EP2450759A1 - Magnetic shock absorber - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a guiding unit or attracting unit provided on two sides of ends (2, 3), where the guiding or attracting unit guides pivoting of one of the ends or attracts the end to maintain the end abutting on a pole piece (4). Another guiding unit or attracting unit is provided in proximity to another pole piece (6) for guiding the pivoting of another end or attracting the latter end towards the latter pole piece. The former and latter guiding or attracting units move along an axial direction (D) between stop members. A viscous friction damping unit dampens the movement of the pieces. An independent claim is also included for a magnetic and/or electrostatic pivot, comprising a timepiece component.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an anti-shock device for protecting a watch component pivotally mounted between a first end and a second end.

The invention also relates to such an anti-shock device for the protection of a watch component made of at least partially magnetically or at least partially magnetic permeable material at a first end and at a second end.

The invention also relates to a magnetic pivot comprising a clock component, at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic material at a first end and a second end.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such shockproof device, and / or at least one such magnetic pivot.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such watch movement, and / or at least one such shockproof device, and / or at least one such magnetic pivot.

The invention relates to the field of mechanical fabrications, and more particularly to micro-mechanics, to which it is particularly well suited.

It applies more particularly to the field of watchmaking.

Background of the invention

The watchmaking technique uses traditional solutions to guarantee the anti-shock functions of watch components, such as a pendulum. These solutions are based on the elastic response of parts having shockproof function and on the mechanical friction between the shock and the component to be protected. Traditional shockproofing is characterized in particular by a threshold acceleration below which the shockproof is not deformed and by a function of radial refocusing of the component after the impact which is relatively imprecise.

• garantir, après le choc, un recentrage radial exact.
• réaliser une solution antichoc indépendante des frottements mécaniques, qui ont le désavantage de réduire le rendement/facteur de qualité des composants, lors d'un fonctionnement normal, c'est-à-dire en absence de chocs.

The problems to be solved are then:

• guarantee, after the shock, an exact radial refocusing.
• achieve a shockproof solution independent of mechanical friction, which have the disadvantage of reducing the efficiency / quality factor of the components, during normal operation, that is to say in the absence of shocks.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes, to overcome the limitations of the prior art, a protection configuration of a component, and in particular a watch component, pivotally mounted between holding means with or without contact.

The essential characteristic is the mobility of these holding means, whose normal operating position is a stable equilibrium position, these holding means are movable, with respect to a structure, under the effect of a strong acceleration created by shock, to preserve the integrity of the component and its environment.

To this end, the invention relates to a shockproof device for protecting a watchmaking component pivotally mounted between a first end and a second end, characterized in that it comprises, on either side of said first and second ends, on the one hand pivoting guide means or attraction means of said first end held in abutment on a first polar mass, and on the other hand, in the vicinity of a second polar mass, means for pivotally guiding said second end or means for attracting said second end toward said second polar mass, and in that said pivoting guide means or means for attracting said first end on the one hand, and said pivoting guide means or attraction means of said second end on the other hand, are movable along a direction between abutments.

According to one characteristic of the invention, this shockproof device comprises means for damping the movement of each of said polar masses, and / or elastic return means of each of said polar masses, said damping means and / or said means of damping. resilient return being arranged to absorb the energy imparted to said polar masses during an impact, and to bring back after said shock each of said polar masses in a position of stable equilibrium that it previously occupied said shock.

In a particular embodiment, it is proposed to provide an anti-shock system for a watch component, for example a balance shaft, based on the magnetic interaction. It is possible, for typical watch dimensions and using commercial micro-magnets, to generate magnetic forces greater than the force of gravity and the torque acting on the component during operation. A system governed by magnetic forces is supposed to be able to regain exactly its position of magnetic equilibrium after a shock.

The invention thus also relates to such an anti-shock device for protecting a watch component made of a material that is at least partially magnetically or at least partially magnetic permeable at a first end and a second end, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, and other of said first and second ends, an upper gap distance, of the value of a determined functional clearance, at the spacing between said first end and said second end, a first surface of a first polar mass and a second surface of a second polar mass, which polar masses are arranged to either be attracted each by a magnetic field emitted by one of said first end or second end of said component, or to each generate a magnetic field attracting one of said first end or second end of said component, so as to that the magnetic attraction forces acting on said component at its two ends are of different intensity, so as to attract said component by one of its two said ends, in direct or indirect contact on only one of said surfaces of said masses polar, and in that said first polar mass and said second polar mass are one mobile in a room between two stops.

