CH706924A2 - Escapement anchor for escapement mechanism of movement of timepiece i.e. watch, has head arranged to cooperate with escapement wheel, and fork arranged to cooperate with lever, where angular position of fork is variable relative to head - Google Patents

Abstract

The anchor (1) has an anchor head (2) carrying an input pallet (3) and an output pallet (4), where the head is arranged to cooperate with an escapement wheel (20). A fork (6) is arranged to cooperate with a lever (30), where the angular position of the fork is variable relative to the head. A flexible blade (10) provides a permanent mechanical connection between the head and the fork. The head is pivotable about a pivot axle (5), and the fork is pivotable about another pivot axle (9), where the anchor is made of silicon or silicon oxide or metallic glass. An independent claim is also included for an escapement mechanism.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch exhaust anchor, comprising an anchor head carrying at least one input pallet and / or an output pallet and arranged to cooperate with an escape wheel, and further comprising a fork arranged to cooperate with a balance.

The invention also relates to a clockwork escapement mechanism, comprising at least one platinum carrier of an escape wheel and a pendulum cooperating with such an anchor.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such escape mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such watch movement, and / or at least one such escape mechanism.

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking exhaust mechanisms.

Background of the invention

The regularity of the operation of an exhaust mechanism is conditioned by good control of the maintenance of oscillations and in particular the pulse, whose intensity may be irregular in a watch whose torque varies .

[0007] The search for optimum operational safety is a constant concern for designers of watch movements.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes, on the one hand to regulate the intensity of the pulse applied to the balance, and on the other hand to reduce inertia in motion during the oscillation.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch exhaust anchor, comprising an anchor head carrying at least one entry pallet and / or an output pallet and arranged to cooperate with a wheel. exhaust, and further comprising a fork arranged to cooperate with a rocker, characterized in that the angular position of said fork relative to said head is variable.

According to a feature of the invention, the only direct permanent mechanical connection between said head and said fork is provided by at least one flexible blade.

According to a feature of the invention, said anchor is integrally formed with said at least one flexible blade.

According to a feature of the invention, said anchor is made of silicon or silicon oxide or metal glass.

The invention also relates to a clockwork escapement mechanism, comprising at least one plate carrying an escape wheel and a balance cooperating with the same anchor, characterized in that said head and said fork are assembled to said plate so that said flexible blade is mounted in buckling preload between said head and said fork, said anchor constituting a bistable system having at least two stable states and two metastable states.

According to one characteristic of the invention, said anchor carries out a closed cycle during which said flexible blade successively occupies four main configurations: - After reloading energy by said escape wheel and during a transient phase at high energy, approaching a first energy pass, with a corrugated Z profile; After release of the energy available to said bistable blade, during the passage of said first energy collar, in the form of a pulse given to said balance in a first direction, said blade occupies a second stable position at low energy, with a convex arc profile; - after reloading energy by said escape wheel and during a transient phase at high energy, approaching a second energy collar, with a S-shaped wave profile; After release of the energy available to said blade, during the passage of said second energy pass, in the form of a pulse given to the balance in a second direction opposite to said first direction, said blade occupies a first stable position at low energy; , with a concave arch profile.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such escape mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such watch movement, and / or at least one such escape mechanism.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: <tb> fig. 1 <SEP> shows schematically and in plan view an escape mechanism comprising, between a conventional escapement wheel and a rocker, a flexible anchor according to the invention with a pivoting head and fork and connected by a pre-stressed bistable flexible blade; this mechanism is represented in the first stage of an escape cycle; <tb> figs. 2 to 17 <SEP> represent, in a similar manner to FIG. 1, the successive times of this cycle; <tb> fig. 18 <SEP> schematically represents a three-dimensional diagram representative of the energy in the flexible bistable plate; <tb> fig. 19 <SEP> is a projection on the base plane of the diagram of fig. 18, on which a rectangle delimits the energy variations in the bistable flexible blade during the exhaust cycle; <tb> fig. <SEP> represents the same rectangle, overloaded with energy positions corresponding to times T1 to T17 of FIGS. 1 to 17; <tb> figs. 21 and 22 <SEP> are explanatory block diagrams of the constant force mechanisms, comprising a flexible anchor in FIG. 21, a bistable anchor in fig. 22; <tb> figs. 23 and 24 <SEP> are diagrammatic illustrations of two particular configurations of pivot axes with respect to a plate carrying the escape mechanism: in FIG. 23 a first axis and a second pivot axis in fixed positions relative to the plate, and in fig. 24 the second axis in the mobile position, here in translation, and conjugated with an elastic return means; <tb> figs. 25 to 27 <SEP> schematically represent particular embodiments of the anchor according to the invention, wherein only the anchor head pivots about an axis, the anchor fork being mounted at one end of a flexible blade bistable and limited in its race so as to pre-constrain it; <tb> figs. 28 and 29 <SEP> include different models of pivots used in particular for the variants of Figs. 23 and 24: classic pivot only, flexible pivot only, in fig. 28, and combination of a conventional pivot and a guide of a certain rigidity, combination of a flexible pivot and a guide of a certain rigidity in FIG. 29; <tb> figs. 30 and 31 <SEP> show, in perspective and in plan, a variant of the invention, with two bistable blades each having an end fixed to a not shown plate, the head and the fork, which are partially superimposed and which pivot around of the same geometric axis of pivoting, being connected by a return spring; <tb> figs. 32 and 33 <SEP> illustrate variations of repulsively interacting anchors, each with a spring, respectively straight or S, prestressed between the head and the fork of the anchor; <tb> fig. 34 <SEP> illustrates a variant of an anchor head pallet; <tb> fig. <SEP> illustrates, in section, various alternative arrangements of the plate receiving the anchor according to the invention; <tb> fig. 36 <SEP> illustrates a configuration where the fork is movable outside the wheel-boom alignment; <tb> fig. 37 <SEP> illustrates another form of anchor with two flexible bistable blades; <tb> fig. 38 <SEP> illustrates two variants of embedding the bistable flexible blade in the head and the anchor fork; <tb> fig. 39 <SEP> illustrates a virtual pivot head, incorporated in an anchor according to the invention, <tb> fig. 40 <SEP> illustrates in the form of a block diagram a timepiece comprising a movement equipped with an escapement with an anchor according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking escapement mechanisms.

