EP2798413A2 - Spring for clock movement - Google Patents

Spring for clock movement

Info

Publication number
EP2798413A2
EP2798413A2 EP12813874.0A EP12813874A EP2798413A2 EP 2798413 A2 EP2798413 A2 EP 2798413A2 EP 12813874 A EP12813874 A EP 12813874A EP 2798413 A2 EP2798413 A2 EP 2798413A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spring
frame
watch
curve
intended
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP12813874.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2798413B1 (en
Inventor
Christian Fleury
Blaise FRACHEBOUD
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rolex SA
Original Assignee
Rolex SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rolex SA filed Critical Rolex SA
Priority to EP12813874.0A priority Critical patent/EP2798413B1/en
Publication of EP2798413A2 publication Critical patent/EP2798413A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2798413B1 publication Critical patent/EP2798413B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
    • G04B11/02—Devices allowing the motion of a rotatable part in only one direction
    • G04B11/028—Devices allowing the motion of a rotatable part in only one direction with friction member, e.g. click spring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
    • G04B11/006—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in only one direction (free running devices)
    • G04B11/008—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in only one direction (free running devices) with friction members, e.g. click springs or jumper
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/24—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars
    • G04B19/243—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator
    • G04B19/247—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator disc-shaped
    • G04B19/253—Driving or releasing mechanisms
    • G04B19/25333—Driving or releasing mechanisms wherein the date indicators are driven or released mechanically by a clockwork movement
    • G04B19/25353—Driving or releasing mechanisms wherein the date indicators are driven or released mechanically by a clockwork movement driven or released stepwise by the clockwork movement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/24—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars
    • G04B19/243—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator
    • G04B19/247—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator disc-shaped
    • G04B19/253—Driving or releasing mechanisms
    • G04B19/25333—Driving or releasing mechanisms wherein the date indicators are driven or released mechanically by a clockwork movement
    • G04B19/25373—Driving or releasing mechanisms wherein the date indicators are driven or released mechanically by a clockwork movement driven or released stepwise by an energy source which is released at determined moments by the clockwork movement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G5/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
    • G05G5/06—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member for holding members in one or a limited number of definite positions only
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20576—Elements
    • Y10T74/20636—Detents

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a spring for a watch mechanism or a clock mechanism spring.
  • the invention also relates to a clock mechanism, including a calendar mechanism, a correction mechanism or a notching mechanism, comprising such a spring.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a spring or such a mechanism.
  • the watch mechanisms are generally provided with springs, levers and cams which are provided to cooperate to perform various functions of a watch movement. Energy, taken from the motor or provided by the wearer of the wristwatch, is thus accumulated and returned by the springs so as to guarantee the functions, all in a limited volume.
  • the horological designs are thus frequently constrained by the size that leads to spring geometries in which the mechanical stresses are very important compared to the forces to be provided. In some cases, it is possible to implement "son" springs. However, the dimensional tolerances are particularly tight and the bending tolerances are very difficult to guarantee, which makes the industrial and repeatable production of such springs problematic.
  • Document EP2309346 discloses a dragging calendar mechanism whose date can be corrected quickly by means of a notching device established by a lever-spring provided to cooperate with a cam. It is specified that this lever-spring is mounted integral with a driving wheel for an axis 28 and a pivot 30. The latter has two distinct pivot points and disposed below the lever. The geometric configuration of this spring is such that it requires to strongly constrain the spring to allow it to deliver a mechanical action of given intensity.
  • Document EP0360963A1 discloses a mechanism with two time zones. The setting of a second time zone relative to the reference time zone is also effected by means of a notching device established by a lever-spring provided to cooperate with a cam. This lever-spring is pivotally mounted around two separate axes and disposed below the lever. The geometrical configuration of this spring is such that it requires to strongly constrain the spring to allow it to deliver a mechanical action of given intensity.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a clock mechanism spring to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and improve the known springs of the prior art.
  • the invention provides a spring for minimizing the mechanical stresses it undergoes when it is loaded while being able to be housed in a given space.
  • the watch mechanism spring comprises a body extending between a first end of the spring and a second end of the spring.
  • the spring is intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends.
  • the spring comprises, between the first and the second end, at least one member intended to act by contact on an element of the watch mechanism.
  • the spring comprises a first mechanical connecting element at the frame at the first end and a second mechanical connecting element to the frame at the second end.
  • the spring is intended to be linked via a pivot connection to the frame at the first end and the spring is intended to be connected via a pivot connection to the frame at the second end.
  • the first mechanical connecting element and the second mechanical connecting element are pivot connecting elements.
  • a clock mechanism is defined by claim 1 1.
  • a watch movement is defined by claim 14.
  • a timepiece is defined by claim 15.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a timepiece comprising a first variant of a watch spring according to the invention occupying a first configuration.
  • Figure 2 is a view of the first variant of the watch spring according to the invention occupying a second configuration.
  • Figure 3 is a view of a second variant of a watch spring according to the invention occupying a first configuration.
  • Figure 4 is a view of the second variant of the watch spring according to the invention occupying a second configuration.
  • FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating two characteristics torque (C) - angular displacement ( ⁇ ) of the first and second variants of the spring according to the invention, the same coefficient of friction existing between each spring and the parts on which it is mounted. The maximum stresses within these springs, for a given material, are also annotated for each of their extreme position.
  • Figure 6 is a view of a calendar mechanism equipped with a third variant of a watch spring according to the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a view of the third variant of the watch spring according to the invention.
  • Figure 8 is a view of a fourth variant of a watch spring according to the invention.
  • a timepiece 300 according to the invention is described below with reference to FIG.
  • the timepiece is for example a watch, including a wristwatch.
  • the timepiece comprises a watch movement 200, in particular a watch movement of the mechanical type.
  • the watch movement comprises a mechanism 100, in particular a mechanism including an element 19 and a spring 10.
  • a first variant of the spring 10 for a clock mechanism or a clock mechanism spring is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2.
  • the spring is for example used in a watch mechanism of the rapid correction device type of a time indication.
  • the spring 10 is for example provided to cooperate by contact action on an element 19 of the clock mechanism to generate a detent during the correction so as to allow the adjustment of a time indication by a predefined angular pitch.
  • the spring is intended to be mounted on a frame.
  • the spring 10 comprises a body January 1 which extends between a first end 12 of the spring and a second end 13 of the spring.
  • the body 1 1 of the spring 10 has a zone 14 of substantially rectangular section strongly deformable under an action of a given intensity. This zone is located between the points 12a and 13a of the respective ends 12 and 13 beyond which the section of the body 1 1 of the spring 10 can vary substantially.
  • the zone 14 does not generally comprise the connecting elements 15 and 16 of the respective ends 12 and 13.
  • the curve 18 along which the zone 14 of the body 11 extends between the points 12a and 13a is preferably a circular curve or substantially circular inside which is the center of gravity 1 1 g of the body 1 1 of the spring.
  • This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 1 1 g of the body 1 1 of the spring. However, the curve may locally present one or more convexities.
  • Curve 18 is also preferably a planar curve.
  • the body of the spring or the spring extends in a plane.
  • the first end of the spring can be oriented in a first plane and the second end can be oriented in a second plane.
  • the foreground and the second shot are not necessarily parallel.
  • the axis of a first connecting element is perpendicular to the first plane and the axis of a second connecting element is perpendicular to the second plane.
  • the first connecting element provided on the spring cooperates with another connecting element on the frame to form a pivot connection between the spring and the frame.
  • second connecting element provided on the spring cooperates with another connecting element on the frame to form a pivot connection between the spring and the frame.
  • the spring comprises, between the first 12 and the second end 13, a member 17 intended to act by contact on the element 19 of the watch mechanism which is preferably movable relative to the frame.
  • the element 19 is for example a star 19 rotatable about its center
  • the member 17 is for example a finger 17 projecting on the body 1 1 of the spring. This finger comprises a contact surface intended to act by contact on the star 19.
  • the member 17 is oriented towards the inside of the curve of the body of the spring seen from the center of gravity of the body of the spring.
  • the spring is intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends by the first and second pivot links, respectively. More particularly, the spring comprises a first pivot connecting element to the frame at the first end 12 and a second pivot connecting member 16 to the frame at the second end 13.
  • the first connecting element preferably comprises a bore Or a bore portion for receiving an axis mounted on the frame.
  • the second connecting member preferably comprises a bore or a bore portion 16 for receiving an axis mounted on the frame.
  • a connecting element comprises a bore portion
  • the spring can be engaged on an axis fixed to the frame.
  • the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element is of the order of 2 mm and the thickness E measured at the ends 12 and 13 is of the order of 0.2 mm.
  • the thickness E of the spring is measured perpendicularly to the plane of FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the angle ⁇ formed by the two half-lines originating in the center of gravity 1 1 g of the body 1 1 of the spring and passing through the axis the first connecting element 15 and the axis of the second connecting element 16 is of the order of 60 °.
  • the star When turning the star of the configuration of Figure 1 to that of Figure 2, the star acts by contact on the finger 17 of the spring. There is an elastic deformation of the spring which stores mechanical energy. There are also rotations at the ends of the spring. Conversely, when the star of the configuration of FIG. 2 continues to rotate with that of FIG. 1, it is the finger 17 which acts by contact on the star 19. The spring then restores the energy that he had stored, and rotations occur at the ends of the spring.
  • the spring is intended to store mechanical energy because of its deformation under the effect of a motor member or the user and to restore this energy or a portion of this energy to the element 19, in particular by the contact of the member 17 on the element 19. This energy return allows to drive or to activate or actuate the element or mechanism.
  • the restored energy takes the form of a mechanical work actuating or setting in motion or moving the element 19.
  • the spring can be mounted prestressed on the frame in a configuration where it does not act on the element 19 or in a configuration where the intensity of its contact action on the element 19 is minimal.
  • the angular rigidity of the spring is optimized so that the spring produces a range of torque or force adapted for example to the notching function as described. previously, and that the mechanical stresses therein are lower than the maximum allowable stress of the material constituting the spring.
  • the two pivot connections of the spring make it possible to minimize the mechanical stresses that the spring undergoes when it is stressed.
