EP1986059A1 - Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece - Google Patents

Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1986059A1
EP1986059A1 EP07106986A EP07106986A EP1986059A1 EP 1986059 A1 EP1986059 A1 EP 1986059A1 EP 07106986 A EP07106986 A EP 07106986A EP 07106986 A EP07106986 A EP 07106986A EP 1986059 A1 EP1986059 A1 EP 1986059A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
opening
pivoting device
shaft
pivots
pivot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07106986A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Thierry Conus
Jean-Luc Helfer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
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ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=39027310&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1986059(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to EP07106986A priority Critical patent/EP1986059A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2008/055009 priority patent/WO2008132135A2/en
Priority to CN2008800136752A priority patent/CN101669075B/en
Priority to JP2010504690A priority patent/JP5524827B2/en
Priority to DE602008003429T priority patent/DE602008003429D1/en
Priority to AT08736544T priority patent/ATE487965T1/en
Priority to EP08736544.1A priority patent/EP2142965B2/en
Priority to US12/596,947 priority patent/US8317391B2/en
Publication of EP1986059A1 publication Critical patent/EP1986059A1/en
Priority to HK10108644.1A priority patent/HK1142693A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/004—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor characterised by the material used
    • G04B31/016—Plastic bearings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/004—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor characterised by the material used
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/004—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor characterised by the material used
    • G04B31/008—Jewel bearings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/004—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor characterised by the material used
    • G04B31/008—Jewel bearings
    • G04B31/0082—Jewel bearings with jewel hole and cap jewel
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the pivoting devices of a shaft in a timepiece and in particular such pivoting devices for the pendulum shaft of a watch.
  • pivoting devices usually comprise two pivots respectively formed at both ends of the balance shaft. Each of the pivots is engaged in a bearing consisting of two stones or pads held in a kitten.
  • the two pivots which have an appointie form, end with a cylindrical part engaged in the orifice of a stone with hole.
  • the front face, slightly rounded, of the cylindrical portion can abut on a second stone called counter-pivot.
  • Pivoting devices of the type described above have certain disadvantages.
  • the contact zone of each cylindrical portion with the corresponding bearing changes according to the inclination of the timepiece.
  • the balance shaft is therefore oriented vertically, only the rounded end face of one of the pivots press against the counter-pivot stone, while in the vertical position of the workpiece timepiece is the circumference of the cylindrical part of each pivot which rests against the side of an opening of the corresponding hole stone.
  • the braking due to the friction is smaller when the timepiece is flat than in the other positions. This phenomenon influences the amplitude of the pendulum oscillations, and the amplitude variations can in turn cause deviations between the horizontal position and the vertical position.
  • the patent document FR 1'333'053 describes an improvement to the pivoting devices intended in particular to reduce the differences in operation between the different positions occupied by a watch.
  • the two pivots of the balance shaft have a conical shape, the end of the tip of each cone rounding into a convex spherical portion whose radius of curvature is about 0.02 millimeter.
  • Each pivot is engaged in a housing also conical corresponding bearing, the bottom of each of these conical housing rounding into a concave spherical portion whose radius of curvature is about 0.03 millimeter.
  • the document further teaches that by locating the contact zone between a pivot and the corresponding bearing in the spherical parts, it is possible to reduce the differences in the path between the different positions.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pivoting device of a balance shaft in which the amplitude difference between the different positions of the watch is reduced to a minimum. It achieves this goal by providing a device according to claim 1.
  • each pivot bears against the inclined edge of the trapezoidal profile portion (By the profile of an opening, is meant the shape that presents the contour of this opening when the latter is seen in section along a plane which contains the axis of the opening or, which amounts to substantially the same, according to a plane which contains the axis of rotation of the balance, which is the case of the cuts represented in the Figures 1, 2 , 3, 4 and 6 appended).
  • the support of a pivot in the opening of a corresponding axial abutment element is therefore never frontal. Even when the balance shaft is oriented vertically, the support is not done by the tip of the pivot, but only by the sides of it. Under these conditions, it is possible to provide a pivoting device in which the torque of the friction forces varies very little between the different possible orientations of the timepiece.
  • the diameter of the portion of the end of a pivot, whose flanks bear against the flared edge of an opening is between about 0.05 and 0, 10mm.
  • the portion of the inner edge of each opening which is intended to come into contact with a pivot, has an inclination relative to the axis of the balance between about 40 ° and 60 °.
  • each of the two pivots has a cylindrical portion which precedes the rounded convex portion.
  • the opening of each axial abutment element has, near its mouth, a straight-profile portion intended to surround the cylindrical portion of one of the pivots so as to radially retain the balance shaft.
  • each of the two pivots comprises a cylindrical portion which precedes the rounded convex portion.
  • the two bearings each comprise a radial guide element pierced with a cylindrical or olivated hole, the flanks of the hole of each of the radial guide elements being provided to surround the cylindrical portion of one of the pivots so as to retain radially the balance shaft.
  • the axial abutment element according to the invention differs from known counter-pivots, in that it comprises an opening for receiving the rounded convex portion of a pivot.
  • each of the abutment elements in which the opening is formed is constituted by a monocrystal, the opening itself being produced by wet anisotropic etching of the single crystal.
  • the figure 1 shows a balance shaft 1 with its pivoting device.
  • the ends of the shaft 1 form two pivots with rounded tip (referenced respectively 2 and 2 '). It is also seen that the balance shaft 1 is held at its ends by two axial abutment members 5, 5 'in which the pivots 2, 2' can rotate.
  • the Figures 2a and 2b show in more detail one half of the same pivoting device. It is seen in particular that, in this embodiment, the tip of the pivot 2 ends with a rounded portion 3 forming substantially a half sphere.
  • the diameter of the sphere may advantageously be between 0.05 and 0.10 mm, for example about 0.07 mm.
  • the pivot 2 is intended to rotate in a housing (or opening) 6 of the axial abutment element (or bearing) 5. It can be seen that the housing 6 has the shape of a cone substantially coaxial with the axis of the Balance Shaft 1. According to an advantageous variant of the present invention, the opening of the cone is between about 80 ° and 120 °.
  • the inclination of the edges 7 of the opening relative to the axis of the balance 1 is preferably between 40 ° and 60 °.
  • the rounded portion 3 and the opening 6 are dimensioned so that the lateral surface of the rounded portion 3 can bear against the inclined inner edge 7 of the opening 6.
  • each arrow N has its origin at the location of a point of contact. It should be noted that the surfaces in contact are not uneven, which allows a "normal" support. In other words, at the point of support of the pivot on the edge of the opening, the direction of the arrow N corresponds both to the direction normal to the surface of the pivot and to the normal direction at the inclined edge of the opening.
  • the pivot 2 does not bear against the bottom of the opening 6, but against its inclined inner edge. Indeed, since the axis of the opening 6 is substantially parallel to the axis of the pivot 2, the contact of the pivot 2 with the interior of the opening 6 is made by the flanks of the pivot, in an area of the surface of the latter whose inclination is the same as that of the walls of the cone; that is to say about 45 ° in the present example. Moreover, by comparing the Figures 2a and 2b it can be seen that it is the same area of the surface of the pivot which ensures the contact when the balance shaft is horizontal and when this shaft is vertical. Indeed, an advantageous feature of the present example is that the contact is provided substantially by the same area of the surface of the pivot whatever the orientation of the balance shaft.
  • FIG. figure 3 The embodiment of the present invention which is shown in FIG. figure 3 comprises, in addition to the axial abutment member, a radial guide member 21 which performs the same function as a hole stone of the prior art.
  • the half pivoting device shown in FIG. figure 3 comprises a pivot 12 having a tip ending in a rounded portion 13.
  • the rounded portion is provided to bear in an opening 16 of an axial abutment element 15.
  • the opening 16 has an isosceles trapezium profile with sloping sides of about 50 °.
  • the rounded end 13 of the pivot 12 and the opening 16 are dimensioned so that the surface of the rounded portion can bear against the inclined edge 17 of the opening 16.
  • the tip of the pivot 12 also has a portion elongated cylindrical member 19 which precedes the rounded end 13. This cylindrical part is inserted into the olive or cylindrical hole of a radial guide element 21.
  • the radial guide element 21 may, for example, consist of a hole stone. of the usual type.
  • the function of the radial guide element 21 is to limit the radial play of the balance shaft and in particular to prevent the rounded end 13 of the pivot from disengaging from the opening 16.
  • the radial guide element like the axial abutment element, is resiliently held in place so as to prevent the cylindrical portion 19 from breaking in the event of impact.
  • the balance shaft has a tigeron 23 considerably thicker than the portion cylindrical 19. Due to its dimensions, this tigeron is much stronger than the end of a pivot, and it is intended to abut against an unrepresented portion of the device so as to absorb most of the energy associated with a shock.
  • the axial abutment element is housed in a cylindrical cavity 27 inside the mount.
  • the diameter of this cavity is slightly greater than that of the stone it contains.
  • the axial abutment element therefore has a certain lateral clearance.
  • FIG. figure 5 The pivoting device of a balance shaft shown in FIG. figure 5 is identical to that of the figure 3 .
  • the balance shaft is shown in an inclined position, and arrows (referenced N) represent the direction perpendicular to the contact surface between the pivot, on the one hand, and the elements 15, 15 ', 21 and 21 ', on the other hand.
  • the balance shaft is not maintained solely by the axial bearing elements 15 and 15 ', but it can also be supported on the radial guide elements 21 and 21'.
  • the lower pivot 12 abuts on the axial abutment element 15, while the upper pivot 12 'bears against its cylindrical portion 19' against the radial guide element. 21 '.
  • the support of the pivots on the elements 15 and 19 is never frontal, but is always done by the flanks of the pivots.
  • the half pivoting device shown in FIG. figure 6 comprises a pivot 32 having a tip ending in a rounded portion 33.
  • the tip of the pivot 32 is inserted into an opening 36 of an axial abutment element 35. It can be seen in the figure that the profile of the opening 36 presents a first straight or rectangular portion 37 followed by a trapezoidal portion 38.
  • the rounded tip 33 of the pivot is dimensioned so that its rounded surface can bear against the inclined edge of the trapezoidal profile portion 38.
  • the tip of the pivot 32 also has an elongate cylindrical portion 39 which precedes the rounded end 33. It can be seen that this cylindrical portion 39 extends inside the rectangular profile portion 37 of the opening 36.
  • the inner flanks of the portion 37 are provided to surround the cylindrical portion 39 of the pivot 32 so as to radially retain the balance shaft.
  • the axial abutment element 35 also fulfills the function of radial guide element for the pivot 32.
  • the embodiment of the figure 6 combines elements 15 and 21 in one and only one room.
  • the monobloc element 35 is suitable for example to be made of plastic.
  • the openings 6, 6 ', 16, 16' and 36 are not necessarily of circular section. Indeed, as we will see in the example which is represented in Figures 7 and 8 and which will now be described, the section of an opening may also be of polygonal section (by section of an opening, is meant the shape that has the contour of this opening when the latter is seen in section transversely to the axis of the opening or, which amounts to substantially the same, transversely to the axis of rotation of the balance).
  • the axial abutment elements represented on the Figures 1 to 5 can be made from a wafer of monocrystalline material such as silicon for example.
  • the known method of anisotropic etching in a liquid medium (or wet) is an advantageous way of digging polygonal openings of triangular or trapezoidal profile in monocrystalline wafers.
  • Engraving or, more precisely, etching of a monocrystal is said to be anisotropic if the etch rate is higher in some crystallographic directions than in others.
  • the anisotropy of chemical attack depends on many parameters. Firstly, it depends on the interaction between the chemical properties of the substance of which the single crystal is made and those of the attack reagent used. In addition, the etch rates in the various crystallographic directions depend, of course, on the symmetry of the crystal structure. By playing on the concentration of the reagent, the temperature, etc. it is therefore possible to make polygonal openings of relatively complex profile in a single crystal.
  • a known example of wet anisotropic etching relates to silicon. Indeed, it is possible to form openings in the form of inverted pyramids in a silicon wafer of ⁇ 100> orientation by wet etching.
  • the patent document US 2004/0195209 which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method among others that can be implemented to make such inverted pyramid shaped openings.
  • the figure 7 represents the axial abutment member 15 of a bearing for a pivoting device made from a monocrystalline silicon wafer 40 of ⁇ 100> orientation.
  • the wafer is shown covered by a mask 43.
  • This mask must be formed on the surface of the wafer before proceeding with the etching, so as to protect the silicon of the etching reagent.
  • the mask has an opening 45 formed at the location where the opening 46 is to be etched in the silicon.
  • the etching reagent digs a pyramid-shaped opening.
  • the inclined faces of the pyramid can be either ⁇ 110> or ⁇ 111> planes. Whether the faces of the pyramid are ⁇ 110> planes or ⁇ 111> planes, the formed pyramid is of square section. Indeed, the directions ⁇ 111> and ⁇ 110> both have a rotation symmetry of order 4.
  • the inverted pyramid constituting the opening 46 is slightly truncated ( figure 8 ).
  • the inclination of the planes ⁇ 110> is about 45 °, that of the planes ⁇ 111> about 55 °.
  • the edges of the trapezoidal portion of an opening has an inclination of between 40 ° and 60 °. Wet anisotropic etching is therefore particularly well suited to the present invention.
  • the present invention is not limited to a pivoting device for a balance shaft.
  • the pivoting device of the present invention can be used for any axis or shaft of the timepiece and, in particular, for the pivoting of the escapement or the ink.
  • the pivoting device according to the present invention may be made from other materials than traditional materials or silicon. Indeed, the invention can be made from any material that the skilled person deems fit to use.
  • openings by wet anisotropic etching in monocrystals of galium arsenide or indium phosphide. It is useful to specify that these openings are distinguished from those described in the preceding example in that they may have the form of inverted tetrahedrons (of triangular section) instead of inverted pyramids.
  • the section of the openings may be circular or polygonal, and if the section is polygonal, the number of sides of the polygon may be arbitrary.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Hinges (AREA)
  • Transmitters (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)
  • Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Support Of The Bearing (AREA)
  • Sliding-Contact Bearings (AREA)