The invention also relates to a magnetic pivot comprising a watch component, at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic material at a first end and at a second end, comprising such an anti-shock device.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such shockproof device, and / or at least one such magnetic pivot.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such watch movement, and / or at least one such shockproof device, and / or at least one such magnetic pivot.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en coupe longitudinale selon un axe de pivotement, un dispositif selon l'invention, appliqué à la protection d'un composant de pièce d'horlogerie ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un mouvement incorporant un dispositif selon l'invention ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, le principe de fonctionnement d'un dispositif selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, and in longitudinal section along a pivot axis, a device according to the invention, applied to the protection of a timepiece component;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically, and in perspective, a timepiece comprising a movement incorporating a device according to the invention;
• the figure 3 represents, schematically, the operating principle of a device according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Thus, the invention relates to a shockproof device 10 for protecting a watchmaking component 1 pivotally mounted between a first end 2 and a second end 3.

According to the invention, this anti-shock device 10 comprises, on either side of these first 2 and second 3 ends, on the one hand pivoting guide means or means of attraction of the first end 2 held in abutment. on a first polar mass 4, and on the other hand, in the vicinity of a second polar mass 6, means for pivotally guiding the second end 2 or means for attracting this second end 2 towards the second polar mass 6.

According to the invention, the pivoting guide means or the means of attraction of the first end 2 on the one hand, and the pivotal guide means or the means of attraction of the second end 3 on the other hand, are movable along a direction D between stops.

This direction D is illustrated in the figures in a particular case where it is linear. It can also be curvilinear.

Advantageously, this shockproof device 10 preferably comprises means for damping the movement of each of the polar masses 4, 6 and / or elastic return means of each of the polar masses 4, 6. These damping means or / and these elastic return means are arranged to absorb the energy imparted to the polar masses 4, 6 during an impact, and to bring back after the same shock each of the polar masses 4, 6 in a position of stable equilibrium which it occupied before this shock.

In a particular embodiment, as visible on the figure 1 , the shockproof device 10 is arranged so that at least the first mass 4 or the second mass 6 comprises guide means 14, 16 arranged to cooperate, under a strong acceleration printed to the component 1 during an impact, in sliding along the direction D, with fixed complementary guide means 15, 17 that comprise structural elements 12, 13, of the device 10. Preferably, the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 respectively comprise these guide means 14, 16.

In a particular embodiment, the anti-shock device 10 comprises such damping means, which are of the viscous friction type.

In a particular embodiment, the anti-shock device 10 comprises such damping means, which comprise a compressible fluid between the polar mass 4, 6 concerned and a stop 42, 44 which limits its stroke away from the component 1.

In a particular way according to the invention, as visible on the figure 1 , the first polar mass 4 and the second polar mass 6 are each movable in a chamber between two stops, respectively 41 and 42, 43 and 44.

In a preferred and advantageous manner, the anti-shock device 10 comprises means for damping the movement of each of the polar masses 4, 6 in their respective chamber.

In a particular embodiment, as visible on the figure 1 , the shockproof device 10 comprises such damping means, comprise a deformable memory damper 23, 24 arranged to dissipate the kinetic energy of a shock, and to slowly return to its original shape after an impact.

Preferably, this shape memory deformable damper 23, 24 is neoprene.

In a particular embodiment, the shockproof device 1 may comprise both damping means, and elastic return means, which are differentiated by their time constant, the return to the stable equilibrium position being slower with the damping means with the elastic return means.

In a preferred embodiment and as shown in the figures, the direction D is linear.

In a preferred application, the component 1 is made of at least partially magnetically or at least partially magnetic permeable material at a first end 2 and at a second end 3.

According to the invention, the anti-shock device 10 then comprises, on either side of the first 2 and second 3 ends, at an upper gap distance, the value of a determined functional clearance J, at the center distance between the first end 2 and the second end 3, a first surface 5 of a first polar mass 4 and a second surface 7 of a second polar mass 6.

