EP2790066B1 - Frame for a clockwork - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch mechanism cassette comprising at least one bearing surface for positioning it in a movement and at least one lower plate and one upper bridge, at least said plate or said bridge being rigid, between or on which functional components are provided, at least two of which are movable relative to each other, and between which said platinum and bridge is pivoted or displaced at least one said movable functional component in pivoting or displacement, where said lower platen and said upper bridge form a single-piece component that can not be dismantled with at least one of said functional members, and integral with at least one elastically deformable connecting element, and wherein said plate and said bridge are movable between a close position where they are separated by a minimum distance and a distant position where they are separated by a maximum distance.

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

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

Background of the invention

The use of modular assemblies allows the realization of product families, using a common base, and each customized by different options or functionalities, including complications in the case of a mechanical watch movement.

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. EP11193173.9 and EP11193174.7 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.

The document NL 11 224 C in the name of WATSON and WEBB describes an escapement mechanism housed in a U-shaped pendulum pendulum yoke, between the wings of which is limitedly movable, in two arcuate lateral lights, a support shaft of a right balance, this shaft being also pivotable and carrying an anchor, the escape wheel being pivoted cantilever in a bore common to the oscillating yoke and a fixed structure.

The document US 580,046 A in the name of HARRINGTON also discloses a U-shaped structure, whose flanks carry bearings of mobiles, in particular anchor or exhaust mechanism components.

The document US 3 582 162A in the name of BAERMANN discloses a magnetic bearing, of the type of electric meter, carrying a beam housed between two arms of a U-shaped frame.

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.

Summary of the invention

Also, the invention proposes to provide modules, preferably in the form of cassettes, reduced number of components, and assembly and adjustment of average complexity.

The present invention uses for this purpose the new micro-component manufacturing technologies, MEMS, "LIGA", lithography, and the like, to optimize the manufacture of such modules, presented here as cassettes. These cassettes may, as the case may be assembled together irreversibly as in the two applications above, or be positioned and assembled in a conventional manner.

The invention relates, on the one hand, to the composition of the cassettes, with reduction of the number of components by the combined integration of several components in the form of a monoblock subassembly, and, on the other hand, more particularly, the monolithic embodiment of the as many functions as possible on a deck or deck.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch mechanism cassette comprising at least one bearing surface for positioning it in a movement and at least one lower plate and an upper bridge, at least said plate or said bridge being rigid, between or on which are arranged functional components of which at least two are movable relative to each other, and between which said platinum and bridge is pivoted or displaced at least one said movable functional component pivoting or moving, where said lower platen and said upper bridge form an integral component integral with at least one of said functional members, and integral with at least one elastically deformable connecting element, and wherein said platen and said bridge are movable between a close position where they are separated from each other. 'a minimum distance and a distant position where they are spaced a maximum distance, characterized in that said flat has clipping means arranged to cooperate, only in said close position, with complementary clipping means that includes said bridge, for maintaining said plate and said bridge in said close position.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said cassette is an exhaust mechanism cassette, and said functional components are constituted by at least one regulator member pivoted between said plate and said bridge according to pivots, at least one escape wheel, first elastic return means, and at least one means for intermittently locking said at least one escape wheel cooperating with said at least one regulating member which is reciprocated under the action of the first elastic return means .

