• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The timepiece (2) comprises a mechanical oscillator, formed by a mechanical resonator (6), and a device for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator. This regulation device (22) comprises an auxiliary oscillator (26), an electromechanical device (28) capable of stopping the mechanical resonator, a sensor (32) arranged to detect the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position and a measuring device arranged to measure a temporal drift of the mechanical oscillator. The regulating device is arranged to stop, during a given alternation, the natural oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator selectively either momentarily during a first half-alternation occurring before the mechanical resonator passes through its neutral position when the measured temporal drift corresponds to at least a certain advance, or prematurely during a second half-wave occurring after the mechanical resonator has passed through its neutral position when the measured temporal drift corresponds to at least a certain delay.
    公开号:CH715091A2
    申请号:CH00647/19
    申请日:2019-05-17
    公开日:2019-12-30
    发明作者:Tombez Lionel
    申请人:Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description
    Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising:
    - a mechanism allowing to indicate a temporal data,
    - a mechanical resonator capable of oscillating along an axis of oscillation around a neutral position corresponding to its state of minimum potential mechanical energy,
    a device for servicing the mechanical resonator forming with the latter a mechanical oscillator arranged to clock the progress of the mechanism, each oscillation of the mechanical resonator having two successive alternations between two extreme positions, on the axis of oscillation, which define the amplitude of oscillation of the mechanical oscillator, each half-wave having a first half-wave occurring before the mechanical resonator has passed through its neutral position and a second half-wave occurring after the mechanical resonator has passed through its neutral position, and
    - a device for regulating the average frequency of the mechanical oscillator, this regulation device comprising an auxiliary oscillator and a device arranged to apply, on command, regulation pulses to the mechanical resonator.
    It is understood by "timing the operation of a mechanism" the fact of punctuating the movement of the mobile elements of this mechanism when it is operating, in particular to determine the rotational speeds of its wheels.
    In particular, the mechanical resonator is a balance spring and the maintenance device comprises a conventional escapement, for example with Swiss anchor. The auxiliary oscillator is formed in particular by a quartz resonator or by a resonator integrated in an electronic circuit.
    Technological background [0004] A person skilled in the art knows mechanical watch movements with which there is associated a device for regulating the frequency of their balance-spring which is of the electromechanical type. More specifically, the regulation intervenes via a mechanical interaction between the balance spring and the regulation device, the latter being arranged to act on the oscillating balance by a system formed by a stop arranged on the balance and an actuator provided with 'A movable finger which is actuated at a braking frequency in the direction of the stop, without however touching the pendulum rim. Such a timepiece is described in document FR 2,162,404. According to the concept proposed in this document, the aim is to synchronize the frequency of the mechanical oscillator with that of a quartz oscillator by an interaction between the finger and the stop when the mechanical oscillator has a temporal drift relative to a frequency of setpoint, the finger being provided to be able to either momentarily block the pendulum which is then stopped in its movement for a certain period of time (the stop bearing pressing against the finger moved in its direction when the pendulum returns in the direction of its neutral position), i.e. limit the amplitude of oscillation when the finger comes against the stop while the balance wheel turns towards one of its two extreme angular positions (defining its amplitude), the finger then stops the oscillation and the pendulum going directly in the opposite direction.
    Such a regulatory system has many drawbacks and there is serious doubt that it can form a functional system. The periodic actuation of the finger relative to the oscillation movement of the stopper and also a potentially large initial phase shift, for the oscillation of the stopper relative to the periodic movement of the finger towards this stopper, poses several problems. It will be noted that the interaction between the finger and the stop is limited to a single angular position of the balance, this angular position being defined by the angular position of the actuator relative to the axis of the balance spring and the angular position of the stop on the balance at rest (defining its neutral position). Indeed, the movement of the finger is intended to allow the pendulum to be stopped by contact with the stop, but the finger is arranged so as not to come into contact with the pendulum rim. In addition, it should be noted that the instant of interaction between the finger and the stop also depends on the amplitude of the oscillation of the balance-spring.
    Note that the desired synchronization seems improbable. Indeed, in particular for a balance spring whose frequency is greater than the set frequency clocking the back and forth of the finger and with a first interaction between the finger and the stop which momentarily retains the pendulum returning from one of its two extreme angular positions (correction reducing Terror), the second interaction, after numerous oscillations without the stopper touching the finger during its reciprocating movement, will certainly stop the pendulum by the finger with immediate reversal of its direction of oscillation , by the fact that the stop abuts against the finger while the pendulum turns in the direction of said extreme angular position (correction increasing the error). Thus, not only is there an uncorrected temporal drift during a time interval which can be long, for example of several hundreds of oscillation periods, but certain interactions between the finger and the stop increase the temporal drift instead of the reduce! It will also be noted that the phase shift of the oscillation of the stop, and therefore of the balance-spring, during the second interaction mentioned above can be significant depending on the relative angular position between the finger and the stop (balance in its neutral position).
