CH717087B1 - Component of timepiece, spiral balance, movement and timepiece. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece component, a spiral balance equipped with such a timepiece component, as well as a movement and a timepiece. The timepiece component (9) comprises a fixing part (36) in which an insert (40) is fixed by adhesion using an adhesive, and a bonding zone delimiting portion (37 ) which is arranged in the fixing part (36) and delimits an area in which the adhesive is applied, at a desired level. The fixing part (36) is a through hole (41), and a shoulder (44) is provided as a bonding zone boundary portion (37) at an opening edge (43) of the through hole ( 41). The shoulder (44) is provided around the entire periphery of the opening edge (43) in the through hole (41).

Description

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece component, a spiral balance, a movement and a timepiece.

2. Description of the prior art

[0002] In the prior art, in a movement of a timepiece, it is known to cause a timepiece to rotate while maintaining a constant oscillation by using an escapement. In these timepieces, various techniques to operate the escapement precisely are offered.

[0003] For example, patent document 1 discloses an exhaust configured such that it comprises a plate, a first movable exhaust part comprising a first exhaust mobile and a second movable exhaust part including a second mobile exhaust, means for mechanically coupling the first mobile exhaust part to the second mobile exhaust part, and an anchor holding the first and second pallets. The plate includes a third impulse vane cooperating with the first escape wheel and a fourth impulse vane cooperating with the second escape wheel. According to the technique described in patent document 1, the precision of the escapement can be improved by preventing any interference between the escapement and a regulating member coupled to the escapement via a simple configuration.

[0004] An example of such a solution according to the prior art is provided in document JP-A-2012-168172.

[0005] These escapements are made up of various timepiece components such as a plate, an anchor or an escapement mobile. Each timepiece component can be fixed by adhesion to other components or can fix other components by gluing. As described above, in the timepiece component that requires bonding at the time of manufacturing, the adhesive material may swell greatly and protrude outside of the timepiece component. Therefore, in order to ensure clearance between components, it is necessary to properly separate the components from each other, which can increase the size of the movement. Furthermore, when a variation occurs in the applied quantity or within an application range of the adhesive material, the precision of the escapement and the precision of the running of the timepiece may be affected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present patent application is to provide a timepiece component capable of avoiding any increase in size and of improving the running precision, a spiral balance equipped with such a timepiece component. clockwork, as well as a movement and a corresponding timepiece.

[0007] A timepiece component according to the patent application comprises: a fixing part in which an attached element is fixed by adhesion, and a bonding zone delimiting portion which is arranged in the fixing part and delimits an area in which the adhesive is applied to a desired level.

[0008] According to this configuration, the timepiece component includes the portion limiting a bonding zone, and the bonding zone delimitation portion can limit the zone where the adhesive applied to the timepiece component to a desired level, that is to say a predetermined radius of action. Therefore, the level of protrusion of the adhesive outside the timepiece component can be reduced compared to the prior art technique where no bonding zone demarcation portion is provided. Therefore, it is easy to ensure clearance between components, and the components can be arranged close to each other. Additionally, a predetermined amount of adhesive can be reliably applied without generating variation in the application amount or application range of the adhesive in each component. Therefore, when these timepiece components are incorporated into the movement, it is possible to prevent any imbalance (weight distributed more unilaterally to one side) of the center of gravity caused by a difference in the amount of application of the 'adhesive.

[0009] Consequently, it is possible to obtain a timepiece component capable of preventing any increase in size and whose operating precision is improved.

[0010] In the timepiece component according to a preferred embodiment, the fixing part is a recess, and the bonding zone delimiting portion is arranged as a shoulder at the level of an edge of opening of the hollow.

[0011] According to this architecture, a predetermined quantity of adhesive can be applied reliably by applying the adhesive at the level of the shoulder provided on the timepiece component. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from protruding outside the timepiece component by the shoulder. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the bonding zone boundary portion in a simple configuration and prevent any unbalanced weight distribution as well as any increase in the size of the timepiece component.

[0012] In the timepiece component according to another preferred embodiment, the shoulder is arranged over an entire periphery of the opening edge in the recess.

[0013] According to this architecture, since the shoulder is arranged over the entire periphery of the opening edge in the recess, the contact zone (a bonding zone) of the adhesive with respect to the part component d The clockwork and the added element can be increased compared to a case where the shoulder is simply fitted in part of the opening edge. Therefore, the insert can be fixed more firmly.

[0014] In the timepiece component according to yet another preferred embodiment, the fixing part includes a through hole in which the insert is arranged, and the insert is fixed by adhesion in the part of fixing such that the projection height of the element inserted in the fixing part according to the direction of penetration of the through hole is higher than the bottom of the shoulder, and is parallel less than or equal to the top of the shoulder .

[0015] According to this architecture, since an end surface of the added element is located on the upper side of the shoulder relative to the bottom, when the shoulder is filled with adhesive, the adhesive can be applied to a side surface around the end surface of the insert located inside the shoulder. Therefore, the bonding area of the adhesive to the insert can be increased, and the insert can be fixed more firmly.

[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the timepiece component is formed by MEMS manufacturing processes.

[0017] According to such a configuration, since the timepiece component is formed via MEMS manufacturing processes, the timepiece component including the bonding zone delimitation portion can be formed simply. This configuration can also be applied to a fine component used such as a timepiece component. Therefore, in particular the timepiece component, which is a fine and precise component, may include a bonding area demarcation portion in which the quantity and level of application of the adhesive can be adjusted so as to appropriate.

[0018] In a timepiece component according to a preferred embodiment, the plate is equipped with the fixing part and the portion limiting a bonding zone, and a plate pin is fixed by adhesion like the added element to the fixing part.

