Watch regulating element

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a control mechanism hours, comprising at least one balance wheel, which oscillates around the oscillation axis and exposed to the return torque exerted by torsional return means.

The invention also relates to a watch movement, comprising at least one such control element which varies between the plate and the bridge.

The invention also relates to a clock, which include at least one such clockwork.

The invention relates to the regulatory mechanisms hours.

BACKGROUND

Losses in the control mechanism of a direct impact on the quality of work hours, as well as reserve.

The regulating mechanism is generally susceptible to various vertical or horizontal position wristwatch, and the differences between the horizontal / suspended provisions are often significant.

In the past, various attempts have not use a spring balance mainly in static applications such as clocks or counters liquid.

In UK patent application in the name of A №616969 Clemen Jorgensen application discloses a static clock with a pendulum, which are less sensitive to impact and can function reliably. For this purpose, the return element is formed by the adjusting member in the form of torsion wire which is secured at both ends and which is located in the middle of the balance, wherein the wire is vertical. The tension wire is provided by the elasticity of the end supports. Useful wire length is limited at one end a fork position control, and its point of contact with the wire determines the useful length. The support fork can be a bimetallic strip to provide temperature compensation.

The two documents, US patent application №3635013 behalf Bertsch Hanns A and German Patent №351558 On behalf BRUNO KRAUSZE, as disclosed regulators with the torsion tubes or parallel wires mounted torsional or twisting one wire.

In the American patent application in the name №5772803 Peker Atakan discloses a spring made of an amorphous metal alloy, such as a coil spring, torsion or torsional rocker pipe, especially not intended for use in horology.

Some documents describe springs of a metallic glass having curvature: in patent application EP-A2 №2133756 behalf ROLEX SA discloses a method for profiling mainspring formed from whole strip of metallic glass, the theoretical free form that is to be imparted to the ribbon from whole metallic glass, is calculated so that after each segment winding spring inside the drum exposed to the maximum bending moment, the belt is profiled by Adan curvature characteristics of the theoretically free form, taking into account the reduction of curvature, after release of the tape, and the tape is weakened to establish the shape by heating, after which the tape cools. In this paper we consider the case ROLEX, when the mainspring having a thickness of 50 microns. In another patent application WO 2011/069273 A1 in the name ROLEX SA discloses a method for manufacturing a spring hours with similar dimensions, here including at least one integral strip of metallic glass having at least one curvature, which method includes the step of profiling the above whole strip by plastic deformation to obtain at least one portion of the aforementioned curvature. Patent application EP A1 №215481 behalf ROLEX SA discloses a one-piece spring suspension of metallic glass thickness greater than 40 microns. having at least one curvature, which method includes the step of profiling the above whole strip by plastic deformation to obtain at least one portion of the aforementioned curvature. Patent application EP A1 №215481 behalf ROLEX SA discloses a one-piece spring suspension of metallic glass thickness greater than 40 microns. having at least one curvature, which method includes the step of profiling the above whole strip by plastic deformation to obtain at least one portion of the aforementioned curvature. Patent application EP A1 №215481 behalf ROLEX SA discloses a one-piece spring suspension of metallic glass thickness greater than 40 microns.

SUMMARY OF THE iNVENTION

The present invention is intended to improve the efficiency of the regulator by reducing the losses at each position of wristwatches.

In particular, this means limiting the friction, which in the horizontal position of watches to be greater than the friction in their upright position.

In particular, the invention relates to a wristwatch with a high frequency vibrations, i.e., a frequency greater than 5 Hz oscillator or equal to this value.

Thus, the invention relates to the removal of the primary source of friction created axes which cause at least 90% of the friction in the oscillator.

The invention also relates to the maximum possible reduction in the number of components in the oscillator.

To this end, the invention relates to a regulatory element hours, comprising at least one balance wheel, which oscillates around the oscillation axis and is subjected to a return torque applied torsional return means, characterized in that said at least one balance includes attachment means forcing balance oscillate together with the torsion wire, which forms the aforementioned torsional return means for the above specifically at least one balance that the largest dimension of the cross section above the useful portion torsion wire, which is subjected to torsion, is less than 100 microns, the smallest dimension of the cross section above the useful portion is less than 50 microns,

Using the appropriate wire twisting creates a performance advantage of a dual function:

- Creation of a return torque balance point, replaces the conventional balance spring;

- Balance suspension.

According to the above aspect of the invention comprises a balance on both sides of the aforementioned fastening means along said axis of oscillation the first and second means to limit the radial clearance between said wire and twisting the above balance.

According to one characteristic of the invention to eliminate adverse torsional bending vibrations above wire includes at least one intermediate plate of larger cross-section compared with the used cores aforementioned torsion wire working in torsion, and the above intermediate plate is attached to said at least one balance.