    One can thus doubt that the desired synchronization is obtained. In addition, in particular if the natural frequency of the balance spring is close to but not equal to the set frequency, situations where the finger is blocked in its movement towards the balance by the stop which is located at this instant opposite the finger are predictable. Such
    CH 715 091 A2 parasitic interactions can damage the mechanical oscillator and / or the actuator. In addition, this practically limits the tangential extent of the finger. Finally, the duration of the holding of the finger in the position of interaction with the stop must be relatively short, thus limiting a correction generating a delay.
    In conclusion, the operation of the timepiece proposed in document FR 2,162,404 appears to those skilled in the art highly improbable, and he turns away from such teaching.
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1]
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to find a solution to the technical problems and drawbacks of the prior art mentioned in the technological background.
    In the context of the present invention, it is generally sought to improve the precision of the movement of a mechanical watch movement, that is to say to reduce the daily time drift of this mechanical movement. In particular, the present invention seeks to achieve such an aim for a mechanical watch movement whose gait is initially regulated at best. In fact, a general object of the invention is to find a device for correcting a time drift of a mechanical movement, namely a device for correcting its progress in order to increase its precision, without however renouncing that it can operate autonomously with the best precision it is possible to have thanks to its own characteristics, that is to say in the absence of the correction device or when the latter is inactive.
    To this end, the present invention relates to a timepiece as defined in the technical field and in which the regulating device comprises an electromechanical device capable of stopping during an alternation at least momentarily the movement of oscillation of the mechanical resonator in the direction of this alternation, and a regulation circuit arranged to be able to generate a control signal intended for the electromechanical device to activate it. The regulation device further comprises a sensor, arranged to be able to detect the passage of the mechanical resonator by at least a certain given position on the oscillation axis, and a measuring device arranged to be able to measure, on the basis of a detection signal supplied by the sensor, a possible time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator. The measuring device and the regulation circuit are arranged in order to be able to determine whether the time drift corresponds to at least a certain advance or to at least a certain delay. The regulation circuit and the electromechanical device are arranged to be able, when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude comprised within a useful operating range:
    a) When the measured temporal drift corresponds to said at least a certain advance, momentarily stop, during the first half-wave of a given wave, the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in the direction of this wave, so as to extend this first half-cycle relative to a nominal duration TO / 4 provided for each natural half-cycle, and
    b) When the measured temporal drift corresponds to said at least a certain delay, stop the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator during the second half-wave of at least one given wave, in particular of a plurality of given waves, so as to prematurely end the second half-wave of each given wave, relative to the nominal duration TO / 4, and to start the next half-cycle at a time before this nominal duration has been reached since the last passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position.
    Thanks to the features of the invention, it is possible to reliably and efficiently regulate the progress of the mechanical movement, whether the latter has a time drift corresponding to a certain delay or to a certain advance.
    In a main embodiment, the electromechanical device is formed by an actuator comprising a stop member defining a movable stop for a projecting part of the mechanical resonator, the stop member being arranged movable between a position of no interaction, where it is outside a space swept by the projection when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude in the useful operating range, and an interaction position where it is located partially in this space swept by the projection. The stop member can be actuated on command to stop, via the protruding part abutting against the stop member then placed in its interaction position, the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in the direction of the alternation given and selectively in the first half-cycle or the second half-cycle of this cycle depending on whether, respectively, at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay has been detected.
    Thus, in the main embodiment, on the one hand, the electromechanical device is arranged so that, when the stop member is actuated to stop the mechanical resonator in a first half-wave, the member stop momentarily prevents, after the projecting part has abutted against this stop member, the mechanical resonator from continuing the natural oscillation movement proper to this first half-wave, so that this natural oscillation movement during of the first half-wave is momentarily interrupted before it is continued, with a certain time difference, after the withdrawal of the stop member. On the other hand, the electromechanical device is
    CH 715 091 A2 arranged so that, when the stop member is actuated to stop the mechanical resonator in a second half-wave, it thus prematurely ends this second half-wave without blocking the mechanical resonator but by reversing the direction of the oscillating movement of the mechanical resonator, so that this mechanical resonator begins, following an instantaneous or almost instantaneous stop caused by the collision of the projecting part with the stop member, directly a following alternation.
