EP2781971B1 - Structure of a clockwork mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch mechanism structure for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile, said structure comprising at least one unbreakable monoblock structure which comprises at least one frame (unbreakable monoblock comprising pivot points with housing aligned two by two each time for the reception of a shaft of a mobile said pivoting.

The invention also relates to a mechanical clockwork movement comprising at least one such structure.

The invention also relates to a method of producing such a watch mechanism structure for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile comprising a shaft.

The invention relates to the field of watch mechanisms, and more particularly to movements incorporating ready-to-use functional modules intended to be equipped with pivoting mobiles requiring high geometric quality and positioning.

Background of the invention

The relative positioning, and the geometry, in particular the parallelism of the axes of the pivoting mobiles, condition the accuracy, the walk, and the longevity of the watch mechanisms.

The use of modular assemblies requires, in particular, perfect accuracy, because of the stacking of pre-assembled subassemblies independently.

The design of modules or cassettes of very high precision makes it possible to combine mass production with quality products.

Modular subsets of watch movements are thus known from patent applications. EP2605087 and EP2605279 in the name of ETA SA. The mechanical modules described in these applications are pre-set and assembled irreversibly to ensure the durability of their adjustments.

However, in a conventional embodiment, the modules do not always allow the reduction in the number of components, which can both lower the cost of production, and a simplification of the assembly range, allowing medium technical staff to assemble and adjust the most complex functions, while guaranteeing the geometrical precision required.

The document JP S51 49063 describes mobiles having end pivots which pivot in bearings made in the same plate forming a U. The document NL 11 224 C on behalf of WATSON describes a similar configuration.

The document US 580,046 A in the name of HARRINGTON describes a similar configuration with a U-shaped plate and means of adjustment of parallelism by screws.

The document US 3,582,162 A in the name of BAERMANN describes a magnetic bearing of electric meter, comprising a U-shaped frame in which are aligned two pads in which pivots the counting mobile.

The document CH 488 169 A in the name of REGO describes a compass needle swivel device, with a bearing bearing of two bearings.

The document DE 22 18 663 A1 in the name of MUELLER SCHLENKER FA describes half-bearings of pendulums vertical axis for the lateral mounting of this balance, closed by a plate having a groove cooperating with a protrusion of revolution of the balance.

The document FR 2 807 160 A1 in the name of DENSO CORP discloses a casing having aligned bores, in which is guided a shaft having, on one side a trunnion of resinous material, and, on the opposite side, a hard metal trunnion of diameter smaller than that of the trunnion. resinous material.

Summary of the invention

Also, the invention proposes to provide structures, in particular, but not exclusively, for use in modules or cassettes, with a reduced number of components, with a high geometric quality with regard to the lines of trees.

The present invention preferably uses for this purpose the new micro-component manufacturing technologies, MEMS, "LIGA", lithography, and the like, to optimize the manufacture of such structures.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a clockwork mechanism structure for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile, said structure comprising at least one unmountable monobloc structure which comprises at least one frame (unbreakable monobloc comprising points of pivoting with housings aligned in pairs each for the reception of a shaft of a said pivoting mobile, characterized in that said structure comprises at least one cover arranged to cooperate with said at least one frame for, in position closing said at least one cover on said at least one frame, enclosing a minimum clearance each said shaft of each said pivoting mobile that includes said structure, and characterized in that said structure comprises, at said at least one frame and / or said at least one cover, flexible means of catching play to lock without play each said shaft of each said pivoting mobile that includes said structure.

The invention also relates to a mechanical clockwork movement comprising at least one such structure.

The invention also relates to a method for producing such a watch mechanism structure, for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile comprising a shaft, characterized in that said unmountable monobloc structure is equipped with means one-piece integral elastic return with it, or to maintain without play at least one said shaft of at least one said pivoting mobile, and / or to constitute at least one elastic shock absorber, and / or to allow a position adjustment of a bearing-carrier, and in that said indestructible one-piece structure is made of silicon, and in that said intrinsic elastic return means, which said structure comprises, are prestressed in an oxidized state of said silicon.

The fact of making monolithic components, and in particular with the plate or bridges, has the advantage of reducing the number of parts, avoid assembly problems. The invention benefits from the precision of realization of these monolithic components (typically, the parts are for example made of silicon and thus benefit from a micrometric precision).

The monolithic structure has the main advantage of guaranteeing the distances and forming a mechanism, in particular an oscillator in a preferred application, ready for use.