According to the above feature of the invention is made of a torsional wire at least partially amorphous alloy formed entirely of zirconium, titanium, copper, nickel and beryllium and containing 41-44% by weight zirconium, 11-14 wt% titanium, 9-13% by weight, of copper, 10-11% by weight of nickel and 22-25% by weight beryllium.

The invention also relates to a clock mechanism, comprising at least one such control element, oscillates between the base plate and the bridges, characterized in that for the insertion of the aforementioned torsion wire mechanism includes means for attaching the above regulating member formed by the first means for attachment to the above the bridge and a second means for fixing to the aforementioned platinum core, which together define the aforementioned vibrations axis aforesaid regu iruyuschego element.

According to one characteristic of the invention said mechanism includes means for regulating the tension of the aforementioned torsion wire by adjusting the distance between said axle and the said platinum.

The invention also relates to a clock, which include at least one such clock mechanism, characterized in that the watch is a wristwatch and that the said regulating mechanism oscillates at a frequency higher than 5 Hz or equal to that value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other distinguishing features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 - a schematic sectional view of a regulating element with torsion in the wire of the invention along the axis of balance oscillation plane;

FIG. 2 - view of the watch, similar to the schematic view of FIG. 1, showing the mechanism comprising a regulatory element according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 - schematic diagram of the invention, the image piece construction with the frame supporting the tensioned torsion wire in which balance is configured in the form of the beam;

FIG. 4 - the embodiment of Fig. 3, comprising means for regulating the tension of torsion wire;

FIG. 5 - a top view of a particular embodiment of the twist wire, which includes an intermediate plate and is made using the blank shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 - a schematic perspective view of the balance axis, mounted on the intermediate plate of FIG torsional wire. 5 and FIG. 7A - section along the plane perpendicular to the oscillation axis passing through the intermediate plate and through the axis of the balance;

FIG. 8 - same as Fig. 2 part of a mechanism comprising an adjusting element according to the second embodiment; the adjusting member is shown with a single part of a removable tool for installation of the complete unit comprising the torsional wire, on which the balance in the middle portion, and fastening means at both ends;

FIG. 9 - top view of the mechanism of FIG. 8, in a particular embodiment, the angular adjustment means comprising a label; the adjusting member is shown with the same tool for installation of the same module and stocked with another removable tool formed by temporary retaining screw for initial assembly; FIG. 9A - similar partial view in which the hidden portions are not shown;

FIG. 10 - a schematic perspective view of the central portion of the twist wire fastening means, formed by a clamp, while the dotted line shows the end plate contained a torsional wire of FIG. 5 and inserted into the first groove parallel to the axis, and an axis passing through the opening in the end plate and mounted on a V-shaped opening portion in the second groove parallel to the axis and situated at right angles to the first groove;

FIG. 11 - a schematic view similar to Figure 9, which shows a portion of a torsional wire fastening means which comprise clamp of FIG. 10, held in the clamped position in a concentric sleeve, which comprises recesses for the angular indexation of interacting with spouts orienting retaining bands;

FIG. 12 - a schematic perspective view of the adjustment lever, as shown in FIG. 8 which provides micrometric movement transmitted clamp from FIG. 10 by reducing displacement transmitted by a screw at one end of the adjustment lever; the adjusting lever comprises in the vicinity of a fixed point of attachment on the bridge of reduced cross-section portion, which gives sufficient elasticity Slack Adjusters;

FIG. 13 - diagram of a wristwatch, including a mechanism comprising a mechanism which, in turn, comprises an adjusting element according to the invention.

EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides an improved functioning of the adjusting member of watches.

The problem, which proposes to solve the present invention is related to the following research data:

- loss in the control element directly affect the quality of the functioning of the watches, as well as the power reserve. There are three types of losses: dry friction, linear friction (the balance air) and quadratic friction;

- a significant part of the losses associated with the use of the axes;

- regulating member is generally susceptible to various vertical or horizontal position wristwatch, and the differences between the horizontal / suspended provisions are often significant.

The invention, in particular, offers:

- increase the regulator efficiency by reducing friction loss by dry in every position of watches;

- and, in particular, in the case of a wristwatch with a high frequency vibrations, i.e. with a frequency above 5 Hz oscillator or equal to this value.

Two approaches can be considered:

- improvement of the standard oscillator by using a balance spring; this campaign has been the subject of numerous studies in the present application is not considered;

- the use of torsional return means, such as twisting the wire.

According to the prior art mechanisms hours torsion wire is generally confined to pendulums liquid metering and artillery rockets, with torsion wire mounted in the direction of the existence of the largest accelerations, in particular in the direction of gravity in the case of the pendulum. This axial arrangement of the wire with respect to the local vertical is constant hallmark hours designed to display the time. Known mechanisms are not suitable for wristwatches, which can take any orientation in space and relative movements of the user.