Abstract

The device has bearings for receiving pivots, where each bearing includes a plastic pivoting structure (25), where the device is made of metal or alloy. Each pivot (12) has a convex rounded portion (13) forming an extension of a cylindrical portion and decreasing in size in a direction of a pivot end. The structure has an opening (16) e.g. circular opening, comprising a trapezoidal/inverted-triangle profile whose inclined inner wall forms a bearing surface. The portion (13) is supported against the wall such that a shaft is axially maintained between the walls of openings of the structures. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling a shaft pivoting device.

Description

La présente invention concerne les dispositifs de pivotement d'un arbre dans une pièce d'horlogerie et notamment de tels dispositifs de pivotement pour l'arbre de balancier d'une montre.The present invention relates to the pivoting devices of a shaft in a timepiece and in particular such pivoting devices for the pendulum shaft of a watch.

Les dispositifs de pivotement connus comportent habituellement deux pivots formés respectivement aux deux extrémités de l'arbre de balancier. Chacun des pivots est engagé dans un palier constitué de deux pierres ou coussinets maintenus dans un chaton. Les deux pivots, qui ont une forme appointie, se terminent par une partie cylindrique engagée dans l'orifice d'une pierre à trou. La face frontale, légèrement arrondie, de la partie cylindrique peut buter sur une deuxième pierre appelée contre-pivot.Known pivoting devices usually comprise two pivots respectively formed at both ends of the balance shaft. Each of the pivots is engaged in a bearing consisting of two stones or pads held in a kitten. The two pivots, which have an appointie form, end with a cylindrical part engaged in the orifice of a stone with hole. The front face, slightly rounded, of the cylindrical portion can abut on a second stone called counter-pivot.

