EP2407831B1 - Hairspring for oscillator balance of a clock piece and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Hairspring for oscillator balance of a clock piece and method for manufacturing same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2407831B1
EP2407831B1 EP11405279.8A EP11405279A EP2407831B1 EP 2407831 B1 EP2407831 B1 EP 2407831B1 EP 11405279 A EP11405279 A EP 11405279A EP 2407831 B1 EP2407831 B1 EP 2407831B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
leaf
hairspring
apertures
thickness
blade
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Application number
EP11405279.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2407831A1 (en
Inventor
Richard Bossart
Jérôme Daout
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Rolex SA
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Rolex SA
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Priority to EP11405279.8A priority Critical patent/EP2407831B1/en
Publication of EP2407831A1 publication Critical patent/EP2407831A1/en
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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
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/066—Manufacture of the spiral spring
    • 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
    • Y10T29/49609—Spring making

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hairspring for a timepiece balance-hairspring oscillator which can be produced, in particular, from a low-density material such as silicon, diamond or quartz, as well as a process for the manufacture of such a hairspring.
  • the aforementioned low-density materials make it possible to give the hairspring a complex geometry by micro-fabrication techniques, for example by masking and etching a silicon plate.
  • the chronometric performance of the hairspring depends directly on its mass, since the mass of the hairspring contributes, during the expansion and contraction of the latter, to the forces which are exerted on the pivots of the balance wheel.
  • EP 1 921 518 describes an assembly element that can be fitted to a timepiece.
  • This element comprises elastic rectilinear blades and openings (travel slots) separated by bridges of material. It aims to improve the force of its tightening against a tree.
  • European patent application no. EP 2 233 989 filed before but published after the filing of the present application forms part of the state of the art according to Article 54(3) EPC. It relates to a spiral spring which may comprise on part of its last turn, openings formed by a first strand located on the normal curve of this turn and a second strand positioned substantially parallel, these strands being rigidly connected by bridges. This arrangement aims to bring the center of action of the hairspring into correspondence with the center of the balance wheel associated with the hairspring, in order to correct the spiral of its non-concentric development (see paragraph [0014] and figures).
  • the document JP2006214821 forms part of the state of the art under Article 54(2) EPC.
  • the object of the present invention is to reduce the mass of a hairspring for a timepiece, while maintaining a rigidity equivalent to that of a solid hairspring.
  • the subject of the present invention is a hairspring for a balance-spring oscillator comprising at least one blade whose cross section has a thickness and a height, this blade forming turns of which at least one is provided with a plurality openings which extend in the direction of the height of the blade and alternate with bridges, this hairspring being distinguished in that these openings are distributed at least over the entire length of the openwork turn or turns.
  • the mass of the blade is reduced and there follows an improvement in the isochronism of the balance-spring regulating member.
  • the openings are distributed over the entire length of the blade.
  • the openings can be distributed regularly, either with a constant distance between bridges, or with a constant angular pitch between bridges, or irregularly, with an angular pitch or a variable distance between bridges, over the entire length of the turn(s) or any the blade.
  • the openings and the thickness of the blade are dimensioned so that the rigidity of the blade is the same as that of a reference blade of determined section and without openings, which is advantageous for the behavior of the hairspring during shocks, given the reduction in its mass.
  • the openings have an elongated shape and the blade comprises two equidistant portions integral with one of the other and separated by the openings.
  • the openings are of circular or elliptical shape.
  • the two equidistant portions each have a thickness of dimension less than half the thickness of the reference blade and are separated at the level of the openings by a distance greater than half the thickness of the reference blade without openings.
  • the thicknesses of the two equidistant portions of the blade are each equal to a quarter of the thickness of the reference blade and the total thickness of the blade is equal to 1.05 times the thickness of the reference blade without in days.
  • the bridges are regularly located along the blade with a constant angular difference.
  • the angular difference between the bridges alternating with the openings is chosen between 1° and 360°.
  • the angular difference between the bridges is 30° on the inner turns and 15° on the outer turns.
  • the bridges are regularly located along the blade with a constant distance between bridges.
  • the blade is made of silicon, diamond or quartz.
  • the blade is made of a metal alloy, for example an Ni-based alloy.
  • the blade has a constant thickness along the turns.
  • the blade has a variable thickness along the turns.
  • the blade comprises a core and an outer material layer enveloping the core, configured such that the ratio between the dimensions of the core and of the outer material layer remains constant along the length of the blade.
  • the core of the blade is made of silicon and the outer layer of material is made of silicon dioxide SiO 2 .
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring.
  • the hairspring blade is intended to be connected to a timepiece balance wheel (not shown) and it deforms elastically concentrically during its contraction and its expansion, following the oscillations of the hairspring balance.
  • a blade 1 or strip of a state-of-the-art hairspring has a cross-section of rectangular shape, of height h and of thickness e, and has an inner end connected to a ferrule (not shown) for fixing to the shaft of a balance wheel and an outer end connected to a fixed attachment point (not shown).
  • One-piece slat 1 is called reference slat 1 without openings.
  • the hairspring is made of a low density material such as silicon, diamond or quartz by micro-fabrication techniques making it possible to produce complex blade geometries, for example by masking, etching and cutting out a plate of silicon.
  • the respectively axial, radial and angular directions are used by convention to simplify the description and correspond substantially to the directions extending respectively along the height of the cross section, the thickness of the cross section and each blade turn.
