EP2690506B1 - Anti-tripping clock hairspring - Google Patents

Anti-tripping clock hairspring Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2690506B1
EP2690506B1 EP20120177895 EP12177895A EP2690506B1 EP 2690506 B1 EP2690506 B1 EP 2690506B1 EP 20120177895 EP20120177895 EP 20120177895 EP 12177895 A EP12177895 A EP 12177895A EP 2690506 B1 EP2690506 B1 EP 2690506B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balance spring
finger
trip mechanism
flange
balance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20120177895
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2690506A1 (en
Inventor
Marc Stranczl
Marco Verardo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nivarox Far SA
Nivarox SA
Original Assignee
Nivarox Far SA
Nivarox SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nivarox Far SA, Nivarox SA filed Critical Nivarox Far SA
Priority to EP20120177895 priority Critical patent/EP2690506B1/en
Priority to TW102124735A priority patent/TWI603171B/en
Priority to KR1020130082791A priority patent/KR101478449B1/en
Priority to US13/945,277 priority patent/US9016934B2/en
Priority to RU2013134933A priority patent/RU2616895C2/en
Priority to CN201310316333.0A priority patent/CN103576527B/en
Priority to JP2013154198A priority patent/JP5503786B2/en
Publication of EP2690506A1 publication Critical patent/EP2690506A1/en
Priority to HK14107964.1A priority patent/HK1194490A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2690506B1 publication Critical patent/EP2690506B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/20—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/26—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency for the effect of variations of the impulses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/066—Manufacture of the spiral spring
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49579—Watch or clock making

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an anti-gallop mechanism for a watchmaking member comprising at least one spiral spring with a blade wound in a plurality of turns, of which, at a first end, an inner turn is secured to a ferrule coaxial with said spring. spiral with respect to a pivot axis, and at a second end opposite an outer turn is secured to a fastening element.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a balance spring-balance resonator regulating member comprising at least one anti-gallop mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, and wherein said at least one spiral spring is mounted on an axis of a swinging pendulum between a plate and a flange.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an anti-gallop mechanism comprising a first step: providing a substrate comprising an upper layer and a lower layer of silicon-based materials.
  • the invention relates to the field of watchmaking regulating bodies, and more particularly to sprung balance mechanisms.
  • the exhausts In mechanical watches, the exhausts must meet several safety criteria.
  • One of the safeties, the anti-gallop system aims to prevent the angular extension of the balance beyond a normal angle of rotation.
  • Such an anti-gallop system makes a limitation of the swing angle of a rocker during excessive acceleration, especially during shocks. It is essential for some types of exhaust, including escapements relaxation.
  • Such an anti-gallop mechanism must be able to act in both directions of pivoting of the balance, that is to say both in extension and contraction of the spiral.
  • the EP Patent 1 801 668 B1 on behalf of MONTRES BREGUET SA proposes a system whose structure is characteristic in that it includes a pinion mounted on the balance shaft. This pinion meshes with a toothed wheel whose at least one spoke abuts against a fixed stop if the rocker is driven beyond its normal angle of rotation. This mechanism, however, has an influence on the inertia of the pendulum, and can disrupt its oscillations. The gearing it contains generates friction which affects the efficiency and can also disturb the control system.
  • a system described in the European patent application EP2450756 A1 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR SA uses a platform integral with the balance that guides an ankle into a spiral-shaped groove. During abnormal oscillations, the ankle, integral with a pivoting arm, abuts and abruptly limits the oscillation. The friction inherent in this mechanism induces disturbances of the pendulum throughout its oscillations.
  • the document EP 2 196 867 A1 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET SA describes a spiral with elevation of curve in silicon, which comprises an outer turn and an end turn which are connected to one another by an elevating device which can comprise spacers serving as struts of junction or spacers between these two turns, these spacers having no contact with other components that the spiral itself.
  • the present invention aims to solve these problems of the prior art, by not disturbing the inertia of the balance and limiting its angular travel in both directions of rotation.
  • the invention proposes to combine the advantages of the mechanisms described by the patent EP 1 666 990 A2 , and by the European patent application 101899987 , and to propose a reliable solution, with a low number of components, and of controllable achievement with technologies related to the manufacture of pendulums and spirals made of micro-machinable materials.
  • the invention relates to an anti-gallop mechanism as defined in claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a balance spring-balance resonator comprising at least one anti-gallop mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, less a spiral spring is mounted on an axis of a rocker pivoting between a plate and a said flange, characterized in that said blade of said spring-spring is extended by an elastic self-locking washer constituting said ferrule for positioning said coil spring on said axis of said balance, to control the distance and orientation of the point of origin of an Archimedean spiral according to which said blade extends relative to the pivot axis of said balance.
  • the invention relates to the field of watchmaking regulating bodies, and more particularly the pendulum spirals.
  • the present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art, by not disturbing the inertia of the balance and in particular by minimizing friction during walking, and limiting its angular travel in both directions of rotation.
  • the invention relates to a spiral spring 2 with at least one blade 20 wound in a plurality of turns 3.
  • an inner coil 4 is integral with a ferrule 6 coaxial with the spring -spiral 2 with respect to a pivot axis D.
  • an outer turn 5 is integral with a fastening element 7.
  • At least one turn 3 of the spiral spring 2 carries or comprises at least one finger 8.
  • This finger 8 is integrally mounted to this at least one turn 3.
  • this finger 8 comprises at least one pin of probe 81, which develops in a direction preferably substantially parallel to the pivot axis D, that is to say substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the various turns 3 extend.
  • the invention further relates to a mechanism anti-gallop 1 for 100 clock controller.
  • This mechanism 1 comprises at least one such spiral spring 2.
  • the finger 8 of this spiral spring is integrally mounted with this at least one turn 3 and its at least one feeler stud 81 is movable without contact, during the contraction or the normal extension of the spiral spring 2, in at least one channel 10 of stroke limiting that comprises at least one flange 11 of the anti-gallop mechanism 1.
  • This at least one flange 11 preferably extends in a plane parallel to the plane in which the various turns 3 extend.
  • This at least one channel 10 is configured so as to limit the stroke of the finger 8 with respect to the pivot axis D, when the pivot angle printed on the collar 6 is greater than a determined nominal value, in particular when a strong acceleration due to shock or the like.
  • a channel 10 may comprise both an internal limiting track and an external limiting track as on the Figures 2 to 9 , where each channel 10 has an inner surface 12, and an outer surface 13. It may also, in a variant not shown in the figures, comprise only an inner track, or an external track: for example the finger 8 the spiral is movable between two flanges 11, each having a channel 10, one of which has an inner track, and the other an outer track, the finger 10 comprises in this case two feelers 81, on either side of the plan of the spiral 2; this variant makes it possible, again, to prevent any unwanted twisting of the hairspring, during an impact for example.
  • the figures 1 and 3 represent this mechanism 1 in a rest position of the spiral spring 2.
  • the finger 8 is then in contact with the walls of the channel 10.
  • this channel 10 develops on either side, substantially symmetrically, or symmetrically, of a median surface 14, which extends parallel to the pivot axis D, and which has, in a plane perpendicular to the latter, a spiral-shaped profile, preferably helical, which takes the one of the turn 3 bearing finger 8 in this rest position.
  • the surfacel4 may adopt neighboring profiles, for example a cylindrical sector or the like.
  • the channel 10 is delimited, in a so-called longitudinal direction, by two end surfaces 18 and 19, respectively corresponding to the maximum extension position of the spiral spring 2, and to its maximum contraction position of the spiral spring. It is further delimited, in a radial sense, by an inner surface 12, and by an outer surface 13.
  • the contour of the channel 10 may be continuous, and formed of a single surface of concavity variable and parallel to the pivot axis D.
  • the stroke limitation of the finger 8 by the channel 10 is therefore in all directions of the plane.
  • the finger 8 is spaced from the inner 12 and outer 13 edges of the channel 10 in normal operation, and preferably the intrinsic trajectory of the finger 8 is identical to the geometry of a median surface 14 equidistant from the edges 12 and 13 .
  • the angle at the center has, as visible on the figure 4 , centered on the pivot axis D, between the end points of the end surfaces 18 and 19, preferably corresponds to the maximum angular amplitude given to the finger 8 corresponding to the channel 10 considered, fixed to the ferrule 6.
  • This angle depends the amplitude of a rocker 30, whose axis 31 is driven in a self-locking washer 26 forming the shell 6.
  • it is preferably formed in the form of a multi-armed elastic star, exerting a tightening force distributed over the circumference of this axis 31.
  • the curvilinear distance between the end surfaces 18 and 19 is variable, d as much greater than the turn 3 concerned is further from the axis D.
  • the angle a for a channel 10 corresponding to a turn 3 near the center may be close to 300 °, while it will be more important, and may exceed one turn, for a channel corresponding to a the fifth turn, the turn-shaped path of each channel 10 allowing all values of angles.
  • the angle a depends on the distance of the pivot axis (in terms of the number of turns separating the finger 8 from the axis D), and the amplitude of the balance, and must be adapted accordingly.
  • the inner 12 and outer 13 surfaces are separated by a distance which may be, depending on the chosen embodiment, variable or constant.
  • L the maximum value of this distance, taken perpendicular to the axis D.
  • the figure 6 illustrates the configuration during a shock applied to the spiral spring 2 or the mechanism 1. During such an impact, the finger 8, or at least one finger 8, if there are several, comes into contact with a internal surfaces of the limitation channel 10 formed in the flange 11.
  • the fastening element 7 is fixed to the flange 11, or is integral with it by construction.
  • this hooking element 7 is free relative to the flange 11, and is then fixed to a plate 32, a bridge, or other.
  • the spiral spring 2 extends from a first side of a delimiting plane P, on the other side of which extends the flange 11, at least in the projected maximum surface of the spiral spring 2.
  • the spiral spring 2 is made in one piece with the ferrule 6 or a self-locking washer 26 constituting this ferrule 6, and with the fastening element 7, as visible on the figure 2 .
  • the spiral spring 2 is manufactured integrally with the ferrule 6 or a self-locking washer 26 constituting this ferrule 6, and with the fastening element 7, and with the flange 11, as visible on the Figures 7 to 9 .
  • a first level of thickness E1 comprises, between two parallel planes P1 and P2, perpendicular to the axis D, the spiral spring 2, the ferrule 6, and the attachment element 7, as well as a first section 8W. each finger 8.
  • a second level of thickness E2 comprises at least, between two parallel planes P2 and P3, perpendicular to the axis D, a second section 8X of each finger 8, as visible on FIG. figure 8 .
  • this second level further comprises a junction segment 7X between the fastening element 7 and the flange 11.
  • a third level of thickness E3 comprises, between two parallel planes P3 and P4, perpendicular to the axis D, a third section 80 of each finger 8, and the flange 11 or at least a part thereof.
  • the flange 11 comprises a central opening 15 for the passage of a movable element fixed to the shell 6, and in particular an axis 31 of a rocker 30.
  • the flange 11 comprises, around each finger 8, a limiting channel 10
  • the same limitation channel 8 may be suitable for the reception of several fingers 8, but in this case where it ensures the radial limitation thereof, it only partially limits the longitudinal limitation thereof, i.e. say on one side only, if at all.
  • the preferred embodiment consists in assigning a limitation channel 10 specific to each finger 8, as visible on the figure 10 where these channels 10 are disjoint.
  • This configuration also makes it possible to give a certain progressivity to the anti-gallop action of the mechanism 1, by limiting in a different way the stroke of the different fingers 8, by a different profile of their limitation channels 10, or by angular limitation as on the figure 8 where the center angle ⁇ of the innermost channel 10 is larger than that aA of the outermost channel 10A, either in radial limitation as in the same figure where the respective widths L and LA are different, or else by a combination of these limitations or simply by the shape proper to the contour of each of the limiting surfaces 10.
  • the spiral spring 2 is designed so that its center of gravity is always centered during the angular deformation of the spiral.
  • the anti-gallop mechanism 1 is entirely of micro-machinable material, preferably silicon in monocrystalline or polycrystalline form, and / or in silicon oxide, with SOI wafers, the spiral spring 2 being etched in a "device layer And the flange 11 and the third portion 80 of the finger 8 being etched in a "handle layer".
  • This achievement lends itself to the execution of the variants illustrated in figures 1 and 3 to 6 , and 10 , and in particular to obtain a very small distance between the spiral spring 2 and the flange 11, typically of the order of one micrometer.
  • Such an execution made of micro-machinable material, allows the execution of a variant according to the figure 13 , with peripheral surfaces of the limiting channel 10 comprising damping means: elastic tabs 48 and 49 at the end surfaces 18 and 19, moving between the channel 10 and a chamber 58, 59, elastic thin walls 42 and 43 at the internal 12 and outer surfaces 13, separating the channel 10 pockets 52, 53.
  • the figure 9 illustrates a variant anti-gallop mechanism 1 which comprises a second coil spring 2A coaxially mounted, the second spiral spring 2A and the spiral spring 2 being etched in two outer layers, and the flange 11 and the third part 80 of the finger 8 being engraved in an inner layer.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement 200 comprising a regulator member 100 with a balance-spring resonator comprising at least one such anti-gallop mechanism 1, and whose at least one spiral spring 2 is mounted on an axis 31 of a balance 30 pivoting between a plate 32 and a flange 11, which is advantageously that of the mechanism 1.
  • the blade 20 of the spiral spring 2 is extended by an elastic locking washer 26 constituting the ferrule 6 to position the spring- spiral 2 on the axis 31 of the balance 30, to control the distance and orientation of the point of origin of an Archimedean spiral according to which the blade 20 extends with respect to the pivot axis D of the balance 30.
  • the flange 11 is fixed to the plate 32.
  • its position is adjustable, particularly angularly, in order to easily perform the setting of the hairspring, in particular the adjustment of the point of rest.
  • micro-machinable material can be carried out by one of the following methods:
  • the classical method allowing to realize the mechanism 1 of the figure 7 , or that of the figure 8 , consists in implementing an SOI wafer, with two levels of silicon, and an oxide layer, in particular SiO 2 . Wafers are composed of three sandwich layers.
  • the oxide intermediate layer, 8X, 7X, between the planes P2 and P3, has a thickness of about 2 ⁇ m
  • the lower outer layer, between the planes P3 and P4, made of silicon is typically 300 ⁇ m
  • the upper layer between the planes P1 and P2, silicon 100 microns.
  • the distance between the turns 3 of the spring 2 and the element 11 is 2 ⁇ m and is defined by the oxide.
  • the first step consists in performing an etching of the upper silicon level, to clear the contours of the components to remain, here the hairspring 2, the ferrule 6, the attachment element 7, and the upper part 8W finger 8, and stopping the etching at the edge of the oxide layer.
  • the second step is to perform the etching of the lower silicon level, to clear the contours of the components to remain, here the flange 11, and the body 80 of the probe pad 81 of the finger 8, and stopping the etching at the limit of the oxide layer.
  • the third step is to perform the etching of the intermediate level of silicon oxide, leaving only the connection areas: 8X in the finger 8 between the upper part 8W and the body 80 on the one hand, and 7X between the fastening element 7 and the flange 11 on the other hand.
  • Another method for carrying out the mechanism 1 of the Figure 7A , or that of the figure 9 consists in implementing an SOI wafer, with three levels of silicon, and two oxide layers separating them two by two: on the basis of a SOI silicon wafer, an additional layer is added (in fact, an oxide layer of typically 2 ⁇ m and a silicon layer, typically 100 ⁇ m) are added.
  • an additional layer is added (in fact, an oxide layer of typically 2 ⁇ m and a silicon layer, typically 100 ⁇ m) are added.
  • an additional layer is added (in fact, an oxide layer of typically 2 ⁇ m and a silicon layer, typically 100 ⁇ m) are added.
  • This second method also makes it possible to realize the variant of the figure 9 with the distance, between the turns 3 of the spring 2 and the element 11, which is 2 ⁇ m defined by the oxide layers 8X, 7X, and between the turns of the spring 2A and the element 11, which is of 2 ⁇ m defined by the oxide layers 8Y, 7AX.
  • the nominal value of the maximum angular elongation is 300 °.
  • the positioning of the finger 8 is preferably carried out on one of the turns close to the axis as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 6 .
  • the principle of the invention is to use this finger 8, in combination with the limitation channel 10, to limit the amplitude of the spiral spring 2.
  • the finger 8 does not rub against the channel 10 since its intrinsic trajectory is identical to the geometry of the channel 10.
  • the channel 10 is dimensioned so as to limit the travel of the balance 30 at amplitudes too high.
  • the turns 3 situated between the finger 8 and the pivot axis D, which are always functional during amplitudes that are too large, determine the rigidity of the anti-gallop mechanism 1 according to the invention.
  • the variant comprising several fingers 8, each in a channel 10 which is specific to it, makes it possible, by differentially modifying the number of turns 3 of the remaining functional spring, to make the action of the mechanism 1 progressive.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un mécanisme anti-galop pour organe régulateur d'horlogerie comportant au moins un ressort-spiral avec une lame enroulée en une pluralité de spires dont, à une première extrémité une spire interne est solidaire d'une virole coaxiale audit ressort-spiral par rapport à un axe de pivotement, et à une deuxième extrémité opposée une spire externe est solidaire d'un élément d'accrochage.The invention relates to an anti-gallop mechanism for a watchmaking member comprising at least one spiral spring with a blade wound in a plurality of turns, of which, at a first end, an inner turn is secured to a ferrule coaxial with said spring. spiral with respect to a pivot axis, and at a second end opposite an outer turn is secured to a fastening element.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement horloger comprenant un organe régulateur à résonateur balancier-spiral comportant au moins un mécanisme anti-galop selon l'une des revendications précédentes, et dont ledit au moins un ressort-spiral est monté sur un axe d'un balancier pivotant entre une platine et un flasque.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a balance spring-balance resonator regulating member comprising at least one anti-gallop mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, and wherein said at least one spiral spring is mounted on an axis of a swinging pendulum between a plate and a flange.