Les dispositifs de pivotement du type décrit ci-dessus présentent certains inconvénients. En particulier, la zone de contact de chaque partie cylindrique avec le palier correspondant change selon l'inclinaison de la pièce d'horlogerie. Lorsque la pièce d'horlogerie est en position horizontale, l'arbre de balancier étant donc orienté verticalement, seule la face frontale arrondie de l'un des pivots appuie contre la pierre de contre-pivot, tandis qu'en position verticale de la pièce d'horlogerie, c'est la circonférence de la partie cylindrique de chaque pivot qui repose contre le flanc d'une ouverture de la pierre à trou correspondante. Le freinage dû au frottement est moins grand lorsque la pièce d'horlogerie est à plat que dans les autres positions. Ce phénomène influence l'amplitude des oscillations du balancier, et les variations d'amplitude peuvent à leur tour, entraîner des écarts de marche entre la position horizontale et la position verticale.Pivoting devices of the type described above have certain disadvantages. In particular, the contact zone of each cylindrical portion with the corresponding bearing changes according to the inclination of the timepiece. When the timepiece is in a horizontal position, the balance shaft is therefore oriented vertically, only the rounded end face of one of the pivots press against the counter-pivot stone, while in the vertical position of the workpiece timepiece is the circumference of the cylindrical part of each pivot which rests against the side of an opening of the corresponding hole stone. The braking due to the friction is smaller when the timepiece is flat than in the other positions. This phenomenon influences the amplitude of the pendulum oscillations, and the amplitude variations can in turn cause deviations between the horizontal position and the vertical position.

Le document de brevet FR 1'333'053 décrit un perfectionnement aux dispositifs de pivotement destiné notamment à réduire les écarts de marche entre les différentes positions occupées par une montre. Selon ce document, les deux pivots de l'arbre de balancier ont une forme conique, l'extrémité de la pointe de chaque cône s'arrondissant en une partie sphérique convexe dont le rayon de courbure est d'environ 0,02 millimètre. Chaque pivot est engagé dans un logement également conique du palier correspondant, le fond de chacun de ces logements coniques s'arrondissant en une partie sphérique concave dont le rayon de courbure est d'environ 0,03 millimètre. Le document enseigne encore qu'en localisant la zone de contact entre un pivot et le palier correspondant dans les parties sphériques, il est possible de diminuer les écarts de marche entre les différentes positions.The patent document FR 1'333'053 describes an improvement to the pivoting devices intended in particular to reduce the differences in operation between the different positions occupied by a watch. According to this document, the two pivots of the balance shaft have a conical shape, the end of the tip of each cone rounding into a convex spherical portion whose radius of curvature is about 0.02 millimeter. Each pivot is engaged in a housing also conical corresponding bearing, the bottom of each of these conical housing rounding into a concave spherical portion whose radius of curvature is about 0.03 millimeter. The document further teaches that by locating the contact zone between a pivot and the corresponding bearing in the spherical parts, it is possible to reduce the differences in the path between the different positions.

La solution proposée dans FR 1'333'053 semble donner de bon résultat. Toutefois, on peut observer qu'elle ne supprime pas les changements qui s'opèrent au niveau de la zone de contact en fonction de l'inclinaison de la montre. Lorsque la montre est à plat, seule la pointe arrondie de l'un des pivots appuie contre le fond d'un logement conique, tandis qu'en position verticale, ce sont les flancs arrondis de l'extrémité sphérique de chaque pivot qui appuie contre la circonférence interne du logement correspondant. Ce changement peut influencer le couple exercé par la force du frottement sur le balancier. En effet, ce couple dépend évidemment du bras de levier. Or, ce bras de levier et nul quand le contact se fait à l'extrémité du pivot (dans l'axe du balancier), alors qu'il n'est pas nul lorsque le contact se fait par les flancs de l'extrémité sphérique. Les auteurs de cette solution antérieure concèdent d'ailleurs, que leur dispositif est loin de supprimer totalement les écarts de marche liés à la position.The solution proposed in FR 1'333'053 seems to give a good result. However, it can be observed that it does not eliminate the changes that occur in the contact area depending on the inclination of the watch. When the watch is flat, only the rounded tip of one of the pivots press against the bottom of a conical housing, while in vertical position, it is the rounded sides of the spherical end of each pivot that presses against the inner circumference of the corresponding dwelling. This change can influence the torque exerted by the force of the friction on the balance. Indeed, this torque obviously depends on the lever arm. However, this lever arm and zero when the contact is made at the end of the pivot (in the axis of the balance), while it is not zero when the contact is made by the flanks of the spherical end . The authors of this earlier solution concede, moreover, that their device is far from completely eliminating the positional deviations related to the position.

Un but de la présente invention est donc de fournir un dispositif de pivotement d'un arbre de balancier dans lequel l'écart d'amplitude entre les différentes positions de la montre est réduit au minimum. Elle atteint ce but en fournissant un dispositif conforme à la revendication 1.An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pivoting device of a balance shaft in which the amplitude difference between the different positions of the watch is reduced to a minimum. It achieves this goal by providing a device according to claim 1.

Selon la présente invention, chaque pivot vient en appui contre le bord incliné de la portion de profil trapézoïdal (Par profil d'une ouverture, on entend la forme que présente le contour de cette ouverture lorsque cette dernière est vue en coupe selon un plan qui contient l'axe de l'ouverture ou, ce qui revient sensiblement au même, selon un plan qui contient l'axe de rotation du balancier ; ce qui est le cas des coupes représentées dans les figures 1, 2, 3, 4 et 6 annexées). Ainsi l'extrémité des pivots ne peut pas pénétrer jusqu'au fond des ouvertures. L'appui d'un pivot dans l'ouverture d'un élément de butée axiale correspondant n'est donc jamais frontal. Même lorsque l'arbre de balancier est orienté verticalement, l'appui ne se fait pas par la pointe du pivot, mais uniquement par les flancs de celui-ci. Dans ces conditions, il est possible de fournir un dispositif de pivotement dans lequel le couple des forces de frottements varie très peu entre les différentes orientations possibles de la pièce d'horlogerie.According to the present invention, each pivot bears against the inclined edge of the trapezoidal profile portion (By the profile of an opening, is meant the shape that presents the contour of this opening when the latter is seen in section along a plane which contains the axis of the opening or, which amounts to substantially the same, according to a plane which contains the axis of rotation of the balance, which is the case of the cuts represented in the Figures 1, 2 , 3, 4 and 6 appended). Thus the end of the pivots can not penetrate to the bottom of the openings. The support of a pivot in the opening of a corresponding axial abutment element is therefore never frontal. Even when the balance shaft is oriented vertically, the support is not done by the tip of the pivot, but only by the sides of it. Under these conditions, it is possible to provide a pivoting device in which the torque of the friction forces varies very little between the different possible orientations of the timepiece.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de la présente invention, le diamètre de la portion de l'extrémité d'un pivot, dont les flancs viennent en appui contre le bord évasé d'une ouverture, est compris entre environ 0,05 et 0,10mm.According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the portion of the end of a pivot, whose flanks bear against the flared edge of an opening, is between about 0.05 and 0, 10mm.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation avantageux, la portion du bord intérieur de chaque ouverture, qui est prévue pour venir en contact avec un pivot, présente une inclinaison par rapport à l'axe du balancier comprise entre environ 40° et 60°.According to another advantageous embodiment, the portion of the inner edge of each opening, which is intended to come into contact with a pivot, has an inclination relative to the axis of the balance between about 40 ° and 60 °.

Selon une variante de la présente invention, chacun des deux pivots présente une portion cylindrique qui précède la portion arrondie convexe. D'autre part, l'ouverture de chaque élément de butée axiale présente, proche de son embouchure, une portion à profil droit prévue pour entourer la portion cylindrique d'un des pivots de manière à retenir radialement l'arbre de balancier. Grâce à cette caractéristique, le jeu radial de l'arbre de balancier dans le palier peut être maintenu faible.According to a variant of the present invention, each of the two pivots has a cylindrical portion which precedes the rounded convex portion. On the other hand, the opening of each axial abutment element has, near its mouth, a straight-profile portion intended to surround the cylindrical portion of one of the pivots so as to radially retain the balance shaft. With this feature, the radial play of the balance shaft in the bearing can be kept low.