These polar masses 4, 6 are arranged to be either attracted each by a magnetic field emitted by one of the first end 2 or second end 3 of the component 1, or each to generate a magnetic field attracting a first end 2 or second end 3 of the component 1, so that the magnetic attraction forces acting on the component 1 at its two ends 2, 3 are of different intensity, so as to attract the component 1 by one of its two ends 2, 3, in direct or indirect contact on only one of the surfaces 5, 7 of the polar masses 4, 6.

Preferably, the first polar mass 4 and the second polar mass 6 are each magnetic material, or magnetically permeable, and are magnetic if the component 1 is not. The first polar mass 4 and the second polar mass 6, preferably together define a direction D, on which is aligned a longitudinal axis of the component 1 joining the first end 2 and second end 3 of the latter, when the component 1 is inserted between the first polar mass 4 and the second polar mass 6

The device is calculated so that the gap distance between the first surface 5 and the second surface 7 is dimensioned so as to ensure the determined functional clearance J over the entire operating temperature range of the shockproof device 10 and the component 1.

The principle of such a magnetic shockproof construction for a component 1, which is shown, in a preferred but nonlimiting application, in the form of a balance shaft, is shown in FIG. figure 3 . The axis of component 1, which is made of magnetically permeable material, typically ferromagnetic soft, or magnetic material, is placed between two polar masses 4 and 6. This axis can also consist of two half-axes in such a material, each to one end 2, 3, component 1. These polar masses 4 and 6 are magnetized if the component 1 is not, they can be permeable magnetically or magnetized when the component 1 is magnetized.

These polar masses 4, 6 may in particular be constituted by micro-magnets, whose polarities are in agreement, and which define the pivoting of the axis of the component 1. The support of this axis is guaranteed, or by two stones interposed between the axis and the polar masses or magnets, or by a curing treatment of the surface of the polar masses or magnets.

The two polar masses 4 and 6 are, according to the invention, each movable in a chamber limited by stops, respectively 41, 42 on the one hand, and 43, 44 on the other hand. Their movement is made according to an axial play, respectively h ₁ and h ₂ .

The minimum distance between the polar masses 4 and 6 is fixed by the stops 41 and 43 closest to the component, while the maximum distance is fixed by the stops 42, 44, the farthest from the component 1, here constituted by the bottom feats.

The two polar masses 4 and 6, and the component 1, are arranged in such a way that the magnetic forces and moments acting on the component are attractive forces, tending to attract the component 1 towards contact surfaces 5 and 7 that comprise either the polar masses 4 and 6, or spacers 18, 19, interposed between these polar masses and the component 1.

The normal position of the polar masses is that represented on the figures 1 and 3 in a position where the magnetic fields are organized around the component 1 with an imbalance, so that it comes into contact with only one of the surfaces 5 or 7, ie the surface 5 in the figures, and remains at a distance J corresponding to a predetermined functional clearance of the other of these surfaces.

The mobility of the polar masses 4 and 6 is preferably impeded by damping means, or else elastic return means. The damping means, which are preferred, can take different forms: in the case of the figure 1 , viscous friction means of the polar masses 4 and 6 in chambers in which they are movable, this viscous friction being completed by the presence of a compressible fluid between the polar masses 4, 6, and their abutments 42, 44, the farthest from component 1.

Or, as visible on the figure 1 , in a preferred embodiment, the damping means comprise dampers 23, 24, arranged to absorb a shock by allowing axial mobility, along the z direction of the figure 1 , or the axial pivoting direction D of the figure 3 , of one or the other polar mass 4 or 6, and to bring them slowly back to their position prior to impact. Therefore, elastic return means, such as springs, are also possible, however their stiffness must be calculated in order to avoid too stiff a return, and a reverse impact effect on the component 1, which is not desired .

In a preferred embodiment for the watchmaking, in particular for damping a balance shaft as visible on the figure 3 these dampers 23 and 24 are made of neoprene, or silicone, or comprise at least a portion of neoprene, or silicone, because of the slow return characteristics in the form of these shape memory materials.

