EP2273323B1 - Mechanical oscillator - Google Patents

Mechanical oscillator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2273323B1
EP2273323B1 EP10166943.0A EP10166943A EP2273323B1 EP 2273323 B1 EP2273323 B1 EP 2273323B1 EP 10166943 A EP10166943 A EP 10166943A EP 2273323 B1 EP2273323 B1 EP 2273323B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
organ
return
oscillator according
elastic
blades
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EP10166943.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2273323A2 (en
EP2273323A3 (en
Inventor
Stéphane von Gunten
Pierre Gygax
Lucas Humair
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Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
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Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
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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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs

Definitions

  • the energy allowing the operation of the movement is provided, in a conventional manner, by a spring that is armed. It gradually releases its energy, thanks to an escapement mechanism, regulated by a mechanical oscillator.
  • the oscillator is a balance-spring, well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the sprung balance is provided with pivots cooperating with bearings. For the regularity of the oscillation and limit the amount of energy that the sprung balance must receive for its oscillations are maintained, it is easy to understand that the friction conditions at the pivots of the sprung balance must be optimal. Significant efforts have been made to improve the quality of bearings or lubrication.
  • the document EP1736838 proposes a oscillator without pivot.
  • the latter comprises a body, centered on the oscillation axis of the oscillator, this body being connected to the frame of the movement by four U-shaped springs, deforming during the oscillation.
  • This system particularly interesting in the reduction of friction, since it has no pivot, however, is limited in its applications. Indeed, it is particularly adapted to the escape mechanism described in the corresponding document, which operates at a high frequency, but with limited amplitude of oscillations. In fact, it can not be applied to a conventional escapement, of Swiss anchor type, for example.
  • Other variants of pivotless oscillators are disclosed in the document US 3,318,087 and the document CH 496 267 .
  • the present invention aims to provide a mechanical oscillator without pivot, enjoying the advantages of the oscillator in reducing friction, but free from its disadvantages and adaptable to a conventional exhaust.
  • the invention relates to an oscillator as defined in the claims.
  • the oscillator For attachment to the frame of the movement, the oscillator comprises a fixing portion 10, which may consist of a plate 12 provided with at least two holes 14 for receiving fixing screws.
  • the fixing portion 10 may further have flanks 16 straight and parallel to cooperate with guide walls of a housing formed in the frame and intended to receive the fixing portion.
  • the orifices 14 may be in the form of oblongs parallel to these flanks 16.
  • the longitudinal position of the fastening portion 10 with reference to the housing can be adjusted to adjust the position of the oscillator.
  • the person skilled in the art will of course be able to adapt other systems for adjusting the position of the fastening portion 10, either in the plane or at the height, possibly by means of micrometer screws or the like.
  • the oscillator comprises a truncated or annular serge 18, acting as a conventional balance.
  • the center of the serge 18 defines the oscillation axis of the oscillator.
  • the serge 18 is arranged so that it can be mounted on a fastening portion to be connected to the other elements of the oscillator, as will be described later.
  • the serge 18 comprises an opening 20, centered on the axis of oscillation, inside which is rigidly placed a fastening portion of the neighboring element of the oscillator.
  • the serge 18 is ideally made of a high density material, such as gold or platinum, but it can also be made of a copper-like material, of brass type, usually used to make rockers.
  • the serge 18 carries, at its central portion, a finger, for example silicon, or a ruby ellipse, acting as a plateau pin of a conventional balance and schematically represented as 19 on the figure 2 .
  • This ellipse or finger is arranged projecting, parallel to the axis of oscillation and is intended to cooperate with the anchor or with a release pallet of the escapement mechanism of the movement.
  • the serge 18 is connected to the fixing portion 10 by a series of return members.
  • Each return member is formed of a pair of resilient blades 22 consisting of a first and a second blades located in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of oscillation.
  • the blades 22 of a pair are connected, by a first of their ends, to an intermediate attachment portion 24 located on the axis of oscillation.
  • the second end of the resilient blades 22 is connected to a suspended frame 26 which is coplanar with the blades that it connects.
  • the blades 22 of a pair define between them an angle of between 45 and 120 °, typically between 60 and 105 °, typically close to 90 °.
  • the frame 26 is preferably circular in shape, concentric with the axis of oscillation.
  • the blades 22 of a pair are then located on the spokes of the circle defined by the frame. All the elastic blades therefore have the same length.
  • return members are assembled in pairs, being rigidly connected only by their frame 26.
  • two return members are superimposed, at least partially, which defines an upper return member and a lower return member, with reference to the drawing, with the serge 18 which is located on the lower side.
  • two return members are entirely superimposed.
  • the frames 26 are fixed to each other, for example by an intermediate frame 28, maintaining a distance between them so that the blades 22 of the two return members do not touch.
