HK1229902B - Device intended to control the angular speed of a train in a timepiece movement and including a magnetic escapement - Google Patents

Description

Device for adjusting the angular frequency of a moving part in a watch movement including a magnetic escapement

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of devices for adjusting the relative angular frequency between a magnetic structure and a resonator, which are magnetically coupled together to define an oscillator. The inventive adjustment device timers the movement of a mechanical timepiece movement. More specifically, the invention relates to magnetic escapements for mechanical timepiece movements that can be used for direct magnetic coupling between a resonator and a magnetic structure. Generally speaking, their function is to subordinate the rotational frequency of the mobile of a counter train of this type of timepiece movement to the resonant frequency of the resonator.

The regulating device thus comprises a resonator, the oscillating part of which is provided with at least one magnetic coupling element, and a magnetic escapement arranged to control the relative angular frequency between the magnetic structure forming the magnetic escapement and the resonator. It replaces a conventional balance wheel-coil spring/balance spring and escapement mechanism, in particular a Swiss lever escapement and a toothed escape wheel.

The resonator or magnetic structure is rigidly connected in rotation to a moving part that is driven in rotation by a defined torque that maintains the resonator's oscillations. Typically, the moving part is incorporated into a gear train, or more generally, into the kinematic chain of a mechanism. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic structure and the resonator allows the relative angular frequency of these oscillations to be adjusted.

Background Art

In the field of horology, devices for adjusting the speed of a wheel, also called a rotor, by means of magnetic coupling between a resonator and a magnetic wheel have been known for many years. Numerous patents relating to this field have been granted to Horstmann Clifford Magnetics for an invention by C.F. Clifford. In particular, U.S. Patent No. 2,946,183 may be cited. The adjustment device described in this document has various disadvantages, notably asymmetric timing (non-isochronism, in other words, lack of isochronism), in particular the pulsation (angular frequency) of the rotor varies significantly depending on the torque applied to it. This type of asymmetric timing is due to the asymmetric timing of the oscillator formed by the resonator and the magnetic wheel. The reasons for this asymmetric timing have been included in the development of the present invention. These reasons will become clear later on after reading the description of the present invention.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application JPS 5240366 (Application No. JP19750116941) and Japanese Utility Models JPS 5245468U (Application No. JP19750132614U) and JPS 5263453U (Application No. JP19750149018U) disclose magnetic escapements with direct magnetic coupling between a resonator and a wheel formed by a disk. In the first two documents, a rectangular opening in a non-magnetic disk is filled with a powder or magnetized material having high magnetic permeability. This results in two adjacent coaxial annular tracks, each comprising rectangular magnetic sectors regularly arranged at a specific angular period, with the sectors of the first track offset or displaced by half a period relative to the sectors of the second track. Consequently, magnetic sectors are present, alternating between the two sides of a circle corresponding to the rest position (zero position) of the magnetic coupling element or member of the resonator. The coupling element or member is formed by a split ring made of a magnetized material or a material with high magnetic permeability, between the ends of which the rotating disk passes. A third document describes an alternative solution in which the magnetic region of the disk is formed by a single small plate made of a material with high magnetic permeability, thereby magnetizing the magnetic coupling element of the resonator. The magnetic escapements described in these Japanese documents do not allow for a significant improvement in isochronism, particularly for the reasons explained below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

FIG1 schematically illustrates a prior art regulating device or oscillator 2, which includes a magnetic escapement of the type described in the aforementioned Japanese document. The device comprises a magnetic structure 4 and a resonator 6. The magnetic structure is supported by a moving member 8, which is made of a non-magnetic material. Two pluralities of axially magnetized rectangular magnets are disposed on the surface of the moving member. First and second pluralities of magnets 10 and 12 form adjacent and concentric first and second annular magnetic tracks 11 and 13, respectively. Each of the first and second pluralities of magnets has the same number of magnets distributed at regular angles and defining the same angular period θ _P , with the first track displaced by half a period (corresponding to a phase difference of 180°). The resonator 6 is symbolically illustrated by a spring 15, whose elastic deformation capacity is defined by a spring constant, and an inertial mass 16 (symbol "I") defined by its mass and structure. The resonator comprises a rectangular magnet 18, which defines an element for coupling with the magnetic structure. The magnet has an axial magnetization in a direction opposite to that of the magnets 10 and 12, so that it is configured to repel the magnets. It is capable of oscillating at a suitable frequency in a resonant mode in which it oscillates radially relative to an axis of rotation 20 of the moving part 8, which coincides with the central axis of the annular magnetic structure. This resonant mode is excited and maintained when the magnetic structure 4 is driven to rotate at an angular frequency ω, as shown in FIG1 , by a torque within the effective torque range, for example in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the magnet 18 is positioned above the moving part 8 so that, when the resonator is in its rest position, its center of mass is axially superimposed on the middle geometric circle of the common limit or interface defining two concentric and adjacent (adjacent) annular tracks.

Because magnets 10 and 12 form a magnetic interaction zone with magnet 18 of the resonator and are located alternately on either side of the aforementioned intermediate geometric circle, they define a zigzag (sinusoidal) magnetic circuit with a defined angular period θ _{P ,} corresponding to the angular period of each of first and second annular tracks 11 and 13. When the resonator is magnetically coupled to the magnetic structure being driven in rotation, magnet 18 oscillates and follows this zigzag magnetic circuit, and the angular frequency ω of the wheel is substantially defined by the oscillation frequency of the resonator. Thus, there is synchronization between the resonator frequency and the rotational frequency or pulsation of moving part 8. Synchronization here refers to a defined and consistent relationship between the two frequencies. The geometry of magnet 18 will be observed, with its active end portion (shown in FIG. 1 ) defining a rectangular surface in axial projection onto the general geometric plane of the magnetic structure. In other words, the active end portion has a generally rectangular average shape or profile in a plane parallel to the plane of the magnetic structure. In this prior art manufacture, the length of the rectangular surface is a radial length, while its width, which is smaller than its length, is angled relative to the central axis of the annular magnetic structure or tangential relative to the aforementioned intermediate geometric circle. In the example described here, the length is equal to approximately twice the width.

FIG2 schematically illustrates the angularly and radially varying magnetic potential energy (also called magnetic interaction potential energy) of oscillator 2, for a portion of magnetic structure 4, over a radial range corresponding to the width of two magnetic tracks 11 and 13. Gradient curves 22 correspond to different gradations of the magnetic potential energy. They define equipotential curves. The magnetic potential energy of the oscillator at a specific point corresponds to the state of the oscillator when the magnetic coupling element of the resonator is in a specific position (its center of mass or geometric center is at a specific point). It is defined to be constant. Generally speaking, the magnetic potential energy is defined relative to a reference energy corresponding to the minimum potential energy of the oscillator. In the absence of any dissipative forces, this potential energy corresponds to the work required to move the magnet from the minimum energy position to the specific position. In the case of this oscillator, this work is provided by the torque applied to the moving part 8. When the resonator's coupling element returns to a lower potential energy position, particularly the lowest potential energy position, by radial displacement relative to the moving part's axis of rotation (in other words, according to the degrees of freedom of the effective resonant mode), the potential energy accumulated in the oscillator is transferred to the resonator. In the absence of any dissipative forces, this potential energy is converted into kinetic and rebound energy in the resonator through the work of the magnetic forces between the resonator's coupling elements and the magnetic structure. Thus, the torque supplied to the wheel serves to sustain the resonator's oscillations, which in turn applies a braking force to the wheel, thereby adjusting its angular frequency.

The outer annular track 11 defines alternating low-potential energy regions 24 and high-potential energy regions 26, while the inner annular track 13 defines alternating low-potential energy regions 28 and high-potential energy regions 30, with an angular phase difference of half the angular period _θp /2 relative to the first track (in other words, a phase difference of 180°). When the oscillator 2 is excited and the movable member 8 is thereby driven in rotation with a defined torque, line 32 defines the position of the center of magnet 18. This line illustrates the oscillation of the magnets of resonator 6 in a reference frame relative to the movable member. Because these magnets repel the magnets of the magnetic structure 4, the low-potential energy regions correspond to the regions between the magnets of the magnetic structure, while the high-potential energy regions correspond to the regions of the magnets, in other words, to the situation where magnet 18 at least partially overlaps the magnets of the magnetic structure. It should be noted that when the magnets are arranged in an attractive manner, or when the magnetic structure or the coupling member of the resonator is made of ferromagnetic material, there is a spatial reversal/inversion between the low-potential energy regions and the high-potential energy regions, compared to the case where the magnets repel.

Observing the step curve 22 and oscillations 32 of the magnetic potential energy, it can be seen that the oscillator accumulates magnetic potential energy substantially during each alternation of oscillation, when the magnet 18 has reached its maximum amplitude and begins to return to its zero position. It can also be seen that the oscillator's potential energy is weakened during most of each alternation. The force F applied to the resonator's magnet is determined by the magnetic potential energy gradient perpendicular to the step curve 22. The angular component (the degree of freedom of the magnetic structure) acts by the reaction of the wheel, while the radial component (the degree of freedom of the resonator) acts by the resonator's coupling members. The angular force corresponds, on average, to the braking force of the moving part, since the angular reaction force is oriented opposite the direction of rotation of the moving part during most of the oscillation cycle. The radial force corresponds to the thrust acting on the resonator's oscillating structure. It can be seen that the force F (see FIG. 2 ) has a radial component over a large distance between the oscillation extremes 32. Therefore, the thrust acts on the resonator's magnet for most of each alternation.

If we analyze the potential energy curve 22 in this case with respect to the torque applied to the wheel and study the behavior of the oscillator, we can observe at least two major drawbacks of this type of adjustment device. First, the range of torque values is small, and second, the adjustment device has significant inequalities. In the prior art, this inequality is so great that it is impossible to produce a watch movement with a suitable operating range, in other words, with acceptable accuracy.

Summary of the Invention

In the context of the present invention, having noted the above-mentioned problems of inequality and limited operating range in known adjustment devices, the inventors set themselves the goal of understanding the causes of these problems and providing solutions thereof.

Considering the problems of the prior art and the various research projects carried out allowed the causes of these problems to be determined. The problems of anisochronism and of a limited range of effective torques are due in particular to the fact that thrust is applied to the magnet of the resonator over relatively large radial distances between positions corresponding to the extremes of the resonator's oscillations. The resonator is thus disturbed because thrust is applied to its oscillating member outside the region situated around the null position of the resonator (in the resonator, the rest position corresponds to a minimum, generally zero, rebound energy). Pulses supplied only in the null position of the oscillating member hardly produce disturbances in the oscillator. Thus, the inventors have noticed that thrust on relatively extended paths outside the region around the null position disturbs the oscillator, which changes its frequency and therefore its oscillation amplitude depending on the torque supplied, and is therefore a source of anisochronism.

In order to solve the identified asynchronism problem while allowing the oscillator to operate efficiently and stably over a relatively large torque range, the present invention proposes a device for adjusting the relative angular frequency between a magnetic structure and a resonator as defined in claim 1 for the first main embodiment and claim 11 for the second main embodiment, wherein the magnetic structure and the resonator are magnetically coupled to define an oscillator that forms the adjustment device.

In general, according to a first main embodiment, a tuning device according to the present invention determines a magnetic coupling so as to define a relative angular frequency between a magnetic structure and a resonator that together form an oscillator of the tuning device, the magnetic structure comprising at least one annular magnetic track centered on the rotation axis of the magnetic structure or resonator. The magnetic structure and the resonator are arranged to rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis when a torque is applied to the magnetic structure or resonator. The resonator comprises at least one element for magnetically coupling with the annular magnetic track, the magnetic coupling element having an active end portion made of a first magnetic material and located on the same side of the magnetic track, the magnetic track being at least partially made of a second magnetic material arranged such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator varies angularly and periodically along the magnetic track, thereby defining an angular period (θ _P ) of the magnetic track and such that it magnetically defines a plurality of first and second zones that alternate angularly with a first zone and an adjacent second zone in each angular period.

When any identical region of the active end portion overlaps the second region or the adjacent first region, respectively, in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface in which the annular magnetic track extends, each second region generates a stronger repulsive force or a weaker attractive force against the adjacent first region. The magnetic coupling element is magnetically coupled to the magnetic track such that oscillations utilizing the degrees of freedom of the resonant mode of the resonator are maintained within the effective range of torque applied to the magnetic structure or resonator, and such that the period of the oscillations occurs during the relative rotation in each angular period of the annular magnetic track, the frequency of the oscillations thus determining the relative angular frequency. The degrees of freedom define an oscillation axis of the active end portion that passes through its center of mass.