Such dampers, placed on the internal walls of guide chambers of the polar masses 4 and 6 and inside the stops, are thus used to dissipate the kinetic energy of the shock and to prevent the polar masses or magnets from colliding with the walls or their rear stops 42, 44 during the impact, or with the stops 41, 43, the closest to the component 1, after the impact.

The dampers may also be constructed so as to constitute themselves the extreme stops, as in the case of the figure 3 where they are fixed at the ends of complementary guide means 15 and 17, here bores, cooperating with guide means 14 and 16 that comprise, here in the form of cylindrical surfaces, the polar masses 4 and 6.

The use of the dampers is however not necessary, if the axial play and the energy of the magnets are sufficiently large, and if the magnets are subjected to a viscous friction inside the encave which guarantees the dissipation of the 'energy.

Traditional radial shocks 32 and 33, visible on the figure 3 , are advantageously placed along the axis, around bearing surfaces 34, 35, of the component 1, to avoid that, during an impact, the axis of the component 1 can leave the region where the magnetic field is stronger . These radial impactors 32 and 33 have no contact with the component 1, in the normal operation thereof.

The size and energy of the magnets used, either in the polar masses 4 and 6, or in the component 1, or in the polar masses 4 and 6 and the component 1, as well as the profile of the axis of the component 1 are optimized to produce a net magnetic attraction force towards one of the two polar masses.

More particularly, the preferred case in which the polar masses 4 and 6 are magnetic, will also be called "magnets".

The value of the magnetic force is proportional to the magnetization M _axis (r, z) and to the gradient of the magnetic field H produced by the two magnets: $${\overrightarrow{F}}_m={\mu }_0\underset{V_{\mathit{axis}}}{\mathrm{\int }}d\overrightarrow{r}{\overrightarrow{M}}_{\mathit{axis}}\cdot \overrightarrow{\nabla }H$$

The integration is done on the volume of the axis V _axis . For all positions of the timepiece, hereinafter called "watch", the axis therefore bears on the same magnet. The axis is also subject to the magnetic torque C _m : $${\overrightarrow{\mathrm{VS}}}_m=-{\mu }_0\mathrm{\int }d\overrightarrow{r}{\overrightarrow{M}}_{\mathit{axis}}\cdot \overrightarrow{H}$$

It is zero only if the axis is oriented like the field lines, so in the z direction. If the orientation of the axis deviates from the direction z, the restoring torque C _m redirects the axis in the correct direction.

The figure 1 thus illustrates an embodiment of magnetic balance with axial symmetry: the balance shaft 1, made of soft magnetizable or magnetic material, is between two permanent magnets 4 and 6 whose magnetic polarization is directed in the same direction corresponding to the z direction of the figure 3 , here under the reference direction D corresponding to a pivot axis of the component 1. The support of the balance shaft can be guaranteed or by two stones 18, 19, interposed between the magnets and the balance shaft, or by a surface treatment of the magnets.

The magnetic interaction between axis and magnets results in a net attraction to the magnet 4 greater than the gravity.

The magnets have an axial play h ₁ and h ₂ respectively, determined by the stops 41, 42 and 43, 44. The axial clearance allows the dissipation of the energy of the shock through the movement of the magnets. The radial dampers 32 and 33 have the function of preventing the axis from emerging from the region of magnetic influence, and have no contact with the component 1 during normal operation thereof. This property is valid for all positions of the watch, so also in a vertical position.

• la force d'attraction nette entre l'axe 1 et l'aimant 4 est supérieure à la force de gravité et à la force maximale appliquée, par le dispositif mécanique avec lequel il coopère, sur le composant 1, tel que visible sur la figure 3;
• la force d'attraction magnétique entre les deux aimants 4 et 6 est suffisamment grande pour emmener toujours les aimants dans la position de distance minimale après le choc, c'est-à-dire les deux aimants en contact avec les butées.

The optimization of the geometrical characteristics of the parts allows two results:

• the net force of attraction between the axis 1 and the magnet 4 is greater than the force of gravity and the maximum force applied, by the mechanical device with which it cooperates, on the component 1, as visible on the figure 3 ;
• the magnetic attraction force between the two magnets 4 and 6 is sufficiently large to always bring the magnets into the position of minimum distance after the impact, that is to say the two magnets in contact with the stops.