To adapt the control mechanism in the twist wire to the wristwatch, all these issues need to be resolved, namely the loss, affecting the quality of the operation, the susceptibility to various locations, increasing efficiency.

According to the prior art in with torsion pendulums used metal wire torsion wire, which is sufficient for the respective applications, wherein there are no proposals for the use of other materials.

However miniaturization associated with a specific application in the regulatory elements of the wristwatch does not permit the use of flat metallic parts or wires, as foreseen length compatible with exposure to a sufficient return torque. Thus a wire with one or more used portions (which are subjected to torsion for applying elastic return torque) is very small length, comparable to a wrist mechanism thickness hours. Full length LT torsion wire, which is to be used is several millimeters, preferably less than 6 millimeters, and preferably less than 5 millimeters in the described embodiment is exemplary, and the effective length LL torsion wire is even shorter, wherein the aforementioned useful length LL may consist of several main sections torsional effective lengths of wire, as will be described below. Effective length of each section of the torsion bar, must be considerably reduced, from about 2 to 4 millimeters, and the cross section will be on the order of several microns, typically 20 - 40 microns. of the invention The problem is not only a definition of material suitable for manufacturing such a torsion wire, but also in designing the shape, which can be achieved through the use of reliable and reproducible methods of industrial manufacture, which is particularly difficult in microfabrication using materials specifically not intended for time case. as will be described below. Effective length of each section of the torsion bar, must be considerably reduced, from about 2 to 4 millimeters, and the cross section will be on the order of several microns, typically 20 - 40 microns. of the invention The problem is not only a definition of material suitable for manufacturing such a torsion wire, but also in designing the shape, which can be achieved through the use of reliable and reproducible methods of industrial manufacture, which is particularly difficult in microfabrication using materials specifically not intended for time case. as will be described below. Effective length of each section of the torsion bar, must be considerably reduced, from about 2 to 4 millimeters, and the cross section will be on the order of several microns, typically 20 - 40 microns. of the invention The problem is not only a definition of material suitable for manufacturing such a torsion wire, but also in designing the shape, which can be achieved through the use of reliable and reproducible methods of industrial manufacture, which is particularly difficult in microfabrication using materials specifically not intended for time case.

Only long-term research, taking into account the previously established principles allow us to determine the thresholds elastic modulus and elastic limit and calculate the micrometric size of twisting the wire, where the material has an elastic modulus of 100 GPa and a yield strength of more than 2000 MPa.

Despite the fact that new materials developed technology MEMS and LIGA, and amorphous materials have so far been tested to improve the components in standard designs balance springs, they were not tested in constructions, it is less widely used in watchmaking, for example, in the present case.

The invention relates to a regulatory element 1 hours comprising at least one balance 2; 2 said balance oscillates around an axis D and is subjected to vibrations of the return torque exerted by the torsional return means 4 alternately in the two directions of vibration.

Preferably, the regulating member 1 is intended for the clock, in particular wristwatch, for which there are special requirements for compactness and resistance to acceleration.

This balance of two non-limiting manner can be made in various forms: in the form of rings with inertia block or in the form of a simple beam.

The invention proposes to remove axes which are the cause of at least 90% of the friction in the oscillator. axis frictional torque proportional to the radius axis. Large radius causes greater loss in the vertical direction. Thus, in the case of using the standard axis must be reduced radius, so that it is less than a very small value close to 0.050 mm.

According to this invention, at least one Balance 2 comprises a fastening means 10, which forces balance oscillate together with at least one torsion wire 5. This wire 5 forms a torsional above spinning return means 4 specially for this purpose at least one balance 2. Using such twisting wire 5 makes it unnecessary to balance the axle and thus eliminates the need axes.

In the present invention, embodiments are described as examples only containing one torsional wire 5. Of course, without departing from the invention can combine several torsional wires connected to each other in series and / or parallel.

Similarly, the embodiments shown in the Examples contain only one balance. In the case where some balances are connected, they can be connected rigidly or via a torsion section of the wire, and such intermediate section may or may not be used for torsion. Torsional wire 5 preferably has an elastic modulus greater than 100 GPa, and preferably greater than 120 GPa and an elastic limit more than 2000 MPa. These specific characteristics of the torsion wire (elastic modulus greater than 100 GPa and an elastic limit more than 2000 MPa) obtained as a result of lengthy research complex, which is associated with the difficulties in the development of very small micrometer size torsional wire 5, and above specific characteristics specific characteristic form of wire used in a specific regulatory element. The term "micrometric size" means here the wire dimensions, for which cross section the largest dimension of the useful portion (as part of the wire, which is subjected to torsion, which will be described below) is a few microns and in any case less than 100 microns and wherein the smallest dimension of the cross section of the useful portion It is several microns or several tens of microns and in any case less than 50 microns.

