CH718922A2 - Clockwork resonator mechanism provided with means for stopping the inertial element. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism (1), comprising a structure (10) and an anchoring block from which is suspended at least one inertial element (2) arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around a pivot axis extending in a first direction Z, said inertial element (2) being configured to be subjected to return forces exerted by return means configured to make the inertial element (2) oscillate, the mechanism (1) comprising stop means (50) of the inertial element (2) operable on demand to prevent oscillations of the inertial element (2), characterized in that the stop means (50) are configured to move the inertial element (2) between a pivoting position and a stop position in which the inertial element cannot oscillate.

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to a clock resonator mechanism provided with means for stopping the inertial element.

The invention also relates to a clock movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism and/or a clock oscillator comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

Background of the invention

[0003] In the oscillation mechanisms of clock movements, means of stopping the balance are generally used to prevent it from oscillating, for example when one wants to set the time of the movement. These stop means are configured to block the movement of the pendulum by contact with it.

The rockers generally have an annular shape, and the stopping means comprise a movable stop which comes into contact with the periphery of the rocker to stop it, when they are actuated. In tourbillons, there are other types of stop means acting on the rotation shaft of the balance wheel to stop its movement, for example by blocking a counterstop arranged on the rotation shaft.

[0005] However, there are other types of pendulums, which are not necessarily annular, or which do not have a rotating shaft around which they rotate. For example, in the case of oscillators with flexible guidance, the inertial element can be provided with an elongated body, which oscillates by means of one, or preferably several flexible blades.

[0006] Thus, the existing stopping means are not satisfactory on such oscillators, and new stopping means are necessary.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to design new stopping means capable of operating with any type of inertial element, but also with annular inertial elements conventionally used in clock oscillators.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, comprising a structure and an anchoring block from which is suspended at least one inertial element arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around a pivot axis extending in a first direction Z, said inertial element being configured to be subjected to return forces exerted by return means configured to cause the inertial element to oscillate, the mechanism comprising means for stop of the inertial element actuated on demand to prevent oscillations of the inertial element.

[0009] The oscillator mechanism is remarkable in that the stop means are configured to move the inertial element between a pivoting position and a stop position in which the inertial element cannot oscillate.

[0010] Thus, the inertial element is not only movable in rotation to be able to oscillate, but also in translation to put it in a position in which it is blocked and can no longer oscillate.

[0011] This new type of stopping means avoids having to take into account the geometry of the inertial element. They can be adapted to particular oscillating systems, for example with flexible guides, which do not include an annular balance, but an elongated inertial element. In addition, these stop means can also be used for conventional annular balances.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the stop means comprise a stop abutment against which the inertial element is in contact in the stop position, the inertial element no longer being in contact with the stopper in the pivoting position.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the inertial element is movable in translation against the stopper.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the stop means are configured to push the inertial element against the stopper.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the inertial element is configured to oscillate at least in part around a first pivot stud of the structure, the first pivot stud being configured to allow the pivoting of the inertial element around an axis passing through the first pivot pin.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first pivot pin comprises the stopper.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the inertial element is configured to slide along the first pivot pin to come into contact with the stopper.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the stop means comprise actuating means arranged to move the inertial element against the stopper.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprise a support body configured to push the inertial element.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprise a lever configured to exert a force on the support body, so as to move the inertial element.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the support body is flexible.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the lever is configured to lift said support body to move the inertia element.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprise a mobile winding stem to actuate the lever.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the return means comprise a flexible pivot comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades, each fixed, at a first end to said anchor block, and at a second end to said inertial element, each said elastic blade being deformable essentially in an XY plane perpendicular to said first direction Z.

The invention also relates to a clock movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism and/or a clock oscillator comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: FIG. 1 represents, schematically, and in perspective view, a resonator mechanism with flexible blades comprising means for stopping the inertial element, as well as means for actuating the stop means, FIG. 2 represents, schematically, and in side view, the resonator mechanism of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 represents, schematically, and in top view, the resonator mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the structure and the stop means have been deposited, FIG. 4 represents, schematically, and in perspective view, part of an inertial mass suspended from an anchor block by a flexible pivot.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, which constitutes for example a variant of the resonators described in application CH00518/18 or application EP18168765.8 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, incorporated here by reference, and of which those skilled in the art will know how to combine the characteristics with those specific to the present invention.