Selon une autre variante de la présente invention, comme dans la variante précédente, chacun des deux pivots comporte une portion cylindrique qui précède la portion arrondie convexe. De plus, les deux paliers comportent chacun un élément de guidage radial percé d'un trou cylindrique ou olivé, les flancs du trou de chacun des éléments de guidage radial étant prévus pour entourer la portion cylindrique d'un des pivots de manière à retenir radialement l'arbre de balancier.According to another variant of the present invention, as in the preceding variant, each of the two pivots comprises a cylindrical portion which precedes the rounded convex portion. In addition, the two bearings each comprise a radial guide element pierced with a cylindrical or olivated hole, the flanks of the hole of each of the radial guide elements being provided to surround the cylindrical portion of one of the pivots so as to retain radially the balance shaft.

Cette dernière variante est similaire aux pivotements de l'art antérieur associant pierres à trou et contre-pivots. Toutefois, l'élément de butée axiale selon l'invention se distingue des contre-pivots connus, en ce qu'il comporte une ouverture pour recevoir la portion arrondie convexe d'un pivot.This last variant is similar to the pivoting of the prior art combining stones with holes and against pivots. However, the axial abutment element according to the invention differs from known counter-pivots, in that it comprises an opening for receiving the rounded convex portion of a pivot.

Selon une autre variante avantageuse, chacun des éléments de butée dans lequel est formée l'ouverture est constitué par un monocristal, l'ouverture elle-même étant réalisée par gravure anisotrope humide du monocristal.According to another advantageous variant, each of the abutment elements in which the opening is formed is constituted by a monocrystal, the opening itself being produced by wet anisotropic etching of the single crystal.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique, partiellement en coupe, d'un arbre de balancier et de son dispositif de pivotement qui est conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 2a est une vue en coupe de la moitié du dispositif de pivotement de l'arbre de balancier de la figure 1, l'arbre de balancier étant orienté verticalement ;
  • la figure 2b est une vue en coupe du demi dispositif de pivotement de la figure 2a, l'arbre de balancier étant orienté horizontalement ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe d'un demi dispositif de pivotement selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe d'un demi dispositif de pivotement constituant une variante du dispositif de la figure 3, qui comprend une monture porte-pierres ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en du dispositif de pivotement de la figure 3 orienté de façon à ce que l'arbre de balancier soit incliné par rapport à la verticale ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'un demi dispositif de pivotement selon un troisième mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'un élément d'appui axial selon l'invention, qui peut être obtenu à partir d'un wafer de silicium ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe du wafer de silicium à partir duquel l'élément d'appui axial de la figure 7 peut être obtenu.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic view, partly in section, of a balance shaft and its pivoting device which is in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 2a is a sectional view of half of the pivoting device of the balance shaft of the figure 1 the pendulum shaft being vertically oriented;
  • the figure 2b is a sectional view of the half pivoting device of the figure 2a the pendulum shaft being oriented horizontally;
  • the figure 3 is a sectional view of a half pivoting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 4 is a sectional view of a half pivoting device constituting a variant of the device of the figure 3 which includes a stave mount;
  • the figure 5 is a view of the pivot device of the figure 3 oriented so that the balance shaft is inclined with respect to the vertical;
  • the figure 6 is a sectional view of a half pivoting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view of an axial bearing element according to the invention, which can be obtained from a silicon wafer;
  • the figure 8 is a sectional view of the silicon wafer from which the axial bearing element of the figure 7 can be obtained.

La figure 1 montre un arbre de balancier 1 avec son dispositif de pivotement. Les extrémités de l'arbre 1 forment deux pivots à pointe arrondie (référencés respectivement 2 et 2'). On voit encore que l'arbre de balancier 1 est maintenu à ses extrémités par deux éléments de butée axiale 5, 5' dans lesquels les pivots 2, 2' peuvent tourner.The figure 1 shows a balance shaft 1 with its pivoting device. The ends of the shaft 1 form two pivots with rounded tip (referenced respectively 2 and 2 '). It is also seen that the balance shaft 1 is held at its ends by two axial abutment members 5, 5 'in which the pivots 2, 2' can rotate.

Les figures 2a et 2b montrent plus en détail une moitié du même dispositif de pivotement. On voit en particulier que, dans ce mode de réalisation, la pointe du pivot 2 se termine par une portion arrondie 3 formant sensiblement une demi sphère. Le diamètre de la sphère peut avantageusement être compris entre 0,05 et 0,10mm, par exemple environ 0,07mm. Le pivot 2 est prévu pour tourner dans un logement (ou ouverture) 6 de l'élément de butée axiale (ou coussinet) 5. On voit que le logement 6 a la forme d'un cône sensiblement coaxial avec l'axe de l'arbre de balancier 1. Selon une variante avantageuse de la présente invention, l'ouverture du cône est comprise entre environ 80° et 120°. Ce qui veut dire que l'inclinaison des bords 7 de l'ouverture par rapport à l'axe du balancier 1 est de préférence comprise entre 40° et 60°. On voit encore sur les figures 2a et 2b que la portion arrondie 3 et l'ouverture 6 sont dimensionnées de manière à ce que la surface latérale de la portion arrondie 3 puisse venir en appui contre le bord intérieur incliné 7 de l'ouverture 6.The Figures 2a and 2b show in more detail one half of the same pivoting device. It is seen in particular that, in this embodiment, the tip of the pivot 2 ends with a rounded portion 3 forming substantially a half sphere. The diameter of the sphere may advantageously be between 0.05 and 0.10 mm, for example about 0.07 mm. The pivot 2 is intended to rotate in a housing (or opening) 6 of the axial abutment element (or bearing) 5. It can be seen that the housing 6 has the shape of a cone substantially coaxial with the axis of the Balance Shaft 1. According to an advantageous variant of the present invention, the opening of the cone is between about 80 ° and 120 °. This means that the inclination of the edges 7 of the opening relative to the axis of the balance 1 is preferably between 40 ° and 60 °. We still see on Figures 2a and 2b that the rounded portion 3 and the opening 6 are dimensioned so that the lateral surface of the rounded portion 3 can bear against the inclined inner edge 7 of the opening 6.

Sur les figures 2a et 2b, on a représenté par des flèches (référencées N) la direction perpendiculaire à la surface de contact entre le pivot 2 et le palier 5. Chaque flèche N a son origine à l'endroit d'un point de contact. On notera que les surfaces en contact ne sont pas accidentées, ce qui permet un appui « normal ». En d'autres termes, à l'endroit d'un point d'appui du pivot sur le bord de l'ouverture, la direction de la flèche N correspond tout à la fois à la direction normale à la surface du pivot et à la direction normale au bord incliné de l'ouverture.On the Figures 2a and 2b the direction perpendicular to the contact surface between the pivot 2 and the bearing 5 is represented by arrows (referenced N). Each arrow N has its origin at the location of a point of contact. It should be noted that the surfaces in contact are not uneven, which allows a "normal" support. In other words, at the point of support of the pivot on the edge of the opening, the direction of the arrow N corresponds both to the direction normal to the surface of the pivot and to the normal direction at the inclined edge of the opening.

Conformément à la présente invention, le pivot 2 ne vient pas en appui contre le fond de l'ouverture 6, mais contre son bord intérieur incliné. En effet, l'axe de l'ouverture 6 étant sensiblement parallèle à l'axe du pivot 2, le contact du pivot 2 avec l'intérieur de l'ouverture 6 se fait par les flancs du pivot, dans une zone de la surface de ce dernier dont l'inclinaison est la même que celle des parois du cône ; c'est-à-dire environ 45° dans le présent exemple. De plus, en comparant les figures 2a et 2b, on peut voir que c'est la même zone de la surface du pivot qui assure le contact lorsque l'arbre de balancier est horizontal et lorsque cet arbre est vertical. En effet, une caractéristique avantageuse du présent exemple est que le contact est assuré sensiblement par la même zone de la surface du pivot quelle que soit l'orientation de l'axe de balancier.According to the present invention, the pivot 2 does not bear against the bottom of the opening 6, but against its inclined inner edge. Indeed, since the axis of the opening 6 is substantially parallel to the axis of the pivot 2, the contact of the pivot 2 with the interior of the opening 6 is made by the flanks of the pivot, in an area of the surface of the latter whose inclination is the same as that of the walls of the cone; that is to say about 45 ° in the present example. Moreover, by comparing the Figures 2a and 2b it can be seen that it is the same area of the surface of the pivot which ensures the contact when the balance shaft is horizontal and when this shaft is vertical. Indeed, an advantageous feature of the present example is that the contact is provided substantially by the same area of the surface of the pivot whatever the orientation of the balance shaft.