Using such twisting wire is an appropriate alternative ordinary axis and its size can be much reduced, in particular the largest cross-sectional dimension of the useful portion is preferably 0.040 mm, i.e. radius value is less than 0.020 mm.

Choosing a high modulus of elasticity ensures proper rigidity of the twist of the wire and determines the quality of its balance suspended support. Furthermore, the geometry of such wire provides torsional balance concentricity. Proper tension torsion wire provides equal tension on both sides of the balance.

Selection of high modulus of elasticity ranges and limits inevitably limits the choice of materials that can be used.

The use of metallic glass is very appropriate here; it also creates the opportunity to obtain sufficient angular amplitude balance, ie about 100 °, which is approximately divided as follows: 50 ° for interaction with the escapement wheel and 50 ° to the input / output system maintenance.

There is also a possibility of using a torsional wire 5 with lower performance compared to the preferred features mentioned above. In any case, the modulus of elasticity should be greater than 60 GPa and an elastic limit greater than 1000 MPa.

The ratio between the modulus of elasticity and the upper limit is preferably 40-80 and preferably close to 60.

The ratio between the length LL loosely twisting the wire 5, i.e. length, when it is nothing to prevent and torsion wire can freely oscillate and curl, and the largest dimension of its cross section LG of the useful portion is preferably 80-150, and preferably close to 115.

To ensure proper performance torsion wire control element includes means 400 for tensioning the torsion wire 5. In preferred embodiments, e.g., as described below, the control element 1 also includes a tension adjusting means 20 for tensioning the torsion wire 5 which are intended for exposure means 400 in tension.

In a particular non-limiting embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the first embodiment comprises two balance rim 29 forming an inertial unit which varies along the axis 3 balance. This axis 3 is tubular, so that it can pass through the torsion wire 5, and includes first opening 31 and second opening 32, separated by a portion of reduced section, for example, a shoulder 33, as seen in FIG. 2. In economical versions embodiment the first opening 31 and second opening 32 have different diameters, and the shoulder surface 33 is formed which connects one port to another. Fastening means 10 may consist of a non-limiting manner of the connecting member 6 attached to the torsion wire 5 by crimping, clamping, screwing, bonding, brazing,

According to another variation the connecting element 6 are not pre-crimped to the wire 5 and the twist crimped only after inserting the wire 5 through the hole in axis 3 and proper location of the axis.

To limit the relative gap between the balance 2 and the associated torsion wire 5, particularly during lateral bending torsional wire 5 Balance 2 preferably comprises on both sides of the fastening means 10 along the axis D oscillations of the first 15 and second 16 means to limit the radial clearance between the twisting the wire 5 and the balance 2.

In a not shown embodiment, the means limiting the gap can be attached to the mechanism 100 hours on platinum bridge 7 and 8, between which a balance oscillates 2, instead of or in addition to the first 15 and second 16 means limiting the radial clearance between the torsion wire and the balance 2.

In the same example of the first embodiment of FIG. 2 the first 15 and second 16 means to limit the gap formed stones containing channel corresponding to the diameter of the largest radial dimension of the twist wire 5. Thus, in a preferred case, when at least a useful portion of the torsion wire has a rectangular (or square cross section, which is a special case of a rectangular cross section), each of these stones involves opening with a diameter very slightly larger than the diagonal sections torsion wire having znach of which is preferably contained in the range diagonal section torsion wire and in a specific embodiment greater than 10 microns, or equal to this value.

To achieve a high modulus of elasticity (especially transverse) and, thus, provide increased efficiency control is necessary to select a material that for a given moment of the torsion allows to obtain large elastic deformation as compared with the deformation, which could be obtained using conventional wire made of crystalline material, and which accordingly increases the amplitude balance 2 and increase quality indicator knob 1.

Thus, in the first embodiment, the torsion wire 5 is made of glass or metal of at least partially amorphous alloy formed only of zirconium, titanium, copper, nickel and beryllium and containing 41-44% by weight zirconium, 11-14 wt%, titanium, 9-13 wt% copper, 10-11% by weight of nickel and 22-25% by weight beryllium.

In a particular application of this first embodiment torsional wire 5 is made of a material «LM1b» manufactured «Liquidmetal», which has a Young's modulus of 98 GPa and a yield strength of 1700 MPa. This metallic glass has the advantage of combining high elasticity modulus and elastic limit.

In another specific application of this first embodiment torsional wire 5 made of «LM10» produced by «Liquidmetal» metallic glass ©.

In the second embodiment, the torsion wire 5 made of a metallic glass of at least partially amorphous alloy containing 75.44 wt%, nickel 13 wt% chromium, 4.2 wt% iron, 4.5 wt% of silicon, 0 , 06 wt% carbon and 2.8% by weight boron.