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

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 cassette has the main advantage of guaranteeing the distances and forming a mechanism, particularly an oscillator in a preferred application, ready to 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 cassette according to the invention has a great industrial advantage: the mechanism, in particular an oscillator, in a cassette forms a component ready to mount in a movement. Nothing prohibits, moreover, to design an entire movement in the form of a cassette according to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de côté, une cassette selon l'invention, pour le cas particulier d'un mécanisme d'échappement, et comportant un ressort-spiral réalisé de façon monobloc avec un pont ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante similaire ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante où le spiral est réalisé monobloc avec un piton, lui-même réalisé de façon monobloc avec le pont auquel il est relié par des moyens de rappel élastique intégrés ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante où le spiral est réalisé monobloc avec un piton, lui-même réalisé de façon monobloc avec le pont, et où l'extrémité externe du spiral est pincée par des goupilles monobloc avec le pont, et dont au moins une est reliée par des moyens de rappel élastique intégrés au pont ; la figure 5 représente, en vue en plan et en vue de côté, des goupilles classiques avec jeu, et la figure 6 représente, en vue en plan et en vue de côté, une telle paire de goupilles pinçant le spiral sous l'effet de moyens de rappel élastique intégrés ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante où une ancre est réalisée de façon monobloc avec une platine à laquelle elle est reliée par des moyens de rappel élastique intégrés ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 7, une variante où une telle ancre comporte un pied dans le plan de la platine, ainsi que ces moyens de rappel élastique intégrés ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 8, une variante où une l'ancre proprement dite est rapportée sur un tel pied ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 7, une variante où une telle ancre est dans le plan de la platine, et comporte des excroissances telles que dard, cornes, et palettes, à au moins un niveau supérieur ;
• la figure 11 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante où au moins un des mobiles de l'ensemble, notamment une roue d'échappement, est pivoté au moins à une de ses extrémités dans un porte-palier relié à la platine par des moyens de rappel élastique intégrés, et blocable en position ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante où au moins un des mobiles de l'ensemble, notamment une ancre, est pivoté à une de ses extrémités dans la platine, et, à l'autre de ses extrémités, dans un porte-palier sensiblement au niveau du pont et relié à la platine par une traverse ;
• la figure 13 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une cassette avec une platine et un pont chacun monolithiques ;
• les figures 14 et 15 représentent, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une cassette avec une platine et un pont formant l'un avec l'autre un ensemble monolithique, représentée dans deux positions, éloignée en figure 13, et rapprochée en figure 14, cette platine et ce pont comportant des éléments de guidage pour un déplacement parallèle l'un à l'autre, et des moyens pour leur clipage en position rapprochée;
• les figures 16, 16A et 17 représentent, en vue en plan, un ensemble monolithique comportant des moyens de réglage en position d'un composant lui aussi intégré à cet ensemble, ces moyens de réglage étant immobilisables en position par des moyens de blocage ; la figure 16 illustre le réglage d'un pivot d'accrochage d'un ressort-spiral par des moyens de réglage élastique comportant un peigne, le blocage en position de ce peigne dans une position réglée, et un mécanisme de verrouillage contrôlant ces moyens de blocage ; la figure 16A illustre un exemple similaire où le peigne est maintenu entre deux lames flexibles et forme un composant bistable ; la figure 17 illustre un mécanisme similaire avec 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 18 représente, en perspective, un cadre monobloc indéformable comportant des logements alignés deux à deux formant pivots pour la réception d'extrémités d'arbres de mobiles, les figures 19 et 20 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 20A illustrant une variante avantageuse de couvercle avec des lames flexibles de rattrapage de jeu ;
• les figures 21, 22, 23 représentent, de façon similaire à la figure 1, des cassettes où la platine et le pont forment ensemble un composant monolithique ;
• la figure 24 représente une section passant par l'axe d'un pivot avec un palier anti-chocs monobloc avec une platine ou un pont.

