1.2), the device comprising fourteen pivots ( ΡΊ, P2, P3, P4, P5, Pe, P7, Ps, P9, P10, Pu, P12, Pn, P14) formed by the pivot axes (1.2.3.1, 1.2.4.1, 1.2.5.1, 12.6.1 ) lifting beams (1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6) of the supporting structure (1.2) as well as by the articulations of the suspension rods (1.2.1,1.2.2) of the supporting structure ( 1.2) and reversing levers (1.5.1, 1.5.2) of the reversing means (1.5).
[12]
12. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the masses (1.3.1, 1.3.2) are mounted on said supporting structure (1.1) so that, in the neutral position of the regulating device, the centers of mass (Μι, M2) of the masses (1.3.1,1.3.2) corresponding either to each pair of masses (1.3) between them, or to all the pairs of masses (1.3) together, either of a mass of at least two pairs of different masses (1.3), are superimposed.
[13]
13. A regulation device according to the preceding claim 11, characterized in that the masses (1.3.1,1.3.2) are in the form of dumbbells, each comprising at least two identical masses (1.3.1a, 1.3.1b, 1.3.1c, 1.3.ld, 1.3.2a, 1.3.2b, 1.3.2c, 1.3.2d) arranged symmetrically with respect to a joint.
[14]
14. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises clock pivots, preferably shock-absorbing bearings and ruby bearings, in order to produce the pivots of the supporting structure (1.2) and reversal means (1.5).
[15]
15. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises knife guides in order to produce the pivots of the supporting structure (1.2) and reversing means (1.5).
[16]
16. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises flexible blades in order to produce the pivots of the supporting structure (1.2) and reversing means (1.5).
[17]
17. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is produced at least partially in the form of a monolithic structure making it possible to produce the pivots of the supporting structure (1.2) and reversing means (1.5).
[18]
18. Regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable radius drive means (1.4) comprises a rotary plate (1.4.2) driven in rotation by the energy source of the part corresponding clockwork and carrying a support lever (1.4.3, 1.4.7), a return spring (1.4.4), and an eccentric (1.4.5), the return spring (1.4.4) and / or the support lever (1.4.3) providing a substantially radial guidance of the center of mass (Μί, M2) of the driven mass (1.3.1, 1.3.2) relative to said rotary plate (1.4.2) and the eccentric ensuring, directly or indirectly using the support lever (1.4.7), a minimum eccentricity of said center of mass (Μί, M2) of the driven mass (1.3.1,1.3.2) with respect to in the center of the turntable (1.4.2).
[19]
19. Watch movement comprising a power source, a gear train, and a regulating member, in particular for a mechanical wristwatch, characterized in that the regulating member is constituted by a regulating device according to one of the preceding claims, so that the movement has no escapement.
[20]
20. Timepiece, in particular mechanical wristwatch, characterized in that it comprises a regulating device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18 or a timepiece movement according to the preceding claim.

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引用文献:

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公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

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CH113025A|1924-04-28|1925-12-16|Heinrich Schieferstein Georg|Method for controlling a rotating mechanism.|

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JP6559703B2|2014-01-13|2019-08-14|エコール・ポリテクニーク・フェデラル・ドゥ・ローザンヌ （ウ・ペ・エフ・エル）Ｅｃｏｌｅ Ｐｏｌｙｔｅｃｈｎｉｑｕｅ Ｆｅｄｅｒａｌｅ Ｄｅ Ｌａｕｓａｎｎｅ （Ｅｐｆｌ）|Isotropic harmonic oscillators and associated timebases with no escapement or with simple escapement|

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CH710692B1|2015-02-03|2021-09-15|Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse|Clockwork oscillator mechanism.|

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法律状态:

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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CH6792017|2017-05-24|

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