L'invention concerne encore un procédé de fabrication d'un mécanisme anti-galop comportant une première étape: se munir d'un substrat comportant une couche supérieure et une couche inférieure en matériaux à base de silicium.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an anti-gallop mechanism comprising a first step: providing a substrate comprising an upper layer and a lower layer of silicon-based materials.

L'invention concerne le domaine des organes régulateurs d'horlogerie, et plus particulièrement des mécanismes à balancier-spiral.The invention relates to the field of watchmaking regulating bodies, and more particularly to sprung balance mechanisms.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

Dans les montres mécaniques, les échappements doivent répondre à plusieurs critères de sécurité. Une des sécurités, le système anti-galop, vise à empêcher l'extension angulaire du balancier au-delà d'un angle normal de rotation. Un tel système anti-galop effectue une limitation de l'angle de pivotement d'un balancier lors d'accélérations trop importantes, en particulier lors de chocs. Il est indispensable pour certains types d'échappement, notamment les échappements à détente. Un tel mécanisme anti-galop doit être capable d'agir dans les deux sens de pivotement du balancier, c'est-à-dire aussi bien en extension qu'en contraction du spiral.In mechanical watches, the exhausts must meet several safety criteria. One of the safeties, the anti-gallop system, aims to prevent the angular extension of the balance beyond a normal angle of rotation. Such an anti-gallop system makes a limitation of the swing angle of a rocker during excessive acceleration, especially during shocks. It is essential for some types of exhaust, including escapements relaxation. Such an anti-gallop mechanism must be able to act in both directions of pivoting of the balance, that is to say both in extension and contraction of the spiral.