These two properties ensure that the shown configuration is stable equilibrium in the absence of shocks and that stable equilibrium position is re-reached after an impact.

During a radial shock, the axis is maintained in the region of influence of the magnetic field by the shockproofing 32 and 33: after the shock, the refocusing is guaranteed by the magnetic interaction that brings the axis exactly in the center of the magnets by aligning it perfectly in the z direction.

• le système subit une accélération a = n g dans la direction z > 0 : dans ce cas, l'aimant 4 et l'axe, qui sont soumis à la même accélération, se déplacent solidairement, en gardant le contact grâce à l'attraction magnétique, tandis que l'aimant 6 est bloqué par sa butée 43. L'énergie cinétique du choc est dissipée par le frottement de l'aimant contre les parois latérales de l'encave et/ou l'amortisseur placé sur la butée 44. Après le choc, l'attraction magnétique emmène l'aimant 4 et l'axe 1 dans leur position d'équilibre. Le frottement et/ou l'amortisseur à l'intérieur de la butée ont la fonction d'empêcher une collision trop énergétique de l'aimant 4 contre la butée, collision qui pourrait impliquer la perte de contact de l'axe de l'aimant 4 et un choc énergétique de l'axe contre l'aimant 4. Une fois que les aimants sont retournés en contact contre les butées, l'axe est ramené exactement à sa position d'équilibre ;
• ou le système subit une accélération a = n g dans la direction z < 0 : dans ce cas, l'aimant 6 et l'axe 1 se déplacent, tandis que l'aimant 4 est bloqué par sa butée 41. L'axe 1 perd le contact avec la masse polaire 4 mais il entre rapidement en contact avec la masse polaire 6. Le choc entre l'axe et l'aimant 4 est toutefois très peu énergétique même pour une grande accélération du type a = 3500 g, parce que la distance initiale est très petite, environ 0.02 mm. En analogie avec le cas précédent, l'énergie du choc est dissipée par le mouvement de l'aimant 6, grâce au frottement et/ou à l'amortisseur 24 ou dans la chambre de mobilité de la masse polaire 6. Après le choc, l'aimant 6, toujours en contact avec l'axe, est ramené contre la butée. Dans cette condition, l'axe est soumis à une force d'attraction nette vers l'aimant 4, et donc il est ramené en contact avec celui-ci.

During an axial impact two situations are possible:

• the system undergoes an acceleration a = ng in the direction z> 0: in this case, the magnet 4 and the axis, which are subjected to the same acceleration, move in solidarity, keeping the contact thanks to the magnetic attraction while the magnet 6 is blocked by its stop 43. The kinetic energy of the shock is dissipated by the friction of the magnet against the side walls of the encave and / or the damper placed on the stop 44. the shock, the magnetic attraction takes the magnet 4 and the axis 1 in their equilibrium position. The friction and / or the damper inside the abutment have the function of preventing an excessive energy collision of the magnet 4 against the abutment, a collision which could involve the loss of contact with the axis of the magnet 4 and an energy shock of the axis against the magnet 4. Once the magnets are returned in contact against the stops, the axis is brought back exactly to its equilibrium position;
• or the system undergoes acceleration a = ng in the direction z <0: in this case, the magnet 6 and the axis 1 move, while the magnet 4 is blocked by its stop 41. The axis 1 loses contact with the polar mass 4 but it quickly comes into contact with the polar mass 6. The shock between the axis and the magnet 4 is however very little energy even for a great acceleration of the type a = 3500 g, because the initial distance is very small, about 0.02 mm. In analogy with the previous case, the energy of the shock is dissipated by the movement of the magnet 6, thanks to the friction and / or the damper 24 or in the mobility chamber of the polar mass 6. After the shock, the magnet 6, always in contact with the axis, is brought against the stop. In this condition, the axis is subject to a net attraction force to the magnet 4, and thus it is brought into contact with it.

Since the dissipative mechanisms act on the movement of the magnets and not on the axis, the dissipation due to the friction of the pivot of the balance is almost zero during normal operation. The quality factor of the regulator is thus independent of the shockproof function and can be much higher than for a traditional mechanical system.