[0019] This configuration can be used appropriately when the plate pin is fixed by adhesion to the plate. The plate rotates alternately in a back-and-forth movement around an axis of rotation, and this rotation cycle affects the running precision of the timepiece. Therefore, by arranging the above bonding area boundary portion on the tabletop, the tabletop pin can be reliably fixed to the tabletop, and preventing unbalanced weight distribution, and it is possible to prevent any difference in inclination caused by a shift in the center of gravity when the plate moves back and forth. Therefore, it is possible to provide timepiece components capable of improving the time accuracy of the timepiece. Additionally, since the level of adhesive protruding out of the tray can be reduced, and other components can be arranged near the tray.

[0020] In a timepiece component according to yet another preferred embodiment, an anchor body is equipped with the fixing part and the portion limiting a bonding zone, and a pallet is fixed by adhesion in as an element attached to the fixing part.

[0021] This configuration can be used appropriately when the anchor body is fixed by adhesion to the pallet. The anchor body moves back and forth around the axis of rotation, and this rotation cycle affects the running precision of the timepiece. Therefore, by arranging the above bonding zone boundary portion on the anchor body, the pallet can be reliably fixed to the anchor body, and by preventing unbalanced weight distribution, it is possible to prevent any escape error and any difference in inclination caused by a shift in the center of gravity when the anchor body moves back and forth. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a timepiece component capable of improving the time accuracy of the timepiece can. Additionally, since the level of adhesive protruding outside of the anchor body can be reduced, other components can be disposed near the anchor body.

[0022] In the timepiece component, an escape wheel can preferably be equipped with the fixing part and the portion delimiting the bonding zone, and an escape wheel shaft is fixed by adhesion in as an element attached to the fixing part.

[0023] This configuration can be used appropriately when the escape wheel and the escape wheel shaft are fixed by adhesion. The escape wheel maintains the running precision of the timepiece by rotating integrally with the escape wheel shaft around the escape wheel shaft in a constant oscillation cycle. Therefore, by arranging the above bonding area boundary portion on the escape wheel, the escape wheel and the escape wheel shaft can be reliably fixed, and preventing inhomogeneous distribution. weight, it is possible to prevent any variation in rotational torque when the escape wheel rotates. Therefore, the escape wheel can be rotated at a constant oscillation frequency, and the running precision of the timepiece can be improved. Additionally, since the level of adhesive protruding outside of the escape wheel can be reduced, other components can be disposed near the escape wheel.

[0024] A spiral balance according to the teachings of the present patent application includes the above timepiece component.

[0025] According to this configuration, since timepiece components are provided above, the timepiece components of the spiral balance can be arranged close to each other, and it is thus possible to prevent any imbalance in terms of weight distribution of each timepiece component. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the hairspring balance, prevent difference in inclination caused by inhomogeneous weight distribution, and improve the precision of the hairspring balance.

[0026] Consequently, a spiral balance which has a reduced size and high precision, and which is equipped with timepiece components capable of preventing any increase in size and improving the precision of time can be obtained .

[0027] A movement according to the subject of the patent application includes such a timepiece component above.

[0028] According to this configuration, since a timepiece component above having a reduced size and high precision is provided, it is possible to improve the running precision of the movement while preventing the increase of the size of the movement.

[0029] Therefore, a high-performance movement equipped with timepiece components capable of preventing size increase and improving time accuracy can be provided.

[0030] A timepiece according to the subject of the patent application includes such a movement above.

According to this configuration, since a movement as described above having a reduced size and high precision is provided, it is possible to improve the running precision of the timepiece while reducing its size.

[0032] Consequently, a timepiece having a reduced size and high operating precision, and which is equipped with timepiece components capable of preventing any increase in size and improving operating precision can be provided.

[0033] The patent application can thus provide a timepiece component capable of preventing any increase in size and improving operating precision, an equipped spiral balance supplied with the timepiece, a movement and a part watchmaking.

Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Figure 1 is an external view of a timepiece according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of a movement according to the embodiment seen from the front. Figure 3 is a side view of an exhaust and a regulation unit according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view of the exhaust according to the embodiment seen from the front. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tray according to the embodiment seen from the front. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tray according to the embodiment seen from the rear. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tray in which the tray pin and a pallet of Figure 6 are not shown. Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an escape wheel and a pinion according to the embodiment seen from the 'back. Figure 10 is a perspective view of an anchor according to the embodiment seen from the front.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Below, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Timepiece)

[0036] Figure 1 is an external view of a timepiece 1 according to a preferred embodiment.

The timepiece 1 is configured by incorporating a movement 4, a dial 5 having a scale of graduations to indicate time information, various hands (an hour hand 6, a minute hand 7 and a second hand 8 ), or similar in a timepiece case 3 including a case cover (also called base, not shown) and a crystal 2.

(Movement)

[0038] Figure 2 is a plan view of movement 4 according to this preferred embodiment, seen from the front. In Figure 2, in order to make the drawings more readable, some of the various components constituting the movement 4 are omitted, and the various components are represented in a simplified manner. Furthermore, in the following description, the crystal side 2 (dial side 5, see Figure 1) of the timepiece case 3 (see Figure 1) is commonly called "the rear" of the movement 4 in relation to to a plate 10 constituting a base plate of movement 4, and we refer to the bottom of the case (side opposite dial 5) as the “front” of movement 4. Movement 4 includes plate 10, a cog upper 11, a regulation unit 12 and an exhaust 13 including one or more timepiece components 9.