    Brief description of the figures The invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:
    Fig. 1 is a view, partly schematic, of a main embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows the mechanical resonator of the timepiece of fig. 1 and diagrammatically the elements of the regulation device, Fig. 3 shows the electrical diagram of the regulation circuit incorporated in the regulation device of fig. 2 Figs. 4A and 4B graph the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in fig. 3, in the case of a first mode of interaction provided between the mechanical resonator and an actuator of the regulating device, upon correction of a certain delay, respectively of a certain advance detected in the step of the timepiece, Figs. 5A and 5B are graphs similar to those of figs. 4A and 4B in the case of a second mode of interaction provided between the mechanical resonator and an actuator of the regulating device, and Fig. 6 is a flowchart describing an operating mode of the regulating device of the main embodiment.
    Detailed description of the invention With reference to the appended figures, a main embodiment of a timepiece 2 according to the invention will be described. It comprises a watch movement 4 and a regulating device 22 arranged so as to be able to generate phase shifts in the oscillation movement of a mechanical resonator 6 arranged to clock the progress of the watch movement 4.
    The mechanical movement 4 comprises at least one mechanism 12 indicating a time datum, this mechanism comprising a gear train 16 driven by a barrel 14. The mechanical resonator 6 is formed by a balance 8 and a hairspring 10. The indicator mechanism 12 comprises a maintenance device for the mechanical resonator, this maintenance device being formed by an exhaust 18. The exhaust and the mechanical resonator constitute a mechanical oscillator. The escapement conventionally comprises an anchor and an escapement wheel, the latter being kinematically connected to the barrel via the gear train 16. The mechanical resonator is capable of oscillating around a neutral position (rest position / angular position zero), corresponding to its minimum potential energy state, along a circular geometric axis, that is to say to present an angular oscillation movement around the axis of rotation 9 of the pendulum. As the position of the pendulum is given by its angular position, we understand that the radius of the circular geometric axis is immaterial. In general, the axis of oscillation defines a direction of oscillation which indicates the nature of the movement of the mechanical resonator, which can be linear in another specific embodiment. Each oscillation of the mechanical resonator has two successive alternations between two extreme positions on the axis of oscillation, these extreme positions defining the amplitude of oscillation of the mechanical oscillator from the neutral position.
    The timepiece includes a system for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator, this regulation system being formed on the one hand by a protruding part 20 arranged on the end of the balance 8 and, on the other hand, by a regulating device 22 comprising:
    an auxiliary oscillator 26 formed by a quartz resonator,
    - an electromechanical device, formed by an actuator 28, which is capable of stopping during an alternation at least momentarily the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator 6 in the natural direction that it exhibits during this alternation,
    a regulation circuit 24 associated with the auxiliary oscillator 26 and arranged to be able to generate a control signal Se intended for the actuator to activate it, and
    - A sensor 32 arranged to be able to detect the passage of the mechanical resonator through at least a certain given angular position.
    CH 715 091 A2 The actuator 28 comprises an electrical actuation circuit 29 and a stop member 30 of the mechanical resonator which is formed by a movable stop, which is defined in the variant of FIG. 2 by a finger arranged at the end of a strip 31 made of piezoelectric material. This bar flexes when an electrical voltage is applied by the electrical circuit 29 between two electrodes arranged on two opposite faces of its lateral faces. The circuit 29 is connected to the regulation circuit 24 which provides it with a control signal Se to actuate the movable stop 30 in the direction of the pendulum serge without however touching it. In another embodiment, the actuator comprises an electromagnetic system arranged to be able to move the stop member on command between a position of interaction with the projection 20 and a position of non-interaction. This electromagnetic system can be formed by a fixed coil and a magnet placed on a flexible bar carrying a finger defining the stop, or vice versa. Alternatively, the movable stop may be formed by a core of ferromagnetic material which penetrates inside a coil, which displaces this core along its central axis when it is supplied (a return spring is for example associated with the core) .
    In the variant shown, the sensor 32 is an optical sensor comprising a light source, arranged so as to be able to send a beam of light in the direction of the pendulum rim, the lateral surface 48 of which is reflective (in particular polished), and a light detector arranged to receive in return a light signal 33 reflected by the side surface. The optical sensor is provided here to detect the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position and also to detect the direction of the oscillation movement so as to determine in which alternation of the oscillation, among the two alternations defining each oscillation period , this detection takes place. To this end, provision is made to vary the intensity of the detected optical signal S L as a function of the angular position of the mechanical resonator. More specifically, the lateral surface 48 comprises a marking 50 (shown in FIG. 2 on the serge for the purposes of the description of the detection) constituted by two absorbent zones of different widths. For example, the zero crossing is defined by the inner line (relative to the pattern formed of the two absorbent zones) of the zone of greatest width. It will be understood that the different widths of the two absorbing zones make it easy to determine the direction of rotation of the pendulum 8. The detection circuit 36 arranged in the regulation circuit 24, on the one hand, detects the passage of the marking in front of the sensor and at each detection a signal S P to a flip-flop 38 of a measuring device 34 and, on the other hand, detects the direction of oscillation of the balance wheel upon each detection of the passage of the marking opposite the sensor and supplies a signal Sn to a logic control circuit 42 relating to the alternation in progress.