  • the hairspring according to the invention represented on the figure 2 and 11 comprises a blade 2 forming turns which have openings 3 spaced regularly over all their lengths, in the thickness of the blade, so as to reduce the mass/rigidity ratio thereof, and ultimately to reduce its mass.
  • the openings 3 cross the blade 2 axially, in the direction of the height of its cross section between two equidistant portions 4, which is better illustrated in the figure 4 .
  • the openings 3 preferably have an elongated shape. They are each located between equidistant portions 4 of the blade 2 alternating with bridges 5 joining the two equidistant portions 4.
  • the bridges 5 are regularly distributed along the blade 2 following an angular difference ⁇ of 30°, the arc length of the openings 3 increasing towards the outside of the blade 2 with each turn of the hairspring.
  • the angular difference ⁇ between the bridges 5 can be chosen between 1° and 360°.
  • This angular deviation ⁇ can be chosen to be different for the internal turns and for the external turns, as illustrated in the figure 10 , where it is equal to 30° for the inner turns and 15° for the outer turns. It can also vary continuously, for example to maintain a distance between two bridges along the turns substantially constant.
  • the arrangement of the bridges 5, the dimensioning of the openings 3 and the thickness of the portions 4 are configured in such a way as to ensure the blade 2 of the figure 2 the same rigidity as that of the reference blade 1 without openings.
  • the blade 2 of the hairspring according to the invention can be likened to a beam of height h' and of total thickness e' formed of two equidistant and symmetrical portions 4, of thickness e" and separated by an opening 3 passing through two opposite flat faces 7 of the portions 4.
  • blade 2 of balance spring according to the invention having the same rigidity as the previous blade 1.
  • the rate difference between positions, on the figure 5 is typically 3-4 s/d between 200° and 300° amplitude with a value of 3.62 s/d at 250° for blade 1 while it is, on the figure 6 , of 1-2 s/d between 200° and 300° amplitude with a value of 1.82 s/d at 250° for plate 2.
  • the blade 2 of the hairspring according to the invention therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the variations in rate of the regulating member, by dividing them by two in this example.
  • the figure 7 illustrates the maximum rate deviation ⁇ M obtained on the one hand with a blade 1 (curve denoted "1") of a heat-compensated hairspring of 14 turns (14 turns), 5 mm in diameter, a constant thickness of 44 ⁇ m and a 136 ⁇ m pitch, else part with a blade 2 according to the invention of a thermocompensated hairspring with an equivalent number of turns, diameter and rigidity, but with a mass of 0.5, respectively 0.75, times the mass of the hairspring with the blade 1 .
  • the maximum rate deviation of the hairspring is significantly reduced by 0.5 s/d at 200° amplitude, and shows a reduction of comparable pace regardless of the amplitude of the balance-spring oscillator.
  • the conformation of the openings 3 of the blade 2 of the balance-spring according to the invention is also advantageous for the thermal compensation of a variable-thickness blade.
  • thermocompensating materials other than Si are known to those skilled in the art.
  • the section of the blade 1 of the hairspring changes, as for example for a hairspring of variable pitch and thickness of the turns, the ratio between the dimensions of the core 10 and the layer 11 of external material also changes, as illustrated on the figure 8 , which leads to a thermal compensation that is not optimized.
  • the ratio between the dimensions of the core 12 and of the layer 13 of external material advantageously remains constant all along the hairspring, even in the parts of the blade 2 showing a strong variation in total thickness e′, as illustrated in the figure 9 .
  • the thickness of SiO 2 necessary to carry out the thermo compensation is reduced compared to the thickness necessary for the reference blade 1 without openings .
  • the blade 2 according to the invention has a lower mass while keeping the same rigidity as that of the reference blade 1 without openings, it will be less sensitive to shocks.
  • the present invention could also be applied to a hairspring with turns of variable pitch and thickness, such as those described in the application EP 2 299 336 . It is also possible to vary the thickness of the portions and their spacing along the blade. It is also possible for the two portions to show different thicknesses, or to use more than two portions connected by bridges. The spacing between the bridges can also be varied. In addition, the thicknesses of each of the two portions of the blade can also vary along the blade, as can their spacing. In addition, the two blades may have different thicknesses and the ratio of these thicknesses may change along the blade.
  • bridges that are not oriented perpendicular to the blade, such as the angled bridges visible on the figure 12d and/or to provide bridges which have a variable thickness and/or orientation between the two blade portions, such as the wavy bridges visible on the figure 12e .
  • bridges which are not oriented perpendicular to the blade and which have the effect of increasing the rigidity of the blade, as on the figure 12f or on the figure 12g .
  • the shape, size and orientation of the bridges can thus have a more or less significant influence on the stiffness of the blade. These parameters are also to be taken into account on a case-by-case basis for the optimization of the shape of the blade in order to obtain concentric development of the balance-spring and good chronometric performance of the balance-spring.
  • the hairsprings according to the invention are advantageously produced by microfabrication techniques, such as the DRIE process (“Deep Reactive Ion Etching”) for Si, quartz or diamond, or the UV-LiGA process (“Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung ”) for Ni or NiP type alloys. It is also possible to use more conventional processes such as machining by laser, water jet or electro-erosion if the dimensions of the elements and the required tolerances allow it.
  • DRIE Deep Reactive Ion Etching
  • UV-LiGA process Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung
  • the hairspring according to the invention could have several angularly offset blades 2 which could possibly be interconnected by an intermediate ring, as described and illustrated in the patent application EP 2 151 722 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un spiral pour oscillateur balancier-spiral de pièce d'horlogerie qui peut être réalisé, notamment, dans un matériau à faible densité comme le silicium, le diamant ou le quartz, ainsi qu'un procédé pour la fabrication d'un tel spiral.The present invention relates to a hairspring for a timepiece balance-hairspring oscillator which can be produced, in particular, from a low-density material such as silicon, diamond or quartz, as well as a process for the manufacture of such a hairspring.