(Upper cog)

The upper cog 11 includes a barrel 14 constituting a source of mechanical energy for the movement, a center mobile 15, a third mobile 16, and a fourth mobile 17. The barrel 14 is mounted mobile between the plate 10 and a barrel bridge (not shown), and a mainspring (energy source) (not shown) is housed there. The mainspring is wound via rotation of a ratchet wheel 18. The ratchet wheel 18 is rotated via a winding gear (not shown) actuated by the rotation of a winding stem (not shown) connected to a crown 19.

The center wheel 15, the third wheel 16 and the fourth wheel 17 are movably mounted between the plate 10 and a gear train bridge (not shown). When the barrel 14 of the movement turns due to the elastic return force of the mainspring which was wound on itself in the armed position, the center mobile 15, the third mobile 16 and the fourth mobile 17 rotate in this order on the basis of this rotation.

That is to say, the center mobile 15 meshes with the barrel 14 of the movement, and thus rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the barrel 14 of the movement. When the center mobile 15 rotates, a barrel pinion (not shown) rotates based on this rotation. The minute hand 7 (see figure 1) is attached to the barrel pinion and the minute hand 7 displays the “minutes” by rotating the barrel pinion. The minute hand 7 rotates at a rotation speed adjusted by the escapement 13 and the regulation unit 12, that is to say, one hour.

[0042] When the center wheel 15 rotates, a minute wheel (not shown) turns on the basis of this rotation, and in addition, an hour wheel (not shown) turns on the basis of the rotation of the wheel of the minutes. The minute wheel and the hour wheel are components constituting the upper gear train 11. The hour hand 6 (see Figure 1) is attached to the hour wheel and the hour hand 6 displays the “hours” on the basis of the rotation of the hour wheel. The hour hand 6 rotates at a rotation speed adjusted by the escapement 13 and the regulation unit 12, for example, 12 hours.

The third mobile 16 meshes with the central mobile 15, and thus rotates on the basis of the rotation of the central mobile 15. The fourth mobile 17 meshes with the third mobile 16, and thus rotates on the basis of the rotation of the third mobile 16. The second hand 8 (see Figure 1) is fixed to the fourth mobile 17, and displays the “seconds” on the basis of the rotation of the fourth mobile 17. The second hand 8 makes a complete revolution at a rotation speed adjusted by the exhaust 13 and the regulation unit 12, for example, one minute. The upper gear 11 can be configured so as to include an intermediate wheel arranged between the fourth wheel 17 and an escape wheel 21.

The exhaust wheel 21, which will be described later, meshes with the fourth wheel 17 via an exhaust pinion 20 (see Figure 4). Consequently, the energy (rotational energy) of the mainspring housed in the barrel 14 of the movement is transmitted to the escapement mobile 21 mainly via the center mobile 15, the third mobile 16 and the fourth mobile 17. Consequently, the exhaust mobile 21 rotates around a first axis O1.

(Regulation unit)

Figure 3 is a side view (a view taken in the direction of arrow III in Figure 2) of the exhaust 13 and the regulation unit 12 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view of the exhaust 13 according to the embodiment seen from the front.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the regulation unit 12 mainly includes a spiral balance 22. The spiral balance 22 includes a balance axis 23, a balance 24, a balance spring (not shown), and a plate 25 serving as a component of timepiece 9. The spiral balance 22 uses the spiral as a source of energy and performs a back-and-forth movement (alternating rotation back and forth) around a second parallel axis O2 to the first axis O1 according to a constant amplitude of rotation (an angle of rotation) corresponding to an output torque of the movement barrel 14.

The balance axis 23 is arranged coaxially with the second axis O2. A conical upper pivot 23a (a front end) and a lower pivot 23b (a rear end) are formed at both ends of the balance shaft 23 in the axial direction, respectively. The upper pivot 23a is supported by a balance bridge (neither of which is shown in this figure) via a bearing. The lower pivot 23b is supported by the plate 10 via a bearing 30. Consequently, the balance axis 23 is rotatably mounted around the second axis 02 relative to the balance bridge and the plate 10. An external peripheral part of the The balance shaft 23 is a small flange 29 including a crescent-shaped portion 28. The crescent-shaped portion 28 is recessed inwardly in the radial direction relative to the external peripheral portion of the balance shaft 23 so as to form a curved surface. The crescent-shaped part 28 acts as a release part to prevent a dart 70, which will be described later, from coming into contact with the collar 29 when a fork 69 (see Figure 4), which will be described later, and a plate pin 38 are engaged.

The balance 24 includes a rim 33 and a connecting part 34. The rim 33 has an annular shape centered on the second axis O2. The connecting part 34 is arranged between the balance axis 23 and the rim 33, and extends along the radial direction of the balance axis 23. The connecting part 34 connects the balance axis 23 to the serge 33. A plurality of connecting parts 34 (four in the present embodiment) are provided at equal angular intervals in a circumferential direction.

[0049] The hairspring (not shown) is fixed to the external peripheral part of the balance axis 23. More specifically, a ferrule (not shown) is fixed to the outside of the external periphery of the balance axis 23. , and an internal end of the hairspring is fixed to the ferrule. The balance axis 23 rotates in one direction then in the other at a constant angle of rotation around the second axis O2 depending on the energy transmitted by the balance spring.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the plate 25, which is a component of the spiral balance 22 and a component of the escapement 13, is fixed externally to the balance axis 23 as a component of timepiece 9. The plate 25 is fixed to the rear of the flange 29, which is arranged on the balance axis 23, in the axial direction of the second axis O2. The plate 25 is arranged coaxially with the second axis O2. The plate 25 is made of a metallic material or of a material having a crystalline orientation such as monocrystalline silicon. The plate 25 is formed via MEMS manufacturing processes, for example. A method of manufacturing the plate 25 may consist, for example, of electroforming, a LIGA process incorporating an optical method such as a photolithography technique, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) metal powder injection molding ( MIM), or similar.