Le brevet EP 1 801 668 B1 au nom de MONTRES BREGUET SA propose un système dont la structure est caractéristique en ce qu'il comprend un pignon monté sur l'arbre du balancier. Ce pignon engrène une roue dentée dont au moins un rayon vient buter contre un arrêt fixe si le balancier est entrainé au-delà de son angle normal de rotation. Ce mécanisme a toutefois une influence sur l'inertie du balancier, et peut perturber ses oscillations. L'engrenage qu'il comporte est générateur de frottements qui altèrent le rendement et peuvent perturber également le système de régulation.The EP Patent 1 801 668 B1 on behalf of MONTRES BREGUET SA proposes a system whose structure is characteristic in that it includes a pinion mounted on the balance shaft. This pinion meshes with a toothed wheel whose at least one spoke abuts against a fixed stop if the rocker is driven beyond its normal angle of rotation. This mechanism, however, has an influence on the inertia of the pendulum, and can disrupt its oscillations. The gearing it contains generates friction which affects the efficiency and can also disturb the control system.

La demande de brevet EP 1 666 990 A2 au nom de MONTRES BREGUET SA expose un autre système anti-galop basé sur l'expansion du spiral: Un bras de blocage, fixé sur la spire extérieure du spiral, s'interpose entre un doigt solidaire du balancier et deux colonnes solidaires du pont du balancier. Ce blocage a lieu uniquement en cas d'expansion excessive du spiral au-delà d'un angle dépassant son angle de fonctionnement normal. Toutefois, ce mécanisme limite l'angle de rotation uniquement dans un sens de rotation, alors qu'il est préférable de limiter cet angle de rotation dans les deux sens de rotation.The patent application EP 1 666 990 A2 in the name of WATCHES BREGUET SA exposes another anti-gallop system based on the expansion of the hairspring: A locking arm, fixed on the outer turn of the hairspring, interposes between a finger secured to the balance and two columns integral with the bridge of balance. This blockage occurs only in case of excessive expansion of the hairspring beyond an angle exceeding its normal operating angle. However, this mechanism limits the angle of rotation only in one direction of rotation, while it is preferable to limit this angle of rotation in both directions of rotation.

Un système décrit dans la demande de brevet européen EP2450756 A1 au nom de NIVAROX-FAR S.A. utilise un plateau solidaire du balancier qui guide une cheville dans une rainure en forme de spiral. Lors d'oscillations anormales, la cheville, solidaire d'un bras pivotant, entre en butée et limite abruptement l'oscillation. Les frottements inhérents à ce mécanisme induisent des perturbations du balancier tout au long de ses oscillations.A system described in the European patent application EP2450756 A1 in the name of NIVAROX-FAR SA uses a platform integral with the balance that guides an ankle into a spiral-shaped groove. During abnormal oscillations, the ankle, integral with a pivoting arm, abuts and abruptly limits the oscillation. The friction inherent in this mechanism induces disturbances of the pendulum throughout its oscillations.

Le document EP 2 196 867 A1 au nom de MONTRES BREGUET SA décrit un spiral à élévation de courbe en silicium, qui comporte une spire externe et une spire terminale qui sont reliées l'une à l'autre par un dispositif d'élévation qui peut comporter des entretoises servant de montants de jonction ou d'écarteurs entre ces deux spires, ces entretoises n'ayant pas de contact avec d'autres composants que le spiral lui-même.The document EP 2 196 867 A1 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET SA describes a spiral with elevation of curve in silicon, which comprises an outer turn and an end turn which are connected to one another by an elevating device which can comprise spacers serving as struts of junction or spacers between these two turns, these spacers having no contact with other components that the spiral itself.

Le document US 3 041 819 A au nom de ENSIGN GEORGE décrit un balancier-spiral avec des moyens de limitation d'expansion du spiral, qui sont composés, d'une part par une goupille montée sur le balancier et s'étendant parallèlement à son axe, et d'autre part par un bloc d'arrêt fixé à une spire externe du spiral.The document US 3,041,819 A in the name of ENSIGN GEORGE describes a sprung balance with means of limitation of expansion of the spiral, which are composed, on the one hand by a pin mounted on the balance and extending parallel to its axis, and secondly by a stop block fixed to an outer coil of the spiral.

Le document US 3 696 687 A au nom de HARLAND PHILIP décrit un spiral en matière plastique, qui comporte un grand nombre de ponts de jonction pour permettre l'écoulement du matériau lors du moulage, ces ponts étant ensuite coupés de façon à libérer les spires, sans avoir de fonction particulière par ailleurs.The document US 3,696,687 A in the name of HARLAND PHILIP describes a plastic hairspring, which has a large number of connecting bridges for allow the flow of the material during molding, these bridges then being cut so as to release the turns, without having any particular function elsewhere.

Le document EP 2 434 353 A1 au nom de MONTRES BREGUET SA décrit un spiral anti-galop par l'accrochage entre eux de crans appartenant à des spires consécutives, aussi bien en contraction qu'en extension du spiral.The document EP 2 434 353 A1 in the name of WATCHES BREGUET SA describes a spiral anti-gallop by the hooking between them notches belonging to consecutive turns, as well in contraction as in extension of the spiral.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Aussi, la présente invention vise à résoudre ces problèmes de l'art antérieur, en ne perturbant pas l'inertie du balancier et en limitant sa course angulaire dans les deux sens de rotation.Also, the present invention aims to solve these problems of the prior art, by not disturbing the inertia of the balance and limiting its angular travel in both directions of rotation.

L'invention se propose de combiner les avantages des mécanismes décrits par le brevet EP 1 666 990 A2 , et par la demande de brevet européen 101899987 , et de proposer une solution fiable, à faible nombre de composants, et de réalisation maîtrisable avec les technologies liées à la fabrication des balanciers et des spiraux en matériaux micro-usinables.The invention proposes to combine the advantages of the mechanisms described by the patent EP 1 666 990 A2 , and by the European patent application 101899987 , and to propose a reliable solution, with a low number of components, and of controllable achievement with technologies related to the manufacture of pendulums and spirals made of micro-machinable materials.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un mécanisme anti-galop tel que défini dans la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention relates to an anti-gallop mechanism as defined in claim 1.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement horloger comprenant un organe régulateur à résonateur balancier-spiral comportant au moins un mécanisme anti-galop selon l'une des revendications précédentes, et dont ledit au moins un ressort-spiral est monté sur un axe d'un balancier pivotant entre une platine et un dit flasque, caractérisé en ce que ladite lame dudit ressort-spiral est prolongée par une rondelle autobloquante élastique constituant ladite virole pour positionner ledit ressort-spiral sur ledit axe dudit balancier, pour maîtriser la distance et l'orientation du point d'origine d'une spirale d'Archimède selon laquelle s'étend ladite lame par rapport à l'axe de pivotement dudit balancier.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a balance spring-balance resonator comprising at least one anti-gallop mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, less a spiral spring is mounted on an axis of a rocker pivoting between a plate and a said flange, characterized in that said blade of said spring-spring is extended by an elastic self-locking washer constituting said ferrule for positioning said coil spring on said axis of said balance, to control the distance and orientation of the point of origin of an Archimedean spiral according to which said blade extends relative to the pivot axis of said balance.

L'invention concerne encore un procédé de fabrication d'un mécanisme anti-galop comportant une première étape :