• une précision garantie ;
• un niveau de frottements très réduit voire nul ;
• l'absence d'hystérèse dans les mouvements, du fait de l'absence de frottements ou du moins de leur niveau extrêmement réduit ;
• l'absence de lubrification ;
• l'absence de jeu ;
• l'absence d'usure.

The invention integrates in particular flexible guides, the advantages of which are:

• guaranteed accuracy;
• a level of friction very reduced or even zero;
• the absence of hysteresis in the movements, because of the absence of friction or at least of their extremely reduced level;
• lack of lubrication;
• the lack of play;
• the absence of wear.

Their manufacture induces limitations, including a limited displacement stroke, low return forces, and a limited load. However, these limitations are not prohibitive for many horological functions, particularly those relating to regulation.

These limitations are largely offset by the high accuracy of the centers, the small number of components to achieve and therefore reduced complexity and assembly time. A structure according to the invention has a great industrial advantage: the mechanism, in particular an oscillator, assembled in combination with such a structure, forms a component ready to mount in a movement. Nothing prohibits, moreover, to design an entire movement in the form of a structure according to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, en perspective, une structure selon l'invention comportant un cadre monobloc indéformable qui comporte des logements alignés deux à deux formant pivots pour la réception d'extrémités d'arbres de mobiles pivotants ;
• les figures 2 et 3 illustrent en vue de dessus la coopération d'un couvercle avec ce cadre, respectivement en positions ouverte et fermée, pour immobiliser ces extrémités d'arbres, la figure 4 illustrant une variante avantageuse de couvercle avec des lames flexibles de rattrapage de jeu ;

• la figure 5 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante où au moins un des mobiles pivotants montés dans la structure est pivoté au moins à une de ses extrémités dans un porte-palier relié au cadre monobloc par des moyens de rappel élastique intégrés, et blocable en position ;
• la figure 6 représente, en vue en plan, un tel ensemble monolithique comportant des moyens de réglage en position d'un porte-palier intégré à cette structure, ces moyens de réglage étant immobilisables en position par des moyens de blocage ; les moyens de réglage comportent un peigne immobilisant un index situé à l'extrémité d'une lame flexible, le peigne étant plaqué sur cet index par une lame-ressort de blocage elle-même immobilisée par un doigt de verrouillage ;
• la figure 7 représente une section passant par l'axe d'un pivot particulier avec un palier anti-chocs monobloc avec le cadre monobloc;
• la figure 8 est un schéma d'un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant une structure selon l'invention.

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

• the figure 1 represents, in perspective, a structure according to the invention comprising a non-deformable monobloc frame which comprises pairs of housings aligned pivots for receiving ends of shafts of pivoting mobile;
• the Figures 2 and 3 illustrate in top view the cooperation of a cover with this frame, respectively in open and closed positions, to immobilize these tree ends, the figure 4 illustrating an advantageous variant of the cover with flexible blades for catching play;

• the figure 5 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant wherein at least one of the pivoting mobile members mounted in the structure is pivoted at least at one of its ends in a bearing carrier connected to the one-piece frame by integral elastic return means, and lockable in position;
• the figure 6 represents, in plan view, such a monolithic assembly comprising adjustment means in position of a bearing holder integrated in this structure, these adjustment means being immobilizable in position by locking means; the adjustment means comprise a comb immobilizing an index located at the end of a flexible blade, the comb being pressed on this index by a locking spring blade itself immobilized by a locking finger;
• the figure 7 represents a section passing through the axis of a particular pivot with a one-piece shock-absorbing bearing with the one-piece frame;
• the figure 8 is a diagram of a clockwork movement comprising a structure according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to the field of watch mechanisms, and more particularly to movements incorporating ready-to-use functional modules.

The invention relates to a watch mechanism structure 1 for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile device 10, comprising at least one shaft 47 comprising pivoting guides, naturally such a mobile device 10 can also comprise only guides end without any tree part over its entire length, the present description however uses the name "shaft 47" for the sake of simplicity, to designate the guides or pivots that includes the pivoting mobile 10 ..

According to the invention, this structure 1 comprises at least one unmountable integral structure 11, which comprises pivot points 12 aligned in pairs for the reception of pivots of at least one pivoting mobile device 10.

The description is deliberately restricted, for the sake of brevity, to this particular preferred case of pivotal guidance of pivoting mobiles. Those skilled in the art will understand the interest of the invention for other applications, in particular particularly for immobilizing non-pivoting components trapped in a dimensionally stable structure.