In Figures 1 and 2, this clock resonator mechanism 1 comprises a structure 10 and an anchor block 30, from which is suspended at least one inertial element 2 arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around a pivot axis D extending in a first direction Z.

This inertial element 2 is subjected to return forces exerted by return means. In the embodiment, the return means are a flexible pivot 200 comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades 3, each fixed, at a first end to the anchor block 30, and at a second end to the inertial element 2 In the figures, the resonator mechanism 1 comprises two crossed elastic blades 3, each blade 3 being provided with a plurality of ribs 13 on either side of each face of the blade 3. An elastic blade 3 is essentially deformable in an XY plane perpendicular to the first Z direction.

Thanks to the return means, the inertial element 2 can oscillate in the XY plane, the first direction Z being perpendicular to the XY plane.

The inertial element 2 comprises a clip 20 on which the elastic blades 3 are fixed. The inertial element 2 further comprises a rocker arm 15 assembled with the attachment 20. The rocker arm 15 is elongated in the shape of a substantially symmetrical bone.

The inertial element 2 is configured to oscillate at least partly around a first pivot pin 5 of the structure 10, the pivot pin 5 being configured to allow the pivoting of the inertial element 2 around it . To this end, the rocker 15 includes a central hole 16 to insert the first pivot pin 5 therein. The central hole 16 has a larger diameter than the first pin 5 in order to allow the rocker 15 to turn around it.

The inertial element 2 further comprises an anchor 25 assembled under the attachment 20, the anchor 25 being centered on the balance 20 and the central hole 16. The anchor 25 comprises two arms 17, 18 in arcs of circle whose ends are configured to cooperate with an escape wheel, not shown in the figures. The escapement can be of the mechanical type or of the magnetic type.

A second pivot pin 19 of the structure 10 is inserted into the anchor 25 along the axis of rotation of the inertial element 2. The anchor 25 comprises a second hole 21 in which the second pin 19 is inserted , the second hole 21 being wider than the second stud 19 to avoid any contact between the anchor 25 and the second hole 21. The second stud 19 is arranged in the axis of the first stud 5. Thus, the inertial element 2 surrounds the first 5 and the second stud 19, which are inserted, one in the balance 15 and the other in the anchor 25, so as to allow the oscillation of the inertial element 2 along an axis of rotation passing by the two pads 5, 19. The amplitude of oscillation of the inertial element 2 in the plane of oscillation is for example included in an interval ranging from 20 to 40°. The oscillation frequency is for example greater than ten Hz.

The second stud 19 has a vertical stop function in direction Z, in the event of impact, to prevent the elastic blades 3 or the blades of the translation tables 31, 32 from breaking. The second stud 19 has a protrusion or widening at its base to retain the inertial element 2. Thus, if the mechanism is shaken violently, the movement of the inertial element 2 is limited in the direction Z by the second stud 19.

According to the invention, the mechanism comprises stopping means 50 of the inertial element 2, which can be actuated on demand to prevent the oscillations of the inertial element 2. The stopping means 50 are configured to move the inertial element 2 between a pivoting position in which it can oscillate freely, and a stop position in which the inertial element 2 cannot oscillate because it is constrained.

To this end, the resonator mechanism 1 comprises a stopper 6 against which the inertial element 2 comes into contact in the stop position in order to prevent any oscillation. The first stud 5 includes the stopper 6, which is for example formed from an extra thickness at its periphery, or from an enlargement of the stud 5 at its base.