Si l'on se réfère à nouveau à la figure 1, on voit qu'il existe un certain jeu, tant radial qu'axial, entre l'arbre de balancier 1 et les éléments de butée axiale 5 et 5'. On précisera toutefois que, sur la figure, l'amplitude de ce jeu a été exagérée de manière à faciliter la compréhension. Ce jeu peut être limité suffisamment pour ne pas compromettre le parallélisme entre l'axe de l'arbre de balancier 1 et l'axe des ouvertures coniques 6 et 6'. Toutefois, Dans le cas d'un dispositif de pivotement anti-chocs, les deux éléments de butée axiale sont, de manière connue en soi, maintenus élastiquement en place. Dans ces conditions, le jeu peut être beaucoup plus important. Au point de provoquer le désengagement de la zone de contact du pivot 2 de la zone inclinée du bord intérieur de l'ouverture 6.If we refer again to the figure 1 it can be seen that there is a certain clearance, both radial and axial, between the balance shaft 1 and the axial abutment elements 5 and 5 '. Note however that in the figure, the amplitude of this game has been exaggerated to facilitate understanding. This clearance can be limited enough not to compromise the parallelism between the axis of the balance shaft 1 and the axis of the conical openings 6 and 6 '. However, in the case of an anti-shock pivoting device, the two axial stop elements are, in a manner known per se, elastically held in place. In these conditions, the game can be much more important. To the point of disengaging the contact zone of the pivot 2 from the inclined zone of the inner edge of the opening 6.

Le mode de réalisation de la présente invention qui est représenté à la figure 3 comporte, en plus de l'élément de butée axiale, un élément de guidage radial 21 qui remplit la même fonction qu'une pierre à trou de l'art antérieur.The embodiment of the present invention which is shown in FIG. figure 3 comprises, in addition to the axial abutment member, a radial guide member 21 which performs the same function as a hole stone of the prior art.

Le demi dispositif de pivotement représenté à la figure 3 comporte un pivot 12 présentant une pointe se terminant par une portion arrondie 13. La portion arrondie est prévue pour venir en appui dans une ouverture 16 d'un élément de butée axiale 15. On voit que l'ouverture 16 présente un profil en trapèze isocèle avec des côtés inclinés d'environ 50°. L'extrémité arrondie 13 du pivot 12 et l'ouverture 16 sont dimensionnées de manière à ce que la surface de la portion arrondie puisse venir en appui contre le bord incliné 17 de l'ouverture 16. La pointe du pivot 12 comporte également une partie cylindrique allongée 19 qui précède l'extrémité arrondie 13. Cette partie cylindrique est insérée dans le trou olivé ou cylindrique d'un élément de guidage radial 21. L'élément de guidage radial 21 peut, par exemple, être constitué par une pierre à trou de type habituel. La fonction de l'élément de guidage radial 21 est de limiter le jeu radial de l'arbre de balancier et notamment d'éviter que l'extrémité arrondie 13 du pivot ne se désengage de l'ouverture 16.The half pivoting device shown in FIG. figure 3 comprises a pivot 12 having a tip ending in a rounded portion 13. The rounded portion is provided to bear in an opening 16 of an axial abutment element 15. It can be seen that the opening 16 has an isosceles trapezium profile with sloping sides of about 50 °. The rounded end 13 of the pivot 12 and the opening 16 are dimensioned so that the surface of the rounded portion can bear against the inclined edge 17 of the opening 16. The tip of the pivot 12 also has a portion elongated cylindrical member 19 which precedes the rounded end 13. This cylindrical part is inserted into the olive or cylindrical hole of a radial guide element 21. The radial guide element 21 may, for example, consist of a hole stone. of the usual type. The function of the radial guide element 21 is to limit the radial play of the balance shaft and in particular to prevent the rounded end 13 of the pivot from disengaging from the opening 16.

Dans le cas d'un dispositif de pivotement anti-chocs, l'élément de guidage radial, tout comme l'élément de butée axiale, est maintenu élastiquement en place de manière à éviter que la portion cylindrique 19 ne se casse en cas de choc. On voit encore que, dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 3, l'arbre de balancier présente un tigeron 23 considérablement plus épais que la portion cylindrique 19. De par ses dimensions, ce tigeron est beaucoup plus solide que l'extrémité d'un pivot, et il est prévu pour venir buter contre une partie non-représentée du dispositif de manière à absorber la plus grande partie de l'énergie associée à un choc.In the case of an anti-shock pivoting device, the radial guide element, like the axial abutment element, is resiliently held in place so as to prevent the cylindrical portion 19 from breaking in the event of impact. . It can still be seen that in the embodiment shown on the figure 3 , the balance shaft has a tigeron 23 considerably thicker than the portion cylindrical 19. Due to its dimensions, this tigeron is much stronger than the end of a pivot, and it is intended to abut against an unrepresented portion of the device so as to absorb most of the energy associated with a shock.

On comprendra sans peine qu'avec un palier en deux parties comme celui qui vient d'être décrit en relation avec la figure 3, il est important que l'ouverture 16 et le trou de l'élément de guidage radial 21 soient parfaitement dans le même axe. En effet, comme le diamètre du pivot est de l'ordre de 0,1 mm., un décalage de moins d'un centième de millimètre entre les axes des deux ouvertures est suffisant pour affecter sensiblement la qualité du pivotement. Le dispositif de pivotement conforme à la présente invention, qui est représenté à la figure 4, est prévu pour palier à cet inconvénient. On voit sur la figure que les deux pierres constituant respectivement l'élément de butée axiale 15 et l'élément de guidage radial 21 sont toutes deux contenues dans une monture porte-pierres 25. L'élément de butée axiale est logé dans une cavité cylindrique 27 à l'intérieur de la monture porte-pierres. Le diamètre de cette cavité est légèrement supérieur à celui de la pierre qu'il contient. L'élément de butée axiale bénéficie donc d'un certain jeu latéral. Lorsque l'arbre de balancier est en position verticale, comme représenté sur la figure 4, la portion arrondie 13 de la pointe du pivot appuie contre le flanc incliné de l'ouverture 16. Si, pour une raison ou une autre, l'ouverture 16 ne se trouve pas tout à fait dans l'axe du balancier, l'appui de la pointe du pivot sur le bord incliné ne se fait que d'un seul côté de l'ouverture. Dans ces conditions, la poussée du pivot sur le bord de l'ouverture s'exerce de manière asymétrique, et la composante horizontale de cette poussée est suffisante pour ramener l'élément de butée axiale 15 dans l'axe de l'arbre de balancier. On comprendra donc que, grâce à la présence de l'ouverture 16 à flancs inclinés, le dispositif représenté à la figure 4 joue le rôle de mécanisme d'autocentrage pour l'élément de butée axiale.It will be easy to understand that with a two-part landing like the one just described in relation to the figure 3 it is important that the opening 16 and the hole of the radial guide element 21 are perfectly in the same axis. Indeed, as the diameter of the pivot is of the order of 0.1 mm., An offset of less than one hundredth of a millimeter between the axes of the two openings is sufficient to substantially affect the quality of pivoting. The pivoting device according to the present invention, which is shown in FIG. figure 4 , is provided to overcome this disadvantage. It can be seen in the figure that the two stones respectively constituting the axial abutment element 15 and the radial guide element 21 are both contained in a mounting frame 25. The axial abutment element is housed in a cylindrical cavity 27 inside the mount. The diameter of this cavity is slightly greater than that of the stone it contains. The axial abutment element therefore has a certain lateral clearance. When the balance shaft is in a vertical position, as shown in figure 4 , the rounded portion 13 of the tip of the pivot bears against the inclined side of the opening 16. If, for one reason or another, the opening 16 is not quite in the axis of the balance, the Supporting the tip of the pivot on the inclined edge is only one side of the opening. Under these conditions, the thrust of the pivot on the edge of the opening is exerted asymmetrically, and the horizontal component of this thrust is sufficient to bring the axial abutment member 15 in the axis of the balance shaft . It will thus be understood that, thanks to the presence of the opening 16 with inclined flanks, the device represented in FIG. figure 4 acts as a self-centering mechanism for the axial abutment element.