[0051] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the plate 25 according to the preferred embodiment described, seen from the front. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the plate 25 according to this preferred embodiment seen from the rear. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the plate 25 in which the plate pin 38 and a contact paddle 39 of Figure 6 are not shown. Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the plate 25 has the shape of a flat plate whose thickness extends in the axial direction of the second axis O2. The plate 25 comprises a balance shaft insertion hole 35, a fixing part 36 and a bonding zone delimiting portion 37.

The balance shaft insertion hole 35 is arranged coaxially with the second axis O2. The balance shaft insertion hole 35 penetrates the plate 25 in the axial direction of the second axis O2. The balance shaft 23 (see Figure 3) is inserted and fixed in the balance shaft insertion hole 35.

[0054] The fixing part 36 is a recess made in the plate 25. The fixing part 36 fixes by adhesion an attached element 40 such as the plate pin 38 or a contact pallet 39 to the plate 25 using an adhesive 45. More specifically, the fixing part 36 includes a first through hole 41 (a through hole according to claim) and a first slot 42.

The first through hole 41 penetrates the plate 25 in the axial direction of the second axis O2. The first through hole 41 has a semicircular shape having a flat surface on the outer side in the radial direction, and is curved inward in an arcuate shape on the inner side in the radial direction, when viewed from the direction axial. The tray peg 38 formed using an artificial gemstone such as a ruby, is lightly driven into the first through hole 41.

The plate pin 38 has a semi-circular shape in a plan view having a flat surface on the outer side in the radial direction and an arcuate surface on the inner side in the radial direction, corresponding to the shape of the through hole in which it is introduced. As shown in Figure 5, the tray pin 38 projects forward from the tray 25. The tray pin 38 is attached to the tray 25 using adhesive 45 (see Figure 7) which will be described in detail below.

[0057] When viewed from the axial direction, the first slot 42 has a U shape which extends along the radial direction and opens outward in the radial direction. The contact paddle 39 is inserted into the first slot 42. More specifically, the contact paddle 39 is inserted into the first slot 42 from the outside in the radial direction and is attached to the plate 25 using the adhesive 45. The contact pallet 39 is made of an artificial stone such as a ruby, similar to the plate pin 38. The contact pallet 39 has a rectangular flat shape extending along the radial direction of the plate 25, and the pointed end protruding outwards in the radial direction from an outer peripheral edge of the plate 25. The contact paddle 39 is arranged so as not to protrude from both sides of the plate 25 in the axial direction of the second O2 axis.

The contact pallet 39 thus formed can come into contact (collide) with the escapement mobile 21 then separate from it repeatedly, as described below, on the basis of the rotation of the spiral balance 22 (see Figure 3 and also Figure 4). When an escapement tooth 52 of the escapement wheel 21 is brought into contact with the contact pallet 39, energy is transmitted from the escapement wheel 21 to the contact pallet 39.

[0059] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the bonding zone demarcation portion 37 is arranged on a surface facing the rear of the plate 25. The bonding zone demarcation portion 37 is arranged on an edge of the opening 43 of the fixing part 36. The bonding zone delimiting portion 37 delimits an area in which the adhesive 45 is applied at a desired level. More specifically, the bonding zone delimiting portion 37 is a shoulder 44 formed on the plate 25. The shoulder 44 is formed so as to be set back relative to the end surface at the rear of the plate 25 to reduce the thickness of the plate 25. The shoulder 44 is formed on the external side of the fixing part 36 and follows the shape of the fixing portion 36 when viewed in the axial direction. The shoulder 44 is arranged over the entire periphery of the opening edge 43 in the fixing part 36. In the present embodiment, the shoulders 44 are constituted by the opening edge parts 43 of the first through hole 41 and of the first slot 42, and are respectively formed on a surface oriented at the rear of the plate 25.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, the shoulder 44 is filled with adhesive 45. In the state where the plate pin 38 is disposed in the first through hole 41, the projection height of the end surface 38a of the plate pin 38 at the rear of the plate 25 is higher than the bottom 47 of the shoulder 44, and is less than or equal to the level of the top 48 of the shoulder 44. In the present embodiment, the surface terminal 38a at the rear of the plate pin 38 is arranged so as to be flush with the upper part 48 of the shoulder 44 (that is to say, the rear surface of the plate 25). Furthermore, the adhesive 45 is filled into the shoulder 44 such that the surface 45a of the adhesive 45 is at the same level as the apex 48 of the shoulder 44. Therefore, when the shoulder 44 is filled adhesive 45, the adhesive 45 is applied to a side surface 38b of the plate pin 38. The end surface 38a of the plate pin 38 can be located between the bottom 47 and the top 48 of the shoulder 44. In this case, the adhesive 45 is not only applied to the side surface 38b of the plate pin 38 but also to the end surface 38a at the rear of the plate pin 38.

(Exhaust)

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 2, the exhaust 13 kinematically connects the upper gear 11 and the regulation unit 12. The exhaust 13 transmits a driving force from the upper gear 11 to the regulation unit 12, and controls the rotation of the upper cog 11 by adjusting the rotation speed using the regulation unit 12. As shown in Figure 3, the escapement 13 is arranged at the rear of the spiral balance 22. The escapement 13 includes the escapement mobile 21 and an anchor 49.

[0062] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the escape wheel 21 includes an escape wheel shaft 50 and an escape wheel 51 serving as a timepiece component 9.

