HK1211711B - Angular speed regulating device for a wheel set in a timepiece movement including a magnetic escapement mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Device for regulating the angular speed of a wheel set in a timepiece movement including a magnetic escapement

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of devices for adjusting the relative angular velocity between a magnetic structure and a resonator, which are magnetically coupled to each other so as to jointly define an oscillator. The adjusting device of the invention adjusts the operation of a mechanical timepiece movement. More specifically, the invention relates to a magnetic escapement for a mechanical timepiece movement in which a direct magnetic coupling is provided between the resonator and the magnetic structure. In general, its function is to make the rotation frequency of the wheel set of the counting train (countertrain) of the timepiece movement subject to the resonance frequency of the resonator. The regulating device therefore comprises a resonator having an oscillating component provided with at least one magnetic coupling element, and a magnetic escapement arranged to control the relative angular speed between a magnetic structure forming the magnetic escapement and the resonator. It replaces the sprung balance and the traditional escapement, in particular the swiss lever escapement and the toothed escape wheel.

The resonator or magnetic structure rotates integrally with a wheel set which is driven in rotation by a drive torque which maintains the oscillation of the resonator. Typically, the wheel set is integrated into a gear train, or more typically into the kinematic chain of the mechanism. Such oscillations make it possible to adjust the relative angular velocity between the magnetic structure and the resonator due to the magnetic coupling between the magnetic structure and the resonator.

Background

Devices for adjusting the angular velocity of a wheel (also called rotor) between a resonator and a magnetic wheel by magnetic coupling (also called magnetic coupling) have been known for many years in the field of horology. Some patents related to this field have been issued to Horstmann Clifford Magnetics ltd, directed to the c.f. Clifford invention. In particular, reference may be made to U.S. patent No. 2946183. The adjustment devices described in these documents have various drawbacks, in particular the problem of non-isochronous (defined as non-isochronous, i.e. lack of isochronism), i.e. the significant variation of the angular speed of the rotor due to the action of the driving torque exerted on the rotor. The reasons why the inequality occurs have been incorporated into the development of the present invention. These reasons will become clear after reading the description of the present invention.

Magnetic escapements are also known from japanese patent application No. JP5240366 (application no JP19750116941) and from japanese utility model JPs5245468U (application no JP19750132614U) and JPs 5263453U (application no JP19750149018U), in which there is a direct magnetic coupling between the resonator and the wheel formed by the disc. In the first two documents, rectangular holes in a non-magnetic disk are filled with highly permeable magnetic powder, or with a magnetized material. Two annular, coaxial and adjacent paths are thus obtained, each comprising rectangular magnetic regions regularly arranged with a given angular period, the regions of the first path being offset or phase-shifted by half a period with respect to the regions of the second path. Magnetic areas are thus obtained which are alternately distributed on both sides of a circle corresponding to the rest position (zero position) of the magnetic coupling element or resonator member. The coupling element or member is formed by an open ring made of a magnetized material or a highly magnetically permeable material, as the case may be, between the two ends of which the disk is driven in rotation. The third document describes an alternative in which the magnetic regions of the disk are formed by separate plates of a highly permeable material, so that the magnetic resonator coupling elements are magnetized. The magnetic escapement described in these japanese documents does not allow to significantly improve isochronism, in particular for the reasons explained below with the aid of figures 1 to 4.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an oscillator forming a magnetic escapement 2 of the type described in the aforementioned japanese document, but optimized in that the magnetic teeth 14 and 16 of the wheel 4 define annular segments each extending over half an oscillation period; and coupling elements with rounded or square ends are chosen for the resonators to better compare with the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 5 and to objectively demonstrate the advantages of the invention. The wheel 4 comprises a first series of teeth 14, separated by a first series of holes 15, respectively, which together define a first annular path. The wheel also comprises a second series of teeth 16, separated by a second series of holes 17, respectively, which together define a second annular path. Both teeth 14 and 16 are formed of a highly magnetically permeable material, particularly a ferromagnetic material. The two series of teeth are connected by an outer ring 18 and an inner ring 19, respectively, of the same magnetic material. The two annular paths are adjacent and delimited by a circle 20, which circle 20 corresponds to the rest position of the magnet 12 of the resonator 6 at its center for each angular position of the wheel 4, i.e. to the position where the resonator has the least elastic deformation energy.

The resonator is symbolically represented by a spring 8, corresponding to its elastic deformability defined by its elastic constant, and an inertia 10, defined by its mass and structure. The resonator is capable of oscillating at a natural frequency in at least one resonant mode, wherein the magnet 12 oscillates radially. It will be understood that this schematic illustration of the resonator 6 means that it is not limited to several particular variants within the scope of the invention. Essentially, the resonator comprises at least one magnetic coupling element 12 for magnetically coupling the resonator with the magnetic structure of the wheel 4, which in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 is driven by a driving torqueThe rotor rotates in a counter-clockwise direction at an angular velocity ω. The magnet 12 is thus located above the wheel 4 and is able to oscillate radially around a zero position located on the circle 20. Since the magnetic teeth 14 and 16 form magnetic interaction regions alternately located on both sides of the central circle 20, they define a magnetic interaction region having a determined angular period P_θThe determined angular period corresponds to the angular period of each of the first and second angular paths. When the resonator is magnetically coupled to the wheel so that the magnet 12 oscillates along the undulating magnetic circuit defined by the wheel, the angular velocity ω of the wheel is substantially determined by the resonator oscillation frequency.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic potential energy (also called magnetic interaction potential energy) of the oscillator 2 over a portion of the wheel 4, which varies angularly and radially according to the magnetic structure of the wheel. The equipotential curves (level curve)22 correspond to different magnetic potential energy levels. They define equipotential curves. When the magnetic resonator coupling element is in a given position (centered at a given point), the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator at the given point corresponds to the state of the oscillator. Which is confined to a constant. Typically, the magnetic potential energy is defined relative to a reference energy, which corresponds to a minimum potential energy of the associated device (in this case an oscillator). Without dissipative forces, this potential energy corresponds to the work required to bring the magnet from a minimum energy position to a given position. In the case of an associated oscillator, the work is provided by the drive torque applied to the wheel 4. When the magnet returns to a lower energy position, in particular a minimum energy position, by a radial movement (i.e. a degree of freedom according to the useful resonance mode) with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel, the potential energy accumulated within the oscillator may be transferred to the resonator. In the absence of dissipative forces, work is done by magnetic forces between the resonator coupling element and the magnetic structure, and this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and elastic energy of the resonator. This is how the driving torque supplied to the wheel is used to keep the resonator oscillating, which in turn brakes the wheel by adjusting the angular speed of the wheel.

The outer loop path defines alternating minimum energy regions24 and a region of maximum energy 25, while the inner loop path has an angular half period P with respect to the first path_θThe phase shift of/2 (i.e., 180 phase shift) defines alternating minimum energy regions 28 and maximum energy regions 29. Fig. 3 shows two contour lines 32 and 34 which give the central position of the magnet 12 when the oscillator 2 is operating and when the wheel 4 is driven in rotation by angular velocity regulation as a result. These profiles are therefore graphical representations of magnet oscillations having two different amplitudes within a reference frame associated with the wheel. By observing the magnetic potential energy equipotential curves 22 and oscillations 32 and 34, it can be seen that the oscillator collects the magnetic potential energy within the collection regions 26 and 30 with each oscillation. The force exerted on the resonator magnet is given by a magnetic potential energy gradient that is perpendicular to the equipotential curve 22. The angular component (the wheel degrees of freedom) works through the reaction force on the wheel, while the radial component (the resonator degrees of freedom) works on the resonator coupling member. In the concentration zone, the angular force/torque corresponds to the braking force of the wheels, since the angular reaction force is opposite to the direction of rotation of the wheels. The concentration of magnetic potential energy within the oscillator can be said to be "pure" when the magnetic force is predominantly azimuthal within the concentration region.

In fig. 2 and 3, the purely aggregate area essentially defines the annular zone Z1_acSum Z2_ac*. The collected energy thus strikes zone ZC in the center_impIs transferred internally to the resonator. In a central zone ZC_impIn a more precise way, in the impact zone through which the oscillation of the magnet passes, the magnetic potential energy gradient has a radial component that gradually increases with the rotation of the wheel, while the angular component decreases to eventually become 0. This gradient corresponds to the thrust for the magnet and thus to the impact. When the amplitude is relatively high (oscillation 32), it should be noted that at point PE₁And PS₁Exerts a pushing force over the entire width of the central region therebetween. For lower amplitude (oscillation 34), crossing the central zone ZC_impChannel of point PE₂And PS₂Over a larger angular distance therebetween and extends in a first half (approximately as far as the central circle 20) of the transverse channel (cross) of the central regionThe oscillation is substantially free, giving a lower energy impact only in the second half of the transverse channel.

In general, "focal region" refers to a region where the magnetic potential in the oscillator increases for different oscillation amplitudes of the useful drive torque range; "impact region" refers to a region where the magnetic potential energy is reduced for different oscillation amplitudes of a useful drive torque range, and where the magnetic thrust force is exerted on the resonator coupling member in a degree of freedom. "thrust" refers to a force in the direction of movement of the oscillation coupling member. Thus, while the thrust may already exist in the focal zone, the present description refers to the impingement zone being outside the focal zone.

In order to understand the equipotential curves 22 shown in fig. 2 and 3, it is necessary to consider an important aspect of the implementation functionality of the embodiment of the oscillator 2. In particular, in the field of timepieces, the driving torque provided by the barrel varies considerably according to the tension level of the mainspring. In order to ensure that the timepiece movement can operate for a sufficiently large period, it is generally required that the movement can be driven by a torque varying between a maximum torque and approximately half the maximum torque. It is also necessary to ensure proper operation at maximum torque. In practice, to guarantee this operation and in particular to prevent the oscillator from becoming uncoupled at higher oscillation amplitudes, it is required that the braking regions 26 and 30 extend over a certain angular distance and that the braking must therefore be gradual. This condition can be achieved in part and in a less than optimal way by means of prior art oscillators, essentially resulting from the angular extent of the magnetic coupling members or elements of the resonator projected in the general plane of the wheel, and from the relatively large air gap between this member and the magnetic structure of the annular path of the wheel (more generally the rotor or rotating wheel set).

This averaging is obtained by integration over the entire coupling magnetic field, which extends over a region of the magnetic structure, the size of which increases with the size of the magnet end face parallel to the general plane and with the size of the air gap. Thus, the longitudinal flanks of the magnetic teeth adjacent to one opening in the relevant magnetic structure extend over an equipotential curve 22 given in the magnetic potential energy space over an angular distance that increases with the averaging effect. The situation analyzed here uses magnets with a circular or square cross-section parallel to the general plane of the wheel. The air gap chosen and the dimensions chosen for this section already provide a more advantageous arrangement than the arrangement of the devices of the prior art for oscillator operation mentioned above, since it is ensured that the range of the brake pads 26 and 30 is sufficiently large, while the radial distance of the central impact area is already slightly limited.

At least two drawbacks of such a regulating device can be observed when analyzing the performance of the oscillator considered above with respect to the driving torque exerted on the wheel. First, the numerical range of the driving torque is relatively reduced, and there is serious inequality. This is illustrated on the graph of fig. 4, which shows the relative torque M applied to the wheel_rot/M_max(for a resonator quality factor of approximately 200), the relative angular speed error of the wheel 4(ω - ω)₀)/ω₀(ω₀At nominal angular velocity). Angular frequency omega₀With natural frequency F of oscillation of the resonator in use_resBy the formula omega₀＝2πF_res/N_PAre related mathematically, where N_PThe number of angular cycles of the first and second annular paths. The various points 36 define a curve 38 corresponding to the height inequality of the timepiece application. Practically, 5.10^-4Corresponds to a very high daily variation error, i.e. about 40 seconds (40 s). Next, as the relative torque approaches 80% (0.8), instability in oscillator performance may be observed, as exemplified by point 40. Therefore, in order to achieve an accuracy of less than ten seconds per day for a timepiece movement, the relative torque must be kept within a narrow range, between 0.6 (60%) and 0.8 (80%). In practice, the timepiece movement must be designed so that the maximum acceptable torque corresponds to the maximum torque applied to wheel 4, in order to be able to rotate in practical conditionsThe moment must remain above 80%. Once this lower limit is approached, the inequality increases rapidly and becomes very large once the lower limit is crossed. This explains a significant reason for the failure of such magnetic escapements, although this has been known for decades.

Disclosure of Invention

In the context of the present invention, having noted the problems of unequal times and the aforementioned limited operating range of known adjustment devices, the present invention aims to understand the causes of these problems and to provide a solution.