  • Such a spring is particularly advantageous in view of the small size it requires. Moreover, such a spring is also particularly suitable for industrial production. More particularly, by the two pivot links of the spring, the angular stiffness of the spring is optimized so that the zone 14 of the body 1 1 of the spring 10 has a section adapted to an industrial manufacturing process.
  • the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second link element can be minimized.
  • the distance D may in particular be reduced to the minimum distance required between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element facing the thickness E of the spring and the residual material walls measured at its two ends.
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second variant of a spring 20 which may, for example, have the same functions as the spring 10 described above.
  • the spring 20 is also used in a rapid correction device for a time indication.
  • the spring 20 is for example designed to cooperate by contact action on a star 29 of a mechanism watchmaker, identical to the star 19, to generate a notch during the correction so as to allow the adjustment of a time indication by a predefined angular step.
  • the star acts by contact on the finger 27 of the spring.
  • There is an elastic deformation of the spring which stores mechanical energy.
  • the star of the configuration of FIG. 4 continues to rotate with that of FIG. 3, it is the finger 27 that acts by contact on the star 29.
  • the spring restores the energy that he had stored, and rotations occur at the ends of the spring.
  • the spring 20 once mounted on the frame, the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element, is order of 1 mm and the thickness E measured at the ends 22 and 23 is of the order of 0.2 mm within the spring 20 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the thickness E of the spring is measured perpendicularly to the plane of the figures 3 and 4.
  • the curve 28, seen from the center of gravity 21 g of the body 21 of the spring, extends over an arc a of the order of 210 ° within the spring 20 illustrated in the configuration of FIG.
  • angle ⁇ formed by the two half-lines originating from the center of gravity 21 g of the body 21 of the spring and passing respectively through the ends 22 and 23, in particular by the axis of the first connecting element 25 and the axis of the second connecting element 26 is of the order of 45 ° within the illustrated spring 10 in the configuration of Figure 3.
  • Simulations making it possible to establish the torque characteristic C - angular displacement ⁇ of the spring 10 and the spring 20, and making it possible to evaluate the stresses ⁇ within these springs have been realized.
  • the results shown in FIG. 5 show the influence of the distance D on the torques and mechanical stresses of the springs 10 and 20. For a given coefficient of friction as well as a given material such as a spring steel, a constraint is computed.
  • the element 19, 29 moves at least 10 °, or even at least 15 °, or even at least 20 °, or even at least 30 °, relative to the constructed during a transition from a configuration of maximum stress in the spring to a configuration of minimum stress in the spring.
  • This displacement takes place under the effect of the return of the mechanical energy stored in the spring, especially in the form of mechanical work.
  • the finger 17, 27 can move by at least 5 °, or even at least 10 °, about the axis of a connecting element 25.
  • a third embodiment of a spring 30 for a watch mechanism is described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • the spring 30 is for example used in a calendar device shown in FIG. 6.
  • the spring 30 is example provided for cooperating by contact action on an element 1 of the calendar device to generate a drive of a day display disk (not shown in Figure 6). It allows to advantageously replace a conventional drive finger associated with an additional spring may clog too heavily the clock mechanism.
  • the third variant of the spring differs from the first variant only by the elements which are described below.
  • the spring 30 comprises a body 31 which extends between a first end 32 of the spring and a second end 33 of the spring.
  • the spring comprises, between the first and the second end, a member 37, in particular a driving finger 37, intended to act by contact on the element 1 of the watch mechanism.
  • the body 31 of the spring has a zone 34 of substantially rectangular section which is highly deformable under an action of a given intensity. This zone is located between the points 32a and 33a of the respective ends 32 and 33 beyond which the section of the body 31 of the spring 30 can vary substantially.
  • the zone 34 does not generally comprise the connecting elements 35 and 36 of the respective ends 32 and 33.
  • the curve 38 along which the zone 34 of the body 31 extends between the points 32a and 33a is preferably a circular curve or substantially circular inside which is the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring.
  • This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring.
  • This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring.
  • the curve may locally present one or more convexities.
  • Curve 38 is also preferably a planar curve.
  • the body of the spring or the spring extends according to a plane.
  • the first end of the spring can be oriented in a first plane and the second end can be oriented in a second plane.
  • the foreground and the second shot are not necessarily parallel.
  • the axis of the first connecting element is perpendicular to the first plane and the axis of the second connecting element is perpendicular to the second plane.
  • the member 37 is oriented outwardly of the curve of the spring body seen from the center of gravity of the spring body.
  • the spring is intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends by the first and second pivot links, respectively. More particularly, the spring comprises a first pivot connecting element to the frame at the first end 32 and a second connecting element 36 pivoting to the frame at the second end 33.
  • the first connecting element preferably comprises a bore Or a bore portion for receiving an axis mounted on the frame.
  • the second connecting element preferably comprises a bore or a bore portion 36 for receiving an axis mounted on the frame.
  • a connecting element comprises a bore portion
  • the spring can be engaged on an axis fixed to the frame.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a spring 30, in a given configuration, which has the characteristics mentioned below.
  • the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element 35 and the axis of the second connecting element 36 is minimized and is of the order of 1 mm.
  • the thickness E measured at the ends 32 and 33, and measured perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7, is of the order of 0.2 mm.
  • the angle on which the curve 38 extends is of the order of 215 °.
  • the angle ⁇ formed by the two half-lines originating in the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring and passing through the axis of the first connecting element 35 and the axis of the second connecting element 36 is the order of 30 °.
  • the frame 3 is for example constituted by a wheel 3.
  • the element 1 is movable relative to the frame 3.
  • the element is a star of the days moving in rotation around its center with respect to a structure on which is also rotatably mounted the wheel 3.
  • Star 1 comprises seven teeth 1a and carries the day display disc (not shown in FIG. 6).
  • the toothing 1 of this star 1 is indexed angularly through a spout 2 and is driven instantaneously, every 24 hours at the time of midnight, through the drive wheel 3.
  • This device is accompanied a fast correction mechanism consisting of a corrector 4 and a correction wheel 4 'integral with the star 1.
  • the corrector 4 When this mechanism is activated, the corrector 4 is positioned so that its toothing can mesh in one direction the toothing of the correction wheel 4 '.
  • the indication of the days is corrected only in chronological sense.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates this timing mechanism in a configuration in which the driving finger 37 is positioned and held within the toothing 1a by means of a rocker 8, a roller 8a of which is applied against a stop curve 6c of a cam 6. More particularly, FIG. 6 illustrates the finger 37 in a position in which it must be able to retract over an entire angular step of the star 1, ie about 50 °, during a rapid correction of the indication of days.
  • the retractable finger must be able to support a rotation around the first mechanical connecting element 35 over a large angular extent of the order of 50 °, while having constraints within it lower than those which are admissible by the material constituting it.
  • the spring 30 plates the finger 37 against a pin 40 so that the finger 37 behaves like a rigid finger to ensure the jump of the indication of the days.
  • the spring is slightly pre-armed during assembly.
  • the spring is shown after mounting, in particular by plugging the second end on an axis 36 '.
  • the torque produced by the spring also allows the finger 37 to stop the star of days after the date jump, and thus avoids any risk of double jump.
  • the finger 37 pivots a value of about 50 ° around the pivot around the pin 35 '.
  • the other pivot, around the pin 39 allows him to generate such a movement of the finger 37 while limiting the deformation of the spring.
  • the constraints, during complete retraction of the finger 37 thus remain below the elastic limit of the spring material.
  • the angular rigidity of the spring is optimized so that the movement of the finger 37 is maximized.
  • the two pivot connections of the spring make it possible to minimize the mechanical stresses that the spring undergoes when it is stressed. These constraints are all minimized as the distance between the two pivot links of the spring is minimized.
  • the member 37 is preferably close to one of the two ends 32 and 33 of the spring so as to define a continuous deformable zone 34 whose extent is maximized between the points 32a and 32b of the spring.
  • the position of the element on which the spring acts and the position of at least one of the two ends of the spring are fixed, it may be advantageous to interrupt the deformable zone of the spring by the rigid member capable of coming into contact with the element on which the spring acts.
  • this configuration can be quite satisfactory for minimizing the stresses within the spring in a given configuration.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth variant embodiment of a spring 50 which may, for example, have the same functions as the spring 30 described above.
  • the spring 50 comprises, between the first and the second end, a member 57 intended to act by contact on an element of a watch mechanism.
  • the body 51 of the spring has a zone 54 of substantially rectangular section strongly deformable under an action of a given intensity.
  • This zone 54 consists of two parts which are delimited by the member 57.
  • This zone is located between the points 52a and 53a of the respective ends 52 and 53 beyond which the section of the body 51 of the spring 50 can vary substantially.
  • the curve 58 along which extends the zone 54 of the body 51 between the points 52a and 53a is preferably a circular curve 58 or substantially circular inside which is the center of gravity 51 g of the body 51 of the spring. This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 51 g of the body 51 of the spring.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a spring 50, in a given configuration, which has the characteristics mentioned below.
  • the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element 65 and the axis of the second connecting element 66 is of the order of 1 mm.
  • the thickness E measured at the ends 62 and 63, and measured perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 8, is of the order of 0.2 mm.
  • the angle at which the curve 68 extends is of the order of 265 °.
  • the angle ⁇ formed by the two half-lines originating from the center of gravity 61 g of the body 61 of the spring and passing through the axis of the first connecting element 65 and the axis of the second connecting element 66, is the order of 25 °.
  • the proximity of the centers of the mechanical connection elements allows a low angular rigidity, allows to perform a large angular stroke without exceeding the allowable stress.
  • the distance between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element is preferably less than 5 mm, or even less than 2 mm. , or less than 1 mm, and / or less than 8 times the thickness of the ends of the spring, or even less than 6 times the thickness of the ends of the spring.
  • the spring comprises, between the first and the second end, at least one member intended to act by contact on an element of the watch mechanism.
  • the spring generally has an annular shape having an opening.
  • the curve 18, 28, 38, 58 is preferably a flat curve.
  • the body of the spring or the spring extends in a plane.
  • the first end of the spring can be oriented in a first plane and the second end can be oriented in a second plane.
  • the foreground and the second shot are not necessarily parallel.