In an alternative configuration, the axis of the component may itself be a permanent magnet, thereby maximizing magnetic forces and torques.

• le recentrage radial de l'axe est toujours garanti exact après le choc ;
• la position d'équilibre axial, et de fonctionnement idéal, est toujours rattrapée après le choc ;
• la résistance aux chocs est supérieure à celle des antichocs traditionnels ;
• les frottements et la dissipation d'énergie sont minimisés ;
• le nombre de composants est limité comparé à d'autres solutions ;
• le système peut être intégré à d'autres éléments magnétiques. A cet effet il comporte avantageusement des moyens de blindage 20 visibles sur la figure 1.

The advantages deriving from the features of the invention are substantial:

• the radial centering of the axis is always guaranteed accurate after the impact;
• the position of axial equilibrium, and of ideal operation, is always caught after the shock;
• impact resistance is higher than traditional shock absorbers;
• friction and energy dissipation are minimized;
• the number of components is limited compared to other solutions;
• the system can be integrated with other magnetic elements. For this purpose it advantageously comprises shielding means 20 visible on the figure 1 .

The determined functional game J is strictly positive. Preferably, the functional clearance J determined is greater than or equal to 0.020 mm.

The choice of the magnetic permeability of the material of the component 1, and the determination of the magnetization, as the case may be, of the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 on the one hand, and / or the component 1 on the other hand , are preferably made so that the attractive magnetic fields the first end 2 and second end 3 each exert on the component 1 attraction forces greater than ten times the force of attraction of the gravity on the component 1.

Preferably, the magnetic field density in the vicinity of the first surface 5 and the second surface 7 is greater than or equal to 100,000 A / m.

The shockproof device 10 also advantageously comprises screening means 20 arranged to prohibit the action of any magnetic field having a radial component with respect to the direction D, in the vicinity of the first 5 and second 7 contact surfaces.

In the embodiment of the figure 1 these shielding means 20 comprise at least one tubular part 21, 22 oriented in the direction D and surrounding the first mass 4 and the second mass 6, and at least the second end 3 of the component 1.

In a particular embodiment, at least the first surface 5 comprises a hard coating or is constituted by a hard surface of a spacer 18 interposed between the first mass 4 and the component 1. Similarly, a spacer 19 can be interposed between the second mass 6 and component 1.

In a particular variant, the anti-shock device 10 comprises magnetic field looping means between the first mass 4 and the second mass 6.

In another embodiment, the attraction between the polar masses 4, 6, and the component 1 is of electrostatic nature. The notion of relative permittivity or dielectric constant is then substituted for the notion of magnetic permeability, and the notion of electrostatic field is substituted for that of magnetic field. The construction of the anti-shock device 10 is entirely similar, and is sized according to the permanent electrostatic fields established between the component 1 and the polar masses 4 and 6.

In this version, the anti-shock device 10 relates to the protection of a watch component 1 made of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified material at a first end 2 and a second end 3. According to the invention, this shockproof device 10 comprises , on either side of said first 2 and second 3 ends, at an upper gap distance, the value of a determined functional clearance J, at the distance between the first end 2 and the second end 3, a first surface 5 of a first polar mass 4 and a second surface 7 of a second polar mass 6, which polar masses 4; 6 are arranged to either be each attracted by an electrostatic field emitted by one of the first end 2 or second end 3 of the component 1, or to each generate an electrostatic field attracting one of the first end 2 or second end 3 of the component 1 , so that the electrostatic attraction forces acting on the component 1 at its two ends 2, 3 are of different intensity, so as to attract the component 1 by one of its two ends, in direct contact or indirectly on only one of the surfaces 5, 7 of the polar masses 4, 6. The first polar mass 4 and the second polar mass 6 are each movable in a chamber between two stops 41, 42 respectively 43, 44.