To improve the regularity of walking, the invention focuses on good control of the pulse.

A constant force mechanism ensures the reproducibility over time.

In particular, the use of a bistable element, interposed between the escape wheel and the balance wheel, makes it possible to restore energy to the latter, with a regular intensity, which depends only on the intrinsic characteristics of this element. bistable, and not the torque of the barrel, transmitted by the escape wheel. According to the invention, this bistable element is constituted by an anchor of particular constitution.

FIG. 21 shows the principle of a constant force mechanism, with a transfer of energy from a cylinder 00, through a gear train 01, an escape wheel 20, an anchor 1, to a rocker 30 This mechanism comprises a flexible anchor in FIG. 21. Fig. 22 illustrates the configuration of a bistable anchor. The invention proposes to combine these two architectures mechanisms to achieve maximum regularity, with high security, and a reduced number of components, and a recessless release.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch exhaust anchor 1, comprising an anchor head 2, carrying at least one entry pallet 3 and / or an exit pallet 4, and arranged to cooperate with an escape wheel 20. The anchor 1 further comprises a fork 6 arranged to cooperate with a rocker 30. According to the invention, the angular position of the fork 6 relative to the head 2 is variable.

According to the invention, a repulsive interaction is created between the head 2 and the fork 6.

It is a matter of transferring energy discontinuously from the escapement wheel to the balance beam, via the anchor, which serves as an energy buffer. An object of the invention is to minimize the movements of the mechanical components. The release of energy from the anchor to the pendulum is studied to be in the form of an impulse. Also, the anchor comprises means for storing and releasing energy, according to the respective positions of its moving components, here the head 2 and the fork 6. Note that intermediate stages could be added between the head and the fork, without departing from the invention. The preferred embodiment with a head and a fork has the advantage of minimizing the number of components, especially as it is possible to make a monobloc embodiment.

The present description relates to a preferred embodiment where the repulsive interaction is performed mechanically, with a preload of a mechanical element, and more particularly through a bistable blade, Other embodiments are possible: such as figs. 32 and 33, wherein each anchor comprises a spring, respectively right 112 or S 113, prestressed between the head 2 and the fork 6. This spring 112 or 113 pushes the two halves of the anchor, and is free to turn around. its extremities, fig. 32 comprises in broken line the lever arm of the force, which is exerted in the direction of the spring 112, acting on the fork 6. In other embodiments not illustrated, the repulsion is not of mechanical nature, but of magnetic and / or electrostatic nature between a head and a fork G preferably pivotally mounted about two pivot axes 5 and 9.

The head 2 and the fork 6 preferably follow axes of movement, which are illustrated here with a particular embodiment where they are pivot axes. Indeed, the movements of the head 2 and the fork 6 are independent, and can in theory follow any kinematics, as long as compatible with the energy transfer between the escape wheel and the balance.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, the remainder of the present description relates to a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 20, where the anchor 1 has a bistable behavior, and comprises at least one bistable element, preferably at least one flexible blade 10. A flexible blade is of a simple embodiment, one can give other shapes to the bistable element without departing from the invention,

The invention also relates to a 100 watchmaking exhaust mechanism, comprising at least one plate 40 carrying an escape wheel 20 and a rocker 30 cooperating with such an anchor 1.

According to the invention, the head 2 and said fork 6 are assembled, directly or indirectly, to the plate 40 so that the flexible blade 10 is mounted in prestressing buckling between the head 2 and the fork 6, this anchor 1 constituting a bistable system comprising at least two stable states and two metastable states.

For the sake of clarity, the invention is described here in the particular case of a single flexible blade 10, mounted bistable, in FIGS. 1 to 20. Figs. 30 and 31 illustrate an example with two flexible blades, other arrangements are naturally possible.

The only permanent direct mechanical connection between the head 2 and the fork 6 is here ensured by at least one flexible blade 10.

For the anchor 1 behaves as a bistable element, the blade 10 is prestressed in the service position of the anchor 1. As will be seen in the following description, this prestressing can be achieved: - by displacement - by application of a force or a couple - by manufacture.

The flexible blade 10 works in buckling. The prestress is adjustable in the case of the application of a force or a couple.

Therefore, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention illustrated by the figures, the blade 10 has in the free state a different geometry shapes it can take when the anchor 1 is incorporated in a exhaust mechanism 100 and fixed on a plate 40.

The anchor 1 comprises, for its attachment to a plate 40, first attachment means and / or guide carried by the head 2, and second fastening means and / or guide carried by the fork 6. Each of the two main components, head 2 and fork 6, may have mechanical links of conventional type, such as guidance in pivoting or translation, or have one or more fixed anchor points relative to the plate 40 and include flexible parts which give it a mobility relative to this plate, in pivoting and / or in translation, as described in application PCT / EP 2011/061 244 or in patent application EP 2 455 821 of the same applicant, in a configuration that In the remainder of this presentation, the term "virtual pivot" will be used later.

In a particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 20 and 30 and 31, the anchor head 2 is movable with respect to a first pivot axis 5 or pivots about this first axis 5, and the fork 6 is movable with respect to a second pivot axis 9 or rotates about this second axis 9. In FIGS. 1 to 20, the second axis 9 is distinct from the first axis 5.

The particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 20 is not limiting, and relates to a particular case where the head 2 is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis 5. In this particular variant, the fork 6 is pivotally mounted around a second axis of pivoting 9 of the first axis 5. In an embodiment, as illustrated where the head 2 and the fork 6 are substantially coplanar, these axes 5 and 9 are preferably distinct. Other executions are possible, as in figs. 30 and 31 which show a stepped variant, where the axes 5 and 9 are geometrically merged: the anchor 1 then comprises two bistable blades 10S and 10J, each having a first end 10ES, 10EJ, fixed to a plate not shown, and a second end 103S, 103J recessed in respectively the fork 6 and the head 2. The head 2 and the fork 6 are partially superimposed and pivot about the same geometric axis of pivoting P, are connected by a return spring 104 in the form of loop, hooked 104S in the fork 6 and 104J in the head 2. This spring 104, which acts as a buffer spring, has a torque greater than that of the bistable.

FIG. 37 illustrates another form of anchor with two flexible coplanar bistable blades with the head 2 and the fork 6.

Still other variants are feasible, for example with a substantially linear oscillating movement of the head 2 relative to the right of the centers between the escape wheel 20 and the rocker 30, and a pivoting movement of the fork 6 around an axis 9.

In a particular embodiment also illustrated by the figures, the fork 6 carries a sting 7 anti-shock function to cooperate with a notch 34 of a plate 31 of the balance 30. and at least one horn 8, here two horns 8, to cooperate with an ankle 35 of this balance 30 for the pulse function.

The anchor 1 is articulated, that is to say that the head 2 and the fork 6 are movable relative to each other and indirectly connected to one another by at least one intermediate component, here a flexible blade 10, ensuring their relative mobility of movement.

This bistable element is preferably in the form of a recessed beam. In a particular embodiment illustrated by the figures this beam is embedded at its two ends; the distance between the two ends is less than the length of beam at rest, which allows to have two stable positions, and at least one metastable position. The calculation of the energy stored in the bistable element can be made according to the angles taken by the bistable blade 10 at its two ends; or, in the case of several bistable blades, angles that each of them has, at each of its ends, with one of the components of the anchor 1, head 2 or fork 6, or plate 40, or other intermediate component according to the case.

The ends of this beam can be, in particular, each recessed: - or at an axis that pivots freely; - or in the plate to form a flexible pivot.

This at least one bistable element or bistable flexible blade 10 is mounted prestressed in buckling between the head 2 and the fork 6. And preferably the only direct mechanical link between the direct head 2 and the fork 6, that is, that is to say, except for their pivots or their fastenings to a plate 40 or similar, is ensured by this at least one bistable blade 10.

In the version shown, the flexible blade 10 has a first end 11 secured angularly to the head 2 and disposed in close proximity to the first axis 5, and a second end 12 angularly secured to the fork 6 and disposed in close proximity to the second axis 9.

It will be understood here that the first axis 5 and the second axis 9 are here geometric axes around which the pivoting of the head 2 and the fork 6 is performed. These axes do not necessarily correspond to conventional physical pivots, they can also correspond to flexible pivots or virtual pivots.

In the particular version similar to a Swiss anchor, illustrated by the figures, but in no way limiting, this anchor 1 carries an entry pallet 3 and an output pallet 4. In a particular variant, the entry pallet 3 or / and the output pallet 4 has a protruding end 13, in the form of a tongue visible in FIG. 34, opposite the first axis 5 and having a flat surface 14 adapted to receive in abutment a tip 22 of a tooth 21 of an escape wheel 20, as visible in FIG. 34.

Advantageously, the deflection, in particular the angular deflection pivoting in the case of FIGS. 1 to 20, the head 2 and that of the fork 6 are limited relative to each other by stops.

In a particular and preferred embodiment, the head 2 comprises at least a first arm 15 having a first bearing surface and abutment 16 arranged to cooperate, in abutment or support, in certain relative positions of the party 2 and of the fork 6, with a second bearing and abutment surface 18 that comprises at least a second arm 17 that includes the fork 6.

These arms 15 and 17 allow a good clearance of the pallets to the pulse, while stopping sturdily the escape wheel at the end of the arming of the bistable element.

In the variant shown, the head 2 comprises two first arms 15A, 15B, with first surfaces 16A, 16B, cooperating with second surfaces 18A, 18B, second arms 17A, 17B, of the fork 6.

In a particular and advantageous version, the anchor 1 is made integrally with this at least one flexible blade 10 or the bistable element: the head 2, the blade 10 and the fork 6 are a single component.

In this version, the anchor 1 is advantageously made of silicon or silicon oxide or metal glass (in particular obtained by a "UGA" method). Indeed, the prestressing of the bislable element or the bistable blade 10, is very low, in particular close to 5 micrometers, and its adjustment is possible, but delicate, when manufacturing components assembled to each other.

By applying to a flat spring NiP blade made according to a "LIGA" method and of dimensions 2.1 × 0.10 × 0.02 mm, a preload of 8 μm between its ends, with ranges of working angles of both ends from -7 ° to + 7 ° (defined by the stops), the energy gap, between undulating positions (with a maximum stress level close to 400 MPa) and single-arc positions , concave or convex, corresponds to a passage between energy passes at 0.5 μJ and energy wells at 0.13 μJ, a difference of 0.37 μJ, which is comparable to the energy available to the escape wheel of the caliber ETA 2824-2 at each alternation. This dimension is therefore sufficient to provide a pulse of normal intensity.

In another particular embodiment, the anchor 1 comprises a first flexible pivot 61 and / or a second flexible pivot 62 constituting a flexible guide at respectively the first axis 5 and / or the second axis 9.