    It will be noted that the signal Sn can indicate for each detection of the marking the direction of oscillation in the logic circuit 42 or indicate to it only when a predefined alternation by period of oscillation is in progress, given that the interaction between l actuator and the balance is provided here only between the passage of the balance by the neutral position in a predefined alternation, selected from the first alternation and the second alternation of a period of oscillation, and the passage of this balance by the neutral position of the alternation which succeeds it, as will be well understood in the following description of the invention. It will therefore be noted that, in a variant, the flip-flop 38 can be eliminated since the detection circuit can easily transmit a single pulse per period of oscillation via the signal S P. In another variant, there is provided either a capacitive sensor or an inductive sensor arranged so as to be able to detect a variation in capacitance, respectively of inductance as a function of the angular position of the mechanical resonator. Regarding the electrical supply of the regulating device, an energy source is provided associated with a device for storing the electrical energy generated by the energy source. The energy source is for example formed by a photovoltaic cell or by a thermoelectric element, these examples being in no way limiting. In the case of a battery, the energy source and the storage device together form a single electrical component.
    Then, the regulating device comprises a measuring device 34 arranged to be able to measure, on the basis of a detection signal S L supplied by the sensor 32, a time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the oscillator auxiliary 26. The measuring device is formed by the detection circuit 36 already described, a flip-flop 38 and a bidirectional counter C2 which receives at one of its two inputs the signal S P , which supplies one pulse per period oscillation detected by the sensor, and at the other of its inputs an S hor generated by the auxiliary oscillator clock signal 26, the clock circuit 40 provides a reference signal to a divider having two DIVI and DIV2 stages. The first stage of the divider supplies a frequency signal to a time counter C1 and to a timer 44. The state of the counter C2 thus gives the time drift of the mechanism 12 in absolute value since the activation of the regulation device. The state of the counter C2 is supplied to the logic control circuit 42 which is arranged to be able to determine whether the time drift corresponds to at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay, by a comparison with reference values N1 and N2 , as shown in fig. 6.
    Generally, according to the invention, the regulating circuit 24 and the actuator 28 are arranged to be able to stop during at least one given half-wave, when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude within a range of useful operation, the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in the direction of this given alternation and selectively either during a first half-alternation of a given alternation, occurring before the mechanical resonator passes through its neutral position in this given alternation , when the measured time drift corresponds to at least a certain advance; either during a second half-wave of at least one given wave, occurring after the mechanical resonator has passed through its neutral position in each given wave, when the measured temporal drift corresponds to at least a certain delay. In the latter case, the oscillation movement is stopped so as to prematurely end each second half-cycle, relatively to
    CH 715 091 A2 the nominal duration of a natural half-wave, and to start the next half-cycle at a time before this nominal duration is reached since the last passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position. To do this, in the embodiment described here, the stop member 30 of the actuator 28 defines a movable stop for a projecting part 20 of the mechanical resonator. It will be noted that, preferably, the pendulum is designed so as to be balanced.
    The stop member is arranged movable between a position of non-interaction, where it is outside a space swept by the projecting part when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude in the useful operating range, and a position interaction where it is located partially in this space swept by the projecting part so as to be able to stop the pendulum 8 in the direction of its oscillating movement when the projecting part 20 abuts against the stop member. The stop member 30 (which is movable along a substantially radial axis of movement) is positioned angularly, relative to the axis of oscillation of the balance, so that it presents, when it is in its position d 'interaction, a non-zero angular offset Β avec with the projecting part 20 of the balance when the mechanical resonator is in its neutral position, which corresponds to fig. 2 at a positioning of the projecting part 20 at an angular position "0". This angular position is detected by the sensor 32 via the marking 50, which occurs opposite this sensor when the projecting part is positioned at the zero angle. The angular offset θ Β is provided for less than the minimum amplitude of the useful operating range of the mechanical oscillator so as to allow correction of a time drift throughout this useful operating range. For example, the value of the angular offset is between 60 ° and 150 °, preferably between 90 ° and 120 °.
    According to the invention, as already indicated, it is intended to actuate on command the stop member 30 to stop the balance 8 during a first half-wave or at least a second half alternation according to whether, respectively, at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay was detected. We will describe below, with reference to Figs. 4A to 6, two modes of interaction (fig. 4A, 4B; fig. 5A, 5B) provided between the stop member (movable stop) and the projecting part of the balance wheel to regulate the frequency of the mechanical oscillator and therefore the movement of the watch movement, selectively generating a positive phase shift in the oscillation of the balance wheel to correct a certain delay (fig. 4A, 5A) and a negative phase shift to correct a certain advance (fig. 4B, 5B).