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, schematically and in side view, a cassette according to the invention, for the particular case of an exhaust mechanism, and comprising a spiral spring integrally formed with a bridge;
• the figure 2 represents, similarly to the figure 1 a similar variant;
• the figure 3 represents, similarly to the figure 1 a variant where the hairspring is made in one piece with a peg, itself made integrally with the bridge to which it is connected by integral elastic return means;
• the figure 4 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant where the hairspring is made in one piece with a peg, itself made in one piece with the bridge, and where the outer end of the hairspring is pinched by one-piece pins with the bridge, and at least one of which is connected by resilient return means integrated into the bridge; the figure 5 represents, in plan view and side view, conventional pins with play, and the figure 6 represents, in plan view and in side view, such a pair of pins pinching the spring under the effect of integrated elastic return means;
• the figure 7 represents, similarly to the figure 1 a variant where an anchor is made integrally with a plate to which it is connected by integral elastic return means;
• the figure 8 represents, similarly to the figure 7 a variant where such an anchor has a foot in the plane of the plate, as well as these integrated elastic return means;
• the figure 9 represents, similarly to the figure 8 , a variant where an anchor itself is reported on such a foot;
• the figure 10 represents, similarly to the figure 7 a variant where such an anchor is in the plane of the plate, and comprises excrescences such as dart, horns, and paddles, at least one upper level;
• the figure 11 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant where at least one of the mobiles of the assembly, in particular an escape wheel, is pivoted at least at one of its ends in a bearing carrier connected to the plate by integral elastic return means, and lockable in position;
• the figure 12 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant where at least one of the mobiles of the assembly, in particular an anchor, is pivoted at one of its ends in the plate, and, at the other of its ends, in a bearing support substantially at the level of the bridge and connected to the plate by a cross;
• the figure 13 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a cassette with a platinum and a bridge each monolithic;
• the Figures 14 and 15 represent, similarly to the figure 1 , a cassette with a plate and a bridge forming with each other a monolithic assembly, represented in two positions, remote in figure 13 , and closer in figure 14 , this plate and this bridge comprising guide elements for a displacement parallel to each other, and means for their clipping in close position;
• the Figures 16, 16A and 17 represent, in plan view, a monolithic assembly comprising adjustment means in position of a component also integrated in this assembly, these adjustment means being immobilizable in position by locking means; the figure 16 illustrates the setting of a hooking pin of a spiral spring by elastic adjustment means comprising a comb, the locking in position of this comb in a set position, and a locking mechanism controlling these locking means; the figure 16A illustrates a similar example where the comb is held between two flexible blades and forms a bistable component; the figure 17 illustrates a similar mechanism with 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 18 represents, in perspective, an undeformable one-piece frame comprising pairs of housing aligned in pairs for pivots for the reception of mobile shaft ends; Figures 19 and 20 illustrate in top view the cooperation of a cover with this frame, respectively in open and closed positions, to immobilize these ends of trees, the figure 20A illustrating an advantageous variant of the cover with flexible blades for catching play;
• the Figures 21, 22, 23 represent, similarly to the figure 1 cassettes in which the platinum and the bridge together form a monolithic component;
• the figure 24 represents a section passing through the axis of a pivot with a shockproof one-piece bearing with a plate or a bridge.

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 cassette 1, comprising at least one bearing surface 101 for its positioning in a movement 100, and at least one lower plate 2 and an upper bridge 3, at least the plate 2 or the bridge 3 being rigid, that is to say that it comprises at least one zone, carrying such a bearing surface 101, sufficiently rigid to allow the handling of this cassette 1, and the maintenance of its accuracy of operation, as well as the dimensional accuracy of the center distances of functional components 10 that includes this cassette 1, during the assembly of the cassette 1, during its handling, and after its integration with the movement 100.

Functional components 10 are arranged between or on this plate 2 and this bridge 3. At least two of these functional components 10 are movable relative to each other.

At least one such pivotally movable functional component 10 is pivoted or displaced between platen 2 and bridge 3.

According to the invention, the lower plate 2 or / and the upper bridge 3 form a single-piece component that can not be dismantled with at least one of the functional members 10.

In a particular embodiment, at least one such functional component 10 is pivotably mounted between this plate 2 and this bridge 3 in which it is pivoted directly or by means of bearings.

In a particular embodiment, at least one such functional component 10 which is pivoted between the plate 2 and the bridge 3 forms a single-piece component that can not be dismounted with the lower plate 2 or / and the upper bridge 3.