In a particular application of this second embodiment torsional wire 5 made of «MBF20» metallic glass production company «Metglas®». The Young's modulus «MBF20» close to 140 GPa, and the elastic limit is about 2500 MPa.

In these embodiments, the first and second torsion wire 5 with the full useful length LL 4,2 mm and the cross section of the useful portion 37 × 20 microns gives good results for isochronous oscillator 5 Hz with the balance having inertia 12 mg⋅sm².

In yet another embodiment the torsional wire 5 is made of silicon and / or silicon oxide.

In yet another embodiment the torsional wire made of monocrystalline diamond or polycrystalline diamond.

Embodiments of the torsion wire made of a material that can undergo micromachining also allows to produce, as seen from FIG. 3, whole silicon or a similar frame with a tension adjusting means for fastening torsion wire 5. The entire structure 40 can be formed preferably integrally made of silicon, etc. This structure 40 includes a rigid frame 41, which is stretched torsion wire 5, and the balance 2 made in the form of a beam. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment comprising a tension adjusting means 20 is twisting the wire 5 made for example in the form of a cam or wedge 43 inserted into the groove 42, and the like

The mechanism 100 may comprise several hours means 20, the tension adjustment, in particular two arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to axis D fluctuation for moving the bridge 7 8 parallel platinum; otherwise the vertical guide can be used to ensure parallelism with the screw 22 tension regulation.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, at least a useful portion torsional wire 5 has a rectangular or square cross section. In particular square cross-section provides the same effect of the adjusting member at each position of hours in which it is installed. For example, a useful active part of the torsion wire 5 has a square cross section with sides 30 microns in the manufacture of glass or metal 27 microns in the manufacture of silicon.

Of course, if the choice is dictated by the cross-sectional shape restrictions on manufacture (profiling aforementioned materials to obtain such small dimensions rather difficult) and the achievement of high levels of functioning, other profiles may be implemented: triangular, hexagonal, polygonal, round, elliptical, etc. However, the complexity of manufacturing a torsional wire micrometric dimensions, as defined above, leads to the fact that the smooth mass production of wire in itself is a problem, and the choice for the manufacture of complex cross-section profiles only complicates solution to the problem of mass production.

Preferably, the material of the twist wire 5 is selected so that the wire 5 has a torsional modulus (in particular, transverse) direction perpendicular to the oscillation axis D, is greater than 100 GPa, and preferably greater than 120 GPa. This condition is achieved by using the embodiment of the manufacture of at least partly amorphous alloy or «Liquidmetal» metallic glass ©, referred LM1b », or« Metglas® metallic glass "hereinafter« MBF20 ».

The regulating member 1 preferably includes an insertion and twisting the wire 5 to form a torsional tensioning means 400 of the wire 5 fastening means 30 regulating element 1. These fixing means 30 comprise: the first fastening means 301 on the first end of the twist wire 5 and / or the second fastening means 302 on the second end of the twist of the wire 5 opposite the first mounting means. These first securing means 301 and second securing means 302 together form a D-axis oscillation regulating member 1.

The invention also relates to the mechanism 100 hours, comprising at least one such control element 1, oscillating between the plate 7 and the axle 8.

Preferably, the clockwork 100 comprises insertion and twisting the wire 5 to form a torsional tensioning means 400 of the wire 5 fastening means 30 regulating element 1. The first fastening means 301 are attached to the bridge 8 and the second fastening means 302 are attached to the 7 platinum.

In a nonlimiting example of embodiment of the first embodiment in FIG. 2 the means 301 for fixing the torsion wire 5 to the bridge 8 includes a first clamping member 11, in particular a slotted clamp comprising a slit 114 for the passage of a torsional wire 5. This first clamping member 11 includes a support surface 111 facing the balance 2 and intended for a conjugate bearing supporting surface 91 provided in the bridge 8, or as shown in FIG. 2, in an orientable support 9 placed on the bridge 8.

This orientable support 9 preferably but not necessarily located on bridge 8 with sufficient friction to hold in a desired position. It can be oriented like the holder, which provides fine adjustment of alignment marks on the pulse column, a fork and line escapement. This orientable support may also be held in an angular adjusted position retaining means which are not shown in the drawing. FIG. 2 shows an orientable support 9 provided with a shoulder 93, by interacting with the upper bearing surface 89 of the bridge 8. Of course, in a variant implementation support 9 can be moved longitudinally along an axis D to form at the same time tension control device 20 in the embodiment e.g., with the pinion to the sleeve.