  1. a) se munir d'un substrat comportant une couche supérieure et une couche inférieure en matériaux à base de silicium ;
    caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre les étapes suivantes :
  2. b) graver sélectivement au moins une cavité dans ladite couche supérieure pour définir au moins un doigt en matériau à base de silicium dudit spiral ;
  3. c) solidariser, sur ladite couche supérieure gravée dudit substrat, une couche supplémentaire de matériau à base de silicium ;
  4. d) graver sélectivement au moins une cavité dans ladite couche supplémentaire pour continuer le motif dudit au moins un doigt et définir les motifs d'un ressort-spiral et d'un élément et d'une virole en matériau à base de silicium dudit spiral ;
  5. e) graver sélectivement au moins une cavité dans ladite couche inférieure pour continuer le motif dudit au moins un doigt et définir le motif d'un flasque comportant au moins un canal de limitation de course dudit au moins un doigt ;
  6. f) libérer le mécanisme anti-galop dudit substrat.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an anti-gallop mechanism comprising a first step:
  1. a) providing a substrate comprising an upper layer and a lower layer of silicon-based materials;
    characterized in that it further comprises the following steps:
  2. b) selectively etching at least one cavity in said upper layer to define at least one finger of silicon-based material of said hairspring;
  3. c) securing, on said etched upper layer of said substrate, an additional layer of silicon-based material;
  4. d) selectively etching at least one cavity in said additional layer to continue the pattern of said at least one finger and defining the patterns of a coil spring and a member and ferrule made of silicon material of said hairspring;
  5. e) selectively etching at least one cavity in said lower layer to continue the pattern of said at least one finger and defining the pattern of a flange having at least one stroke limiting channel of said at least one finger;
  6. f) releasing the anti-trip mechanism of said substrate.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, un mécanisme anti-galop selon l'invention, vu du côté d'un ressort-spiral qu'il comporte et qui est représenté dans une position de repos ;
  • la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, sous forme d'éclaté, un tel mécanisme anti-galop, dans une réalisation à plusieurs composants ;
  • la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée et en plan, un mécanisme anti-galop selon l'invention, avec le ressort-spiral présenté en position de repos ;
  • la figure 4 représente le mécanisme de la figure 3, dans une position d'extension maximale du ressort-spiral ;
  • la figure 5 représente le mécanisme de la figure 3, dans une position de contraction maximale du ressort-spiral ;
  • la figure 6 représente le mécanisme de la figure 3, dans une position correspondant à un choc appliqué au ressort-spiral ou au mécanisme, lors duquel choc un doigt que porte une spire du ressort-spiral vient en contact avec un canal de limitation que comporte un flasque du mécanisme selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 7 représente une section du mécanisme de la figure 3 selon le tracé AA, ce mécanisme étant représenté dans une variante particulière monobloc en matériau micro-usinable, issu d'un wafer à trois couches, et dans laquelle un élément d'accrochage est solidaire du flasque;
  • la figure 7A représente, de façon similaire à la figure 7, une autre variante, issue d'un wafer à cinq couches, où une couche de silicium intermédiaire entre deux couches d'oxyde détermine une cote de distance fonctionnelle entre le spiral et le flasque, qui est très supérieure à celle obtenue selon la figure 7 ;
  • la figure 8 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 7, une autre variante où l'élément d'accrochage est libre par rapport à ce flasque ;
  • la figure 9 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 7A, une autre variante où le mécanisme selon l'invention comporte deux ressorts-spiraux de part et d'autre d'un flasque unique ;
  • la figure 10 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 3, une variante de mécanisme selon l'invention, avec un ressort-spiral portant plusieurs doigts dont le déplacement de chacun est limité par un canal de limitation particulier ;
  • la figure 11 représente, sous forme d'un schéma-blocs, un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant un organe régulateur à balancier-spiral, lequel comporte un mécanisme anti-galop selon l'invention, dont le ressort-spiral est fixé par sa virole au balancier pivotant par rapport à une platine ;
  • la figure 12 représente, sous forme schématisée, une séquence d'opérations d'un procédé de base pour la réalisation d'un mécanisme anti-galop selon la variante monobloc de la figure 7A en matériau micro-usinable ;
  • la figure 13 représente, de façon schématisée et en plan, une variante de la figure 3, avec des surfaces périphériques du canal de limitation comportant des moyens d'amortissement.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 shows schematically and in perspective, an anti-gallop mechanism according to the invention, seen from the side of a spiral spring it comprises and which is shown in a rest position;
  • the figure 2 shows schematically and in perspective, in the form of an exploded, such an anti-gallop mechanism, in a multi-component embodiment;
  • the figure 3 represents schematically and in plan, an anti-gallop mechanism according to the invention, with the spiral spring presented in the rest position;
  • the figure 4 represents the mechanism of the figure 3 in a position of maximum extension of the spiral spring;
  • the figure 5 represents the mechanism of the figure 3 in a position of maximum contraction of the spiral spring;
  • the figure 6 represents the mechanism of the figure 3 in a position corresponding to a shock applied to the spiral spring or the mechanism, during which impact a finger carried by a turn of the spiral spring comes into contact with a limiting channel that comprises a flange of the mechanism according to the invention;
  • the figure 7 represents a section of the mechanism of the figure 3 according to the AA pattern, this mechanism being shown in a particular monoblock variant of micro-machinable material, from a three-layer wafer, and wherein a fastening element is integral with the flange;
  • the Figure 7A represents, similarly to the figure 7 another variant, derived from a five-layer wafer, in which a silicon layer intermediate between two oxide layers determines a functional distance dimension between the spiral and the flange, which is much greater than that obtained according to the figure 7 ;
  • the figure 8 represents, similarly to the figure 7 another variant where the fastening element is free with respect to this flange;
  • the figure 9 represents, similarly to the Figure 7A another variant where the mechanism according to the invention comprises two spiral springs on either side of a single flange;
  • the figure 10 represents, similarly to the figure 3 , a variant of the mechanism according to the invention, with a spiral spring carrying a plurality of fingers, the displacement of each of which is limited by a particular limiting channel;
  • the figure 11 represents, in the form of a block diagram, a clockwork movement comprising a balance-sprung regulator member, which comprises an anti-gallop mechanism according to the invention, the spiral spring of which is fixed by its ferrule to the pivoting balance compared to a platinum;
  • the figure 12 represents, in schematic form, a sequence of operations of a basic method for producing an anti-gallop mechanism according to the monoblock variant of the Figure 7A made of micro-machinable material;
  • the figure 13 represents, schematically and in plan, a variant of the figure 3 , with peripheral surfaces of the limiting channel comprising damping means.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

L'invention concerne le domaine des organes régulateurs d'horlogerie, et plus particulièrement des spiraux de balancier.The invention relates to the field of watchmaking regulating bodies, and more particularly the pendulum spirals.

La présente invention vise à résoudre les problèmes de l'art antérieur, en ne perturbant pas l'inertie du balancier et notamment en réduisant au minimum les frottements pendant la marche, et en limitant sa course angulaire dans les deux sens de rotation.The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art, by not disturbing the inertia of the balance and in particular by minimizing friction during walking, and limiting its angular travel in both directions of rotation.

Ainsi, l'invention concerne un ressort-spiral 2 avec au moins une lame 20 enroulée en une pluralité de spires 3. Parmi ces spires 3, à une première extrémité 24, une spire interne 4 est solidaire d'une virole 6 coaxiale au ressort-spiral 2 par rapport à un axe de pivotement D. Et, à une deuxième extrémité 25 opposée, une spire externe 5 est solidaire d'un élément d'accrochage 7.Thus, the invention relates to a spiral spring 2 with at least one blade 20 wound in a plurality of turns 3. Of these turns 3, at a first end 24, an inner coil 4 is integral with a ferrule 6 coaxial with the spring -spiral 2 with respect to a pivot axis D. And at an opposite second end, an outer turn 5 is integral with a fastening element 7.

Selon l'invention, au moins une spire 3 du ressort-spiral 2 porte ou comporte au moins un doigt 8. Ce doigt 8 est monté solidairement de cette au moins une spire 3. De préférence, ce doigt 8 comporte au moins un plot de palpeur 81, qui se développe selon une direction de préférence sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de pivotement D, c'est-à-dire sensiblement perpendiculairement à un plan dans lequel s'étendent les différentes spires 3. L'invention concerne encore un mécanisme anti-galop 1 pour organe régulateur 100 d'horlogerie. Ce mécanisme 1 comporte au moins un tel ressort-spiral 2.According to the invention, at least one turn 3 of the spiral spring 2 carries or comprises at least one finger 8. This finger 8 is integrally mounted to this at least one turn 3. Preferably, this finger 8 comprises at least one pin of probe 81, which develops in a direction preferably substantially parallel to the pivot axis D, that is to say substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the various turns 3 extend. The invention further relates to a mechanism anti-gallop 1 for 100 clock controller. This mechanism 1 comprises at least one such spiral spring 2.

Le doigt 8 de ce ressort-spiral est monté solidairement de cette au moins une spire 3 et son au moins un plot de palpeur 81 est mobile sans contact, pendant la contraction ou l'extension normale du ressort-spiral 2, dans au moins un canal 10 de limitation de course que comporte au moins un flasque 11 du mécanisme anti-galop 1. Cet au moins un flasque 11 s'étend, de préférence, selon un plan parallèle au plan dans lequel s'étendent les différentes spires 3.The finger 8 of this spiral spring is integrally mounted with this at least one turn 3 and its at least one feeler stud 81 is movable without contact, during the contraction or the normal extension of the spiral spring 2, in at least one channel 10 of stroke limiting that comprises at least one flange 11 of the anti-gallop mechanism 1. This at least one flange 11 preferably extends in a plane parallel to the plane in which the various turns 3 extend.

Cet au moins un canal 10 est configuré de façon à limiter la course du doigt 8 par rapport à l'axe de pivotement D, quand l'angle de pivotement imprimé à la virole 6 est supérieur à une valeur nominale déterminée, notamment lors d'une forte accélération due à un choc ou similaire.This at least one channel 10 is configured so as to limit the stroke of the finger 8 with respect to the pivot axis D, when the pivot angle printed on the collar 6 is greater than a determined nominal value, in particular when a strong acceleration due to shock or the like.

La limitation de la course du doigt 8, plus particulièrement de son plot de palpeur 81, peut être assurée de façon différenciée. Un canal 10 peut comporter à la fois une piste de limitation interne et une piste de limitation externe comme sur les figures 2 à 9, où chaque canal 10 comporte une surface interne 12, et une surface externe 13. Il peut aussi, dans une variante non représentée sur les figures, ne comporter qu'une piste interne, ou qu'une piste externe : par exemple le doigt 8 du spiral est mobile entre deux flasques 11, comportant chacun un canal 10, dont l'un comporte une piste interne, et l'autre une piste externe, le doigt 10 comporte dans ce cas deux palpeurs 81, de part et d'autre du plan du spiral 2 ; cette variante permet, encore, de prévenir tout vrillage inopportun du spiral, lors d'un choc par exemple.The limitation of the stroke of the finger 8, more particularly of its probe stud 81, can be provided in a differentiated manner. A channel 10 may comprise both an internal limiting track and an external limiting track as on the Figures 2 to 9 , where each channel 10 has an inner surface 12, and an outer surface 13. It may also, in a variant not shown in the figures, comprise only an inner track, or an external track: for example the finger 8 the spiral is movable between two flanges 11, each having a channel 10, one of which has an inner track, and the other an outer track, the finger 10 comprises in this case two feelers 81, on either side of the plan of the spiral 2; this variant makes it possible, again, to prevent any unwanted twisting of the hairspring, during an impact for example.

Les figures 1 et 3 représentent ce mécanisme 1 dans une position de repos du ressort-spiral 2. Le doigt 8 est alors sans contact avec les parois du canal 10.The figures 1 and 3 represent this mechanism 1 in a rest position of the spiral spring 2. The finger 8 is then in contact with the walls of the channel 10.