The problems of the prior art and the countermeasures of various studies make it possible to identify the cause of these problems. The problem of inequality and of limited useful drive torque range is due in particular to the fact that: the impact applied to the resonator magnet extends over a relatively large radial distance outside the circular, localized region around the null position. This reduces the ring area of pure concentration while also interfering with the operation of the oscillator. In fact, those impacts that interfere little with the oscillator are only impacts that are located at the circle at the zero position. The inventors have therefore noted that thrust forces on a relatively wide path outside said localised region can disturb the resonator; which changes the frequency of the resonator according to the torque supplied, thus becoming a source of the inequality.

In order to overcome the problem of a very wide central impact region, while allowing an efficient and stable operation of the oscillator over a relatively large torque range, the invention proposes an adjustment device for adjusting the relative angular velocity between a magnetic structure and a resonator, which are magnetically coupled so as to jointly define an oscillator forming said adjustment device, as defined in claim 1 for the first main embodiment, and as defined in claim 2 for the second main embodiment.

In general, the adjusting device according to the invention has the following features: the magnetic structure comprisesAt least one toroidal magnetic circuit centered on the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure or resonator, the magnetic structure and resonator being arranged such that: when a driving torque is applied to the magnetic structure or resonator, the magnetic structure and resonator rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation. The toroidal magnetic circuit is formed at least in part from a first magnetic material having at least one first physical parameter associated with but different from the magnetic potential of the oscillator. The first magnetic material is arranged along the toroidal magnetic circuit such that: the magnetic potential energy varies angularly in a periodic manner along said toroidal magnetic circuit and it defines the angular period (P) of the toroidal magnetic circuit_θ). The resonator comprises at least one magnetic coupling element (also referred to as magnetic coupling member) for coupling with the magnetic structure. The magnetic coupling element is formed of a second magnetic material having at least one second physical parameter associated with the magnetic potential of the oscillator and is magnetically coupled to the toroidal magnetic circuit so that oscillations along one degree of freedom of a resonant mode of the resonator are maintained over a useful range of drive torques applied to said magnetic structure or resonator and so that an integer number of cycles (in particular and preferably one cycle) of said oscillations occur during said relative rotation within each angular cycle of said toroidal magnetic circuit; the frequency of the oscillation thus determines the relative angular velocity. Within the useful drive torque range, the toroidal magnetic circuit and the magnetic coupling element define a region of magnetic potential energy concentration in the oscillator in each angular cycle, in dependence on the relative positions of the toroidal magnetic circuit and the magnetic coupling element as defined by their relative angular positions and the position of the magnetic coupling element along its degree of freedom.

In a first main embodiment, the resonator is arranged with respect to the magnetic structure such that, for substantially one first vibration within each oscillation period of the coupling element, the active end of the magnetic coupling element on one side of the magnetic structure is at least largely superposed on the magnetic circuit in the form of an orthogonal projection to the general geometric surface defined by the magnetic circuit, and the resonator is arranged with respect to the magnetic structure such that also the stroke of the magnetic coupling element during the first vibration is substantially parallel to the general geometric surface. Secondly, the dimension of the toroidal magnetic circuit along a degree of freedom of the resonator coupling element is larger than the dimension of the active end of the magnetic coupling element along the degree of freedom.

For a comparison of these two dimensions, the dimension of the active end of the magnetic coupling element along the degree of freedom is measured by orthogonal projection to the general geometric surface defined by the toroidal magnetic circuit and along an axis of the degree of freedom passing through the centroid of the active end of the coupling element. The axis may be a straight line or a curved line. The first magnetic material is arranged such that, within each angular period: said first physical parameter is either angularly gradually increasing or angularly gradually decreasing at least in a region of said first magnetic material corresponding to at least a part of the region of magnetic potential energy concentration within each angular period, which is magnetically coupled at least partially with the active end of said magnetic coupling element with respect to the relative position of said magnetic coupling element with respect to the toroidal magnetic circuit. It is noted that the choice between an increase or decrease of the physical parameter is made such that the magnetic potential of the oscillator during said relative rotation increases according to the angle; this implicitly stems from the fact that: the relevant region is a magnetic potential energy accumulation region.

According to a variant, the above-mentioned angular variation of the first physical parameter is provided within a region of the first magnetic material corresponding to at least a substantial part of the region of magnetic potential energy concentration in each angular cycle. According to a preferred variant, the angular variation of the first physical parameter is provided within a region of said first magnetic material corresponding substantially to the entire region of magnetic potential energy concentration in each angular period. In a particular variant, the first physical parameter defines an increasing monotonic function, or a decreasing monotonic function, along the angular direction.

In a second main embodiment, the dimensions of the toroidal magnetic circuit along the degrees of freedom of the resonator coupling element are smaller than the dimensions of the active end of the magnetic coupling element located on the side of the magnetic structure along its degrees of freedom. For a comparison of these two dimensions, the latter/former is measured by orthogonal projection to the general geometric surface defined by the active end and along the axis of said degree of freedom passing through the centroid of the active end of the coupling element. The axis may be a straight line or a curved line. The general geometric surface comprises the axis of freedom, the active end extending within said general geometric surface. Secondly, the resonator is arranged with respect to the magnetic structure such that: during substantially one first vibration within each oscillation cycle of the coupling element, a geometric circle located in the middle of the toroidal magnetic circuit traverses the active end in the form of an overall geometric surface defined by orthogonal projection to the active end. The second magnetic material of the coupling element is arranged such that: said second physical parameter is either angularly gradually increasing or angularly gradually decreasing at least in a region of said second magnetic material corresponding to at least a part of said region of concentrated magnetic potential energy in each angular period of said toroidal magnetic circuit, which is magnetically coupled at least partially with said toroidal magnetic circuit with respect to the relative position of said toroidal magnetic circuit with respect to the magnetic coupling element. Selecting between an increase or decrease in the physical parameter such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator during said relative rotation increases according to angle within the magnetic potential energy region; it stems from the term "aggregation" used.

According to a variant, the above-mentioned angular variation of the second physical parameter is provided in a region of said second magnetic material magnetically coupled with the magnetic circuit for a substantial part of each region of concentrated magnetic potential energy. According to a preferred variant, the angular variation of the second physical parameter is provided in a region of said second magnetic material magnetically coupled with the magnetic circuit for substantially all of each region of concentrated magnetic potential energy. In particular, the second physical parameter defines an increasing monotonic function, or a decreasing monotonic function, along the angular direction.

"magnetic material" refers to a material (magnet) having magnetic properties that generate an external magnetic field, or a good magnetic flux conductor (particularly ferromagnetic material) that is attracted by the magnet.

According to a preferred variant of the two main embodiments, the magnetic potential energy in each accumulation region is substantially unchanged along the degree of freedom of the useful resonance mode of the resonator. In particular, in each region of said first magnetic material corresponding to a region of accumulation of magnetic potential energy of the oscillator, the variation of the physical parameter concerned is only angular, i.e. it is substantially constant in the radial direction. Thus, there is a substantially pure build up of magnetic potential energy within these useful build up regions.

According to one particular variant of the invention, the increase or decrease of the first physical parameter of the first magnetic material, or the increase or decrease of the second physical parameter of the second magnetic material, extends over an angular distance of more than 20% of the angular period of the toroidal magnetic circuit. According to another particular variant, the ratio of angular distance with variation to angular period of the first or second physical parameter is greater than or substantially equal to forty percent (40%).

According to a preferred variant of the invention, the magnetic coupling element and the toroidal magnetic circuit are arranged such that during the relative rotation of the resonator and magnetic structure, the magnetic coupling element receives an impact around a rest position of the magnetic coupling element and along a degree of freedom thereof. These impacts define an impact region which is substantially localised adjacent to the magnetic potential energy concentration region as a central impact region as a function of the relative position of the magnetic coupling element with respect to the toroidal magnetic circuit and for the useful drive torque range provided to the adjustment means. In a particular variant, the ratio between the radial dimension of the impact zone and the radial dimension of the zone of concentrated magnetic potential energy is less than fifty percent (50%). In a preferred variant, the ratio is less than or substantially equal to thirty percent (30%).

In another preferred variant, the magnetic structure is arranged such that the mean angular gradient of the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator within the region of accumulation of magnetic potential energy is smaller than the mean magnetic potential energy gradient measured in the same units and along the degrees of freedom of the resonator within the region of impact. Thus, the variation of the first physical parameter of the first magnetic material or the second physical parameter of the second magnetic material along the degree of freedom of the resonator, and in particular in the radial direction, in the impact region is greater than the variation in the angular direction in the region of concentration of magnetic potential energy. Such a change of the physical parameter in the impact region may be steep, in particular caused by a radial discontinuity of the first magnetic material or the second magnetic material along an axial projection of a zero position circle in the general plane of the magnetic structure or along a zero position circle in the general plane of the coupling element.

Other specific features of the invention form the subject of the dependent claims and will be set forth in the detailed description of the invention below.

Drawings

The invention will be described hereinafter by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in which:

fig. 1, already described, shows a schematic top view of a prior art adjusting device.

Figures 2 and 3, already described, show the magnetic potential of the regulating device of figure 1 and the profiles corresponding to the oscillation of the two resonators.

Fig. 4, already explained, shows the relative angular speed error as a function of the relative torque applied to the oscillator of fig. 1.

Figure 5 is a schematic top view of a first embodiment of the adjusting device according to the invention.

Fig. 6A and 6B are angular cross-sectional views along two annular paths defined by the magnetic structure, respectively.

Figures 7 and 8 show the magnetic potential of the regulating device of figure 5 and the profiles corresponding to the oscillation of the two resonators.

Fig. 9A and 9B show the magnetic potential energy curves along the centers of the two circular paths defined by the magnetic structures, respectively, and fig. 9C shows the transverse curves of the magnetic potential energy.

Figure 10 shows the relative angular speed error as a function of the relative torque applied to the oscillator of figure 5.

Fig. 11 is a schematic partial top view of a second embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention.

Fig. 12 shows the difference of the magnetic potential energy for all oscillations when the magnetic coupling element passes the impact region defined by the magnetic structure of the adjustment device of fig. 11.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 are schematic views of three variants of the profile of the magnetic material along a circular path of the magnetic structure of the adjustment device according to the invention.

Figures 16 and 17 are a schematic top view and a partial transverse cross-sectional view, respectively, of a third embodiment of the invention.

Figures 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views of two variant embodiments of the adjustment device according to the invention.

Figures 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views of two further variant embodiments of the adjustment device according to the invention, in which the magnetic structure has two superposed plates between which the magnetic resonator coupling element passes.

Fig. 22 is a schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of the adjusting device according to the invention.

Figure 23 is a schematic top view of a variant of the fourth embodiment of the adjustment device according to the invention.

Figures 24 and 25 are schematic views of fifth and sixth embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 26 is a schematic top view of a seventh embodiment comprising two independent resonators.

Fig. 27 is a schematic top view of an eighth embodiment, in which the resonator is driven in rotation.

Figures 28 and 29 are schematic top and transverse cross-sectional views, respectively, of a ninth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 30 is a schematic top view of a tenth embodiment of the regulating device according to the invention, integrated in a timepiece movement.

Figure 31 is a first variant of the adjustment device of figure 22.

Figure 32 is a second variant of the adjustment device of figure 22.

Fig. 33 is a variant of the adjusting device of fig. 23.

Fig. 34 is a schematic view of an eleventh embodiment, in which the resonator coupling elements extend in the radial direction when the width of the toroidal magnetic path is small.

Fig. 35 is a schematic view of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view of fig. 35 along the line defined by circle 312.

Fig. 37 is a variant of the embodiment of fig. 36.

Figure 38 is a schematic view of a thirteenth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 38A is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line X-X.

Fig. 39 is a schematic view of a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 40 is a schematic view of a fifteenth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The adjustment of the magnetic structure 44 and the resonance will be explained below with reference to fig. 5 to 10In a first embodiment of the arrangement of relative angular velocity ω between the resonators 46, the magnetic structure 44 and the resonator 46 are magnetically coupled to collectively define an oscillator 42. This adjustment device advantageously defines a magnetic escapement. The magnetic structure comprises a first annular magnetic circuit 52 and a second annular magnetic circuit 53 centered on the axis of rotation 51 of the magnetic structure and formed by a magnetic material 45 having at least one first physical parameter which is related to the magnetic potential energy EP of the oscillator 42_mIn association, the physical parameter is different from potential energy. The axis of rotation 51 is perpendicular to the general plane of the magnetic structure. The magnetic material is arranged along each of the annular magnetic circuits such that the physical parameter angularly varies in a periodic manner to define an angular period P of the magnetic circuit_θ. It is noted that in another embodiment, the second toroidal magnetic circuit may have a periodic variation of another physical parameter of the magnetic material, or in a particular variant, the second toroidal magnetic circuit may have a periodic variation of another physical parameter of the magnetic material, which also corresponds to the magnetic potential energy EP of the oscillator_mAnd (4) associating. It is noted that the physical parameter considered is a specific parameter of the magnetic structure, which exists independently of the relative angular position θ between the magnetic structure and the resonator coupling member. However, the physical parameter may be a geometrical parameter, which is related to the spatial positioning of the coupling member. In particular, for a given radius inside the toroidal magnetic circuit, the physical parameter is the distance between the surface of the magnetic material and the circle defined by the centroid of the active end of the coupling member in the respective position of its degree of freedom, in the reference system associated with the magnetic structure, during the relative rotation between the magnetic structure and the coupling member. Generally, in the case considered here, in the reference system associated with the magnetic structure, the physical parameter is the distance between the toroidal magnetic circuit and a surface of revolution having the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure as the axis of revolution and the degree of freedom of the coupling element as the generatrix of the surface of revolution. This distance is within a constant and substantially corresponds to the air gap between the magnetic coupling element and the associated toroidal magnetic circuit.