The resonator is arranged relative to the magnetic structure such that the active end portion, in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface, is at least largely superimposed on the annular magnetic track during approximately the first alternation in each cycle of the oscillation, and such that the path taken by the magnetic coupling element during the first alternation is approximately parallel to the general geometric surface. In the general geometric surface, the annular magnetic track has a dimension, in an orthogonal projection, along the oscillation axis that is larger than a dimension of the active end portion along the oscillation axis. It should be noted that the oscillation axis can be a straight line or a curve.

The adjustment device according to the first main embodiment is distinguished in particular by the combination of the following features:

- each of the two second zones has, in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface of the annular magnetic track, a general outline comprising a first portion defining, over said second zone, a penetration line for the active end portion of the magnetic coupling element during said oscillation, and a second portion defining, over said second zone, an exit line for said active end portion during said oscillation;

- in the rest position of the coupling element, the exit line is oriented substantially in an angular direction parallel to a null circle centered on the axis of rotation and passing through an orthogonal projection of the center of mass of the active end portion in the generally geometrical surface;

- the magnetic structure further defines at least one exit zone for the active end portion extending in the general geometric surface, wherein when the active end portion successively exits the annular magnetic track through the corresponding exit line of the second zone during said oscillation, said at least one exit zone receives at least a larger part of the active end portion in an orthogonal projection of said general geometric surface, and when any same zone of the active end portion is superimposed on said at least one exit zone or on said second zone, respectively, in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface, said at least one exit zone generates a weaker repulsive force or a stronger attractive force with respect to the second zone for any same zone;

the active end portion of the coupling element has, in said rest position, in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface, a first dimension along an axis perpendicular to the null circle and passing through the orthogonal projection of the center of mass of said active end portion, and a second dimension, greater than said first dimension, along a second axis defined by the null circle; and

- the exit line of each second zone has a length along said at least one exit zone and said second axis that is greater than the first dimension of the active end portion.

It should be noted that the first region of the repulsive magnetic coupling or the second region of the attractive magnetic coupling can be made of a non-magnetic material or formed of air. "Magnetic material" refers to a material having magnetism that generates an external magnetic field (a magnet) or a good conductor of magnetic flux (particularly a material with high magnetic permeability, such as a ferromagnetic material). "Active end portion" refers to the end portion of the coupling element located on the same side of the magnetic structure as the end portion of the coupling element, through which the majority of the coupling magnetic flux passes between the coupling element and the magnetic structure.

According to a first variant, the second dimension of the active end portion is at least twice its first dimension. According to a second variant, the dimension of each second zone along an axis perpendicular to the null circle at the midpoint of the exit line of the active end portion is at least three times the first dimension of the active end portion. According to a preferred variant, the exit line of each second zone substantially coincides with the null circle.

In the case of projections in a surface, superposition (especially "above", "below", "opposite" or "opposite") or the terms "in projection" or "in orthogonal projection" refer to the orthogonal projection in the surface in question, the superposition in the orthogonal projection of the geometric surface considered in this context or mentioned above, or "the orthogonal projection of such a geometric surface", respectively. This should be taken into account in the rest of the description and in particular in the claims.

According to a second main embodiment, the present invention also relates to a tuning device that determines the relative angular frequency between a magnetic structure and a resonator that are magnetically coupled so as to define together an oscillator forming the tuning device. The magnetic structure comprises at least one annular magnetic track centered on an axis of rotation of the magnetic structure or resonator, the magnetic structure and the resonator being arranged to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation when a torque is applied to the magnetic structure or resonator. The resonator comprises at least one element for magnetically coupling with the annular magnetic track, the coupling element having active end portions made of a first magnetic material and located on the same side of the annular magnetic track. The annular magnetic track is at least partially made of a second magnetic material, the second magnetic material being arranged such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator varies angularly and periodically along the annular magnetic track, thereby defining an angular period (θ _p ) of the annular magnetic track. The magnetic coupling element is magnetically coupled to the magnetic track such that oscillations utilizing the degrees of freedom of the resonant mode are maintained within the effective range of the torque applied to the magnetic structure or resonator, and such that the period of the oscillation occurs during the relative rotation within each angular period of the annular magnetic track, the frequency of the oscillation thus determining the relative angular frequency. Said degree of freedom defines an axis of oscillation of the active end portion passing through its centre of mass.

The adjustment device according to the second main embodiment is distinguished in particular by the combination of the following features:

- the second magnetic material is arranged along the annular magnetic track such that it magnetically defines a plurality of first zones and a plurality of second zones angularly alternating with a first zone and an adjacent second zone in each angular period;

- within the effective torque range, the active end portion of the magnetic coupling element magnetically defines, in a general geometrical surface containing the oscillation axis and in which said active end portion extends generally, first an entry zone for the second zone, in an orthogonal projection of the general geometrical surface, then a magnetic potential energy accumulation zone in the oscillator, angularly adjacent to the entry zone and through which each second zone at least partially penetrates in orthogonal projection, and finally an exit zone adjacent to the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone, said exit zone receiving, in orthogonal projection, at least a greater portion of each second zone exiting from said accumulation zone or a subsequent second zone;

- Each second region generates a stronger repulsive force towards the magnetic potential energy storage region or a stronger attractive force towards the entry region and exit region relative to the adjacent first region per unit angular length;

- when any identical region of each second region is superimposed on the magnetic potential energy storage region, the entry region or the exit region, the magnetic potential energy storage region generates a stronger repulsive force or a weaker attractive force towards the identical region relative to the entry region and the exit region;

- the annular magnetic track has, in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface, a dimension along the oscillation axis that is smaller than the dimension of the active end portion along said oscillation axis;

- the resonator is arranged relative to the magnetic structure so that the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone is spanned in orthogonal projection by a middle geometric circle passing through the middle of the annular magnetic track, approximately during a certain alternation in each cycle of said oscillation;

the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone has a general outline comprising a first portion defining, under said accumulation zone, a penetration line for each successive second zone during said oscillation, and a second portion defining, under said accumulation zone, an exit line for said second zone or a subsequent second zone during said oscillation;

- when the magnetic coupling element is in its rest position, the exit line is oriented substantially in an angular direction parallel to an orthogonal projection of a middle geometric circle of the annular magnetic track;

- when the centers of the second zones coincide with the oscillation axis, the second zones have, in orthogonal projection, a first dimension along a first axis perpendicular to the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle and passing through the point of intersection of the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle and the oscillation axis, and a second dimension, which is greater than the first dimension, along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and passing through the aforementioned point of intersection;

When the magnetic coupling element is in its rest position, the exit line has a length along the exit zone and the aforementioned second axis that is greater than the first dimension of the second zone.

It should be noted that the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone for attractive magnetic coupling or the entry and exit zones for repulsive magnetic coupling can be defined by a non-magnetic material rigidly connected to the coupling element or can correspond to an air region at the periphery of the active end portion of the coupling element. It will also be noted that the first zone (repulsive coupling) or the second zone (attractive coupling) can be made of a non-magnetic material or formed of air.

"General outline of a zone" means the average line of the general outline defining its perimeter when the zone is fully defined, or the average line of the general outline defining the limits of the zone relative to the magnetic coupling element when the zone is open and therefore only partially defined.

According to a preferred variant, when the coupling element is in the rest position, the exit line of the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone substantially coincides with the middle geometric circle in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface.

According to a first variant, the second dimension of each second zone is at least twice its first dimension.According to a second variant, the length of the penetration line of the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone along the oscillation axis is at least five times the dimension of the annular magnetic track in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface along said oscillation axis.

According to a first main variant, the generally geometrical surface is a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the degrees of freedom being generally parallel to said plane.According to a second main variant, the generally geometrical surface is a cylindrical surface having the axis of rotation as its central axis, the degrees of freedom being oriented generally along said axis of rotation.

According to a particular embodiment, the adjustment device forms an oscillator having a magnetic cylindrical escapement. Generally speaking, the adjustment device is characterized in that the active end portion of the coupling element is generally formed by a truncated cylindrical tube segment having a central axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the resonator, its degree of freedom being angular, and its oscillation axis being circular. The truncated cylindrical tube segment defines a truncated annular surface in a generally geometrical surface that corresponds to the magnetic potential energy accumulation region during two consecutive alternations of each oscillation cycle. The truncated annular surface has a first end and a second end, and an outer contour defining a first circular penetration line and an inner contour defining a second circular penetration line. The first end defines a first exit line, while the second end defines a second exit line having similar characteristics to the first exit line. The outer contour is associated with the first exit line during the first alternation of the resonator's oscillation cycle to provide a sequential magnetic coupling with the second region of the magnetic track and generate a first pulse at the end of each first alternation, while the inner contour is associated with the second exit line to provide a sequential magnetic coupling with the second region during the second alternation of the oscillation cycle and generate a second pulse at the end of each second alternation.

Other specific features of the invention will be set forth below in the detailed description of various embodiments and variations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, given as a by no means limiting example, in which:

- FIG. 1 already described is a plan view of a clock oscillator of the prior art;

- FIG. 2 already described shows the magnetic potential energy in the oscillator of FIG. 1 ;

- Figures 3 and 3A are schematic plan views of a first main embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 5 and 5A are schematic plan views of a first variant of the first main embodiment;

- Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a second main embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 4, 6 and 8 show the magnetic potential energy in the oscillators of Figures 3, 5 and 7 respectively;

- FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of the oscillator of FIG. 7 , illustrating the operation of the second main embodiment;

- FIG. 10 shows a series of relative positions between the resonator and the annular magnetic track during an oscillation cycle of the oscillator of FIG. 7 ;

- Figures 11 and 11A show a first variant of the second main embodiment of magnetic coupling by attraction;

- FIG. 12 partially illustrates a second variant of the second main embodiment, with FIG. 12A providing a simplified alternative;

- Figure 13 partially shows a third variant of the second main embodiment;

- FIG. 14 schematically shows an alternative to FIG. 13 with a resonator of the balance wheel and helical spring type;

- Figure 15 schematically shows a third embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 16 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 17 schematically shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 17;

- Figure 19 schematically shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 19;

- Figure 21 schematically shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

- FIG. 22 diagrammatically shows the alternative to FIG. 21 in a configuration corresponding to the second main embodiment;

- Figure 23 schematically shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 24 schematically shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 25A to 25D schematically illustrate a tenth embodiment of the invention, with the resonator and the escape wheel in four different relative positions;

- FIG. 26 shows an advantageous variant of the tenth embodiment;

- Figure 27 schematically shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figures 3 to 6 , a first main embodiment of the invention will now be described. The adjustment device 36 of Figure 3 determines the relative angular frequency ω between the magnetic structure 4 and the resonator 38, which are magnetically coupled so as to define together a timepiece oscillator forming the adjustment device. The magnetic structure 4 is rigidly connected to a moving part having an axis of rotation 20. The magnetic structure of Figure 3 is similar to that of Figure 1 and comprises a first annular magnetic track and a second annular magnetic track, adjacent and centered on the axis of rotation 20. The magnetic structure and the resonator are arranged to rotate relative to each other when a torque is applied to the magnetic structure or the resonator. In the example shown, the resonator is rigidly connected to the timepiece movement, while the magnetic structure is pivotally arranged and defines a magnetic escape wheel. The resonator comprises a coupling element magnetically coupled to the annular magnetic tracks 11 and 13, said coupling element having an active end portion 46 made of a first magnetic material and located on the same side of the magnetic structure. Each track is made in part of a second magnetic material arranged so that the magnetic potential of the oscillator varies angularly and periodically along the annular track, defining the same angular period (θ _P ) for both tracks.

More specifically, each magnetic track is formed by first zones 40, 42 and second zones 10, 12, respectively, alternating angularly with a first zone and an adjacent second zone in each angular period. Generally speaking, when any identical zone 50 of the active end portion 46 overlaps with the second zone or an adjacent first zone in an orthogonal projection of the general geometric surface in which the annular magnetic track extends, each second zone generates a relatively strong repulsive force (in the case of repulsive magnetic coupling between the end portion 46 and the magnetic tracks 11 and 13, as in the examples of Figures 3 to 6) or a relatively weak attractive force (in the case of attractive magnetic coupling in the variant where the coupling magnets are arranged in an attractive manner, or where the active end portion or the magnetic track is made of a high-permeability material without a magnetic flux generator) with respect to the adjacent first zone. In this case, the general geometric surface is a generally flat surface of the magnetic structure perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20. In the variant of Figure 3, the second zones 10 and 12 are rectangular and the first zones are trapezoidal.