In a particular embodiment, at least one such functional component 10 is pivotably mounted between this plate 2 and this bridge 3 in which it is pivoted directly or by means of bearings.

In the remainder of the present description we will highlight monolithic embodiments that are the most advantageous. This does not prevent the realization of a cassette according to the invention with certain components reported, which may be more advantageous in cost in some particular cases.

Advantageously, this unbreakable integral component 20 comprises intrinsic elastic return means for the execution of a function of energy distribution and / or regulation and / or return and / or damping and / or locking in a setting position.

In a particular embodiment, the intrinsic elastic return means comprise at least one bistable or multistable flexible element, as visible for example on the figure 16A , which shows a bistable element working in buckling, and having a comb 91 between two substantially aligned resilient blades 92 and 92A, the assembly being able to occupy two stable positions: a first armed position A where the comb 91 cooperates with a finger 84 of a mobile stud 82, and a second disarmed position B where it is disengaged.

In order to easily perform a pre-adjustment of such a cassette 1, at least one of the functional components 10 is adjustable in position and is immobilizable in a pre-set position by locking means.

In a particular application, more particularly illustrated in the figures, and in no way limiting, the cassette 1 is an exhaust mechanism cassette, and the functional components 10 are constituted by at least one regulating member 4, such as a rocker, pivoted between the plate 2 and the bridge 3 according to pivots 45 and 44, at least one escape wheel 5, first elastic return means 7, such as a spiral spring, and at least one intermittent locking means 6, such as an anchor, for the intermittent locking of this at least one escape wheel 5, and cooperating with this at least one regulating member 4, which is reciprocated under the action of the first elastic return means 7.

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

In a particular embodiment, as can be seen in particular on Figures 1 to 4 , the first elastic return means 7 form such a single-piece component which can not be dismounted with the upper bridge 3.

In a particular embodiment, the first elastic return means 7 comprise a spiral spring 71 whose outer end is fixed to a stud 73 integral with the upper bridge 3.

In the variant of the figure 3 , the first elastic return means 7 are thus constituted by a hairspring 71 which is made in one piece with a pin 73 to which it is attached by its outer turn 77. This pin 73 is itself made integrally with the bridge 3, to which it is connected by integral integral spring return means 75 integral with the pin 73 and the bridge 3. Preferably, the adjustment in position of this pin playing on the elasticity of the second elastic return means, is maintained by means blocking, not shown on the figure 3 but of which an example is found in figures 16 and 17 .

The adjustment of the active length of the outer turn of the hairspring 71 can be done in different ways.

In a variant, the outer coil 77 of the spiral spring 71 is gripped by two pins 74A, 74B, integral with the upper bridge 3.

In another variant, at least one of the pins 74 is fixed to the upper bridge 3 by second elastic return means 76 integral with the at least one pin 74A or 74B and the bridge 3, and which tend to bring it closer to the other pin 74B or 74A.

The figure 4 represents a variant of the execution of the figure 3 , where the hairspring 71 is also made in one piece with a pin 73, itself made integrally with the bridge 3, and where the outer end of the hairspring is pinched, at a distance from the pin 73, by pins 74A and 74B monobloc with the bridge 3, together constituting the equivalent of a racket 74 to modify the active length of the hairspring 71.

In an achievement without play, as visible on the figure 6 at least one of these pins 74A and 74B is connected to the bridge 3 by elastic return means 76 also integrated in the bridge 3. While the figure 5 illustrates an embodiment with a very slight clearance, in which, the radial adjustment, independent, the pins 74A and 74B makes it possible to adjust the isochronism of the movement in the different positions.

These elastic return means 76 are in particular constituted by one or more flexible elements, located either in the plane of the spiral 71, or in the plane of the bridge 3, or in any other plane. In an advantageous variant, the hairspring 71 and / or the pins 74A or 74B may be locally notched in order to allow the realization of a discrete type of adjustment notch notch.