This first flexible pivot 61 or / and this second flexible pivot 62 may, again, be a virtual pivot. For example, FIG. 39 gives an example of head 2, connected to the plate 40 by two blades 2S and 2J, and whose first flexible pivot coincides with the pivot axis 23 of the escape wheel 20.

FIG. 18 shows a diagram of energy distribution in the flexible blade 10 or the bistable element: in X and Y are represented the angles made by each of the two ends 101, 102, of the blade 10 with their points of attachment or 11, 12 on the anchor head 2 and on the fork 6.

In Z is represented a level of energy, arbitrarily graduated from 0 to 8. FIG. 19 shows the projection on the XOY plane of this energy distribution layer, with the corresponding energy level curves.

This energy distribution is saddle-shaped, symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane PS oriented along the bisector axes OX and OY. A dorsal D of very high energy level (6 to 8) extends in this plane of symmetry PS. The dorsal D is delimited by two energy passes first CE1 and second CE2, which each extend between two slopes of steep slope between the dorsal D and low energy zones, called energy wells, corresponding to stable positions. first PS1 and second PS2 (hollow of the energy layer). In the extension of the dorsal D and beyond it, the energy passes CE1 and CE2 are each bordered by a high energy zone A1 and A2 respectively. These energy passes CE1 and CE2 correspond to two metastable positions.

FIG. 19 shows that the flexible blade 10 can not take any position of any energy on the sheet T 18: the end parts of the anchor 1, in this case the head 2 and the fork 6, have a travel which is limited either by second limiting pins 41A and 41B for the fork 6, or by limiting the pivoting of the head 2 by the second arms 17A, 17B, of the fork 6. The bistable blade 10 always pushes these end portions, head 2 and fork 6, anchor 1, against these stops. Therefore, if one of these ends is fixed, and the other is free, we always move on the edges of the rectangle R, as shown schematically in FIG. 20, which summarizes the energy levels corresponding to each of the times described in FIGS. 1 to 17, in a simplified way, the energy path being almost rectilinear, and the rectangle shape of the energy path being a good approximation. Thus the pivoting of the head 2 as that of the fork 6 is limited angularly by stops. In the particular case of the variant illustrated, the stops limiting the angular displacement of the head 2, respectively of the fork 6, are movable and constituted by surfaces of the fork 6, respectively of the head 2.

The limiting pins 41 are here represented on the plate. Note that they can take other positions, for example in the form of dishes under the teeth 21 of the escape wheel 20.

In the example illustrated by the figures, the anchor 1 thus performs a closed cycle during which the flexible blade 10 successively occupies four main configurations: - After reloading energy by the escape wheel 20 and during a transient phase, at high energy, approaching the first energy pass CE1, with a corrugated Z-shaped profile in the figures, 54 mark; After release of the energy available to the bistable blade 10, during the passage of the first energy pass CE1, in the form of a pulse given to the rocker 30 in the first direction, for example counterclockwise, the blade 10 occupies a second stable position PS2 at low energy, with an arcuate profile, said convex, reference 51. After recharging energy by the escape wheel and during a transient phase, at high energy, approaching the second energy pass CE2, with an S-shaped corrugated profile in the figures, mark 53; - After release of the energy available to the blade 10, during the passage of the second energy pass CE2, in the form of a pulse given to the beam 30 in the second direction, for example hour, the blade 10 occupies a first position stable PS1 at low energy, with an arcuate profile, said concave, reference 52.

Naturally, the shape of the prestressed beam constituted by the bistable blade 10 is a non-limiting example. The concave, convex, S, Z geometries that the plate 10 can occupy are specific to the case in point. It is also possible to use a more complex geometry in the state of stable rest, for example in S or Z.

The preferred choice to traverse a rectangle R, rather than a square, is explained by the objective of stopping before the energy pass, when the bistable blade 10 is reset. Indeed, if we stopped precisely on the energy collar in the Unstable position, the risk would be that with a very small shock, the bistable blade 10 can tilt and, the sting 7 would then be blocked by the balance plate and rub against him in permanence, which is bad for walking and impairs performance. Also, preferably, the stops are arranged so as to stop the bistable blade 10 before the first CE1 or the second CE2 energy col, during arming by energy charging of this bistable blade 10.

Limits limiting the angular deflection of the head 2, respectively of the fork 6, are advantageously mobile and constituted by surfaces of the fork 6, respectively of the head 2.

In the figures, the angular displacement of the head 2 is limited by stops constituted by two second arms 17A, 17B that includes the fork 6.

The surfaces 18A, 18B form abutments equivalent to a rest without pulling. Preferably, as visible in FIG. 1, they have an arcuate profile A centered on the second pivot axis 9, so that when the pin 35 of the rocker 30 begins to drive the range 6 (time T2 at time T3 below) , the head 2 does not turn, there is only the friction to overcome.

Each cycle time bears the number of the corresponding figure.

In the first time T1 of FIG. 1: The escape wheel 20 is stationary, its tooth 21A resting on the entry pallet 3 of the anchor head 2; - The anchor head 2 is stationary, its first arm 15B is stopped at its tip 16B by the second bearing surface 18B of the second arm 17B of the fork 6; this blocking mode illustrated in the figures is not limiting, it has the advantage of a small footprint and simplicity of implementation; - The bistable blade 10 is Z-shaped, 54, close to the energy collar CE1; - The fork 6 is stationary, its abutment surface 19A is in abutment abutment on the corresponding limiting pin 41A; - Free arc balance: the rocker 30 pivots in the first direction, for example anti-clockwise, ankle 35 is in position at 11 o'clock.

In T2: The wheel 20 remains motionless; - the head 2 remains motionless; The blade 10 is Z-shaped, reference 54, close to the energy collar CE1; - The fork 6 remains stationary, resting on the pin 41A; The rocker 30 pivots in the first direction, its pin 35 in position at 10 o'clock presses on the inner surface 81B of the horn 8B, the rocker 30 thus begins to disengage the fork 6.