Conformément à ce qui vient d'être expliqué, le fait de maintenir l'élément de butée axiale avec un certain jeu latéral permet d'éviter le problème posé par la nécessité d'aligner précisément l'ouverture 16 et le trou de l'élément de guidage radial 21. Toutefois, il existe une autre solution au problème qui vient d'être mentionné. En effet, pour réaliser un palier anti-chocs, il est parfois préférable de fixer rigidement les pierres à l'intérieur de la monture porte-pierres. Dans ces conditions, c'est la monture elle-même qui est ensuite fixée élastiquement à sa place. Dans ces conditions, au stade de l'assemblage des pierres et de la monture porte-pierres, il est possible de faire le centrage de l'élément de butée axiale en insérant un « faux axe » dans la monture porte-pierres à la place prévue pour l'arbre de balancier. La poussée de ce « faux axe » permet de centrer l'élément de butée axiale selon un principe identique à celui exposé au paragraphe précédent. Une fois que l'ouverture 16 de l'élément de butée axiale a été amené parfaitement dans l'axe, on procède à une étape de solidarisation de cet élément avec sa monture par collage, par soudage, ou par tout autre procédé connu de l'homme du métier. Ce n'est de préférence qu'une fois le « faux axe » retiré, et l'élément de butée axiale fixé, que l'on installe la monture porte-pierres dans la montre.As has just been explained, maintaining the axial abutment element with a certain lateral clearance avoids the problem posed by the need to precisely align the opening 16 and the hole of the element. However, there is another solution to the problem that has just been mentioned. Indeed, to achieve an anti-shock bearing, it is sometimes better to rigidly fix the stones inside the mounting frame. Under these conditions, it is the mount itself which is then elastically fixed in its place. Under these conditions, at the stage of assembling the stones and the mounting frame, it is possible to center the axial abutment element by inserting a "false axis" in the mount holder-stones instead planned for the tree of balance. The thrust of this "false axis" makes it possible to center the axial abutment element according to a principle identical to that explained in the preceding paragraph. Once the opening 16 of the axial abutment element has been brought perfectly in the axis, a step is taken to secure this element with its mount by gluing, welding, or by any other known method of the skilled person. It is preferably only once the "false axis" removed, and the axial abutment element fixed, that one installs the mount holder in the watch.

Le dispositif de pivotement d'un arbre de balancier représenté à la figure 5 est identique à celui de la figure 3. Sur la figure 5, l'arbre de balancier est représenté en position inclinée, et on a représenté par des flèches (référencées N) la direction perpendiculaire à la surface de contact entre le pivot, d'une part, et les éléments 15, 15', 21 et 21', d'autre part. On voit sur la figure 5 que l'arbre de balancier n'est pas maintenu uniquement par les éléments d'appui axial 15 et 15', mais qu'il peut également prendre appui sur les éléments de guidage radial 21 et 21'. Dans l'orientation particulière représentée sur la figure, le pivot inférieur 12 vient en appui sur l'élément de butée axiale 15, alors que le pivot supérieur 12' vient en appui contre par sa portion cylindrique 19' contre l'élément de guidage radial 21'. On comprendra que dans ce mode de réalisation comme dans les précédents, l'appui des pivots sur les éléments 15 et 19, n'est jamais frontal, mais se fait toujours par les flancs des pivots.The pivoting device of a balance shaft shown in FIG. figure 5 is identical to that of the figure 3 . On the figure 5 , the balance shaft is shown in an inclined position, and arrows (referenced N) represent the direction perpendicular to the contact surface between the pivot, on the one hand, and the elements 15, 15 ', 21 and 21 ', on the other hand. We see on the figure 5 that the balance shaft is not maintained solely by the axial bearing elements 15 and 15 ', but it can also be supported on the radial guide elements 21 and 21'. In the particular orientation shown in the figure, the lower pivot 12 abuts on the axial abutment element 15, while the upper pivot 12 'bears against its cylindrical portion 19' against the radial guide element. 21 '. It will be understood that in this embodiment, as in the previous ones, the support of the pivots on the elements 15 and 19 is never frontal, but is always done by the flanks of the pivots.

Le demi dispositif de pivotement représenté à la figure 6 comporte un pivot 32 présentant une pointe se terminant par une portion arrondie 33. La pointe du pivot 32 est insérée dans une ouverture 36 d'un élément de butée axiale 35. On peut voir sur la figure que le profil de l'ouverture 36 présente une première portion droite ou rectangulaire 37 suivie par une portion trapézoïdale 38. La pointe arrondie 33 du pivot est dimensionnée de manière à ce que sa surface arrondie puisse venir en appui contre le bord incliné de la portion de profil trapézoïdal 38. La pointe du pivot 32 présente également une portion cylindrique allongée 39 qui précède l'extrémité arrondie 33. On peut voir que cette portion cylindrique 39 s'étend à l'intérieur de la portion de profil rectangulaire 37 de l'ouverture 36. En effet, les flancs intérieurs de la portion 37 sont prévus pour entourer la portion cylindrique 39 du pivot 32 de manière à retenir radialement l'arbre de balancier. On comprendra donc que, dans le mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté à la figure 6, l'élément de butée axiale 35 remplit également la fonction d'élément de guidage radial pour le pivot 32. En comparaison avec le mode de réalisation des figures 3, 4 et 5, on peut donc dire que le mode de réalisation de la figure 6 réunit les éléments 15 et 21 dans une seule et unique pièce. L'élément monobloc 35 convient par exemple pour être réalisé en matière plastique.The half pivoting device shown in FIG. figure 6 comprises a pivot 32 having a tip ending in a rounded portion 33. The tip of the pivot 32 is inserted into an opening 36 of an axial abutment element 35. It can be seen in the figure that the profile of the opening 36 presents a first straight or rectangular portion 37 followed by a trapezoidal portion 38. The rounded tip 33 of the pivot is dimensioned so that its rounded surface can bear against the inclined edge of the trapezoidal profile portion 38. The tip of the pivot 32 also has an elongate cylindrical portion 39 which precedes the rounded end 33. It can be seen that this cylindrical portion 39 extends inside the rectangular profile portion 37 of the opening 36. In fact, the inner flanks of the portion 37 are provided to surround the cylindrical portion 39 of the pivot 32 so as to radially retain the balance shaft. It will therefore be understood that, in the embodiment of the invention shown in figure 6 the axial abutment element 35 also fulfills the function of radial guide element for the pivot 32. Compared with the embodiment of the Figures 3, 4 and 5 , we can say that the embodiment of the figure 6 combines elements 15 and 21 in one and only one room. The monobloc element 35 is suitable for example to be made of plastic.

Il est important de préciser d'autre part que les ouvertures 6, 6', 16, 16' et 36 ne sont pas nécessairement de section circulaire. En effet, comme on va le voir dans l'exemple qui est représenté aux figures 7 et 8 et qui va maintenant être décrit, la section d'une ouverture peut également être de section polygonale (par section d'une ouverture, on entend la forme que présente le contour de cette ouverture lorsque cette dernière est vue en en coupe transversalement à l'axe de l'ouverture ou, ce qui revient sensiblement au même, transversalement à l'axe de rotation du balancier).It is important to specify on the other hand that the openings 6, 6 ', 16, 16' and 36 are not necessarily of circular section. Indeed, as we will see in the example which is represented in Figures 7 and 8 and which will now be described, the section of an opening may also be of polygonal section (by section of an opening, is meant the shape that has the contour of this opening when the latter is seen in section transversely to the axis of the opening or, which amounts to substantially the same, transversely to the axis of rotation of the balance).