In another variant, the hairspring 71 is held in such a flexible racket 74 with pins 74A and 74B, which racket 74 is integral with the bridge 3, without the hairspring 71 necessarily being integral with the pin 73 or with the bridge 3.

In a particular embodiment, the intermittent blocking means 6 form a single-piece component that can not be dismounted with the bottom plate 2.

In a conventional application, the intermittent blocking means 6 is an integral anchor 61 with the plate 2 to which it is connected by fourth elastic return means 65.

This anchor 61 has an upper portion 62 carrying pallets, horns and a stinger. In a particular embodiment, it is reported and fixed on a lower part 63 which is in the plane of the plate 2 to which it is connected by fourth elastic return means 65 which are also in the plane of the plate 2.

In another variant, the anchor 61 comprises an upper portion 62 carrying pallets, horns and a stinger in one or more parts 62A, 62B. This upper portion 62 is integral with a lower portion 63 and extends above it in the direction of the bridge 3. The lower portion 63 is in the plane of the plate 2 to which it is connected by fourth return means Elastic 65 which are also in the plane of the plate 2.

The Figures 7 to 10 more particularly illustrate this embodiment of an intermittent blocking means 6 constituted by an anchor 61, with an upper portion 62 carrying, at one end 62A of pallets cooperating with the escape wheel 5, and at another end of the stub 62B and horns cooperating with a plate 42 and a peg 43 of a balance 41.

In the variant of the figure 7 , the anchor 61 is made integrally with the plate 2 to which it is connected by integrated elastic return means 65.

In the variant of the figure 8 the anchor 61 has a foot 64 in the plane of the plate 2, as well as these integral elastic return means 65 which are also in the plane of the plate 2.

In the variant of the figure 9 , the upper portion 62 of the anchor 61 is attached to such a foot 63, and this upper portion 62 is not integral with the foot 63.

In the variant of the figure 10 , the anchor is in the plane of the plate, and has protrusions 62A and 62B such as paddles and respectively dard and horns, at least one upper level.

Advantageously, in these different variants, the plate 2 incorporates pins or stubs limitation of the travel of the anchor, which are monobloc with this plate 2.

In general, this incorporation of limiting elements, whether in the plate 2, the bridge 3, or another integral component unbreakable 20, is an advantage of the invention.

The design of cassettes 1 according to the invention comprising unmountable monoblock components 20 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 variant of the figure 11 at least one such pivotally movable functional component is pivoted, at least at one of its ends, in an upper pivot 44 or a lower pivot 45 housed in a bearing carrier 13. This bearing carrier 13 is connected to the plate 2 or / and the bridge 3 by fifth integrated elastic return means 14, which are integral with respectively the plate 2 and / or the bridge 3, 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 fifth elastic return means 14 allow a setting range, preferably they are associated with position locking means after adjustment, the present description gives an example in the particular case of the figure 16 or 17 . Advantageously, these position locking means are also made integrally with respectively the plate 2 and / or the bridge 3, and with the respective bearing holder 13.

In a particular embodiment visible on the figure 12 at least one such pivotally movable functional component is pivoted at an upper end into an upper pivot 44 housed in an upper element 3A of the bridge 3, and at a lower end in a lower pivot 45 housed in a lower element 2A of the plate 2. The upper element 3A of the bridge 3 and the lower element 2A of the plate 2 form a unitary assembly with a cross member 15 joining them to each other.

In a variant, the upper element 3A of the bridge 3 constitutes the whole of the bridge 3, or / and the lower element 2A of the plate 2 constitutes the whole of the plate 2.

In a particular achievement visible on Figures 14 and 15 , the plate 2 and the bridge 3 form a monobloc assembly with at least one element of link 16 resiliently deformable, and the plate 2 and the bridge 3 are movable between a close position ( figure 15 ) where they are separated by a minimum distance EMIN and a distant position ( figure 14 ) where they are separated by a maximum distance EMAX.