The escape wheel shaft 50 is arranged coaxially with the first axis O1. The exhaust pinion 20 which meshes with the fourth mobile 17 is formed on the escape wheel shaft 50. A conical pivot 50a and a lower pivot 50b are formed at both ends of the escape wheel shaft 50 along the axial direction, respectively. The escapement wheel 21 is movably mounted between the plate 10 (see Figure 2) and the gear train bridge (not shown) via the upper pivot 50a and the lower pivot 50b. The escape wheel shaft 50 rotates around the first axis O1.

The escape wheel 51 is arranged at the rear of the exhaust pinion 20 in the axial direction of the first axis O1. As shown in Figure 3, the escape wheel 51 is arranged in a position equivalent to that of the plate 25 in the axial direction. The escape wheel 21 is integrally secured to the escape wheel shaft 50 following, for example, a driving operation. As shown in Figure 4, the escape wheel 51 includes a plurality of escape teeth 52 at its outer peripheral portion. The escape wheel 51 rotates synchronously with the escape wheel shaft 50 around the first axis O1.

[0065] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the exhaust mobile 21 according to the preferred embodiment described, seen from the rear.

Similar to the plate 25, the escape wheel 51 is made of a metallic material or a material having a crystalline orientation such as monocrystalline silicon, for example. Examples of manufacturing method of escape wheel 51 are MEMS manufacturing processes, electroforming, LIGA process including optical method such as photolithography technique, DRIE, metal powder injection molding (MIM), or similar.

[0067] The escape wheel 51 is configured so as to integrally form an annular hub 54 in which an insertion hole of the shaft 53 is formed, which serves as a fixing part 36 in a central part, and a plurality spokes 55 extending outwards in the radial direction from the hub 54 and which are distributed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The escape wheel shaft 50 is inserted into the center of the shaft insertion hole 53. The escape wheel shaft 50 is attached to the escape wheel 51 using the adhesive 45.

The plurality of rays 55 (eight in the present embodiment) is distributed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The spoke 55 is shaped to taper outward in the radial direction. The spoke 55 is configured such that one end located outward in the radial direction is slightly inclined to one side in the circumferential direction. This curved tip acts as escapement tooth 52. The side surface of escapement tooth 52 located on the opposite side in the circumferential direction is a useful surface 52a which is in contact with the contact vane 39 and is brought into contact with each other. engage with an entry paddle 61 and an exit paddle 62, as described below. An opening 56 is formed at the base of each radius 55. When viewed from the axial direction of the first axis O1, the opening 56 extends in the radial direction along the radius 55, and is slightly curved along the circumferential direction, the curvature thus formed being oriented inwards in the radial direction.

[0069] The escape wheel 51 includes the shoulder 44 as a portion delimiting the bonding zone 37 at the level of the opening edge 43 of the fixing part 36 (the insertion hole of the shaft 53 ), similar to the plate 25 described above. In the present embodiment, the shoulder 44 is provided on the rear surface of the escape wheel 51 (i.e. the surface opposite the escape pinion 20). The shoulder 44 is arranged over the entire periphery of the opening edge 43 of the insertion hole of the shaft 53. That is to say, in a state where the escape wheel shaft 50 is arranged in the insertion hole of the shaft 53 of the escape wheel 51, the shoulder 44 is provided on the outer peripheral part of the escape wheel shaft 50. The shoulder 44 is filled with adhesive 45. Therefore, the escape wheel 51 and the escape wheel shaft 50 are fixed.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 4, the escapement mobile 21 configured in this way plays a role of direct transmission of the energy transmitted to the spiral balance 22 when the spiral balance 22 (see Figure 3) rotates according to a first direction of rotation W1, and indirect transmission of a torque transmitted to the spiral balance 22 via the anchor 49, as described below, when the spiral balance 22 rotates in a second direction of rotation W2 opposite to the first direction of rotation W1.

[0071] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the anchor 49 according to the embodiment as seen from the front side.

[0072] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 10, the anchor 49 rotates around a third axis 03 parallel to the first axis O1 as a function of the rotation of the spiral balance 22. The anchor 49 controls the rotation of the mobile escapement 21, that is to say, controls the start and end of the rotation of the escapement mobile 21. As shown in Figure 10, the anchor 49 includes an anchor axis 57, a body of anchor 58 serving as a timepiece component 9, and the input pallet 61 and the output pallet 62 which serve as an attached element 40.

The anchor axis 57 is arranged coaxially with the third axis O3. A conical pivot 57a and a lower pivot 57b are respectively formed at both ends of the anchor pin 57 in the axial direction. The anchor pin 57 is movably mounted between the plate 10 (see Figure 2) and the anchor bridge (not shown) via the upper pivot 57a and the lower pivot 57b.

[0074] The anchor body 58 is fixed integrally to the anchor pin 57, for example via a chase. The anchor body 58 has a plate shape by electroforming or via MEMS manufacturing processes, for example. As shown in Figure 3, the anchor body 58 is arranged on the front face in the axial direction of the first axis O1 relative to the exhaust mobile 21 and the plate 25. As shown in Figure 10, the body d The anchor 58 includes two arms 63 and 64, the fixing part 36, and the bonding zone delimitation portion 37.

[0075] The two arms 63 and 64 extend respectively in the radial direction from the anchor pin 57. An anchor pin insertion hole 66 for fixing the anchor pin 57 is provided in a connecting part 65 of the two arms 63 and 64 in the anchor body 58. The anchor body 58 is integrally fixed to the anchor pin 57 by adjusting the anchor pin 57 in the anchor pin insertion hole 66 by driving or similar.

[0076] As shown in Figure 4, the arm 63 is formed so as to extend from the connecting part 65, to which the anchor pin 57 is fixed, on the side of the plate 25. The arm 64 s 'extends from the connecting part 65, to which the anchor pin 57 is fixed, in the direction of movement (side opposite the plate 25) of the rotation of the escapement mobile 21. In a manner similar to the mobile of exhaust 21, each of the arms 63 and 64 is provided with openings 67 as required.

