EP2638437A1

EP2638437A1 - Magnetic and/or electrostatic shock absorber

Info

Publication number: EP2638437A1
Application number: EP11769865.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sylvain Maréchal; Davide Sarchi
Original assignee: Montres Breguet SA
Current assignee: Montres Breguet SA
Priority date: 2010-11-09
Filing date: 2011-10-12
Publication date: 2013-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-12
Also published as: JP5351240B2; EP2638437B1; CN102566394A; JP2012103250A; RU2011145346A; HK1173237A1; CH704062A2; CN102566394B; US8579501B2; EP2450759A1; US20120113767A1; WO2012062523A1; EP2450759B1; RU2565323C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a shock absorber device (10) for protecting a clockwork component (1) pivotably mounted between a first (2) and a second (3) end in a chamber (1A). Said component (1) is freely mounted within said chamber (1A) between separate polar bodies (4; 6) of said component (1), which are located adjacent to said chamber (1A), and the device (10) comprises means for attracting said first end (2) such that the latter bears on the sole first polar body (4), and a means for attracting said second end (3) toward a second polar body (6), wherein said attraction means for said first end (2) and for said second end (3), being of a magnetic and/or electrostatic nature, is movable in an axial direction (D) between abutments.

Description

Magnetic shockproof and / or electrostatic

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an anti-shock device for the protection of a watch component made of a material that is at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic, and / or of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified material, said pivotally mounted component. in a chamber between a first end and a second end that comprises said component.

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 such an anti-shock device for the protection of a watch component made of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified at a first end and at a second end.

The invention also relates to a magnetic and / or electrostatic pivot comprising a watch component, made of material at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic at a first end and a second end, or respectively at least partially conductive or at least partially electrified. 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 and / or electrostatic.

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 and / or electrostatic.

The invention relates to the field of micro-mechanics and in particular watchmaking, to which it is particularly well suited. 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 and viscoelastic response of parts having anti-shock 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.

The problems to be solved are then:

- to guarantee, after the shock, an exact radial recentering.

- Achieve a shock-proof 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.

A DE 12 1 1 460 B in the name of SIEMENS AG is known, which describes a mobile constituted by a rod integral with an inner tubular magnet inserted into an outer tubular magnet. The latter is movable, in a cartridge coaxial with the two magnets, against a bearing face abutting at one end, and against a spring held by a plug at the other end. This mobile is still guided axially on a pin secured to this plug. At each axial end, this mobile comprises a protective sleeve of the fragile ceramic core constituted by the inner magnet. The pivoting guide means are constituted by the cooperation of the two tubular magnets, inside and outside. However, the maintenance of the mobile on the first polar mass does not correspond to a support, since there is solidarity between this mobile and the inner tubular magnet, via a flange and one of these two sockets . As a result, the mobile of this patent is not free with respect to the first polar mass constituted by the inner magnet, but only with respect to the second polar mass constituted by the external magnet.

DE 198 54 063 A1 is also known in the name of JAGMANN VLADIMIR, which describes a magnetisable material magnet held by levitation between two magnetic polar masses generating a magnetic field which is always in a direction perpendicular to the gravitational attraction. orientation during operation is always the same. 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.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an anti-shock device for the protection of a watch component made of a material at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic, and / or of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified material, component mounted pivotally in a chamber between a first end and a second end that comprises said component, characterized in that said shockproof device comprises, on either side of said first and second ends, on the one hand means of attraction said first end for maintaining said first end bearing on a first polar mass, and secondly, in the vicinity of a second polar mass, means for attracting said second end towards said second polar mass, and in that said means for attracting said first end on the one hand, and said means also attracting said second end, are movable along an axial direction between abutments, and further characterized in that said first polar mass and said second polar mass are distinct from said component, and are each located at the periphery or near said chamber, and are each made of at least partially magnetic material or at least partially magnetically permeable material, and / or at least partially electrically or at least partially conductive material, and further characterized in that said component is mounted freely in said chamber between said polar masses and so as to bear on a bearing surface near one of said polar masses.