To maintain the operating position corresponding to the minimum distance EMIN, the plate 2 comprises clipping means 22 arranged to cooperate, only in the close position, with clipping means complementary 32 that includes the bridge 3, for the maintenance of platinum 2 and bridge 3 in the close position.

Preferably, the plate 2 then comprises guide means 21 cooperating, in any position, with complementary guide means 31 that the bridge 3 comprises, for a parallel relative displacement of the plate 2 relative to the bridge 3.

In a particular embodiment, the cassette 1 comprises at least one such functional component 10 pivotally movable between a lower pivot 45 secured to the plate 2 and an upper pivot 44 secured to the bridge 3, between which the pivotally movable functional component 10 is inserted. freely in the remote position, and between which it is mounted prisoner axially and free to pivot in the close position.

For a particularly advantageous application to an adjustable and lockable mechanism, particularly reversibly, but which can also be immobilized (particularly irreversibly) after initial adjustment, at least one such unbreakable integral component 20 comprises an adjustable mechanism in position 80 . The Figures 16 and 16A illustrate a non-limiting application to the angular positioning of a peg 82 for holding a hairspring.

This adjustable mechanism in position 80 comprises a rigid structure 81 which carries, via at least one resilient blade 83, an adjustable component in position 82. This rigid structure 81 may be plate 2, bridge 3, or one of the integral components unbreakable 20 that includes the cassette 1.

In the case of figure 16 this adjustable component in position 82 comprises indexing means 84, which are arranged to cooperate with complementary indexing means 91, here constituted by a comb, or a toothed sector, which comprises an adjustment mechanism 90. These means indexing complementary 91 are mounted disengageable indexing means 84. They are still lockable in the cooperation position by a locking mechanism 94.

This locking mechanism 94 is resiliently fastened to the structure 81 by at least one flexible element 96, and is preferably itself subjected to the action of a locking mechanism which allows it to occupy, or a position disengaged in which the adjustment mechanism 90 is free, or an engaged position in which the blocking mechanism 94 obstructs the adjustment mechanism 90. This locking mechanism comprises at least one flexible element 98 springing and elastically fixed to the structure 81, this at less a flexible element 98 here comprises a spout 99 which cooperates with a spout 97 of the blocker 94 to keep the blocker spread 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 latter is shaped fork, so as to limit the stroke of an arm 93 that includes the comb 91.

The figure 16A illustrates a similar example where the comb 91 is held between two substantially aligned flexible blades 92 and 92A, and forms a bistable component, working in buckling substantially aligned, the assembly can occupy two stable positions: a first armed position A where the comb 91 cooperates with a finger 84 of a mobile peg 82, and a second disarmed position B where it is disengaged.

The figure 17 illustrates a similar 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 adjusting a stud in a race concentric to the axis of a spiral, is applicable to a wide variety of applications: positioning of a bearing, a stop, or other.

In a particular embodiment, visible on the figure 18 , the cassette 1 comprises a unitary structure that can not be dismantled 11 having pivot points 12 aligned in pairs for the reception of component pivots of the mechanism incorporated in the cassette 1, in particular an escape mechanism. This structure 11 comprises at least one frame 17.

In the non-limiting variant of Figures 18, 19, and 20 , the plate 2 and the bridge 3 form, with at least one crosspiece 15, such a frame 17 integrally dimensionally stable housing 460 which are aligned in pairs each time for the reception of a shaft 47 of such a functional component 10 and the cassette 1 further comprises at least one cover 18, which is arranged to cooperate with the frame 17 for, in the closed position of the cover 18 on the frame 17, to enclose at minimum clearance each such shaft 47 of each functional component 10 pivotally movable that includes the cassette 1. Advantageously, the cover 18 is fixed irreversibly on the frame 17 to form the integral structure 11 unmountable.