Similarly, a substantially symmetrical manner the second fastening means 302 torsional platinum wire 5 to 7 comprises a second clamp 15, in particular a slotted clamp having a groove 134 for passing the twist wire 5. The second clamp 13 includes a support surface 131 facing the balance 2 and intended for supporting on the support surface 71 conjugate contained on this side directly in platinum 7. a second clamp 13 also includes a male taper 133 that interacts with the female cone 143, to open b Lance 2 and contained in the second sleeve 14. This second sleeve 14 comprises an external thread 142 which cooperates with the internal thread 72 of platinum 7. When screwing the second sleeve 14 of the second clamp 13 clamps the torsional wire 5 and makes the fixed end of the wire,

In another embodiment, at one end of the wire 5 is melted material around the wire 5 to form a convexity, which stops when the opposite end of the wire is pulled in a conical recess or a spherical recess or the like, the locking bulge.

In yet another embodiment the torsional fixing wire 5 is provided by crimping.

These mounting options twisting wires are non-limiting.

Thus, the torsional wire 5 provided with fastening means 10 secured in the desired position, inserted in the axis of the balance 3 2 which is provided with a rim 29, the rollers and the pulsed columns. The wire 5 is pulled between the stops and the bearing surface 63 and the shoulder 33. The second end of the torsion wire 5 on the platinum side 7 is inserted into the second clamp 13 and a pre-clamped in the desired position by a second sleeve 14.

The first end of the wire 5 on the side of the bridge 8 is inserted into the first clamp 11 and a pre-heal in the desired position by a second sleeve 12. The impact of the first sleeve 12 and second sleeve 14 provides clearance for the regulation of the balance platinum 7 7 2 relative to platinum and components and, thus, provides a preliminary stretching wire 5.

In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the control element 1 also includes a shockproof means 34 restricting the radial movement of axis 3. These shock means 34 form a protective type «Incabloc» system and may be provided in a number, lying on the axis 3 different levels in the direction D, wherein they may be formed in the form of stone, or a means of magnetic and / or electrostatic repulsion of opposing surfaces 35 contained in the axle 3. These means 34 may advantageously be arranged on the first 15 and second 16 sredst vah limit torsional backlash of the wire 5.

Tensioning torsion wire 5 and regulation of the balance of the gap 2 with respect to the bridge 8 and contained therein components advantageously achieved by means of additional devices: the mechanism 100 hours includes means 20 regulating the tension of torsional wire 5 by adjusting the distance between the bridge 8 and the other component, or platinum 7 or curved strip (in particular at least one of the fastening means 301 or 302) to perform this regulation or similar.

In a not shown embodiment, the tension regulation is performed by at least one wire.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a non-limiting embodiment by way of example, these means 20 include a tension adjusting a threaded sleeve 23, which cooperates by conjugation with an internal thread 74 of platinum 7. At least one screw 22 which cooperates with a nut 25, combined with a platinum 7 is to bias the bridge 8 to 7 platinum, based on the regulation bushing 23 in position. This screw 22 engages through the existing thereon external thread 221 with internal thread 251 of nut 25, which is disposed in the cavity 77 of platinum or 7 which is an integral part. This screw 22 is concentric with the threaded sleeve 23, outer thread 24 which interacts by conjugation with an internal thread 74 7 platinum. The sleeve 23 has a tendency to shift from platinum 7 under the action of elastic return means 21, such as a conical spring, plate spring, Schnorr washer and the like, based both on the support surface 76 sinkers 7 and the supporting surface 232 of the sleeve 23, which has a belt 233 configured to apply an axial force to the support surface 1 of the bridge 8. When the sleeve 23 without height adjustment of the bridge 8, which is removed by the operator who performs the regulation of the torsional wire 5, the operator sets the bridge in the desired position and standing yaet screw 22. When the screw 22 is screwed into the nut 5, the bottom surface 225 of the screw head 22 rests on the upper surface 82 of the bridge 8 and a lower abutment surface 81 of the bridge 8 is contacted by the upper bearing surface of the bearing sleeve 23, 231.

Preferably, the torsional tension in the wire exceeds 0.1 H; actually, the tension should be provided displacement of less than 5 microns in the vertical direction.

Preferably, adjustments are made so that the maximum allowable bend upright is less than or equal to 5 microns.

Torsional return means operating under torsion, but they are also subjected to bending under the influence of the torque exerted on the balance or movement, balance and transmitted. It is desirable to minimize the bending strain and to ensure that the torsional return means 4, in particular formed by twisting the wire 5 does not have a vibration antinode at the point of attachment to the balance of 2. Thus, to avoid adverse torsional bending vibrations wire 5 includes in a preferred embodiment embodiment shown in FIG. 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11, at least one intermediate plate 53. The cross section of the intermediate plate 53 over lived used section 51, 52 twisting the wire 5, which functions in torsion, as described below. This intermediate plate 53 is disposed in the attachment point to balance 2 preferably in the middle portion of the torsion wire 5 or to each balance 2, if there are several balances. This index is associated with the normal mode oscillation (the natural frequency of the order of 600 Hz should be compared with a frequency of 5-10 Hz oscillator). This intermediate plate 53 also reinforces the fastening of the balance 2.