In T3: The wheel 20 remains motionless; - The head 2 is stationary, its first arm 15B stopped by the second arm 17B, which initiates its release, to allow the release of the head 2 at the next time; here again, alternative solutions are possible, without departing from the spirit of the invention; - The blade 10 is Z-shaped, 54, and begins the passage of the energy pass CE1; The fork 6 pivots in the second direction, for example hourly, its abutment surface 19A has left the pin 41A, its second arm 17B is at the limit of leaving the first arm 15B; - The rocker 30 pivots in the first direction, the pin 35 in position at 9:30 rests on the inner surface 81B of the horn 8B, the rocker 30 releases the fork 6.

T4 is a motor time, where the blade 10 passes the energy pass CE1, and gives its pulse in the first direction, the pendulum 30: - The wheel 20 is free, it is still momentarily almost immobile because of its inertia; The head 2 is free, except for the connection with the blade 10; The blade 10 passes the energy collar CE1, relaxes and passes into a convex shape 51; The fork 6 pivots in the second direction, for example hourly, releases the head 2, the inner surface 81A of its horn 8A drives the pin 35 in the first direction, it is the pulse; The rocker 30 pivots in the first direction, its peg 35 in position at 9 o'clock driven by the horn 8A.

In T5, it is the end of the impulse given to the balance 30 by the fork 6, which comes into abutment on its limiting pin 41B: - The wheel 20 is free, it is still momentarily almost immobile because of its inertia; - the head 2 is free; - The blade 10 arrives in a stable position PS2 low energy, convex shape 51; The fork 6 pivots in the second direction, for example hourly, the inner surface 81A of its horn 8A loses contact with the ankle 35, it is the end of the impulse phase; - The rocker 30 pivots in the first direction, the pin 35 in position at 8 o'clock loses contact with the horn 8A.

In T6, only pivots the pendulum 30 which runs through the free arc: The wheel 20 will begin to pivot in the first direction; - the head 2 is free; - The blade 10 is in a stable position PS2 of low energy, convex shape 51; - The fork 6 is stationary, its abutment surface 198 bearing on the pin 41B; - The rocker 30 pivots in the first direction, its pin 35 in position at 6:30 under the effect of the pulse.

In T7 takes place the release of the escape wheel 20 by the head 2: The wheel 20 pivots in the first direction; - The head 2 pivots in the first direction; - The blade 10 bends or folds slightly, due to rotation; - The fork 6 remains stationary, resting on the pin 41B; The rocker 30 pivots in the first direction, its pin 35 reaches a position at 6 o'clock under the effect of the pulse.

The first limiting pins 48A, 48B are advantageously located near the head 2, as security in the event of shocks or dynamic effects: for example, during the passage of time 6 to time 7, where the head 2 rotates in the second direction, for example hourly: if it acquires too much speed, it may go too far, while at the time 8 it must start in the other direction.

In T8 the escape wheel 20 reaches another pallet 4 of the anchor 1. The fall, that is to say the angle traveled by the escape wheel 20 between the times T7 and T8 " in the void "may prove to be too important for a conventional wheel as drawn here for the understanding of the invention, it is useful to optimize the geometry of the teeth 21 of the wheel 20, and pallets 3 and 4 of the invention. head 2, to decrease this fall; - The escape wheel 20 pivots in the first direction, until the stop of a tooth 21B resting on the output pallet 4; - The head 2 is free and momentarily immobile; - The blade 10 remains in a stable position PS2, convex shape 51; - The fork 6 remains stationary, resting on the pin 41B; - The balance 30 is movable, it continues its race (ankle 35 in position at 6 o'clock).

In T9, the energy provided by the escape wheel 20 allows the arming by recharging the energy of the bistable blade 10, which is close to the next energy collar GE2: - The wheel 20 pivots in the first direction, bearing on the pallet 4, and rotates the head 2; - The head 2 pivots in the second direction, for example hour, and bears, its first arm 15A is stopped at its tip 16A by the second bearing surface 18A of the second arm 17A of the fork 6, and once itself stopped, thus blocks the wheel 20; - The blade 10, rearmed by the escape wheel via the head 2, passes in a wavy position at S 53, in the immediate vicinity of the energy collar CE2; - The fork 6 remains stationary, resting on the pin 41B, the arming of the bistable is completed, it is the taking of rest; - The balance 30 is movable (it performs an alternation until the next time T10) (his ankle 35 in position at 6 o'clock).

In T10 begins the return of the balance 30 in the following alternation: The wheel 20 is stationary, its tooth 21B resting on the pallet 4; - The head 2 is stationary bearing, by its first arm 15A on the second arm 17A of the fork 6, and once itself stopped, thus blocks the wheel 20; - The blade 10 is wavy position in shape S 53, in the immediate vicinity of the CE2 energy collar; - The fork 6 remains stationary, resting on the pin 41B; - The rocker arm 30 pivots in the second direction, its ankle 35 in position at 8 o'clock comes to rest on the inner face 81A of the horn 8A, to start clearing the fork 6.

In T11 the rocker arm 30 releases the fork 6, which will itself release the head 2: - The wheel 20 is stationary, resting on the pallet 4; - The head 2 is stationary bearing on the second arm 17A; - The blade 10 is wavy S-shaped position 53, ready to pass the energy collar CE2; the bistable becomes leading, and makes the catch of the game as soon as the pass of the energy pass; - The fork 6 pivots in the first direction, and reaches the position where it will release the head 2; - The rocker 30 pivots in the second direction, the pin 35 in position at 9 o'clock and resting on the inner face 81A of the horn 8A, and releases the fork 6.