This architecture of the figure 18 , incorporating platinum and bridge, is a particular example, 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 a time.

Advantageously, the cassette 1 comprises flexible means of catching clearance, to lock without play each such shaft 47 of each such functional component 10 pivotally movable that includes the cassette 1. The figure 20A illustrates an embodiment of the cover 18 with elastic lips 18A performing this play catch.

In an advantageous embodiment, the cassette 1 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 the stones 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.

The Figures 21 to 23 illustrate cassettes, feasible silicon or "Liga" multi-level, where the plate 2 and the bridge 3 together form a monolithic component with at least one cross 15. According to the configuration, this assembly incorporates all or part of the guide bearings of mobile trees:

• 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 lower plate 2 or / and the upper bridge 3, and / or the frame 17, forms such a non-removable integral component 20 with at least one anti-shock bearing for receiving a pivot a component of the mechanism incorporated in the cassette 1, in particular an escape mechanism.

In the particular realization of the figure 24 at least one such functional component 10 that comprises the cassette 1, is pivotally movable between a lower pivot 45 secured to the plate 2 and an upper pivot 44 integral with the bridge 3, and at least one such lower pivot 45 or greater 44 is made integrally with the plate 2 or with the bridge 3 and has a revolution range 46 for the radial retention of a shaft 47 of the functional component 10 pivotally movable, and a front surface 49 for the axial limitation of the end of this shaft 47. The revolution range 46 and the front span 49 are preferably carried together by an elastic shock absorber 48 also integral with them. In a variant, it is at least the elastic shock absorber 48 which is integral with the plate 2, while the revolution range 46 and the front span 49 are, each, or monoblock with the plate 2, or reported on it (stones or similar).

Anti-shock can thus be partially or completely made in the plate: the spring of the shock can be achieved in common with the plate. 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 can be made directly in 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 unbreakable integral component 20 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 a particular embodiment, at least one of the mobile functional components that comprises the cassette 1 is secured to at least one linear flexible guide which is integral with the plate 2 and / or the bridge 3.

In another particular embodiment, all the mobile functional components that comprise the cassette 1 are each secured to at least one linear flexible guide which is integral with the plate 2 and / or said bridge 3.

In an advantageous embodiment of the cassette 1 according to the invention, the unbreakable monobloc component 20 is made of micro-machinable material, or silicon, or oxidized silicon, and the intrinsic elastic return means of the unbreakable monobloc component 20 are prestressed in an oxidized state of 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. Diamond, ruby, corundum, can also be used.

A particular structuring of the plate 2, or / and the bridge 3, and / or unmountable monoblock components 20, may make it possible to compensate for the effects of the expansion of these structural elements, or of the components of the mechanism of the cassette 1. it is possible, for example, to make the silicon plate and then to oxidize it, in order to work coherently.

Claims (18)