Les matériaux à faible densité précités permettent de donner au spiral une géométrie complexe par des techniques de micro-fabrication, par exemple par masquage et gravure d'une plaque en silicium.The aforementioned low-density materials make it possible to give the hairspring a complex geometry by micro-fabrication techniques, for example by masking and etching a silicon plate.

Les performances chronométriques du spiral dépendent directement de sa masse, car la masse du spiral contribue, pendant l'expansion et la contraction de ce dernier, aux forces qui s'exercent sur les pivots du balancier.The chronometric performance of the hairspring depends directly on its mass, since the mass of the hairspring contributes, during the expansion and contraction of the latter, to the forces which are exerted on the pivots of the balance wheel.

La demande de brevet européen publiée sous le numéro EP 1 921 518 décrit un élément d'assemblage pouvant équiper une pièce d'horlogerie. Cet élément comprend des lames rectilignes élastiques et des ajours (lumières de débattement) séparés par des ponts de matière. Il vise à permettre d'améliorer la force de son serrage contre un arbre.The European patent application published under number EP 1 921 518 describes an assembly element that can be fitted to a timepiece. This element comprises elastic rectilinear blades and openings (travel slots) separated by bridges of material. It aims to improve the force of its tightening against a tree.

La demande de brevet européen n° EP 2 233 989 , déposée avant mais publiée après le dépôt de la présente demande fait partie de l'état de l'art selon l'article 54(3) CBE. Il a trait à un ressort spiral qui peut comporter sur une partie de sa dernière spire, des ajours formés par un premier brin situé sur la courbe normale de cette spire et un second brin positionné de manière sensiblement parallèle, ces brins étant reliés de manière rigide par des ponts. Cet agencement vise à ramener le centre d'action du spiral en correspondance avec le centre du balancier associé au spiral, afin de corriger le spiral de son développement non concentrique (cf. paragraphe[0014] et figures). Le document JP2006214821 fait partie de l'état de l'art selon l'article 54(2) CBE. Le but de la présente invention est de diminuer la masse d'un spiral pour pièce d'horlogerie, tout en gardant une rigidité équivalente à celle d'un spiral massif.European patent application no. EP 2 233 989 , filed before but published after the filing of the present application forms part of the state of the art according to Article 54(3) EPC. It relates to a spiral spring which may comprise on part of its last turn, openings formed by a first strand located on the normal curve of this turn and a second strand positioned substantially parallel, these strands being rigidly connected by bridges. This arrangement aims to bring the center of action of the hairspring into correspondence with the center of the balance wheel associated with the hairspring, in order to correct the spiral of its non-concentric development (see paragraph [0014] and figures). The document JP2006214821 forms part of the state of the art under Article 54(2) EPC. The object of the present invention is to reduce the mass of a hairspring for a timepiece, while maintaining a rigidity equivalent to that of a solid hairspring.

A cette fin, la présente invention a pour objet un spiral pour oscillateur balancier-spiral comprenant au moins une lame dont la section transversale présente une épaisseur et une hauteur, cette lame formant des spires dont l'une au moins est munie d'une pluralité d'ajours qui s'étendent dans le sens de la hauteur de la lame et alternent avec des ponts, ce spiral se distinguant en ce que ces ajours sont répartis au moins sur toute la longueur de la spire ou des spires ajourée(s).To this end, the subject of the present invention is a hairspring for a balance-spring oscillator comprising at least one blade whose cross section has a thickness and a height, this blade forming turns of which at least one is provided with a plurality openings which extend in the direction of the height of the blade and alternate with bridges, this hairspring being distinguished in that these openings are distributed at least over the entire length of the openwork turn or turns.

Ainsi, grâce à l'invention, la masse de la lame est diminuée et il s'ensuit une amélioration de l'isochronisme de l'organe réglant balancier-spiral.Thus, thanks to the invention, the mass of the blade is reduced and there follows an improvement in the isochronism of the balance-spring regulating member.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les ajours sont répartis sur toute la longueur de la lame.According to one embodiment of the invention, the openings are distributed over the entire length of the blade.

Les ajours peuvent être répartis régulièrement, soit avec une distance entre ponts constante, soit avec un pas angulaire entre ponts constants, ou irrégulièrement, avec un pas angulaire ou une distance entre ponts variable, sur toute la longueur de la ou les spires ou de toute la lame.The openings can be distributed regularly, either with a constant distance between bridges, or with a constant angular pitch between bridges, or irregularly, with an angular pitch or a variable distance between bridges, over the entire length of the turn(s) or any the blade.

Avantageusement, les ajours et l'épaisseur de la lame sont dimensionnés de façon à ce que la rigidité de la lame soit la même que celle d'une lame de référence de section déterminée et sans ajours, ce qui est avantageux pour le comportement du spiral lors de chocs, compte tenu de la diminution de sa masse.Advantageously, the openings and the thickness of the blade are dimensioned so that the rigidity of the blade is the same as that of a reference blade of determined section and without openings, which is advantageous for the behavior of the hairspring during shocks, given the reduction in its mass.

De préférence, les ajours ont une forme allongée et la lame comporte deux portions équidistantes solidaires l'une de l'autre et séparées par les ajours. En variante de réalisation, les ajours sont de forme circulaire ou elliptique.Preferably, the openings have an elongated shape and the blade comprises two equidistant portions integral with one of the other and separated by the openings. As a variant embodiment, the openings are of circular or elliptical shape.

Dans une forme d'exécution, les deux portions équidistantes ont chacune une épaisseur de dimension inférieure à la moitié de l'épaisseur de la lame de référence et sont séparées au niveau des ajours d'une distance supérieure à la moitié de l'épaisseur de la lame de référence sans ajours.In one embodiment, the two equidistant portions each have a thickness of dimension less than half the thickness of the reference blade and are separated at the level of the openings by a distance greater than half the thickness of the reference blade without openings.

Par exemple, les épaisseurs des deux portions équidistantes de la lame sont chacune égale au quart de l'épaisseur de la lame de référence et l'épaisseur totale de la lame est égale à 1,05 fois l'épaisseur de la lame de référence sans ajours.For example, the thicknesses of the two equidistant portions of the blade are each equal to a quarter of the thickness of the reference blade and the total thickness of the blade is equal to 1.05 times the thickness of the reference blade without in days.

Dans une forme d'exécution, les ponts sont régulièrement situés le long de la lame avec un écart angulaire constant.In one embodiment, the bridges are regularly located along the blade with a constant angular difference.

De préférence, l'écart angulaire entre les ponts alternant avec les ajours est choisi entre 1° et 360°.Preferably, the angular difference between the bridges alternating with the openings is chosen between 1° and 360°.

Dans une forme d'exécution, l'écart angulaire entre les ponts est de 30° sur les spires intérieures et de 15° sur les spires extérieures.In one embodiment, the angular difference between the bridges is 30° on the inner turns and 15° on the outer turns.

Dans une autre forme d'exécution, les ponts sont régulièrement situés le long de la lame avec une distance entre ponts constante.In another embodiment, the bridges are regularly located along the blade with a constant distance between bridges.

Avantageusement, la lame est réalisée en silicium, diamant ou quartz. Alternativement, la lame est réalisée dans un alliage métallique, par exemple un alliage à base de Ni.Advantageously, the blade is made of silicon, diamond or quartz. Alternatively, the blade is made of a metal alloy, for example an Ni-based alloy.