The magnetic coupling element is magnetically coupled to each annular magnetic track via the active end portion 46, such that oscillations utilizing the degrees of freedom of the resonant mode of the resonator are maintained within the effective torque range applied to the magnetic structure or resonator, and such that the period of the oscillations occurs during the relative rotation of the resonator and the magnetic structure within each angular period θ _P of each annular magnetic track. The frequency of the oscillations thus determines the relative angular frequency ω. The degrees of freedom are linear in the schematic examples of Figures 3 and 5 and define an oscillation axis 48 of the active end portion 46 passing through its center of mass. In this case, the oscillation axis has a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation 20. It should be noted that when the degrees of freedom follow a curve, particularly when the degrees of freedom are rotations about a specific axis, the oscillation axis is curvilinear, particularly circular. A characteristic feature of the first main embodiment is that each of the annular magnetic tracks has a dimension along the orthogonal projection of the degrees of freedom, in other words, along the oscillation axis 48, into the general plane of the track, that is greater than the dimension of the active end portion 46 along the degrees of freedom, in other words, along the oscillation axis.

Each second zone 10, 12 of each annular magnetic track has a general outline in orthogonal projection comprising a first portion, the first portion defining a penetration line 10a, 12a for the active end portion 46 to exit from the adjacent first zone 40, 42 above the second zone during oscillation of the active end portion, and a second portion defining an exit line 10b, 12b for at least a larger portion of the active end portion, directly from the second zone to an exit zone 42, 40 above the second zone during the oscillation. The exit zone is defined by the magnetic structure and extends in the general plane of the magnetic track. In the example provided in the figure, which has two magnetic tracks in a general geometric surface, the entry zone 40, 42 of the magnetic track defined by the first zone of the track corresponds to the exit zone for the other magnetic track. In embodiments having a single magnetic track coupled to the active end portion 46, a single annular exit zone can be provided for all second zones. Thus, when the active end portions successively exit the annular magnetic track through corresponding exit lines of the second zone during their oscillation, there is at least one exit zone that receives the active end portions in orthogonal projection.

In general, the exit zone or annular exit zone is arranged to generate a weaker repulsive force or a stronger attractive force with respect to the second zone for any identical zone 50 of the active end portion when it is superimposed on the exit zone or the second zone in orthogonal projection. This condition is true when both the entry zone and the exit zone are defined by the first zones of the two magnetic tracks coupled to the active end portion, as is the case in Figures 3 and 5.

According to the invention, each exit line is oriented approximately in an angular direction parallel to a null circle 44 centered on the axis of rotation 20 and passing through the projection of the center of mass of the active end portion 46 into a generally geometric surface when the active end portion is in its rest position (the position in which the resonator's rebound energy is minimal and about which the resonator oscillates). FIG3A shows an orthogonal projection 54 of the active end portion in its rest position. As mentioned above, the angular direction approximately gives the orientation of the exit line of each second zone, which orientation in particular encompasses a direction tangential to the null circle for the portion of the circle situated in the angular sector defined by the second zone. In the variant of FIG3 , the exit line is parallel to a tangent to the circle 44 at the intersection with a radial line passing through the midpoint of the exit line.

In its rest position, the active end portion 46 of the coupling element has, in an orthogonal projection of the general plane of the magnetic track, a first dimension W2 along a first axis perpendicular to the null circle 44 and passing through the orthogonal projection of the center of mass of the active end portion. In the variants shown in Figures 3 and 5, this first axis is a straight line and coincides with the orthogonal projection of the oscillation axis 48 in the general plane and has a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation 20. Furthermore, the orthogonal projection of the active end portion 46 has a second dimension L2, along a second axis defined by the null circle, that is greater than the first dimension W2. Here, a dimension is understood to mean either along an axis of a circle coinciding with the null circle or along a linear axis tangential to the circle and perpendicular to the first axis at the point of intersection of the orthogonal projection with the oscillation axis, in other words, at the point determined by the orthogonal projection of the center of mass of the portion 46. Furthermore, the exit line of each second zone 10, 12 has a length L1, along the second axis defined by the null circle and at least one exit zone, that is greater than the first dimension W2 of the active end portion 46. In the case of a circular axis, the angular position of the second zone is unimportant. However, if a tangential axis is chosen, the length L1 of the second zone is measured along the tangential axis when its midpoint lies on the first axis. In a particular variant, the second dimension L2 of the active end portion is at least twice its first dimension W2, and the length L1 of the exit line is at least twice the first dimension W2. In the example of FIG. 3 , the aspect ratio of the end portion 46 is approximately 3.

The resonator is arranged relative to the magnetic structure so that the active end portion is at least largely superimposed on the annular magnetic track during approximately the first alternation in each oscillation cycle of the active end portion, and so that the path taken by the magnetic coupling element during the first alternation is approximately parallel to the general geometric surface. This condition can be considered to be generally verified when the orthogonal projection area 54 of the active end portion according to the invention is spanned by the inner circle of the outer magnetic track 11 and the outer circle of the inner magnetic track 13 in the rest position. It should be noted that the two circles coincide when the two magnetic tracks are adjacent, which is approximately the case in the preferred variant of the invention. They thus define the interface circle of the two tracks. Preferably, the null circle 44 approximately coincides with the interface circle of the two magnetic tracks.

In one preferred variant, the exit line of each second zone 10, 12 roughly coincides with the null circle, as is the case in the variants of Figures 3 and 5. In another variant, in which the two magnetic tracks are separated by an intermediate zone formed by a homogeneous magnetic medium, the null circle is preferably located approximately in the middle of the intermediate zone between the two tracks. This intermediate zone, which has a small width for various reasons, can be used to ensure easy starting/starting of the oscillator. The first reason relates to the small dimensions along the oscillation axis provided for the active end portion of the coupling element, given the need to avoid the oscillator becoming "unloaded" with the active end portion remaining substantially on the null circle. Another reason relates to one of the objectives of the present invention, which is to obtain local pulses that are centered close to, and preferably approximately on, the null circle. This condition also holds true if the width of the intermediate zone is significantly smaller than the width of the individual magnetic tracks, as is the case in the context of the present invention.

According to a preferred variant, the null circle 44 and the oscillation axis 48 are substantially orthogonal at their point of intersection in an orthogonal projection of the generally geometrical surface. This is the case in the variants shown in Figures 3 and 5.

According to another variant, the dimension W1 of each second zone along the axis perpendicular to the null circle at the midpoint of its exit line is at least three times the first dimension W2 of the active end portion. In another preferred variant, said dimension of the second zone is at least six times the first dimension of the active end portion.

The variants of Figures 5 and 5A differ from the variant of Figure 3 primarily in that the second zones 10A and 12A and the first zones 40A and 42A of the annular tracks 11A and 13A define annular segments. It will be observed that in the variant of Figure 5 , the null circle 44 coincides with the exit lines 10b, 12b in an orthogonal projection of the substantially plane of the magnetic structure 4A. Thus, the exit lines have an angular direction and the penetration lines 10a, 12a are radial. Next, the variant of Figure 5 differs in the dimensions W2 and L2 of the active end portion 46A of the coupling element of the resonator 38A. In a preferred variant, the second dimension L2 of the active end portion is at least four times its first dimension W2, and the length L1 of the exit line is at least four times said first dimension. In the variant of Figure 5 , the aspect ratio of the end portion 46A is approximately equal to 5.

In Figure 5, when the penetration line 10a, 12a of each second zone is aligned with the center of mass of the active end portion 46A projected orthogonally in the general plane of the magnetic track, the penetration line is oriented along the oscillation axis 48 projected orthogonally in said general plane. This is approximately the case in the variant of Figure 3. It will also be observed that the exit line of the second zone along the exit zone defined by the second zone of the other magnetic track extends angularly over half an angular period θ _P /2 in Figure 5, and this is approximately the case in Figure 3.

In the above-described variant, the resonator's degrees of freedom lie entirely in a plane parallel to the general plane of the magnetic track and, therefore, the magnetic structure. Thus, in this variant, the entire path taken by the magnetic coupling element during its oscillation is parallel to the general plane of the magnetic structure. It will be noted that other arrangements of magnetic tracks are conceivable, for example, whose general geometric surface is cylindrical or truncated. Generally speaking, the path of the oscillating element is generally parallel to the general geometric surface defined by the magnetic structure. However, it will be observed that this path, and therefore the axis of oscillation, can deviate somewhat from parallelism to the general geometric surface, particularly at the end points of the oscillations, especially in the case of large amplitudes. This situation occurs, for example, when the resonator's coupling element oscillates along a generally circular path with an axis of rotation parallel to the general plane of the magnetic structure. In this case, it is preferably provided that the direction defined by the coupling element's degrees of freedom in the rest position is parallel to a plane that, in the rest position, is tangential to the general geometric surface at a point corresponding to the orthogonal projection of the center of mass of the active end portion of the coupling element.

FIG4 illustrates, in a manner similar to FIG2 , the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator as a function of the relative position of the active end portion 46 and the magnetic structure 4, specifically each of its two magnetic tracks. The relative position is defined by the relative angular position in a reference frame relative to the magnetic tracks and the position of the end portion along the oscillation axis 48. Equipotential lines 60 are plotted for the relative positions corresponding to the two magnetic tracks. This distribution of magnetic potential energy is clearly distinct from that shown in FIG2 . For each magnetic track, between each low-potential energy region 62, 66 and the subsequent high-potential energy region 64, 68, there are zones 70, 72 in the oscillator where magnetic potential energy accumulates. These zones are well-defined and extend angularly over a defined and relatively wide range—specifically, approximately half a period for the inner magnetic track 13 and slightly less for the outer magnetic track 11, which has a larger diameter. These zones 70 and 72 define two annular magnetic potential energy accumulation zones ZA1 and ZA2, respectively, in which the equipotential curves are generally radial. Thus, in the two annular zones, the forces are substantially tangential and therefore correspond to the braking force of the magnetic structure 4. However, in the annular zones ZA1 and ZA2, the forces applied to the coupling element are low or almost zero depending on its degrees of freedom.

Next, it can be seen that the equipotential lines 60 become approximately angular in the central zone ZC, where the resonator's coupling members receive pulses along the oscillation axis. The oscillation profile 74 of the active end portion 46 is shown in a reference frame relative to the magnetic structure. Following this profile, it can be seen that the oscillation is essentially free for most of the time, with pulses being delivered to the central pulse zone ZC at each alternation. The central zone ZC is located between the two annular zones ZA1 and ZA2 and includes the null circle 44, more specifically a relative position corresponding to the null circle approximately in the middle of the central zone ZC. Consequently, pulses are generated near the rest position of the active end portion. These observations regarding the magnetic potential energy in the oscillator help demonstrate that the adjustment device according to the present invention significantly solves the problems associated with the asynchronism of prior art devices.

In general, within the effective torque range applied to the timepiece oscillator of the present invention, each annular magnetic track, at least one exit zone as described above, and the magnetic coupling element define, in each angular period, an accumulation zone 70, 72 in which the oscillator essentially accumulates magnetic potential energy, and a pulse zone 76 adjacent to the accumulation zone, in which the magnetic coupling element essentially receives pulses, depending on the relative position of the annular magnetic track and the active end portion (in a reference frame relative to the magnetic track), and located in a central pulse zone ZC containing the null circle 44. Thus, an "accumulation zone" refers to a zone in which the magnetic potential energy in the oscillator increases for various oscillation amplitudes within the effective torque range and the radial forces are weak or negligible, while a "pulse zone" refers to a zone in which the magnetic potential energy decreases for various oscillation amplitudes within the effective torque range and a thrust is applied to the coupling member of the resonator according to its degree of freedom, thereby generating pulses supplied to the coupling member.

In general, the magnetic structure is designed so that the average angular gradient of the oscillator's magnetic potential energy in the magnetic potential energy accumulation section is smaller than the average gradient of the magnetic potential energy in the pulse section and within the same unit, depending on the degrees of freedom of the resonator's coupling elements. This condition is clearly visible in Figure 4 and is due to the characteristics of the present invention. The relatively large angular extent of the accumulation section and the relatively small radial distance of the pulse section are due, in particular, to the first and second dimensions W2 and L2 of the active end portion and the orientation of the penetration and exit lines of the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone. With each alternation of the coupling element's oscillations, when the active end portion of the coupling element is magnetically coupled to the annular magnetic track, the end portion gradually penetrates above (or below) the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone. Due to the contour and orientation of the active end portion and the contour of the accumulation zone, there exists a superposition surface between the active end portion and each accumulation zone, which gradually expands over a relatively large angular period, while exit from each accumulation zone occurs at a relatively short radial distance along the axis of oscillation. This point will be further explained later in the context of the second main embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that in the watch industry, the torque supplied by the barrel varies significantly depending on the tension of the barrel spring. To ensure a watch movement that operates for a sufficiently long time, it is generally necessary to be able to operate with a torque between the maximum torque and approximately half of that maximum torque. Furthermore, it is obviously necessary to ensure reliable operation at maximum torque. In practice, to ensure this operation, and in particular to ensure that the oscillator does not decouple at relatively large oscillation amplitudes, the braking section must extend over a specific angular distance, and braking must therefore be gentle/gradual. This is one of the advantages achieved by the adjustment device according to the present invention.