1. Timepiece mechanism cassette (1) including at least one bearing surface (101) for positioning the cassette in a movement (100) and at least one bottom plate (2) and one top bar (3), at least said plate (2) or said bar (3) being rigid, between or on which there are arranged functional components (10) at least two of which are movable relative to each other, and between said plate (2) and said bar (3) there is pivoted or moved at least one said pivotally or shiftably movable functional component (10), wherein said bottom plate (2) and said top bar (3) form an inseparable single-piece component (20) with at least one of said functional members (10), and form a single-piece assembly with at least one elastically deformable connecting element (16), and where said plate (2) and bar (3) are movable between a proximate position where they are separated by a minimum distance (EMIN) and a distal position where they are separated by a maximum distance (EMAX), characterized in that said plate (2) includes snap fit means (22) arranged to cooperate, in the proximate position only, with a complementary snap fit means (32) comprised in said bar (3) for holding said plate (2) and bar (3) in the proximate position.
2. Cassette (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said plate (2) includes a guide means (21) cooperating, in any position, with a complementary guide means (31) comprised in said bar (3), for a parallel relative movement of said plate (2) with respect to said bar (3).
3. Cassette (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that that it includes at least one said pivotally movable functional component (10) between a bottom pivot (45) integral with said plate (2) and a top pivot (44) integral with said bar (3), between which said pivotally movable functional component (10) is freely inserted in the distal position, and between which it is mounted, axially confined and free to pivot in the proximate position.
4. Cassette (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one said inseparable single-piece component (20) includes a position adjustable mechanism (80) including a rigid structure (81) which carries, via at least one elastic strip (83), a position adjustable component (82) which includes an indexing means (84) arranged to cooperate with a complementary indexing means (91) comprised in an adjustment mechanism (90), said complementary indexing means (91) being detachably mounted to said indexing means (84) and lockable in a cooperating position by a clamping mechanism (94) resiliently secured to said structure (81), and where said clamping mechanism (94) is subject to the action of a locking mechanism (98) which allows said clamping mechanism (94) to occupy either a detached position in which said adjustment mechanism (90) is free, or an engaged position in which clamping mechanism (94) hinders said adjustment mechanism (90), said locking mechanism (98) also resiliently secured to said structure (81).
5. Cassette (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette is an escapement mechanism cassette, and in that said functional components (10) are formed by at least one regulator member (4) pivoted between said plate (2) and said bar (3) on pivots (45; 44), at least one escape wheel (5), a first elastic return means (7), and at least one means (6) of intermittently locking said at least one escape wheel (5) cooperating with said at least one regulator member (4) which is moved in a reciprocating motion under the action of the first elastic return means (7).
6. Cassette (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first elastic return means (7) forms a said inseparable single-piece component (20) with said top bar (3).
7. Cassette (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said intermittent locking means (6) forms a said inseparable single-piece component (20) with said bottom plate (2).
8. Cassette (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said cassette (1) includes an inseparable single-piece frame (11) including pivot points (12) aligned in pairs for receiving pivots of components of said escapement mechanism.
9. Cassette (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said bottom plate (2) and/or said top bar (3) forms a said inseparable single-piece component (20) with at least one shockproof bearing for receiving a pivot of a component of said escapement mechanism.
10. Cassette (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said first elastic return means (7) includes a balance spring (71) whose outer end is fixed to a balance spring stud (73) in a single piece with said top bar (3).
11. Cassette (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said stud (73) is fixed to said top bar (3) by a second elastic return means (75) in a single piece with said stud (73) and said bar (3).
12. Cassette (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said outer coil (77) of said balance spring (71) is clamped by two pins (74) in a single-piece with said top bar (3).
13. Cassette (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of said pins (74) is secured to said top bar (3) by a second elastic return means (76) which is in a single piece with said at least one pin (74) and said bar (3), and which tends to move said pin closer to the other said pin (74).
14. Cassette (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said intermittent locking means (6) is a pallet lever (61) in a single-piece with said plate (2) to which said lever is connected by a fourth elastic return means (65).
15. Cassette (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said pallet lever (61) includes a top part (62) carrying pallet stones, horns and a dart, and which is added and secured to a bottom part (63), which is in the plane of said plate (2) to which said pallet lever is connected by a fourth elastic return means (65) which is also in the plane of said plate (2).
16. Cassette (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that said pallet lever (61) includes a top part (62) carrying pallet stones, horns and a dart in one of more parts (62A; 62B), and which is in a single piece with a bottom part (63) and extends thereabove towards said bar (3), said bottom part (63) is in the plane of said plate (2) and is connected thereto by a fourth elastic return means (65) which is also in the plane of said plate (2).
17. Cassette (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inseparable single-piece component (20) is made of silicon, and said elastic return means comprised in said inseparable single-piece component (20) are pre-stressed in an oxidised state of said silicon.
18. Mechanical timepiece movement (100) including at least one cassette (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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