[0077] As shown in Figures 4 and 10, a pair of inlet and outlet horns 68 arranged adjacently in the circumferential direction around the third axis 03 is arranged at the end of the arm 63. The interior space between the input horn and the output horn 68 forms the fork 69 which opens towards the balance axis 23 and in which the plate pin 38 which moves following the alternating rotation of the spiral balance 22 can come becoming lodged and then extricating itself from it repeatedly.

[0078] Furthermore, the dart 70 is fixed to the end of the arm 63.

The dart 70 is integrally fixed to the arm 63 by inserting into the end of the arm 63 from the front in the axial direction of the third axis O3 by, for example, a driving-in. However, the invention is not limited to such a case, and the dart 70 could be fixed to the end of the arm 63 using adhesive 45, by stamping or sleeving or the like, for example.

The stinger 70 is located between the pair of inlet and outlet horns 68 (that is to say, located inside the fork 69) in a plan view, and extends from so as to project slightly towards the balance axis 23 from the entry and exit horns 68. The dart 70 is fixed to the front of the plate pin 38 and at the same height as the collar 29 ( see Figure 3) in the axial direction of the third axis O3.

[0081] As illustrated in Figure 3, the end of the dart 70 faces, in the radial direction, the portion of the external peripheral surface of the collar 29 excluding the crescent-shaped part 28 with a slight spacing existing between both, in the state where the plate pin 38 is separated from the fork 69. The end of the dart 70 is housed in the crescent-shaped part 28 in the state where the plate pin 38 is engaged in the fork 69.

[0082] As illustrated in Figure 10, the fixing parts 36 are recesses provided in the arms 63 and 64, respectively. The fixing parts 36 are fixed by adhesion to the added elements 40 such as the entry pallet 61 or the outlet pallet 62 to the anchor body 58 using the adhesive 45. More specifically, the fixing parts 36 include a second through hole 71 provided in one arm 63 and a second slot 72 provided in the other arm 64.

The second through hole 71 penetrates the anchor body 58 in the axial direction of the third axis O3. The second through hole 71 has a quadrangular shape having an inclined surface 71a towards the exhaust mobile 21 when seen in the axial direction. The entry pallet 61, formed by an artificial stone such as a ruby, is slightly driven into the second through hole 71.

The entry pallet 61 has a quadrangular shape having an inclined surface 61a towards the exhaust mobile 21, corresponding to the shape of the second through hole 71. The entry pallet 61 is fixed to the anchor body 58 using the adhesive 45. The entry pallet 61 projects rearwardly from the anchor body 58. A rear end of the entry pallet 61 extends in a position equivalent to that of the mobile exhaust 21 in the axial direction (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 4, the input pallet 61 can be brought into engagement with the useful surface 52a of the escape tooth 52 of the escape wheel 51, then disengaged from it again, and thus stop and then release the exhaust mobile 21 again.

The second slot 72 is configured in the form of a U which opens towards the exhaust mobile 21 when seen in the axial direction. The exit vane 62 is inserted into the second slot 72. More specifically, the exit vane 62 is inserted into the second slot 72 from an opening of the second slot 72, and is attached to the anchor body 58 using of adhesive 45. The outlet pallet 62 is formed by an artificial stone such as a ruby, similar to the inlet pallet 61. The outlet pallet 62 has a rectangular flat shape extending along the second slot 72, and the end of the outlet vane 62 projects outwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the anchor body 58. As shown in Figure 10, the outlet vane 62 projects rearwardly of the body anchor 58. A rear end of the outlet pallet 62 extends in a position equivalent to that of the exhaust mobile 21 in the axial direction. The exit pallet 62 can engage with the useful surface 52a of the escape tooth 52 of the escape wheel 51, then disengage therefrom, and thus stop and release the escape wheel 21 In this way, it transmits the energy from the escapement mobile 21 to the spiral balance 22 via the anchor body 58.

[0086] The bonding zone delimitation portion 37 of the anchor body 58 is arranged at the level of the opening edge 43 of the fixing part 36, similarly to the plate 25 and the escape wheel 51 described below. above. The bonding zone delimitation portion 37 is constituted by the shoulder 44. The shoulder 44 is arranged over the entire periphery of the opening edge 43 in the fixing part 36 of the anchor body 58. More specifically, the shoulders 44 are the opening edges 43 of the second through hole 71 and the second slot 72, and are formed on a front surface of the anchor body 58. The shoulder 44 is filled with adhesive 45. Therefore, the entry pallet 61 and the outlet pallet 62 are fixed to the anchor body 58. The position relationship according to the axial direction of the third axis O3 between the shoulder 44 arranged on the anchor body 58 and the pallet inlet 61 and the outlet pallet 62 is equivalent to the positional relationship between the shoulder 44 arranged on the plate 25 and the end surface 38a of the plate pin 38.

The anchor 49 formed in this way rotates around the third axis 03 on the basis of the rotation of the spiral balance 22 as described above.

[0088] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the anchor 49 is rotated around the third axis O3 in a direction opposite to that of the rotation direction of the spiral balance 22 by the plate pin 38 which moves according to an alternating rotational movement of the balance (see Figure 3). At this moment, the entry pallet 61 and the exit vane 62 alternately repeat an approach and distance movement with respect to the escape wheel 51 relative to a rotation trajectory R based on the rotation of the anchor 49. Consequently, the useful surface 52a of the escape tooth 52 of the escape wheel 51 can come into mutual engagement with an engagement surface of the entry pallet 61 or a surface d engagement of the output pallet 62.