In T12 the blade 10 passes the energy pass CE2, and gives a pulse in the second direction, the balance 30, symmetrically to T4: The wheel 20 is free, still momentarily almost immobile because of its inertia; The head 2 is free, except for the connection with the blade 10; The blade 10 passes the energy collar CE2, relaxes and passes in concave form 52; The fork 6 pivots in the first direction, releases the head 2, the inner surface 81B of its horn 8B drives the pin 35 in the second direction, for example hourly, it is the pulse; The rocker 30 pivots in the second direction, its peg 35 in position at 9 o'clock driven by the inner surface 81B of the horn 8B.

In T13 the pulse ends, and the fork 6 arrives at the stop position: The wheel 20 is free, still momentarily almost immobile because of its inertia; - the head 2 is free; The blade 10 is in concave form 52, in a stable position PS1 at low energy; - The fork 6 pivots in the first direction, its horn 8B drives the pin 35 in the second direction, for example hourly, and its abutment surface 19A bears on the pin 41A; - The rocker 30 pivots in the second direction, its peg 35 in position at 10 o'clock 30 driven by the inner surface 81B of the horn 8B.

In T14, similarly to T6, the pendulum 30 traverses the free arc, this time in the second direction: - The wheel 20 is free, still momentarily almost immobile because of its inertia, and will begin to rotate; - the head 2 is free; The blade 10 is in concave form 52, in a stable position PS1 at low energy; - The fork 6 is stationary bearing on the pin 41A; The rocker 30 pivots in the second direction, its peg 35 in position at 11 o'clock.

In T15, similarly to T7, the wheel 20 passes the pallet 4: The wheel 20 pivots in the first direction; - The head 2 pivots in the second direction, and the pallet 3 comes on the path of the teeth of the wheel 20; The blade 10 is in concave form 52, in a stable position PS1 at low energy; - The fork 6 remains stationary bearing on the pin 41A; The rocker 30 is movable (its peg 35 in position at 11 o'clock).

In T16, similarly to T8, the escape wheel 20 reaches the pallet 3: - The wheel 20 pivots in the first direction, and a tooth 2IC bears on the pallet 3; - The head 2 is free and motionless; The blade 10 is in concave form 52, in a stable position PS1 at low energy; - The fork 6 remains stationary bearing on the pin 41A; The rocker 30 is movable (its peg 35 in position at 11 o'clock).

The time T17 ends the cycle, before the return to the time T1, similarly to the time T9, the energy provided by the wheel 20 allows Tanning by the energy reloading of the blade 10, which is close to the neck of following energy CE1: - The wheel 20 pivots in the first direction, resting on the pallet 3, and causes the head 2 to pivot; The head 2 pivots in the first direction, and resets the blade 10; - The blade 10 is in corrugated shape of Z, 54 mark in approach to the first energy pass CE1; - The fork 6 remains stationary bearing on the pin 41A; The rocker 30 is movable (its peg 35 in position at 11 o'clock).

The two phases "pulse of the bistable blade 10 on the balance 30" and "arming of the bistable blade 10 by the escape wheel 20" are completely dissociated in the figures, to simplify the description of the successive phases of the cycle. . In reality, the two phases overlap in part over time, but relatively little if the inertia of the escape wheel is high.

Typically: The duration between the times 2 and 5 (pulse of the bistable element) is very short, given by the speed of the balance 30, in particular close to 7 ms for 300 ° amplitude at 4 Hz and 50 ° of lifting angle ; The time between the times 7 and 9 (rearming of the bistable blade 10) can be long, up to about 120 ms if the inertia of the escape wheel 20 is high (about one half cycle).

For the energy transmitted to the balance is always the same, it is preferable that the armature of the bistable blade 10 is done slowly, so that the inertia of the escape wheel, (or the rest of the gear) be high.

We note that an embodiment according to FIGS. 30 and 31 with two superimposed bistable blades 10S and 10J allows, by adjusting the stiffness of the return spring 104 between the head 2 and the fork 6, to obtain a similar energy distribution, with two energy wells separated by a ridge.

Preferably the exhaust mechanism 100 comprises at least one plate 40 carrying an escape wheel 20 and at least one rocker 30 cooperating with the same anchor 1. The plate 40 has limiting pins 41 (FIG. 41A, 41B in the figures) around the fork 6 in the vicinity of a plate 31 of the balance 30.

According to the invention, the anchor 1 is connected to the plate: - Firstly at the first axis 5, or by a first pivot shaft 63 when the guide of the anchor 1 is conventional pivot and bearing, or by a first fixed connection 65 when the anchor 1 there is a flexible guide with a first flexible pivot 61, - And secondly at the second axis 9, or a second pivot shaft 64 when the guide of the anchor 1 is conventional pivot and bearing, or by a second fixed connection 66 when the anchor 1 there is a flexible guide with a second flexible pivot 62.

The plate 40 comprises: - On the one hand a first stone 42 or a first axis 43 or a first flexible guide in a fixed position for the pivotal guidance of the head 2; - And secondly a second stone 44 or a second axis 45 or a second flexible guide for the pivotal guidance respectively of the fork 6.

As visible in FIG. 35, in a first variant A, the second stone 44 or the second axis 45 is at a fixed distance, and in a fixed position in a particular embodiment, with respect to the first stone 42 or the first axis 43. In a second variant B second stone 44 or the second axis 45 is movable, in particular guided in translation in a particular embodiment, in a variable position relative to the plate 40, and is subjected to the action of second resilient biasing means 47. Naturally one can also have the opposite configuration where the first stone 42 or the first axis 43 is movable in this way. In a third variant C, the plate 40 comprises, on the one hand a first stone 42 or a first axis 43 which is movable, in particular guided in translation in a particular embodiment, in a variable position relative to the plate 40 and is subject to the action of first elastic return means 46, for the pivotal guidance of the head 2, and secondly a second stone 44 or a second axis 45 which is movable, in particular guided in translation in a particular embodiment, in a variable position relative to the plate 40 and is subjected to the action of second elastic return means 47, for the pivotal guidance of the fork 6. Again, the reverse configuration is feasible.