According to one characteristic of the invention, this shockproof device comprises means for damping the movement of at least one or each of said polar masses, and / or elastic return means of at least one or each of said polar masses, said damping means and / or said elastic return means being arranged to absorb the energy communicated to said polar masses during the a shock, and to bring back after said shock of at least one or each of said polar masses in a position of stable equilibrium that it previously occupied said shock. Proper positioning and centering are established by magnetic or electrostatic forces, not by elastic restoring forces.

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, at 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 each to generate a magnetic field attracting one of said first end or second end of said component, said magnetic fields being of different intensity at said first end and said second end, so that the magnetic attraction forces acting on said component at both 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 polar masses, and in that said first polar mass and said second polar mass are each movable in a chamber between two stops. The invention also relates to such an anti-shock device for protecting a watch component made of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified at a first end and at a second end, characterized in that it comprises, on both sides, other of said first and second ends, at a greater gap distance, the value of a functional clearance determined at the spacing between said first end and said second end, a first surface of a first polar mass and a second a surface of a second polar mass, which polar masses are arranged to either be each attracted by an electrostatic field emitted by one of said first end or second end of said component, or to each generate an electrostatic field attracting one of said first end or second end of said component, said electrostatic fields being of different intensity at said first end and said second end, so that the electrostatic attraction forces acting on said component at both 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 polar masses, and in that said first polar mass and said second polar mass are each movable in a chamber between two stops.

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

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 and / or electrostatic. Brief description of the drawings

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

- Figure 1 shows, schematically, and in longitudinal section along a pivot axis, a first mode of a device according to the invention, applied to the protection of a timepiece component;

- Figure 2 shows schematically and in perspective, a timepiece comprising a movement incorporating a device according to the invention;

- Figure 3 shows schematically the operating principle of a device according to another embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 4 shows, schematically, and in longitudinal section along a pivot axis, an alternative embodiment according to the first embodiment of a device according to the invention, provided with a damping device;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic partial view in perspective of an element of the damper of FIG. 4.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Thus, the invention relates to an anti-shock device 10 for the protection of a watchmaking component 1, also called mobile, pivotally mounted between a first end 2 and a second end 3.

This shockproof device 10 comprises, on either side of these first 2 and second 3 ends, on the one hand pivoting guide means or attraction means of the first end 2 held in abutment on a first polar mass 4 separate from the component 1, and secondly, in the vicinity of a second polar mass 6 distinct from the component 1, means for pivotally guiding the second end 3 or means of attraction of the second end 3 towards the second polar mass 6.

The component 1 is, at least in the vicinity of its first end 2 and its second end 3, preferably made of a magnetically permeable material and / or conductor. In a particular embodiment of the invention, this material is, again, magnetized and / or electrified. The component 1 is movable in a chamber 1A. Here, polar mass means a mass which, at least in the vicinity of the chamber 1A, is made of a magnetically permeable material and / or conductor, or, in a particular embodiment and preferred of the invention, in a magnetized material and / or electrified. This polar mass 4 or 6 is not part of the component 1, and is thus located on the periphery or near the chamber 1A:

- In a first embodiment, for example as visible in Figures 1 and 4, the polar mass is separated from the chamber 1 A by a spacer which has a bearing surface or abutment for the component 1. In FIG. 1, a first polar mass 4 is thus separated from the component 1 by a spacer 18, which comprises such a first bearing surface 5, and a second polar mass 6 is separated from the component 1 by a spacer 19 which comprises a such a second abutment surface 7. In such an alternative, the polar masses, although without direct contact with the component 1, interact with it in, as the case, magnetic or / and electrostatic attraction or repulsion: or an axial end in the axial direction D of the component 1 is magnetized or electrified, and cooperates with the nearest polar mass, which is magnetically permeable or conductive under the action of a magnetic or electrostatic force, or it is the opposite, an axial end in the axial direction D of the component 1 is magnetically permeable or conductive, and cooperates with the nearest polar mass, which is magnetized or electrified;

in another embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 3, such a polar mass may comprise a surface constituting one of the lateral surfaces of the chamber 1A, in the vicinity of which, or in contact with which is likely to come, the first 2 or second 3 end of component 1. Preferably, when the component 1 is a mobile pivoting about a pivot axis D, this surface of the polar mass is located in the extension of this axis D. The magnetic interaction and / or electrostatic is as in the case previous, but without the spacers: the component 1 is then in direct contact with one of the polar masses;