    In Figs. 4A to 5B is shown the angular position θ of the pendulum 8 as a function of time. As shown in fig. 6, when the sensor detects a passage of the balance through its neutral position and a counterclockwise direction of the oscillation movement (counterclockwise direction for the variant shown since here the interaction between the stop member and the projecting part can intervene only after this protruding part has passed through the angle "0" counterclockwise), the logic circuit 42 resets the time counter C1 and detects whether the bidirectional counter C2 has at least some advance, ie C2> N1, or at least a certain delay, ie C2 <-N2; N1 and N2 being natural numbers greater than zero.
    Each natural oscillation period T0 of the mechanical oscillator comprises a first natural alternation A1, of nominal duration TO / 2 (oscillation movement in a first direction between two extreme angular positions of the mechanical resonator), and a second natural alternation A2 (oscillation movement in the opposite direction to the first direction between the two extreme angular positions) of the same nominal duration TO / 2. The first natural alternation A1 consists of a first half-alternation D1 j, of nominal duration TO / 4 and occurring before the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position (angular position "0"), and of a second half-alternation D2j of the same nominal duration TO / 4 and occurring after the mechanical resonator has passed through its neutral position. Similarly, the second natural alternation A2 consists of a first half-alternation D1 2 , of nominal duration TO / 4 and occurring before the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position, and of a second half-alternation D2 2 of same nominal duration TO / 4 and occurring after the mechanical resonator has passed through its neutral position.
    In fig. 4A, the regulating device performs a correction following the detection of a certain delay. To this end, during a second alternation A2 *, the stop member is actuated directly after detection of the passage of the balance through the neutral position (signal S c ), for a duration TO / 4 corresponding to that d '' half-wave, to stop the mechanical resonator during the second half-wave D2 2 * of the second half-wave A2 *, that is to say after passing through the neutral position and before reaching the position extreme angularity of natural oscillation (undisturbed oscillation). To do this, after the control logic circuit 42 has received from the detection circuit 36, via the signal S N , the information that a second half-wave of a half-wave in the counterclockwise direction begins, this logic circuit 42 generates a signal S D for triggering a timer 44 which is arranged so as to supply, following reception of the trigger signal, a control signal S c to the electrical circuit 29 of the actuator 28 to activate the latter during a time interval T R equal to TO / 4 in the variant described here. Thus, the stop member 30 is actuated and put in its interaction position during the time interval T R. It follows from this action that the projecting part 20 of the pendulum abuts against the stop member during the second half-cycle in question when the projecting part of the pendulum reaches the angular position 0b. This event prematurely ends this second half-wave by reversing the direction of the oscillating movement of the mechanical resonator without blocking it, so that this mechanical resonator then directly begins a next alternation A1 F. Thus, a positive phase shift DP is obtained, as shown in the graph in FIG. 4A, and the duration of the alternation A2 * equals T3, this value being less than the nominal value TO / 2. This positive phase shift makes it possible to compensate for a certain delay. It will be noted that this correction action is generally carried out successively in several periods of oscillation or alternations as a function of the delay detected.
    CH 715 091 A2 In FIG. 4B, the regulating device performs a correction following the detection of a certain advance. To this end, during a first alternation A1 *, the stop member is actuated after a delay of TO / 4 following the detection of the passage of the balance through the neutral position, for a duration TO / 4 corresponding to that of a half-wave, to thus stop the mechanical resonator during the first half-wave D1i * of the first half-wave A1 *, that is to say between the extreme angular position of the natural oscillation ending l 'previous natural alternation A2 and the passage through the neutral position of the mechanical resonator during the first alternation A1 *. To do this, after the control logic circuit 42 has received the detection circuit 36 via the signal S N, the information that a second half-cycle of alternating (counterclockwise) begins, this logic circuit 42 resets the time counter C1 and waits until the latter measures a time interval equal to TO / 4. Then, it generates a signal S D to trigger the timer 44 which then supplies a control signal S c to the electrical circuit 29 of the actuator 28 to activate the latter during a time interval T R equal to TO / 4 in the variant described here. In another variant, it will be noted that this time interval can be provided for much longer to make a greater correction. In a specific variant, the duration of this time interval can be varied as a function of different values detected for the advance of the mechanical oscillator.