  • the axis of the first connecting element is perpendicular to the first plane and the axis of the second connecting element is perpendicular to the second plane.
  • the curve 18, 28, 38, 58 according to which extends the zone 14, 24, 34, 54 of the body 1 1, 21, 31, 51 between the points 12a, 22a, 32a , 52a and 13a, 23a, 33a, 53a is preferably a circular or substantially circular curve within which is the center of gravity 1 1 g, 31 g, 51 g of the body 1 1, 31, 51 spring .
  • This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 11 g, 21 g, 31 g, 51 g of the body 1 1, 21, 31, 51 of the spring.
  • the curve may locally present one or more convexities.
  • this curve seen from the center of gravity of the body of the spring, extends over an arc of an angular range a greater than 200 ° or 220 °.
  • the centers of gravity 1 1 g, 21 g, 31 g, 51 g of the bodies of the springs 10, 20, 30, 50 can be the centers of gravity of the curves passing through the centers of the straight sections of the springs and connecting the axes connecting elements.
  • the spring can be made of different materials. It may in particular be made of spring steel, silicon, nickel, nickel-phosphorus or amorphous metal alloy.
  • the spring can be made for example by a mechanical process such as stamping or wire cutting.
  • the spring can also be made by stereolithography, by a LIGA process, by a DRIE etching process, or by a laser etching process. These production methods make it possible in particular to produce small thicknesses of material at the level of the connecting elements, which allows closer to the axes of the mechanical connection elements.
  • the member intended to act by contact on an element of the watch mechanism may have a thickness different from that of the other parts of the spring.
  • the spring according to the invention may have zones of different thicknesses.
  • the monobloc spring maximizes the energy accumulated during its charging while limiting the stresses within it.
  • the spring provides the forces necessary to perform various horological functions in a given volume. To do this, the one-piece spring has two distinct and close pivots.
  • the spring optimally.
  • the distance between the axes of the connecting elements directly depends on the minimum thicknesses of material achievable by the production method.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement or a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising a watch mechanism as described above or a spring as described above.
  • the term “spring” has been used to designate a monobloc element comprising a first part highly deformable under an action of a given intensity and a second part, particularly at the level of the organ, weakly deformable, or even deformable under this same action. This was done by analogy with other uses of the term “spring”.
  • the term “spring” is also customarily used to designate a helical spring biased in tension and terminated by a hook at each of these ends.
  • a coil spring comprises a first portion (helically shaped) strongly deformable under an action of a given intensity and a second portion (the hooks) weakly deformable, or even deformable, under this same action.
  • body or “spring body” refers to the spring itself, that is to say the material forming the spring.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

Spring (30) for clock mechanism, the spring comprising a body (31) extending between a first end (32) of the spring and a second end (33) of the spring, the spring being intended to be mechanically connected to a housing at each of the first and second ends, the spring comprising, between the first and the second end, at least one member (37) intended to act by contact on an element of the clock mechanism.

Description

Ressort pour mouvement horloger.  Spring for watch movement.
L'invention concerne un ressort pour un mécanisme horloger ou un ressort de mécanisme horloger. L'invention concerne aussi un mécanisme horloger, notamment un mécanisme de calendrier, un mécanisme de correction ou un mécanisme de crantage, comprenant un tel ressort. L'invention concerne aussi un mouvement horloger comprenant un tel ressort ou un tel mécanisme. Les mécanismes horlogers sont généralement dotés de ressorts, de leviers et de cames qui sont prévus pour coopérer afin d'accomplir diverses fonctions d'un mouvement horloger. De l'énergie, prélevée à l'organe moteur ou bien fournie par le porteur de la montre-bracelet, est ainsi accumulée et restituée par les ressorts de façon à garantir les fonctions, le tout dans un volume limité. Les conceptions horlogères sont ainsi fréquemment contraintes par l'encombrement qui conduit à des géométries de ressort dans lesquelles les contraintes mécaniques sont très importantes en regard des forces à fournir. Dans certains cas de figure, il est possible de mettre en œuvre des ressorts « fils ». Cependant, les tolérances dimensionnelles sont particulièrement serrées et les tolérances de pliage sont très difficiles à garantir, ce qui rend problématique la production industrielle et répétable de tels ressorts. The invention relates to a spring for a watch mechanism or a clock mechanism spring. The invention also relates to a clock mechanism, including a calendar mechanism, a correction mechanism or a notching mechanism, comprising such a spring. The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a spring or such a mechanism. The watch mechanisms are generally provided with springs, levers and cams which are provided to cooperate to perform various functions of a watch movement. Energy, taken from the motor or provided by the wearer of the wristwatch, is thus accumulated and returned by the springs so as to guarantee the functions, all in a limited volume. The horological designs are thus frequently constrained by the size that leads to spring geometries in which the mechanical stresses are very important compared to the forces to be provided. In some cases, it is possible to implement "son" springs. However, the dimensional tolerances are particularly tight and the bending tolerances are very difficult to guarantee, which makes the industrial and repeatable production of such springs problematic.
On connaît du document EP2309346 un mécanisme de calendrier traînant dont la date peut être corrigée rapidement par le biais d'un dispositif de crantage établi par un levier-ressort prévu pour coopérer avec une came. Il est précisé que ce levier-ressort est monté solidaire d'une roue menante pour un axe 28 et par un pivot 30. Ce dernier présente deux points de pivotements distincts et disposés en deçà du levier. La configuration géométrique de ce ressort est telle qu'elle nécessite de contraindre fortement le ressort pour permettre qu'il délivre une action mécanique d'intensité donnée. Document EP2309346 discloses a dragging calendar mechanism whose date can be corrected quickly by means of a notching device established by a lever-spring provided to cooperate with a cam. It is specified that this lever-spring is mounted integral with a driving wheel for an axis 28 and a pivot 30. The latter has two distinct pivot points and disposed below the lever. The geometric configuration of this spring is such that it requires to strongly constrain the spring to allow it to deliver a mechanical action of given intensity.
On connaît du document EP0360963A1 un mécanisme à deux fuseaux horaires. Le réglage d'un deuxième fuseau horaire relativement au fuseau horaire de référence s'effectue également par le biais d'un dispositif de crantage établi par un levier-ressort prévu pour coopérer avec une came. Ce levier-ressort est monté pivotant autour de deux axes distincts et disposés en deçà du levier. La configuration géométrique de ce ressort est telle qu'elle nécessite de contraindre fortement le ressort pour permettre qu'il délivre une action mécanique d'intensité donnée. Document EP0360963A1 discloses a mechanism with two time zones. The setting of a second time zone relative to the reference time zone is also effected by means of a notching device established by a lever-spring provided to cooperate with a cam. This lever-spring is pivotally mounted around two separate axes and disposed below the lever. The geometrical configuration of this spring is such that it requires to strongly constrain the spring to allow it to deliver a mechanical action of given intensity.
Avec ces différents ressorts, on observe qu'il existe de fortes contraintes d'encombrement si l'on souhaite limiter les contraintes mécaniques dans le ressort lorsque celui-ci est sollicité, notamment lorsque celui-ci est spécifiquement prévu pour emmagasiner une énergie mécanique. With these different springs, it is observed that there are significant constraints of space if it is desired to limit the mechanical stresses in the spring when it is stressed, especially when it is specifically intended to store mechanical energy.
Le but de l'invention est de fournir un ressort de mécanisme horloger permettant de remédier aux inconvénients mentionnés précédemment et d'améliorer les ressorts connus de l'art antérieur. En particulier, l'invention propose un ressort permettant de minimiser les contraintes mécaniques qu'il subit lorsqu'il est sollicité tout en pouvant être logé dans un encombrement donné. Selon l'invention, le ressort pour mécanisme horloger comprend un corps s'étendant entre une première extrémité du ressort et une deuxième extrémité du ressort. Le ressort est destiné à être lié mécaniquement à un bâti au niveau de chacune des première et deuxième extrémités. Le ressort comprend, entre la première et la deuxième extrémité, au moins un organe destiné à agir par contact sur un élément du mécanisme horloger. Le ressort comprend un premier élément de liaison mécanique au bâti au niveau de la première extrémité et un deuxième élément de liaison mécanique au bâti au niveau de la deuxième extrémité. Le ressort est destiné à être lié via une liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la première extrémité et le ressort est destiné à être lié via une liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la deuxième extrémité. Pour ce faire, le premier élément de liaison mécanique et le deuxième élément de liaison mécanique sont des éléments de liaison pivot. The object of the invention is to provide a clock mechanism spring to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and improve the known springs of the prior art. In particular, the invention provides a spring for minimizing the mechanical stresses it undergoes when it is loaded while being able to be housed in a given space. According to the invention, the watch mechanism spring comprises a body extending between a first end of the spring and a second end of the spring. The spring is intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends. The spring comprises, between the first and the second end, at least one member intended to act by contact on an element of the watch mechanism. The spring comprises a first mechanical connecting element at the frame at the first end and a second mechanical connecting element to the frame at the second end. The spring is intended to be linked via a pivot connection to the frame at the first end and the spring is intended to be connected via a pivot connection to the frame at the second end. To do this, the first mechanical connecting element and the second mechanical connecting element are pivot connecting elements.
Différents modes de réalisation du ressort sont définis par les revendications 2 à 10. Different embodiments of the spring are defined by claims 2 to 10.
Un mécanisme horloger est défini par la revendication 1 1 . A clock mechanism is defined by claim 1 1.
Différents modes de réalisation du mécanisme sont définis par les revendications 12 et 13. Different embodiments of the mechanism are defined by claims 12 and 13.
Un mouvement horloger est défini par la revendication 14. A watch movement is defined by claim 14.
Une pièce d'horlogerie est définie par la revendication 15. A timepiece is defined by claim 15.
Les dessins annexés représentent, à titre d'exemples quatre variantes d'un ressort horloger selon l'invention. The appended drawings represent, by way of examples, four variants of a watch spring according to the invention.
La figure 1 est une vue schématique d'une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant une première variante d'un ressort horloger selon l'invention occupant une première configuration. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a timepiece comprising a first variant of a watch spring according to the invention occupying a first configuration.