The resonator includes a member or element for magnetically coupling with the magnetic structure 44. This coupling element or member is here formed by a magnet 50, the magnet 50 being cylindrical, or cuboid. In addition, this resonator is characterized by a spring 47 and an inertia 48, the spring 47 representing its elastic deformability defined by its elastic constant, the inertia 48 being defined by its mass and structure. The magnet 50 is positioned relative to the magnetic structure so that here its rest position corresponds to the minimum elastic deformation energy of the resonator, the centroid of the active end of the coupling element opposite the magnetic structure being positioned substantially on the null position circle 20 for each angular position θ of the magnetic structure relative to the magnet. The "active end portion" refers to an end portion of the coupling element on the side of the associated magnetic structure through which most of the coupling magnetic flux flows between the coupling element and the magnetic structure. The zero position circle is centered on the axis of rotation 51 and has a radius substantially corresponding to the inner radius of the first annular path and the outer radius of the second annular path, where the inner and outer radii meet. In other words, the zero position circle 20 is positioned substantially on a geometric circle defined by the interface between the two coaxial and consecutive magnetic circuits, i.e. this geometric circle corresponds to the projection of the zero position circle on the general plane of the magnetic structure. In one variant, the two magnetic circuits are distant and separated by an intermediate region formed entirely by the same medium. In this case, the zero position circle is located between the two magnetic circuits, approximately in the middle of the middle region. Such an intermediate region, the width of which remains small for various reasons, is useful for ensuring easy start-up of the oscillator. The first reason relates to the small dimensions provided to the coupling element along the radial direction and the degree of freedom with respect to the axis of rotation, which is to take into account that the oscillator must be prevented from "idling" in the case where the coupling element remains substantially circular in the zero position. Another reason will appear below: the aim is to obtain a localized impact close to and preferably centered on the zero position circle.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show two cross-sectional views of two circles respectively passing through the middle of the first toroidal magnetic circuit and the middle of the second toroidal magnetic circuit. The two coaxial first and second toroidal magnetic circuits 52 and 53 are separated by an angular offset equal to half the aforementioned angular period, i.e. a phase shift of pi (180 °). In the variant shown, the first physical parameter considered is related to the air gap between the magnet 50 and the magnetic material 45, the magnetic material 45 being formed of a highly permeable material, in particular a ferromagnetic material. It should be noted that, in another modification, the magnetic material is a magnetized material that is arranged to be attracted with respect to the magnet 50. Another physical parameter is concomitantly changed, namely the thickness of the highly permeable material or, in the other variant mentioned, the thickness of the magnetized material. More specifically, the annular path 52 comprises alternately annular sections 54 and 56, the thickness of the magnetic material being greatest in the annular section 54 and decreasing in the annular section 56 in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the magnetic structure 44 relative to the magnet 50. In the variant shown here, the angular distance of each sector 56 is substantially equal to the angular distance of each sector 54, with a value substantially equal to one angular half-cycle P_θ/2. In another variant, the magnetic circuit magnet and the resonator magnet forming the coupling element are arranged to repel each other. In this modification, in order to obtain an effect equivalent to that described above, the thickness of the magnetic material in each segment 56 is gradually increased in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the magnetic structure with respect to the magnet 50.

In the annular section 56, at a distance V_PThe upper thickness decreases from about the thickest to a thickness of substantially zero; however, other variations are also possible, as explained below. The variation in thickness causes a variation in the average air gap of the magnetic field coupled between magnet 50 and magnetic material 45, magnetic material 45 being formed of a highly permeable material or a magnetized material arranged to attract magnet 50. The average air gap gradually increases in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the magnetic structure 44 relative to the magnet 50 over a range of angles substantially corresponding to the angular distance of each annular segment 56. In order to avoid the clear problems related to the averaging caused by the non-zero extension of the coupling element 50 and the air gap, which averaging also leads to a variation of the average air gap, in the context of the present inventionThe variation of the air gap between the mass centre of the active end of the coupling member and the magnetic circuit along an axis perpendicular to the general plane of the magnetic circuit in question will be addressed. In fig. 6A and 6B, the lower surface of the magnet 50 opposite to the magnetic circuit can be considered as the active end, and the geometric center of the lower surface is the centroid, because the geometric center and the centroid are axially aligned here. In a similar manner to the annular path 52, the annular path 53 comprises alternately annular sections 55, in which the magnetic material 45 has a maximum thickness, and annular sections 57, in which the thickness of the magnetic material is gradually reduced in the annular sections 57. The circular path 53 is substantially identical to the circular path 52, but it is offset by an angular half-period P_θ/2 to define the undulating magnetic circuit of the magnet 50, as previously described. Although the physical parameter considered here is related to the air gap between the magnet and each of the annular magnetic circuits, i.e. to the distance between the top surface of the magnetic material and the bottom surface of the magnet 50, this physical parameter corresponds to a specific parameter of the magnetic structure. In practice, the physical parameter considered is the distance from a plane 59 parallel to the general plane of the magnetic structure. In addition, the general plane is also parallel to the oscillation stroke of the magnet.

It is noted that according to other variants not shown here, the magnetic structure may be arranged such that only one or the other of the two aforementioned physical parameters is varied, i.e. the air gap between the magnetic coupling element of the resonator and the magnetic structure, or the thickness of the magnetic structure. It is noted that in the case of only thickness variations, for example by performing a planar symmetry on the magnetic structure 44 (which means flipping it without varying the position of the magnet 50), only thickness-dependent magnetic potential variations find particular application in magnetised materials, since the magnetic flux density can be easily varied according to the thickness of the magnetised material. Since the coupling element has a specific size, this thickness is defined as the thickness of the associated magnetic circuit along an axis perpendicular to the general plane of the magnetic circuit and passing through the centroid of the active end of the coupling member. In the case of using a highly permeable material, simple variation in thickness is more limited. In fact, the relevant thickness range must then be paired with a situation in which the magnetic flux is saturated in at least a part of the variable section of the magnetic material through which it flows. Otherwise, the change in thickness does not have a significant effect on the magnetic potential of the oscillator.

The magnet 50 is coupled to the first and second annular paths such that oscillations 71 or 72 (fig. 8) along one degree of freedom 58 of one resonant mode of the resonator 46 are maintained within a useful drive torque range applied to the magnetic structure. The oscillation frequency determines the relative angular velocity ω. For a projection in the general plane of the magnetic structure (parallel to the plane of fig. 5, 7 and 8), the oscillation 71 or 72 has a first oscillation 71a or 72a in a first region overlapping the first annular path 52 and a second oscillation 71b or 72b in a second region overlapping the second annular path 53. In general, the degrees of freedom of the resonator coupling element are chosen such that: during the magnetic coupling of the magnetic coupling element with the magnetic structure, the stroke of the magnetic coupling element in its oscillating first or second vibration is substantially parallel to the general geometrical plane of the first or second annular magnetic circuit. In a first main embodiment, in particular corresponding to the embodiment of fig. 5 and 11 as explained below, the general geometric surface defined by the one or more toroidal magnetic circuits or, in general, by the magnetic structure is a general plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure. In the embodiments of fig. 5 and 11, the degrees of freedom of the resonator all lie in a plane parallel to the general plane. The entire stroke of the magnetic coupling element during its oscillation is therefore here parallel to the general plane of the magnetic structure. In a variant of the second main embodiment, corresponding to the embodiment of figures 28 and 29 described below, the two annular magnetic circuits form the side walls of a disc and define an overall geometric surface, which is a cylindrical surface whose central axis is the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure. It is to be noted that other arrangements are conceivable, such as a magnetic circuit whose overall geometric surface is conical. In a variant, the stroke of the oscillating element is substantially in a plane parallel to the general plane defined by the magnetic structure; especially if the amplitude is high, the stroke may deviate slightly, especially at the end positions of the oscillation. This occurs, for example, when the resonator coupling element oscillates along a substantially circular stroke and the axis of rotation is parallel to the general plane of the magnetic structure. In this case, it is preferred that the direction defined by the degrees of freedom of the coupling element in its rest position is substantially parallel to a plane tangential to said general geometrical plane, the point of tangency corresponding to the orthogonal projection of the centroid of the active end of the coupling element in its rest position.

Fig. 7 and 8 show the magnetic potential energy EP of the oscillator 42 over a part of the magnetic structure 44_mAccording to the magnetic structure, i.e. the two annular paths 52 and 53. A variant is described in which the magnetic force is an attractive force, in particular the magnetic structure is formed of a ferromagnetic material. The equipotential curves 60 correspond to different levels of magnetic potential, as explained with reference to fig. 2 and 3.

Fig. 9A and 9B show graphs of magnetic potential energy along the middle of each of two toroidal magnetic circuits 52 and 53, respectively; and figure 9C shows a radial plot of the magnetic potential energy along the X-axis (figure 7) corresponding to the degree of freedom of the resonator 46. It is noted that a similar situation as described in connection with fig. 7, 8 and 9A-9C can be obtained by a magnetic circuit formed by a magnet arranged to repel the magnet forming the resonator coupling element. In this variant, the variation of the air gap and/or of the thickness of the magnetised material is reversed with respect to the above described variant (in particular the variant of figures 6A and 6B). Thus, the annular path comprises alternately annular sections in which the magnetized material has a minimum thickness (including zero), and annular sections in which the thickness of the magnetized material increases gradually in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the magnetic structure relative to the magnet 50, these latter annular sections generating a magnetic potential energy accumulation region in the oscillator.

Within the useful driving torque range applied to the rotor carrying the magnetic structure 44, at each angular period P_θEach of the magnetic toroids 52, 53 includes a region 63 or 65 of useful magnetic potential energy concentration in the oscillator. These areas 63 and 65 are located approximately in the first annular shape respectivelyEnergy concentration zone Z1_acAnd a second annular energy concentrating zone Z2_acIn (1). "useful focal region" generally refers to the region swept by the magnetic field of the magnet 50 that oscillates at various amplitudes over the entire range of amplitudes provided (corresponding to the useful drive torque range) and in which the oscillator primarily focuses the magnetic potential energy EP that will subsequently be transferred to the resonator_m. The region is therefore defined by a minimum oscillation amplitude of the resonator coupling element, which corresponds to a minimum useful torque, and a maximum oscillation amplitude, which corresponds to a maximum useful torque. According to a preferred variant embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the magnetic potential energy in each useful accumulation region exhibits substantially no variation along the degrees of freedom of the useful resonance modes of the resonator. Thus, gradient EP within the useful focal region_mThe angular gradient corresponds to the braking force acting on the magnetic structure and generates overall a braking torque. Thus, the first and second annular zones Z1_acAnd Z2_acHere a purely magnetic potential energy accumulation region. It is noted that the magnetic potential energy is only given locally in the figures for the position of the coupling element at the centroid of the active end of the coupling element (other reference points may be provided to ensure that the same reference points are maintained for the various parameters involved with the coupling member). Thus, the focal region and the impact region described below are defined and represented using the location of the centroid of the active end of the coupling element.

