EP2570871B1 - Hairspring with two spiral springs - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a spiral for balance-balance resonator and more particularly to such a spiral comprising two spiral springs.

Background of the invention

It is known from the document EP 2,405,312 to form a hairspring by means of two spiral springs connected by an elevation device. This hairspring gives good results with respect to the isochronism of the timepiece but can become problematic to mount in a watch movement if the free end of the hairspring, which is opposite to that connected to the shell, is too close to the hairspring. axis of the balance.

The document EP 2105807 discloses a hairspring having a double spiral type configuration in series.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages mentioned above by proposing a spiral with two spiral springs comprising a piton offset device.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a spiral comprising a first spiral spring whose inner coil comprises a ferrule arranged to be mounted on an axis, a second spiral spring connected to the outer coil of the first spiral spring by a curve elevation device characterized in that the inner coil of the second spiral spring comprises a pitoning offset device comprising a free end arranged to attach to a stud in the plane of said second spiral spring and in that the shifting device comprises a part connected by means of a substantially U-shaped bend in extension of the inner coil of the second spiral spring so as not to provide elastic torque.

It is therefore understandable that the hairspring will be pitoned between two of its turns without touching them during its development, that is to say, both during the contraction and relaxation phases.

• la pièce en prolongement est plus rigide que ledit deuxième ressort-spiral afin de ne pas fournir de couple élastique ;
• la pièce en prolongement est venue de matière avec le deuxième ressort-spiral;
• la pièce en prolongement est rendue plus rigide par une épaisseur au moins trois fois supérieure par rapport à celle dudit deuxième ressort-spiral.

According to other advantageous features of the invention:

• the extension piece is more rigid than said second spiral spring so as not to provide an elastic torque;
• the piece in extension came from matter with the second spiral spring;
• the extension piece is made more rigid by a thickness at least three times greater than that of said second spiral spring.

The invention also relates to a movement comprising a balance-spring resonator comprising a rocker adjusted to rotate on an axis mounted between a plate and a bridge characterized in that it comprises a pitonnage system intended to cooperate with said free end of spiral according to one of the preceding variants using a pin connecting said spiral said bridge.

• le système de pitonnage comporte un dispositif de réglage du piton monté entre ledit piton et ledit pont afin de rendre réglable le positionnement dudit piton ;
• selon un premier mode de réalisation, le dispositif de réglage du piton comporte des moyens de pincement dudit piton et des moyens de fixation au pont;
• les moyens de pincement comportent une pince élastique commandée par un excentrique à came afin de sélectivement serrer ledit piton ;
• les moyens de fixation comportent une attache destinée à coopérer à frottement gras contre ledit pont afin de pouvoir régler la position du piton par rapport au pont;
• l'attache forme deux bras sensiblement annulaires destinés à s'attacher contre un corps cylindrique à section circulaire dudit pont afin de modifier la position du piton concentriquement audit axe;
• selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, le dispositif de réglage du piton comporte des moyens de blocage dudit piton et des moyens de fixation au pont;
• les moyens de blocage comportent une partie retenant une extrémité du piton contre lesdits moyens de fixation au pont afin de serrer ledit piton;
• les moyens de fixation comportent une attache destinée à être bloquée par vissage contre ledit pont afin de pouvoir sélectivement régler la position du piton par rapport au pont ;
• l'attache comporte un évidement destiné à glisser contre un corps cylindrique à section circulaire dudit pont afin de modifier la position du piton concentriquement audit axe.

According to other advantageous features of the invention:

• the pitonnage system comprises a piton adjustment device mounted between said pin and said bridge to make adjustable the positioning of said peak;
• according to a first embodiment, the piton adjustment device comprises means for clamping said pin and fixing means to the bridge;
• the clamping means comprise an elastic clip controlled by a cam eccentric to selectively clamp said stud;
• the fixing means comprise a fastener intended to cooperate with friction against said bridge in order to adjust the position of the stud relative to the bridge;
• the fastener forms two substantially annular arms for attachment against a cylindrical body of circular section of said bridge to change the position of the stud concentrically to said axis;
• according to a second embodiment, the piton adjustment device comprises means for locking said pin and means for fixing the bridge;
• the locking means comprise a portion retaining one end of the pin against said bridge attachment means for clamping said pin;
• the fixing means comprise a fastener intended to be locked by screwing against said bridge so as to selectively adjust the position of the stud relative to the bridge;
• the clip has a recess for sliding against a cylindrical body of circular section of said bridge to change the position of the stud concentrically to said axis.