other modes concern different embodiments at each end of the component 1: direct contact on one side, indirect attraction or repulsion force on the other. The first polar mass 4 and the second polar mass 6 are distinct from the component 1, and are each situated at the periphery or near the chamber 1A, and are each made of at least partially magnetic material or at least partially magnetically permeable material, or and at least partially electrified or at least partially conductive material. The component 1 is freely mounted in the chamber 1A between the polar masses 4 and 6 and so as to bear on a bearing surface near one of these polar masses 4, 6.

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

In the preferred form of the invention, this shockproof device 10 comprises, on either side of the first 2 and second 3 ends, on the one hand means of attraction of the first end 2 for the maintenance of this first end. 2 resting on a first polar mass 4, and secondly, in the vicinity of a second polar mass 6, means for attracting this second end 3 towards the second polar mass 6, and the means for attracting the first end 2 on the one hand, and the attraction means of said second end 3 on the other hand, are movable along an axial direction D between stops.

This axial direction D is illustrated in the figures in a particular case where it is linear. It can also be curvilinear. But the direction of mobility must coincide with the direction of the flow of the magnetic or electrostatic field.

Advantageously, this shockproof device 10 preferably comprises means for damping the movement of at least one or each of the polar masses 4, 6 and / or elastic return means of at least one or each of the masses. 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 more easily after this same shock at least one of the polar masses 4, 6. or each of the polar masses 4, 6 in a position of stable equilibrium that it occupied prior to this shock. Good repositioning in the stable position is guaranteed by magnetic or electrostatic forces.

In a particular embodiment, as visible in FIG. 1, the anti-shock 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 on the component 1 during an impact, sliding along the axial 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 to the invention, as visible in Figure 1, the first pole mass 4 and the second pole 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 can be seen in FIG. 1, the shockproof device 10 comprises such damping means, comprising a deformable shape memory damper 23, 24 arranged to dissipate the kinetic energy of an impact, and to slowly return to its original shape after a shock.

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

In a particular embodiment, the shockproof device 10 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 than with the elastic return means.

In a particular embodiment, the shockproof device 10 may comprise one or more damping means consisting of a magnetic memory-shape material, in addition to or in substitution of magnetic polar masses; in this case a single component guarantees both the damping function and the generation of magnetic forces. In another particular embodiment, it may comprise compressible magnetic fluids or magnetic foams in addition to or in substitution for the magnetic polar masses, to guarantee both the damping function and the generation or channeling of the magnetic flux.

In a preferred embodiment and as shown in the figures, the axial 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 component 1, these magnetic fields being of different intensity at the first end 2 and the second end 3, so that the magnetic attraction forces acting on the component 1 at both 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. The fluid or the foam may also be non-magnetic. A deformable memory damper can also be non-magnetic.

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 an axial 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. 3. The axis of component 1 which is made of a magnetically permeable material, typically a soft ferromagnetic material, or a magnetic material, is placed between two polar masses 4 and 6. This axis may also consist of two half-axes of such a material, each at one end 2, 3, of 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 made of 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, either by two stones interposed between the axis and the polar masses or magnets, or by a hardening 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 hi 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 stops 42, 44, the farthest from component 1, here constituted by the bottom of the caves.

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 shown in 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, which is 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, may take different forms: in the case of FIG. 1, viscous friction means of the polar masses 4 and 6 in chambers in which they are mobile, this viscous friction being able to be completed by the presence a compressible fluid between the polar masses 4, 6, and their stops 42, 44, the farthest from the component 1.

Alternatively, as can be seen in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the damping means comprise dampers 23, 24, arranged to absorb a shock by permitting axial mobility, along the z direction of FIG. 1, or the axial pivoting direction D of Figure 3, 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 watch industry, in particular for damping a balance shaft as visible in FIG. 3, these dampers 23 and 24 are made of neoprene, or of silicone, or comprise at least one neoprene part, or silicone, because of the slow return characteristics in the shape 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 Figure 3 where they are fixed to 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 in FIG. 3, are advantageously placed along the axis, around bearing surfaces 34, 35, of the component 1, so 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 where the polar masses 4 and 6 are magnetic, they will also be called "magnets".