Dans une forme d'exécution, la lame présente une épaisseur constante le long des spires.In one embodiment, the blade has a constant thickness along the turns.

Dans une autre forme d'exécution, la lame présente une épaisseur variable le long des spires.In another embodiment, the blade has a variable thickness along the turns.

Avantageusement, la lame comprend un noyau et une couche de matériau externe enveloppant le noyau, configurés de telle sorte que le rapport entre les dimensions du noyau et de la couche de matériau externe reste constant le long de la lame.Advantageously, the blade comprises a core and an outer material layer enveloping the core, configured such that the ratio between the dimensions of the core and of the outer material layer remains constant along the length of the blade.

Par exemple, le noyau de la lame est en silicium et la couche de matériau externe est en dioxyde de silicium SiO2.For example, the core of the blade is made of silicon and the outer layer of material is made of silicon dioxide SiO 2 .

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'un tel spiral.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring.

Les dessins annexés illustrent, schématiquement et à titre d'exemple, un mode de réalisation d'un spiral, objet de cette invention, ainsi que des variantes de ce mode de réalisation.

  • La figure 1 est une vue en plan d'une portion de lame d'un spiral de l'état de la technique pour oscillateur balancier-spiral de pièce d'horlogerie;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en plan d'une forme d'exécution d'une portion de lame d'un spiral selon l'invention pour oscillateur balancier-spiral de pièce d'horlogerie;
  • la figure 3 illustre une section transversale de la lame du spiral de la figure 1;
  • la figure 4 illustre une section transversale de la lame du spiral selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2;
  • la figure 5 représente un diagramme d'isochronisme obtenu avec un spiral dont la forme de lame correspond à la celle de la figure 1;
  • la figure 6 représente un diagramme d'isochronisme obtenu avec un spiral dont la forme de lame correspond à celle de la figure 2;
  • la figure 7 représente un diagramme d'écart de marche maximal ΔM entre positions obtenu avec un spiral dont la forme de la lame correspond à celle de la figure 1 et avec un spiral dont la forme de lame correspond à celle de la figure 2;
  • la figure 8 représente une partie de la lame d'un spiral de l'état de la technique présentant une épaisseur variable;
  • la figure 9 représente une partie de la lame d'un spiral selon l'invention présentant une épaisseur variable;
  • la figure 10 représente une vue en plan d'une forme d'exécution de la lame du spiral selon l'invention, réalisée par photographie au microscope optique;
  • la figure 11 représente une vue agrandie de la lame du ressort à spiral selon l'invention, réalisée par micrographie au microscope électronique ; et
  • les figures 12a à 12g représentent des variantes de réalisation.
The appended drawings illustrate, schematically and by way of example, an embodiment of a hairspring, object of this invention, as well as variants of this embodiment.
  • The figure 1 is a plan view of a blade portion of a state-of-the-art hairspring for a timepiece balance-spring oscillator;
  • the figure 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a blade portion of a hairspring according to the invention for a balance-spring oscillator of a timepiece;
  • the picture 3 illustrates a cross-section of the hairspring blade of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 illustrates a cross section of the hairspring blade along line IV-IV of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 5 represents an isochronism diagram obtained with a hairspring whose blade shape corresponds to that of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 6 represents an isochronism diagram obtained with a hairspring whose blade shape corresponds to that of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 7 represents a diagram of maximum rate variation ΔM between positions obtained with a hairspring whose blade shape corresponds to that of the figure 1 and with a hairspring whose blade shape corresponds to that of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 8 represents a part of the blade of a hairspring of the state of the art having a variable thickness;
  • the figure 9 represents a part of the blade of a hairspring according to the invention having a variable thickness;
  • the figure 10 represents a plan view of an embodiment of the blade of the hairspring according to the invention, produced by photography under an optical microscope;
  • the figure 11 shows an enlarged view of the blade of the spiral spring according to the invention, produced by micrography with an electron microscope; and
  • them figures 12a to 12g represent alternative embodiments.

La lame de spiral est destinée à être reliée à un balancier de pièce d'horlogerie (non représenté) et elle se déforme élastiquement de façon concentrique durant sa contraction et son expansion, consécutives aux oscillations du balancier-spiral.The hairspring blade is intended to be connected to a timepiece balance wheel (not shown) and it deforms elastically concentrically during its contraction and its expansion, following the oscillations of the hairspring balance.

Comme représenté sur les figures 1 et 3, une lame 1 ou ruban d'un spiral de l'état de la technique comporte une section transversale de forme rectangulaire, de hauteur h et d'épaisseur e, et présente une extrémité interne reliée à une virole (non représentée) de fixation à l'arbre d'un balancier et une extrémité externe reliée à un point d'attache fixe (non représenté). La lame 1 monobloc est dite lame de référence 1 sans ajours.As shown on the figure 1 and 3 , a blade 1 or strip of a state-of-the-art hairspring has a cross-section of rectangular shape, of height h and of thickness e, and has an inner end connected to a ferrule (not shown) for fixing to the shaft of a balance wheel and an outer end connected to a fixed attachment point (not shown). One-piece slat 1 is called reference slat 1 without openings.

De préférence, le spiral est réalisé dans un matériau à faible densité comme le silicium, le diamant ou le quartz par des techniques de micro-fabrication permettant de réaliser des géométries complexes de lame, par exemple par masquage, gravage et découpage d'une plaque de silicium.Preferably, the hairspring is made of a low density material such as silicon, diamond or quartz by micro-fabrication techniques making it possible to produce complex blade geometries, for example by masking, etching and cutting out a plate of silicon.

Les directions respectivement axiale, radiale et angulaire sont utilisées par convention pour simplifier la description et correspondent sensiblement aux directions s'étendant suivant respectivement la hauteur de la section transversale, l'épaisseur de la section transversale et chaque spire de lame.The respectively axial, radial and angular directions are used by convention to simplify the description and correspond substantially to the directions extending respectively along the height of the cross section, the thickness of the cross section and each blade turn.