First and second annular zones Z1_acAnd Z2_acCentral impact zone ZC defined by impact zones 68 and 69_impSpaced apart, in which the energy is transferred to the resonator under the action of the driving torque, as described above with reference to the prior art. Each impact region 68, 69 is defined by an area swept by the magnetic field of the magnet 50 having a different oscillation amplitude between the aforementioned minimum and maximum amplitudes. The central impact region includes a zero position circle 20 located substantially in the middle of the central impact region. The zero position circle is defined as: in resonators and magnetic junctionsDuring the relative rotation between the structures, a circle is acquired on the magnetic structure described by the reference point of the coupling member in its rest position (the reference point is used to establish an equipotential curve of the magnetic potential energy in space according to the polar coordinates of the rotor/magnetic structure). Preferably, the resonator coupling members are arranged radially with respect to the axis of rotation so that the zero position circle passes substantially through the middle of all impact areas associated with said coupling elements. The circle Y defines a zone Z1_acAnd zone ZC_impThe interface therebetween. The circle Y has a center located on the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure 44 and a radius R_Y。

In FIG. 9C, curve 76 is associated with EP_mCorresponds to the radial profile of (a). The curve 76 gives the width Z of the impact zone 69₀Substantially corresponding to the width of impact zone 68 and also to central impact zone ZC_impCorresponding to the width of (a). FIG. 9C also shows the corresponding width Z of the useful energy concentrating region₁And Z₂. These widths Z₁And Z₂Defined by the maximum amplitude oscillation for the useful drive torque range provided to the regulating device. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, curve 74 shows a plot located approximately at zone Z1_acCentral EP_mAnd curve 75 shows an angular profile substantially in the region Z2_acCentral EP_mAngular profile of (a). Useful accumulation regions 63 and 65 are characterized by a magnetic potential energy having an increasing monotonic gradient, here substantially linear, between the region or plateau of lower potential energy 62 or 64 and the higher potential energy, here defined by the peak. It should be noted that the peak height of the outer loop path 52 may be slightly higher than the peak height of the inner loop path 53. Since the magnetic potential energy is associated with the magnetic structure 44, the angular offset of the curves 74 and 75 is one angular half cycle P_θ/2。

The energy transferred to the resonator while passing through the impact region corresponds substantially to the entry point EP of the oscillating magnetic coupling element into the impact region_IN ¹And EP_IN ²With the point of departure EP of the oscillating element from the impact region_OUT ¹，EP_OUT ²Potential energy difference Δ EP therebetween_m. Assuming that all lower potential energy regions 62 and 64 have substantially the same constant value here, and that all vibrations in the useful drive torque range pass from the useful focus region 63 or 65 to the lower potential energy region, then for point X through projection in the general plane of the magnetic structure₁The energy transferred to the resonator when passing through the impact region is substantially equal to point X₁And point X₂Potential energy difference Δ EP therebetween_mCorrespondingly (fig. 9C).

It is noted at first that in conceivable variants, the increasing magnetic potential energy gradient may not be linear, but for example quadratic, or have several segments with different slopes. Second, the lower potential energy plateau regions 62, 64, respectively, may have other potential energy profiles. Thus, for example, one particular variant provides an angular profile of magnetic potential that defines an alternating ascending gradient or slope (braking slope/potential energy accumulation region) that alternates with a descending gradient or slope. These falling gradients may extend over an angular half-cycle or less and thus end up in a small lower plateau. They may be linear or have different profiles. Similarly, it is clear that the ascending gradient may extend over angular distances other than one angular half-period, in particular over lower angular distances, but also over higher angular distances. In this respect, there are no other limitations within the scope of the invention, other than the preservation of the useful resonant mode of the resonator and therefore the presence of an impact region for this resonant mode with a non-zero angular length, i.e. a passing region for the oscillating coupling element between the useful accumulation region on one side of the circle and the receiving region on the other side of the circle, in the vicinity of the zero position circle, these two regions being configured such that for an oscillating coupling element in the useful torque range between each useful accumulation region and the corresponding receiving region, the potential energy difference Δ EP_mIs positive.

Thus, the magnetic material 45 of the magnetic structure 44 is arranged such thatIn each angular period, at least in a region of the magnetic material corresponding to a region of useful magnetic potential energy accumulation in said angular period, the physical parameter of the magnetic material under consideration increases with angle or decreases with angle, so that during rotation of the magnetic structure with respect to the magnetic coupling element, in each region of useful accumulation, the magnetic potential energy EP of the oscillator_mWith increasing angle. Second, for the embodiments considered herein and for any drive torque within the useful drive torque range, the magnetic coupling element goes from the useful accumulation region of the first or second toroidal path to a lower or minimum potential energy region as it passes through one of the impact regions in each half-cycle oscillation of the resonator. The magnetic arrangement is thus arranged such that for any drive torque within a useful drive torque range, the difference in oscillator magnetic potential energy between the entrance of the coupling element into the impact region and the exit of the coupling element from the impact region is positive.

By observing the difference between fig. 8 and fig. 3 (corresponding to an oscillator of an optimized prior art embodiment, the end of the coupling element of which is rounded or square), it can be seen that in fig. 3 the angular gradient of the magnetic potential energy in the energy concentrating zones 26, 30 is substantially the same as the central impact zone ZC_imp ^*The radial gradient in (a) is similar. However, in fig. 8, the angular gradient of the magnetic potential energy in the energy concentrating regions 63, 65 is much smaller than the radial gradient in the impact regions 68, 69; even if the ends of the coupling elements are rounded or square. Within the scope of the invention, the mean angular gradient in the simple convergence zone defines the braking force for the magnetic structure and is much smaller than the mean radial gradient in the impact zone (more generally, the mean gradient along the degrees of freedom of the useful resonant modes of the resonator), which defines the thrust on the magnet 50 and therefore the energy transmitted to the resonator in the form of a local impact around the zero position of the magnetic coupling element of the resonator (magnet 50). For this comparison, the mean azimuthal gradient and mean diameter are calculated in the same units, e.g., joules per meter (J/M)Towards the gradient. In contrast, in the case of the prior art considered, the mean radial gradient in the central impact zone is substantially equal to the mean angular gradient in the concentration zone. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 9, the ratio of the average angular gradient in the energy concentration zone to the average radial gradient in the impingement zone is for zone Z1_acLess than 30% for zone Z2_acLess than or approximately equal to 40%.

Typically, the magnetic structure is arranged such that the mean angular magnetic potential energy gradient of the oscillator within the region of magnetic potential energy accumulation is less than the mean magnetic potential energy gradient in the same units and within the region of impact along the degrees of freedom of the resonator coupling element. In one particular variation, the ratio of the average angular gradient to the average gradient along the degrees of freedom is less than sixty percent (60%). In one particular variation, the ratio of the average angular gradient to the average gradient along the degrees of freedom is less than forty percent (40%).

It is therefore noted that in fig. 2 relating to the prior art, the angular distance from the region of maximum energy to the region of minimum energy is similar to the angular distance from the region of minimum energy to the region of maximum energy in a given direction. Thus, the minimum energy area 28, particularly in the inner annular path, is small. This is not the case in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In fig. 7 and 8, the minimum energy regions 62 and 64 extend over a relatively large angular distance, and the transition from the maximum energy region to the minimum energy region is effected over a very short angular distance, much shorter than the angular distance from the preceding energy concentrating region. It is noted that the strong gradient in the impact region and thus in the transition region between the maximum potential energy and the minimum potential energy is obtained due to the reduced size of the coupling element, in projection on the general plane of the magnetic structure, here in the radial direction of the toroidal magnetic circuit, corresponding to the useful degree of freedom of the resonator, compared to the corresponding size in the prior art. It is particularly noted that in the prior art the width of the pure focal area is substantially equal to the width of the central impact area, or even smaller. This results in a small useful drive torque range and a large width of the central impact region can lead to a relatively severe destruction of the resonator, since the energy transfer is done over a large fraction of each oscillation. On the contrary, due to the features of the invention, the aforementioned averaging is not only unnecessary, but even a useful degree of freedom along the resonator is undesirable and therefore prevented as much as possible. In a theoretically optimal case, averaging is even dispensed with, which results in an almost non-zero and thus very limited impact region width. In fact, the useful degree of freedom along the resonator reduces averaging, limited by the technology, and by the fact that the magnetic field of the magnet occupies a certain volume.

The invention is remarkable in that no averaging effect occurs, which would lead to a non-functional oscillator, since the angular distance over which each magnetic potential energy concentration region extends is no longer determined by averaging, but rather by the physical parameters of the magnetic material 45 concerned in EP_mIs determined by the fact that the useful accumulation region of magnetic material in each region gradually increases or gradually decreases angularly, so that the magnetic potential of the oscillator increases angularly in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the magnetic structure with respect to the magnetic coupling element. Thus obtaining EP's distributed over a certain distance in the phase of magnetic potential energy accumulation_mA controlled increase in; this is important to prevent decoupling of the oscillator once the drive torque is relatively high, and to achieve a relatively large operating range without loss of synchronism.

Due to the features of the invention, the width and EP in the impact zone_mEffectively establishing independence between the angular distances of the useful focal area. Thus, the impact delivered to the resonator can be limited to near the zero position of the magnetic coupling element, while the range of the useful accumulation area can be greater due to the smaller angular potential energy gradient and therefore the gentle slope of the potential energy increase as a function of the angle θ. Surrounding harmonicThe localized impact of the zero point position of the vibration greatly improves isochronism, while the relatively wide angular range theta of the energy concentration region generated by the driving torque_ZUEnabling a wider useful drive torque range and thus a greater operating range. It is noted that the localization of the impact is further improved if the radial dimension of the coupling element is smaller.

The advantages of the invention are shown in FIG. 10, which shows the relative torque M as delivered to the rotor_rot/M_maxIs calculated as a function of (for a quality factor Q of 200) several points 80 of relative angular velocity error of the rotor carrying the magnetic structure 44. Here an operating curve 82 is obtained which is substantially vertical at a relative driving torque of more than 50%. Thus, the oscillator is operable in the 50% to 100% range with little inequality, and when it falls to 40%, the daily error is only about 4 seconds (4 s). These considerations therefore make the cause of the problems of the prior art and the significant advantages deriving from the present invention clearer.

According to a variant embodiment, the radial dimension (width Z) of the impact zone₀) And the radial dimension (Z) of the useful focal zone₁Or Z₂) Less than or substantially equal to fifty percent (50%). The "radial dimension" of the useful concentration area refers to the maximum amplitude a of the oscillation of the magnetic coupling element at the primary oscillation for the useful maximum driving torque_maxMinus half the width of the impact zone, i.e. substantially Z₂＝Z₁＝A_maxZ₀/2). The above-mentioned ratio can likewise be defined by other parameters of the regulating device, for example by Z₀/2A_maxDefinition of wherein 2A_maxIs equal to the distance R_maxR_min(peak-to-peak distance over one period) defined by the maximum amplitude of the oscillations projected in the general plane of the annular magnetic structure (see figure 8). For this first variant, the ratio Z₀/(R_maxR_min) And thus less than or substantially equal to 20%. According to a second preferred variant, the aforementioned ratio Z₀/Z₁Is less than or equal toSubstantially equal to thirty percent (30%).

According to a third variant embodiment, the gradual increase or decrease of the physical parameter of the magnetic material in each useful magnetic potential energy region is in an angular period (radian P) greater than the circular path of the magnetic structure_θ) Over an angular distance (considered here as an angle measured in radians) of twenty percent (20%). According to a fourth preferred variant, the ratio of the angular distance with variation to the angular period of the first physical parameter is greater than or substantially equal to forty percent (40%).

With reference to fig. 11 and 12, a second embodiment will be described, the general characteristics of which are: the magnetic structure 86 of the oscillator 84 comprises a single magnetic coupling element (magnet) and a single annular path 88, wherein the physical parameters of the magnetic material 45 forming the path are periodically changed. Much of the previous explanation regarding the outer annular path of the first embodiment also applies to the annular path 88. The characteristics of this circular path and the magnetic potential associated therewith are not described in detail here. Magnetic structure 86 also includes a second toroidal path 90 formed continuously from magnetic material 45. The second path defines an annular minimum magnetic potential energy region having a value substantially equal to the lower magnetic potential energy region defined by annular segment 52 of annular path 88. It should be noted that in one variation, instead of annular path 90, a single plate of magnetic material may be used, adjacent to annular path 88, which is positioned below oscillating magnet 50 and fixed with respect to resonator 46. As in the first embodiment, the zero position circle 20 of the resonator 46 is located substantially at the intersection Y of the two annular paths₀To (3). The circle Y substantially corresponds to the EP defined by the annular section 56_mAnd an impact region between these useful concentration regions and the aforementioned annular region of minimum magnetic potential energy.

The second embodiment has essentially the same advantages of the invention as mentioned above in relation to the first embodiment. However, when oscillating the magnetic coupling elementWhen member 50 passes from annular path 88 to single annular path 90, at each angular period P of path 88_θThe single impact imparted to the resonator is always in the same direction. The oscillating vibration above the path 90 occurs without a change in the interaction between the resonator and the magnetic structure, so that the vibration is free. FIG. 12 shows EP according to the intersection of the circular axes Y of the magnetic coupling elements by oscillation_mDifference (Δ EP)_m). It should be noted that curve 94 has practical significance only for a set of oscillations of the relevant resonance mode that can be maintained within oscillator 84. The set of oscillations being substantially located in the range R of the circular axis Y_YWithin the range R_YFrom Delta EP_mUseful range R of_UDetermining the range R_UCorresponding to the range of useful drive torques delivered to the magnetic structure 86.