The inertial element 2 is thus configured to slide along the pivot pin 5 to come into contact with the stop 6, when you want to stop its oscillations. To move the mobile element 2, which is mobile in translation in the direction Z, the mobile element 2 is pushed by inducing a force under the anchor 25. The flexibility of the two elastic blades 3 allows the movement of the inertial element 2 in the direction Z without risk of wear or damage to the blades 3. The movement of the inertial element 2 takes place over a very short distance to avoid significant bending of the elastic blades 3. The mobile element 2 comes in contact with the stop 6 which is located above it in the direction Z. Thus, the stop means 50 are configured to push the movable element 2 against this stop stop 6.

To this end, the stop means 50 comprise actuation means 40 arranged to push the inertial element 2 against the stopper 6. The actuation means 40 comprise a support body 22, configured to be able to engage with the inertial element 2, the support body 22 serving as a means of moving the inertial element 2. The support body 22 is elongated to be able to be actuated remotely.

[0040] In addition, the support body 22 is provided at one end with a fork 36 surrounding the second stud 19, so as to be able to slide along said second stud 19. In the pivoting position, the support body 22 and fork 36 are not in contact with inertial element 2.

To move the inertial element 2, the support body 22 is movable along the second stud 19 to be able to come into contact with the inertial element 2, and push it towards the stopper 6. Thus, in the stop position, the support body 22 and the fork 36 are in contact with the inertial element 2.

In the figures, the support body 22 is for example a lamella, preferably metallic, provided with the fork 36 at its end to enclose the second stud 19 arranged under the anchor 25.

[0043] Preferably, the support body 22 is flexible in order to be able to apply a force with precision. When a force is applied to the slat, it bends, but transmits part of the force under the inertial element 2, in order to lift it.

The actuating means 40 produce thrust along the axis of rotation of the inertial element 2, perpendicular to the latter. Preferably, the support body 22 is arranged parallel to the inertial element 2.

The actuating means 40 comprise a lever 23 configured to bear against said support body 22 to move the inertial element 2. The lever 23 comprises an elongated body part of which bears under the body of support 22 in order to push it upwards when the actuating means 40 are actuated.

[0046] The actuating means 40 further comprise a winding stem 24 for actuating the lever 23. The stem 24 has a cylindrical shape and can be moved along its longitudinal axis when it is actuated.

The lever 23 here has an angled arm shape, with a first elbow 26 in the middle of the lever 23 and a second elbow 27 before a free end 28. The free end is in contact with the support body 22. The free end 28 has a triangular shape tapering towards the end. The free end 28 is positioned under the support body 22. Thus, by moving the free end 28 under the support body 22, the support body 22 is lifted by a thicker portion of the free end 28.

The lever 23 comprises a second end 29 in contact with the rod 24, the second end 29 being retained between two guide ribs 31, 32 extending around the rod 24. Thus, when the rod 24 is actuated, by pulling or pushing it along its axis, the second end 29 is pulled or pushed.

The lever 23 comprises a pivot 33 around which it can turn, the pivot 33 being formed by a screw passing through the lever 23. Thus, when the rod 24 is pulled, the second end accompanies the movement of the rod 24, so that the lever 23 rotates around the pivot 33. Thus, the free end 28 slides under the support body 22 to lift it. The inertial element 2 is then itself raised, and comes into contact with the stopper 6, which blocks its oscillatory movement.

In Figure 4, the anchor block 30 is suspended from the structure 10 by a flexible suspension 300, which is arranged to allow the mobility of the anchor block 30 according to five flexible degrees of freedom of the suspension which are : a first degree of freedom in translation along the first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in translation along a second direction X orthogonal to the first direction Z, a third degree of freedom in translation along a third direction Y orthogonal to the second direction X and to the first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in rotation RX around an axis extending along the second direction X, and a third degree of freedom in rotation RY about an axis extending along the third direction Y.

The flexible suspension 300 comprises, between the anchor block 30 and a first intermediate mass 303, which is fixed to the structure 10 directly or via a flexible plate 301 in the first direction Z, a table of transverse translation 32 with flexible guidance, and which comprises transverse blades 320, rectilinear and extending in the second direction X and in symmetry around a transverse axis D2 crossing the pivot axis D.