Le spiral selon l'invention représenté sur les figures 2 et 11 comporte une lame 2 formant des spires qui présentent des ajours 3 espacés régulièrement sur toutes leurs longueurs, dans l'épaisseur de la lame, de façon à en diminuer le rapport masse/rigidité, et au final à en diminuer sa masse.The hairspring according to the invention represented on the figure 2 and 11 comprises a blade 2 forming turns which have openings 3 spaced regularly over all their lengths, in the thickness of the blade, so as to reduce the mass/rigidity ratio thereof, and ultimately to reduce its mass.

En d'autres termes, les ajours 3 traversent la lame 2 axialement, dans le sens de la hauteur de sa section transversale entre deux portions équidistantes 4, ce qui est mieux illustré sur la figure 4.In other words, the openings 3 cross the blade 2 axially, in the direction of the height of its cross section between two equidistant portions 4, which is better illustrated in the figure 4 .

Les ajours 3 ont de préférence une forme allongée. Ils sont situés chacun entre des portions 4 équidistantes de la lame 2 alternant avec des ponts 5 solidarisant les deux portions 4 équidistantes.The openings 3 preferably have an elongated shape. They are each located between equidistant portions 4 of the blade 2 alternating with bridges 5 joining the two equidistant portions 4.

Dans la forme d'exécution selon l'invention représentée par la figure 2, les ponts 5 sont régulièrement répartis le long de la lame 2 suivant un écart angulaire α de 30°, la longueur d'arc des ajours 3 augmentant vers l'extérieur de la lame 2 à chaque tour de spire du spiral.In the embodiment according to the invention represented by the picture 2 , the bridges 5 are regularly distributed along the blade 2 following an angular difference α of 30°, the arc length of the openings 3 increasing towards the outside of the blade 2 with each turn of the hairspring.

L'écart angulaire α entre les ponts 5 peut être choisi entre 1° et 360°.The angular difference α between the bridges 5 can be chosen between 1° and 360°.

Cet écart angulaire α peut être choisi différent pour les spires intérieures et pour les spires extérieures, comme illustrés sur la figure 10, où il est égal à 30° pour les spires intérieures et à 15° pour les spires extérieures. Il peut aussi varier de façon continue, par exemple pour maintenir une distance entre deux ponts le long des spires d sensiblement constante.This angular deviation α can be chosen to be different for the internal turns and for the external turns, as illustrated in the figure 10 , where it is equal to 30° for the inner turns and 15° for the outer turns. It can also vary continuously, for example to maintain a distance between two bridges along the turns substantially constant.

La disposition des ponts 5, le dimensionnement des ajours 3 et l'épaisseur des portions 4 sont configurés de façon à assurer à la lame 2 de la figure 2 la même rigidité que celle de la lame de référence 1 sans ajours.The arrangement of the bridges 5, the dimensioning of the openings 3 and the thickness of the portions 4 are configured in such a way as to ensure the blade 2 of the figure 2 the same rigidity as that of the reference blade 1 without openings.

Comme illustré sur la figure 3, cette lame de référence 1 sans ajours, de section transversale 6 rectangulaire déterminée, est assimilable à une poutre de hauteur h et d'épaisseur e. Il est connu que la rigidité d'une telle poutre est proportionnelle à son moment d'inertie I égal à I=h·e3/12.As illustrated on the picture 3 , this reference blade 1 without openings, of determined rectangular cross-section 6, is comparable to a beam of height h and thickness e. It is known that the stiffness of such a beam is proportional to its moment of inertia I equal to I=h·e 3/12 .

Comme illustré sur la figure 4, si l'influence des ponts 5 est négligée en première approximation, la lame 2 du spiral selon l'invention est assimilable à une poutre de hauteur h' et d'épaisseur totale e' formée de deux portions 4 équidistantes et symétriques, d'épaisseur e" et séparées par un ajour 3 traversant deux faces planes opposées 7 des portions 4. Les deux portions 4 sont distantes de e'-2·e". Il est connu que la rigidité d'une telle poutre est proportionnelle à son moment d'inertie I' égal à I'=(h·e'3-h·(e'-2·e")3)/12.As illustrated on the figure 4 , if the influence of the bridges 5 is neglected as a first approximation, the blade 2 of the hairspring according to the invention can be likened to a beam of height h' and of total thickness e' formed of two equidistant and symmetrical portions 4, of thickness e" and separated by an opening 3 passing through two opposite flat faces 7 of the portions 4. The two portions 4 are spaced apart by e'-2·e". It is known that the rigidity of such a beam is proportional to its moment of inertia I' equal to I'=(h · e' 3 -h · (e'-2 · e") 3 )/12.

Si l'épaisseur e" de chacune des portions 4 de la lame 2 est égale à e"=0,25·e, en d'autres termes si la masse de la lame 1 est diminuée de 50% (la masse des ponts 5 étant négligée en première approximation), pour conserver la même rigidité, et donc le même moment d'inertie, c'est-à-dire pour obtenir I'=I, l'épaisseur totale e' de la lame 2 doit être égale à e'=1,05·e.If the thickness e" of each of the portions 4 of the strip 2 is equal to e"=0.25·e, in other words if the mass of the strip 1 is reduced by 50% (the mass of the bridges 5 being neglected in first approximation), to keep the same rigidity, and therefore the same moment of inertia, that is to say to obtain I'=I, the total thickness e' of the blade 2 must be equal to e'=1.05 e.

De manière générale, à rigidité constante, c'est-à-dire pour obtenir I=I', plus on diminue l'épaisseur e" de chacune des deux portions équidistantes 4 de la lame 2, plus on augmente son épaisseur totale e'.In general, at constant rigidity, that is to say to obtain I=I', the more the thickness e" of each of the two equidistant portions 4 of the blade 2 is reduced, the more its total thickness e' is increased. .

A titre d'exemple, pour réaliser le tracé du diagramme d'isochronisme de la figure 5, il a été utilisé une lame 1 de spiral de 17,25 tours et 3,3 mm de rayon, avec une épaisseur de spire constante e égale à e=45 µm, un pas entre deux spires de 100 µm, et une courbe terminale de spire extérieure ayant une surépaisseur e' égale à e'=1,5·e.By way of example, to plot the isochronism diagram of the figure 5 , a 17.25 turns and 3.3 mm radius hairspring blade 1 was used, with a constant turn thickness e equal to e=45 µm, a pitch between two turns of 100 µm, and a terminal curve of outer turn having an extra thickness e' equal to e'=1.5·e.