It is noted that in both embodiments described above, the radial dimension of each toroidal magnetic circuit, and therefore the dimension along the degree of freedom of the resonator, is elongated, while the dimension of each coupling element of the resonator is reduced in the radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure. In both embodiments, the radial dimension of the annular magnetic section of the magnetic structure is larger than the dimension of each coupling element of the resonator. In particular, the radial dimensions of the annular magnetic sections are chosen such that the coupling element is completely superposed on the relevant magnetic circuit, so as to obtain a maximum amplitude of vibration when the coupling element is coupled with the magnetic circuit. In a preferred variant with a purely magnetic potential energy accumulation region, it is required that the coupling element is maintained in a region with a potential energy gradient perpendicular to the degree of freedom of the resonator over the entire useful torque range, i.e. for all oscillation amplitudes that the coupling element can have up to a maximum amplitude.

Figures 13 to 15 are schematic cross-sectional views of three variant embodiments of the annular path of the magnetic structure according to the invention. These variants may replace the variants already described in fig. 6A and 6B. The annular path 98 includes alternating annular sections 54A and 56A, with the thickness of the high magnetic permeability material 100 being constant in the annular section 54A and the material being constant in the annular section 56AThickness of material 100 at angular distance V_PGradually decreasing in a stepwise manner. Each annular section 56A forms a trapezoidal arrangement with several steps. In this trapezoidal arrangement, the distance between the upper surface of each step and the plane 59 parallel to the general plane of the annular path 98 varies gradually in a step-wise fashion. The trapezoidal arrangement defines an increasing monotonic potential energy gradient or slope EP_mWhich forms a useful potential energy accumulation region, as described above. The physical parameter of the material 100 considered is the distance to the geometrical plane 59, which corresponds to the air gap between the magnet 50 and said material. In one variation, the magnetic material is formed from a magnetized material. The description of the profile of the paths 52 and 53 in terms of the contribution of the thickness variation of the magnetic structure also applies to this latter variant, as well as to the arrangement of attraction or repulsion in the variant in which the coupling element and the magnetic circuit are made of magnetized material.

The modified toroidal path 102 of fig. 14 has a constant thickness of ferromagnetic material 100, but periodically has a plurality of holes 104. The imperforate annular section 54B defines a region of minimum magnetic potential energy. Each annular section 56B has a plurality of apertures at an angular distance V_PThe density and/or cross-sectional area of the pores may vary. In the example shown, the density of holes having the same relatively small diameter is continuously increased gradually, or in a variant in a stepped manner. The physical parameter of the ferromagnetic material here is the average permeability of the magnetic material.

The annular path 106 of fig. 15 is formed of a constant thickness of magnetized material 108. In the annular section 54C, the strength of the magnetic field 110 generated by the magnetized material is substantially constant. Conversely, in the annular section 56C, the strength of the magnetic field 110 is at an angular distance V in the attracting arrangement (the illustrated variation)_PAnd gradually decreases while the strength of the magnetic field is set to gradually increase in the repelling arrangement. In this variant, the physical parameter considered is the density of the magnetic flux generated by the magnetised material between the toroidal magnetic circuit and a surface of revolution having the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure as the axis of revolution, andthe degree of freedom of the magnet 50 is used as a generatrix of the surface of revolution. One variation provides another coupling element formed of a highly permeable material (similar to the case of the attractive arrangement of magnetized magnets). It is noted that the advantage of using the magnetic repulsion force is to prevent the magnets 50 from attaching to the annular path 106 in the event of a shock.

Figures 16 and 17 show a third embodiment of the adjustment device according to the invention. It differs from the first embodiment mainly in the following features: the oscillator 112 comprises a resonator 116 formed by an arm or rod 120, which arm or rod 120 is connected to a fixed point by a linear spring 118. The arm or lever 120 rotates at a first end about an axis 124, the axis 124 being parallel to the axis of rotation 51 of the magnetic structure 114, and the arm or lever 120 carries at its second end a magnetic coupling element 122 coupled with the magnetic structure 114. The structure 122 comprises a member 125 made of ferromagnetic material, which is U-shaped or C-shaped on its sides, the two branches extending above and below the magnetic structure 114, respectively. At the free ends of the two branches, respectively, two magnets 126 and 127 are arranged, oriented so that the two magnetic fields propagating in the air gap between them are mainly parallel to the axis of rotation 51 and oriented in the same direction. The two coaxial magnets together define a magnetic coupling element of the oscillator 112. The resonator freedom is on a circle 123 of radius R, the center of which is on the axis of rotation 124 of the arm or rod 120, R being the distance between said axis of rotation and the geometric axis passing through the middle of the two magnets 126 and 127.

According to a preferred variant of the invention, in order to obtain EP along the degrees of freedom 123 of the resonator 116 in the useful focal zone_mIn this third embodiment, a magnetic potential gradient of substantially zero is required with EP_mThe physical parameter of the magnetic material 45 of interest is substantially constant over the arc of the circle corresponding to circle 123. In other words, for each angular position θ of the magnetic structure 114, the physical parameter considered is invariant on the path travelled by the centroids of the ends of the magnets 126 and 127 when projected into the general plane of the magnetic structure. This is in particular of sections 56D and 57DIt is the case that the physical parameters in these zones are angularly varied to define useful potential energy accumulation regions. Thus, the annular sections 54D and 56D and the corresponding sections 55D and 57D forming the two annular paths of the magnetic structure have a slight arc shape. The various modifications mentioned with respect to the first embodiment are equally applicable to this third embodiment. The variation shown here is a trapezoidal arrangement with several steps in sections 56D and 57D.

Referring to fig. 18 to 20, three modified embodiments of the oscillator according to the present invention will be briefly described below. The oscillator of fig. 18 is formed by a wheel 128, the wheel 128 comprising at its periphery an annular magnetic structure 98A, similar to the magnetic structure 98 (fig. 13) in top view, but doubled with respect to said magnetic structure 98 by the plane symmetry on the circular axis θ of fig. 13. Thus, each annular section 56A includes a first trapezoidal arrangement and another trapezoidal arrangement therebelow that is a mirror image of the first trapezoidal arrangement. The wheel 128 includes a central core made of a non-magnetic material. The resonator 117 includes a C-shaped magnetic coupling structure 122A, which is similar to the structure 122 described above. Here, however, the structure 122A comprises a larger magnet connected to two branches of ferromagnetic material, the respective two free ends of which together define an element that magnetically couples the resonator to the magnetic structure 98A.

In fig. 19, the oscillator comprises a wheel 129 formed by a central core made of a non-magnetic material and a ring-shaped magnetic structure 106A. This structure 106A is similar in function to the magnetic structure 106 of FIG. 15, but here the material is uniformly magnetized throughout the magnetic structure 106A; the variation of the magnetic field strength generated by the magnet and therefore of the coupling flux is obtained by the variation of the thickness of the magnetized ring. The resonator 119 is peculiar in that it does not contain a magnet, and its magnetic coupling structure 122B is formed by an open ring of highly permeable material, the magnetized structure 106A passing through the opening of the ring. The ring 122B simply defines a low reluctance path for the magnetic field of the magnetized structure. In another variation, the wheel 129 may be coupled (in either an attracting or repelling manner) to the magnetic coupling structure 122A of fig. 18.

In fig. 20, the oscillator differs in that the rotor 130 is formed from two plates 132 and 134 of ferromagnetic material. The lower plate 132 has, at its periphery, a magnetic structure with two annular paths 52 and 53, which annular paths 52 and 53 are similar to those already described and are formed of ferromagnetic material. The upper plate 134 is similar to the lower plate but inverted, i.e., a mirror image of the lower plate by plane symmetry through a mid-plane between the two plates. Thus, the upper plate includes two annular paths 52A and 53A, which are similar to but opposite to the annular paths 52 and 53. The two plates are joined in a central region to form a low reluctance path for the magnetic field of the magnet 50 of the resonator 46. It is to be noted that the variants shown in fig. 18 and 20 have the advantage of preventing forces from being applied to the resonator coupling element in the axial direction.

Fig. 21 shows a further variant embodiment 136 of the adjusting device according to the invention. The adjusting device is excellent in that it comprises two magnetic structures 106A and 106B, which are coaxial and mechanically independent (not rotationally integrated by mechanical means). The lower magnetic structure 106A is carried by a wheel 129 similar to that described in fig. 19, which is integral with a spindle 140 centred on the axis of rotation 51. The upper wheel 142 is formed by a central core 143 of non-magnetic material, which core 143 is connected to a tubular element 144 freely mounted on the spindle 140, and by a magnetic structure 106B, which is similar to the structure 106A but is a mirror image thereof by plane symmetry about a mid-plane between the two wheels. The resonator 148 is represented by a spring 151 and a magnetic coupling element 149 of ferromagnetic material, which magnetic coupling element 149 is arranged at the end of an arm 150 of non-magnetic material. The magnetization is arranged in the same direction in both structures 106A and 106B. In a first variant, the two wheels 129 and 142 are each driven by the same mechanical energy source, in particular a mainspring. In a second variant, the two wheels are driven by two different mechanical energy sources, in particular two barrels arranged inside the watch movement. Other variations for the magnetic structure described above may also be provided herein. It is further noted that the magnetic coupling element may also be a magnet.

Fig. 22 shows a fourth embodiment 152 of the adjusting device according to the invention. The significant difference in this embodiment is that the magnetic structure 154 includes a single annular path 156, the annular path 156 being formed from alternating annular sections 54 and 56 as described above. It is noted that in this embodiment and in the embodiments mentioned below, as in the previously described embodiments, the non-shaded sections correspond to regions of lower or minimum magnetic potential energy, while the shaded sections correspond to regions of angularly increasing magnetic potential energy in accordance with the present invention. Within these shaded sections, the magnetic material used has at least one physical parameter which is associated with the magnetic potential of the oscillator when the magnetic resonator coupling element is magnetically coupled with the toroidal magnetic circuit. The magnetic material within each shaded section is arranged such that: during an intentional relative rotation between the resonator and the magnetic structure, the physical parameter in question is either increased angularly or decreased angularly so that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator increases angularly. It is further noted that in this embodiment and in embodiments other than the eighth embodiment explained below, the magnetic material is arranged in the shaded section such that the physical parameter in question is constant in the radial direction, but gradually varies angularly to ensure a gradual accumulation of magnetic potential energy over a relatively wide angular braking distance, which braking distance depends on the oscillation amplitude of the resonator coupling element.

Resonator 158 is of the sprung balance type, having a rigid balance 160 associated with a balance spring 162. The balance may take various shapes, in particular a circular shape as in a conventional clockwork movement. The balance wheel pivots about an axis 163 and comprises two magnetic coupling members 164 and 165 (magnets square in cross-section) that are angularly offset with respect to the axis of rotation 51 of the magnetic structure 154. The angular offset of the two magnets 164 and 165 and their position relative to the structure 154 are arranged such that: the two magnets are located on the zero position circle 20 of the resonator when the resonator is at rest (non-excited state) and therefore their angular offset θ_DIs equal toIntegral number of angular periods P_θPlus one-half cycle. The phase shift of the two magnets is therefore pi. The circle 20 substantially corresponds to the outer boundary of the annular path 156 or, in a variant, to the inner boundary of the annular path. Preferably, the axis of rotation 163 of the balance is positioned at the intersection of two tangent lines tangent to the zero position circle 20, respectively to two points defined by the two coupling members 164 and 165 on the zero position circle. It should be noted that the balance is preferably kept balanced, in particular with its centre of mass on the balance staff. A person skilled in the art can easily construct balances of different shapes having this important characteristic. It will thus be appreciated that the different variants shown in the figures are schematic, the problem of resonator inertia not being specifically represented in these figures, which show the various characteristics of the invention. In addition, an arrangement that ensures that the resultant magnetic force exerted on the pendulum shaft in the radial and axial directions is zero is preferred. It should be noted that in a variant, a balance is provided with a flexible bar defining the actual axis of rotation, i.e. without pivoting, not a sprung balance.

It is noted that since there are two magnetic coupling members, the resonator 158 is continuously magnetically coupled to the loop path 156 by one or the other of the two members. The balance receives two impacts in each balance oscillation cycle. The physical phenomena that produce these impacts are the same as described above in relation to the two magnets and the annular path. In effect, as one magnet climbs the potential energy gradient or slope in the annular section 56 and returns in the direction of the circle 20, the other magnet reaches a position above the annular section 54 where its potential energy is at a minimum. Thus, a synthetic effect of two interactions occurs in this example. In a variant embodiment, a simple ring made of highly magnetically permeable material is arranged outside and adjacent to the annular path 156, in a similar manner to the second embodiment. This simple ring thus defines the same lower potential for the oscillator over its entire surface. The ring may thus be integral with the magnetic structure 154 or fixedly arranged relative to the resonator 158. In the latter case, two ferromagnetic plate members arranged with respect to the axis 51 in the two radial directions of the two resonator magnets, respectively, are sufficient to achieve this function.