Selon une variante avantageuse de la présente invention, les éléments de butée axiale représentés sur les figures 1 à 5 peuvent être réalisés à partir d'une galette (en anglais wafer) d'un matériau monocristallin comme du silicium par exemple. En effet, le procédé connu de la gravure anisotrope en milieu liquide (ou humide) constitue une manière avantageuse de creuser des ouvertures polygonales de profil triangulaire ou trapézoïdal dans des wafers monocristallins.According to an advantageous variant of the present invention, the axial abutment elements represented on the Figures 1 to 5 can be made from a wafer of monocrystalline material such as silicon for example. Indeed, the known method of anisotropic etching in a liquid medium (or wet) is an advantageous way of digging polygonal openings of triangular or trapezoidal profile in monocrystalline wafers.

La gravure ou, plus précisément, l'attaque chimique d'un monocristal est dite anisotrope si la vitesse d'attaque est plus élevée dans certaines directions cristallographiques que dans d'autres. L'anisotropie de l'attaque chimique dépend de nombreux paramètres. Tout d'abord, elle dépend de l'interaction entre les propriétés chimiques de la substance dont est fait le monocristal et celles du réactif d'attaque utilisé. De plus, les vitesses d'attaque dans les différentes directions cristallographiques dépendent bien entendu de la symétrie de la structure cristalline. En jouant sur la concentration du réactif, la température, etc. il est donc possible de réaliser des ouvertures polygonales de profil relativement complexe dans un monocristal.Engraving or, more precisely, etching of a monocrystal is said to be anisotropic if the etch rate is higher in some crystallographic directions than in others. The anisotropy of chemical attack depends on many parameters. Firstly, it depends on the interaction between the chemical properties of the substance of which the single crystal is made and those of the attack reagent used. In addition, the etch rates in the various crystallographic directions depend, of course, on the symmetry of the crystal structure. By playing on the concentration of the reagent, the temperature, etc. it is therefore possible to make polygonal openings of relatively complex profile in a single crystal.

Un exemple connu de gravure anisotrope humide concerne le silicium. En effet, il est possible de former des ouvertures en forme de pyramides inversées dans un wafer de silicium d'orientation <100> par gravure humide. Le document de brevet US 2004/0195209 , qui est incorporé dans la présente demande par référence, décrit un procédé parmi d'autres pouvant être mis en oeuvre pour réaliser de telles ouvertures en forme de pyramides inversées.A known example of wet anisotropic etching relates to silicon. Indeed, it is possible to form openings in the form of inverted pyramids in a silicon wafer of <100> orientation by wet etching. The patent document US 2004/0195209 , which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method among others that can be implemented to make such inverted pyramid shaped openings.

La figure 7 représente l'élément de butée axiale 15 d'un palier pour un dispositif de pivotement réalisé à partir d'un wafer de silicium monocristallin 40 d'orientation <100>. Sur la figure 8, le wafer est représenté recouvert par un masque 43. Ce masque doit être formé sur la surface du wafer avant de procéder à la gravure, de manière à protéger le silicium du réactif d'attaque. Le masque présente une ouverture 45 formée à l'emplacement où l'ouverture 46 doit être gravée dans le silicium. Lors de la gravure, le réactif d'attaque creuse une ouverture en forme de pyramide. Selon la nature exacte du réactif utilisé, les faces inclinées de la pyramide peuvent être soit des plans <110>, soit des plans <111>. Que les faces de la pyramide soit des plans <110> ou des plans <111>, la pyramide formée est de section carrée. En effet, les directions <111> et <110> présentent toutes les deux une symétrie de rotation d'ordre 4.The figure 7 represents the axial abutment member 15 of a bearing for a pivoting device made from a monocrystalline silicon wafer 40 of <100> orientation. On the figure 8 , the wafer is shown covered by a mask 43. This mask must be formed on the surface of the wafer before proceeding with the etching, so as to protect the silicon of the etching reagent. The mask has an opening 45 formed at the location where the opening 46 is to be etched in the silicon. During etching, the etching reagent digs a pyramid-shaped opening. Depending on the exact nature of the reagent used, the inclined faces of the pyramid can be either <110> or <111> planes. Whether the faces of the pyramid are <110> planes or <111> planes, the formed pyramid is of square section. Indeed, the directions <111> and <110> both have a rotation symmetry of order 4.

Dans le présent exemple, la pyramide inversée constituant l'ouverture 46 est légèrement tronquée (figure 8). Toutefois, on comprendra que ce n'est pas nécessairement le cas. D'autre part, l'inclinaison des plans <110> est d'environ 45°, celle des plans <111> d'environ 55°. Or, comme on l'a vu plus haut, selon une caractéristique avantageuse de la présente invention, les bords de la portion trapézoïdale d'une ouverture présente une inclinaison comprise entre 40° et 60°. La gravure anisotrope humide est donc particulièrement bien adaptée à la présente invention.In this example, the inverted pyramid constituting the opening 46 is slightly truncated ( figure 8 ). However, it will be understood that this is not necessarily the case. On the other hand, the inclination of the planes <110> is about 45 °, that of the planes <111> about 55 °. However, as we have seen above, according to an advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the edges of the trapezoidal portion of an opening has an inclination of between 40 ° and 60 °. Wet anisotropic etching is therefore particularly well suited to the present invention.

On comprendra que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour un homme du métier peuvent être apportées à l'un ou l'autre des modes de réalisation décrits sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention définie par les revendications annexées. En particulier, la présente invention ne se limite pas à un dispositif de pivotement pour un arbre de balancier. Au contraire, le dispositif de pivotement de la présente invention pourra être utilisé pour n'importe quel axe ou arbre de la pièce d'horlogerie et, notamment, pour le pivotement de l'échappement ou de l'encre. D'autre part, le dispositif de pivotement selon la présente invention pourra être réalisé à partir d'autres matériaux que les matériaux traditionnels ou le silicium. En effet, l'invention pourra être réalisée à partir de tout matériau que l'homme du métier jugera bon d'employer.It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to one skilled in the art can be made to one or other of the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, the present invention is not limited to a pivoting device for a balance shaft. On the contrary, the pivoting device of the present invention can be used for any axis or shaft of the timepiece and, in particular, for the pivoting of the escapement or the ink. On the other hand, the pivoting device according to the present invention may be made from other materials than traditional materials or silicon. Indeed, the invention can be made from any material that the skilled person deems fit to use.

En particulier, il est connu de réaliser des ouvertures par gravure anisotrope humide dans des monocristaux d'arséniure de galium ou phosphure d'indium. II est utile de préciser que ces ouvertures se distinguent de celles décrites dans l'exemple précédent en ce qu'elles peuvent avoir la forme de tétraèdres inversés (de section triangulaire) au lieu de pyramides inversées. De manière générale, conformément aux revendications annexées, la section des ouvertures peut être circulaire ou polygonale, et si la section est polygonale, le nombre de côtés du polygone peut être quelconque.In particular, it is known to make openings by wet anisotropic etching in monocrystals of galium arsenide or indium phosphide. It is useful to specify that these openings are distinguished from those described in the preceding example in that they may have the form of inverted tetrahedrons (of triangular section) instead of inverted pyramids. In general, according to the appended claims, the section of the openings may be circular or polygonal, and if the section is polygonal, the number of sides of the polygon may be arbitrary.