The value of the magnetic force is proportional to the magnetization M _axis (r, z) and to the magnetic field gradient H produced by the two magnets: m - VH

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 : = - ¼ {^ _ x 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.

FIG. 1 thus illustrates an embodiment of an axially symmetrical magnetic balance wheel: the balance shaft 1, made of soft magnetizable or magnetic material, is located between two permanent magnets 4 and 6 whose magnetic polarization is directed in the same direction corresponding to the direction z of Figure 3, here under the axial direction reference D corresponding to a pivot axis of the component 1. The support of the balance shaft can be guaranteed or by two stones 1 8, 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 clearance h 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.

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 shock, 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.

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 in touch thanks to the attraction magnetic, 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. After 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 by the force and the magnetic torque;

- 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 low energy even for a large 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 subjected to a force of net attraction 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, thus maximizing magnetic forces and torques.

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 ideal operation, is always caught after the shock;

- the impact resistance is higher than that of traditional shock;

the friction and the dissipation of energy 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 in FIG.

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 magnetic fields attracting 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 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 shielding means arranged to prohibit the action of any component magnetic field. radial with respect to the axial direction D, in the vicinity of the first 5 and second 7 contact surfaces.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, these shielding means 20 comprise at least one tubular part 21, 22 oriented in the axial 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 the 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 , these electrostatic fields being of different intensity at the first end 2 and the second end end 3, 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 contact direct or indirect 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 torques, it is possible to use a conductive material, either for component 1 if the polar masses 4 and 6 are permanently electrified and charged with sufficient energy, either for the polar masses 4 and 6 if it is the component 1 which is electrified and charged: this conductive material is polarized by induction in contact or at a distance 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.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an advantageous embodiment, comprising a damping assembly, because of its high compactness, and its overall low thickness.

The bearing surface 18A is a polished concave spherical sector made of a stone 18. It is plated on a permanent magnet 4, which develops a remanent magnetic field close to 1 Tesla or greater than 1 Tesla on its surface. In contrast to the stone 18 with respect to the magnet 4 is disposed a support stone 43 having a polished convex profile. The stone 18, the magnet 4 and the support stone 43, are inserted together in a kitten 40, made for example of a non-magnetic material such as brass or titanium, or made of cupro-beryllium. Preferably the stone 19 and the support stone 46 are mounted in the kitten 40 with a clamping or gluing, or a holding means, guaranteeing a holding greater than 1 N. This kitten 40 slides freely in a block 41, which has an opening 34 for the passage of the first end 2 of the component 1, here constituted by a set sprung balance. This block 41 comprises, in the vicinity of this opening 34, a radial shock absorber or a radial damper 32, constituted in particular by a range of revolution about the axis D.

The assembly is assembled so that the first end 2 of the component 1 is mobile in support in the convex bowl 18A, and that the support stone 43 has its convex sector at the other end. This outer block 41 acts as a stop during shocks on the component 1.

Preferably, the first end 2 of the component or the rocker 1, has a curvature, which is less than that of the concave cap of the stone 18, to ensure contact on a single bridge. The concave curvature 18A of the stone 18 makes it possible to reduce the gap distance between the polar mass 6 and the first end 2 of the component 1, and also constitutes a reservoir for the oil.