De préférence, ce canal 10 se développe de part et d'autre, de façon sensiblement symétrique, ou symétrique, d'une surface médiane 14, qui s'étend parallèlement à l'axe de pivotement D, et qui a, dans un plan perpendiculaire à ce dernier, un profil en forme de spire, de préférence hélicoïdal, qui reprend celui de la spire 3 porteuse du doigt 8 dans cette position de repos. Bien sûr, la surfacel4 peut adopter des profils voisins, par exemple un secteur cylindrique ou similaire. Dans la réalisation particulière et non limitative illustrée par les figures 1 à 6, le canal 10 est délimité, dans un sens appelé longitudinal, par deux surfaces de bout 18 et 19, correspondant respectivement à la position d'extension maximale du ressort-spiral 2, et à sa position de contraction maximale du ressort-spiral. Il est encore délimité, dans un sens dit radial, par une surface interne 12, et par une surface externe 13. Naturellement, le contour du canal 10 peut être continu, et formé d'une seule surface de concavité variable et parallèle à l'axe de pivotement D.Preferably, this channel 10 develops on either side, substantially symmetrically, or symmetrically, of a median surface 14, which extends parallel to the pivot axis D, and which has, in a plane perpendicular to the latter, a spiral-shaped profile, preferably helical, which takes the one of the turn 3 bearing finger 8 in this rest position. Of course, the surfacel4 may adopt neighboring profiles, for example a cylindrical sector or the like. In the particular and non-limitative embodiment illustrated by the Figures 1 to 6 , the channel 10 is delimited, in a so-called longitudinal direction, by two end surfaces 18 and 19, respectively corresponding to the maximum extension position of the spiral spring 2, and to its maximum contraction position of the spiral spring. It is further delimited, in a radial sense, by an inner surface 12, and by an outer surface 13. Of course, the contour of the channel 10 may be continuous, and formed of a single surface of concavity variable and parallel to the pivot axis D.

La limitation de course du doigt 8 par le canal 10 s'effectue donc dans toutes les directions du plan.The stroke limitation of the finger 8 by the channel 10 is therefore in all directions of the plane.

Ainsi, le doigt 8 est à distance des bords interne 12 et externe 13 du canal 10 en fonctionnement normal, et de préférence la trajectoire intrinsèque du doigt 8 est identique à la géométrie d'une surface médiane 14 à égale distance des bords 12 et 13.Thus, the finger 8 is spaced from the inner 12 and outer 13 edges of the channel 10 in normal operation, and preferably the intrinsic trajectory of the finger 8 is identical to the geometry of a median surface 14 equidistant from the edges 12 and 13 .

L'angle au centre a, tel que visible sur la figure 4, centré sur l'axe de pivotement D, entre les points extrêmes des surfaces de bout 18 et 19, correspond de préférence à l'amplitude maximale angulaire donnée au doigt 8 correspondant au canal 10 considéré, fixé à la virole 6. Cet angle dépend de l'amplitude d'un balancier 30, dont l'axe 31 est chassé dans une rondelle autobloquante 26 formant la virole 6. A ce propos, celle-ci est de préférence formée sous la forme d'une étoile élastique à plusieurs bras, exerçant un effort de serrage réparti sur la circonférence de cet axe 31. Selon la proximité de la spire 3, porteuse du doigt 8, de l'axe de pivotement D, la distance curviligne entre les surface de bout 18 et 19 est variable, d'autant plus grande que la spire 3 concernée est plus éloignée de l'axe D. Par exemple, l'angle a pour un canal 10 correspondant à une spire 3 proche du centre peut être voisin de 300°, tandis qu'il sera plus important, et pourra excéder un tour, pour un canal correspondant à une cinquième spire, le chemin en forme de spire de chaque canal 10 autorisant toutes les valeurs d'angles. Donc l'angle a dépend de l'éloignement de l'axe de pivotement (en termes de nombre de spires séparant le doigt 8 de l'axe D), et de l'amplitude du balancier, et doit être adapté en conséquence.The angle at the center has, as visible on the figure 4 , centered on the pivot axis D, between the end points of the end surfaces 18 and 19, preferably corresponds to the maximum angular amplitude given to the finger 8 corresponding to the channel 10 considered, fixed to the ferrule 6. This angle depends the amplitude of a rocker 30, whose axis 31 is driven in a self-locking washer 26 forming the shell 6. In this respect, it is preferably formed in the form of a multi-armed elastic star, exerting a tightening force distributed over the circumference of this axis 31. Depending on the proximity of the turn 3, carrying the finger 8, of the pivot axis D, the curvilinear distance between the end surfaces 18 and 19 is variable, d as much greater than the turn 3 concerned is further from the axis D. For example, the angle a for a channel 10 corresponding to a turn 3 near the center may be close to 300 °, while it will be more important, and may exceed one turn, for a channel corresponding to a the fifth turn, the turn-shaped path of each channel 10 allowing all values of angles. Thus the angle a depends on the distance of the pivot axis (in terms of the number of turns separating the finger 8 from the axis D), and the amplitude of the balance, and must be adapted accordingly.

Dans la direction radiale, les surfaces interne 12 et externe 13 sont séparées d'une distance qui peut être, selon la réalisation choisie, variable ou constante. On appellera ici L la valeur maximale de cette distance, prise perpendiculairement à l'axe D.In the radial direction, the inner 12 and outer 13 surfaces are separated by a distance which may be, depending on the chosen embodiment, variable or constant. Here we will call L the maximum value of this distance, taken perpendicular to the axis D.

La figure 6 illustre la configuration lors d'un choc appliqué au ressort-spiral 2 ou au mécanisme 1. Lors d'un tel choc, le doigt 8, ou au moins un doigt 8, s'il y en a plusieurs, vient en contact avec une des surfaces internes du canal de limitation 10 formé dans le flasque 11.The figure 6 illustrates the configuration during a shock applied to the spiral spring 2 or the mechanism 1. During such an impact, the finger 8, or at least one finger 8, if there are several, comes into contact with a internal surfaces of the limitation channel 10 formed in the flange 11.

Dans une réalisation avantageuse et non limitative, illustrée à la figure 7, l'élément d'accrochage 7 est fixé au flasque 11, ou est solidaire de celui-ci par construction. Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, notamment selon la figure 8, cet élément d'accrochage 7 est libre par rapport à ce flasque 11, et est alors fixé à une platine 32, à un pont, ou autre.In an advantageous and nonlimiting embodiment, illustrated in FIG. figure 7 , the fastening element 7 is fixed to the flange 11, or is integral with it by construction. In other embodiments, in particular according to the figure 8 this hooking element 7 is free relative to the flange 11, and is then fixed to a plate 32, a bridge, or other.

Dans les variantes de réalisation illustrées par les figures 1 à 8, le ressort-spiral 2 s'étend d'un premier côté d'un plan P de délimitation, de l'autre côté duquel s'étend le flasque 11, du moins dans la surface maximale projetée du ressort-spiral 2.In the variant embodiments illustrated by the Figures 1 to 8 , the spiral spring 2 extends from a first side of a delimiting plane P, on the other side of which extends the flange 11, at least in the projected maximum surface of the spiral spring 2.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le ressort-spiral 2 est fabriqué de façon monobloc avec la virole 6 ou une rondelle autobloquante 26 constituant cette virole 6, et avec l'élément d'accrochage 7, tel que visible sur la figure 2.In a particular embodiment, the spiral spring 2 is made in one piece with the ferrule 6 or a self-locking washer 26 constituting this ferrule 6, and with the fastening element 7, as visible on the figure 2 .

Dans une réalisation préférée, le ressort-spiral 2 est fabriqué de façon monobloc avec la virole 6 ou une rondelle autobloquante 26 constituant cette virole 6, et avec l'élément d'accrochage 7, et avec le flasque 11, tel que visible sur les figures 7 à 9.In a preferred embodiment, the spiral spring 2 is manufactured integrally with the ferrule 6 or a self-locking washer 26 constituting this ferrule 6, and with the fastening element 7, and with the flange 11, as visible on the Figures 7 to 9 .

Un premier niveau d'épaisseur E1 comporte, entre deux plans parallèles P1 et P2, perpendiculaires à l'axe D, le ressort-spiral 2, la virole 6, et l'élément d'accrochage 7, ainsi qu'un premier tronçon 8W de chaque doigt 8.A first level of thickness E1 comprises, between two parallel planes P1 and P2, perpendicular to the axis D, the spiral spring 2, the ferrule 6, and the attachment element 7, as well as a first section 8W. each finger 8.

Un deuxième niveau d'épaisseur E2 comporte au moins, entre deux plans parallèles P2 et P3, perpendiculaires à l'axe D, un deuxième tronçon 8X de chaque doigt 8, tel que visible sur la figure 8. Dans le cas préféré de la figure 7, ce deuxième niveau comporte encore un tronçon de jonction 7X entre l'élément d'accrochage 7 et le flasque 11.A second level of thickness E2 comprises at least, between two parallel planes P2 and P3, perpendicular to the axis D, a second section 8X of each finger 8, as visible on FIG. figure 8 . In the preferred case of figure 7 this second level further comprises a junction segment 7X between the fastening element 7 and the flange 11.