A titre d'exemple, pour réaliser le tracé du diagramme d'isochronisme de la figure 6, il a été utilisé une lame 2 de spiral selon l'invention ayant la même rigidité que la lame 1 précédente. De plus la lame 2 comporte des ajours 3 réalisés de façon à ce que des ponts 5 soient situés tous les 30° sur les spires intérieures et tous les 15° sur les spires extérieures et à ce que l'épaisseur e" des deux portions équidistantes 4 soit égale à e"=0,25·e et l'épaisseur totale e' de la lame 2 soit égale à e'=1,05·e.By way of example, to plot the isochronism diagram of the figure 6 , it was used a blade 2 of balance spring according to the invention having the same rigidity as the previous blade 1. In addition, blade 2 has openings 3 made so that bridges 5 are located every 30° on the inner turns and every 15° on the outer turns and so that the thickness e" of the two equidistant portions 4 is equal to e″=0.25·e and the total thickness e′ of the strip 2 is equal to e′=1.05·e.

En se référant maintenant plus précisément aux figures 5 et 6, sur les deux diagrammes d'isochronisme des lames 1 et 2 des spiraux ayant les caractéristiques susmentionnées, on a porté en abscisses l'amplitude A d'oscillation du balancier-spiral, exprimée en degrés, par rapport à sa position d'équilibre et en ordonnées, l'écart de marche M obtenu avec le spiral utilisé, exprimé en seconde par jour.Referring now more specifically to figures 5 and 6 , on the two isochronism diagrams of blades 1 and 2 of hairsprings having the aforementioned characteristics, the amplitude A of oscillation of the balance-spring, expressed in degrees, relative to its position of equilibrium and on the ordinate, the rate deviation M obtained with the hairspring used, expressed in seconds per day.

Ces deux diagrammes d'isochronisme représentent, chacun, six courbes illustrant l'écart de marche obtenu avec la lame 1 pour le premier et avec la lame 2 pour le deuxième, pour six positions différentes usuelles de mesure du balancier-spiral.These two isochronism diagrams each represent six curves illustrating the rate difference obtained with blade 1 for the first and with blade 2 for the second, for six different usual positions for measuring the balance-spring.

L'écart de marche entre positions, sur la figure 5, est typiquement de 3-4 s/j entre 200° et 300° d'amplitude avec une valeur de 3,62 s/j à 250° pour la lame 1 alors qu'il est, sur la figure 6, de 1-2 s/j entre 200° et 300° d'amplitude avec une valeur de 1,82 s/j à 250° pour la lame 2.The rate difference between positions, on the figure 5 , is typically 3-4 s/d between 200° and 300° amplitude with a value of 3.62 s/d at 250° for blade 1 while it is, on the figure 6 , of 1-2 s/d between 200° and 300° amplitude with a value of 1.82 s/d at 250° for plate 2.

La lame 2 du spiral selon l'invention permet donc de diminuer de façon importante les écarts de marche de l'organe réglant, en les divisant par deux dans cet exemple.The blade 2 of the hairspring according to the invention therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the variations in rate of the regulating member, by dividing them by two in this example.

La figure 7 illustre l'écart maximal de marche ΔM obtenu d'une part avec une lame 1 (courbe notée « 1 ») d'un spiral thermocompensé de 14 tours (14 spires), 5 mm de diamètre, une épaisseur constante de 44 µm et un pas de 136 µm, d'autre part avec une lame 2 selon l'invention d'un spiral thermocompensé avec un nombre de tours, un diamètre et une rigidité équivalents, mais avec une masse de 0,5, respectivement 0,75, fois la masse du spiral avec la lame 1.The figure 7 illustrates the maximum rate deviation ΔM obtained on the one hand with a blade 1 (curve denoted "1") of a heat-compensated hairspring of 14 turns (14 turns), 5 mm in diameter, a constant thickness of 44 μm and a 136 µm pitch, else part with a blade 2 according to the invention of a thermocompensated hairspring with an equivalent number of turns, diameter and rigidity, but with a mass of 0.5, respectively 0.75, times the mass of the hairspring with the blade 1 .

Elles montrent que la diminution de masse de la lame entraîne une diminution quasi-linéaire de l'écart maximal de marche. En effet, les trois courbes présentent sensiblement la même allure. Pour chaque diminution de 25% de la masse de la lame, l'écart maximal de marche du spiral est sensiblement diminué de 0,5 s/j à 200° d'amplitude, et montre une diminution d'allure comparable quelle que soit l'amplitude de l'oscillateur balancier-spiral.They show that the reduction in the mass of the blade leads to a quasi-linear reduction in the maximum rate deviation. Indeed, the three curves have substantially the same appearance. For each decrease of 25% in the mass of the blade, the maximum rate deviation of the hairspring is significantly reduced by 0.5 s/d at 200° amplitude, and shows a reduction of comparable pace regardless of the amplitude of the balance-spring oscillator.

La conformation des ajours 3 de la lame 2 du spiral selon l'invention est aussi avantageuse pour la thermo compensation d'une lame à épaisseur variable.The conformation of the openings 3 of the blade 2 of the balance-spring according to the invention is also advantageous for the thermal compensation of a variable-thickness blade.

On sait que pour réaliser une thermo compensation, c'est-à-dire de minimiser une dérive thermique de la marche d'un oscillateur balancier-spiral muni d'un spiral, on peut, dans le cas du silicium Si, utiliser une lame 1 de référence sans ajours comportant un noyau 10 de silicium enveloppé par une couche 11 de matériau externe, par exemple en dioxyde de silicium SiO2 amorphe, comme décrit dans le brevet EP 1422436 . Les moyens de thermocompenser des matériaux autres que le Si sont connus de l'homme du métier.It is known that to achieve thermal compensation, that is to say to minimize thermal drift in the rate of a balance-spring oscillator provided with a hairspring, it is possible, in the case of silicon Si, to use a blade 1 of reference without openings comprising a core 10 of silicon enveloped by a layer 11 of external material, for example of amorphous silicon dioxide SiO 2 , as described in the patent EP 1422436 . Means for thermocompensating materials other than Si are known to those skilled in the art.