[0089] More particularly, since the entry vane 61 and the exit vane 62 are arranged such that the third axis O3 is interposed between them, when the escape tooth 52 and the entry vane 61 are in mutual engagement, the outlet pallet 62 is released from the exhaust tooth 52, and conversely, when the escape tooth 52 and the outlet vane 62 are in mutual engagement, the inlet vane 61 is released from the tooth exhaust 52.

(Operation and technical effects)

[0090] In the following, the operation and the beneficial technical effects achieved by the timepiece components 9, the spiral balance 22, the movement 4 and the timepiece 1 will be described.

[0091] According to a timepiece component 9 of the present embodiment, the timepiece components 9 (the plate 25, the escape wheel 51 and the anchor body 58 described in the context of the present embodiment) include the bonding zone delimiting portion 37, and the area where the adhesive 45 is applied to the timepiece component 9 can be limited to a desired level by the bonding zone delimiting portion 37 Therefore, the level at which the adhesive 45 protrudes outside the timepiece component 9 can be reduced in comparison with the technique known from the prior art, according to which the bonding zone delimitation portion 37 is not planned. Therefore, it is easy to ensure clearance between components, and the components can be arranged close to each other. Additionally, a predetermined amount of adhesive 45 can be reliably applied without generating variations in terms of application quantities or quantitative application ranges of adhesive 45 for each component. Therefore, when these timepiece components 9 are incorporated into the movement 4, it is possible to prevent an imbalance (via improper weight distribution) from affecting the center of gravity due to a difference in terms of applied quantities of adhesive 45.

[0092] Consequently, timepiece components 9 capable of preventing any increase in size and whose operating precision is improved can be produced.

[0093] The fixing part 36 consists of a recess, and the shoulder 44 is arranged as a delimitation portion of the bonding zone 37 at the level of an opening edge 43 of the recess. Therefore, a predetermined amount of adhesive 45 can be reliably applied by applying the adhesive 45 at the shoulders 44 provided on the timepiece components 9. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 45 to protrude from the surface of the timepiece components 9 by providing the shoulders 44. Consequently, it is possible to produce the bonding zone delimitation portion 37 in a simple configuration and to prevent any unbalanced distribution weight, and also any increase in the size of timepiece components 9.

[0094] Since the shoulder 44 is arranged over the entire periphery of the opening edge 43 in the recess, the contact zone (a bonding zone) of the adhesive 45 relative to the component of the timepieces 9 and to the insert 40 (the plate pin 38, the contact paddle 39, the escape wheel shaft 50, the input paddle 61, and the output paddle 62 in the present embodiment) can be increased compared to a case where the shoulder 44 would only be fitted in part of the opening edge 43. Consequently, the insert 40 can be fixed more firmly.

[0095] Since an end surface (for example, the end surface 38a of the plate pin 38 in the present embodiment) of the insert 40 is located on the side of the top 48 of the shoulder 44 relative to the bottom 47, when the shoulder 44 is filled with adhesive 45, the adhesive 45 can be applied to a side surface (for example, the side surface 38b of the plate pin 38) of the insert 40 located at the inside the shoulder 44. Therefore, the bonding area of the adhesive 45 to the insert 40 can be increased, and the insert 40 can be fixed more firmly.

[0096] Since the timepiece component 9 is formed by MEMS manufacturing processes, the timepiece component 9 including the bonding zone delimiting portion 37 can be formed simply. The architecture can then be applied to a thin component such as the timepiece component 9. Consequently, in particular the timepiece component 9, which is a thin and precise component, can include a delimitation portion of bonding zone 37 in which the quantity and level of application of the adhesive 45 can be suitably adjusted as required.

The plate 25 is equipped with the fixing part 36 and the bonding zone delimiting portion 37, and the plate pin 38 is fixed by adhesion as an attached element 40 to the fixing part 36. Therefore, this configuration can be used appropriately when the platen pin 38 is adhesively attached to the platen 25. The platen 25 rotates back and forth about an axis of rotation, and this cycle of rotation affects the precision of the operation of the timepiece 1. Consequently, by arranging the bonding zone delimitation portion 37 on the plate 25, the plate pin 38 can be reliably fixed to the plate 25, and by preventing any inhomogeneous distribution of weight, it is possible to prevent any difference in inclination caused by an imbalance due to an offset of the center of gravity relative to the axis of rotation when the plate 25 performs a rotary movement of va- back and forth. Consequently, it is possible to obtain timepiece components 9 capable of improving the running precision of the timepiece 1. Furthermore, since the protrusion level of the adhesive 45 outside the plate 25 can be reduced, other components can be placed near the plate 25.

[0098] The anchor body 58 is equipped with the fixing part 36 and the bonding zone delimiting portion 37, and the entry pallet 61 and the outlet pallet 62 are fixed by adhesion as an element attached 40 to the fixing part 36. Consequently, this configuration can be used appropriately when the inlet vane 61 and the outlet vane 62 are fixed by adhesion to the anchor body 58. The anchor body 58 performs a rotary movement back and forth around the third axis O3, and this rotation cycle affects the precision of the operation of the timepiece 1. Consequently, by arranging the bonding zone delimitation portion 37 on the anchor body 58, the inlet vane 61 and the outlet vane 62 can be reliably fixed to the anchor body 58, and by preventing any inhomogeneous distribution of weight, it is possible to prevent any error of exhaust and a difference in inclination caused by the imbalance due to the shift in the center of gravity relative to the axis of rotation when the anchor body 58 performs a back-and-forth rotary movement. Therefore, it is possible to provide timepiece components 9 capable of improving the time accuracy of the timepiece 1. Furthermore, since the adhesive level 45 protruding outside the timepiece body anchor 58 can be reduced, other components can be arranged near the anchor body 58.