  • the intermediate attachment portions 24 of the return members whose frames are connected are free one with reference to the other. They are not directly related to each other. In the present description, it is considered that the assembly formed by two return members connected to each other by their frame, is called an elastic system.
  • the intermediate attachment portion 24 of an upper return member of a first elastic system may be rigidly connected to the intermediate attachment portion 24 of a lower return member of a second elastic system.
  • the connection may advantageously be via a spacer 30 so as to prevent the elastic blades of two return members touching.
  • the intermediate attachment portion 24 of a lower biasing member of the first elastic system can be rigidly connected to the intermediate attachment portion 24 of an upper return member of a third elastic system.
  • the intermediate attachment portion 24 of the lower return member of the first elastic system is connected to serge 18, as mentioned above.
  • a spacer forming a first attachment portion 32 ensures that the serge 18 or the arms holding the serge does not rub against the elastic blades 22.
  • the spacer connects the intermediate attachment portion 24 of the lower return member and is inserted rigidly into the opening 20 of the serge 18.
  • the intermediate attachment portion 24 of the upper return member of the second elastic system is connected to the attachment portion 10.
  • the latter is provided with two elastic blades 34, similar to those of a return member and joining together.
  • a last attachment portion 36 centered on the axis of oscillation.
  • a spacer 30 ensuring that the elastic blades of the fixing portion do not rub against the elastic blades of the return member, rigidly connects the intermediate attachment portion 24 of the upper return member and the last attachment portion 36.
  • the return members are preferably made of silicon by deep etching from a wafer, which makes it possible to monolithically produce the frame 26, the blades 22 and the intermediate attachment portion 24.
  • Other materials may be considered, including polycrystalline synthetic diamond.
  • silicon parts their surface can be oxidized so as to stabilize the natural frequency of the system in temperature and a better handling stability.
  • All of the resilient blades 22 and 34 are arranged and calculated such that all degrees of freedom of the serge 18 are minimized, except for oscillation about the oscillation axis.
  • all the degrees of freedom of the serge are rigid, that is to say greater, compared to the degree of freedom around the axis of oscillation.
  • the angular stiffness of the oscillator around this axis is calculated so as to ensure a frequency determined at the oscillator. There is therefore no spring-spiral.
  • the elastic blades are deformed but, thanks to the fact that the frames 26 of the return members are free and that they are assembled two by two, they move radially with reference to the axis, but without disturbing or move the attachment portions 24 remaining on the oscillation axis.
  • the different elastic systems are sufficiently rigid to prevent that, in the event of shocks, parts of the oscillator come into collision with other parts of the movement. or else, limiting stops are provided to avoid such collisions that could damage the fragile parts, made of silicon.
  • FIG 4 A prestressing system is proposed in compression or traction of the blades of a return member, such a system that can be implemented either at each return member or at each elastic system.
  • a prestressing system is proposed in compression or traction of the blades of a return member, such a system that can be implemented either at each return member or at each elastic system.
  • the angular rigidity of the blades is reduced, and exerting a prestress in compression on the blades 22, the angular rigidity of the blades is increased, which makes it possible to adjust the natural frequency of the system and play the role of a raquetterie (to adjust the average time and therefore the running of the watch).
  • a spring system 40 having a point of attachment on the center of oscillation has at its other end an attachment member 42 capable of cooperating with the fastening member 38.
  • the attachment member 42 is obtained by one or two teeth 44 shaped to cooperate with the toothing.
  • the toothing of the fastener member may be elastically movable to allow adjustment of the position of the fastening member 42 in the toothing.
  • the spring system 40 is arranged so as to exert on the frame 26 a tensile or compressive stress of the blades 22. It may be possible to envisage other adjustment systems, but this is advantageous because the elements can be made directly, monolithically, during the engraving of the return members.
  • the heavy periphery made of a metallic material, can be connected to the attachment portion for a silicon connection integrally with the fastening portion. This makes it possible to accentuate the distribution of the mass outside.
  • an oscillator having no friction, no wear and does not require lubrication.
  • the amplitudes of the flat and the hanged are equalized, because of the absence of pivot.
  • Such an oscillator can be adapted to escapements and conventional movements, thanks to the amplitudes and frequencies reached.
  • the amplitude is 100 ° (remember that, for the skilled person, the amplitude is defined in each direction relative to the center line).
  • the oscillator is not held by a balance bridge covering the axis of oscillation. The oscillator can be fully visible from the outside of the movement.
  • the series setting of the return members increases the number of elastic blades involved in the design of the oscillator, which reduces their stiffness for given characteristics of the oscillator.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine de l'horlogerie mécanique. Elle concerne, plus particulièrement, un oscillateur mécanique oscillant autour d'un axe d'oscillation sans pivot. Un tel oscillateur comporte :