FIG6 illustrates the magnetic potential energy in the oscillator of FIG5 . The various reference numerals will not be described again here. It can be seen that the radial dimensions of the annular accumulation tracks ZA1 and ZA2 are larger than those achieved in the variant of FIG3 , while the radial width of the pulse zone, and therefore the central pulse zone ZC, is smaller. The variant of FIG5 is more advantageous than that of FIG3 because the pulse position near the rest position of the resonator's coupling element is better. This is primarily due to the larger aspect ratio of the active end portion in the variant of FIG5 .

With reference to Figures 7 to 10 , a second main embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The various teachings presented above also apply to this second embodiment. Therefore, these will not be repeated in detail here. In this second embodiment, the annular magnetic track of the magnetic structure has a dimension along the oscillation axis of each active end portion coupled to the track, which is smaller than the dimension along the oscillation axis of the active end portion, in orthogonal projection. This second embodiment constitutes, to a certain extent, a technical reversal of the first embodiment. However, it has its own advantages, as will become apparent later. This second embodiment is not obvious from the previous embodiments, as those skilled in the art would typically have provided radially extending magnetic segments on the escape wheel and magnetic coupling elements less closely associated with the resonator. In these previous embodiments, a meandering (sinusoidal) magnetic circuit is arranged in a circular manner on the moving part. If two annular magnetic tracks are present to generate the sinusoidal magnetic circuit, they are arranged coaxially. In the most common embodiment, as in the variants of Figures 3 and 5 , the two tracks extend in a substantially planar pattern, with an inner track and an outer track. Therefore, the two tracks do not have the same dimensions, with the inner track having at least some areas that are smaller than the corresponding areas of the outer track, while the dimensions of the coupling element are of course constant. Consequently, the magnetic interaction between the two magnetic tracks and between the two alternations of each oscillation period varies to a certain extent. The second main embodiment unexpectedly remedies this disadvantage by providing at least one extended magnetic section in the region of the resonator's coupling element, while the magnetic track is radially reduced and not as wide as the coupling section. Thus, the sinusoidal magnetic track is no longer defined by the escape wheel, but by one or preferably two coupling elements rigidly connected to the resonator's oscillating structure.

The device 80 for adjusting the angular frequency ω of the escapement movable comprises a magnetic structure 82 rigidly connected to the movable and a resonator 84, which are magnetically coupled to define an oscillator. The magnetic structure comprises an annular magnetic track 86 centered on the axis of rotation 20. The magnetic structure and the resonator are arranged to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation 20 when a torque is applied to the escapement movable and thereby to the magnetic structure. The resonator is shown schematically. It comprises two elements for magnetic coupling with the magnetic track, arranged on a non-magnetic support 88. The support 88 has two arms associated with two identical elastic structures 90 and 91, respectively, thereby allowing the support 88 to oscillate linearly along a radial line 100. In the variant described here, the coupling elements are formed by two elongated magnets having first and second active end portions 92 and 94, respectively, located on either side of the magnetic track 86, with the magnets having a general magnetization direction (axial magnetization direction) along the axis of rotation. In FIG. 7 , as in the other figures, the general outlines of the active end portions are shown in their general plane, as their configuration is important for the present invention. The degrees of freedom of the resonator define a first 96 and a second 98 axis of oscillation for the two active end portions, respectively passing through their centres of mass. Said first and second axes of oscillation are parallel to a central axis 100 passing longitudinally between the two active end portions, said central axis being arranged radially, in other words intercepting the axis of rotation 20.

The magnetic track 86 includes a plurality of angularly elongated magnets 102 arranged along the track such that they define first non-magnetic regions 104 and second magnetic regions 106 that angularly alternate with a first region and an adjacent second region within each angular period _θp , the angular period being defined by the alternation of the first non-magnetic regions and the second magnetized regions. The coupling element is magnetically coupled to the magnetic track 86 such that an oscillation of the degree of freedom dependent on the effective resonant mode of the resonator 84 is maintained within the effective torque range applied to the magnetic structure, and such that the period of the oscillation occurs during the rotation of the magnetic structure caused by the torque within each angular period _θp of the magnetic track. In the variants depicted in Figures 7 to 10, the magnets 102 are arranged with an axial magnetization direction that repels the magnets forming the coupling element.

It should be noted that in the second main embodiment, a defined general geometric surface is considered to be the surface in which the active end portions of the resonator coupled to the annular magnetic track and including their respective oscillation axes extend generally, with the active end portions defining magnetic segments in the surface. FIG10 illustrates, in orthogonal projections onto the general planes of active end portions 92 and 94, the relative movement between the annular magnetic track and the active end portions during an oscillation cycle, during which the magnetic track 86 rotates through an angular period. Thus, FIG10 shows a series of images a) to i) that follow the oscillatory movement of magnet 102A among the magnets 102 of the magnetic track 86. For ease of understanding, the images are presented in a reference frame relative to the resonator's support 88 and, therefore, the coupling element. Thus, it can be seen in particular that magnet 102A of the magnetic track oscillates in such a way that its center of mass describes a substantially sinusoidal curve 122, whereas, in reality, the magnetic track merely rotates, with its active end portions oscillating along their linear oscillation axes. To illustrate this, the magnetic segments defined by the orthogonal projections of the active end portions (hereinafter also referred to as magnetic segments 92 and 94) are shown, wherein the arrows indicate the direction of the oscillatory movement and the length of the arrows roughly indicates the displacement speed, with no arrows corresponding to extreme positions where the direction of the linear movement of the coupling elements is reversed. Next, the magnets of the magnetic track are projected in a generally flat plane and are not shown passing under the two coupling elements. In FIG. 10 (FIGS. 10a to 10i), it can be seen that magnet 102A is initially located upstream of magnetic segment 92 (FIG. 10a), then gradually penetrates into segment 92 (FIGS. 10b-10c), then exits therefrom (FIG. 10d) and magnetically couples with magnetic segment 94 in a similar manner (FIGS. 10e-10g). Finally, magnet 102A leaves magnetic segment 94 ( FIG. 10 h ), and the next magnet 102 is positioned in front of segment 92 , corresponding to the situation in FIG. 10 a for the next magnet 102 , which will again undergo the same magnetic coupling with the two coupling elements of the resonator.

With particular reference to FIG9 , many features of the invention according to this second main embodiment will be described in more detail below. Each active end portion 92 , 94 (of each magnetic coupling element) magnetically defines, in projection onto a generally plane in which it extends generally and which includes its axis of oscillation:

- entry zones 110 , 114 for the second zone 106 (magnets 102 , 102A), respectively, successively in orthogonal projections onto a general geometrical plane,

a respective magnetic potential energy accumulation zone 92A, 94A in the oscillator, which is angularly adjacent to the aforementioned entry zone and into which each second zone 106 at least partially penetrates in the orthogonal projection from said entry zone, and

- exit zones 112, 116 adjacent to the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone, respectively, said exit zones accommodating at least a larger portion of each second zone 106 exiting from the accumulation zone or a subsequent second zone in orthogonal projection.

Generally speaking, each second region generates a stronger repulsive force (repulsive magnetic coupling described herein) toward the magnetic potential energy storage region or a stronger attractive force (attractive magnetic coupling described below) toward the entry and exit regions per unit angular length relative to the adjacent first region. Subsequently, when any identical region of each second region 106 is superimposed on the magnetic potential energy storage region in the entry or exit region, the magnetic potential energy storage regions 92A and 94A generate a stronger repulsive force (repulsive magnetic coupling) or a weaker attractive force (attractive magnetic coupling) toward any identical region relative to the entry and exit regions 110 and 114 and the exit and entry regions 112 and 116.

In the case of repulsive coupling, the magnetic potential energy accumulation zones 92A, 94A associated with the active end portions correspond to the magnetic segments 92, 94 substantially formed by said active end portions, in other words, to the orthogonal projections of said active end portions in their general geometric plane. The entry and exit zones do not necessarily have to be substantially formed by a portion of the coupling element. In a common variant, said zones correspond to the free peripheral areas of the active end portions, in other words, areas filled with air. It will also be observed that the two end portions in the variant described here are arranged on either side of an arc of a circle centered on the axis of rotation when the coupling element is at rest, and have a width (angularly) corresponding to approximately half an angular period θ _p /2. The two magnetic segments 92 and 94 are angularly offset by half an angular period. In this configuration, which allows magnetic coupling between the magnetic track and the resonator at each alternation of the oscillation of the resonator's oscillating structure, the exit zone 112 associated with the first coupling element corresponds to the entry zone 114 associated with the second coupling element.

The resonator is positioned relative to the magnetic structure 82 such that, during the first and second alternations in each oscillation cycle of the two coupling elements, respectively, the first and second magnetic potential energy accumulation regions 92A and 94A are spanned in orthogonal projection by an intermediate geometric circle 120 passing through the middle of the annular magnetic track. Each magnetic potential energy accumulation region then has a general outline 123, 124 comprising: i) a first portion that defines, under the accumulation region, a penetration line 126, 128 for each second region 106, successively under the accumulation region during oscillation of the coupling element, and ii) a second portion that defines, under the accumulation region, an exit line 127, 129 for either the second region (herein described as magnetic repulsion) or the subsequent second region (magnetic attraction) during the oscillation. The exit lines are generally oriented in an angular direction parallel to the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle 120 when the magnetic coupling element is in the rest position. In the example shown, the exit lines are circular and remain parallel to the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle during linear oscillation. When the coupling element is in the rest position (as shown in Figures d) and h) of FIG10 ), the exit line coincides with the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle. Furthermore, each second zone has, in orthogonal projection, a first dimension W3 along a first axis perpendicular to the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle and passing through the center of the second zone. In the case of a substantially flat surface, this axis is a straight line having a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation 20. Each second zone also has a second dimension L3, greater than the first dimension W3, along the second axis defined by the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle 120 in the substantially flat surface.

In general, the second dimension is preferably measured along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and passes through the intersection of the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle with the oscillation axis 96, 98 of the coupling element, or in the case of two adjacent coupling elements as described herein, from the central axis 100. In this general case, the dimension of the second zone is measured when the center of the second zone coincides with the oscillation axis or central axis 100. Finally, when the magnetic coupling element is in its rest position, the exit lines 127, 129 have a length L4 along the exit zones 112, 116 and the second axis that is greater than the first dimension W3 of the second zone.

According to a preferred variant, the oscillation axis of each active end portion is approximately orthogonal to the intermediate geometric circle 120 in orthogonal projection at their point of intersection. This is the case in the variant of FIG7 , but the central axis 100 is radial and therefore exactly orthogonal to the circle 120 centered on the axis of rotation. According to another advantageous variant, which is the case in the variant of FIG7 , the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone extends angularly along the exit line of the exit zone and each secondary zone over approximately half an angular period.

FIG8 shows the equipotential curve 60 of the magnetic potential energy in the adjustment device 80 of FIG7 , based on the position of the center point between the two magnetic segments 92 and 94, in a reference frame relative to the magnetic structure 82. It can be seen that there are radially and elongated minimum energy zones 62A and 66A, as well as maximum energy zones 64A and 68A. Within the effective torque range, the annular magnetic track and the active end portions 92 and 94, depending on their relative positions, define, in each angular period, accumulation zones 70A and 72A, in which the oscillator substantially accumulates magnetic potential energy, and pulse zones 76A and 77A, adjacent to these accumulation zones, in which the coupling element substantially receives pulses. The accumulation zones extend radially and define two annular accumulation zones ZA1* and ZA2*, respectively, for the two active end portions. It should be noted that the radial width of the annular accumulation zones is primarily determined by the extent of the active end portions along their oscillation axes, and no longer by the radial width of the annular magnetic track, as in the first main embodiment. In the annular accumulation zone, the equipotential lines are approximately radial, which means that the resultant force is angular (more specifically, tangential) and the component of the force along the oscillation axis of each active end portion is small. In this case, it can be described as a pure potential energy accumulation. The pulse segment is located in a central pulse zone ZC*, which roughly corresponds to the annular magnetic track, in other words, has the same spatial coordinates as the magnetic track in its general geometric plane.

Thus, the greater the ratio between the size of the resonator's magnetic segment defined by the active end portion of the resonator's coupling element and the size of the magnetic track along central axis 100, the greater the portion of the free oscillation path taken by the active end portion and the pulses maintaining the resonator's oscillation located near the rest position of the resonator's coupling element. In absolute terms, the smaller the first dimension W3 of the magnet 102, and therefore the transverse dimension of the magnetic track, the more the pulses supplied to the coupling element are located near their rest position. Furthermore, the greater the second dimension L3 of the magnet 102, the greater the angular distance of the accumulation zone. This is due to the fact that the overlap between the magnet 102 and the active end portion increases over larger angular distances, as can be seen from the series of relative positions of the magnetic track and the two active end portions for each oscillation period shown in FIG10 . This condition is highly advantageous for good isochronism of the adjustment device.