Fig. 23 shows yet another variant embodiment in which the adjusting means are formed by an oscillator 168 and comprise the magnetic structure 44 already described above and the resonator 158 described above. This modification differs from fig. 22 in that a second annular path 52 is arranged in addition to the annular path 53 corresponding to the annular path 156. Due to this arrangement, each magnet 164 and 165 receives an impact as it enters the central impact region. There is thus a double impact, whereas the variant of fig. 22 receives only one impact in its entirety. The variant of fig. 23 is particularly efficient and has a relatively large operating range. Thus, this embodiment has a double effect in terms of magnetic coupling between the resonator and the magnetic structure, as compared to the variant of fig. 22 and the first embodiment; this is also the case in the two embodiments described above.

Fig. 24 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The oscillator 172 includes a magnetic structure 44A similar to the structure 44 described above, including an even number of angular periods P_θ. The resonator 174 is formed by a tuning fork 176 with two vibrating branches. The two respective free ends of the two branches carry two cylindrical magnets 177 and 178, respectively, which are diametrically opposite with respect to the rotation axis 51. Selecting an even number of angle periods P_θThe reason for (d) is associated with the following facts: in the fundamental resonance mode of the tuning fork, the two branches oscillate in anti-phase, i.e. in opposite directions. Each resonator magnet undergoes an interaction with the magnetic structure 44A similar to that described in relation to the first embodiment. Thus, each magnet contributes to maintaining the oscillation and thus the vibration of the tuning fork 176.

Fig. 25 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The oscillator 180 differs from the previous one mainly in that the two magnets 177 and 178 of the resonator 182 are rigidly connected by a rod 185 and in that the magnetic structure 44B comprises an odd number of angular periods P_θ. Each magnet is disposed at the end of a resilient pin 183 or 184 anchored in a base 186. In one variation, a tuning fork with two rigidly connected magnets can be used as in fig. 24. Thus, due to the rigid connection between the two magnets, the useful resonance modes of the resonator 182 define in-phase oscillations of the two magnets. That is why the magnetic structure 44B here comprises an odd number of angular periods P_θThe reason for (1). Each resonator magnet undergoes an interaction with the magnetic structure 44B similar to that described in relation to the first embodiment. Thus, each magnet contributes to maintaining the oscillation of the respective elastic stud and, therefore, the vibration of the resonator 182.

Fig. 26 shows a seventh embodiment 190 of the adjusting device according to the invention. This embodiment is particularly and advantageously: comprising a magnetic structure 44B magnetically coupled to two resonators 191 and 192 that are independent of each other except for magnetic coupling through the magnetic structure. Each resonator is schematically represented by a resilient pin 183 or 184 anchored at a first end and carrying a magnet 177 or 178. Each resonator has its own natural frequency. There is therefore some averaging of the two natural frequencies for the angular velocity ω of the wheel of the integrated magnetic structure 44B, the latter having a further differential function. It is clear that the two selected natural frequencies must be very close, or even substantially identical. However, it is envisaged that the responses of the two oscillators to ambient conditions are different, preferably such that one compensates for the drift of the other when ambient conditions change. It is noted that the two oscillators are oriented in opposite directions in order to compensate for the effect of gravity in their directions. In one variant, two further resonators are provided, which are also oriented in opposite directions in a direction perpendicular to the two resonators shown in fig. 26, in order to compensate for the effect of gravity in this perpendicular direction.

Fig. 27 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The adjustment device 196 differs from the previous embodiments primarily in two specific respects. First, the magnetic structure 198 is fixedly arranged on a support or plate 200, while the two oscillators 191A and 192A are driven in rotation at an angular velocity ω by a driving torque provided to a rotor 202, the rotor 202 comprising two rigid arms 205 and 206, at the respective free ends of which the two oscillators are arranged, respectively. It is to be noted that this reversal in respect of the means to which the driving torque is applied does not in any way alter the magnetic interaction between the resonator and the magnetic structure as described above, so that this reversal can be implemented as a variant of the other embodiments. It is noted that two resonators are provided, each defining an oscillator with a magnetic structure 198. However, in another variant (not shown), a single resonator is provided.

A second particular aspect of this embodiment results from the fact that: when the magnets 177 or 178 intercept the zero position circle 20, the oscillation is not radial with respect to the rotational axis 51A of the rotor 202. As with the several embodiments described above, the degrees of freedom of the coupling elements of each resonator lie substantially on the following circles: the radius of the circle is here substantially equal to the length L of the elastic pin of the resonator and the centre of the circle is located at the anchoring point of the pin on the resonator arm. According to a preferred variant of the invention, for in EP_mObtaining a magnetic potential energy gradient EP of substantially zero degree of freedom along each resonator (the two resonators being axisymmetric about the geometric axis 51A)_mThis embodiment requires that the physical parameters of the magnetic material of the magnetic structure 198 be substantially constant within an arc of a circle corresponding to the geometric circle defined by the coupling element. In other words, for each angular position of the rotor 202, the physical parameter considered is invariant on the path occupied by the magnets 177 and 178 projected on the general plane of the fixed magnetic structure. This is particularly the case for sections 56E and 57E, where the physical parameter is varied to define the EP_mUseful aggregation of (a). It is noted that the annular sections 54E and 56E and 55E and 57E form two annular paths of the magnetic structure, having an arcuate shape, and that alternate sections of the inner annular path are slightly angularly offset with respect to sections of the outer annular path.

Figures 28 and 29 show a plan view and a sectional view of a ninth embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention. The oscillator 210 comprises a wheel 212, at least a peripheral annular portion of which is formed of a highly magnetically permeable material. The sides of the wheel are configured to form a cylindrical magnetic structure 214. The magnetic structure is still annular, but extends axially, and no longer extends in the general plane of the wheel. In other embodiments, the magnetic coupling between the resonator and the magnetic structure is axial in direction (with the major component parallel to the axis of rotation), whereas the magnetic coupling here is radial. The structure 214 defines two cylindrical paths 218 and 219 corresponding to the annular path described above. Thus, the primary considerations for the previous embodiment apply to the various possible variations of this embodiment. In the variant shown, each path is formed by a series of asymmetrical teeth defining the angular period P of the magnetic structure_θ. Each tooth has a flat or small cylindrical portion 215 followed by a recess forming a ramp 216. The teeth of the lower path 219 are angularly offset relative to the teeth of the upper path 218 by half a period P_θ/2. This magnetic structure functions in a similar manner as described for resonator 220 in other embodiments. This resonator comprises a lightweight structure 221 preferably made of ferromagnetic material. This structure 221 comprises two elastic arms 222 and 223, which are arranged diametrically with respect to a spindle 224, the spindle 224 being centred on the rotation axis 51 of the wheel 212. The resonator is fixedly mounted on a spindle and the structure 221 is fixed to a disc 225 integral with the spindle. The two resilient arms extend at their free ends with two axial branches 226 and 227, respectively, which carry magnets 230 and 231, respectively, at their lower ends. The two magnets are arranged such that the magnetic field generated by each of them is predominantly radial. It is arranged to exploit the resonance in which the two resilient arms 222 and 223 vibrate axially, which causes axial oscillation of the magnets 230 and 231. In order to make the wheel rotate independently of the resonator, a central hole is provided in the wheel 212 through which the spindle passes freely. It is also noted that the wheel is integral with a pinion 228, the pinion 228 being used to drive the wheel by a driving torque, for example derived from a mainspring. The skill of the artThe operator may provide other resonators, in particular one that operates in a torsional manner, together with the wheel 212.

A tenth embodiment 234 of the invention disposed in a timepiece movement is described below with reference to fig. 30. The adjustment device 236 comprises a resonator 238, schematically represented by a resilient pin or strip, which is fixed at a first end and carries a magnet at a free end. The magnetic structure is characterized in that: according to the invention, it is formed by two annular magnetic circuits 241 and 243 carried by two wheel sets 240 and 242 arranged side by side, respectively. Each of the annular magnetic circuits is arranged in the peripheral region of the plate of the respective wheel set. The two magnetic circuits are here arranged on the same geometrical plane and comprise alternating annular sections 245 and 246, which are similar to the annular sections 54 and 56, respectively, of the first embodiment. When the two plates have the same diameter, the two wheel sets are positioned so that: the rest position (zero position) of the resonator magnet is located in the middle of a line orthogonal to and intersecting the respective axes of rotation of the two wheel sets. More generally, in its rest position, the coupling element lies on a line connecting the two respective axes of rotation of the two wheel sets and at or intermediate the intersection of two paths projected onto said geometric plane, which paths have an offset of half an angular period on said line.

The two wheel sets 240 and 242 are rotationally coupled by a drive wheel 252 integral with a pinion 254 that receives drive torque. Wheel 252 engages wheel 248 of first wheel set 240 below the plate of first wheel set 240, thereby directly driving the first wheel set to rotate in a determined rotational direction. Wheel 252 also transmits drive torque to second wheel set 242 via intermediate wheel 256, intermediate wheel set 256 engaging wheel 250 of the second wheel set below the plate of the second wheel set. The second wheel set thus rotates in the opposite direction to the first wheel set. The two endless paths have the same outer diameter and the transmission ratio is set such that the angular velocities of the two wheel sets are the same. In one variant, the two wheel sets may directly mesh with each other via a gear, at least one of the two wheel sets receiving torque during operation. During assembly of the timepiece movement, it is ensured that the two annular paths are positioned so that, in the null position of the magnet, they have a phase shift of pi (half-cycle offset as shown in fig. 30).

It should be noted that the advantages of this tenth embodiment are: the two magnetic circuits have the same dimensions but are arranged in the same geometrical plane. This allows for perfect symmetry of the magnetic interaction between the resonator and the magnetic structure in both oscillating oscillations of the resonator. In one particular variant, the two wheel sets are driven by two drive torques from two barrels integrated in the same clockwork. It is further noted that in a variant that is not shown, the resonator may carry at least two coupling elements, which are coupled respectively to the first path and to the second path and are arranged at positions different from the aforementioned straight line connecting the two axes of rotation. It should be ensured that the second coupling element enters into interaction with the second magnetic circuit when the first coupling element leaves the first magnetic circuit and vice versa. This latter variant opens up several other degrees of freedom in the arrangement of the oscillator, in particular of the two wheel sets. For example, two magnetic circuits may be arranged on two parallel plates, respectively, but at different heights.

Fig. 31 shows an oscillator 260 according to the present invention, which is a first variation of fig. 22. This variation differs from fig. 22 in that: the resonator 158A comprises a rigid balance 160A carrying two magnets 164 and 264, and 165 and 265 on each of its two arms. The two magnets of each arm simultaneously experience a magnetic interaction with the toroidal magnetic circuit 156. The phase shift between them being an angular period P_θ. It will thus be understood that, on a given zero position circle, for the resonator under consideration in its rest position, it is possible to provide a coupling element which is equal to N · P between coupling elements which undergo the same movement (i.e. the same degree of freedom and the same direction of movement) with respect to the corresponding magnetic circuit_θIs used to increase the number of coupling elements, where N is a positive integer (corresponding to a phase shift of N · 360 °).

Fig. 32 shows an oscillator 270 according to the present invention, which is a second variation of fig. 22. This second modification is different from the first modification in that: for the resonator considered in its rest position, the two coupling elements associated with the same arm of balance 160B of resonator 158B are positioned respectively on two zero position circles 20 and 20A defined by toroidal magnetic circuit 156, i.e. by the outer and inner circles defining this path. In this case, the two coupling elements 164 and 266, and 165 and 267, have a phase shift P between them_θ2 (i.e., 180 °). It will be appreciated that for a given toroidal magnetic circuit, one or more coupling elements may be positioned on each of the two null position circles defined by the path when the resonator is in its rest position. For the balance arm, the angular offset of the first coupling element associated with the first zero position circle relative to the second coupling element associated with the second zero position circle is (N +1) · P_θ/2，N＞0。

By combining the teachings obtained in the embodiments of fig. 31 and 32 and by using several toroidal magnetic circuits, various oscillators, in particular the oscillator 280 shown in fig. 33, can be envisaged according to the invention. The oscillator comprises a resonator 158C formed by a balance 160C, balance 160C comprising two arms 282 and 284, each carrying four coupling elements distributed substantially over one angular period of magnetic structure 44 (the period of each of the two magnetic circuits 52 and 53). Here one coupling element interacts with the magnetic structure during each of three consecutive half-cycles of the magnetic structure, over which four coupling elements associated with the same balance arm extend simultaneously. Since the variation of the physical parameter considered in each shaded section is expected to be angular (no radial variation at any given radius), it is preferred that the centre of rotation 163 of the balance is located on a tangent to the zero position circle 20 at the intersection with the intermediate branch 286 or 288 carrying the two radially aligned coupling elements. Each coupling element is thus subjected to only low radial forces outside the impact region localized near the three zero position circles 20, 20A and 20B for the embodiment in fig. 33. The advantages of such embodiments are: the magnetic coupling between the resonator and the magnetic structure is improved while retaining the coupling elements with a smaller radial dimension and thus maintaining the localized impact imparted to the resonator.