In sum, in this mode using electrostatic forces and couples, it is possible to use a conductive material, either for the component 1 if the polar masses 4 and 6 are electrified and charged with sufficient energy, or for the masses. polar 4 and 6 if it is the component 1 which is electrified and charged, this conductive material is polarized by induction thanks to the parts which are permanently charged. A similar variant is obtained with the use of a dielectric, insulator or semiconductor, in place of a conductor, the polarization is then limited to the surface of the dielectric, and the force and the attraction torque are lower. those developed when the material is conductive, but still allow this use in the case of a watch.

It is still possible, in another embodiment, to combine the action of electrostatic forces and couples and magnetic forces and torques.

The invention also relates to a magnetic pivot 100 comprising a timepiece component 1, made of material at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic at a first end 2 and at a second end 3, and comprising such an anti-shock device 10.

Preferably, this magnetic pivot 100 comprises access means for the insertion of the component 1 into the air gap, or is made dismountable in several parts comprising means of cooperation between them and / or with a bridge 31 and / or a plate 30 to allow mounting of the component 1 supported by its first end 2 on a first portion having the first surface 5 and the first mass 4, prior to mounting a second portion having the second surface 7 and the second mass 6 .

Advantageously, a magnetic pivot 100 as represented on the figure 1 comprises a component 1 which has a tapered portion, of revolution about the direction D which is linear, and of degressive section from the center of gravity of the component 1 to the second end 3, so as to improve the magnetic field gradient in the vicinity of the second surface 7, and to facilitate the centering of the second end 3 on the direction D.

In the case where the component 1 is driven by a pivoting movement about the direction D, the magnetic pivot 100 advantageously comprises a component 1 which is dynamically balanced, for its maximum rotational speed, about a longitudinal axis joining the first end 2 and the second end 3.

Preferably, the first end 2 of the component 1 is arranged with a point contact surface with the first surface 5, the point contact surface being locally spherical or conical.

Advantageously, the first surface 5 comprises a receiving surface arranged to cooperate with the first end 2, the receiving surface being hollow and locally spherical or conical.

In a preferred application to an oscillator, the component 1 is a rocker whose pivot axis coincides with the direction D.

• il comporte un composant 1 comportant une partie sensiblement arbrée en matériau perméable magnétiquement, et la première masse 4 et la deuxième masse 6 sont chacune en matériau magnétique ;
• il comporte un composant 1 comportant une partie sensiblement arbrée en matériau magnétique, et la première masse 4 et la deuxième masse 6 sont chacune en matériau perméable magnétiquement ;
• il comporte un composant 1 comportant une partie sensiblement arbrée en matériau magnétique, et la première masse 4 et la deuxième masse 6 sont chacune en matériau magnétique.

It is understood that such a magnetic pivot 100 equipped with such an anti-shock device 10 can then adopt different configurations:

• it comprises a component 1 comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetically permeable material, and the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 are each made of magnetic material;
• it comprises a component 1 comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetic material, and the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 are each made of magnetically permeable material;
• it comprises a component 1 comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetic material, and the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 are each made of magnetic material.

The invention also relates to a watch movement 1000 comprising at least one such anti-shock device 10, and / or at least one such magnetic pivot 100.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such watch movement 1000, or / and at least one such shockproof device 10, and / or at least one such magnetic pivot 100.

Claims (18)