In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen in the figures, this unbreakable integral structure 11 comprises at least one unbreakable monoblock frame 17, which comprises, at the level of housings 460, in particular an upper bearing 44 and a lower bearing 45, pivot points. 12 aligned in pairs for receiving pivots of at least one such pivoting mobile 10.

Preferably, this at least one undeformable one-piece frame 17 comprises, at all or part of these pivot points 12, housings 460 aligned in pairs each for the reception of a shaft 47 of such a pivoting mobile device 10.

In the advantageous realization of Figures 2 to 4 , the structure 1 further comprises at least one cover 18, which is arranged to cooperate with this at least one frame 17 for, in the closed position of this at least one cover 18 on this at least one frame 17, to enclose at a minimum clearance each such shaft 47 of each such pivoting mobile 10 that includes the structure 1. For reasons of convenience of assembly, or to leave functional interface passages with the rest of the movement, for example to let the passage to a cog, or the like it may be necessary to juxtapose several covers 18 for the same undeformable one-piece structure 17, or the opposite, or to join several structures 17 by several covers 18.

In a particular version, at least one such cover 18 is made integrally with such a frame 17, to which it is connected by a flexible attachment, and on which it is folded after insertion of the pivoting mobile or 10, or the like.

Advantageously, the cover 18 is irreversibly fixed to the frame 17, by welding, soldering, laser welding, bonding, riveting, or other, to form the integral structure 11 unmountable, after mounting the pivoting mobile 10.

In a particular embodiment, not illustrated, the structure 1 incorporates a plate and / or at least one bridge constituting the frame 17 or being attached thereto (e) indemountably. The frame 17 may also be independent of the plate and the bridge, and be fixed on one or the other of the two, or both at the same time.

Advantageously, the structure 1 comprises flexible means 18A of play catching, to lock without play each such shaft 47 of each such movable mobile 10 that includes the cassette 1. The figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the cover 18 with elastic lips 18A performing this play catching. These flexible play catching means can equip both the frame 17 and the cover 18.

The figure 7 illustrates a particular case where the structure 1 comprises at least one housing 460 which has a revolution range 46 for the radial retention of such a shaft 47 of pivoting mobile 10, and a front surface 49 for the axial limitation of the end of such a shaft 47, this range of revolution 46 or / and this front span 49 being carried / s by at least one elastic shock absorber 48. On this figure 7 the revolution range 46 and the front span 49 are carried together by at least one elastic shock absorber 48.

In a variant not shown, the revolution range 46 or the front span 49 is carried by a shock absorber of its own.

In a variant not shown, the revolution range 46 and the front span 49 are carried separately by a shock absorber, which may be common with two bearing surfaces, or multiple, each scope being carried by a shock absorber which it's clean.

In a particular embodiment, this elastic shock absorber 48 is integral with the frame 17.

In another particular embodiment, this range of revolution 46 or / and this front span 49 is integral with the frame 17.

In yet another particular embodiment, this elastic shock absorber 48, this range of revolution 46 and / or this front span 49 are, together, integral with the frame 17.

In a particular embodiment, the unbreakable integral structure 11 is made of silicon, and the intrinsic elastic return means it comprises, if it is the case, are prestressed in an oxidized state of silicon.

In a particular embodiment, the frame 17 is made of silicon, and the intrinsic elastic return means it comprises are prestressed in an oxidized state of silicon.

The pivots 44, 45 may be constituted by conventional pivots or by flexible guides.

The design of structures 1 according to the invention comprising non-removable integral components 17 makes it possible, again, to optimize the pivoting of the different mobiles, and, as necessary, to ensure the parallelism, or conversely to move at least one end of a mobile shaft to change a setting micrometrically.

The action on the pivot points allows, in particular, to adjust the distance between mobile to adjust the penetration of the teeth and / or lifted. Adjustment of the center distance can be achieved monolithically with the deck or bridge. This principle of adjustment of the distances is valid for all the distances in a movement.

In the particular achievement of Figures 5 and 6 at least one said housing 460 is integral with a bearing carrier 13 connected to the frame 17 by elastic return means.

The figure 5 illustrates resilient return means 14 of sufficient rigidity to ensure, at rest, the precise positioning of the pivot point 12, and designed to absorb any shocks and then return the axis in its position. In this variant of the figure 5 at least one pivoting member 10 is pivoted, at least at one of its ends, in a pivot 45, constituting the housing 460, which is housed in a bearing holder 13. This bearing holder 13 is connected to the frame 17 by these integrated elastic return means 14, which are preferably integral with both the frame 17, and with the bearing holder 13 respectively.