  • une serge centrée sur l'axe d'oscillation et montée sur une première portion d'attache située sur ledit axe d'oscillation,
  • une portion de fixation destinée à être fixée à un bâti d'un mouvement d'horlogerie,
  • une pluralité de systèmes élastiques reliant la serge et la portion de fixation.
The present invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking. It relates, more particularly, to a mechanical oscillator oscillating about a pivotless oscillation axis. Such an oscillator comprises:
  • a serge centered on the oscillation axis and mounted on a first attachment portion located on said oscillation axis,
  • a fixing portion intended to be fixed to a frame of a clockwork movement,
  • a plurality of elastic systems connecting the serge and the attachment portion.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Dans les montres mécaniques, l'énergie permettant le fonctionnement du mouvement est fournie, de manière conventionnelle, par un ressort que l'on arme. Il libère progressivement son énergie, grâce à un mécanisme d'échappement, régulé par un oscillateur mécanique. Dans les mécanismes de montre les plus courants, l'oscillateur est un balancier-spiral, bien connu de l'homme du métier. Le balancier-spiral est muni de pivots, coopérant avec des paliers. Pour la régularité de l'oscillation et limiter la quantité d'énergie que le balancier-spiral doit recevoir pour que ses oscillations soient entretenues, on comprend aisément que les conditions de frottement au niveau des pivots du balancier-spiral doivent être optimales. Des efforts importants ont été fournis afin d'améliorer la qualité des paliers ou celle de la lubrification.In mechanical watches, the energy allowing the operation of the movement is provided, in a conventional manner, by a spring that is armed. It gradually releases its energy, thanks to an escapement mechanism, regulated by a mechanical oscillator. In the most common watch mechanisms, the oscillator is a balance-spring, well known to those skilled in the art. The sprung balance is provided with pivots cooperating with bearings. For the regularity of the oscillation and limit the amount of energy that the sprung balance must receive for its oscillations are maintained, it is easy to understand that the friction conditions at the pivots of the sprung balance must be optimal. Significant efforts have been made to improve the quality of bearings or lubrication.

Le document EP1736838 propose un oscillateur sans pivot. Ce dernier comporte un corps, centré sur l'axe d'oscillation de l'oscillateur, ce corps étant relié au bâti du mouvement par quatre ressorts en forme de U, se déformant au cours de l'oscillation. Ce système, particulièrement intéressant au niveau de la réduction des frottements, puisqu'il ne comporte pas de pivot, est cependant limité dans ses applications. En effet, il est particulièrement adapté au mécanisme d'échappement décrit dans le document correspondant, qui fonctionne à une fréquence importante, mais avec une amplitude des oscillations limitée. De fait, il ne saurait être appliqué à un échappement conventionnel, de type à ancre suisse par exemple. D'autres variantes d'oscillateurs sans pivot sont divulgués dans le document US 3,318,087 et le document CH 496 267 .The document EP1736838 proposes a oscillator without pivot. The latter comprises a body, centered on the oscillation axis of the oscillator, this body being connected to the frame of the movement by four U-shaped springs, deforming during the oscillation. This system, particularly interesting in the reduction of friction, since it has no pivot, however, is limited in its applications. Indeed, it is particularly adapted to the escape mechanism described in the corresponding document, which operates at a high frequency, but with limited amplitude of oscillations. In fact, it can not be applied to a conventional escapement, of Swiss anchor type, for example. Other variants of pivotless oscillators are disclosed in the document US 3,318,087 and the document CH 496 267 .

La présente invention a pour but de proposer un oscillateur mécanique sans pivot, bénéficiant des avantages de l'oscillateur quant à la réduction des frottements, mais exempt de ses inconvénients et adaptables à un échappement conventionnel.The present invention aims to provide a mechanical oscillator without pivot, enjoying the advantages of the oscillator in reducing friction, but free from its disadvantages and adaptable to a conventional exhaust.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