Preferably, in these different variants, the pivot axis 23 of the escape wheel 20, the pivot axis 32 of the balance 30, the first stone 42 or respectively the first axis 43, the second stone 44 or respectively the second axis 45, are aligned. Fig. 36 illustrates another configuration where the fork 6 is movable outside the wheel-wheel alignment, and where the flexible blade 10 is deformed around an average position which is, for example and without limitation, a rope or an arc of a circle centered on the balance shaft; this configuration makes it possible to modify an existing movement comprising a usual aligned pointing, the axis usually serving a Swiss anchor becoming the axis 5 of the head 2.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the bistable anchor 1 is pre-assembled in a cassette, and the flexible blade 10 is already preloaded beforehand in this cassette. The cassette includes a centering means and / or fixing on a plate. Advantageously this cassette comprises a centering means which is arranged to cooperate with the pivot usually provided for the Swiss anchor on an existing movement. Depending on the case, the cassette remains pivotable around this pivot, or is immobilized in position relative to the carrier plate of this pivot. Such a cassette assembly has the advantage of making unnecessary the presence of a bridge above the anchor. The cassette may, again, be provided with a micrometric adjustment system in position. The cassette can still incorporate a suspended shockproof.

FIG. 38 illustrates two variants of embedding the bistable flexible blade 10 in the head 2 and the anchor fork 6, the first where the blade 10 is substantially in alignment with the pivot axes 5 and 9 but where its ends are remote of these axes, and the second where the assembly is asymmetrical, to favor one of the impulses, creating a deeper energy well.

The invention also relates to a watch movement 200 comprising at least one such exhaust mechanism 100.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 300 comprising at least one watch movement 200, or / and at least one such exhaust mechanism 100.

Of course, the flexible blade 10 is one way among others to achieve a bistable between two halves of anchor, which is not limiting.

Similarly, the locking of the head 2 of the anchor 1 at the end of the arming of the bistable element, and the release of this head 2 at the end of the pulse given to the balance 30, can be made according to other embodiments, without departing from the present invention.

Another variant of the invention is to mount the fork 6 directly integral with the bistable element, or the bistable blade 10 as appropriate, and not to pivot this fork 6 allowing it an angular deflection of center any, but limiting the stroke of this fork 6 relative to the first pivot axis 5 of the head 2, by a limiting element 71, so that the bistable element, or the bistable blade 10, which ensures alone the pivoting of the fork 6 relative to the rocker 30, remains under prestressing throughout its range of use. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, this limiting element 71 is integral with the head 2 or integral with a plate 40 (in relief as in Fig. 26 or hollow) on which the anchor 1 is fixed, and cooperates with an element complementary limiting 72 that includes the fork 6. Advantageously, the element 71 has the shape of a vee, and the element 72 is a pin or a pin. Pawns 49 limit the travel of the fork 6.

[0104] FIG. 27 shows a variant where the prestress is made by a spring 73, fixed to a fixed element 74 of the plate 40, this spring 73 limiting the stroke of the fork 6 and ensuring the prestressing of the blade 10.

[0105] Figs. 23 and 24 illustrate two particular configurations of pivot axes with respect to a plate 40 carrying the escape mechanism: in FIG. 23 a first axis 5 and a second pivot axis 9 in fixed positions relative to the plate 40, and in FIG. 24 the second axis 9 in the mobile position, here in translation, and conjugated with an elastic return means 46.

[0106] FIG. 29 groups together different models of pivots which can be used in particular for these variants: conventional pivot 91 alone, flexible pivot 92 alone, combination of a conventional pivot 91 and a guide 93 (in particular linear guidance) with a certain rigidity, a combination of a flexible pivot 92 and a guide (including linear guide) of a certain rigidity. In the latter two cases the displacement Δd, which induces prestressing, can be performed with a screw, an eccentric, a shim, or the like. This prestressing acts in particular on the spring elements of the guide 93 or the flexible pivot 92. These different types of pivots can of course be combined with each other.

A flexible anchor according to the invention can be used in other types of exhaust, in particular in that described by the document EP 1 967 919 in the name of ETA, as well as in the documents of the prior art cited in this same document EP 1 967 919.

In sum, the invention provides a very good control of the pulse, thanks to the use of a constant-force mechanism, comprising a bistable element, which alone delivers energy to the pendulum, with a regular intensity. The energies in play are well decoupled in the different parts of the mechanism.

The mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to achieve high operational safety.

The invention is easily adapted to the incorporation of anti-shock means, it is for example possible to incorporate anti-shock abutments in the form of branches of the first arms 15 of the head 2, close to the surfaces of the support or stop 16, or the like.

The decoupling between the components of the exhaust mechanism according to the invention makes it possible, during the pulse, to accelerate only the fork, and not the entire mechanism.

The invention thus makes it possible: - To regulate the intensity of the pulse applied to the balance, the torque is constant; - reduce inertia in motion during oscillation; - Take the rest stop in the absence of any draw on the wheel.