La figure 2 est une vue de la première variante du ressort horloger selon l'invention occupant une deuxième configuration. La figure 3 est une vue d'une deuxième variante d'un ressort horloger selon l'invention occupant une première configuration. Figure 2 is a view of the first variant of the watch spring according to the invention occupying a second configuration. Figure 3 is a view of a second variant of a watch spring according to the invention occupying a first configuration.
La figure 4 est une vue de la deuxième variante du ressort horloger selon l'invention occupant une deuxième configuration. Figure 4 is a view of the second variant of the watch spring according to the invention occupying a second configuration.
La figure 5 est un graphique illustrant deux caractéristiques couple (C) - déplacement angulaire (Θ) des première et deuxième variantes du ressort selon l'invention, un même coefficient de frottement existant entre chaque ressort et les pièces sur lesquelles il est monté. Les contraintes maximales au sein de ces ressorts, pour un matériau donné, sont également annotées pour chacune de leur position extrême. FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating two characteristics torque (C) - angular displacement (Θ) of the first and second variants of the spring according to the invention, the same coefficient of friction existing between each spring and the parts on which it is mounted. The maximum stresses within these springs, for a given material, are also annotated for each of their extreme position.
La figure 6 est une vue d'un mécanisme de calendrier équipé d'une troisième variante d'un ressort horloger selon l'invention. Figure 6 is a view of a calendar mechanism equipped with a third variant of a watch spring according to the invention.
La figure 7 est une vue de la troisième variante du ressort horloger selon l'invention. La figure 8 est une vue d'une quatrième variante d'un ressort horloger selon l'invention. Figure 7 is a view of the third variant of the watch spring according to the invention. Figure 8 is a view of a fourth variant of a watch spring according to the invention.
Une pièce d'horlogerie 300 selon l'invention est décrite ci-après en référence à la figure 1 . La pièce d'horlogerie est par exemple une montre, notamment une montre bracelet. La pièce d'horlogerie comprend un mouvement horloger 200, notamment un mouvement horloger du type mécanique. Le mouvement horloger comprend un mécanisme 100, en particulier un mécanisme incluant un élément 19 et un ressort 10. Une première variante du ressort 10 pour mécanisme horloger ou ressort de mécanisme horloger est décrite ci-après en référence aux figures 1 et 2. Le ressort est par exemple utilisé dans un mécanisme horloger du type dispositif de correction rapide d'une indication horaire. Le ressort 10 est par exemple prévu pour coopérer par action par contact sur un élément 19 du mécanisme horloger pour générer un crantage lors de la correction de façon à permettre le réglage d'une indication horaire par un pas angulaire prédéfini. Le ressort est destiné à être monté sur un bâti. A timepiece 300 according to the invention is described below with reference to FIG. The timepiece is for example a watch, including a wristwatch. The timepiece comprises a watch movement 200, in particular a watch movement of the mechanical type. The watch movement comprises a mechanism 100, in particular a mechanism including an element 19 and a spring 10. A first variant of the spring 10 for a clock mechanism or a clock mechanism spring is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2. The spring is for example used in a watch mechanism of the rapid correction device type of a time indication. The spring 10 is for example provided to cooperate by contact action on an element 19 of the clock mechanism to generate a detent during the correction so as to allow the adjustment of a time indication by a predefined angular pitch. The spring is intended to be mounted on a frame.
Le ressort 10 comprend un corps 1 1 qui s'étend entre une première extrémité 12 du ressort et une deuxième extrémité 13 du ressort. Le corps 1 1 du ressort 10 présente une zone 14 de section sensiblement rectangulaire fortement déformable sous une action d'une intensité donnée. Cette zone est située entre les points 12a et 13a des extrémités respectives 12 et 13 au delà desquels la section du corps 1 1 du ressort 10 peut varier sensiblement. La zone 14 ne comprend en général pas les éléments de liaison 15 et 16 des extrémités respectives 12 et 13. La courbe 18 selon laquelle s'étend la zone 14 du corps 1 1 entre les points 12a et 13a est de préférence une courbe circulaire ou sensiblement circulaire à l'intérieur de laquelle se situe le centre de gravité 1 1 g du corps 1 1 du ressort. Cette courbe est globalement concave vue du centre de gravité 1 1 g du corps 1 1 du ressort. Toutefois, la courbe peut présenter localement une ou plusieurs convexités. La courbe 18 est également préférentiellement une courbe plane. Ainsi, le corps du ressort ou le ressort s'étend selon un plan. Alternativement, la première extrémité du ressort peut être orientée selon un premier plan et la deuxième extrémité peut être orientée selon un deuxième plan. Le premier plan et le deuxième plan ne sont pas nécessairement parallèles. De préférence, l'axe d'un premier élément de liaison est perpendiculaire au premier plan et l'axe d'un deuxième élément de liaison est perpendiculaire au deuxième plan. Le premier élément de liaison prévu sur le ressort coopère avec un autre élément de liaison sur le bâti pour constituer une liaison pivot entre le ressort et le bâti. De même, le deuxième élément de liaison prévu sur le ressort coopère avec un autre élément de liaison sur le bâti pour constituer une liaison pivot entre le ressort et le bâti. Le ressort comprend, entre la première 12 et la deuxième extrémité 13, un organe 17 destiné à agir par contact sur l'élément 19 du mécanisme horloger qui est, de préférence, mobile par rapport au bâti. L'élément 19 est par exemple une étoile 19 mobile en rotation autour de son centre, et l'organe 17 est par exemple un doigt 17 faisant saillie sur le corps 1 1 du ressort. Ce doigt comprend une surface de contact destinée à agir par contact sur l'étoile 19. The spring 10 comprises a body January 1 which extends between a first end 12 of the spring and a second end 13 of the spring. The body 1 1 of the spring 10 has a zone 14 of substantially rectangular section strongly deformable under an action of a given intensity. This zone is located between the points 12a and 13a of the respective ends 12 and 13 beyond which the section of the body 1 1 of the spring 10 can vary substantially. The zone 14 does not generally comprise the connecting elements 15 and 16 of the respective ends 12 and 13. The curve 18 along which the zone 14 of the body 11 extends between the points 12a and 13a is preferably a circular curve or substantially circular inside which is the center of gravity 1 1 g of the body 1 1 of the spring. This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 1 1 g of the body 1 1 of the spring. However, the curve may locally present one or more convexities. Curve 18 is also preferably a planar curve. Thus, the body of the spring or the spring extends in a plane. Alternatively, the first end of the spring can be oriented in a first plane and the second end can be oriented in a second plane. The foreground and the second shot are not necessarily parallel. Preferably, the axis of a first connecting element is perpendicular to the first plane and the axis of a second connecting element is perpendicular to the second plane. The first connecting element provided on the spring cooperates with another connecting element on the frame to form a pivot connection between the spring and the frame. Similarly, second connecting element provided on the spring cooperates with another connecting element on the frame to form a pivot connection between the spring and the frame. The spring comprises, between the first 12 and the second end 13, a member 17 intended to act by contact on the element 19 of the watch mechanism which is preferably movable relative to the frame. The element 19 is for example a star 19 rotatable about its center, and the member 17 is for example a finger 17 projecting on the body 1 1 of the spring. This finger comprises a contact surface intended to act by contact on the star 19.
L'organe 17 est orienté vers l'intérieur de la courbe du corps du ressort vu depuis le centre de gravité du corps du ressort. The member 17 is oriented towards the inside of the curve of the body of the spring seen from the center of gravity of the body of the spring.
Le ressort est destiné à être lié mécaniquement à un bâti au niveau de chacune des première et deuxième extrémités par respectivement des première et deuxième liaisons pivots. Plus particulièrement, le ressort comprend un premier élément 15 de liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la première extrémité 12 et un deuxième élément 16 de liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la deuxième extrémité 13. Le premier élément de liaison comprend de préférence un alésage 15 ou une portion d'alésage destiné à recevoir un axe monté sur le bâti. De même, le deuxième élément de liaison comprend de préférence un alésage ou une portion d'alésage 16 destiné à recevoir un axe monté sur le bâti. Dans le cas où un élément de liaison comprend une portion d'alésage, le ressort peut s'emmancher sur un axe fixé au bâti. The spring is intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends by the first and second pivot links, respectively. More particularly, the spring comprises a first pivot connecting element to the frame at the first end 12 and a second pivot connecting member 16 to the frame at the second end 13. The first connecting element preferably comprises a bore Or a bore portion for receiving an axis mounted on the frame. Similarly, the second connecting member preferably comprises a bore or a bore portion 16 for receiving an axis mounted on the frame. In the case where a connecting element comprises a bore portion, the spring can be engaged on an axis fixed to the frame.
Dans cette première variante, la distance D entre les première et deuxième extrémités, notamment entre l'axe du premier élément de liaison et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison, est de l'ordre de 2 mm et l'épaisseur E mesurée aux extrémités 12 et 13 est de l'ordre de 0.2 mm. L'épaisseur E du ressort est mesurée perpendiculairement au plan des figures 1 et 2. L'angle β formé par les deux demi-droites ayant pour origine le centre de gravité 1 1 g du corps 1 1 du ressort et passant par l'axe du premier élément de liaison 15 et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison 16, est de l'ordre de 60°. In this first variant, the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element, is of the order of 2 mm and the thickness E measured at the ends 12 and 13 is of the order of 0.2 mm. The thickness E of the spring is measured perpendicularly to the plane of FIGS. 1 and 2. The angle β formed by the two half-lines originating in the center of gravity 1 1 g of the body 1 1 of the spring and passing through the axis the first connecting element 15 and the axis of the second connecting element 16 is of the order of 60 °.