Embodiments employing an inversion technique with respect to the above-described adjustment device will be described with reference to the following drawings. In the previous embodiments, the extent of the toroidal magnetic circuit is so large as to cover at least the expected maximum oscillation amplitude (in one oscillation), while the resonator coupling members have a relatively small dimension in the radial direction of the toroidal magnetic circuit associated with these resonators. However, similar interactions and benefits of the present invention can be obtained by oppositely sizing the magnetic sections of the magnetic circuit and the resonator coupling elements.

Fig. 34 is a schematic view of a variation of the eleventh embodiment, which corresponds to the reverse of the general embodiment of fig. 11. The adjustment device 300 comprises a magnetic structure 304 forming a wheel and comprising an annular magnetic circuit 306, the annular magnetic circuit 306 being formed by magnets 308, the magnets 308 having a reduced radial dimension and being arranged periodically along a circle 312. Thus, the circle passes substantially through the middle of the magnet or through the center of mass of the magnet. Generally, in axial projection to its general plane, the toroidal magnetic circuit defines a geometric circle which is radially in the middle of the magnetic circuit or substantially passes through the centroid of the magnetic elements forming the magnetic circuit. This circle is also referred to as a zero position circle, in analogy to the previous embodiment. The resonator 302 is arranged to undergo radial oscillation. Its coupling element 310 is formed of a magnetised material and its active end, which, in axial projection to a plane parallel to the general plane of the magnetic circuit, extends in a substantially rectangular region when the resonator is in the rest position (minimum potential energy of the resonator) and whose internal angular edge (i.e. in the angular direction of the wheel) substantially follows said zero position circle in axial projection, defines a magnetised portion opposite the magnetic structure. The substantially rectangular region has a shape of a circle 312Is substantially equal to half a period (P) of the magnetic circuit 306_θ/2) and has a radial distance at least equal to the maximum oscillation amplitude of the coupling element during vibration at the location where it is coupled to the magnetic circuit 306. The resonator is arranged relative to the magnetic structure such that: when a driving torque in the useful torque range is transferred to the oscillator (formed by the resonator and the magnetic structure), the circle 312 traverses the active end of the coupling element 310 in axial projection during the substantially first oscillation of each oscillation cycle of the coupling element. The magnetized material of the coupling element forms a magnet that is axially oriented along the geometric axis 51, like the magnet 308, which here has reversed poles, and is thus arranged to repel the coupling element magnet.

The magnetized material of the coupling element has at least one physical parameter that is related to the magnetic potential of the oscillator when the magnetic resonator coupling element is magnetically coupled to the toroidal magnetic circuit 306. Generally, the adjustment device according to this eleventh embodiment is characterized in that, within the useful driving torque range, the toroidal magnetic circuit and the magnetic coupling element define, in each angular cycle, a magnetic potential energy accumulation region in the oscillator as a function of the relative angular position θ of the toroidal magnetic circuit and the magnetic coupling element and of the position of the coupling element along the degree of freedom; and the magnetic material of the coupling element is arranged such that: the physical parameter related to the magnetic potential of the oscillator is gradually increased angularly or decreased angularly at least in a region of the magnetic material coupled to the magnetic circuit for at least a part of the region of magnetic potential energy concentration for each angular period. The positive or negative change in the physical parameter is selected such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator increases angularly during the relative rotation of the resonator and the magnetic structure under the action of the driving torque. According to various variants, the physical parameter considered is in particular the air gap or the magnetic flux generated by the coupling element magnet, as described above.

Fig. 35 and 36 schematically show a twelfth embodiment. The adjusting device 320 corresponds to the reverse solution of the adjusting device of fig. 5. The magnetic structure 304 is the same as in fig. 34. Resonator 322 packageComprises a plate 324 oscillating radially with respect to the centre of the annular magnetic circuit 306 and carrying two coupling elements 326 and 328 rigidly fixed to the plate. The two coupling elements are formed by two magnetized portions 326 and 328, each of which has a period substantially equal to half period P of magnetic circuit 306 on circle 312_θA/2 angular distance and the two coupling elements are angularly offset by half a period (180 deg. phase shift). In addition, they are radially offset so that the inner angular edge of the magnetized portion 328 and the outer angular edge of the magnetized portion 326 follow the zero position circle 312 in axial projection when the resonator is in the rest position. The magnetized material forming the two coupling elements has a physical parameter related to the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator. The physical parameter increases with angle or decreases with angle over at least a certain angular distance of each coupling element, so that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator increases with angle during the relative rotation. The physical parameter is the distance between the lower surface of the plate 324 and the general geometric plane 325 of the plate. The general geometric plane is parallel to the upper surface of the magnetic structure 304 and thus to its general surface. In addition, the stroke of the plate during oscillation is also parallel to the plane 325. In the opposite case of the solution, it is noted that the potential energy must increase along the relative rotation direction of the magnetic structure 304, as shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 36, where the coupled magnets are arranged in a repulsive manner.

It is to be noted that the magnetic area of a variant of the adjustment device of fig. 35 can be obtained by: the angular period of the two magnetic circuits 52 and 53 of the coupling element 50 in fig. 5 is made axisymmetric along a radial axis located in the middle of the angular period and in the middle of the annular path and the coupling element. Then, the magnetic member thus transferred is formed in duplicate at each cycle of the magnetic circuit. However, this result is not optimal in view of the variation of the physical parameter in question of the magnetized material in the region of potential energy accumulation. Thus, in the preferred variation shown in FIG. 35, the magnetized regions 326 and 328 are modified after axial symmetry so that the magnetic potential energy within each accumulation region exhibits substantially no variation along the useful degree of freedom of the resonator. This is why the variation of the physical parameter considered in figure 35 is perpendicular to the direction of oscillation of the plate 324. The magnetic potential of the oscillator is therefore similar to that described above with reference to figures 7, 8 and 9A-9C.

It should be noted that for each of the aforementioned embodiments having at least one radially extending magnetic circuit and at least one resonator comprising a coupling element of small radial dimension or several such coupling elements offset by an integer number of angular periods, this embodiment may provide an inverted embodiment by applying the present method to each coupling element, whereby depending on the situation, a single ring section (one magnetic half period) is transferred as in fig. 34, or two ring sections (one magnetic period) are transferred as in fig. 35. One advantage of the adjustment device according to the twelfth embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, comes from the fact that: extended magnetic regions 326 and 328 are located on the resonator and thus may have the same linear variation of the physical parameter under consideration to create a magnetic potential energy concentration gradient or ramp, the same dimensions, and have side edges that follow curves just along the degrees of freedom of the coupling element. Another advantage resides in greater ease in oscillator manufacture. In fact, in order to obtain the desired periodic magnetic potential energy, it is possible to produce a magnetic structure (wheel with at least one magnetic path) without variation of the physical parameters of the magnetic material forming the magnetic structure; since it is sufficient here to form the extended coupling element of the resonator from the following magnetic materials: the physical parameter of the magnetic material related to the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator has an angular variation. This is easier to achieve in view of the more limited number of resonator coupling elements relative to the number of angular periods of the toroidal magnetic circuit.

Fig. 37 shows a variation of fig. 35. The adjusting device 330 differs in that: the two coupling elements 326A and 328A arranged on the plate 324 of the resonator 322A have square or rectangular faces at their ends facing the magnetic structure in axial projection to a plane parallel to the magnetic circuit. In particular, the inner angular edge of annular region 328A and the outer angular edge of annular region 326A are straight. This variant is functionally very close to figure 35, effectively adjusting the rest position of the resonator with respect to the toroidal magnetic circuit, as long as the angular period remains relatively small, in particular less than 45 °. Good isochronism and a relatively large reasonable operating range are thus also obtained.

Fig. 38 and 38A are thirteenth embodiment of the invention that provides attractive magnetic interaction. In this case it is necessary to introduce the magnetic material in the region diametrically opposite the energy concentrating region, on the other side of the circle in the zero position, so that these regions have a lower or minimum magnetic potential. The tuning device 332 comprises a toroidal magnetic circuit 306 as described above and an exemplary shown resonator 334 comprising a plate of ferromagnetic material oscillating at the desired resonant frequency. Plate member 336 extends in a general plane 325 and includes two regions 326B and 328B that increase in distance from the general plane or air gap between the two regions and the magnetic circuit in the direction of rotation of the magnetic circuit to form potential energy concentration regions over a relatively large angular distance. In addition, the plate comprises two complementary regions 337 and 338, also made of ferromagnetic material and having a minimum air gap with the magnetic circuit. Thus, an impact for maintaining the oscillation of the resonator 334 can be obtained. It should be noted that the angular dimension of the plate is preferably set equal to the linear distance between the centers of two consecutive magnets 308. This overcomes the problems associated with the following facts: outside the region overlapping the plate, the magnet has a higher potential energy. In fact, when one magnet leaves the overlap region, the next magnet enters the overlap region at the same time due to the angular distance, so that the angular forces on plate 336 cancel each other out. It will thus be appreciated that the opposite may be implemented for the first ten embodiments and their conceivable variants.

Fig. 39 is a schematic view of a fourteenth embodiment for carrying out the technique reversal method as described above for the adjusting apparatus of fig. 24. It is thus possible to obtain an adjustment device 340 with a resonator 174A formed by the tuning fork 176A, having two magnetic plates 344 and 345 at the two free ends of the tuning fork, similar to the plate 324A of figure 37 or the plate 336 of figure 38. The two plates 344 and 345 oscillate in opposite directions and each comprise two coupling elements, similar to the magnetic regions 326A and 328A of fig. 37 and 38 or the magnetic regions 326B and 328B of one variation. The magnetic structure 304 corresponds to the magnetic structure described above. In an advantageous variant in which the tuning forks are preferably symmetrical (axial symmetry being accomplished by having one of the two plates about an axis of symmetry substantially tangent to the circle at the zero position), an odd number of coupling elements 308 must be provided on the wheel 304.

Fig. 40 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the type described starting from fig. 34. This embodiment involves a structure having two concentric small radial dimension magnetic circuits. The adjustment device 350 is functionally similar to the embodiment of fig. 32. This adjustment device 350 is formed by an oscillator comprising a resonator 352 of the sprung balance type and a magnetic structure 358 forming a wheel driven in rotation about the geometric axis 51 by a drive torque provided by a timepiece movement integrating said adjustment device. The resonator thus has a balance spring 162 or other suitable elastic member and a balance 160D having two arms, the respective two free ends of which carry two coupling elements 354 and 356, respectively. Each coupling element is formed from a magnetized region, similar to element 310 of fig. 34. The magnetic structure 358 includes the first magnetic circuit 306 described above and further includes a second magnetic circuit 360 concentric with the first magnetic circuit, formed by a plurality of evenly distributed magnets 362, having the same angular period as the first magnetic circuit but angularly offset by half a period; the two paths thus have a phase shift of 180 °. In the variant shown, the magnets 308 and 362 are arranged in a repelling manner with respect to the two magnetized regions 354 and 356. The first and second magnetic circuits are arranged such that: the two zero position circles 312 and 312A are positioned substantially perpendicular to the inner and outer angular edges, respectively, of each of the two magnetized regions 354 and 356. The two magnetized regions are offset by an angle theta_D＝P_θ(2N +1)/2, N is an integer.

It is to be noted that the embodiment of fig. 40 is obtained by implementing the above-described inversion technique starting from fig. 32 and implementing it for the case of the first balance arm carrying magnets 164 and 266. Secondly, since the magnets 165 and 267 of the second arm are phase-shifted by 180 ° with respect to the corresponding magnets of the first arm, the shaded area of the magnetic circuit transferred to the resonator must be phase-shifted by 180 ° to obtain an equivalent situation in which the magnets have been arranged on the magnetic structure by means of axial symmetry applied to the first arm. The magnetic interaction within the oscillator is thus equivalent to the arrangement of figures 32 and 40.