On the side of the second end 3 of the component 1, a similar assembly is installed. The bearing surface 19A is a polished concave spherical sector made of a stone 19. It is plated on a permanent magnet 6, which develops a remanent magnetic field close to 1 Tesia or greater than 1 Tesia on its surface. In contrast to the stone 19 relative to the magnet 4 is disposed a bearing stone 46 having a polished convex profile. The stone 19, the magnet 6 and the support stone 46, are inserted together in a kitten 44, made for example of a non-magnetic material such as brass or titanium, or made of cupro-beryllium. This kitten 44 slides freely in a block 45, which has an opening 35 for the passage of the second end 3 of the component 1. This block 45 comprises, in the vicinity of this opening 35, a radial shock absorber or a radial damper 33, constituted in particular by a range of revolution about the axis D. The assembly is assembled so that the second end 3 of the component 1 is mobile in support in the convex bowl 19A, without contact during operation in the absence of shocks, and that the bearing stone 46 has its convex sector at the other end. Figure 4 illustrates this end assembly on the side of the second end 3, which is damped by a damper constituted by a resilient arm 50 fall arrest. This elastic arm 50, as visible in FIG. 5, is fixed on a plate 30 or on a bridge 31, it comprises a free end, which bears on the convex cap of the supporting stone 46, by at least a contact surface, and in this preferred example three contact areas 51, 52, 53 arranged in a triangle. The effort is therefore perfectly distributed, and the axial retention of the whole carrier of the second polar mass 6 is assured. Such an elastic arm fall arrestor is preferably mounted with a preload of the order of 0.5 N. This prestressing can be chosen zero if it is required that the shock occurs regardless of the energy of the shock, without threshold activation.

It is understood that the same assembly can be implanted, symmetrically, bearing on the support stone 43, in the vicinity of the first end 2 of the component 1.

The magnets 4 and 6 are preferably Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets, for example of the "Vacodym®" type of "Vacuumschmelze GmbH".

In a particular embodiment, the magnetization or the electrostatic charge of each polar mass is spatially variable and is dimensioned so as to optimize the standard and / or the direction of the magnetic or electrostatic forces applied to the component 1.

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

Preferably, this magnetic pivot 100 and / or electrostatic comprises access means for the insertion of the component 1 in the air gap, or is made dismountable in several parts comprising means of cooperation between them or / and 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 and / or electrostatic as shown in Figure 1 comprises a component 1 which has a tapered portion, of revolution about the axial direction D which is linear, and 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 axial direction D.

In the case where the component 1 is driven by a pivoting movement about the axial direction D, the magnetic pivot 100 and / or electrostatic advantageously comprises a component 1 which is dynamically balanced, for its maximum rotational speed, around 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 axial direction D.

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

it comprises a component 1 comprising a substantially tree-shaped part of magnetically permeable material, or a conductor respectively, and the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 are each made of magnetic material, or respectively of at least partially electrified material;

it comprises a component 1 comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion made of magnetic material, or respectively of at least partially electrified material, and the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 are each made of magnetically permeable or respectively conductive material;

- It comprises a component 1 having a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetic material, or respectively at least partially electrified material, and the first mass 4 and the second mass 6 are each magnetic material, or respectively at least partially electrified material.

Naturally it is possible to create a configuration with fields of different nature at the two ends of the component 1, magnetic at one end, electrostatic at the other. The invention also relates to a watch movement 1000 comprising at least one such anti-shock device 10, and / or at least one such pivot 100 magnetic and / or electrostatic.

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

Claims

1. Anti-shock device (10) for the protection of a watch component (1) made of material at least partially magnetically permeable or at least partially magnetic, and / or of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified material, said component (1 ) pivotally mounted in a chamber (1A) between a first end (2) and a second end (3) that comprises said component (1), characterized in that said shockproof device (10) comprises, on the one hand and other of said first (2) and second (3) ends, on the one hand means of attraction of said first end (2) for the maintenance of said first end (2) bearing on a first polar mass (4), and secondly, in the vicinity of a second polar mass (6), means for attracting said second end (3) toward said second polar mass (6), and in that said means for attracting said first extr emitted (2) on the one hand, and said means for attracting said second end (3) on the other hand, are movable along an axial direction (D) between stops, and further characterized in that said first pole mass (4) and said second pole mass (6) are distinct from said component (1), and are each located at the periphery or near said chamber (1A), and are each at least partially magnetic material or respectively at less partially magnetically permeable, and / or in at least partially electrified or at least partially conductive material, and further characterized in that said component (1) is freely mounted in said chamber (1A) between said polar masses (4; 6) and so as to bear on a bearing surface near one of said polar masses (4; 6).

2. Anti-shock device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) or / and elastic return means at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6), said damping means or / and said elastic return means being arranged to absorb the energy imparted to said polar masses (4; 6) when a shock, and to bring back after said shock at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium that it previously occupied said shock.