[0052] The flexible suspension 300 further comprises, between the anchor block 30 and a second intermediate mass 305, a longitudinal translation table 31 with flexible guidance, and which comprises longitudinal blades 310 which are rectilinear and extend in the third direction Y and in symmetry about a longitudinal axis D1 crossing the pivot axis D. And, between the second intermediate mass 305 and the first intermediate mass 303, the transverse translation table 32 with flexible guidance comprises transverse blades 320 rectilinear and extending in the second direction X and in symmetry around the transverse axis D2 crossing the pivot axis D.

The longitudinal axis D1 crosses the transverse axis D2, and in particular the longitudinal axis D1, the transverse axis D2, and the pivot axis D are concurrent.

The longitudinal translation table 31 and the transverse translation table 32 each comprise at least two blades, each blade being characterized by its thickness in the second direction X when the blade or rod extends in the third direction Y or vice versa , by its height in the first direction Z, and by its length in the direction in which the blade or rod extends, the length being at least five times greater than the height, the height being at least as great as the thickness, and more particularly at least five times greater than this thickness, and more particularly still at least seven times greater than this thickness.

The transverse translation table 32 comprises at least two transverse flexible blades, parallel to each other and of the same length. In the embodiment of the figures, the translation tables have four flexible blades.

The invention also relates to a clockwork oscillator mechanism comprising such a clockwork resonator mechanism 1, and an escapement mechanism, not shown in the figures, which are arranged to cooperate with each other.

The invention also relates to a clock movement 10 comprising at least one such oscillator mechanism and/or at least one resonator mechanism 1.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the example illustrated but is susceptible to various variants and modifications which will become apparent to those skilled in the art. In the disclosed embodiment, the inertial element 2 is raised, but other embodiments are possible, for example an embodiment in which the inertial element is retained in the pivoting position, and which slides downwards in a stop position. Regarding the return means, a spiral spring can be used instead of the pivot with flexible blades.

Claims (15)

1. Clockwork resonator mechanism (1), comprising a structure (10) and an anchor block (30) from which is suspended at least one inertial element (2) arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around a pivot axis (D) extending in a first direction Z, said inertial element (2) being configured to be subjected to return forces exerted by return means configured to cause the inertial element (2) to oscillate ), the mechanism (1) comprising stopping means (50) of the inertial element (2) operable on demand to prevent oscillations of the inertial element (2), characterized in that the stopping means ( 50) are configured to move the inertial element (2) between a pivoting position and a stop position in which the inertial element (2) cannot oscillate. 2. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop means (50) comprise a stopper (6) against which the inertial element (2) is in contact in the position of stopping, the inertial element (2) no longer being in contact with the stopper (6) in the pivoting position. 3. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the inertial element (2) is movable in translation against the stopper (6). 4. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the stop means (50) are configured to push the inertial element (2) against the stopper (6). 5. Resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inertial element (2) is configured to oscillate at least partly around a first pivot pin (5) of the structure (10), the first pivot pin (5) being configured to allow the pivoting of the inertial element (2) about an axis passing through said first pivot pin (5). 6. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first pivot pin (5) comprises the stopper (6). 7. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the inertial element (2) is configured to slide along the first pivot pin (5) to come into contact with the stopper (6) . 8. Resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop means (50) comprise actuating means (40) arranged to move the inertial element (2) against the stopper (6). 9. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuating means (40) comprise a support body (22) configured to push the inertial element (2). 10. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the support body (22) is flexible. 11. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the actuating means comprise a lever (23) configured to exert a force on the support body (22), so as to move the inertial element (2). 12. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever (23) is configured to lift said support body to move the inertial element (2). 13. resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating means comprise a winding stem (24) movable to actuate the lever (23). 14. Resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return means comprise a flexible pivot (200) comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades (3), each fixed, to a first end to said anchor block (30), and at a second end to said inertial element (2), each said elastic blade (3) being deformable essentially in an XY plane perpendicular to said first direction Z. 15. Clock movement comprising at least one resonator mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and/or at least one clock oscillator mechanism comprising such a resonator mechanism (1).