FIG. 5 shows such a torsional wire 5 in a preferred embodiment where the torsion wire includes a spacer plate 53 between the two conductors 51 and 52. Each of these veins 51 and 52 forms a free torsional portion. Preferably, the torsional wire 5 includes the ends of the veins 51 and 52 opposite to the intermediate plate 53, end plates 54 and 56, in particular provided with openings 55 and 57, for mounting a torsional wire 5 and to maintain tension. It is understood that the effective part 5 formed by twisting the wire 51 and the residential dwelling 52. It is envisaged that the intermediate plate 53 and end plates 54 and 56 are inserted into the retaining clamps or attached via any means (welding,

The main difficulties of implementation of the invention consists in the manufacture of a torsional wire 5 micrometer size, which is extremely difficult in the case of using the above materials, in particular a metallic glass, which gives very good functional results, and a wire assembly in the adjusting element 1 without damaging it. FIG. 6 shows the proper solution which consists in the use of the blank 50, which is more rigid compared to the twist of the finished wire 5 to the operator or an automated actuator could manipulate the workpiece and insert it into the oscillator. This blank includes a breakable stiffening elements 58, which may be limited to frangible sections 59. These stiffening elements 58 fracturable destroyed after assembly and removed from the mechanism. In a particular and nonlimiting embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the stiffening members 58 are parallel strands 51 and 52 twisting the wire 5 on both sides thereof.

FIG. 7 shows the balance axis 3 mounted on the intermediate plate 53 torsion wire 5 of FIG. 5. Axle 3 may advantageously have several concentric parts: a central part comprising at least one cavity 36 to accommodate the intermediate plate 53, above the central portion may comprise a cavity for the axis for the axial positioning of the wire with respect to the balance when the intermediate portion 53 also includes a cavity to such axis; this central portion can be formed as a clamp with at least one resilient groove and can be surrounded by a sleeve forming the peripheral portion 3 and an axis providing immobility of the clamping means clamping, and thus, stiffness of the intermediate portion 3 of the wire torsional 5. The cavity 36 may take the form of grooves with parallel surfaces, or as shown in FIG. 7 and 7A, include a covering profile, and the like, and preferably, the cavity 36 includes at least one groove or the like which is not shown in the drawings, which provides elasticity allowing the torsion wire 5 held without damage.

As an option, the intermediate plate 53 is inserted into the cavity of square or rectangular cross section in axis 3 and is held by means of gluing, etc.

FIG. 8-12 illustrate a second implementation embodiment which is simple in respect of manufacture and provides a modular pre-assembly. This second embodiment includes the features of the torsion wire, as defined above. The regulating member 1 according to this second embodiment includes at least one adjustment lever 75, 85 for regulating the tension of at least one of the end fastening means 301, 302 twisting the wire 5 forming the tension control means 20.

FIG. 8 shows the first fastening means 301 adapted to clamp the end plate 54 of the wire twisting FIG. 5, and tension adjustment means. The first fastening means 301 includes a clamp 11, clamped sleeve 110. In FIG. 10 shows the clamp 11 in which the dashed lines show end plate 54, contained in the wire torsional FIG. 5 and inserted into the first slot 115 parallel to the axis, and an axis 117 passing through the hole 55 in the above end plate 54 and mounted through a bearing on the V-shaped segment 116 in the aperture of the second groove 113, parallel to the axis D and located at right angles to the first slot 115. clip 11 includes an axial bore 114 for the passage of a torsional wire 5. The first fastening means 301 also includes a sleeve 110 concentric with the clamp 11, which is visible in FIG. 8 and 11 and clamps the clamp 11. This sleeve 110 includes angular positioning recesses 112 which cooperate with the spouts 830 of orienting retaining strips 83 which are visible in FIG. 8, 9 and 11 and are attached to the bridge 8 screw 801.

Similarly, the second securing means 302 includes a clamp 13 placed in the sleeve 130 held by angled spouts 730 bands 73 attached to the screw 701 7 platinum.

FIG. 8 shows means 30 for adjusting the tension of torsional tension wire 5 according to the second embodiment. These means 20 comprise at least one adjustment lever 85 on the side of the bridge and / or the adjustment lever 75 at the side of the platinum, acting in each case on the respective clamp 11, 13 by abutment thereto for modifying the clamping position.