Un troisième niveau d'épaisseur E3 comporte, entre deux plans parallèles P3 et P4, perpendiculaires à l'axe D, un troisième tronçon 80 de chaque doigt 8, et le flasque 11 ou du moins une partie de ce dernier. Le flasque 11 comporte une ouverture centrale 15 pour le passage d'un élément mobile fixé à la virole 6, et en particulier un axe 31 d'un balancier 30. Le flasque 11 comporte, autour de chaque doigt 8, un canal de limitation 10. Naturellement, un même canal de limitation 8 peut convenir à la réception de plusieurs doigts 8, mais dans ce cas où il en assure la limitation radiale, il n'en assure la limitation longitudinale que de façon partielle, c'est-à-dire d'un côté seulement, voire pas du tout. Aussi la réalisation préférée consiste à affecter un canal de limitation 10 propre à chaque doigt 8, tel que visible sur la figure 10 où ces canaux 10 sont disjoints. Cette configuration permet d'ailleurs de donner une certaine progressivité à l'action anti-galop du mécanisme 1, en limitant de façon différente la course des différents doigts 8, par un profil différent de leurs canaux de limitation 10, soit en limitation angulaire comme sur la figure 8 où l'angle au centre a du canal 10 le plus intérieur est plus grand que celui aA du canal 10A le plus extérieur, soit en limitation radiale comme sur la même figure où les largeurs respectives L et LA sont différentes, ou bien encore par une combinaison de ces limitations ou simplement par la forme propre au contour de chacune des surfaces de limitation 10.A third level of thickness E3 comprises, between two parallel planes P3 and P4, perpendicular to the axis D, a third section 80 of each finger 8, and the flange 11 or at least a part thereof. The flange 11 comprises a central opening 15 for the passage of a movable element fixed to the shell 6, and in particular an axis 31 of a rocker 30. The flange 11 comprises, around each finger 8, a limiting channel 10 Naturally, the same limitation channel 8 may be suitable for the reception of several fingers 8, but in this case where it ensures the radial limitation thereof, it only partially limits the longitudinal limitation thereof, i.e. say on one side only, if at all. Also the preferred embodiment consists in assigning a limitation channel 10 specific to each finger 8, as visible on the figure 10 where these channels 10 are disjoint. This configuration also makes it possible to give a certain progressivity to the anti-gallop action of the mechanism 1, by limiting in a different way the stroke of the different fingers 8, by a different profile of their limitation channels 10, or by angular limitation as on the figure 8 where the center angle α of the innermost channel 10 is larger than that aA of the outermost channel 10A, either in radial limitation as in the same figure where the respective widths L and LA are different, or else by a combination of these limitations or simply by the shape proper to the contour of each of the limiting surfaces 10.

Dans une variante avantageuse de réalisation, le ressort-spiral 2 est conçu de manière à ce que son centre de gravité soit toujours centré lors de la déformation angulaire du spiral.In an advantageous embodiment, the spiral spring 2 is designed so that its center of gravity is always centered during the angular deformation of the spiral.

Dans une variante d'exécution préférée visible aux figure 7 à 9, le mécanisme anti-galop 1 est entièrement en matériau micro-usinable, de préférence en silicium sous forme monocristalline ou polycristalline, ou/et en oxyde de silicium, avec des wafers SOI, le ressort-spiral 2 étant gravé dans un « device layer », et le flasque 11 et la troisième partie 80 du doigt 8 étant gravés dans un « handle layer ». Cette réalisation se prête à l'exécution des variantes illustrées aux figures 1 et 3 à 6, et 10, et en particulier à l'obtention d'une distance très faible entre le ressort-spiral 2 et le flasque 11, typiquement de l'ordre du micromètre .In a preferred embodiment variant visible to figure 7 to 9 , the anti-gallop mechanism 1 is entirely of micro-machinable material, preferably silicon in monocrystalline or polycrystalline form, and / or in silicon oxide, with SOI wafers, the spiral spring 2 being etched in a "device layer And the flange 11 and the third portion 80 of the finger 8 being etched in a "handle layer". This achievement lends itself to the execution of the variants illustrated in figures 1 and 3 to 6 , and 10 , and in particular to obtain a very small distance between the spiral spring 2 and the flange 11, typically of the order of one micrometer.

Une telle exécution, en matériau micro-usinable permet, encore, l'exécution d'une variante selon la figure 13, avec des surfaces périphériques du canal de limitation 10 comportant des moyens d'amortissement : pattes élastiques 48 et 49 au niveau des surfaces de bout 18 et 19, en débattement entre le canal 10 et une chambre 58, 59, parois minces élastiques 42 et 43 au niveau des surfaces interne 12 et externe 13, séparant le canal 10 de poches 52, 53.Such an execution, made of micro-machinable material, allows the execution of a variant according to the figure 13 , with peripheral surfaces of the limiting channel 10 comprising damping means: elastic tabs 48 and 49 at the end surfaces 18 and 19, moving between the channel 10 and a chamber 58, 59, elastic thin walls 42 and 43 at the internal 12 and outer surfaces 13, separating the channel 10 pockets 52, 53.

La figure 9 illustre une variante de mécanisme anti-galop 1 qui comporte un deuxième ressort-spiral 2A monté coaxialement, le deuxième ressort-spiral 2A et le ressort-spiral 2 étant gravés dans deux layers externes, et le flasque 11 et la troisième partie 80 du doigt 8 étant gravés dans un layer interne.The figure 9 illustrates a variant anti-gallop mechanism 1 which comprises a second coil spring 2A coaxially mounted, the second spiral spring 2A and the spiral spring 2 being etched in two outer layers, and the flange 11 and the third part 80 of the finger 8 being engraved in an inner layer.

Tel que visible sur la figure 11, l'invention concerne encore un mouvement horloger 200 comprenant un organe régulateur 100 à résonateur balancier-spiral comportant au moins un tel mécanisme anti-galop 1, et dont le au moins un ressort-spiral 2 est monté sur un axe 31 d'un balancier 30 pivotant entre une platine 32 et un flasque 11, qui est avantageusement celui du mécanisme 1. Selon l'invention, la lame 20 du ressort-spiral 2 est prolongée par une rondelle autobloquante 26 élastique constituant la virole 6 pour positionner le ressort-spiral 2 sur l'axe 31 du balancier 30, pour maîtriser la distance et l'orientation du point d'origine d'une spirale d'Archimède selon laquelle s'étend la lame 20 par rapport à l'axe de pivotement D du balancier 30.As visible on the figure 11 the invention also relates to a watch movement 200 comprising a regulator member 100 with a balance-spring resonator comprising at least one such anti-gallop mechanism 1, and whose at least one spiral spring 2 is mounted on an axis 31 of a balance 30 pivoting between a plate 32 and a flange 11, which is advantageously that of the mechanism 1. According to the invention, the blade 20 of the spiral spring 2 is extended by an elastic locking washer 26 constituting the ferrule 6 to position the spring- spiral 2 on the axis 31 of the balance 30, to control the distance and orientation of the point of origin of an Archimedean spiral according to which the blade 20 extends with respect to the pivot axis D of the balance 30.

Le flasque 11 est fixé à la platine 32. De façon avantageuse, sa position est réglable, notamment angulairement, afin de pouvoir effectuer facilement la mise au repère du spiral, en particulier le réglage du point de repos.The flange 11 is fixed to the plate 32. Advantageously, its position is adjustable, particularly angularly, in order to easily perform the setting of the hairspring, in particular the adjustment of the point of rest.

Différents procédés de fabrication sont utilisables, pour réaliser un mécanisme anti-galop 1 selon l'invention, de façon monobloc.Various manufacturing methods can be used to produce an anti-gallop mechanism 1 according to the invention in a monobloc manner.

A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la réalisation en matériau micro-usinable peut être effectuée par l'un des procédés suivants :By way of non-limiting example, the embodiment of micro-machinable material can be carried out by one of the following methods:

Le procédé classique, permettant de réaliser le mécanisme 1 de la figure 7, ou celui de la figure 8, consiste à mettre en oeuvre un wafer SOI, avec deux niveaux de silicium, et une couche d'oxyde, notamment SiO2. Les wafers sont composés de trois couches en sandwich. La couche intermédiaire d'oxyde, 8X, 7X, entre les plans P2 et P3, a une épaisseur d'environ 2 µm, la couche externe inférieure, entre les plans P3 et P4, en silicium fait typiquement 300 µm, et la couche supérieure, entre les plans P1 et P2, en silicium 100 µm. Dans ce cas, sur la figure 7, la distance entre les spires 3 du ressort 2 et l'élément 11 est de 2 µm et est définie par l'oxyde.The classical method, allowing to realize the mechanism 1 of the figure 7 , or that of the figure 8 , consists in implementing an SOI wafer, with two levels of silicon, and an oxide layer, in particular SiO 2 . Wafers are composed of three sandwich layers. The oxide intermediate layer, 8X, 7X, between the planes P2 and P3, has a thickness of about 2 μm, the lower outer layer, between the planes P3 and P4, made of silicon is typically 300 μm, and the upper layer , between the planes P1 and P2, silicon 100 microns. In this case, on the figure 7 the distance between the turns 3 of the spring 2 and the element 11 is 2 μm and is defined by the oxide.

Après la constitution du wafer, la première étape consister à effectuer une gravure du niveau supérieur en silicium, pour dégager les contours des composants devant subsister, ici le spiral 2, la virole 6, l'élément d'accrochage 7, et la partie supérieure 8W du doigt 8, et en arrêtant la gravure à la limite de la couche d'oxyde.After the constitution of the wafer, the first step consists in performing an etching of the upper silicon level, to clear the contours of the components to remain, here the hairspring 2, the ferrule 6, the attachment element 7, and the upper part 8W finger 8, and stopping the etching at the edge of the oxide layer.

La deuxième étape consiste à effectuer la gravure du niveau inférieur en silicium, pour dégager les contours des composants devant subsister, ici le flasque 11, et le corps 80 du plot de palpeur 81 du doigt 8, et en arrêtant la gravure à la limite de la couche d'oxyde.The second step is to perform the etching of the lower silicon level, to clear the contours of the components to remain, here the flange 11, and the body 80 of the probe pad 81 of the finger 8, and stopping the etching at the limit of the oxide layer.

La troisième étape consiste à effectuer la gravure du niveau intermédiaire en oxyde de silicium, pour ne laisser subsister que les zones de liaison: 8X dans le doigt 8 entre la partie supérieure 8W et le corps 80 d'une part, et 7X entre l'élément d'accrochage 7 et le flasque 11 d'autre part.The third step is to perform the etching of the intermediate level of silicon oxide, leaving only the connection areas: 8X in the finger 8 between the upper part 8W and the body 80 on the one hand, and 7X between the fastening element 7 and the flange 11 on the other hand.