According to a preferred variant, the penetration lines 126, 128 in the magnetic potential energy accumulation zones 92A, 94A are oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the oscillation axis, as is the case in all embodiments corresponding to the second main embodiment shown in the figures. This feature facilitates obtaining substantially radial equipotential lines 60 in the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone. In the closed variant, the penetration lines define a path that depends on the degree of freedom. These two variants are combined when the degrees of freedom are linear. It should be noted that the accumulation zone considered here is a zone determined within the effective torque range, in other words a zone that substantially corresponds to the overall overlap between the magnets of the magnetic track and the active end portion during its oscillation.

According to one variant, the second dimension L3 of each second zone 106 is at least twice its first dimension W3, and the length L4 of the exit line is at least twice the first dimension W3. In a preferred variant, the second dimension of each second zone is at least four times its first dimension, and the length of the exit line is therefore at least four times the first dimension. According to another variant, the dimension W4 of the penetration line of the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone 92A, 94A along the oscillation axis of the corresponding end portion is at least five times the transverse dimension W3 of the annular magnetic track in orthogonal projection along the oscillation axis. In a preferred variant, the dimension W4 of the penetration line is at least eight times the transverse dimension W3.

Figures 11 and 11A schematically illustrate a variant of the embodiment of Figures 7 to 10 . This adjustment device 126 differs essentially in providing an attractive magnetic coupling. The magnetic structure 82 is identical to that of Figure 7 , with only the magnetic track 86 shown with two magnets 102A and 102B selected from the magnets 102 to illustrate the attractive magnetic interaction of this variant. The resonator is shown only by the active end portions of the magnetic coupling element, which in this case comprises two distinct magnetic portions 128 and 130 made of ferromagnetic material, without a flux generator to cause these two portions to experience an attractive force on the magnetic portions of the magnetic track. It should be noted that the two portions 128 and 130 have, in the general geometric plane in which they extend, the same shape and linear degrees of freedom as the two active end portions of the repulsive variant described previously, but they are not independent and both are essential for the operation of the oscillator. On the other hand, in the repulsive variant, the parts 92 and 94 ( FIG. 7 ) are independent and the magnetic repulsive oscillator can be operated with only one of the two parts 92 and 94. In this variant, the central axis 100 between the two parts 128 and 130 corresponds to the oscillation axis of the active end part. This central axis has a radial direction and is perpendicular to the middle geometric circle of the track 86.

The unexpected difference between oscillators 80 and 126 (two different coupling elements in the first case and a single coupling element in the second case) arises from the fact that when the magnet 102 is superimposed on the two parts 128 and 130, the two parts create a condition of magnetic potential energy for the magnet that is lower than the surrounding area filled with air. As a result, the accumulation of magnetic potential energy occurs in the surrounding non-magnetic area downstream of the parts 128 and 130. The end parts are angularly offset by half an angular period θ _P /2 (a phase difference of 180°) relative to the oscillating profile 122A of the magnetic track, as are the equipotential curves of the magnetic potential energy in a diagram similar to FIG8 . In the effective torque range, the magnetic parts 128 and 130 magnetically define, in orthogonal projections of their general geometric planes:

a first entry zone 128A and a second entry zone 130A for successive second zones 106 of the magnetic track in an orthogonal projection of the general geometrical plane,

- a first zone 132 and a second zone 134 of magnetic potential energy accumulation in the oscillator, into which each second zone 106 of the magnetic track at least partially penetrates in orthogonal projection from the first and second entry zones, respectively, at the first and second alternations of the oscillation period, and

- A first exit zone 130A receiving in orthogonal projection at least a larger portion of each second zone 106A exiting from the first accumulation zone 132 and a second exit zone 128A receiving in orthogonal projection at least a larger portion of the subsequent second zone 106B of the magnetic track, wherein the subsequent second zone 106B exits from the complementary zone 135 to the second accumulation zone 134, while the second zone 106A preceding it completely enters the zone 136 which is equivalent to the second accumulation zone and the complementary zone 135.

The terminology used here is chosen by analogy with the magnetic repulsion variant of FIG7 . However, the two reservoir zones 132 and 134, as well as the complementary zone 135 and the equivalent zone 136, are all formed by empty or air-filled regions around the active end portion and are all magnetically equivalent. The magnetic portions 128 and 130 form, in a substantially planar configuration, magnetic segments 128A and 130A, respectively, forming an entry zone and an exit zone. These two segments are arranged so that they are magnetically active in each of two alternations of each oscillation cycle, the first as an entry zone and the second as an exit zone, and generate a pulse near the rest position of the coupling element at the end of each alternation. For consistency of terminology, the accumulation zone 134 and the complementary zone 135 are considered together as magnetic potential energy accumulation zones, and the subsequent second zone of the magnetic track (magnet 102B) replaces the second zone before it (preceding magnet 102A) to generate a pulse (the situation shown in FIG11A ) after the energy accumulation due to the passage of the magnetic segment 130A from the exit zone 134 located in the non-magnetic surrounding area, which defines a region for the second zone with a greater magnetic potential energy than the portion of the magnetic segment 130A superimposed on the magnetic segment or at the exit zone 134 for the second zone. The situation shown in FIG11 corresponds to the relative position of the coupling element and the magnetic track with the minimum magnetic potential energy.

The resonator of the adjustment device 126 is positioned relative to the magnetic structure 82 so that each magnetic potential energy accumulation zone 132, 134 is spanned by a middle geometric circle passing through the middle of the annular magnetic track in orthogonal projection during the first or second alternation of each oscillation cycle of the resonator. In this case, the zones 132 and 134 are spatially bounded by a geometric circle passing through the center point of the two magnetic segments 128A and 130A along the oscillation axis 100 when the coupling element is in the rest position and centered on the rotation axis 20. Each accumulation zone 132, 134 portion has a general contour determined by the active end portion, which, by analogy with the terminology used previously, defines first and second penetration lines 138 and 139 and first and second exit lines 140 and 141.

FIG12 partially illustrates a second variant of the second main embodiment. This variant differs essentially in that the degree of freedom is circular, and the element coupled to the magnetic track 86 oscillates about its axis of rotation C. The active end portion 144 magnetically repels the magnet 102, as in the variant of FIG7 . The teachings given for the previous variant also apply to this second variant. Portion 144 follows a circular oscillation axis 150 passing through its center of mass. It is shown in the rest position of the corresponding coupled element of the resonator. In this variant, in order to provide a general description of the invention, the oscillation axis is not arranged perpendicular to the orthogonal projection of the middle geometric circle 120. For this particular configuration, the penetration line 145 and the exit line 146 are optimal. The exit line coincides with the orthogonal projection of the middle geometric circle 120 to minimize the pulse zone near the rest position. The penetration line in the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone 148 defines the path that depends on the degree of freedom.

It will be observed that region 148 is shown here as having a smaller surface than the projection of portion 144. Region 148, defined by curve 149, shown in dashed lines, effectively corresponds to the active accumulation zone. Thus, in one variant, portion 144 may have an outer contour that follows or is parallel to curve 149, passing through the endpoint of the illustrated exit line. For a specific position of the magnetic track corresponding to the partial overlap between magnet 102 and portion 144, region 148 (or portion 144) can be displaced along the oscillation axis outside the pulse zone without undergoing any potential energy change during the alternation. Thus, regardless of the oscillation amplitude, during the alternation terminated by a pulse at the rest position of portion 144, the magnetic interaction remains the same as in a pure potential energy accumulation zone. The dimensions of portion 144 and magnet 102 have been previously determined and will not be described again here. They are illustrated in the figure. Exit line 146 extends angularly over half an angular period, while magnet 102 extends over a slightly smaller angular distance.

FIG12A shows a simplified alternative to FIG12 , in which the magnets 103 of magnetic track 86A define a rectangular second zone 106A oriented tangentially to the intermediate geometric circle 120 and a first non-magnetic zone 104A located between the second zone. Active end portion 144A has a parallelepipedal profile with a penetration line 145A and an exit line 146A formed by straight line segments. These straight line segments are optimally oriented for this particular configuration. Line segments 145A and 146A are formed by chords of circular segments 145 and 146, respectively, from FIG12 . In other words, each of these straight line segments is parallel to a tangent to the corresponding circular segment at its midpoint. The oscillation axis 150 passes through the center of portion 144A.

FIG13 partially illustrates a third variation of the second main embodiment, which can be provided in a magnetically repulsive or magnetically attractive manner according to the teachings presented above. The following description of this third variation will consider the repulsive case. The magnetic structure includes the magnetic track 86A already described. It should also be noted that this variation is shown with two coupling members oscillating about their respective axes C. However, the specific form and positioning of the two coupling members in their rest positions also apply to variations with linear degrees of freedom, as in FIG7 . In this third variation, a central axis 154 passing through the center point between the two active end portions 156 and 158 is orthogonal to the intermediate circle 120 at their intersection. With central axis 154 as the average oscillation axis common to both end portions, a first linear axis is defined perpendicular to the intermediate circle 120 and passing through the intersection, and a second linear axis is defined perpendicular to the first axis and also passing through the intersection. Within this orthogonal axis system, portions 156 and 158 define, in their general planes, rectangular magnetic segments, each with exit lines 160 and 162 on the second axis. The penetration lines 164 and 166 of the two magnetic segments are parallel to the first axis. The magnetic potential energy accumulation area 148B shows that a portion of the magnetic segment is inactive. However, this rectangular shape simplifies the structure of the resonator.

It should be noted that, in the context of the present invention, exit lines 160 and 162 are considered to be oriented in angular directions generally parallel to the orthogonal projections of intermediate geometric circle 120 onto the general geometric surfaces of end portions 156 and 158 when the magnetic coupling element is in the rest position shown in FIG13 . They are, in fact, tangential to the orthogonal projections of circle 120 at the intersections of central axis 154 and these orthogonal projections, corresponding to the interior corners of each magnetic segment. In the variant illustrated by dashed lines in FIG13 , the rectangle is replaced by an annular sector with center C on the resonator's axis of rotation. The corresponding exit lines for the magnetic segments of this variant are identical to those for the rectangular segments. However, the penetration lines are circular, depending on the degrees of freedom of the respective coupling element. They each define a path dependent on the degrees of freedom and are therefore oriented in a direction generally parallel to the respective oscillation axis. Subsequently, each second region 103, in orthogonal projection, has a first dimension W3 along the aforementioned first axis and a second dimension L3 along the aforementioned second axis that is greater than the first dimension, when the center of the second region coincides with the central axis. Finally, when the magnetic coupling element is in the rest position, the respective exit lines 160 , 162 have a length along the exit region and the second axis that is greater than the first dimension W3 of the second region.

In the following, a plurality of adjustment devices according to the present invention will be described. The operating principles and the spatial and dimensional relationships that are specific to the present invention and have already been described above also apply to the adjustment devices and will not be described again in the description of the adjustment devices.

The regulating device 170 of FIG14 comprises a magnetic escapement mobile 82 supporting the magnetic track 86 already described, and a resonator 174 formed by a balance wheel 176 (diagrammatically shown) oscillating about an axis C parallel to the axis of rotation 20. The balance wheel is associated with elastic means 178, 179 that exert a restoring force when the balance wheel moves away from its rest position (zero position shown in FIG14). The balance wheel comprises two active end portions 92 and 94 that correspond substantially to those already described in FIG7 and 9, with the following exception: the exit lines 127A and 129A of the magnetic segments 92A and 94A do not coincide with the intermediate circle 120, but are spaced a small distance from said circle on both sides, so that said circle is located in the middle of an annular intermediate zone between the two magnetic segments. This intermediate zone is magnetically homogeneous, in this case non-magnetic.

According to a third embodiment, the adjustment device 180 of FIG. 15 includes a magnetic escapement movable member 182 having two concentric magnetic tracks 86A and 186, and a resonator 184. The first track 86A has already been described, and the second track 186, consisting of a plurality of magnets 188, is similar thereto, but with a smaller diameter. The magnetic potential energy of the oscillator 180 varies angularly along the second track, which has the same angular period θ _P , and in a manner similar to a variation of the first track. The first and second magnetic tracks have an angular displacement equal to half the angular period. The resonator 184 includes a coupling element having an active end portion 190 formed by magnets arranged in a repulsive manner and defining a conical magnetic potential energy accumulation area 190A in its generally flat surface. This portion 190 is mounted in a non-magnetic support 192, which is fixed to the timepiece movement by two spring rods 193 and 194 to allow the support 192 to oscillate. The active end portion is coupled to the two magnetic tracks. The reservoir 190A defined by the portion has a common penetration line 196 for the magnets of the two tracks and two exit lines 197 and 198, respectively, defining two parallel and approximately angular sections of the tapered zone. These two lines have different lengths because they extend over approximately the same angular distance, slightly less than half an angular period, along the intermediate geometric circles 120 and 121 of different diameters. During the first alternation of each oscillation period, portion 190 couples with first track 86A. In a similar manner, it couples with second track 186 during the second alternation of each oscillation period. The oscillating structure 192 receives a pulse at the end of each alternation, near its rest position (as shown).