[0099] The escape wheel 51 is equipped with the fixing part 36 and the bonding zone delimiting portion 37, and the escape wheel shaft 50 is fixed by adhesion as an added element 40. to the fixing part 36. Therefore, this configuration can be suitably used when the escape wheel 51 and the escape wheel shaft 50 are fixed by adhesion. The escape wheel 51 maintains the running precision of the timepiece 1 by rotating synchronously with the escape wheel shaft 50 around the escape wheel shaft 50 at a constant frequency. Therefore, by forming the bonding area boundary portion 37 on the escape wheel 51, the escape wheel 51 and the escape wheel shaft 50 can be fixed to each other so as to reliable, and by preventing any inhomogeneous distribution of weight, it is possible to prevent any variation in the rotational torque when the escape wheel 51 rotates. Therefore, the escape wheel 51 can be rotated at a constant frequency, and the running precision of the timepiece 1 can be improved. Furthermore, since the level of adhesive 45 protruding outside the escape wheel 51 can be reduced, other components can be arranged near the escape wheel 51.

[0100] According to the spiral balance 22 of the present embodiment, since the timepiece components 9 above are provided, the timepiece components 9 of the spiral balance 22 can be arranged close to each other, and any imbalance in terms of weight resulting from the arrangement of the different timepiece components 9 can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the spiral balance 22, prevent tilt caused by weight distribution resulting in imbalance, and improve the precision of the spiral balance 22.

[0101] Consequently, the spiral balance 22 which has a reduced size and high precision and which is equipped with the timepiece components 9 capable of preventing the increase in size and the improvement of precision can be provided.

[0102] According to the movement 4 of the present embodiment, since a spiral balance 22 of reduced size and high precision is provided, it is possible to improve the precision of the measurement of the time of the movement 4 while avoiding an increase of the size of the movement 4.

[0103] Therefore, a high-performance movement 4 equipped with timepiece components 9 capable of avoiding any increase in size and improving the precision of time measurement can be obtained.

[0104] According to the timepiece 1 of the present preferred embodiment described, since a movement 4 of reduced size and high precision is provided, it is possible to improve the precision of the running while reducing the size of timepiece 1.

[0105] Consequently, it is possible to obtain a timepiece 1 of reduced size and high precision and which is equipped with timepiece components 9 capable of avoiding any increase in size and of improving the accuracy of time measurement.

[0106] The technical scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various variants can be added without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0107] For example, in the above embodiments, the fixing parts 36 comprise through holes 41 and 71 and slots 42 and 72, but the invention is not limited to such a configuration. The fixing part 36 could be, for example, a recess with a bottom arranged without completely passing through the timepiece component 9.

[0108] In the embodiments described above, the adhesive 45 is configured to fill the shoulder 44 such that the surface 45a of the adhesive 45 is at the same level as the top 48 of the shoulder 44 , but the invention is not limited to such a configuration. The adhesive 45 can fill the shoulder 44 such that the surface 45a of the adhesive 45 does not reach the top 48 of the shoulder 44.

[0109] Furthermore, the surface 45a of the adhesive 45 can project beyond the top 48 of the shoulder 44. Even when the adhesive 45 projects beyond the top 48 in this way, compared to the technique known from the prior art according to which no shoulder 44 is provided, the level of projection of the adhesive 45 can be reduced for the same quantity of adhesive 45 used.

[0110] Furthermore, it is possible to appropriately replace components of the embodiments described above with known components without departing from the invention defined by the claims, and the modifications mentioned above can be combined as needed.

Claims (10)

1. Timepiece component (9), comprising: a fixing part (36) in which an insert (40) is fixed by adhesion using an adhesive (45); And a bonding zone delimiting portion (37) which is provided in the fixing part (36), and delimits an area in which the adhesive (45) is applied at a desired level, in which the fixing part (36) is a recess, and the bonding zone delimiting portion (37) is arranged in the form of a shoulder (44) at an opening edge (43) of the recess . 2. Timepiece component (9) according to claim 1, in which the shoulder (44) is arranged over the entire periphery of the opening edge (43) in the recess. 3. Timepiece component (9) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the fixing part (36) comprises a through hole (41) in which the insert (40) is disposed, and the insert (40) is fixed by adhesion in the fixing part (36) such that the projection height of the insert (40) in the fixing part (36) in the direction of penetration of the hole crossing (41) is higher than the bottom of the shoulder (44), and is less than or equal to the top of the shoulder (44). 4. Timepiece component (9) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the timepiece component (9) is formed by a process selected from electroforming, a LIGA process incorporating an optical method such as a photolithography technique, a DRIE process or metal powder injection molding. 5. Timepiece component (9) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which a plate (25) is equipped with the fixing part (36) and the bonding zone delimiting portion (37), and a table pin (38) is adhesively fixed as an insert (40) to the fixing part (36). 6. Timepiece component (9) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which an anchor body (58) is equipped with the fixing part (36) and the bonding zone delimiting portion (37), and a pallet is adhesively fixed as an insert (40) to the fixing part (36). 7. Timepiece component (9) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which an escape wheel (50) is provided with the fixing part (36) and the bonding zone delimiting portion (37), and an exhaust wheel shaft (50) is adhesively fixed as an insert (40) to the fixing part (36). 8. Spiral balance (22), comprising: a timepiece component according to one of claims 1 to 5. 9. Movement (4) comprising: a timepiece component according to one of claims 1 to 7. 10. A timepiece (1) comprising: a movement according to claim 9.