De manière plus précise, l'invention porte sur un oscillateur tel que défini dans les revendications.More specifically, the invention relates to an oscillator as defined in the claims.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, faite en référence au dessin annexé, dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 et la figure 2 sont respectivement des vues en perspective et de côté d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un oscillateur selon l'invention,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation, et
  • la figure 4 propose une vue de dessus d'un système de réglage de l'oscillateur selon l'invention, avec une vue en gros plan.
Other features of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawing, in which:
  • the figure 1 and the figure 2 are respectively perspective and side views of a first embodiment of an oscillator according to the invention,
  • the figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment, and
  • the figure 4 provides a top view of an oscillator control system according to the invention, with a close-up view.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un oscillateur selon l'invention, destiné à être monté dans un mouvement horloger non représenté. Pour sa fixation au bâti du mouvement, l'oscillateur comprend une portion de fixation 10, pouvant consister en une plaque 12 munie d'au moins deux orifices 14 pour recevoir des vis de fixation. L'utilisation d'une plaque 12 est intéressante car elle permet d'offrir une bonne stabilité à l'oscillateur, qui n'est ainsi pas relié au bâti par des zones ponctuelles. La portion de fixation 10 peut en outre présenter des flancs 16 droits et parallèles pour coopérer avec des parois de guidage d'un logement ménagé dans le bâti et destiné à recevoir la portion de fixation. Dans ce cas, les orifices 14 peuvent être en forme d'oblongs orientés parallèlement à ces flancs 16. Ainsi, la position longitudinale de la portion de fixation 10 en référence au logement peut être réglée, pour ajuster la position de l'oscillateur. L'homme du métier pourra bien sûr adapter d'autres systèmes de réglage de la position de la portion de fixation 10, soit dans le plan, soit en hauteur, éventuellement par des vis micrométriques ou autres.We have shown on the figure 1 an oscillator according to the invention, intended to be mounted in a clock movement not shown. For attachment to the frame of the movement, the oscillator comprises a fixing portion 10, which may consist of a plate 12 provided with at least two holes 14 for receiving fixing screws. The use of a plate 12 is interesting because it provides a good stability to the oscillator, which is not connected to the frame by point areas. The fixing portion 10 may further have flanks 16 straight and parallel to cooperate with guide walls of a housing formed in the frame and intended to receive the fixing portion. In this case, the orifices 14 may be in the form of oblongs parallel to these flanks 16. Thus, the longitudinal position of the fastening portion 10 with reference to the housing can be adjusted to adjust the position of the oscillator. The person skilled in the art will of course be able to adapt other systems for adjusting the position of the fastening portion 10, either in the plane or at the height, possibly by means of micrometer screws or the like.

L'oscillateur comprend une serge 18 tronquée ou annulaire, jouant le rôle d'un balancier conventionnel. Le centre de la serge 18 définit l'axe d'oscillation de l'oscillateur. En son centre, la serge 18 est agencée de manière à pouvoir être montée sur une portion d'attache pour être reliée aux autres éléments de l'oscillateur, comme on va le décrire par la suite. Selon l'exemple illustré au dessin, la serge 18 comprend une ouverture 20, centrée sur l'axe d'oscillation, à l'intérieur de laquelle prend place rigidement une portion d'attache de l'élément voisin de l'oscillateur.The oscillator comprises a truncated or annular serge 18, acting as a conventional balance. The center of the serge 18 defines the oscillation axis of the oscillator. In its center, the serge 18 is arranged so that it can be mounted on a fastening portion to be connected to the other elements of the oscillator, as will be described later. According to the example illustrated in the drawing, the serge 18 comprises an opening 20, centered on the axis of oscillation, inside which is rigidly placed a fastening portion of the neighboring element of the oscillator.

La serge 18 est idéalement réalisée dans un matériau à forte densité, tel que l'or ou le platine, mais elle peut également être fait dans un matériau cuivreux, de type laiton, habituellement utilisé pour faire des balanciers. La serge 18 porte, au niveau de sa partie centrale, un doigt, par exemple en silicium, ou une ellipse en rubis, jouant le rôle d'une cheville de plateau d'un balancier conventionnel et représenté schématiquement sous la référence 19 sur la figure 2. Cette ellipse ou ce doigt est disposé en saillie, parallèlement à l'axe d'oscillation et est destiné à coopérer avec l'ancre ou avec une palette de dégagement du mécanisme d'échappement du mouvement.The serge 18 is ideally made of a high density material, such as gold or platinum, but it can also be made of a copper-like material, of brass type, usually used to make rockers. The serge 18 carries, at its central portion, a finger, for example silicon, or a ruby ellipse, acting as a plateau pin of a conventional balance and schematically represented as 19 on the figure 2 . This ellipse or finger is arranged projecting, parallel to the axis of oscillation and is intended to cooperate with the anchor or with a release pallet of the escapement mechanism of the movement.