According to a fourth embodiment, the adjustment device 200 of FIG. 16 comprises a magnetic escapement movable member 202 having a radially extending magnetic track 204, as described in the first main embodiment. The magnets 206 of this track are conical, with two sides parallel in a tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation 20. The oscillator 200 also comprises a resonator 210 of the same type as the resonator in FIG. 14 , which also comprises two coupling elements carried by a balance wheel 212 made of non-magnetic material, but differs in that the respective active end portions 46A and 46B are radially narrower relative to the magnets 206 in the rest position of the coupling elements (the position shown). The two portions 46A and 46B lie on opposite sides of a line perpendicular to their longitudinal direction and approximately radial to the axis of rotation 20 of the escapement movable member. They both extend relative to this axis, at an angular displacement of half a period, over an angular distance approximately equal to half the angular period of the magnetic track. The longitudinal axis of each portion 46A and 46B is approximately perpendicular to the oscillation axis of the balance wheel 212. The penetration line 214 defined by the magnets of the magnetic track is common to both active end portions. In the angular position of magnet 206, in which its central axis is perpendicular to the two longitudinal axes of the two portions 46A and 46B in the rest position of the corresponding coupling element, the longitudinal axis of portion 46A is substantially coincident with the exit line 215 defined by the outer edge of the magnet, while the longitudinal axis of portion 46B is substantially coincident with the exit line 216 defined by the inner edge of the magnet. Balance 212 thus receives two pulses per oscillation period, approximately near its rest position.

With reference to Figures 17 and 18 , a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The adjustment device 220 includes a first magnetic escape wheel 222 and a second magnetic escape wheel 224, which are identical and arranged in the same general plane. The two escape wheels form two magnetic structures, each defining a radially narrow magnetic track 86A containing a plurality of magnets 103. The magnetic potential energy of the oscillator thus varies angularly in a similar manner along the two tracks 86A. The two escape wheels directly mesh with each other via their respective teeth 226 and 228. The two magnetic tracks are coupled to the same coupling element 234 of a resonator 230, which also includes a T-shaped non-magnetic support 232 and two spring rods 233A and 233B located at either end of the support's transverse rod. A magnet 234 is disposed at the free end of the support's central rod. The spring rod is positioned so that the magnet 234 oscillates along a slightly curved oscillation axis. It will be observed that, in a variant, the resonator can have two different coupling elements, one for coupling to each of the two magnetic tracks supported by the two wheels 222, 224. The magnet 234 is arranged to magnetically repel the magnet 103. The adjustment device 220 also includes two additional magnetic structures positioned opposite and coaxial with the two wheels 222, 224, respectively. These two complementary structures are arranged on the other side of the magnet 234, forming a common coupling element for the two magnetic tracks located on either side of the magnet in the axial direction. A single additional magnetic structure 236 is shown in FIG18, but the second structure is similar.

In the variant shown, structure 236 includes a plate 237 supporting a magnetic track 86A identical to that of escape wheel 224 and arranged in the same angular manner. However, it should be noted that the two wheels are meshed so that, along transverse axes passing through their respective rotational axes approximately corresponding to the oscillation axes of magnet 234, the two magnetic tracks have a magnetic phase difference of 180°, the first track being coupled at the first alternation of each oscillation cycle, and the second track being coupled at the second alternation, with coupling element 234 receiving a pulse at the end of each alternation, which is located near the rest position of the oscillating structure according to the concept of the invention. In the variant shown, the magnetic tracks 86A of the superimposed magnetic structure are rigidly connected in rotation, and plate 237 is connected to wheel 224 via a central tube 238. In another variant, the two superimposed tracks, arranged on either side of the substantially plane of magnet 234, are not rigidly connected in rotation.

With reference to Figures 19 and 20 , a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The adjustment device 240 is based on the same concept as the previous embodiment. In the variation presented here, the relative dimensions of the coupling members and the magnetic track correspond to the first main embodiment, while the variation presented in the previous embodiment corresponds to the second main embodiment. Aside from this basic difference, variations of each of these two embodiments can be adapted to the other by modifying some of the structural elements. The oscillator 240 includes a resonator 242 and two magnetic structures 244 and 246 located in the same general plane and rigidly connected to two wheels 248 and 250, respectively. The two wheels are indirectly meshed with each other via two intermediate wheels 252 and 254 configured to rotate the two magnetic structures at the same speed but in opposite directions. Intermediate wheel 252 includes a pinion 253 for inputting torque to the adjustment device. The resonator is formed by two spring rods 260 and 264, each made of a material with high magnetic permeability and including two corresponding end portions 262 and 266, respectively, located on either side of the general plane of the two magnetic structures. Furthermore, the resonator comprises a magnetic flux generator 256 formed by a magnet 258 housed in a rigid structure 257. The rigid structure 257 is arranged so as to allow two spring rods to be fixed on either side of the magnet 258 to generate a closed magnetic circuit of magnetic flux passing through the spring rods, in particular through the end portions 262 and 266 and the air gap between the two ends. In the region of the magnet 258, the spring rods can be widened in order to guide all the magnetic flux of said magnet.

The two magnetic structures are formed by two disk-shaped elements, each of which has a magnetized ring around its periphery defining a plurality of magnetized zones 10A. The magnetized zones 10A are arranged above the height of the disk to generate axial magnetic flux from both sides of the magnetized ring. Thus, the magnetized zones form a first magnetic track 11A1 in the region of the upper surface of the magnetic structure and an identical second magnetic track 11A2 in the region of the lower surface. The two magnetic tracks are coupled to two active end portions 262 and 266, respectively. It will be noted that the magnetized zones can be formed by a plurality of separate magnets or by a ring made of the same material, in which only the zones 10A are magnetized. In another advantageous variant, the ring is magnetized by alternating polarity directions within each angular period. Thus, alternating north and south magnetized zones are present in each magnetic track. Consequently, a path from attractive magnetic coupling to repulsive magnetic coupling exists within each angular period, which advantageously allows for an increase in the potential energy difference between the minimum and maximum potential energy zones. This variation of magnet-magnet coupling applies equally to all embodiments.

In other variations of the last two embodiments (not shown), the two magnetic tracks coupled to the resonator are rigidly connected in rotation to two moving parts that are not in meshing relationship with each other. The two moving parts can be coaxial or have two separate rotation axes and are positioned adjacent to each other. According to two specific variations, the two moving parts are coupled to the same coupling element or to two coupling elements of the resonator. The two rotating moving parts can each be driven by their own mechanical energy source. However, it is also possible that only the first moving part is driven to rotate by torque, while the second moving part is actually driven to rotate by the resonator excited by the first moving part, in other words, by the resonator to which the received energy is transmitted. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that based on the concept of the fifth or sixth embodiment, multiple embodiments can be envisaged.

FIG21 shows a seventh embodiment of an adjustment device 270 according to the present invention. The magnetic structure 4B is similar to the one described in FIG5 . It comprises two concentric tracks 11A and 13A. The resonator 272 is of the balance-coil spring type, with a rigid balance 274 associated with a coil spring 276. The balance can have various forms, particularly a circular form, as in conventional watch movements. The balance pivots about an axis 278 and comprises two magnetic coupling members 280 and 282 according to the present invention, angularly displaced relative to the axis of rotation 20 of the magnetic structure 4B. These two members are formed by two magnets. The angular displacement of the two magnets and their positioning relative to the structure 4B are such that the two magnets define the same zero circle 44 and, in their rest position, have an angular displacement θ _D equal to an angular period θ _P incremented by an integer multiple of a half period. Thus, the two magnets have a phase difference of π. Circle 44 corresponds approximately to the interface circle (common boundary) of the two magnetic tracks 11A and 13A. Preferably, the balance's axis of rotation 278 lies at the intersection of two tangents to the null circle 44 at the two points of intersection of said circle with the two corresponding oscillation axes of the resonator's two magnets. It should be noted that the balance is preferably balanced so that its center of mass lies on its axis. Those skilled in the art will readily find it easy to configure various forms of balance wheels with this important characteristic. It should be understood that the various variations shown in the figures are schematic and that issues related to the resonator's inertia are not specifically addressed in the figures. Furthermore, arrangements that ensure that the resulting magnetic forces acting radially and axially on the balance's axis are zero are preferred. It should be noted that, in one variation, the balance has a spring bar defining a virtual axis of rotation—in other words, it does not pivot, but is replaced by a balance-coil spring. During passage through a central pulse zone located around the interface circle 44, each magnet 280 and 282 is pulsed at each alternation of each oscillation period. In this case, a double pulse is thus present. In a variant having two magnetic structures 4B arranged coaxially on either side of magnets 280 and 282, four synchronization pulses are obtained at the end of the first and second alternations in each oscillation cycle. This system has a strong coupling between the resonator and the magnetic structure, which is driven to rotate by torque within the effective range, and the range can therefore be relatively wide.

FIG22 is an alternative to the device of FIG21 , which is based on the second main embodiment, whereas the device of FIG21 is based on the first main embodiment. This alternative involves an adjustment device 290 having two concentric magnetic tracks 86A and 186 of small radial dimension forming a magnetic structure 182, similar to the adjustment device already described in FIG15 (the only difference being the circular arc form of magnets 103 and 188 in FIG22 ). This adjustment device also includes the previously described balance wheel and helical spring type resonator 292. Thus, the resonator comprises a helical spring 276 or other suitable elastic element, and a balance wheel 274A having two arms, the free ends of which carry two coupling elements 294 and 296, respectively formed by two magnets arranged to repel the magnetic tracks. Each coupling element is formed by a magnetized region similar to element 190 of FIG15 . For each of the two magnetized regions 294 and 296, the operation of the oscillator 290 is therefore similar to that of FIG15 . The two magnetized regions are offset by an angle θ _D =θ _P ·(2N+1)/2, where N is an integer. If the first magnetized section of resonator 292 is coupled to the first magnetic track, the second magnetized section is then coupled to the second magnetic track. The magnetic coupling between the resonator and the magnetic structure is thus doubled relative to the embodiment of FIG. 15 . The various comments and variations mentioned with respect to FIG. 21 also apply in this case.

FIG23 schematically illustrates an eighth embodiment. The adjustment device 300 includes a magnetic structure 82A similar to that described in FIG12A and FIG13 , and a resonator 302 formed by a tuning fork having two arms 308 and 309 (diagrammatically shown), each of which has two identical magnetic tips 304A and 304B at its free ends. Each magnetic tip is formed by two magnetic segments 156 and 158 and two complementary non-magnetic portions 305 and 306. The magnetic segments 156 and 158 are arranged in the same manner as the two active end portions described in FIG13 . The magnetic action in this case is comparable to that described with reference to FIG9 to FIG11A and FIG13 , and therefore will not be explained again here. It will be observed that magnetic coupling can provide either repulsive (see FIG9 and FIG10 ) or attractive (see FIG11 and FIG11A ) action. The magnetic track has an even number of magnets and, therefore, an even number of angular periods, so that the two tips 304A, 304B advantageously oscillate in opposite directions. In another variant with a perfectly symmetrical tuning fork (so that one of the two tips presents an axial symmetry along an axis of symmetry approximately tangential to the intermediate circle 120), an odd number of magnets must be arranged along the magnetic track 86A. Thus, the resonator is formed by a tuning fork whose two free ends of the resonant structure carry the first and second magnetic coupling elements, respectively.

FIG24 illustrates a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Adjustment device 310 differs from the previous embodiments primarily in three specific features. First, it comprises two independent resonators 312 and 314, in other words, they do not share a common resonant mode. However, the two resonators are identical. Second, a magnetic structure 316 is arranged to be fixed to a support or baseplate 318 of the watch movement, while the two resonators 312 and 314 are driven to rotate at an angular frequency ω by a torque supplied to a rotor 320. The rotor comprises two rigid arms 322 and 323, with the two resonators disposed at their respective free ends. Each of the two resonators comprises a spring rod with an elongated magnet 325, 326 disposed at its free end. According to the present invention, these magnets are arranged tangentially to the interface circle 44 between the two magnetic tracks 328 and 330 when the respective resonator is in its rest position, such that the interface circle corresponds to the zero circle of the two active end portions defined by magnets 325 and 326. Each magnetic track comprises a first zone 332 and a second zone 334 having the characteristics already described in the disclosure of the first main embodiment. Each of the two magnets, together with the two magnetic tracks, defines an oscillator. It will be observed that reversing the drive in the zone of the "resonator-magnetic track" system by means of a torque applied to the resonator in order to drive the resonator in rotation about an axis of rotation 20A coinciding with the central axis of the magnetic structure does not in any way modify the magnetic interaction between the resonator and the magnetic structure disclosed above, so that said reversal can be implemented as a variant in other embodiments.