Lorsqu'on tourne l'étoile de la configuration de la figure 1 à celle de la figure 2, l'étoile agit par contact sur le doigt 17 du ressort. Il se produit une déformation élastique du ressort qui emmagasine de l'énergie mécanique. Il se produit également des rotations au niveau des extrémités du ressort. A l'inverse, lorsqu'on continue à tourner l'étoile de la configuration de la figure 2 à celle de la figure 1 , c'est le doigt 17 qui agit par contact sur l'étoile 19. Le ressort restitue alors l'énergie qu'il avait emmagasinée, et il se produit des rotations au niveau des extrémités du ressort. Autrement dit, le ressort est destiné à emmagasiner une énergie mécanique du fait de sa déformation sous l'effet d'un organe moteur ou de l'utilisateur et à restituer cette énergie ou une partie de cette énergie à l'élément 19, notamment par le contact de l'organe 17 sur l'élément 19. Cette restitution d'énergie permet d'entraîner ou d'activer ou d'actionner l'élément ou un mécanisme. L'énergie restituée prend la forme d'un travail mécanique actionnant ou mettant en mouvement ou déplaçant l'élément 19. Le ressort peut être monté précontraint sur le bâti dans une configuration où il n'agit pas sur l'élément 19 ou dans une configuration où l'intensité de son action de contact sur l'élément 19 est minimale. When turning the star of the configuration of Figure 1 to that of Figure 2, the star acts by contact on the finger 17 of the spring. There is an elastic deformation of the spring which stores mechanical energy. There are also rotations at the ends of the spring. Conversely, when the star of the configuration of FIG. 2 continues to rotate with that of FIG. 1, it is the finger 17 which acts by contact on the star 19. The spring then restores the energy that he had stored, and rotations occur at the ends of the spring. In other words, the spring is intended to store mechanical energy because of its deformation under the effect of a motor member or the user and to restore this energy or a portion of this energy to the element 19, in particular by the contact of the member 17 on the element 19. This energy return allows to drive or to activate or actuate the element or mechanism. The restored energy takes the form of a mechanical work actuating or setting in motion or moving the element 19. The spring can be mounted prestressed on the frame in a configuration where it does not act on the element 19 or in a configuration where the intensity of its contact action on the element 19 is minimal.
De par les deux liaisons pivot du ressort, la rigidité angulaire du ressort est optimisée de telle sorte que le ressort produit une plage de couple ou de force adaptée par exemple à la fonction de crantage telle que décrite précédemment, et que les contraintes mécaniques en son sein sont inférieures à la contrainte maximale admissible du matériau constituant le ressort. Autrement dit, les deux liaisons pivot du ressort permettent de minimiser les contraintes mécaniques que le ressort subit lorsque celui-ci est sollicité. Through the two pivot links of the spring, the angular rigidity of the spring is optimized so that the spring produces a range of torque or force adapted for example to the notching function as described. previously, and that the mechanical stresses therein are lower than the maximum allowable stress of the material constituting the spring. In other words, the two pivot connections of the spring make it possible to minimize the mechanical stresses that the spring undergoes when it is stressed.
Un tel ressort est particulièrement avantageux en regard du faible encombrement qu'il requiert. Par ailleurs, un tel ressort est également particulièrement adapté à une production industrielle. Plus particulièrement, de par les deux liaisons pivot du ressort, la rigidité angulaire du ressort est optimisée de telle sorte que la zone 14 du corps 1 1 du ressort 10 présente une section adaptée à un procédé de fabrication industriel. Such a spring is particularly advantageous in view of the small size it requires. Moreover, such a spring is also particularly suitable for industrial production. More particularly, by the two pivot links of the spring, the angular stiffness of the spring is optimized so that the zone 14 of the body 1 1 of the spring 10 has a section adapted to an industrial manufacturing process.
Afin de réduire les contraintes mécaniques au sein du ressort et/ou d'optimiser les forces ou les couples que produit le ressort, la distance D entre les première et deuxième extrémités, notamment entre l'axe du premier élément de liaison et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison, peut être minimisée. La distance D peut notamment être réduite à la distance minimale requise entre l'axe du premier élément de liaison et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison en regard de l'épaisseur E du ressort et des parois de matière résiduelles mesurées à ses deux extrémités. Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent une deuxième variante d'un ressort 20 qui peut, par exemple, présenter les mêmes fonctions que le ressort 10 décrit précédemment. In order to reduce the mechanical stresses within the spring and / or to optimize the forces or torques produced by the spring, the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second link element, can be minimized. The distance D may in particular be reduced to the minimum distance required between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element facing the thickness E of the spring and the residual material walls measured at its two ends. . Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second variant of a spring 20 which may, for example, have the same functions as the spring 10 described above.
Le ressort 20 est également utilisé dans un dispositif de correction rapide d'une indication horaire. Le ressort 20 est par exemple prévu pour coopérer par action par contact sur une étoile 29 d'un mécanisme horloger, identique à l'étoile 19, pour générer un crantage lors de la correction de façon à permettre le réglage d'une indication horaire par un pas angulaire prédéfini. Lorsqu'on tourne l'étoile 29 de la configuration de la figure 3 à celle de la figure 4, l'étoile agit par contact sur le doigt 27 du ressort. Il se produit une déformation élastique du ressort qui emmagasine de l'énergie mécanique. Il se produit également des rotations au niveau des extrémités du ressort. A l'inverse, lorsqu'on continue à tourner l'étoile de la configuration de la figure 4 à celle de la figure 3, c'est le doigt 27 qui agit par contact sur l'étoile 29. Le ressort restitue alors l'énergie qu'il avait emmagasinée, et il se produit des rotations au niveau des extrémités du ressort. Dans cette deuxième variante de réalisation, le ressort 20 une fois monté sur le bâti, la distance D entre les première et deuxième extrémités, notamment entre l'axe du premier élément de liaison et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison, est de l'ordre de 1 mm et l'épaisseur E mesurée aux extrémités 22 et 23 est de l'ordre de 0.2 mm au sein du ressort 20 illustré par les figures 3 et 4. L'épaisseur E du ressort est mesurée perpendiculairement au plan des figures 3 et 4. La courbe 28, vue du centre de gravité 21 g du corps 21 du ressort, s'étend sur un arc a de l'ordre de 210° au sein du ressort 20 illustré dans la configuration de la figure 3. L'angle β formé par les deux demi-droites ayant pour origine le centre de gravité 21 g du corps 21 du ressort et passant respectivement par les extrémités 22 et 23, notamment par l'axe du premier élément de liaison 25 et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison 26 est de l'ordre de 45° au sein du ressort 10 illustré dans la configuration de la figure 3. Des simulations permettant d'établir la caractéristique couple C - déplacement angulaire Θ du ressort 10 et du ressort 20, et permettant d'évaluer les contraintes σ au sein de ces ressorts ont été réalisées. Des résultats représentés à la figure 5 montrent l'influence de la distance D sur les couples et contraintes mécaniques des ressorts 10 et 20. Pour un coefficient de frottement donné ainsi qu'un matériau donné tel qu'un acier ressort, on calcule une contrainte maximale de l'ordre de 2000 MPa pour le ressort 10 lorsque celui-ci est en contact avec le sommet d'une dent de l'étoile après avoir pivoté d'un angle Θ1 . Dans une même configuration, on calcule une contrainte maximale de l'ordre de 1200 MPa pour le ressort 20, soit une diminution de l'ordre de 40% par rapport à celle obtenue dans le ressort 10. Par ailleurs, on calcule que le ressort 20 permet de fournir un couple supérieur ou sensiblement égal selon son déplacement angulaire à celui produit par le ressort 10. The spring 20 is also used in a rapid correction device for a time indication. The spring 20 is for example designed to cooperate by contact action on a star 29 of a mechanism watchmaker, identical to the star 19, to generate a notch during the correction so as to allow the adjustment of a time indication by a predefined angular step. When turning the star 29 of the configuration of Figure 3 to that of Figure 4, the star acts by contact on the finger 27 of the spring. There is an elastic deformation of the spring which stores mechanical energy. There are also rotations at the ends of the spring. Conversely, when the star of the configuration of FIG. 4 continues to rotate with that of FIG. 3, it is the finger 27 that acts by contact on the star 29. The spring then restores the energy that he had stored, and rotations occur at the ends of the spring. In this second embodiment, the spring 20 once mounted on the frame, the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element, is order of 1 mm and the thickness E measured at the ends 22 and 23 is of the order of 0.2 mm within the spring 20 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The thickness E of the spring is measured perpendicularly to the plane of the figures 3 and 4. The curve 28, seen from the center of gravity 21 g of the body 21 of the spring, extends over an arc a of the order of 210 ° within the spring 20 illustrated in the configuration of FIG. angle β formed by the two half-lines originating from the center of gravity 21 g of the body 21 of the spring and passing respectively through the ends 22 and 23, in particular by the axis of the first connecting element 25 and the axis of the second connecting element 26 is of the order of 45 ° within the illustrated spring 10 in the configuration of Figure 3. Simulations making it possible to establish the torque characteristic C - angular displacement Θ of the spring 10 and the spring 20, and making it possible to evaluate the stresses σ within these springs have been realized. The results shown in FIG. 5 show the influence of the distance D on the torques and mechanical stresses of the springs 10 and 20. For a given coefficient of friction as well as a given material such as a spring steel, a constraint is computed. maximum of the order of 2000 MPa for the spring 10 when it is in contact with the top of a tooth of the star after pivoting an angle Θ1. In the same configuration, a maximum stress of the order of 1200 MPa is calculated for the spring 20, ie a reduction of about 40% compared with that obtained in the spring 10. Furthermore, it is calculated that the spring 20 makes it possible to provide an upper or substantially equal torque according to its angular displacement to that produced by the spring 10.
On constate donc que la minimisation de la distance entre les première et deuxième liaisons pivot du ressort permet d'amoindrir la rigidité angulaire du ressort de telle sorte que les contraintes mécaniques en son sein sont minimisées. It is therefore found that the minimization of the distance between the first and second pivot links of the spring makes it possible to reduce the angular rigidity of the spring so that the mechanical stresses within it are minimized.