Or, quand la section de la lame 1 du spiral change, comme par exemple pour un spiral de pas et d'épaisseur des spires variables, le rapport entre les dimensions du noyau 10 et de la couche 11 de matériau externe change aussi, comme illustré sur la figure 8, ce qui entraîne une thermo compensation qui n'est pas optimisée.However, when the section of the blade 1 of the hairspring changes, as for example for a hairspring of variable pitch and thickness of the turns, the ratio between the dimensions of the core 10 and the layer 11 of external material also changes, as illustrated on the figure 8 , which leads to a thermal compensation that is not optimized.

Pour une lame 2 d'épaisseur totale e' variable formée de deux portions équidistantes 4 d'épaisseur constante e" solidarisées par des ponts 5, le rapport entre les dimensions du noyau 12 et de la couche 13 de matériau externe reste avantageusement constant tout le long du spiral, même dans les parties de la lame 2 montrant une forte variation d'épaisseur totale e', comme illustré sur la figure 9.For a blade 2 of variable total thickness e′ formed of two equidistant portions 4 of constant thickness e″ joined together by bridges 5, the ratio between the dimensions of the core 12 and of the layer 13 of external material advantageously remains constant all along the hairspring, even in the parts of the blade 2 showing a strong variation in total thickness e′, as illustrated in the figure 9 .

Ceci permet de réaliser, pour la lame 2, une thermo compensation optimisée.This makes it possible to achieve, for blade 2, an optimized thermal compensation.

De plus, du fait que la surface oxydée est plus importante dans le cas de la lame 2 ajourée, l'épaisseur de SiO2 nécessaire pour réaliser la thermo compensation est diminuée par rapport à l'épaisseur nécessaire pour la lame 1 de référence sans ajours.In addition, because the oxidized surface is greater in the case of the perforated blade 2, the thickness of SiO 2 necessary to carry out the thermo compensation is reduced compared to the thickness necessary for the reference blade 1 without openings .

Comme la lame 2 selon l'invention a une masse plus faible tout en gardant la même rigidité que celle de la lame de référence 1 sans ajours, elle sera moins sensible aux chocs.As the blade 2 according to the invention has a lower mass while keeping the same rigidity as that of the reference blade 1 without openings, it will be less sensitive to shocks.

La présente invention pourrait également s'appliquer à un spiral à spires de pas et d'épaisseur variables, comme ceux décrits dans la demande EP 2 299 336 . Il est également envisageable de faire varier l'épaisseur des portions et leur écartement le long de la lame. Il est aussi possible que les deux portions montrent des épaisseurs différentes, ou d'utiliser plus que deux portions reliées par des ponts. On peut aussi faire varier l'espacement entre les ponts. De plus, les épaisseurs de chacune des deux portions de la lame peuvent également varier le long de la lame, tout comme leur espacement. En outre, les deux lames peuvent avoir des épaisseurs différentes et le rapport de ces épaisseurs peut évoluer le long de la lame.The present invention could also be applied to a hairspring with turns of variable pitch and thickness, such as those described in the application EP 2 299 336 . It is also possible to vary the thickness of the portions and their spacing along the blade. It is also possible for the two portions to show different thicknesses, or to use more than two portions connected by bridges. The spacing between the bridges can also be varied. In addition, the thicknesses of each of the two portions of the blade can also vary along the blade, as can their spacing. In addition, the two blades may have different thicknesses and the ratio of these thicknesses may change along the blade.

Ces variantes permettent de faire varier la rigidité le long de la lame, et/ou d'obtenir une rigidité qui varie avec le couple développé.These variants make it possible to vary the rigidity along the blade, and/or to obtain a rigidity which varies with the torque developed.

D'autres paramètres peuvent être modifiés pour optimiser encore les propriétés chronométriques du spiral comme le montrent les figures 12a à 12e.

  • La figure 12a représente un spiral dont les portions de lame ont une épaisseur qui varie entre les ponts, ce qui vise à maintenir les contraintes maximales constantes dans la section des portions et à minimiser les risques de rupture des lames.
  • La figure 12b représente une forme polygonale et la figure 12c une forme ondulée, ces formes visant à ajuster la compressibilité de la portion interne, soit le côté qui travaille en compression lors de la flexion, et d'influencer ainsi la linéarité du comportement élastique. Cela a pour objectif d'éviter des effets fortement non-linéaires dus au flambage de la partie intérieure. Ces formes et variations peuvent, bien entendu, évoluer le long de la lame, chaque portion de lame entre deux ponts pouvant avoir sa propre structure.
Other parameters can be modified to further optimize the chronometric properties of the hairspring as shown in the figures 12a to 12e .
  • The figure 12a represents a hairspring whose blade portions have a thickness that varies between the bridges, which aims to keep the maximum stresses constant in the section of the portions and to minimize the risk of the blades breaking.
  • The figure 12b represents a polygonal shape and the figure 12c a wavy shape, these shapes aiming to adjust the compressibility of the internal portion, ie the side which works in compression during bending, and thus to influence the linearity of the elastic behavior. This aims to avoid strongly non-linear effects due to the buckling of the inner part. These shapes and variations can, of course, evolve along the blade, each blade portion between two bridges being able to have its own structure.

Il est également possible de modifier la forme et l'orientation des ponts et d'utiliser des ponts qui ne sont pas orientés perpendiculairement à la lame, comme les ponts inclinés visibles sur la figure 12d et/ou de prévoir des ponts qui ont une épaisseur et/ou une orientation variable entre les deux portions de lames, comme les ponts ondulés visibles sur la figure 12e.It is also possible to modify the shape and orientation of the bridges and to use bridges that are not oriented perpendicular to the blade, such as the angled bridges visible on the figure 12d and/or to provide bridges which have a variable thickness and/or orientation between the two blade portions, such as the wavy bridges visible on the figure 12e .

Enfin, il est aussi envisageable d'utiliser des ponts qui ne sont pas orientés perpendiculairement à la lame et qui ont pour effet de augmenter la rigidité de la lame, comme sur la figure 12f ou sur la figure 12g.Finally, it is also possible to use bridges which are not oriented perpendicular to the blade and which have the effect of increasing the rigidity of the blade, as on the figure 12f or on the figure 12g .