Claims (11)

Dispositif de pivotement d'un arbre (1) dans une pièce d'horlogerie, comportant deux pivots (2, 2' ; 12, 12' ; 32) formant les deux extrémités de l'arbre, et deux paliers comportant chacun un élément de butée axiale (5, 5' ; 15, 15' ; 35) qui présente une ouverture (6, 6' ; 16, 16' ; 36 ; 46) de section cylindrique ou polygonale, le profil de ladite ouverture comportant une portion trapézoïdale ou triangulaire inversée (6, 6' ; 16, 16' ; 38 ; 46), caractérisé en ce que chacun des deux pivots comporte, proche de son extrémité, une portion arrondie convexe (3, 3' ; 13, 13' ; 33) allant en diminuant en direction de ladite extrémité, et en ce que chacun des pivots est prévu pour venir en appui par ladite portion arrondie convexe contre le bord intérieur incliné de la portion de profil trapézoïdal d'une des ouvertures, de manière à ce que l'arbre (1) soit maintenu axialement par les bords inclinés des portions de profil trapézoïdal des deux ouvertures (6, 6' ; 16, 16' ; 36 ; 46).A device for pivoting a shaft (1) in a timepiece, comprising two pivots (2, 2 '; 12, 12'; 32) forming the two ends of the shaft, and two bearings each having an element of axial stop (5, 5 '; 15, 15'; 35) having an opening (6, 6 ', 16, 16', 36, 46) of cylindrical or polygonal section, the profile of said opening having a trapezoidal portion or triangular inverted (6, 6 '; 16, 16';38; 46), characterized in that each of the two pivots comprises, close to its end, a convex rounded portion (3, 3 '; 13, 13'; 33) decreasing in the direction of said end, and in that each of the pivots is provided to abut by said convex rounded portion against the inclined inner edge of the trapezoidal profile portion of one of the openings, so that shaft (1) is held axially by the inclined edges of the trapezoidal profile portions of the two openings (6, 6 '; 16, 36, 46). Dispositif de pivotement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le rayon de courbure de la portion arrondie convexe (3, 3' ; 13, 13' ; 33) est compris entre environ 0,025 et 0,5mm.Pivoting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the convex rounded portion (3, 3 '; 13, 13'; 33) is between approximately 0.025 and 0.5mm. Dispositif de pivotement selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le bord intérieur de la portion de profil trapézoïdal (6, 6' ; 16, 16' ; 38 ; 46) présente une inclinaison par rapport à l'axe de l'arbre (1) comprise entre environ 40° et 60°.Pivoting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner edge of the trapezoidal profile portion (6, 6 '; 16, 16';38; 46) has an inclination with respect to the axis of the shaft (1) between about 40 ° and 60 °. Dispositif de pivotement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce en ce que la portion arrondie convexe (3, 3' ; 13, 13') de chacun des deux pivots (2, 2' ; 12, 12') prolonge une portion sensiblement cylindrique (19, 19'), et en ce que les deux paliers comportent chacun un élément de guidage radial (21, 21') percé d'un trou cylindrique ou olivé, les flancs de chacun des deux trous cylindriques ou olivés étant prévus pour entourer la portion sensiblement cylindrique d'un des pivots de manière à retenir radialement l'arbre (1).Pivoting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the convex rounded portion (3, 3 '; 13, 13') of each of the two pivots (2, 2 '; 12, 12') extends a substantially cylindrical portion (19, 19 '), and in that the two bearings each comprise a radial guide element (21, 21') pierced with a cylindrical or olivated hole, the sides of each of the two cylindrical or olive holes being provided to surround the substantially cylindrical portion of one of the pivots so as to retain the shaft (1) radially. Dispositif de pivotement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de butée axiale (15, 15') est monté avec un certain jeu latéral relativement à l'axe de l'arbre (1) de manière à permettre d'aligner l'ouverture (16, 16') avec le trou de l'élément de guidage radial (21, 21').Pivoting device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the axial abutment element (15, 15 ') is mounted with a certain lateral clearance with respect to the axis of the shaft (1) so as to allow the alignment the opening (16, 16 ') with the hole of the radial guide element (21, 21'). Dispositif de pivotement selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les deux éléments de butée axiale (5, 5' ; 15, 15') sont chacun constitués par un monocristal, et en ce que l'ouverture (6, 6' ; 16, 16' ; 46) que présente chacun des éléments de butée axiale est réalisée par gravure anisotrope humide du monocristal.Pivoting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two axial stop elements (5, 5 ', 15, 15') are each constituted by a single crystal, and in that the opening (6, 6 16, 16 ', 46) each of the axial abutment elements is made by wet anisotropic etching of the single crystal. Dispositif de pivotement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la portion arrondie convexe (33) de chacun des deux pivots (32) est dans le prolongement d'une portion sensiblement cylindrique (39), et en ce que chacune des ouvertures (36) présentent, proche de son embouchure, une portion à profil rectangulaire (37) prévue pour entourer la portion sensiblement cylindrique (39), d'un des pivots (32) de manière à retenir radialement l'arbre (1).Pivoting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the convex rounded portion (33) of each of the two pivots (32) is in the extension of a substantially cylindrical portion (39), and in that each of the openings (36) ) have, near its mouth, a portion of rectangular profile (37) provided to surround the substantially cylindrical portion (39) of one of the pivots (32) so as to retain the shaft (1) radially. Dispositif de pivotement selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de butée axiale (35) est réalisé en plastique.Pivoting device according to claim 7, characterized in that the axial abutment element (35) is made of plastic. Dispositif de pivotement selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le monocristal est un monocristal de silicium.Pivoting device according to claim 6, characterized in that the single crystal is a single crystal of silicon. Dispositif selon l'un des revendications 6 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture (6, 6' ; 16, 16' ; 46) que présente chaque élément de butée axiale (5, 5' ; 15, 15') est une ouverture de section carrée.Device according to one of claims 6 or 9, characterized in that the opening (6, 6 ', 16, 16', 46) provided by each axial stop element (5, 5 ', 15, 15') is an opening of square section. Procédé d'assemblage d'un dispositif de pivotement d'un arbre dans une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant les étapes de : - monter un élément de butée axiale (15, 15') et élément de guidage radial (21, 21') dans une monture (25) donnant un certain jeu latéral à l'élément de butée axiale ; - insérer un faux axe dans le trou de l'élément de guidage radial ; - appuyer avec l'extrémité du faux axe sur l'élément de butée axiale de manière à aligner l'ouverture (16, 16') avec le trou de l'élément de guidage radial (21, 21') ; - solidariser l'élément de butée axiale (15, 15') avec l'ouverture en position alignée. A method of assembling a shaft pivoting device in a timepiece comprising the steps of: - mounting an axial abutment member (15, 15 ') and radial guide member (21, 21') in a mount (25) providing some lateral clearance to the axial abutment member; inserting a false axis into the hole of the radial guide element; - press with the end of the false axis on the axial stop member so as to align the opening (16, 16 ') with the hole of the radial guide member (21, 21'); - Secure the axial abutment element (15, 15 ') with the opening in aligned position.
EP07106986A 2007-04-26 2007-04-26 Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece Withdrawn EP1986059A1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07106986A EP1986059A1 (en) 2007-04-26 2007-04-26 Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece
US12/596,947 US8317391B2 (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 Device for pivoting an arbour in a time piece
DE602008003429T DE602008003429D1 (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 SWIVELING EQUIPMENT FOR ONE WAVE IN ONE CLOCK
CN2008800136752A CN101669075B (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 Device for pivoting a shaft in a time piece
JP2010504690A JP5524827B2 (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 A device that pivots the arbor in a watch
PCT/EP2008/055009 WO2008132135A2 (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 Device for pivoting a shaft in a time piece
AT08736544T ATE487965T1 (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 SWIVELING DEVICE FOR A SHAFT IN A CLOCK
EP08736544.1A EP2142965B2 (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece
HK10108644.1A HK1142693A1 (en) 2007-04-26 2010-09-10 Device for pivoting a shaft in a time piece

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EP07106986A EP1986059A1 (en) 2007-04-26 2007-04-26 Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece

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EP08736544.1A Active EP2142965B2 (en) 2007-04-26 2008-04-24 Pivoting device for an arbor inside a timepiece

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EP (2) EP1986059A1 (en)
JP (1) JP5524827B2 (en)
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DE (1) DE602008003429D1 (en)
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HK1142693A1 (en) 2010-12-10
DE602008003429D1 (en) 2010-12-23
CN101669075B (en) 2012-02-29
CN101669075A (en) 2010-03-10
US8317391B2 (en) 2012-11-27
EP2142965B1 (en) 2010-11-10
EP2142965B2 (en) 2014-02-26
JP2010539440A (en) 2010-12-16
WO2008132135A2 (en) 2008-11-06
EP2142965A2 (en) 2010-01-13
US20110164478A1 (en) 2011-07-07
JP5524827B2 (en) 2014-06-18
WO2008132135A3 (en) 2009-01-22
ATE487965T1 (en) 2010-11-15

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