The variant in which such a component is pivoted at both ends thereof in such suspended bearing supports is naturally also feasible.

The elastic return means 14 allow a setting range, preferably they are associated with means for locking in position after adjustment, the present description gives an example in the particular case of the figure 6 . Advantageously, these position locking means are also made integrally with the frame 17, and with the bearing holder 13 respectively.

For a particularly advantageous application to an adjustable and lockable mechanism, particularly in a reversible manner, but which can also be immobilized (particularly irreversibly) after initial adjustment, the structure 1 preferably comprises, at the level of the frame 17, a mechanism adjustable in position 80, as visible on the figure 6 .

The figure 6 illustrates a particular arrangement, wherein a bearing carrier 13 is mounted integral with a component adjustable in position, and lock in position once set. In this variant, the unbreakable monobloc structure 11 comprises an adjustable mechanism in position 80, which comprises a rigid structure 81, preferably constituted by the frame 17. This rigid structure 81 carries, via at least one elastic blade 83, this adjustable component in position 82, which door here carries a bearing carrier 13, and which itself comprises indexing means 84 arranged to cooperate with complementary indexing means 91 that comprises an adjustment mechanism 90. These complementary indexing means 91 are mounted disengageable indexing means 84. They are still lockable in the position of cooperation by a locking mechanism 94 fixed elastically to the structure 81. This locking mechanism 94 is elastically fixed to the structure 81 by at least one flexible element 96, and is itself subject to the action of a locking mechanism 98 which allows it to occupy, or a disengaged position in which the adjustment mechanism 90 is free, or a engaged position wherein the blocking mechanism 94 obstructs the adjustment mechanism 90.

This locking mechanism comprises at least one flexible element 98 forming a jumper and resiliently fastened to the structure 81, this at least one flexible element 98 here comprises a spout 99 which cooperates with a spout 97 of the blocker 94 to hold the blocker aside during adjustment in position, or with a complementary stop surface 95 of the blocker 94 in the safety of the blocker when the adjustment in position is performed.

The figure 6 illustrates such a mechanism with a comb 91 immobilizing an index 84 located at the end of a flexible blade 83, the comb 91 being pressed on this index 84 by a locking spring blade 96 belonging to the blocker 94, itself immobilized by a locking pin 99 mounted on at least one flexible blade 98, this finger 99 cooperating with a stop surface 97 of the blade 96.

As has been seen above, this combined mechanism of adjustment, locking and locking, illustrated here for a particular application of adjustment of a bearing position, for example to perform a micrometric correction on the operation of a regulating mechanism, is applicable to a wide variety of applications: positioning a bearing, a stop, or other.

In an advantageous embodiment, the structure 1, or / and the frame 17, is made of silicon. The pivot points of the housings 460 are defined, for example, by anisotropic etchings (KOH) in a silicon substrate. A version with an assembly of stones or shockproof is also possible. The big advantage is the very precise positioning of the pivot points (center distance, verticality). It is noted that the installation of the cover 18 does not disturb the positioning of the various shafts.

• les deux points de pivotement de l'ancre et l'ensemble des paliers inférieurs des autres mobiles ;
• les deux points de pivotement du balancier, et de l'ancre, et l'ensemble des paliers inférieurs des autres mobiles ;
• les deux points de pivotement du balancier et l'ensemble des paliers inférieurs des autres mobiles.

For a particular application to an escape mechanism, according to its configuration, the structure 1 incorporates all or part of the guide bearings of the shafts of the mobiles:

• the two pivot points of the anchor and the set of lower bearings of the other mobiles;
• the two points of pivoting of the balance, and of the anchor, and the set of lower bearings of the other mobiles;
• the two points of pivoting of the balance and the set of lower bearings of other mobiles.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the frame 17 forms an unbreakable integral component with at least one anti-shock bearing for receiving a pivot of a component of the mechanism incorporated in the structure 1, in particular an escape mechanism. .

The anti-shock can thus be partially or completely made in the frame 17: the spring of the shock can be made in common with the frame 17. One of the two (or both) stones can be made in common with the plate. Pivoting is then done directly in the silicon. The pivot points 12 may be made directly in the silicon with surface coatings of the DLC or other type. So there is no more stone, and the rotation points are positioned very precisely.

In a particular embodiment, the structure 1 comprises breakable elements, intended to facilitate assembly in an upper assembly, it is sufficient to then break these breakable elements to give one or more degrees of freedom to some of its constituents.