Un autre procédé permettant de réaliser le mécanisme 1 de la figure 7A, ou celui de la figure 9, consiste à mettre en oeuvre un wafer SOI, avec trois niveaux de silicium, et deux couche d'oxyde les séparant deux à deux: sur la base d'un wafer en silicium SOI, on ajoute une couche supplémentaire (en fait on ajoute une couche d'oxyde de typiquement 2 µm et une couche de silicium, typiquement 100 µm). Dans ce cas, sur la figure 7A, entre les spires 3 du ressort 2 et l'élément 11, entre le plan P3 et le plan P4, est de 100 µm et est définie par une couche de silicium 8A, 7Y. L'oxyde n'est plus une couche fonctionnelle. Ceci est avantageux car les spires 3 du ressort 2 ne risquent pas de se coller sur l'élément 11. Ce second procédé permet aussi de réaliser la variante de la figure 9 avec la distance, entre les spires 3 du ressort 2 et l'élément 11, qui est de 2 µm définie par les couches d'oxyde 8X, 7X, ainsi qu'entre les spires du ressort 2A et l'élément 11, qui est de 2 µm définie par les couches d'oxyde 8Y, 7AX.Another method for carrying out the mechanism 1 of the Figure 7A , or that of the figure 9 , consists in implementing an SOI wafer, with three levels of silicon, and two oxide layers separating them two by two: on the basis of a SOI silicon wafer, an additional layer is added (in fact, an oxide layer of typically 2 μm and a silicon layer, typically 100 μm) are added. In this case, on the Figure 7A between the turns 3 of the spring 2 and the element 11, between the plane P3 and the plane P4, is 100 μm and is defined by a silicon layer 8A, 7Y. The oxide is no longer a functional layer. This is advantageous because the turns 3 of the spring 2 are not likely to stick to the element 11. This second method also makes it possible to realize the variant of the figure 9 with the distance, between the turns 3 of the spring 2 and the element 11, which is 2 μm defined by the oxide layers 8X, 7X, and between the turns of the spring 2A and the element 11, which is of 2 μm defined by the oxide layers 8Y, 7AX.

La séquence selon laquelle on peut réaliser le premier procédé, selon l'exemple de la figure 7A et tel que représenté à la figure 12, comporte une première étape:

  • a) se munir 400 d'un substrat 410 comportant une couche supérieure 420 et une couche inférieure 430 en matériaux à base de silicium ;
    Ce procédé comporte en outre les étapes suivantes:
  • b) graver 500 sélectivement au moins une cavité 510 dans la couche supérieure 420 pour définir au moins un doigt 8 en matériau à base de silicium du spiral 2;
  • c) solidariser 600, sur la couche supérieure 420 gravée du substrat 400, une couche supplémentaire 440 de matériau à base de silicium;
  • d) graver 700 sélectivement au moins une cavité 710 dans la couche supplémentaire 440 pour continuer le motif du au moins un doigt 8 et définir les motifs d'un ressort-spiral 2 et d'un élément d'accrochage 7 et d'une virole 6 en matériau à base de silicium du spiral;
  • e) graver 800 sélectivement au moins une cavité 810 dans la couche inférieure 430 pour continuer le motif du au moins un doigt 8 et définir le motif d'un flasque 11 comportant au moins un canal 10 de limitation de course du au moins un doigt 8;
  • f) libérer 900 le mécanisme anti-galop 1 du substrat 41.
The sequence according to which the first method can be carried out, according to the example of Figure 7A and as shown in figure 12 , has a first step:
  • a) providing 400 a substrate 410 having an upper layer 420 and a lower layer 430 of silicon-based materials;
    This method further comprises the following steps:
  • b) 500 selectively etching at least one cavity 510 in the upper layer 420 to define at least one finger 8 made of silicon material of the spiral 2;
  • c) solidariser 600, on the upper layer 420 etched substrate 400, an additional layer 440 of silicon-based material;
  • d) selectively engrave 700 at least one cavity 710 in the additional layer 440 to continue the pattern of the at least one finger 8 and define the patterns of a spiral spring 2 and a fastening element 7 and a ferrule 6 in silicon-based material of the spiral;
  • e) 800 selectively engrave at least one cavity 810 in the lower layer 430 to continue the pattern of the at least one finger 8 and define the pattern of a flange 11 having at least one stroke limiting channel 10 of the at least one finger 8 ;
  • f) release 900 the anti-gallop mechanism 1 of the substrate 41.

L'homme du métier peut naturellement apporter des variantes à ce procédé, ou mettre en oeuvre des procédés similaires, en particulier en suivant les enseignements des demandes de brevet publiées de la Société NIVAROX-FAR SA, relatives à l'élaboration de ressorts-spiraux ou de composants de mouvements d'horlogerie en matériaux micro-usinables. Les matériaux choisis pour un module d'élasticité élevés, notamment supérieur à 50000 N/mm2, et de préférence supérieur à 100000 N/mm2, sont avantageusement choisis parmi les verres métalliques ou matériaux au moins partiellement amorphes.Those skilled in the art can of course provide variations to this process, or implement similar methods, in particular by following the teachings of the published patent applications of the NIVAROX-FAR SA Company, relating to the development of spiral springs. or motion components timepieces made of micro-machinable materials. The materials chosen for a high modulus of elasticity, especially greater than 50000 N / mm 2 , and preferably greater than 100000 N / mm 2 , are advantageously chosen from metal glasses or at least partially amorphous materials.

De préférence, la valeur nominale déterminée de l'élongation angulaire a maximale est de 300°.Preferably, the nominal value of the maximum angular elongation is 300 °.

Le positionnement du doigt 8 est préférentiellement effectué sur une des spires proches de l'axe comme illustré sur les figures 1 à 6.The positioning of the finger 8 is preferably carried out on one of the turns close to the axis as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 6 .

En somme, le principe de l'invention est d'utiliser ce doigt 8, en combinaison avec le canal de limitation 10, pour limiter l'amplitude du ressort-spiral 2. En régime normal, le doigt 8 ne frotte pas contre le canal 10 puisque sa trajectoire intrinsèque est identique à la géométrie du canal 10. Le canal 10 est dimensionné de façon à limiter la course du balancier 30 lors d'amplitudes trop élevées. Les spires 3 situées entre le doigt 8 et l'axe de pivotement D, toujours fonctionnelles lors d'amplitudes trop grandes, déterminent la rigidité du mécanisme anti-galop 1 selon l'invention. La variante comportant plusieurs doigts 8, chacun dans un canal 10 qui lui est propre, permet, en modifiant de façon différentielle le nombre de spires 3 du ressort restant fonctionnelles, de rendre progressive l'action du mécanisme 1.In sum, the principle of the invention is to use this finger 8, in combination with the limitation channel 10, to limit the amplitude of the spiral spring 2. In normal mode, the finger 8 does not rub against the channel 10 since its intrinsic trajectory is identical to the geometry of the channel 10. The channel 10 is dimensioned so as to limit the travel of the balance 30 at amplitudes too high. The turns 3 situated between the finger 8 and the pivot axis D, which are always functional during amplitudes that are too large, determine the rigidity of the anti-gallop mechanism 1 according to the invention. The variant comprising several fingers 8, each in a channel 10 which is specific to it, makes it possible, by differentially modifying the number of turns 3 of the remaining functional spring, to make the action of the mechanism 1 progressive.

L'invention apporte, avec un mécanisme de très faible épaisseur ne pénalisant pas l'épaisseur totale du mouvement, les avantages recherchés:

  • le système balancier-spiral ne voit pas son inertie et son mouvement perturbés durant la course normale du système grâce au fait que le doigt 8 ne frotte pas dans son canal 10 pendant la marche normale;
  • la limitation en amplitude apportée par le mécanisme 1 selon l'invention est fonctionnelle pour les deux sens de rotation.
The invention provides, with a mechanism of very small thickness not penalizing the total thickness of the movement, the desired benefits:
  • the sprung balance system does not see its inertia and movement disrupted during the normal course of the system because the finger 8 does not rub in its channel 10 during normal walking;
  • the amplitude limitation provided by the mechanism 1 according to the invention is functional for both directions of rotation.

Claims (13)