    Thus, at the end of the time delay which allows the natural alternation A2 in the process of ending, the stop member 30 is actuated substantially at the start of the alternation A1 * and put in its position of interaction during the time interval Tr. It results from this action that the projecting part 20 of the pendulum abuts against the stop member during the first half-cycle in question when the projecting part of the pendulum reaches the position angular θ Β while moving towards the neutral position. This event stops the balance and the stop member momentarily blocks the mechanical resonator so that the first half-wave 01 ^ is momentarily interrupted before it is continued. A negative phase shift DN is thus obtained, as shown in the graph in FIG. 4B, and the duration of the alternation A1 * is T4, this value being greater than the nominal value TO / 2. This negative phase shift makes it possible to compensate for a certain advance. This correction action can be carried out successively in several oscillation periods according to the advance detected.
    In the first mode of interaction of FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the stop member ends a second half-wave to correct a delay, it substantially absorbs the kinetic energy of the balance-spring, so that the next first half-wave D1 / is started with a substantially zero speed and has substantially a nominal duration TO / 4. Thus, the alternation A1 F has substantially a nominal duration TO / 2 and a lower amplitude, which depends on the angular offset θ Β . In the case of the correction of an advance, the interrupted alternation is continued following the withdrawal of the stop member by an alternation of resumption having a lesser amplitude and substantially a nominal duration TO / 2. The amplitude of this alternating resumption is substantially equal to that of the alternation A1 F.
    In Figs. 5A and 5B is represented the angular position of the pendulum during an interaction with the stop member in the case of a second mode of interaction for correcting respectively a delay and an advance in the progress of the watch movement. While in the first interaction mode the kinetic energy of the mechanical resonator is absorbed by the actuator, the stop member and the projecting part of the balance are arranged in the second interaction mode so as to present them , when the stop member is placed on command in its interaction position, an elastic shock to stop the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in the natural direction of the alternation considered, the stop thus generated being instantaneous or almost instantaneous and an inversion of the direction of the oscillation movement occurring with a certain kinetic energy given back to the mechanical resonator by the stop member following the instantaneous or almost instantaneous stop of this mechanical resonator. It will be noted that the mentioned “almost instantaneous” alternative indicates that practically stopping can have a very short duration even if no specific member comes to block the balance. Thus, stopping (zero speed) may take a few milliseconds before the balance wheel starts again in the opposite direction. In fig. 5Where a positive phase shift is generated as in fig. 4A to at least partially correct a delay, we see that the first half-wave Di / following the elastic stop of the balance wheel has a greatly shortened duration, its value being substantially equal to that of the second half-wave D2 2 * during from which the pendulum stopped. It follows from this situation that the duration T6 of the alternation A1 F is substantially equal to the shortened duration T5 of the alternation A2 *, so that the positive phase shift generated in the oscillation of the mechanical resonator is here greater than that obtained in the case of fig. 4A.
    In fig. 5B where a negative phase shift is generated as in FIG. 4B to correct an advance, we see that the first half-wave D1 / during which the mechanical resonator stops operating is greatly disturbed by the fact that the elastic shock generates an angular backward movement, in the opposite direction to that of 'a first natural alternation A1, so that the alternation A1 * has after the elastic shock an angular path greater than that of a natural alternation and therefore a total duration 17 much greater than the nominal duration TO / 2 and greater than the duration T4 (fig. 4B). Thus, the negative phase shift obtained here is greater than that obtained in the case of FIG. 4B.
    Finally, it should be noted that the projecting part of the balance can be arranged differently in other alternative embodiments. Thus, in a particular variant, the projecting part is arranged below the twill axially, the stop member being movable in a geometrical plane situated below that of the pendulum and crossed by the projecting part. Other variants can be provided by a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of the present invention. In particular, other mechanical resonators can be provided. In various variants, others
    CH 715 091 A2 electromechanical devices capable of stopping the mechanical resonator during a first half-wave and a second half-wave can be arranged in the timepiece.
    claims
    1. Timepiece (2) comprising:
    - a mechanism allowing to indicate a temporal data,
    - a mechanical resonator (6) capable of having an oscillating movement along a given axis of oscillation around a neutral position corresponding to its state of minimum mechanical potential energy,
    a maintenance device (18) for the mechanical resonator forming with this mechanical resonator a mechanical oscillator which is arranged to clock the progress of said mechanism, each oscillation of the mechanical resonator having two successive alternations (A1, A2) between two extreme positions, on the axis of oscillation, which define the amplitude of oscillation of the mechanical resonator from its neutral position, each alternation having a first half-alternation and a second half-alternation occurring respectively before and after the mechanical resonator has passed through its position neutral,
    - A device (22) for regulating the average frequency of the mechanical oscillator, this regulation device comprising an auxiliary oscillator (26), an electromechanical device (28) capable of stopping during an alternation at least momentarily the movement d oscillation of the mechanical resonator in the direction of this alternation, and a regulation circuit (24) arranged to be able to generate a control signal intended for the electromechanical device to activate it;
    characterized in that the regulation device comprises a sensor (32), arranged to be able to detect the passage of the mechanical resonator through at least a certain position given on the Oscillation charge, and a measuring device (34) arranged to be able to measure, on the basis of a detection signal (S D) supplied by the sensor, a possible time drift of the mechanical oscillator in relation to the auxiliary oscillator; in that the measuring device and the regulating circuit are arranged to be able to determine whether the time drift corresponds to at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay; and in that the regulation circuit and the electromechanical device are arranged to be able, when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude included in a useful operating range:
    a) when the measured temporal drift corresponds to said at least a certain advance, momentarily stop, during the first half-wave of a given wave, the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in the direction of this wave, so as to extend this first half-cycle relative to a nominal duration (TO / 4) provided for each natural half-cycle, and
    b) when the measured temporal drift corresponds to said at least a certain delay, stop the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator during the second half-wave of at least one given half-wave so as to prematurely end this second half alternation, relative to said nominal duration, and to start the next alternation at a time occurring before this nominal duration is reached since the last passage of the mechanical resonator by its neutral position.