The third specific feature of this embodiment arises from the fact that, in the embodiment corresponding to the first main embodiment, the oscillations of the coupling elements are not radial relative to the axis of rotation 20A of the rotor 320, meaning that the oscillation axis intercepts the null circle 44 in a non-perpendicular manner. The degrees of freedom of the coupling elements of each resonator lie approximately on a circle whose radius is approximately equal to the length L of the spring rod and whose center is at the anchor point of the rod. According to a preferred variant of the invention, in order to achieve an approximately zero magnetic potential energy gradient in the effective magnetic potential energy accumulation zone, depending on the degrees of freedom of each resonator (the two resonators having the axially symmetric geometric axis 20A), the penetration line 336 of the second zone 334 of each of the two tracks 328 and 330 is provided to follow an arc of a circle along the oscillation axis of each coupling element when said penetration line and the oscillation axis coincide. In the context of the second main embodiment, this third specific feature also corresponds to the situation described in Figures 12 and 12A.

A tenth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 25A to 25D . This tenth embodiment is based on the embodiment of Figure 22 with regard to the magnetic coupling between the coupling element of the resonator 346 and the annular magnetic track 344 of the escapement movable member 342. In this embodiment, which can be referred to as a "magnetic cylindrical escapement," the regulating device 340 is distinguished by the fact that the resonator includes a truncated annular magnet 352 rigidly connected to a balance wheel 348, which is associated with a helical spring 350. The truncated annular magnet defines the wall of a transverse open section of a cylindrical tube. It lies in a first general plane parallel to a second general plane defined by the annular magnetic track, so that it magnetically couples with the annular track 344, which rotates by torque, through the escapement movable member in a repulsive and therefore contactless manner. It will be observed that, in one variant, no balance wheel is provided, other than the cylindrical tube section with its pivoting means. The truncated annular magnet is arranged to rotate about axis C. In this variant, a shaft may be provided, connected to the annular magnet, for example via a plate supporting the magnet and mounted fixedly on the shaft. This plate is provided on the other side of the escapement relative to the annular magnet.

According to the concepts explained in particular with reference to Figures 9 and 10, an annular magnet 352 forms the two active end portions of the two coupling elements, which, in the variant shown, are formed by the same truncated annular magnet. In a variant for limiting the oscillation amplitude, two arc-shaped magnets of equal radius connected by a non-magnetic fixing portion can be provided. In addition, the truncated annular magnet defines, in its general plane, a first penetration line 354 corresponding to its outer wall and a first exit line 356 located at the first end of the annular magnet in its general plane. The second end defines a second exit line 357, while the second penetration line 355 is defined by the inner wall of the annular magnet. In this repulsive coupling mode, as described above, the annular magnet corresponds to the magnetic potential energy accumulation area in orthogonal projection. It will be observed that the penetration lines are oriented according to the degrees of freedom of the resonator, since they are circular and centered on the oscillation axis C. They define a path depending on said degree of freedom so that for a specific angular position of the magnetic track 344, the magnetic potential energy of the magnet 343 partially superposed on the annular magnet 352 is unchanged when said magnet oscillates during the first alternation of the oscillation cycle of the balance wheel - helical spring (Figures 25A and 25C) before reaching the exit line (Figures 25B and 25D) - the pulse P is supplied to the balance wheel via the annular magnet.

Magnet 352 defines a truncated annular surface in its general plane. In the variant proposed here, the opening θ _A of this truncated annular surface, defined as the angle formed by the midpoints of the two exit lines at the axis of rotation 20, is approximately equal to 150% of the angular period of the magnetic track, i.e., θ _A = 3·θ _P /2. During the first oscillation of the balance wheel 348, the first magnet 343 of the magnetic track penetrates beneath the annular magnet via the outer penetration line 354. Within the effective torque range, due to the arrangement of the magnetic end stops 345 following each magnet 343 (for which the interaction with the annular magnet is significantly stronger), the first magnet ultimately reaches a certain maximum penetration position, or final overlap position. In this final overlap position, the balance wheel can rotate freely for approximately the entire first overlap ( FIG. 25A ), until it reaches a substantially rest position, near which it is subjected to a first pulse P ( FIG. 25B ). The balance wheel continues its rotation at essentially maximum speed, and a second magnet, preceding the first magnet relative to the direction of rotation of the drive moving part, penetrates beneath the annular magnet via inner penetration line 355 after a certain rotation of the escapement moving part. This second magnet also assumes a maximum penetration position, corresponding to a specific partial overlap with the annular magnet during a larger portion of the second alternation ( FIG. 25C ), before exiting the resonator near its rest position ( FIG. 25D ) via exit line 357, thereby supplying a second pulse P to the balance wheel-helical spring. It will be observed that, depending on the positioning of magnetic end stop 345 relative to magnet 343 and the torque described, magnet 343 can completely overlap the annular magnet in the maximum penetration position. The annular magnet forms a common active end portion when the magnetic track is coupled to the resonator and during both alternations of each oscillation cycle. It will be observed that, in the rest position ( FIG. 25B and 25D ), the exit lines defined by these common active end portions each have an orientation according to the invention, since they are substantially tangential to the intermediate geometric circle 120.

It will thus be observed that this embodiment is characterized, in its main operating mode, by an intermittent advance of the escapement movable member with a wide oscillation amplitude. The truncated circular ring forms a magnetic barrier for the magnetic end stops of the magnetic track, thereby allowing an instantaneous stop of the escapement movable member, which then advances in steps (two steps for a rotation of the angular period). However, in a specific operating mode, a continuous or almost continuous advance can be obtained. In the last case, the magnetic end stops are no longer necessary. It will be noted that this type of continuous or almost continuous advance is mainly provided in other embodiments. However, depending on the size of the resonator and the magnetic structure, some embodiments can also be operated in an intermittent manner.

FIG26 shows a particular variant of the tenth embodiment (shown in a continuous mode of operation of the escapement). This "magnetic cylindrical escapement" type regulating device 360 differs from the previous variant essentially in that it provides for the same magnet 343 to initially magnetically couple with the annular magnet 352A of the resonator during the first alternation of the oscillation period, thereby penetrating beneath said annular magnet via an outer penetrating wire 354 (of substantially the same radius as in the previous variant) and exiting via an exit wire 356A that supplies the first pulse, and then to directly magnetically couple with the annular magnet during the second alternation of the oscillation period, thereby penetrating beneath said annular magnet via an inner penetrating wire 355A before finally exiting via an exit wire 357A, thus supplying a second pulse to the balance-helical spring (not shown in FIG26 ). This type of configuration makes it possible, for a given outer diameter of the annular magnet of the resonator, to significantly increase the wall thickness _ET of the cylindrical tube and, therefore, the length L4 of the exit wire, as well as the longitudinal dimension L3 (angular or tangential dimension) of the magnet 343A of the magnetic track. This makes it possible to increase the accumulation of magnetic potential energy in the oscillator since, for a certain first dimension W3, the second dimension L3 of the magnet can be increased, which therefore increases the ratio of the two dimensions.The opening of the annular magnet 352A defined above is smaller than the angular period of the magnetic track 342A.

In a particular embodiment of this variant, the ring magnet is mounted on or suspended from a structure comprising two intersecting spring bars defining a geometric oscillation axis C for the ring magnet. The elastically deformable structure is arranged on the other side of the ring magnet relative to the magnetic structure of the escapement. Thus, no physical shaft is required in the region of the ring magnet and the escapement.

In one particular variation incorporating the illustrated variation, the diameter of the inner contour of the truncated annular magnet (2· _RI ) is less than or approximately equal to a second dimension L3 of the second zone defined by the magnets of the magnetic track. The difference between the radii of the first and second circular penetration lines 354 and 355A, corresponding approximately to the length L4 of the first and second exit lines, is approximately equal to the second dimension L3 or between eighty percent and one hundred twenty percent (80% to 120%) of the second dimension.

FIG27 illustrates an eleventh embodiment. The adjustment device 370 differs significantly in two main features. First, it comprises a magnetic escapement movable member 372 formed by a disk-shaped member 374 having a non-magnetic central portion and a radially magnetized peripheral ring 376 to define two lateral magnetic tracks 378 and 380, each formed by alternating magnetic poles 382 and 384 generating magnetic flux corresponding to radial magnetization axes with alternating orientations. These define first and second regions of each magnetic track. The second region magnetically repels the resonator magnets 392 and 394, while the first region magnetically attracts them. The general geometric surface of the two magnetic tracks is cylindrical, so that the penetration line for the resonator magnets opposite the second region is a straight axial segment. The exit line follows the interface circle of the two magnetic tracks, which, in the rest position, preferably coincides with the null circle 44A defined by the orthogonal projection of the center of mass of the active end portion of each magnet 394 and 396 into the cylindrical surface. In other words, in this particular case, when the first and second coupling elements are in the rest position, the respective centres of mass are situated on the radial axis of the disk 374 intercepting the interface circle of the two magnetic tracks.

Next, resonator 386 is of the torsional type, with the two free ends of its resonant structure carrying the first and second coupling elements, respectively. The resonator has an H-shaped resonant structure with two small longitudinal rods 387 and 388, each of which carries a coupling magnet 392, 394. The two small longitudinal rods are connected by a small transverse rod 390 with torsional deformation capability. The small longitudinal rods are oscillated with a phase difference of 180°, so that the small transverse rods deform elastically torsionally about their longitudinal axes. Accordingly, there is an odd number of angular periods of the magnetic track, determined by the number of pairs of opposite magnetic poles, and as in other embodiments with two magnetic tracks, the two tracks are angularly displaced by half an angular period, in other words, shifted by 180°.

The two fixed parts 395 and 396 of the resonator are connected in the middle of the small transverse rod by two relatively narrow bridges 398, because in this middle region, the material does not rotate about the longitudinal axis of the small transverse rod during the substantially axial oscillating movement of the small longitudinal rod in opposite directions. The first region 382 and the second region 384 of the two magnetic tracks 378 and 380 of the rotating magnetic structure and the two magnetic coupling elements 392 and 394 of the resonator are dimensioned and arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Claims (33)