Claims (25)

Anchor (1) watch exhaust, comprising an anchor head (2) carrying at least one input pallet (3) and / or an output pallet (4) and arranged to cooperate with an escape wheel (20), and further comprising a fork (6) arranged to cooperate with a rocker (30), characterized in that the angular position of said fork (6) relative to said head (2) is variable . 2. Anchor (1) scion claim 1, characterized in that the only permanent direct mechanical connection between said head (2) and said fork (6) is provided by at least one blade (10) flexible. 3. Anchor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises, for its attachment to a plate (40), first attachment means and / or guide carried by said head (2), and second fastening means and / or guide carried by said fork (6). 4. Anchor (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said anchor head (2) is movable relative to a first pivot axis (5) or pivots about said first axis (5) of pivoting and in that said fork (6) is movable relative to a second pivot axis (9) or pivots about said second pivot axis (9) distinct from said first axis (5). 5. Anchor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angular displacement in pivoting of said head (2) and that of said fork (6) are limited relative to each other by stops, and in that said head (2) comprises at least a first arm (15) having a first bearing surface and abutment (16) arranged to cooperate, in abutment or support, in certain relative positions of said head (2) and said fork (6), with a second bearing surface and abutment (18) that comprises at least a second arm (17) that includes said fork (6). 6. Anchor (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it is made integrally with said at least one flexible blade (10). 7. Anchor (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is made of silicon or silicon oxide or metal glass. 8. Anchor (1) according to claim 4 and one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a first flexible pivot (61) or virtual and / or a second flexible pivot (62) or virtual constituting a flexible guide at respectively said first axis (5) and / or said second axis (9). 9. Anchor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fork (6) comprises a dart (7) and horns (8) for cooperation with a rocker (30). 10. Anchor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a repulsive interaction between said head (2) and said fork (6) is made magnetically and / or electrostatically. 11. Anchor (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said bistable anchor (1) is pre-mounted in a cassette in which said flexible blade (10) is already preloaded beforehand, said cassette comprising a means of centering and / or fixing on a plate. 12. Watch exhaust mechanism (100), comprising at least one plate (40) carrying an escape wheel (20) and a rocker (30) cooperating with a said anchor (1) according to claim 2 and one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said head (2) and said fork (6) are connected to said plate (40) so that said flexible blade (10) is prestressed by buckling between said head (2) and said fork (6), said anchor (1) constituting a bistable system comprising at least two stable states and two metastable states. 13. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said anchor (1) performs a closed cycle during which said flexible blade (10) occupies successively four main configurations: - after reloading energy by said escape wheel (20) and during a transient phase at high energy, approaching a first energy pass (CE1), with a profile (54) corrugated Z; After release of the energy available to said bistable blade (10), during the passage of said first energy pass (CE1), in the form of a pulse given to said beam (30) in a first direction, said blade (10) ) occupies a second low energy stable position (PS2) with a convex arc profile (51); - after reloading energy by said escape wheel (20) and during a transient phase at high energy, approaching a second energy pass (CE2), with a profile (53) corrugated S; After release of the energy available to said blade (10), during the passage of said second energy pass (CE2), in the form of a given pulse to the balance (30) in a second direction opposite to said first direction, said blade (10) occupies a first stable position (PS1) at low energy, with a profile (52) in a concave arc. 14. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises stops arranged to stop said bistable blade (10) before said first (CE1) or second (CE2) energy, when arming by reloading energy of said bistable blade (10). 15. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that stops limiting the angular movement of said head (2), respectively of said fork (6), are movable and constituted by surfaces of said fork (6), respectively of said head (2). 16. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angenary debateternent of said head (2) is limited by stops constituted by two second arms (17A; 17B) that includes said fork (6). 17. Mechanism (100) according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that said fork (6) is mounted directly integral with said flexible bistable blade (10) which ensures only the pivoting of said fork (6) relative balance wheel (30), and that the stroke of said fork (6) with respect to a first pivot axis (5) about which said head (2) pivots is limited by a limiting element (71) secured to said head ( 2) or said platen (40), so that said bistable blade (10) remains under prestressing throughout its range of use. 18. Mechanism (100) according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that said plate (40) comprises limiting pins (41) in the vicinity of a plate (31) of said balance (30), and said anchor (1) is connected to said plate, firstly at a first pivoting axis (5) about which said head (2) pivots, or by a first pivoting shaft (63) when the guide of said head (2) is conventional by pivot and bearing, or by a first fixed connection (65) when said head (2) comprises a flexible guide with a first flexible pivot (61), and other part at a second axis (9) about which pivots said fork (6), or a second pivot shaft (64) when the guidance of said fork (6) is conventional pivot and bearing, or by a second fixed link (66) when said fork (6) includes a flexible guide with a second flexible pivot (62). 19. Mechanism (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said plate (40) comprises, firstly a first rock (42) or a first axis (43) in a fixed position for the pivotal guidance of said head (2) or said fork (6), and secondly a second stone (44) or a second axis (45) for the pivotal guidance respectively of said fork (6) or said head (2). 20. Mechanism (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said second stone (44) or said second axis (45) is in a fixed position relative to said first stone (42) or said first axis (43). 21. Mechanism (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said second stone (44) or said second axis (45) is guided in translation in a variable position relative to said plate (40), and is subject to action of second elastic return means (47). 22. Mechanism (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said plate (40) comprises, firstly a first stone (42) or a first axis (43) which is guided in translation in a variable position relative to to said plate (40) and is subjected to the action of first resilient return means (46), for the pivotal guidance of said head (2) or said fork (6), and secondly a second stone (44) or a second axis (45) which is guided in translation in a variable position with respect to said plate (40) and is subjected to the action of second resilient return means (47), for pivotal guidance respectively said fork (6) or said head (2). 23. Mechanism (100) according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the pivot axis (23) of said escape wheel (20), the pivot axis (32) of said balance wheel (30). ), said first stone (42) or respectively said first axis (43), said second stone (44) or said second axis (45), respectively, are aligned. 24. A watch movement (200) comprising at least one exhaust mechanism (100) according to one of claims 12 to 23. 25. Timepiece (300) comprising at least one watch movement (200) according to claim 24, and / or at least one escape mechanism (100) according to one of claims 12 to 23.