De préférence, en fonctionnement normal du mécanisme, l'élément 19, 29 se déplace d'au moins 10° , voire d'au moins 15°, voire d'au moins 20° , voire d'au moins 30° , relativement au bâti, lors d'un passage d'une configuration de contrainte maximale dans le ressort à une configuration de contrainte minimale dans le ressort. Ce déplacement a lieu sous l'effet de la restitution de l'énergie mécanique stockée dans le ressort, notamment sous forme de travail mécanique. Lors de ce déplacement, le doigt 17, 27 peut se déplacer d'au moins 5°, voire d'au moins 10°, autour de l'axe d'un élément de liaison 25. Une troisième variante de réalisation d'un ressort 30 pour un mécanisme horloger est décrite ci-après en référence aux figures 6 et 7. Le ressort 30 est par exemple utilisé dans un dispositif de calendrier représenté à la figure 6. Le ressort 30 est par exemple prévu pour coopérer par action par contact sur un élément 1 du dispositif de calendrier pour générer un entraînement d'un disque d'affichage des jours (non représenté sur la figure 6). Celui-ci permet de remplacer avantageusement un doigt entraîneur conventionnel associé à un ressort additionnel risquant d'encombrer de façon trop conséquente le mécanisme horloger. Outre son application, la troisième variante du ressort diffère de la première variante uniquement par les éléments qui sont décrits ci-après. Preferably, in normal operation of the mechanism, the element 19, 29 moves at least 10 °, or even at least 15 °, or even at least 20 °, or even at least 30 °, relative to the constructed during a transition from a configuration of maximum stress in the spring to a configuration of minimum stress in the spring. This displacement takes place under the effect of the return of the mechanical energy stored in the spring, especially in the form of mechanical work. During this movement, the finger 17, 27 can move by at least 5 °, or even at least 10 °, about the axis of a connecting element 25. A third embodiment of a spring 30 for a watch mechanism is described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The spring 30 is for example used in a calendar device shown in FIG. 6. The spring 30 is example provided for cooperating by contact action on an element 1 of the calendar device to generate a drive of a day display disk (not shown in Figure 6). It allows to advantageously replace a conventional drive finger associated with an additional spring may clog too heavily the clock mechanism. In addition to its application, the third variant of the spring differs from the first variant only by the elements which are described below.
Le ressort 30 comprend un corps 31 qui s'étend entre une première extrémité 32 du ressort et une deuxième extrémité 33 du ressort. Le ressort comprend, entre la première et la deuxième extrémité, un organe 37, notamment un doigt entraîneur 37, destiné à agir par contact sur l'élément 1 du mécanisme horloger. Le corps 31 du ressort présente une zone 34 de section sensiblement rectangulaire fortement déformable sous une action d'une intensité donnée. Cette zone est située entre les points 32a et 33a des extrémités respectives 32 et 33 au-delà desquels la section du corps 31 du ressort 30 peut varier sensiblement. La zone 34 ne comprend en général pas les éléments de liaison 35 et 36 des extrémités respectives 32 et 33. La courbe 38 selon laquelle s'étend la zone 34 du corps 31 entre les points 32a et 33a est de préférence une courbe circulaire ou sensiblement circulaire à l'intérieur de laquelle se situe le centre de gravité 31 g du corps 31 du ressort. Cette courbe est globalement concave vue du centre de gravité 31 g du corps 31 du ressort. Cette courbe est globalement concave vue du centre de gravité 31 g du corps 31 du ressort. Toutefois, la courbe peut présenter localement une ou plusieurs convexités. La courbe 38 est également préférentiellement une courbe plane. Ainsi, le corps du ressort ou le ressort s'étend selon un plan. Alternativement, la première extrémité du ressort peut être orientée selon un premier plan et la deuxième extrémité peut être orientée selon un deuxième plan. Le premier plan et le deuxième plan ne sont pas nécessairement parallèles. De préférence, l'axe du premier élément de liaison est perpendiculaire au premier plan et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison est perpendiculaire au deuxième plan. The spring 30 comprises a body 31 which extends between a first end 32 of the spring and a second end 33 of the spring. The spring comprises, between the first and the second end, a member 37, in particular a driving finger 37, intended to act by contact on the element 1 of the watch mechanism. The body 31 of the spring has a zone 34 of substantially rectangular section which is highly deformable under an action of a given intensity. This zone is located between the points 32a and 33a of the respective ends 32 and 33 beyond which the section of the body 31 of the spring 30 can vary substantially. The zone 34 does not generally comprise the connecting elements 35 and 36 of the respective ends 32 and 33. The curve 38 along which the zone 34 of the body 31 extends between the points 32a and 33a is preferably a circular curve or substantially circular inside which is the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring. This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring. This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring. However, the curve may locally present one or more convexities. Curve 38 is also preferably a planar curve. Thus, the body of the spring or the spring extends according to a plane. Alternatively, the first end of the spring can be oriented in a first plane and the second end can be oriented in a second plane. The foreground and the second shot are not necessarily parallel. Preferably, the axis of the first connecting element is perpendicular to the first plane and the axis of the second connecting element is perpendicular to the second plane.
L'organe 37 est orienté vers l'extérieur de la courbe du corps du ressort vu depuis le centre de gravité du corps du ressort. The member 37 is oriented outwardly of the curve of the spring body seen from the center of gravity of the spring body.
Le ressort est destiné à être lié mécaniquement à un bâti au niveau de chacune des première et deuxième extrémités par respectivement des première et deuxième liaisons pivots. Plus particulièrement, le ressort comprend un premier élément 35 de liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la première extrémité 32 et un deuxième élément 36 de liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la deuxième extrémité 33. Le premier élément de liaison comprend de préférence un alésage 35 ou une portion d'alésage destiné à recevoir un axe monté sur le bâti. De même, le deuxième élément de liaison comprend de préférence un alésage ou une portion d'alésage 36 destiné à recevoir un axe monté sur le bâti. Dans le cas où un élément de liaison comprend une portion d'alésage, le ressort peut s'emmancher sur un axe fixé au bâti. La figure 7 illustre un ressort 30, dans une configuration donnée, qui présente les caractéristiques mentionnées ci-après. The spring is intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends by the first and second pivot links, respectively. More particularly, the spring comprises a first pivot connecting element to the frame at the first end 32 and a second connecting element 36 pivoting to the frame at the second end 33. The first connecting element preferably comprises a bore Or a bore portion for receiving an axis mounted on the frame. Similarly, the second connecting element preferably comprises a bore or a bore portion 36 for receiving an axis mounted on the frame. In the case where a connecting element comprises a bore portion, the spring can be engaged on an axis fixed to the frame. Figure 7 illustrates a spring 30, in a given configuration, which has the characteristics mentioned below.
Une fois le ressort 30 monté sur le bâti, la distance D entre les première et deuxième extrémités, notamment entre l'axe du premier élément de liaison 35 et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison 36 est minimisé et est de l'ordre de 1 mm. L'épaisseur E mesurée aux extrémités 32 et 33, et mesurée perpendiculairement au plan de la figure 7, est de l'ordre de 0.2 mm. L'angle a sur lequel s'étend la courbe 38 est de l'ordre de 215°. L'angle β formé par les deux demi-droites ayant pour origine le centre de gravité 31 g du corps 31 du ressort et passant par l'axe du premier élément de liaison 35 et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison 36, est de l'ordre de 30°. Once the spring 30 mounted on the frame, the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element 35 and the axis of the second connecting element 36 is minimized and is of the order of 1 mm. The thickness E measured at the ends 32 and 33, and measured perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7, is of the order of 0.2 mm. The angle on which the curve 38 extends is of the order of 215 °. The angle β formed by the two half-lines originating in the center of gravity 31 g of the body 31 of the spring and passing through the axis of the first connecting element 35 and the axis of the second connecting element 36 is the order of 30 °.
Le bâti 3 est par exemple constitué par une roue 3. De préférence, l'élément 1 est mobile par rapport au bâti 3. Dans la variante des figures 6 et 7, l'élément est une étoile des jours mobile en rotation autour de son centre par rapport à une structure sur laquelle est également montée, à rotation, la roue 3. The frame 3 is for example constituted by a wheel 3. Preferably, the element 1 is movable relative to the frame 3. In the variant of Figures 6 and 7, the element is a star of the days moving in rotation around its center with respect to a structure on which is also rotatably mounted the wheel 3.
L'étoile 1 comprend sept dents 1 a et porte le disque d'affichage des jours (non représenté sur la figure 6). La denture 1 a de cette étoile 1 est indexée angulairement par le biais d'un bec 2 et est entraînée de manière instantanée, toutes les 24 heures au moment de minuit, par le biais de la roue d'entraînement 3. Ce dispositif est accompagné d'un mécanisme de correction rapide constitué d'un correcteur 4 et d'une roue de correction 4' solidaire de l'étoile 1 . Lorsque ce mécanisme est activé, le correcteur 4 est positionné de manière à ce que sa denture puisse engrener dans un seul sens la denture de la roue de correction 4'. Ainsi, l'indication des jours se corrige uniquement dans le sens chronologique. La figure 6 illustre ce mécanisme de calendrier dans une configuration dans laquelle le doigt entraîneur 37 est positionné et maintenu au sein de la denture 1 a grâce à une bascule 8 dont un galet 8a est appliqué contre une courbe d'arrêt 6c d'une came 6. Plus particulièrement, la figure 6 illustre le doigt 37 dans une position dans laquelle il doit pouvoir se rétracter sur la totalité d'un pas angulaire de l'étoile 1 , soit environ 50°, lors d'une correction rapide de l'indication des jours. Ainsi, le doigt escamotable doit pouvoir supporter une rotation autour du premier élément de liaison mécanique 35 sur une grande étendue angulaire de l'ordre de 50°, tout en présentant des contraintes en son sein inférieures à celles qui sont admissibles par le matériau le constituant. En fonctionnement, le ressort 30 plaque le doigt 37 contre une goupille 40 pour que le doigt 37 se comporte comme un doigt rigide afin de garantir le saut de l'indication des jours. Pour ce faire, le ressort est légèrement pré-armé lors du montage. Sur la figure 7, le ressort est représenté après montage, notamment par emmanchage de la deuxième extrémité sur un axe 36'. Le couple produit par le ressort permet également au doigt 37 d'arrêter l'étoile des jours après le saut de date, et évite ainsi tout risque de double saut. Le doigt 37 pivote d'une valeur de l'ordre de 50° autour du pivot autour de la goupille 35'. L'autre pivot, autour de la goupille 39, permet quant-à-lui de générer un tel déplacement du doigt 37 tout en limitant la déformation du ressort. Les contraintes, lors de la rétractation complète du doigt 37, restent ainsi inférieures à la limite élastique du matériau du ressort. Star 1 comprises seven teeth 1a and carries the day display disc (not shown in FIG. 6). The toothing 1 of this star 1 is indexed angularly through a spout 2 and is driven instantaneously, every 24 hours at the time of midnight, through the drive wheel 3. This device is accompanied a fast correction mechanism consisting of a corrector 4 and a correction wheel 4 'integral with the star 1. When this mechanism is activated, the corrector 4 is positioned so that its toothing can mesh in one direction the toothing of the correction wheel 4 '. Thus, the indication of the days is corrected only in chronological sense. FIG. 6 illustrates this timing mechanism in a configuration in which the driving finger 37 is positioned and held within the toothing 1a by means of a rocker 8, a roller 8a of which is applied against a stop curve 6c of a cam 6. More particularly, FIG. 6 illustrates the finger 37 in a position in which it must be able to retract over an entire angular step of the star 1, ie about 50 °, during a rapid correction of the indication of days. Thus, the retractable finger must be able to support a rotation around the first mechanical connecting element 35 over a large angular extent of the order of 50 °, while having constraints within it lower than those which are admissible by the material constituting it. In operation, the spring 30 plates the finger 37 against a pin 40 so that the finger 37 behaves like a rigid finger to ensure the jump of the indication of the days. To do this, the spring is slightly pre-armed during assembly. In Figure 7, the spring is shown after mounting, in particular by plugging the second end on an axis 36 '. The torque produced by the spring also allows the finger 37 to stop the star of days after the date jump, and thus avoids any risk of double jump. The finger 37 pivots a value of about 50 ° around the pivot around the pin 35 '. The other pivot, around the pin 39, allows him to generate such a movement of the finger 37 while limiting the deformation of the spring. The constraints, during complete retraction of the finger 37, thus remain below the elastic limit of the spring material.