  1. Anti-trip mechanism (1) for a timepiece regulating member (100) comprising at least one balance spring (2) with a strip (20) wound into a plurality of coils (3), wherein, at a first end (24), an inner coil (4) is fixed to a collet (6) coaxial to said balance spring (2) relative to a pivot axis (D), and at a second, opposite end (25), an outer coil (5) is fixed to a hooking element (7), at least one said coil (3) of said balance spring (2) including at least one finger (8) comprising at least one feeler spindle stud (81) and mounted integrally with said at least one coil (3), characterized in that said at least one feeler spindle stud (81) develops in an axial direction substantially parallel to said pivot axis (D), substantially perpendicularly to a plane in which the various said coils (3) extend and in that said at least one feeler spindle stud (81) is movable with no contact, during the contraction or extension of said balance spring (2), in a travel limiting channel (10) comprised in a flange (11) of said anti-trip mechanism (1), said channel (10) being configured to limit the travel of said finger (8) relative to said pivot axis (D) when the angle of pivoting imparted to said collet (6) is greater than a determined nominal value.
  2. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hooking element (7) is fixed to said flange (11).
  3. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said balance spring (2) extends on a first side from a delimiting plane (P) on the other side of which extends said flange (11), at least in the maximum projected surface of said balance spring (2).
  4. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said channel (10) is in the shape of a coil.
  5. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said finger (8) is remote from the edges (12; 13) of said channel (10) in normal operation, and in that the intrinsic trajectory of said finger (8) is identical to the geometry of a median surface (14) equidistant from said edges (12, 13) of said channel (10).
  6. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said balance spring (2) is manufactured in a single-piece with said collet (6), said hooking element (7) and said flange (11).
  7. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mechanism is entirely made of single crystal or polycrystalline silicon with SOI wafers, said balance spring (2) being etched in a device layer, and said flange (11) and said finger (8) being etched in a handle layer.
  8. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the mechanism is entirely made of silicon with SOI wafers, and includes a second coaxially mounted balance spring (21), said second balance spring (21) and said balance spring (2) being etched in two outer layers, and said flange (11) and said finger (8) being etched in an inner layer.
  9. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said balance spring (2) includes several said fingers (8) each cooperating with one said radial travel limiting channel (10).
  10. Anti-trip mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said channels (10) are separate.
  11. Timepiece movement (200) including a regulating member (100) with a sprung balance resonator comprising at least one anti-trip mechanism (1) according to any of the preceding claims, and wherein said at least one balance spring (2) is mounted on a staff (31) of a balance (30) pivoting between a plate (32) and a said flange (11), characterized in that said strip (20) of said balance spring (2) is extended by a resilient self-locking washer forming said collet(6) to position said balance spring (2) on said staff (31) of said balance (30), to control the distance and orientation of the point of origin of an Archimedes' spiral over which said strip (20) extends relative to the pivot axis (D) of said balance (30).
  12. Method of fabricating an anti-trip mechanism (1) comprising a first step:
    a) taking (400) a substrate (410) comprising a top layer (420) and a bottom layer (430) made of silicon-based materials.
    characterized in that the method further includes the following steps:
    b) selectively etching (500) at least one cavity (510) in said top layer (420) to define at least one finger (8) of silicon-based material of said balance spring (2);
    c) fixing (600) an additional layer (440) of silicon-based material to said top etched layer (420) of said substrate (410);
    d) selectively etching (700) at least one cavity (710) in said additional layer (440) to continue the pattern of said at least one finger (8) and to define the patterns of a balance spring (2) and of a hooking element (7) and of a collet (6) of silicon-based material of said balance spring;
    e) selectively etching (800) at least one cavity (810) in said bottom layer (430) to continue the pattern of said at least one finger (8) and to define the pattern of a flange (11) including at least one channel (10) for limiting the travel of said at least one finger (8);
    f) releasing (900) the anti-trip mechanism (1) from said substrate (410).
  13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that said anti-trip mechanism (1) is made entirely of silicon with SOI wafers, said balance spring (2) on the one hand, and a portion of said at least one finger (8) fixed to said balance spring (2) and located between two parallel planes (P1; P2) defining the boundaries of said balance spring (2) on the other hand, being etched in a device layer, and also said flange (11) on the one hand, and another portion of said at least one finger (8) remote from said balance spring (2) and located outside the space comprised between said two planes (P1, P2) on the other hand, being etched in a handle layer.
EP20120177895 2012-07-25 2012-07-25 Anti-tripping clock hairspring Active EP2690506B1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20120177895 EP2690506B1 (en) 2012-07-25 2012-07-25 Anti-tripping clock hairspring
TW102124735A TWI603171B (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-10 Anti-trip mechanism for a timepiece regulating member,and timepiece movement having the same and method of fabricating the same
KR1020130082791A KR101478449B1 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-15 Anti-trip balance spring for a timepiece
US13/945,277 US9016934B2 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-18 Anti-trip balance spring for a timepiece
RU2013134933A RU2616895C2 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-24 Clock balance shock-proof spring
CN201310316333.0A CN103576527B (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Anti-tripping hairspring for clock and watch
JP2013154198A JP5503786B2 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Balance spring with trip prevention function for watches
HK14107964.1A HK1194490A1 (en) 2012-07-25 2014-08-04 Anti-trip balance spring for a timepiece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20120177895 EP2690506B1 (en) 2012-07-25 2012-07-25 Anti-tripping clock hairspring

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2690506A1 EP2690506A1 (en) 2014-01-29
EP2690506B1 true EP2690506B1 (en) 2015-01-14

Family

ID=46650380

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20120177895 Active EP2690506B1 (en) 2012-07-25 2012-07-25 Anti-tripping clock hairspring

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US9016934B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2690506B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5503786B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101478449B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103576527B (en)
HK (1) HK1194490A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2616895C2 (en)
TW (1) TWI603171B (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2908184B1 (en) * 2014-02-17 2017-10-18 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Method for maintaining and adjusting a clock piece resonator
EP2908189A3 (en) * 2014-02-17 2016-06-01 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Mechanism for synchronising two timepiece oscillators with a gear-train
EP3118692B1 (en) * 2015-07-16 2018-12-26 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Timepiece hairspring to hairspring-stud attachment by gluing
EP3211486B1 (en) * 2016-02-25 2018-09-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement
EP3252541A1 (en) * 2016-06-01 2017-12-06 Rolex Sa Part for fastening a timepiece hairspring
EP3605243A1 (en) * 2018-07-31 2020-02-05 Montres Breguet S.A. Variable geometry timepiece display mechanism with elastic needle
CN113697612B (en) * 2021-09-16 2023-12-22 中国电子科技集团公司第三十八研究所 Coil spring type multi-cable anti-winding automatic winding device and radar

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US273138A (en) * 1883-02-27 Hair-spring stud for watches
CH273135A (en) * 1948-06-30 1951-01-31 Jeanneret Henri Exhaust.
US3041819A (en) * 1952-04-15 1962-07-03 Elgin Nat Watch Co Oscillating balance with hairspring and expansion limiting means
DE1206811B (en) * 1962-04-11 1965-12-09 Lars Aadnesen Loege Safety device to prevent the Breguet hairspring from jumping over on balance watches
US3638419A (en) * 1971-03-22 1972-02-01 Timex Corp Horological hairspring regulator
US3696687A (en) * 1971-03-25 1972-10-10 Ametek Inc Plastic hairspring
EP1645918A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2006-04-12 Montres Breguet S.A. Anti-tripping device for timepiece escapement
EP1666990B1 (en) 2004-10-05 2011-12-28 Montres Breguet S.A. Anti-tripping device for timepiece escapement
GB0509886D0 (en) * 2005-05-14 2005-06-22 Levingston Gideon R Balance wheel mass and regulating element assembly and balance wheel and balance spring manufacturing processes for horolongical oscillator mechanisms
EP1801668B1 (en) 2005-12-20 2008-03-05 Montres Breguet S.A. Anti-tripping device for timepiece escapement
DE102006052245A1 (en) * 2006-11-03 2008-05-08 Lange Uhren Gmbh Oscillation system for a clock
EP2105807B1 (en) * 2008-03-28 2015-12-02 Montres Breguet SA Monobloc elevated curve spiral and method for manufacturing same
EP2184653A1 (en) * 2008-11-06 2010-05-12 Montres Breguet S.A. Spiral with terminal curve elevation in micro-machinable material
EP2196867A1 (en) * 2008-12-15 2010-06-16 Montres Breguet S.A. Hairspring with curve elevation made from a silicon-based material
CH703172B1 (en) * 2010-05-18 2014-11-14 Montres Breguet Sa Spiral to rise silicon curve.
EP2434353B1 (en) * 2010-09-28 2018-01-10 Montres Breguet SA Anti-tripping hairspring for timepiece escapement
EP2450756B1 (en) * 2010-11-04 2015-01-07 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Anti-tripping device for escapement mechanism
EP2450757B1 (en) * 2010-11-04 2014-10-15 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Anti-tripping device for escapement mechanism
EP2466397B1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2013-08-21 Blancpain S.A. Rotating clock component with peripheral guide

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW201411303A (en) 2014-03-16
JP5503786B2 (en) 2014-05-28
US20140029389A1 (en) 2014-01-30
KR101478449B1 (en) 2014-12-31
CN103576527A (en) 2014-02-12
RU2616895C2 (en) 2017-04-18
TWI603171B (en) 2017-10-21
EP2690506A1 (en) 2014-01-29
HK1194490A1 (en) 2014-10-17
CN103576527B (en) 2016-06-29
KR20140013930A (en) 2014-02-05
RU2013134933A (en) 2015-01-27
JP2014025932A (en) 2014-02-06
US9016934B2 (en) 2015-04-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2690506B1 (en) Anti-tripping clock hairspring
EP2407831B1 (en) Hairspring for oscillator balance of a clock piece and method for manufacturing same
EP2196868B1 (en) Hairspring with curve elevation made from a silicon-based material
EP2154583B1 (en) Hairspring for sprung balance
EP2104006B1 (en) Single-body double spiral and method for manufacturing same
WO2013045706A2 (en) Integral assembly of a hairspring and a collet
EP3502784B1 (en) Timepiece resonator with flexible guide
EP2690507B1 (en) Holorological hairspring
EP4009115A1 (en) Hairspring for timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a means for adjusting rigidity
EP3555708B1 (en) Timepiece component with a flexible pivot
EP2790066B1 (en) Frame for a clockwork
EP3792700B1 (en) Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot
EP3430479B1 (en) Device for a timepiece, timepiece movement and timepiece comprising a device of said type
EP2908183B1 (en) Clock hairspring
EP2917792B1 (en) Method for balancing a clockwork balance wheel-hairspring assembly
EP3037893B1 (en) Micromechanical or clock component with flexible guidance
WO2020152578A1 (en) Timepiece movement
CH716331B1 (en) Pivot clock shaft with reduced coefficient of friction.
EP3637196B1 (en) Mechanical oscillator
CH706760A2 (en) Spiral spring for use in anti-tripping device of regulating element of clockwork movement of mechanical watch, has strip wound in set of turns, where one of turns carries or comprises finger that is securely mounted to turn
EP3839651A1 (en) Mechanical timepiece oscillator with flexible guide
EP4099101A1 (en) Device for assembling a timepiece oscillator
CH712017B1 (en) Silicone spiral for a regulating organ or mechanical clockwork.
CH714704B1 (en) Angular return spring for thermo-compensated oscillator
CH714705B1 (en) Angular return spring for thermo-compensated oscillator.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140729

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20141016

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 707361

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012004889

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20150114

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 707361

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150114

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150414

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150414

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150415

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150514

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012004889

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20151015

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150725

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150725

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20120725

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150731

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150114

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230611

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230621

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230620

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230801

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230620

Year of fee payment: 12