Brief description of the drawings

• les figures 1 et 2 sont des représentations en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un mouvement selon l'invention ;
• les figures 3 à 6 sont des représentations en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un mouvement selon l'invention;

Other particularities and advantages will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the Figures 1 and 2 are perspective representations of a first embodiment of a movement according to the invention;
• the Figures 3 to 6 are perspective representations of a second embodiment of a movement according to the invention;

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of a movement 1 according to the invention is presented to Figures 1 and 2 . The movement 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted preferentially in a timepiece (not shown).

As visible to Figures 1 and 2 , the movement 1, preferably a watchmaker, comprises a resonator 3 of the balance-type 5 - spiral 7. According to the invention, the movement 1 comprises a rocker 5 adjusted to rotate on an axis 2 mounted between a plate (not shown) and a bridge 4. In the example of figure 2 , the balance 5 is of the variable inertia type. It is obvious that other types of balance can be used.

Advantageously according to the invention, the movement 1 further comprises a stud 9 system intended to cooperate with a free end 6 of the spiral 7 with a pin 8 connecting the spiral 7 to the bridge 4.

Preferably according to the invention, the spiral 7 comprises a first spiral spring 11 whose inner coil comprises a ferrule 10 arranged to be mounted on the axis 2 and a second spiral spring 13 connected to the outer coil of the first spiral spring 11 by a device with elevation of curve 15. The device with elevation of curve 15 between the spiral springs 11 and 13 is preferably that disclosed in the document CH 0795/10 in the name of the Claimant. In addition, the spiral 7 follows, preferably, the teaching of the document CH 1144/10 also in the name of the Applicant and is therefore preferably manufactured from silicon.

In addition, the inner coil of the second spiral spring 13 preferably comprises a shifter 17 of the pitcher point of the free end 6 arranged to attach to a peg 8 in the plane of the second spiral spring 13 The shifting device 17 is particularly useful for preventing particular shapes of the hairspring 7 from making it impossible to mount because of the proximity of its free end 6 to the axis 2.

As visible at figure 2 , the shifting device 17 comprises a part 12 in extension of the inner turn of the second spiral spring 13. Preferably, the piece 12 is more rigid than the second spiral spring 13 so as not to provide an elastic torque to the resonator 3. As better visible at the figure 2 the part 12 is preferably made more rigid by a greater thickness, such as for example at least three times greater, with respect to the thickness of the second spiral spring 13, that is to say the width of its blade. It is therefore understood that the shape of the part 12 is partly adapted according to the curvature of the turns of the second spiral spring 13 so that no contact takes place.

In addition, according to a particular alternative, it is preferred that the piece 12 be integral with the second spiral spring 13 and, preferably, that the latter comprises a height substantially equal to that of the piece 12, it is to say that the latter is contained in the same plane.

The extension piece 12 is furthermore preferably connected to the inner turn of the second spiral spring 13 by means of a substantially U-shaped bend 14 in order to further limit the supply of any elastic couple. It is understood that the extension piece 12 and the elbow 14 can virtually bring the fixed point formed by the bridge 4 to the free end 6 of the spiral 7.

Finally, in the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 , the piece 12 comprises a recess 16, blind or through, of substantially rectangular section and intended to cooperate with the pitting system 9 and, more precisely, the stud 8.

The pitting system 9 preferably comprises an adjusting device 19 of the stud 8 mounted between said pin and the bridge 4 to make its positioning adjustable. The adjustment device 19 comprises, preferably, locking means 18 of the pin 8 and fixing means 20 to the bridge 4.

Preferably, according to the invention, the locking means 18 comprise a portion 22 holding one end of the pin 8 against said fixing means 20 (in the example of FIG. figure 1 , the clip 21) in order to tighten the pin 8. In the example illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , the end of the stud 8 is L-shaped and is locked in a groove of the fastener 21 by covering the part 22 which is tightened by screwing against the fastener 21.

The fastening means 20 comprise, preferably, the fastener 21 intended to be locked by screwing against the bridge 4 in order to selectively adjust the position of the stud 8 with respect to the bridge 4. This is made possible by the oblong hole 23. performed in the fastener 21 in which is received the rod of the screw 24 which cooperates with the bridge 4. It is therefore understood that the fastener 21 can be locked in several positions by sliding of the rod of the screw 24 in the hole 23 before screwing.

Finally, the fastener 21 has a recess 25 intended to slide against a cylindrical body 26 of circular section of the bridge 4 in order to modify the position of the stud 8 concentrically to the axis 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , it can be seen that the cylindrical body 26 is a part of the shock absorbing bearing of the movement 1. Preferably according to the invention, the shock absorbing bearing is that disclosed in the document CH 0720/05 in the name of the Claimant.