De par les deux liaisons pivot du ressort 30, la rigidité angulaire du ressort est optimisée de telle sorte que le déplacement du doigt 37 est maximisé. Autrement dit, les deux liaisons pivot du ressort permettent de minimiser les contraintes mécaniques que le ressort subit lorsque celui-ci est sollicité. Ces contraintes sont d'autant minimisées que la distance entre les deux liaisons pivot du ressort est minimisée. Through the two pivot links of the spring 30, the angular rigidity of the spring is optimized so that the movement of the finger 37 is maximized. In other words, the two pivot connections of the spring make it possible to minimize the mechanical stresses that the spring undergoes when it is stressed. These constraints are all minimized as the distance between the two pivot links of the spring is minimized.
L'organe 37 est préférentiellement rapproché de l'une des deux extrémités 32 et 33 du ressort de façon à définir une zone déformable 34 continue dont l'étendue est maximisée entre les points 32a et 32b du ressort. Toutefois, si pour des raisons d'architecture, la position de l'élément sur lequel agit le ressort et la position d'au moins une des deux extrémités du ressort sont figées, il peut être avantageux d'interrompre la zone déformable du ressort par l'organe rigide susceptible de venir en contact avec l'élément sur lequel agit le ressort. Bien que moins favorable en termes de rigidité angulaire, car l'étendue de la zone déformable du ressort est amoindrie, cette configuration peut être tout à fait satisfaisante pour minimiser les contraintes au sein du ressort dans une configuration donnée. The member 37 is preferably close to one of the two ends 32 and 33 of the spring so as to define a continuous deformable zone 34 whose extent is maximized between the points 32a and 32b of the spring. However, if for architectural reasons, the position of the element on which the spring acts and the position of at least one of the two ends of the spring are fixed, it may be advantageous to interrupt the deformable zone of the spring by the rigid member capable of coming into contact with the element on which the spring acts. Although less favorable in terms of angular rigidity, since the extent of the deformable zone of the spring is reduced, this configuration can be quite satisfactory for minimizing the stresses within the spring in a given configuration.
La figure 8 illustre une quatrième variante de réalisation d'un ressort 50 qui peut, par exemple, présenter les mêmes fonctions que le ressort 30 décrit précédemment. FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth variant embodiment of a spring 50 which may, for example, have the same functions as the spring 30 described above.
Le ressort 50 comprend, entre la première et la deuxième extrémité, un organe 57 destiné à agir par contact sur un élément d'un mécanisme horloger. Le corps 51 du ressort présente une zone 54 de section sensiblement rectangulaire fortement déformable sous une action d'une intensité donnée. Cette zone 54 est constituée de deux parties qui sont délimitées par l'organe 57. Cette zone est située entre les points 52a et 53a des extrémités respectives 52 et 53 au-delà desquels la section du corps 51 du ressort 50 peut varier sensiblement. La courbe 58 selon laquelle s'étend la zone 54 du corps 51 entre les points 52a et 53a est de préférence une courbe circulaire 58 ou sensiblement circulaire à l'intérieur de laquelle se situe le centre de gravité 51 g du corps 51 du ressort. Cette courbe est globalement concave vue du centre de gravité 51 g du corps 51 du ressort. The spring 50 comprises, between the first and the second end, a member 57 intended to act by contact on an element of a watch mechanism. The body 51 of the spring has a zone 54 of substantially rectangular section strongly deformable under an action of a given intensity. This zone 54 consists of two parts which are delimited by the member 57. This zone is located between the points 52a and 53a of the respective ends 52 and 53 beyond which the section of the body 51 of the spring 50 can vary substantially. The curve 58 along which extends the zone 54 of the body 51 between the points 52a and 53a is preferably a circular curve 58 or substantially circular inside which is the center of gravity 51 g of the body 51 of the spring. This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 51 g of the body 51 of the spring.
La figure 8 illustre un ressort 50, dans une configuration donnée, qui présente les caractéristiques mentionnées ci-après. Figure 8 illustrates a spring 50, in a given configuration, which has the characteristics mentioned below.
Une fois le ressort 50 monté sur le bâti, la distance D entre les première et deuxième extrémités, notamment entre l'axe du premier élément de liaison 65 et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison 66 est de l'ordre de 1 mm. L'épaisseur E mesurée aux extrémités 62 et 63, et mesurée perpendiculairement au plan de la figure 8, est de l'ordre de 0.2 mm. L'angle a sur lequel s'étend la courbe 68 est de l'ordre de 265°. L'angle β formé par les deux demi-droites ayant pour origine le centre de gravité 61 g du corps 61 du ressort et passant par l'axe du premier élément de liaison 65 et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison 66, est de l'ordre de 25°. Once the spring 50 mounted on the frame, the distance D between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element 65 and the axis of the second connecting element 66 is of the order of 1 mm. The thickness E measured at the ends 62 and 63, and measured perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 8, is of the order of 0.2 mm. The angle at which the curve 68 extends is of the order of 265 °. The angle β formed by the two half-lines originating from the center of gravity 61 g of the body 61 of the spring and passing through the axis of the first connecting element 65 and the axis of the second connecting element 66, is the order of 25 °.
Quelle que soit la variante de réalisation considérée, la proximité des centres des éléments de liaison mécanique autorise une faible rigidité angulaire, permet d'effectuer une grande course angulaire sans dépasser la contrainte admissible. Whatever the embodiment variant considered, the proximity of the centers of the mechanical connection elements allows a low angular rigidity, allows to perform a large angular stroke without exceeding the allowable stress.
Une fois le ressort monté sur le bâti, la distance entre les première et deuxième extrémités, notamment entre l'axe du premier élément de liaison et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison, est préférentiellement inférieure à 5 mm, voire inférieure à 2 mm, voire inférieure à 1 mm, et/ou inférieure à 8 fois l'épaisseur des extrémités du ressort, voire inférieure à 6 fois l'épaisseur des extrémités du ressort. Once the spring mounted on the frame, the distance between the first and second ends, in particular between the axis of the first connecting element and the axis of the second connecting element, is preferably less than 5 mm, or even less than 2 mm. , or less than 1 mm, and / or less than 8 times the thickness of the ends of the spring, or even less than 6 times the thickness of the ends of the spring.
Quelle que soit la variante de réalisation considérée, le ressort comprend, entre la première et la deuxième extrémité, au moins un organe destiné à agir par contact sur un élément du mécanisme horloger. Quelle que soit la variante de réalisation considérée, le ressort a globalement une forme annulaire présentant une ouverture. Whatever the embodiment variant considered, the spring comprises, between the first and the second end, at least one member intended to act by contact on an element of the watch mechanism. Whatever the embodiment variant considered, the spring generally has an annular shape having an opening.
Quelle que soit la variante de réalisation considérée, la courbe 18, 28, 38, 58, est préférentiellement une courbe plane. Ainsi, le corps du ressort ou le ressort s'étend selon un plan. Alternativement, la première extrémité du ressort peut être orientée selon un premier plan et la deuxième extrémité peut être orientée selon un deuxième plan. Le premier plan et le deuxième plan ne sont pas nécessairement parallèles. De préférence, l'axe du premier élément de liaison est perpendiculaire au premier plan et l'axe du deuxième élément de liaison est perpendiculaire au deuxième plan. Whatever the embodiment variant considered, the curve 18, 28, 38, 58 is preferably a flat curve. Thus, the body of the spring or the spring extends in a plane. Alternatively, the first end of the spring can be oriented in a first plane and the second end can be oriented in a second plane. The foreground and the second shot are not necessarily parallel. Preferably, the axis of the first connecting element is perpendicular to the first plane and the axis of the second connecting element is perpendicular to the second plane.