La serge 18 est reliée à la portion de fixation 10 par une série d'organes de rappel. Chaque organe de rappel est formé d'une paire de lames élastiques 22 constituée d'une première et d'une deuxième lames situées dans un même plan perpendiculaire à l'axe d'oscillation. Les lames 22 d'une paire sont reliées, par une première de leurs extrémités, à une portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 située sur l'axe d'oscillation. La deuxième extrémité des lames élastiques 22 est reliée à un cadre 26 suspendu qui est coplanaire aux lames qu'il relie. Les lames 22 d'une paire définissent entre elles un angle compris entre 45 et 120°, typiquement compris entre 60 et 105°, typiquement voisin de 90°.The serge 18 is connected to the fixing portion 10 by a series of return members. Each return member is formed of a pair of resilient blades 22 consisting of a first and a second blades located in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of oscillation. The blades 22 of a pair are connected, by a first of their ends, to an intermediate attachment portion 24 located on the axis of oscillation. The second end of the resilient blades 22 is connected to a suspended frame 26 which is coplanar with the blades that it connects. The blades 22 of a pair define between them an angle of between 45 and 120 °, typically between 60 and 105 °, typically close to 90 °.

Le cadre 26 est de préférence de forme circulaire, concentrique à l'axe d'oscillation. Les lames 22 d'une paire sont alors situées sur des rayons du cercle défini par le cadre. Toutes les lames élastiques ont donc la même longueur.The frame 26 is preferably circular in shape, concentric with the axis of oscillation. The blades 22 of a pair are then located on the spokes of the circle defined by the frame. All the elastic blades therefore have the same length.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, des organes de rappel sont assemblés deux par deux, en étant reliés rigidement uniquement par leur cadre 26. Autrement dit, deux organes de rappel sont superposés, au moins partiellement, ce qui définit un organe dé rappel supérieur et un organe de rappel inférieur, en référence au dessin, avec la serge 18 qui est située du côté inférieur. Dans l'exemple, deux organes de rappel sont entièrement superposés. Les cadres 26 sont fixés l'un à l'autre, par exemple par un cadre intermédiaire 28, en maintenant une distance entre eux de manière à ce que les lames 22 des deux organes de rappel ne se touchent pas. Les portions d'attache intermédiaires 24 des organes de rappel dont les cadres sont reliés, sont libres l'une en référence à l'autre. Elles ne sont pas liées directement entre elles. Dans la présente description, on considère que l'ensemble formé par deux organes de rappel reliés l'un à l'autre par leur cadre, est appelé un système élastique.In a first embodiment shown on the Figures 1 and 2 , return members are assembled in pairs, being rigidly connected only by their frame 26. In other words, two return members are superimposed, at least partially, which defines an upper return member and a lower return member, with reference to the drawing, with the serge 18 which is located on the lower side. In the example, two return members are entirely superimposed. The frames 26 are fixed to each other, for example by an intermediate frame 28, maintaining a distance between them so that the blades 22 of the two return members do not touch. The intermediate attachment portions 24 of the return members whose frames are connected, are free one with reference to the other. They are not directly related to each other. In the present description, it is considered that the assembly formed by two return members connected to each other by their frame, is called an elastic system.

Plusieurs systèmes élastiques peuvent ainsi être assemblés l'un à l'autre, par l'intermédiaire des portions d'attache intermédiaires 24 des premier et deuxième organes de rappel. La portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 d'un organe de rappel supérieur d'un premier système élastique peut être reliée rigidement à la portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 d'un organe de rappel inférieur d'un deuxième système élastique. La liaison peut avantageusement se faire par l'intermédiaire d'une entretoise 30 de manière à éviter que les lames élastiques de deux organes de rappel se touchent.Several resilient systems can thus be assembled to each other, through the intermediate attachment portions 24 of the first and second return members. The intermediate attachment portion 24 of an upper return member of a first elastic system may be rigidly connected to the intermediate attachment portion 24 of a lower return member of a second elastic system. The connection may advantageously be via a spacer 30 so as to prevent the elastic blades of two return members touching.

De même, la portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 d'un organe de rappel inférieur du premier système élastique peut être reliée rigidement à la portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 d'un organe de rappel supérieur d'un troisième système élastique.Similarly, the intermediate attachment portion 24 of a lower biasing member of the first elastic system can be rigidly connected to the intermediate attachment portion 24 of an upper return member of a third elastic system.