As visible at figure 1 in order to adapt the fastener 21 to said shock absorbing bearing, it is noted that a clearance has been made for the elastic arm to function properly. It will therefore be understood that necessary modifications of the shifting device 17 or of the pegging system 9 can be made to adapt to the other components of the movement 1.

Therefore, the movement 1, according to the first embodiment, comprises a double spiral 7 secured to the bridge 4 by the stud system 9 by allowing a preferentially concentric adjustment of the position of the stud 8 with respect to the axis 2.

A second embodiment of a movement 31 according to the invention is presented to Figures 3 to 6 . The movement 31 according to the invention is intended to be mounted preferentially in a timepiece (not shown).

As visible to Figures 3 to 6 , the movement 31, preferably a clockmaker, comprises a resonator 33 of the balance-spring type 37. According to the invention, the movement 31 comprises a rocker 35 fitted to rotate on an axis 32 mounted between a plate 34 'and a bridge 34. In the example of figures 3 and 6 , the balance 35 is of the variable inertia type. It is obvious that other types of balance can be used.

Advantageously according to the invention, the movement 31 further comprises a stud system 39 intended to cooperate with a free end 36 of the spiral 37 by means of a stud 38 connecting the spiral 37 to the bridge 34.

Preferably according to the invention, the spiral 37 comprises a first spiral spring 41 whose inner coil comprises a ferrule 40 arranged to be mounted on the axis 32 and a second spiral spring 43 connected to the outer coil of the first spiral spring. 41 by an elevation device 45. The elevation device 45 between the spiral springs 41 and 43 is preferably that disclosed in the document CH 0795/10 in the name of the Claimant. In addition, the spiral 37 follows, preferably, the teaching of the document CH 1144/10 also in the name of the Applicant and is therefore preferably manufactured from silicon.

In addition, the inner turn of the second spiral spring 43 preferably comprises a shifter 47 of the pitcher point of the free end 36 arranged to attach to a peg 38 in the plane of the second spiral spring 43 which is comparable to that of the first embodiment. The shifter 47 is particularly useful to prevent particular shapes of the spiral 37 make it impossible to mount because of the proximity of its free end 36 with respect to the axis 32.

As visible at figure 4 , the shifting device 37 comprises a piece 42 extending from the inner turn of the second hairspring 43. Preferably, the piece 42 is more rigid than the second hairspring 43 so as not to provide an elastic torque to the resonator 33. As better visible at the figure 4 , the piece 42 is preferably made more rigid by a greater thickness, such as for example at least three times greater, relative to the thickness of the second spiral spring 43, that is to say the width of its blade. It is therefore understood that the shape of the part 42 is partly adapted according to the curvature of the turns of the second spiral spring 43 so that no contact takes place.

In addition, according to a particular alternative illustrated in figure 6 , it is preferred that the piece 42 is integral with the second spiral spring 43 and, preferably, the latter comprises a height substantially equal to that of the piece 42, that is to say that the latter is contained in the same plane. Note also that the extension piece 42 is advantageously perforated to reduce its mass without decreasing its rigidity.

The extension piece 42 is furthermore preferably connected to the inner turn of the second spiral spring 43 by means of a substantially U-shaped bend 44 in order to further limit the supply of any elastic torque with the same advantages as for the first embodiment.

Finally, in the second embodiment of the Figures 3 to 6 , the piece 42 comprises a recess, blind or through, of substantially circular section and intended to cooperate with the pitting system 39 and, more specifically, the stud 38.

The pitting system 39 preferably comprises an adjustment device 49 of the stud 38 mounted between said stud and the bridge 34 to make the positioning of the stud 38 adjustable. The adjustment device 49 preferably comprises pinch means 48 of the stud 38. and fixing means 50 to the bridge 34.

Preferably, according to the invention, the clamping means 48 comprise an elastic clamp 52 controlled by an eccentric 53 with a cam so as to selectively tighten the stud 38. In the example illustrated in FIGS. figures 4 and 5 , the clamp 52 is formed by a fixed portion 54 with respect to the fastening means 50 and, more particularly, to the fastener 51 and includes a hole 59 intended to receive the shaft 32 without contact.

The clamp 52 also comprises a movable part 56 connected to the fixed part 54 in an elastic manner and controlled by the eccentric 53. It is thus clear that, in the view of the figure 5 , the clamping means 48 are in the position where the eccentric 53 induces the maximum force, which consequently has to frictionally grip the stud 38 by preventing it from imparting a relative movement with respect to the clamping means 48. Of course, the contact surfaces between the clamping means 48 and the pin 38 may be modified, such as grooved and / or grooved, to further limit said relative movement.