Anti-shock device (10) for protecting a watch component (1) pivotally mounted between a first end (2) and a second end (3), characterized in that it comprises, on either side of said first (2) and second (3) ends, on the one hand pivoting guide means or means of attraction of said first end (2) held in abutment on a first polar mass (4), and secondly , adjacent to a second pole piece (6), pivoting means for guiding said second end (3) or the means for attracting said second end (3) to said second pole piece (6), and that said pivoting guide means or means of attraction of said first end (2) on the one hand, and said pivoting guide means or attraction means of said second end (3) on the other hand, are movable along a direction (D) between stops. Anti-shock device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of each of said polar masses (4; 6) or / and elastic return means of each of said polar masses (4; 6), said damping means and / or said elastic return means being arranged to absorb the energy imparted to said polar masses (4; 6) during an impact, and to bring back after said shock each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium that it occupied prior to said shock. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least said first mass (4) or said second mass (6) comprises guide means (14; 16) arranged to cooperate under a strong acceleration printed to said component (1) upon impact, sliding along a direction (D), with fixed complementary guiding means (15; 17) that comprises said device (10). Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of each of said polar masses (4; 6) arranged to absorb the energy imparted to said polar masses (4; 6) during an impact, and to return after said shock each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium that it previously occupied said shock, and that said damping means are of type viscous friction. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of each of said polar masses (4; 6) arranged to absorb the energy imparted to said polar masses (4; 6) during an impact, and to bring back after said shock each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium that it previously occupied to said shock, and that said damping means comprise a fluid compressible between said polar mass (4; 6) concerned and the stop (42; 44) which limits its stroke away from said component (1). Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of each of said polar masses (4; 6) arranged to absorb the energy imparted to said polar masses (4; 6) during an impact, and to bring back after said shock each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium which it previously occupied to said shock, and that said damping means comprise a damper deformable shape memory device (23, 24) arranged to dissipate the kinetic energy of a shock, and to slowly return to its original shape after a shock. Anti-shock device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said deformable memory damper (23, 24) is neoprene. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said direction (D) is linear. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims for the protection of a watch component (1) made of at least partially magnetically or at least partially magnetic permeable material at a first end (2) and at a second end (3) , characterized in that it comprises, on either side of said first (2) and second (3) ends, at an upper gap distance, from the value of a determined functional clearance (J), to the between said first end (2) and said second end (3), a first surface (5) of a first polar mass (4) and a second surface (7) of a second polar mass (6), which polar masses (4; 6) are arranged to either be attracted each by a magnetic field emitted by one of said first end (2) or second end (3) of said component (1), or to each generate an attractive magnetic field one of said first ext end (2) or second end (3) of said component (1), so that the magnetic attraction forces acting on said component (1) at its two ends (2; 3) are of different intensity, so as to attract said component (1) by one of its two said ends, in direct or indirect contact on only one of said surfaces (5; 7) of said polar masses (4; 6), and in that said first pole mass (4) and said second pole mass (6) are each movable in a chamber between two stops (41, 42; 43, 44). Anti-shock device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises shielding means (20) arranged to prohibit the action of any radial-component magnetic field with respect to said direction (D), in the vicinity of said first (5) and second (7) contact surfaces. Anti-shock device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said shielding means (20) comprise at least one tubular part (21; 22) oriented on said direction (D) and surrounding said first mass (4) and said second mass (6), and at least said second end (3) of said component (1). Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims for the protection of a watch component (1) made of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified material at a first end (2) and at a second end (3), characterized in that it comprises, on either side of said first (2) and second (3) ends, at an upper gap distance, from the value of a determined functional clearance (J), to the between said first end (2) and said second end (3), a first surface (5) of a first polar mass (4) and a second surface (7) of a second polar mass (6), which masses poles (4; 6) are arranged to either be each attracted by an electrostatic field emitted by one of said first end (2) or second end (3) of said component (1), or else to each generate an electrostatic field attracting a said first extremity é (2) or second end (3) of said component (1), so that the electrostatic attraction forces acting on said component (1) at both ends (2; 3) are of different intensity, so as to attract said component (1) by one of its two said ends, in direct or indirect contact on only one of said surfaces (5; 7) of said polar masses (4; 6), and in that said first pole mass (4) and said second pole mass (6) are each movable in a chamber between two stops (41, 42; 43, 44). Magnetic pivot (100) comprising a watch component (1) made of a material at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic at a first end (2) and at a second end (3), characterized in that it comprises a device shock absorber (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Magnetic pivot (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a said component (1) comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetically permeable material, and in that said first mass (4) and said second mass (6) are each made of magnetic material. Magnetic pivot (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a said component (1) comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetic material, and in that said first mass (4) and said second mass (6) are each made of magnetically permeable material. Magnetic pivot (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a said component (1) comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetic material, and in that said first mass (4) and said second mass (6) are each made of magnetic material. Watchmaking movement (1000) comprising at least one anti-shock device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, and / or at least one magnetic pivot (100) according to one of Claims 13 to 16. Timepiece comprising at least one watch movement (1000) according to the preceding claim, and / or at least one anti-shock device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, and / or at least one magnetic pivot ( 100) according to one of claims 13 to 16.

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