Dans l'exemple représenté, on n'a que deux systèmes élastiques, régulièrement répartis autour de l'axe d'oscillation. Ainsi, la portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 de l'organe de rappel inférieur du premier système élastique est reliée à la serge 18, comme évoqué ci-dessus. Une entretoise formant une première portion d'attache 32, assure que la serge 18 ou les bras tenant la serge ne frotte pas contre les lames élastiques 22. L'entretoise relie la portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 de l'organe de rappel inférieur et s'insère rigidement dans l'ouverture 20 de la serge 18.In the example shown, there are only two elastic systems regularly distributed around the axis of oscillation. Thus, the intermediate attachment portion 24 of the lower return member of the first elastic system is connected to serge 18, as mentioned above. A spacer forming a first attachment portion 32, ensures that the serge 18 or the arms holding the serge does not rub against the elastic blades 22. The spacer connects the intermediate attachment portion 24 of the lower return member and is inserted rigidly into the opening 20 of the serge 18.

La portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 de l'organe de rappel supérieur du deuxième système élastique est reliée à la portion de fixation 10. Cette dernière est dotée de deux lames élastiques 34, semblables à celles d'un organe de rappel et se réunissant en une dernière portion d'attache 36 centrée sur l'axe d'oscillation. Une entretoise 30 assurant que les lames élastiques de la portion de fixation ne frottent pas contre les lames élastiques de l'organe de rappel, relie rigidement la portion d'attache intermédiaire 24 de l'organe de rappel supérieur et la dernière portion d'attache 36.The intermediate attachment portion 24 of the upper return member of the second elastic system is connected to the attachment portion 10. The latter is provided with two elastic blades 34, similar to those of a return member and joining together. a last attachment portion 36 centered on the axis of oscillation. A spacer 30 ensuring that the elastic blades of the fixing portion do not rub against the elastic blades of the return member, rigidly connects the intermediate attachment portion 24 of the upper return member and the last attachment portion 36.

Les organes de rappel sont réalisés de manière privilégiée, en silicium par gravage profond à partir d'un wafer, ce qui permet de réaliser de manière monolithique le cadre 26, les lames 22 et la portion d'attache intermédiaire 24. D'autres matériaux peuvent être envisagés, notamment du diamant synthétique polycristallin. Dans le cas de pièces en silicium, leur surface peut être oxydée de manière à stabiliser la fréquence propre du système en température et une meilleure stabilité à la manipulation.The return members are preferably made of silicon by deep etching from a wafer, which makes it possible to monolithically produce the frame 26, the blades 22 and the intermediate attachment portion 24. Other materials may be considered, including polycrystalline synthetic diamond. In the case of silicon parts, their surface can be oxidized so as to stabilize the natural frequency of the system in temperature and a better handling stability.

L'ensemble des lames élastiques 22 et 34 est arrangé et calculé de telle manière que tous les degrés de liberté de la serge 18 sont minimisés, à l'exception de l'oscillation autour de l'axe d'oscillation. Ainsi, tous les degrés de liberté de la serge sont rigides, c'est-à-dire plus grand, comparativement au degré de liberté autour de l'axe d'oscillation. La raideur angulaire de l'oscillateur autour de cet axe est calculée de manière à assurer une fréquence déterminée à l'oscillateur. Il n'y a donc pas de ressort-spiral. Au cours des oscillations, les lames élastiques se déforment mais, grâce au fait que les cadres 26 des organes de rappel sont libres et qu'ils sont assemblés deux par deux, ils se déplacent radialement en référence à l'axe, mais sans perturber ni déplacer les portions d'attache 24 qui restent sur l'axe d'oscillation.All of the resilient blades 22 and 34 are arranged and calculated such that all degrees of freedom of the serge 18 are minimized, except for oscillation about the oscillation axis. Thus, all the degrees of freedom of the serge are rigid, that is to say greater, compared to the degree of freedom around the axis of oscillation. The angular stiffness of the oscillator around this axis is calculated so as to ensure a frequency determined at the oscillator. There is therefore no spring-spiral. During the oscillations, the elastic blades are deformed but, thanks to the fact that the frames 26 of the return members are free and that they are assembled two by two, they move radially with reference to the axis, but without disturbing or move the attachment portions 24 remaining on the oscillation axis.

En fonction de la place disponible dans le mouvement et de la proximité des autres éléments du mouvement, soit les différents systèmes élastiques sont suffisamment rigides pour éviter que, en cas de chocs, des parties de l'oscillateur vienne heurter d'autres pièces du mouvement ou alors, on prévoit des butées de limitation pour éviter ces collisions qui risqueraient d'endommager les pièces fragiles, en silicium.Depending on the space available in the movement and the proximity of the other elements of the movement, the different elastic systems are sufficiently rigid to prevent that, in the event of shocks, parts of the oscillator come into collision with other parts of the movement. or else, limiting stops are provided to avoid such collisions that could damage the fragile parts, made of silicon.

Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation proposé à la figure 3, les organes de rappel d'un système élastique ne sont pas entièrement superposés. Néanmoins, ils sont de préférence situés à équidistance du centre d'oscillation et toutes les lames 22 ont la même longueur. Seule une partie de leur cadre 26 est superposée afin de permettre leur solidarisation. La portion d'attache n'est pas représentée pour des raisons de clarté du dessin.In a second embodiment proposed to the figure 3 the return members of an elastic system are not entirely superposed. Nevertheless, they are preferably located equidistant from the center of oscillation and all the blades 22 have the same length. Only part of their frame 26 is superimposed to allow their joining. The attachment portion is not shown for reasons of clarity of the drawing.

Une option possible est représentée à la figure 4. On propose un système de précontrainte en compression ou en traction des lames d'un organe de rappel, un tel système pouvant être implémenté soit au niveau de chaque organe de rappel ou au niveau de chaque système élastique. En exerçant une précontrainte en traction sur les lames 22, la rigidité angulaire des lames est réduite, et en exerçant une précontrainte en compression sur les lames 22, la rigidité angulaire des lames est augmentée, ce qui permet d'ajuster la fréquence propre du système et de jouer le rôle d'une raquetterie (d'ajuster le temps moyen et donc la marche de la montre).One possible option is represented in figure 4 . A prestressing system is proposed in compression or traction of the blades of a return member, such a system that can be implemented either at each return member or at each elastic system. By exerting a tensile pretension on the blades 22, the angular rigidity of the blades is reduced, and exerting a prestress in compression on the blades 22, the angular rigidity of the blades is increased, which makes it possible to adjust the natural frequency of the system and play the role of a raquetterie (to adjust the average time and therefore the running of the watch).

Comme le montre la figure 4, on peut réaliser, sur la paroi du ou des cadres 26, éventuellement sur le cadre intermédiaire 28, un organe d'attache 38 à plusieurs positions, présentant par exemple une denture. Un système ressort 40 ayant un point d'attache sur le centre d'oscillation présente à son autre extrémité un organe d'accrochage 42 susceptible de coopérer avec l'organe d'attache 38. Par exemple, l'organe d'accrochage 42 est obtenu par une ou deux dents 44 conformées pour coopérer avec la denture. La denture de l'organe d'attache peut être mobile élastiquement pour permettre d'ajuster la position de l'organe d'accrochage 42 dans la denture. Le système ressort 40 est agencé de manière à exercer sur le cadre 26 une contrainte en traction ou en compression des lames 22. On pourra envisager d'autres systèmes de réglage, mais celui-ci est avantageux car les éléments peuvent être réalisés directement, de manière monolithique, au cours du gravage des organes de rappel.As shown in figure 4 it is possible to produce, on the wall of the frame (s) 26, possibly on the intermediate frame 28, a fastener 38 with several positions, for example having a toothing. A spring system 40 having a point of attachment on the center of oscillation has at its other end an attachment member 42 capable of cooperating with the fastening member 38. For example, the attachment member 42 is obtained by one or two teeth 44 shaped to cooperate with the toothing. The toothing of the fastener member may be elastically movable to allow adjustment of the position of the fastening member 42 in the toothing. The spring system 40 is arranged so as to exert on the frame 26 a tensile or compressive stress of the blades 22. It may be possible to envisage other adjustment systems, but this is advantageous because the elements can be made directly, monolithically, during the engraving of the return members.

On notera que pour une serge annulaire, la périphérie lourde, réalisée dans un matériau métallique, peut être reliée à la portion d'attache pour une liaison en silicium venue d'une pièce avec la portion d'attache. Cela permet d'accentuer la répartition de la masse à l'extérieur.Note that for an annular serge, the heavy periphery, made of a metallic material, can be connected to the attachment portion for a silicon connection integrally with the fastening portion. This makes it possible to accentuate the distribution of the mass outside.