The fastening means 50 preferably comprise a fastener 51 intended to cooperate with friction against the bridge 34 in order to be able to adjust the position of the stud 38 with respect to the bridge 34. For this purpose, the fastener 51 forms two arms 55, 57 substantially annular for attaching against a cylindrical body 58 of circular section of the bridge 34 to change the position of the stud 38 concentrically to the axis 32. It is therefore clear that the fastener 51 can be locked in several positions by moving each arm 55, 57 against the body 58.

In the example shown in figure 3 it can be seen that the cylindrical body 58 is a part of the shock-absorbing bearing of the movement 31. Preferably, according to the invention, the shock-absorbing bearing is the one disclosed in the document CH 0720/05 in the name of the Claimant.

As for the first embodiment, it is of course understood that necessary modifications of the shifter 47 or pitting system 39 can be made to adapt to the other components of the movement 31.

Therefore, the movement 31 according to the second embodiment embodiment comprises a double spiral 37 secured to the bridge 34 by the stud system 39 by allowing a preferentially concentric adjustment of the position of the stud 38 relative to the axis 32. By relative to the first embodiment, it is understood that the second embodiment also makes it possible to leave the resonator 33 more accessible and more visible.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible of various variations and modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims. In particular, it can be envisaged that the part 12 can be partially perforated to reduce its mass as for the part 42. In addition, in the same way as for the parts 12, 42, it can be envisaged that a more rigid part exists between the ferrule 10, 40 and the first spiral spring 11, 41 to optimize the development of the spiral 7.37.

Claims (14)

1. Balance spring (7, 37) comprising a first hairspring (11, 41), the inner coil of which includes a collet (10, 40) arranged to be mounted on a staff (2, 32), a second hairspring (13, 43) connected to the outer coil of the first hairspring (11, 41) by a raised terminal curve device (15, 45), characterized in that the inner coil of the second hairspring (13, 43) includes a device (17, 47) for shifting the pinning point comprising a free end (6, 36) arranged to be secured to a balance spring stud (8, 38) in the plane of said second hairspring, the shifting device (17, 47) comprising a piece (12, 42) connected to the inner coil via a substantially Ushaped bend (14) extending from the inner coil of the second hairspring (13, 43) to limit the providing of elastic torque.
2. Balance spring (7, 37) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the extension piece (12, 42) is more rigid than said second hairspring to avoid providing elastic torque.
3. Balance spring (7, 37) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the extension piece (12, 42) is integral with the second hairspring (13, 43).
4. Balance spring (7, 37) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the extension piece (12, 42) is made more rigid by a thickness that is at least three times greater than that of said second hairspring.
5. Movement (1, 31) comprising a sprung balance (5, 35; 7, 37) resonator (3, 33) including a balance (5, 35) rotatably fitted to a staff (2, 32) mounted between a plate (34') and a bridge (4, 34), characterized in that the movement includes a balance spring according to any of the preceding claims and a system (9, 39) of pinning up to the stud cooperating with said free end of the balance spring (7, 37) via a balance spring stud (8, 38) connecting said balance spring to said bridge.
6. Movement (1, 31) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pinning system (9, 39) preferably includes a device (19, 49) for adjusting the stud (8, 38) mounted between said stud and said bridge to make the position of said stud adjustable.
7. Movement (31) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (49) for adjusting the stud (38) includes a means (48) of clamping said stud and a means (50) of attachment to the bridge.
8. Movement (31) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the clamping means (48) includes an elastic clamp (52) controlled by a cam (53) in order to selectively clamp said stud.
9. Movement (31) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the means of attachment (50) includes an attachment (51) intended to cooperate in a friction tight fit against said bridge to enable the position of the stud (38) to be adjusted relative to the bridge (34).
10. Movement (31) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the attachment (51) forms two substantially annular arms (55, 57) intended to be attached to a cylindrical body (58) of circular section of said bridge in order to alter the position of the stud (38) concentrically to said staff.
11. Movement (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stud adjusting device (19) includes a means (18) of locking said stud and a means of attachment (20) to the bridge (4).
12. Movement (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking means (18) includes a part (22) retaining one end of the stud (8) against said means of attachment to the bridge (4) in order to clamp said stud.
13. Movement (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the means of attachment (20) includes an attachment (21) intended to be screwed against said bridge so that the position of the stud (8) can be selectively adjusted relative to the bridge (4).
14. Movement (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the attachment (21) includes a recess (25) intended to slide against a cylindrical body (26) of circular section of said bridge in order to alter the position of the stud (8) concentrically to said staff.

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