In an advantageous embodiment of the cassette 1 according to the invention, the structure 1 is made of micro-machinable material, or silicon, or oxidized silicon, and any intrinsic elastic return means it comprises are prestressed in a state oxidized silicon. Other materials according to MEMS or "LIGA" technologies can be implemented. Quartz, DLC, at least partially amorphous materials, metallic glasses, can, and not exclusively, be used for these applications.

A particular structure of the structure 1 can compensate for the effects of the expansion of these structural elements, or components of the assembled mechanism in combination with it. It is for example possible to make the silicon board, then to oxidize it, in order to work coherently.

The invention also relates to a mechanical clockwork movement 100 comprising at least one such structure 1.

The high precision provided by the invention makes it possible to thin the components, and therefore the movement. The invention is therefore particularly useful for performing ultra-thin movements.

Claims (12)

1. Structure (1) for a timepiece mechanism for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile component (10), said structure including at least one inseparable single-piece structure (11), which includes at least one inseparable single-piece frame (17) including pivot points (12) with housings (460) aligned in pairs in each case for receiving an arbor (47) of a said pivoting mobile component (10), characterized in that said structure (1) includes at least one cover (18) arranged to cooperate with said at least one frame (17) in order, in the closure position of said at least one cover (18) on said at least one frame (17), to confine with minimum play each said arbor (47) of each said pivoting mobile component (10) comprised in said structure (1), and characterized in that said structure (1) includes, on said at least one frame (17) and/or said at least one cover (18), flexible play take-up means (18A) for confining without play each said arbor (47) of each said pivoting mobile component (10) comprised in said structure (1).
2. Structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said cover (18) forms a single-piece assembly with said frame (17) to constitute said inseparable single-piece structure (11), after the mounting of said pivoting mobile components (10).
3. Structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one said housing (460) includes a shoulder of revolution (46) for radially holding an arbor (47) of a said pivoting mobile component (10), and a frontal shoulder (49) for axially limiting the end of said arbor (47), said shoulder of revolution (46) and/or said frontal shoulder (49) being carried by at least one resilient shock absorber (48).
4. Structure (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said resilient shock absorber (48) is in one piece with said frame (7).
5. Structure (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said frontal shoulder (49) is in one piece with said frame (7).
6. Structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one said housing (460) is integral with a bearing carrier (13) connected to said frame (17) by elastic return means (14).
7. Structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one said inseparable single-piece structure (11) comprises a position adjustable mechanism (80) including a rigid structure (81) carrying, via at least one resilient strip (83), a position adjustable component (82) including indexing means (84) arranged to cooperate with complementary indexing means (91) comprised in an adjustment mechanism (90), said complementary indexing means (91) being detachably mounted to the indexing means (84) and being lockable in a cooperating position by a clamping mechanism (94) resiliently secured to said structure (81), said clamping mechanism (94) being in turn subject to the action of a locking mechanism (98) which allows said clamping mechanism to occupy either a detached position wherein said adjustment mechanism (90) is free, or an engaged position wherein said clamping mechanism (94) hinders said adjustment mechanism (90), said locking mechanism (98) also being resiliently fixed to said structure (81).
8. Mechanical timepiece movement (100) comprising at least one structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims.
9. Method of forming a structure (1) for a timepiece mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 7, for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile component (10) comprising an arbor (47), characterized in that said inseparable single-piece structure (11) is equipped with integrated elastic return means in a single-piece therewith, either for holding without play at least one said arbor (47) of at least one said pivoting mobile component (10), and/or for forming at least one resilient shock absorber (48), and/or for allowing adjustment of the position of a bearing carrier (13), and in that said inseparable single-piece structure (11) is made of silicon, and in that said integrated elastic return means comprised in said structure (1) is prestressed in an oxidised silicon state.
10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said housings (460) are made directly in the silicon with DLC surface coatings.
11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said inseparable single-piece structure (11) is made with at least one inseparable single-piece frame (17) including pivot points (12) with housings (460) aligned in pairs for receiving the pivots of at least one said pivoting mobile component (10), and in that said housings (460) are made by anisotropic etches in a silicon substrate.
12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said inseparable single-piece structure (11) is formed with said frame (17) and a cover (18) together captively holding said pivoting mobile components (10) in position in said housings (460), and in that said frame (17) and said cover (18) are irreversibly secured to each other by welding or soldering or bonding or rivets or by laser welding to form an inseparable single-piece assembly.

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