Ainsi est proposé un oscillateur ne présentant aucun frottement, ni usure et ne nécessitant pas de lubrification. Les amplitudes au plat et au pendu se trouvent égalisées, du fait de l'absence de pivot. Un tel oscillateur peut être adapté à des échappements et des mouvements conventionnels, grâce aux amplitudes et fréquences atteintes. Typiquement, l'amplitude est de 100° (on rappelle que, pour l'homme du métier, l'amplitude est définie dans chaque sens par rapport à la ligne des centres). En outre, étant donné qu'il n'y a pas de pivot, l'oscillateur n'est pas tenu par un pont de balancier recouvrant l'axe d'oscillation. L'oscillateur peut donc être entièrement visible de l'extérieur du mouvement. Enfin, la mise en série des organes de rappel permet d'augmenter le nombre de lames élastiques intervenant dans le dimensionnement de l'oscillateur, ce qui permet de diminuer leur raideur pour des caractéristiques données de l'oscillateur.Thus is proposed an oscillator having no friction, no wear and does not require lubrication. The amplitudes of the flat and the hanged are equalized, because of the absence of pivot. Such an oscillator can be adapted to escapements and conventional movements, thanks to the amplitudes and frequencies reached. Typically, the amplitude is 100 ° (remember that, for the skilled person, the amplitude is defined in each direction relative to the center line). In addition, since there is no pivot, the oscillator is not held by a balance bridge covering the axis of oscillation. The oscillator can be fully visible from the outside of the movement. Finally, the series setting of the return members increases the number of elastic blades involved in the design of the oscillator, which reduces their stiffness for given characteristics of the oscillator.

Claims (15)

  1. Mechanical oscillator oscillating around an oscillation axis without pivot, said oscillator including:
    - a felloe (18) centered on the oscillation axis and mounted on a first attachment portion (32) situated on said oscillation axis,
    - a fastening portion (10) designed to be fastened to a frame of a timepiece movement,
    - a plurality of elastic systems connecting the felloe and the fastening portion,
    characterized in that each elastic system comprises two return organs arranged in series and connected to one another by a frame (26) and in that at least some of the elastic systems are suspended and are free with reference to the frame.
  2. Mechanical oscillator according to claim 1, characterized in that said fastening portion is provided with two elastic blades (34), situated in a same plane perpendicular to the oscillation axis and connected in a last attachment portion (36) situated on said oscillation axis.
  3. Mechanical oscillator according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes an even number of return organs comprising:
    - a pair of elastic blades (22) constituted of first and second blades situated in a same plane perpendicular to the oscillation axis and connected, by a first of their ends, to an intermediate attachment portion (24) situated on said oscillation axis, and
    - a suspended frame (26) connected to the blades of one pair by their second end, said frame being coplanar to the blades that it connects,
    and in that a lower return organ and an upper return organ are rigidly connected in pairs only by their suspended frame (26) to form a first elastic system, the intermediate attachment portion of the lower return organ being connected to the intermediate attachment portion of an upper return organ of a second elastic system or the first attachment portion, the intermediate attachment portion of the upper return organ being connected to the attachment portion of a lower return organ of a third elastic system or the last attachment portion.
  4. Oscillator according to claim 3, characterized in that it includes a plurality of elastic systems regularly distributed around the oscillation axis.
  5. Oscillator according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that all of the elastic blades are the same length.
  6. Oscillator according to claim 3, characterized in that said suspended frames (26) are concentric to the oscillation axis.
  7. Oscillator according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the first and second return organs of an elastic system are superposed.
  8. Oscillator according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the first and second return organs of an elastic system are angularly offset.
  9. Oscillator according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the return organs are made from silicon.
  10. Oscillator according to claim 9, characterized in that the silicon is covered with an oxide layer.
  11. Oscillator according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the return organs are made from a polycrystalline synthetic diamond.
  12. Oscillator according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that it includes a least one pre-stress system for pre-stressing the blades of a return organ in traction or compression.
  13. Oscillator according to claim 12, characterized in that the pre-stress system is monolithic with the return organ.
  14. Oscillator according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the pre-stress system includes:
    - an attachment organ (38) with several positions connected to a molding-box of the return organ,
    - a spring system (40) having an attachment point on the oscillation center and having, at its other end, a hooking organ (42) able to cooperate with the attachment organ and to occupy several different positions in reference to the attachment organ.
  15. Oscillator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the felloe includes a protruding organ, parallel to the oscillation axis, for cooperating with the escapement mechanism.
EP10166943.0A 2009-07-10 2010-06-22 Mechanical oscillator Active EP2273323B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH01078/09A CH701421B1 (en) 2009-07-10 2009-07-10 mechanical oscillator.

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EP2273323A3 EP2273323A3 (en) 2014-04-02
EP2273323B1 true EP2273323B1 (en) 2015-12-16

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RU2822300C1 (en) * 2022-06-02 2024-07-04 Омега Са Clock control element with precise stroke adjustment unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2273323A2 (en) 2011-01-12
CH701421A2 (en) 2011-01-14
EP2273323A3 (en) 2014-04-02
CH701421B1 (en) 2014-11-28

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