    [2]
    2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromechanical device is formed by an actuator comprising a stop member (30) defining a movable stop for a projecting part (20) of the mechanical resonator, the member stop being arranged movable between a position of no interaction, where it is out of a space swept by the projection when the mechanical resonator oscillates with an amplitude in said useful operating range, and an interaction position where it is partially located in this space swept by the projecting part; and in that the stop member can be actuated on command to stop, via the projecting part abutting against the stop member then placed in its interaction position, the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in the direction of the alternation given and selectively in the first half-cycle or the second half-cycle of this cycle depending on whether at least a certain advance or at least a certain delay has been detected.
    [3]
    3. Timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that the electromechanical device is arranged so that, when the stop member (30) is actuated to stop the mechanical resonator in a first half-wave, this member stop momentarily blocks the mechanical resonator (6), so that the oscillation movement in this first half-wave is momentarily interrupted before it is continued after removal of the stop member, and so that , when the stop member is actuated to stop the mechanical resonator in a second half-wave, this stop member prematurely ends this second half-wave without blocking the mechanical resonator but by reversing the direction of movement of oscillation of the mechanical resonator, so that the mechanical resonator then directly starts a next alternation following an instantaneous or almost instantaneous stop of this mechanical resonator caused by an impact of the protruding part against the stop member.
    [4]
    4. Timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the stop member prematurely ends a second half-wave, this stop member substantially absorbs the kinetic energy of the mechanical resonator so that the next alternation is started with a substantially zero speed.
    [5]
    5. Timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that said stop member and said projecting part of the mechanical resonator are arranged so as to present them, when the stop member is placed on com
    CH 715 091 A2 requires in its interaction position, a substantially elastic shock to stop the oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator in the direction of the given alternation, the stop thus generated being instantaneous or almost instantaneous and a reversal of the direction of the oscillating movement occurring with a certain kinetic energy given back to the mechanical resonator following the instantaneous or almost instantaneous stop of this mechanical resonator.
    [6]
    6. Timepiece according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the actuator comprises a piezoelectric element or an electromagnetic system arranged to be able to move on command the stop member (30) between its positions interaction and noninteraction.
    [7]
    7. Timepiece according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the sensor (32) is arranged to detect at least the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position; and in that the regulation circuit (24) is arranged so that, when at least a certain advance is detected, it sends a control signal (S c ) to the electromechanical device directly after detection of a passage of the resonator mechanical (6) by its neutral position so that the electromechanical device actuates the stop member (30) by placing it in its interaction position for a duration substantially equal to the nominal duration (TO / 4) of one half - natural alternation.
    [8]
    8. Timepiece according to claim 7, characterized in that said regulation circuit (24) comprises a time counter (C1) and is arranged so as to be able, when at least a certain advance is detected, to reset the counter temporal after detection of a passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position to measure a delay period before sending the control signal (S c ) to the electromechanical device so that the latter actuates its stop member by placing it in its interaction position for a predefined or determined duration.
    [9]
    9. Timepiece according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said mechanical resonator is formed by a balance (8) and a hairspring (10), the balance carrying said projection (20); characterized in that said stop member (30) is angularly positioned, relative to the axis of oscillation (9) of the pendulum, so that this stop member has, when it is in its position interaction, a non-zero angular offset (9b) with the projecting part when the mechanical resonator is in its neutral position, this angular offset being provided for less than the minimum amplitude of said useful operating range.
    [10]
    10. Timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor is either an optical sensor (32) comprising a light source, arranged so as to be able to send a beam of light towards the mechanical resonator, and a light detector arranged to receive a light signal in return, the intensity of which varies as a function of the position of the mechanical resonator along said axis of oscillation, either a capacitive sensor or an inductive sensor arranged so as to be able to detect a variation in capacitance, respectively of inductance as a function of the position of the mechanical resonator along said axis of oscillation.