FIG. 12 shows such an adjusting lever 85 which may impart a micrometric movement of the clamp 11 by reducing displacement transmitted by a screw 45 passing through the bridge 8 to the internal thread 850 contained in the adjusting lever 85 along axis D2 at one end of the adjusting arm 85. The end 453 of the screw 45 relies on a small connecting rod 44 attached to platinum 7. This adjusting lever 85 includes, in the vicinity of the fixed fastening points by means of screws 851 passing through up responses ment 852 along D1 axes and engaging with the bridge 8, at least one reduced cross section portion 854, such as a groove, giving sufficient elasticity to the above adjusting lever 85.

A similar mechanism exists in the platinum side 7 with an adjusting lever 75 having an internal thread 750 along the axis D4 cooperating with a screw 702 passing through the platinum 7. Adjustment lever 75 includes, in the vicinity of the fixed points of attachment by means of screws 751 passing through holes 752 along axis D3 and engaging with platinum 7, at least one portion 754 of reduced cross section.

Reduction ratio lever 85 on the side of the bridge is A2 / A1, where A2 - distance between the axes D1 and D2 and A1 - D1 and the distance between the axes D.

Reduction factor lever 75 on the side of platinum is A4 / A3, A4 where the - distance between the axes of D3 and D4 and A3 - D3 distance between the axes and D.

An axial force applied to the wire 5, is approximately 0.5 H on the side. Preferably, the lever 7 at the platinum side provides a prestress, and the lever 85 on the side of the bridge implements fine adjustment (and frequency adjustment).

In a particular embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the reduction ratios on the side of the bridge and on the platinum side differ from each other.

In a particular embodiment, the vicinity of the two ends of the wire 5 torsional materials selected for the lever 85 on the side of the bridge and to the lever 75 at the platinum side, have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Furthermore, FIG. 8 shows other means of thermal compensation formed by inserting a small connecting rod 44 between, on the one hand, platinum 7 or axle 8, respectively, and, on the other hand, an opposite arm 85, 75, respectively, the extension above the connecting rod 44 modifies position of the corresponding lever 85, 75 and, accordingly, adjusts the pressure on the corresponding bush 11, 13 and a tension wire 5. in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the connecting rod 44 is inserted into the circuit board Inu 7 in bore 452. This connecting rod 44 is a rod which rests on the end 453 of the adjusting screw 45 of the lever 85. The bottom surface 451 of the screw head 45 is removed from the bore 8A bridge 8, forming a clearance J.

The invention allows to make independent manned module 300 comprising a torsional wire 5 in which a middle portion is located at least one balance 2 and the fixing means 301 and 302 at the two ends. The first fastening means 301 are used for inserting the end of the first used wires 51 twisting the wire 5 and the second fastening means 302 are used for inserting the end of the second used wires 52 twisting the wire 5, the first used conductor 51 and the second used core 52 located on both sides of at least one balance.

FIG. 8 also shows one part of a removable tool 401 for installing such a manned module 300. Bushing 110 comprises a groove 111 which interacts with projection 87 of the tool 401. Similarly, the instrument protrusion 77401 may interact with the groove 131 of the sleeve 130, the gripping jaws 13 of the second fastening means 302. In the particular configuration shown in FIG. 8 and 9, 7 and platinum bridge 8 are made with side opening for the lateral insertion of the manned module, thus in this particular embodiment, sleeve 110 and 130 are arranged on top of a half-cylinder. Nozzles 87 and 77 act as a plug for insertion and positioning, which is sufficient for the tension regulation by means of adjusting levers 85 and 75 and performing angular indexing by means of bands 83 and 73.

FIG. 9 illustrates another detachable tool 402, formed by two screws, for temporarily retaining the theoretical angular position for initial assembly. Each screw 830 allows the spout 730 to move from a respective strip 83, 73 during insertion of the module, and each screw disassembly frees respective spouts and provides angular indexing.

FIG. 9 also shows, in particular, an embodiment with angular indexing mark. The shoulder 83 is retained in the hole 801 screw 831, and screw 80 limits the angular movement of the strip 83 at an angle α. This provides a fine adjustment of the alignment marks pulsed column, plugs and lines trigger.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the holding member 1 comprises at least one component, in this case the small connecting rod 44 inserted into the cavity 452 Pt 7 and extends at the same time as the torsional return means 4, in particular torsional wire 5.

The invention also relates to a clock 200, which include at least one such clock mechanism 100. Preferably, the clock 200 is a wristwatch. In particular, the wristwatch 200 provided with an adjustment mechanism 1 which oscillates at a frequency greater than or equal to 5 Hz, and the best use of the advantages of the regulating member 1 with the torsion wire 5 of the invention.

In short, the use of the respective torsion wire provides the advantage of performing a double function:

- Creation of a return torque balance point, replaces the conventional balance spring;

- Balance suspension,

while eliminating the need for axles.

Theoretically, a perfect torsion pendulum isochronous and solutions implemented by the invention, provides a continuity of the hours in each position.