3. 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) during an impact, sliding along an axial direction (D), with fixed complementary guiding means (15; 17) that comprises said device (10).

4. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) arranged to absorb the energy communicated to said polar masses (4; 6) during an impact, and to bring back after said shock at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium which it previously occupied shock, and that said damping means are of the viscous friction type.

5. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) arranged to absorb the energy communicated to said polar masses (4; 6) during an impact, and to bring back after said shock at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium which it previously occupied shock, and that said damping means comprise a compressible fluid between said pole mass (4; 6) concerned and a stop (42; 44) which limits its stroke opposite said component (1).

6. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for damping the movement of at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) arranged to absorb the energy communicated to said polar masses (4; 6) during an impact, and to bring back after said shock at least one or each of said polar masses (4; 6) in a position of stable equilibrium which it previously occupied shock, and that said damping means comprise a shape memory deformable damper (23, 24) arranged to dissipate the kinetic energy of a shock, and to return to its original shape after an impact.

7. Anti-shock device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said deformable memory damper shape memory (23, 24) is constituted by an elastic arm (50), fixed on a plate (30) or on a bridge (31), and which has a free end, which bears against a convex cap of a support stone (46), on at least one contact surface.

8. An anti-shock device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said motion damping means comprise a block (41; 45) in which a kitten (40; 44) freely slides together holding a stone ( 18; 19) having a concave bearing surface (18A; 19A) of said first or second end (2; 3) of said mobile (1), said stone (18; 19) being supported on a said polar mass (4; 6), which itself bears on a support stone (43; 46) capable of cooperating with a said deformable memory damper (23, 24).

9. 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, the value of a determined functional clearance (J), at the spacing between said first end (2) and said second end (3), a first surface

(5) 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 a magnetic field attracting one of said first end (2) or second end (3) of said component (1), said magnetic fields being of different intensity at said first end (2) and said second end (3), so that the magnetic attraction forces acting on said component (1) at both ends thereof ( 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 polar mass (4) and said second polar mass

(6) are each movable in a chamber between two stops (41, 42; 43, 44).

10. Anti-shock device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises shielding means (20) arranged to prohibit the action of any magnetic field having a radial component with respect to said axial direction (D), in the vicinity of said first (5) and second (7) contact surfaces.

1 1. 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 axial direction (D) and surrounding said first mass (4) and said second mass (6), and at least said second end (3) of said component (1).

12. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims for the protection of a watch component (1) of at least partially conductive material or at least partially electrified 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 a greater gap distance, from the value of a determined functional clearance (J), to the spacing 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 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 one of said first extr emit (2) or second end (3) of said component (1), said electrostatic fields being of different intensity at said first end (2) and said second end (3), so that the forces of electrostatic attraction exerted 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).

13. Anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetization or the electrostatic charge of each said polar mass is spatially variable and is sized to optimize the standard and / or the direction of the magnetic forces or electrostatic applied to said component (1).

14. Magnetic and / or electrostatic swivel (100) comprising a watch component (1), made of at least partially magnetically or at least partially magnetic permeable material at a first end (2) and a second end (3), respectively at the at least partially conductive or at least partially electrified at a first end (2) and a second end (3), characterized in that it comprises an anti-shock device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Pivot (100) magnetic and / or electrostatic according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a said component (1) comprising a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetically permeable material, or respectively conductive, and in that said first mass (4) and said second mass (6) are each magnetic material, or respectively at least partially electrified material.

16. Pivot (100) magnetic and / or electrostatic according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a said component (1) having a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetic material, or respectively at least partially electrified material, and in that said first mass (4) and said second mass (6) are each magnetically permeable or respectively conductive material.

17. Pivot (100) magnetic and / or electrostatic according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a said component (1) having a substantially tree-shaped portion of magnetic material, or respectively at least partially electrified material, and in that said first mass (4) and said second mass (6) are each made of magnetic material, or respectively of at least partially electrified material.

18. A watch movement (1000) comprising at least one anti-shock device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and / or at least one magnetic and / or electrostatic pivot (100) according to one of claims 14 at 17.

19. 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 13, and / or at least one pivot (100) magnetic and / or electrostatic according to one of claims 14 to 18.