La forme, la dimension et l'orientation des ponts peut ainsi avoir une influence plus ou moins importante sur la rigidité de lame. Ces paramètres sont aussi à prendre en compte de cas en cas pour l'optimisation de la forme de la lame afin d'obtenir un développement concentrique du spiral et de bonnes performances chronométriques du balancier-spiral.The shape, size and orientation of the bridges can thus have a more or less significant influence on the stiffness of the blade. These parameters are also to be taken into account on a case-by-case basis for the optimization of the shape of the blade in order to obtain concentric development of the balance-spring and good chronometric performance of the balance-spring.

Les spiraux selon l'invention sont avantageusement réalisés par des techniques de microfabrication, comme le procédé DRIE (« Deep Reactive Ion Etching ») pour le Si, le quartz ou le diamant, ou le procédé UV-LiGA (« Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung ») pour des alliages de type Ni ou NiP. On peut aussi utiliser des procédés plus classiques comme l'usinage par laser, jet d'eau ou l'électroérosion si les dimensions des éléments et les tolérances requises le permettent.The hairsprings according to the invention are advantageously produced by microfabrication techniques, such as the DRIE process (“Deep Reactive Ion Etching”) for Si, quartz or diamond, or the UV-LiGA process (“Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung ”) for Ni or NiP type alloys. It is also possible to use more conventional processes such as machining by laser, water jet or electro-erosion if the dimensions of the elements and the required tolerances allow it.

Dans d'autres variantes de réalisation non représentées dans la présente demande, le spiral selon l'invention pourrait présenter plusieurs lames 2 décalées angulairement qui pourraient être éventuellement reliées entre elles par un anneau intermédiaire, telles que décrites et illustrées dans la demande de brevet EP 2 151 722 .In other variant embodiments not shown in the present application, the hairspring according to the invention could have several angularly offset blades 2 which could possibly be interconnected by an intermediate ring, as described and illustrated in the patent application EP 2 151 722 .

Ce qui a été décrit ci-dessus pourrait, dans des exemples qui ne font pas partie de la présente invention, également s'appliquer, dans le domaine de l'horlogerie, à d'autres éléments flexibles tels que des ressorts, les bras d'un mobile, les parties flexibles d'un engrenage à rattrapage de jeu ou d'une virole.What has been described above could, in examples which do not form part of the present invention, also apply, in the field of watchmaking, to other flexible elements such as springs, the arms of mobile, the flexible parts of a backlash gear or ferrule.

Claims (19)

  1. A hairspring for a hairspring-balance oscillator, comprising at least one leaf (2) the cross section of which has a thickness and a height, said leaf (2) forming turns at least one of which being provided with a plurality of apertures (3) extending in the heightwise direction of the leaf (2) and alternating with bridges (5), characterized in that the apertures (3) are distributed at least over the entire length of a apertured turn or the apertured turns.
  2. The hairspring as claimed in claim 1, in which the leaf (2) comprises apertures (3) distributed over its entire length.
  3. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 and 2, in which the apertures (3) have an elongate shape and wherein the leaf (2) comprises two equidistant portions (4) joined to one another and separated by the apertures (3).
  4. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 through 3, in which the bridges (5) are situated uniformly along the leaf (2).
  5. The hairspring as claimed in claim 4, in which the angular spacing (α) between the bridges (5) is chosen to be between 5° and 360°.
  6. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 4 and 5, in which the angular spacing (α) between the bridges (5) is 30° on the inner turns and 15° on the outer turns.
  7. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 through 3, in which the linear distance separating the bridges (5) along the leaf (2) is constant.
  8. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, in which the leaf (2) has a total thickness (e') that is constant along the turns.
  9. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, in which the leaf (2) has a total thickness (e') that varies along the turns.
  10. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 through 9, in which the leaf (2) is made of silicon, of diamond or of quartz.
  11. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 through 9, in which the leaf (2) comprises a core (12) and a layer (13) of external material envelops this core (12), the ratio between the dimensions of the core (12) and of the layer (13) of external material remaining constant along the leaf (2).
  12. The hairspring as claimed in claim 11, in which the core (12) of the leaf (2) is made of silicon and the layer (13) of external material is made of silicon dioxide SiO2.
  13. The hairspring as claimed in one of claims 1 through 12, in which the apertures (3) are of circular or elliptical shape.
  14. A method of manufacturing a hairspring for a hairspring-balance oscillator, in which a leaf (2) is produced the cross section of which has a thickness and a height, said leaf (2) forming turns at least one of which being provided with a plurality of apertures (3) extending in the heightwise direction of the leaf (2) and alternating with bridges (5), in which the apertures (3) are made in the leaf (2) over the entire length of a apertured turn or the apertured turns
  15. The method as claimed in claim 14, in which the leaf (2) is produced with apertures (3) distributed along its entire length.
  16. The method as claimed in one of claims 14 through 15, in which the apertures (3) and the thickness of the leaf (2) are dimensioned in such a way that the leaf (2) has the same stiffness as a reference leaf (1) of given cross section but without apertures.
  17. The method as claimed in claim 14 to 16, in which the apertures (3) are produced with an elongate shape, and the leaf (2) is produced with two equidistant portions (4) joined to one another and separated by the apertures (3).
  18. The method as claimed in claim 17, in which the two equidistant portions (4) are produced each with a thickness (e") of a dimension less than half the thickness of the reference leaf (1) with no apertures and with the portions separated at the apertures (3) by a distance that exceeds half the thickness of the reference leaf (1).
  19. The method as claimed in claim 18, in which the thicknesses (e") chosen for the two equidistant portions (4) of the leaf (2) are each equal to one quarter of the thickness of the reference leaf (1), and the total thickness (e') chosen for the leaf (2) is equal to 1.05 times the thickness of the reference leaf (1).
EP11405279.8A 2010-07-12 2011-07-11 Hairspring for oscillator balance of a clock piece and method for manufacturing same Active EP2407831B1 (en)

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JP2012021984A (en) 2012-02-02
EP2407831A1 (en) 2012-01-18
US8562206B2 (en) 2013-10-22
US20120008468A1 (en) 2012-01-12
JP5851135B2 (en) 2016-02-03

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