Finally, it is to be noted that the oscillator 350 can also be obtained from the oscillator of fig. 23 with the aid of a second method which consists in reversing the dimensions of the magnetic region and the resonator of the magnetic structure. Each shaded region of the magnetic path is replaced by a magnet having a small radial width at the centre of the shaded region, and the two resonator magnets are replaced by two magnetised regions substantially having the dimensions of the shaded section of one path of the oscillator of figure 23. Other adjustment means having radially extending magnetic sections carried by the resonator can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art by reversing the method using the first and second techniques.

Claims (30)

1. An adjustment device (42; 84; 112; 152; 168; 172; 180; 190; 196; 210; 236; 260; 270; 280) for adjusting a relative angular velocity (ω) between a magnetic structure (44; 86; 114; 154; 198; 214; 240; 242) and a resonator (46; 116; 117; 119; 148; 158; 158A; 158B; 158C; 174; 182, 184; 202; 238), the magnetic structure and the resonator being magnetically coupled so as to together define an oscillator forming the adjustment device, the magnetic structure comprising at least one annular magnetic circuit centered on an axis of rotation (51, 51A) of the magnetic structure or resonator, the magnetic structure or resonator comprising at least one annular magnetic circuit, the magnetic circuit being centered on the axis of rotation (51, 51A) of the magnetic structure or resonatorThe structure and the resonator are arranged as follows: one of the magnetic structure and resonator rotates relative to the other about the axis of rotation when a driving torque is applied to the magnetic structure or resonator; the resonator comprises at least one magnetic coupling element (50; 126, 127; 149; 164, 165; 177, 178; 230, 231) coupled to the toroidal magnetic circuit; the toroidal magnetic circuit is formed at least in part by a first magnetic material (45) having at least one physical parameter related to but different from the magnetic potential of the oscillator, the first magnetic material being arranged along the toroidal magnetic circuit such that the magnetic potential of the oscillator varies angularly in a periodic manner along the toroidal magnetic circuit and defines an angular period (P) of the toroidal magnetic circuit_θ) (ii) a Said magnetic coupling element having an active end on one side of said magnetic structure, said active end being magnetically coupled to said toroidal magnetic circuit so that oscillations in a degree of freedom along a resonant mode of the resonator are maintained over a useful drive torque range applied to said magnetic structure or resonator, and so that said oscillations occur for a determined integer number of cycles during said relative rotation in each angular cycle of said toroidal magnetic circuit, the frequency of said oscillations thereby determining said relative angular velocity; the resonator being arranged relative to the magnetic structure such that, during a first vibration within each cycle of the oscillation, the active end of the magnetic coupling element is at least largely superposed on the toroidal magnetic circuit in an orthogonal projection to a general geometric surface defined by the toroidal magnetic circuit, and the resonator being arranged relative to the magnetic structure such that also during the first vibration the stroke of the magnetic coupling element is parallel to the general geometric surface, the dimension of the toroidal magnetic circuit along the degree of freedom being greater than the dimension of the active end of the magnetic coupling element along the degree of freedom;

said adjustment device being characterized in that, within said useful driving torque range, said toroidal magnetic circuit and said magnetic coupling element define, in each angular cycle, a magnetic potential energy accumulation region (63, 65) in the oscillator as a function of the relative positions of said toroidal magnetic circuit and said magnetic coupling element, defined by the relative angular positions of said toroidal magnetic circuit and said magnetic coupling element and the position of said magnetic coupling element along its degree of freedom; and, the first magnetic material is arranged such that, within each angular period: said physical parameter is angularly gradually increasing or angularly gradually decreasing at least in a region of said first magnetic material corresponding to at least a part of said region of magnetic potential energy concentration within each angular period, which is magnetically coupled at least partially with said active end portion with respect to the relative position of said magnetic coupling element with respect to the toroidal magnetic circuit.

2. An adjustment device (300; 320; 330; 340; 350) for adjusting a relative angular velocity (ω) between a magnetic structure (304; 358) and a resonator (302; 322; 322A; 174A; 352), the magnetic structure and the resonator being magnetically coupled so as to jointly define an oscillator forming the adjustment device, the magnetic structure comprising at least one toroidal magnetic circuit centered on an axis of rotation (51) of the magnetic structure or resonator, the magnetic structure and the resonator being arranged: the magnetic structure and resonator rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation when a driving torque is applied to the magnetic structure or resonator; the resonator comprises at least one magnetic coupling element (310; 326, 328; 326A, 328A; 344, 345; 354, 356) for magnetic coupling with the toroidal magnetic circuit, the toroidal magnetic circuit being formed at least in part of a first magnetic material arranged such that a magnetic potential energy of an oscillator angularly varies in a periodic manner along the toroidal magnetic circuit and defines an angular period (P) of the toroidal magnetic circuit_θ) (ii) a The magnetic coupling element has an active end on one side of the magnetic structure, the active end being formed of a second magnetic material having at least one physical parameter related to but different from the magnetic potential of the oscillator, the active end being magnetically coupled to the toroidal magnetic circuit such that oscillation along a degree of freedom of a resonant mode of the resonator is achieved within a useful drive torque range applied to the magnetic structure or resonatorTo hold, and so that during said relative rotation within each angular cycle of said toroidal magnetic circuit, a determined integer number of cycles of said oscillation occur, the frequency of said oscillation thus determining said relative angular velocity;

the adjustment device is characterized in that the dimension of the toroidal magnetic circuit along the degree of freedom of the magnetic coupling element is smaller than the dimension of the active end of the magnetic coupling element along the degree of freedom; the resonator is arranged relative to the magnetic structure such that: during a first vibration within each cycle of said oscillation, in orthogonal projection to the general geometric surface defined by said active end, said active end is traversed by a geometric circle passing through the middle of said annular magnetic circuit; -said toroidal magnetic circuit and said magnetic coupling element define a magnetic potential energy concentration region (63, 65) in the oscillator in each angular cycle as a function of the relative positions of said toroidal magnetic circuit and said magnetic coupling element as defined by the relative angular positions of said toroidal magnetic circuit and said magnetic coupling element and the position of said magnetic coupling element along its degree of freedom, within said useful driving torque range; and the second magnetic material is arranged such that: said physical parameter is either angularly gradually increasing or angularly gradually decreasing at least in a region of said second magnetic material corresponding to at least a part of said region of magnetic potential energy concentration within each angular period, which is at least partially magnetically coupled with said toroidal magnetic circuit with respect to the relative position of said toroidal magnetic circuit with respect to the magnetic coupling element.

3. Adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic coupling element and the annular magnetic circuit are arranged such that the magnetic coupling element receives during the relative rotation an impact around the rest position of the magnetic coupling element and along its degree of freedom, which impact defines an impact region (68, 69) which is localized to a central impact region adjacent to the magnetic potential energy accumulation region as a function of the relative position of the magnetic coupling element with respect to the annular magnetic circuit and for the useful drive torque range transmitted to the adjusting device.

4. The adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnetic structure is arranged such that the mean angular potential energy gradient in the region of accumulation of magnetic potential energy is smaller than the mean magnetic potential energy gradient in the region of impact, measured along the degrees of freedom and in the same units.

5. The adjustment device of claim 4, wherein a ratio of the average angular gradient to the average magnetic potential energy gradient along the degree of freedom is less than sixty percent (60%).

6. The adjustment device of claim 4, wherein a ratio of the average angular gradient to the average magnetic potential energy gradient along the degree of freedom is less than or equal to forty percent (40%).

7. Adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the radial dimension (Z) of the impact area₀) And the radial dimension (Z) of the magnetic potential energy accumulation region₁，Z₂) The ratio between is less than fifty percent (50%).

8. Adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the radial dimension (Z) of the impact area₀) And the radial dimension (Z) of the magnetic potential energy accumulation region₁，Z₂) Less than or equal to thirty percent (30%).

9. Adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic potential energy in each magnetic potential energy concentration area (63, 65) is unchanged along the degree of freedom of the useful resonance mode of the resonator.

10. Adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in each magnetic zone corresponding to a zone of magnetic potential energy accumulation, the gradual increase or decrease of the physical parameter extends over an angular distance with respect to the rotation axis which is greater than twenty percent (20%) of the angular period of the toroidal magnetic circuit.

11. Adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in each magnetic zone corresponding to a zone of concentration of magnetic potential energy, the gradual increase or decrease of the physical parameter extends over an angular distance with respect to the axis of rotation greater than or equal to forty percent (40%) of the angular period of the toroidal magnetic circuit.

12. An adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the physical parameter considered is the distance between the toroidal magnetic circuit and a surface of revolution having the axis of revolution as the axis of revolution and the degree of freedom as the generatrix of the surface of revolution, said distance corresponding to the air gap between the magnetic coupling element and the toroidal magnetic circuit within a constant range.

13. The adjusting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic material is formed of a magnetized material, and the physical parameter considered is a magnetic flux density generated by the magnetized material between the annular magnetic circuit and a surface of revolution having the rotation axis as a revolution axis and the degree of freedom as a generatrix of the surface of revolution.

14. An adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that the active end is formed from a magnetized material, the physical parameter considered being the magnetic flux density generated by the magnetized material between the magnetic coupling element and the toroidal magnetic circuit.

15. The adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the change of the physical parameter is obtained by a plurality of holes (104) in the magnetic material of which the density and/or cross-sectional area changes.

16. The adjustment device of claim 3, wherein during relative rotation of the magnetic structure and resonator, the rest position of the magnetic coupling element defines a zero position circle within a reference frame associated with the magnetic structure, the zero position circle and the degree of freedom being orthogonal at their intersection point.

17. The adjustment device according to claim 16, when claim 3 as appended to claim 16 is appended to claim 1, characterized in that the variation of the physical parameter is only angularly directed in the regions of the first magnetic material respectively corresponding to the regions of accumulation of magnetic potential energy within the oscillator.

18. Adjustment device according to claim 16, when claim 3 as appended to claim 16 is dependent on claim 2, characterized in that, in the region of said second magnetic material corresponding to each region of magnetic potential energy accumulation within the oscillator, the variation of said physical parameter is mainly in a direction orthogonal to said degree of freedom of said magnetic coupling element.

19. The adjustment device of claim 16,

the magnetic coupling element is a first magnetic coupling element, and the adjustment device comprises at least one second magnetic coupling element which is also magnetically coupled with the magnetic structure;

the first and second magnetic coupling elements define the same zero position circle with the annular magnetic circuit.

20. The adjustment device of claim 16,

the magnetic coupling element is a first magnetic coupling element, and the adjustment device comprises at least one second magnetic coupling element which is also magnetically coupled with the magnetic structure;

the first and second magnetic coupling elements and the annular magnetic circuit define two different zero position circles, respectively, that substantially overlap on an inner circle and an outer circle defining the annular magnetic circuit.

21. The tuning apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the toroidal magnetic circuit defines a first path, the magnetic structure further comprising a toroidal, magnetic second path coupled to the magnetic coupling element in a manner similar to the manner in which the magnetic coupling element is coupled to the first path, the second path being formed at least in part by a magnetic material that varies along the second path such that the magnetic potential of the oscillator varies angularly along the second path in a manner similar to the variation of the first path within the angular period, the angular offset of the first and second paths being equal to one half of the angular period.

22. The tuning apparatus (236) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the toroidal magnetic circuit defines a first path, the tuning apparatus further comprising a toroidal, magnetic second path coupled to the or another coupling element of the resonator in a manner similar to the manner in which the magnetic coupling element is coupled to the first path, the second path being formed at least in part by a magnetic material that varies along the second path such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator varies angularly along the second path in a manner similar to the variation of the first path; and said first and second annular, magnetic paths being integral with the two wheel sets, respectively.

23. The adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic coupling element is a first magnetic coupling element, the adjustment device comprising at least one second magnetic coupling element which is also magnetically coupled with the magnetic structure.

24. The regulating device according to claim 23, characterized in that the resonator (158) is of the type with a balance spring or with a flexible bar.

25. The adjusting apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the resonator is formed by a tuning fork (176), wherein two free ends of the resonant structure carry the first and second magnetic coupling elements, respectively.

26. The adjustment device according to claim 23, characterized in that the resonator (182) comprises a rigid structure (185), which structure (185) carries the first and second magnetic coupling elements and is associated with one or both elastic elements of the resonator.

27. The adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the resonator defines a first resonator (191; 191A); the adjusting means comprise at least one second resonator (192; 192A) which is magnetically coupled to the magnetic structure in a similar manner to the first resonator.

28. The adjustment device of claim 2, wherein the first and second magnetic materials are materials magnetized to repel each other.

29. Timepiece movement, characterized in that it comprises an adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, which defines a resonator and a magnetic escapement structure and is used to adjust the operation of at least one mechanism of the timepiece movement.

30. A timepiece movement, characterized in that it comprises an adjustment device according to claim 3, which defines a resonator and a magnetic escapement and is used to adjust the operation of at least one mechanism of the timepiece movement.