    CH 715 091 A2

    CH 715 091 A2

    CH 715 091 A2
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    EP3339982B1|2021-08-25|Regulation by mechanical breaking of a horological mechanical oscillator
    EP3130966B1|2018-08-01|Mechanical clockwork provided with a motion feedback system
    EP0082821B1|1987-03-18|Electronic watch provided with detection means for the passage across a reference position
    EP2891930A2|2015-07-08|Device for regulating the angular speed of a mobile in a clock movement comprising a magnetic escapement
    EP2761378B1|2017-01-04|Oscillator with tuning fork for mechanical timepiece movement
    WO2015097172A2|2015-07-02|Device intended to control the angular speed of a train in a timepiece movement and including a magnetic escapement
    EP3602207B1|2020-12-30|Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement of which the operation is improved by a correction device
    CH709536A2|2015-10-15|Clockwork mechanism regulator with two oscillators.
    EP3584645A1|2019-12-25|Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement of which the operation is controlled by an electromechanical device
    EP3602206B1|2020-12-30|Mechanical timepiece comprising a movement of which the operation is improved by a correction device
    WO2013092316A1|2013-06-27|Escapement mechanism
    CH713637A2|2018-09-28|Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement whose running is improved by a correction device.
    CH715049A2|2019-12-13|Timepiece including a tourbillon.
    CH713306B1|2021-05-31|Watchmaking assembly comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a device for regulating its average frequency.
    CH710685B1|2019-07-15|Escape mechanism.
    EP3265879A1|2018-01-10|Time-keeping movement comprising a regulator with three-dimensional magnetic resonance
    CH713636A2|2018-09-28|Mechanical timepiece comprising a movement whose progress is improved by a correction device.
    EP3629104B1|2021-05-12|Mechanical timepiece comprising an electronic device for regulatingthe time keeping precision of the timepiece
    EP3842876A1|2021-06-30|Timepiece fitted with a mechanical movement and a device for correcting the time displayed
    CH713332A2|2018-06-29|Clock assembly comprising a mechanical oscillator associated with a regulating device.
    EP3882713A1|2021-09-22|Timepiece movement comprising an escapement provided with a magnetic system
    EP3620867B1|2022-01-05|Timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator whose average frequency is synchronised to that of a reference electronic oscillator
    WO2020152578A1|2020-07-30|Timepiece movement
    CH709755A2|2015-12-15|clockwork mechanism with a tuning fork resonator.
    CH717000A2|2021-06-30|Timepiece fitted with a mechanical movement and a device for correcting a displayed time.
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    JP2019219390A|2019-12-26|
    CN110618596A|2019-12-27|
    EP3584645A1|2019-12-25|
    US20190384228A1|2019-12-19|
    CN110618596B|2021-06-18|
    EP3584645B1|2021-06-30|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    CH568597B5|1971-12-10|1975-10-31|Dixi Sa|
    CN1348555A|1999-06-29|2002-05-08|精工电子有限公司|Mechanical timepiece having train wheel operation controller|
    EP1164441A1|1999-12-24|2001-12-19|Seiko Instruments Inc.|Mechanical timepiece having train wheel operation controller|
    WO2001065318A1|2000-02-29|2001-09-07|Seiko Instruments Inc.|Mechanical timepiece with optical detecting part and braking part|
    AT363675T|2003-10-01|2007-06-15|Asulab Sa|CLOCK WITH A MECHANICAL MOVEMENT COUPLED WITH AN ELECTRONIC REGULATOR|
    EP2570866A1|2011-09-15|2013-03-20|The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.|Synchronised oscillators for an intermittent escapement|
    WO2015097172A2|2013-12-23|2015-07-02|The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd|Device intended to control the angular speed of a train in a timepiece movement and including a magnetic escapement|
    EP3299907A1|2013-12-23|2018-03-28|ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse|Mechanical clock movement with magnetic escapement|
    EP2947522B1|2014-05-20|2017-05-03|Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie|Timepiece pallet for mechanical oscillator and timer-controlled timepiece trigger mechanism|
    EP3130966B1|2015-08-11|2018-08-01|ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse|Mechanical clockwork provided with a motion feedback system|
    EP3252545B1|2016-06-03|2019-10-16|The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.|Timepiece mechanism with balance wheel inertia adjustment|
    EP3339982B1|2016-12-23|2021-08-25|The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd|Regulation by mechanical breaking of a horological mechanical oscillator|
    WO2018177779A1|2017-03-28|2018-10-04|The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd|Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement improved by a correction device|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    CH7782018|2018-06-07|
    EP18178547|2018-06-19|
    [返回顶部]