1. An adjustment device (36, 56, 200, 244, 246, 4B, 316, 372) for adjusting the relative angular frequency (ω) between a magnetic structure (4, 4A, 202, 244, 246, 4B, 316, 372) and a resonator (38, 38A, 210, 242, 312, 314, 386) and an oscillator, said magnetic structure and resonator being magnetically coupled together to define an oscillator forming said adjustment device, said magnetic structure including at least one annular magnetic track (11, 13, 11A, 13A, 204, 11A1, 328, 330, 378) centered on a rotation axis (20, 20A) of said magnetic structure or said resonator. ,380), the magnetic structure and the resonator are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation when a torque is applied to the magnetic structure or the resonator; the resonator includes at least one magnetic coupling element for magnetic coupling with the annular magnetic track, the magnetic coupling element having an active end portion (46,46A,46B,262,266,280,282,325,326) made of a first magnetic material and located on the same side of the annular magnetic track; the annular magnetic track is at least partially made of a second magnetic material configured such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator varies angularly and periodically along the annular magnetic track, thereby defining the angular period (θP ₎ of the annular magnetic track. The magnetic coupling element is magnetically defined such that it alternates angularly with a first region (40, 42, 40A, 42A, 382) and a second region (10, 12, 10A, 12A, 206, 334, 384) in each angular period; when any identical region of the active end portion overlaps with a second region or an adjacent first region in the orthogonal projection of the generally geometric surface in which the annular magnetic track extends, each second region generates a stronger repulsive force or a weaker attractive force relative to the adjacent first region against any identical region; the magnetic coupling element is magnetically coupled to the annular magnetic track such that the resonant mode through the resonator is maintained within the effective range of the torque applied to the magnetic structure or the resonator. The oscillations occur in degrees of freedom and the period of the oscillations occurs during the relative rotation in each angular period of the toroidal magnetic track, the frequency of the oscillations thus determining the relative angular frequency, the degrees of freedom defining the oscillation axis (48) of the active end portion passing through its center of mass; the resonator is arranged relative to the magnetic structure such that the active end portion at least substantially overlaps the toroidal magnetic track in orthogonal projection during approximately the first alternation in each period of the oscillations, and such that the path taken by the magnetic coupling element during the first alternation is substantially parallel to the general geometric surface, the toroidal magnetic track having a size in the general geometric surface that is larger than the size of the active end portion along the oscillation axis in the orthogonal projection along the oscillation axis; The adjustment device is characterized in that each of the second regions has a generally defined outline comprising a first portion and a second portion in orthogonal projection, the first portion defining a penetration line (10a, 12a, 214, 336) above the second region during oscillation for the active end portion of the magnetic coupling element, and the second portion defining a withdrawal line (10b, 12b, 216) above the second region during oscillation for the active end portion, the withdrawal lines being generally oriented in an angular direction parallel to the zero-position circle (44, 44A), the center of which lies on the axis of rotation and the resting position of which at the active end portion passes through the orthogonal projection of the centroid of the active end portion; the magnetic structure further defines at least one withdrawal region extending in the generally geometrical surface for the active end portion, when the active end portion passes through the corresponding withdrawal line of the second region from the... During the successive withdrawal of the annular magnetic track, the at least one withdrawal region receives at least a large portion of the active end portion in orthogonal projection; when any identical region of the active end portion overlaps the at least one withdrawal region or the second region in orthogonal projection, the at least one withdrawal region generates a weaker repulsive force or a stronger attractive force relative to the second region against the any identical region; the active end portion of the magnetic coupling element, in its resting position, has a first dimension (W2) along a first axis perpendicular to the zero-position circle and passing through the orthogonal projection from the centroid of the active end portion and a second dimension (L2) along a second axis defined by the zero-position circle, the second dimension being larger than the first dimension; and the withdrawal line of each of the second regions has a length (L1) along the at least one withdrawal region and the second axis that is larger than the first dimension (W2) of the active end portion. 2. The adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the exit line of each second zone substantially coincides with the zero-position circle. 3. The adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, within the effective torque range, the annular magnetic track, the at least one exit zone, and the magnetic coupling element define, in each angular period, an accumulation section (70, 72) in which the oscillator substantially accumulates magnetic potential energy and a pulse section (76) adjacent to the accumulation section, based on the relative positions of the annular magnetic track and the active end portion, in the pulse section in which the magnetic coupling element substantially receives pulses, and the pulse section is located in a central pulse region containing a relative position corresponding to the zero-position circle. 4. The adjustment device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the zero-position circle and the oscillation axis are approximately orthogonal at their intersection point. 5. The adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second dimension (L2) of the actuating end portion is at least twice its first dimension (W2) and the length (L1) of the exit line is at least twice the first dimension. 6. The adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second dimension (L2) of the actuating end portion is at least four times its first dimension (W2) and the length (L1) of the exit line is at least four times the first dimension. 7. The adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the orthogonal projection of the generally geometric surface, when the penetrating line of each second region is aligned with the centroid of the active end portion, the penetrating line is oriented approximately along the oscillation axis. 8. The adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the exit line of the second region along the at least one exit region and the working end portion extends angularly relative to the axis of rotation over approximately half an angular period ( _θP ). 9. The adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dimension (W1) of each second region along the axis perpendicular to the zero position circle at the midpoint of the exit line is at least three times the first dimension (W2) of the working end portion. 10. The adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dimension (W1) of each second region along the axis perpendicular to the zero position circle at the midpoint of the exit line is at least six times the first dimension (W2) of the working end portion. 11. An adjustment device (80, 126, 170, 180, 220, 290, 300, 340, 360) for adjusting the relative angular frequency (ω) between a magnetic structure (82, 182, 342) and a resonator (84, 174, 184, 230, 292, 302, 346), the magnetic structure and the resonator being magnetically coupled together to define an oscillator forming the adjustment device, the magnetic structure including at least one annular magnetic track (86, 86A, 186, 344) centered on a rotation axis (20) of the magnetic structure or the resonator, the magnetic structure and the resonator being configured such that when a torque is applied to the magnetic structure or the resonator... The resonators rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation; each resonator includes at least one magnetic coupling element for magnetic coupling with the annular magnetic track, the magnetic coupling element having an active end portion (92, 94, 128, 130, 144, 144A, 156, 158, 92A, 94A, 190A, 234, 294, 296, 156, 158, 352) made of a first magnetic material; the annular magnetic track is at least partially made of a second magnetic material configured such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator varies angularly and periodically along the annular magnetic track, thereby defining the angular period (θ) of the annular magnetic track. _P ); The magnetic coupling element is magnetically coupled to the annular magnetic track such that, within the effective range of the torque applied to the magnetic structure or the resonator, oscillations are maintained through the degrees of freedom of the resonant mode of the resonator, and the period of the oscillation occurs during the relative rotation in each angular period of the annular magnetic track, the frequency of the oscillation thus determining the relative angular frequency, the degrees of freedom defining the oscillation axis (94, 96, 100, 150, 154) of the working end portion passing through its center of mass; The adjustment device is characterized in that the second magnetic material is arranged along the annular magnetic track such that it magnetically defines a plurality of first zones (104, 104A) and a plurality of second zones (102, 106, 103, 106A, 343) alternating angularly with a first zone and an adjacent second zone in each angular period; during oscillation within the effective torque range, the active end portion of the magnetic coupling element is magnetically defined in an orthogonal projection of a generally geometric surface in which the active end portion extends and encompasses the oscillation axis: -The orthogonal projections of the generally geometric surface are successively used as the entry area for the second region. - A magnetic potential energy storage region in the oscillator, which is angularly adjacent to the entry region and each second region at least partially penetrates the magnetic potential energy storage region from the entry region in orthogonal projection. - An exit region adjacent to the magnetic potential energy accumulation region, which in orthogonal projection at least receives a large portion of each of the second regions exiting from the magnetic potential energy accumulation region or the next second region; Each second zone, per unit angular length, generates a strong repulsive force relative to the first zone against the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone or a strong attractive force relative to the entry and exit zones; when any identical zone of each second zone is superimposed on the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone, the entry zone, or the exit zone, the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone generates a strong repulsive force or a weak attractive force relative to the entry and exit zones against any identical zone; the annular magnetic track has a dimension smaller than the oscillation axis along the active end portion in the orthogonal projection of the generally geometric surface. The dimensions of the oscillation axis are described; the resonator is arranged relative to the magnetic structure such that, approximately during a specific alternation in each cycle of the oscillation, the magnetic potential energy accumulation region is spanned in orthogonal projection by an intermediate geometric circle (120, 121) passing through the center of the annular magnetic track; the magnetic potential energy accumulation region has a generally defined outline comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion defining, during the oscillation, penetrating lines (126, 128, 138, 139, 145, 145A, 1) successively below the magnetic potential energy accumulation region for each of the second regions. 64, 166, 196, 354, 355), the second part defines an exit line (127, 129, 140, 141, 146, 146A, 160, 162, 127A, 129A, 197, 198, 356, 357) below the magnetic potential energy accumulation region during the oscillation, the exit line being oriented approximately in an angular direction parallel to the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle; when the center of the second region coincides with the oscillation axis When online, each of the second regions has a first dimension (W3) along a first axis passing through the intersection of the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle and the oscillation axis, and a second dimension (L3) along a second axis passing through the intersection of the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle and the oscillation axis, the second dimension being larger than the first dimension; and when the magnetic coupling element is in its rest position, the exit line has a length (L4) along the exit region and the second axis that is greater than the first dimension (W3) of the second region. 12. The adjustment device according to claim 11, wherein when the magnetic coupling element is in its rest position, the exit line of the magnetic potential energy accumulation zone substantially coincides with the orthogonal projection of the intermediate geometric circle. 13. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, within the effective torque range, the annular magnetic track and the magnetic coupling element define, in each angular period, an accumulation section (70A, 72A) in which the oscillator substantially accumulates magnetic potential energy and a pulse section (76A, 77A) adjacent to the magnetic potential energy accumulation section in which the magnetic coupling element substantially receives pulses, the pulse section being located in a central pulse region substantially corresponding to the annular magnetic track. 14. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the oscillation axis and the intermediate geometric circle are substantially orthogonal at their intersection point in the orthogonal projection of the generally geometric surface. 15. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second dimension (L3) of each second zone is at least twice its first dimension (W3), and the length (L4) of the exit line is at least twice the first dimension. 16. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second dimension (L3) of each second zone is at least four times its first dimension (W3), and the length (L4) of the exit line is at least four times the first dimension. 17. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the penetrating line in the magnetic potential energy accumulation region is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the oscillation axis. 18. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the penetrating line in the magnetic potential energy accumulation region defines a path along the degree of freedom. 19. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the magnetic potential energy accumulation region extends angularly to the ground along the exit lines of the exit region and each second region for approximately half an angular period. 20. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the dimension (W4) of the penetrating line in the magnetic potential energy accumulation region along the oscillation axis is at least five times the dimension (W3) of the annular magnetic track along the oscillation axis in the orthogonal projection of the generally geometric surface. 21. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the dimension (W4) of the penetrating line in the magnetic potential energy accumulation region along the oscillation axis is at least eight times the dimension (W3) of the annular magnetic track along the oscillation axis in the orthogonal projection of the generally geometric surface. 22. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the generally geometrical surface is a cylindrical surface with the rotation axis as its central axis, and the degree of freedom is oriented approximately along the rotation axis. 23. The adjustment device (180) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the annular magnetic track defines a first track (86A), characterized in that the magnetic structure further includes a second track (186) coupled to the magnetic coupling element in a manner similar to the coupling of the magnetic coupling element and the first track; the second track is at least partially made of a magnetic material that varies along the second track such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator varies angularly along the second track with the angular period and in a manner similar to the variation of the first track, the first and second tracks having an angular displacement equal to half of the angular period. 24. The adjustment device (220) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the annular magnetic track defines a first track, characterized in that the adjustment device further comprises a second track, the second track being at least partially made of a magnetic material and coupled to the magnetic coupling element or another magnetic coupling element in a manner similar to the coupling of the magnetic coupling element and the first track; the second track being at least partially made of a magnetic material that varies along the second track such that the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator also varies angularly along the second track in a manner similar to the variation of the first track; and the first and second tracks are rigidly rotatably connected to two moving parts (222, 224) having separate axes of rotation. 25. The adjusting device according to claim 24, wherein the two moving parts each have two sets of teeth (226, 228) that mesh directly with each other around their periphery. 26. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the magnetic coupling element is a first magnetic coupling element (92, 156, 294), characterized in that the adjustment device includes at least a second magnetic coupling element (94, 158, 296) that is also magnetically coupled to the annular magnetic track in a manner similar to the first magnetic coupling element. 27. The adjustment device according to claim 26, wherein the resonator is of the balance wheel-coil spring type or of the balance wheel type with a spring rod, and the balance wheel carries the first and second magnetic coupling elements. 28. The adjustment device according to claim 26, wherein the resonator is formed by a tuning fork, and the two free ends of the resonant structure of the tuning fork respectively carry the first and second magnetic coupling elements. 29. The adjustment device according to claim 22, wherein the magnetic coupling element is a first magnetic coupling element (92, 156, 294), and the adjustment device includes at least a second magnetic coupling element (94, 158, 296) that is also magnetically coupled to the annular magnetic track in a similar manner to the first magnetic coupling element, wherein the resonator is of the torsional type, and the two free ends of its resonant structure respectively carry the first and second magnetic coupling elements. 30. The adjustment device (340, 360) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the active end portion of the magnetic coupling element is formed substantially by a truncated annular magnet (352) having a central axis coinciding with the rotation axis of the resonator, the degree of freedom being angular and the oscillation axis being circular, the truncated annular magnet successively defining truncated annular surfaces corresponding to the magnetic potential energy accumulation region in the generally geometrical surface during two alternations of each oscillation cycle, the truncated annular surfaces having a first end and a second end, and defining the outer contour of the penetration line as a first circular penetration line (354) and defining a second circular... The inner contour of the penetration line (355); the first end defines the exit line as the first exit line (356), and the second end defines the second exit line (357) having similar characteristics to the first exit line; and the outer contour is associated with the first exit line during the first alternation of the oscillation cycle of the resonator to successively provide magnetic coupling to the second region that repels the annular magnetic track and generate a first pulse at the end of each first alternation, while the inner contour is associated with the second exit line to successively provide magnetic coupling to the second region that repels the second region during the second alternation of the oscillation cycle and generate a second pulse at the end of each second alternation. 31. The adjustment device (360) according to claim 30, wherein the opening of the truncated annular surface is smaller than the angular period, and the diameter of the inner contour of the truncated annular surface is approximately equal to or smaller than the second dimension of the second region. 32. The adjustment device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first and second magnetic materials are materials magnetized in a repulsive manner. 33. A watch movement, characterized in that the watch movement includes an adjustment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the adjustment device defining a resonator and a magnetic escapement, and for adjusting the operation of at least one mechanism of the watch movement.