Quelle que soit la variante de réalisation considérée, la courbe 18, 28, 38, 58 selon laquelle s'étend la zone 14, 24, 34, 54 du corps 1 1 , 21 , 31 , 51 entre les points 12a, 22a, 32a, 52a et 13a, 23a, 33a, 53a est de préférence une courbe circulaire ou sensiblement circulaire à l'intérieur de laquelle se situe le centre de gravité 1 1 g, 31 g, 51 g du corps 1 1 , 31 , 51 du ressort. Cette courbe est globalement concave vue du centre de gravité 1 1 g, 21 g, 31 g, 51 g du corps 1 1 , 21 , 31 , 51 du ressort. Toutefois, la courbe peut présenter localement une ou plusieurs convexités. De préférence, cette courbe, vue du centre de gravité du corps du ressort, s'étend sur un arc d'une plage angulaire a supérieure à 200°, voire 220°. Alternativement, les centres de gravité 1 1 g, 21 g, 31 g, 51 g des corps des ressorts 10, 20, 30, 50 peuvent être les centres de gravité des courbes passant par les centres des sections droites des ressorts et reliant les axes des éléments de liaison. Whatever the embodiment variant considered, the curve 18, 28, 38, 58 according to which extends the zone 14, 24, 34, 54 of the body 1 1, 21, 31, 51 between the points 12a, 22a, 32a , 52a and 13a, 23a, 33a, 53a is preferably a circular or substantially circular curve within which is the center of gravity 1 1 g, 31 g, 51 g of the body 1 1, 31, 51 spring . This curve is generally concave seen from the center of gravity 11 g, 21 g, 31 g, 51 g of the body 1 1, 21, 31, 51 of the spring. However, the curve may locally present one or more convexities. Preferably, this curve, seen from the center of gravity of the body of the spring, extends over an arc of an angular range a greater than 200 ° or 220 °. Alternatively, the centers of gravity 1 1 g, 21 g, 31 g, 51 g of the bodies of the springs 10, 20, 30, 50 can be the centers of gravity of the curves passing through the centers of the straight sections of the springs and connecting the axes connecting elements.
Quelle que soit la variante de réalisation considérée, le ressort peut être réalisé en différents matériaux. Il peut être notamment réalisé en acier ressort, en silicium, en nickel, en nickel-phosphore ou en alliage métallique amorphe. Le ressort peut être réalisé par exemple par un procédé mécanique tel que l'étampage ou la découpe au fil. Le ressort peut également être réalisé par stéréolithographie, par un procédé LIGA, par un procédé de gravure DRIE, ou encore par un procédé de gravure laser. Ces procédés de réalisation permettent notamment de réaliser de faibles épaisseurs de matière au niveau des éléments de liaison, ce qui permet de rapprocher au plus les axes des éléments de liaison mécanique. Whatever the embodiment variant considered, the spring can be made of different materials. It may in particular be made of spring steel, silicon, nickel, nickel-phosphorus or amorphous metal alloy. The spring can be made for example by a mechanical process such as stamping or wire cutting. The spring can also be made by stereolithography, by a LIGA process, by a DRIE etching process, or by a laser etching process. These production methods make it possible in particular to produce small thicknesses of material at the level of the connecting elements, which allows closer to the axes of the mechanical connection elements.
Pour des raisons d'architecture, il est possible que l'organe destiné à agir par contact sur un élément du mécanisme horloger puisse présenter une épaisseur différente de celle des autres parties du ressort. Ainsi, le ressort selon l'invention peut présenter des zones d'épaisseurs différentes. Quelle que soit la variante de réalisation considérée, du fait de sa faible rigidité angulaire, le ressort monobloc permet de maximiser l'énergie accumulée durant sa charge tout en limitant les contraintes en son sein. Le ressort permet de fournir les forces nécessaires pour accomplir diverses fonctions horlogères dans un volume donné. Pour ce faire, le ressort monobloc présente deux pivots distincts et rapprochés. For architectural reasons, it is possible that the member intended to act by contact on an element of the watch mechanism may have a thickness different from that of the other parts of the spring. Thus, the spring according to the invention may have zones of different thicknesses. Whatever the variant embodiment considered, because of its low angular rigidity, the monobloc spring maximizes the energy accumulated during its charging while limiting the stresses within it. The spring provides the forces necessary to perform various horological functions in a given volume. To do this, the one-piece spring has two distinct and close pivots.
Ce ressort permet ainsi de : This spring thus makes it possible to:
Maximiser la longueur active du ressort ; Maximize the active length of the spring;
- Minimiser la déformation du ressort en fonctionnement; - Minimize the deformation of the spring during operation;
Minimiser la raideur angulaire du ressort ;  Minimize the angular stiffness of the spring;
Minimiser les contraintes au sein du matériau;  Minimize the stresses within the material;
Pré-contraindre le ressort de manière optimale. La distance entre les axes des éléments de liaison dépend directement des épaisseurs minimales de matière réalisable par le procédé de réalisation.  Pre-force the spring optimally. The distance between the axes of the connecting elements directly depends on the minimum thicknesses of material achievable by the production method.
Bien entendu, la mise en œuvre d'un tel ressort selon l'invention ne se limite pas aux applications décrites précédemment. Il est imaginable d'intégrer ce ressort au sein d'un mécanisme de chronographe ou d'un mécanisme de compte à rebours, par exemple. Of course, the implementation of such a spring according to the invention is not limited to the applications described above. He is imaginable to integrate this spring within a chronograph mechanism or a countdown mechanism, for example.
Enfin, l'invention se rapporte aussi à un mouvement horloger ou à une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment à une montre, comprenant un mécanisme horloger comme décrit précédemment ou un ressort comme décrit précédemment. Finally, the invention also relates to a watch movement or a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising a watch mechanism as described above or a spring as described above.
Dans tout ce document, le terme « ressort » a été utilisé pour désigner un élément monobloc comprenant une première partie fortement déformable sous une action d'une intensité donnée et une deuxième partie, notamment au niveau de l'organe, faiblement déformable, voire indéformable, sous cette même action. Ceci a été fait par analogie à d'autres utilisations du terme « ressort ». Notamment, on utilise aussi, de manière habituelle, le terme « ressort » pour désigner un ressort hélicoïdal sollicité en traction et terminé par un crochet au niveau de chacune de ces extrémités. Il est cependant clair qu'un tel ressort hélicoïdal comprend une première partie (conformée en hélice) fortement déformable sous une action d'une intensité donnée et une deuxième partie (les crochets) faiblement déformable, voire indéformable, sous cette même action. Throughout this document, the term "spring" has been used to designate a monobloc element comprising a first part highly deformable under an action of a given intensity and a second part, particularly at the level of the organ, weakly deformable, or even deformable under this same action. This was done by analogy with other uses of the term "spring". In particular, the term "spring" is also customarily used to designate a helical spring biased in tension and terminated by a hook at each of these ends. However, it is clear that such a coil spring comprises a first portion (helically shaped) strongly deformable under an action of a given intensity and a second portion (the hooks) weakly deformable, or even deformable, under this same action.
Dans tout ce document, le terme « corps » ou « corps de ressort » désigne le ressort en lui-même, c'est-à-dire la matière formant le ressort. Throughout this document, the term "body" or "spring body" refers to the spring itself, that is to say the material forming the spring.

Claims

Revendications : Claims:
Ressort (10 ; 20 ; 30 ; 50) pour mécanisme horloger, le ressort comprenant un corps (1 1 ; 21 ; 31 ; 51 ) s'étendant entre une première extrémité (12 ; 22 ; 32 ; 52) du ressort et une deuxième extrémité (13 ; 23 ; 33 ; 53) du ressort, le ressort étant destiné à être lié mécaniquement à un bâti au niveau de chacune des première et deuxième extrémités, le ressort comprenant, entre la première et la deuxième extrémité, au moins un organe (17 ; 27 ; 37 ; 57) destiné à agir par contact sur un élément du mécanisme horloger, le ressort étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un premier élément (15 ; 25 ; 35 ; 55) de liaison mécanique au bâti au niveau de la première extrémité et un deuxième élément (16 ; 26 ; 36 ; 56) de liaison mécanique au bâti au niveau de la deuxième extrémité et en ce que le ressort est destiné à être lié via une liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la première extrémité et le ressort est destiné à être lié via une liaison pivot au bâti au niveau de la deuxième extrémité. A spring (10; 20; 30; 50) for a watch mechanism, the spring comprising a body (1 1; 21; 31; 51) extending between a first end (12; 22; 32; 52) of the spring and a second end (13; 23; 33; 53) of the spring, the spring being intended to be mechanically connected to a frame at each of the first and second ends, the spring comprising, between the first and the second end, at least one member (17; 27; 37; 57) intended to act by contact on an element of the watch mechanism, the spring being characterized in that it comprises a first element (15; 25; 35; 55) of mechanical connection to the frame at the level of at the first end and a second mechanical connection element (16; 26; 36; 56) to the frame at the second end and in that the spring is intended to be connected via a pivot connection to the frame at the first end; end and the spring is intended to be bound via a pivot connection to the frame at the second end.
Ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la distance entre les première et deuxième extrémités, le ressort une fois monté sur le bâti, est inférieure à 5 mm, voire inférieure à 2 mm, voire inférieure à 1 mm. Spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the first and second ends, the spring once mounted on the frame, is less than 5 mm, or even less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm.
Ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la distance entre les première et deuxième extrémités, le ressort une fois monté sur le bâti, est inférieure à 8 fois l'épaisseur des première et deuxième extrémités (12 ; 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 13 ; 23 ; 33 ; 53) du ressort, de préférence encore inférieure à 6 fois l'épaisseur des première et deuxième extrémités (12 ; 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 13 ; 23 ; 33 ; 53) du ressort. Ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps comprend une zone déformable (14 ; 24 ; 34 ; 54) s'étendant selon une courbe (18 ; 28 ; 38 ; 58). Spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the first and second ends, the spring once mounted on the frame, is less than 8 times the thickness of the first and second ends (12; 22; 32 52; 13; 23; 33; 53) of the spring, more preferably less than 6 times the thickness of the first and second ends (12; 22; 32; 52; 13; 23; 33; 53) of the spring. Spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body comprises a deformable zone (14; 24; 34; 54) extending along a curve (18; 28; 38; 58).
Ressort selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que la courbe est circulaire ou sensiblement circulaire et/ou en ce que la courbe s'étend sur un angle (a) supérieur à 200°, voire supérieur à 220°, vu depuis le centre de gravité du corps du ressort et/ou en ce que des demi-droites ayant pour origine le centre de gravité du corps du ressort et passant respectivement par les première et deuxième extrémités forment un angle (β) inférieur à 50°, voire inférieur à 40°. Spring according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the curve is circular or substantially circular and / or in that the curve extends over an angle (a) greater than 200 °, or even greater than 220 °, seen from the center of gravity of the body of the spring and / or in that half-lines originating in the center of gravity of the body of the spring and passing respectively through the first and second ends form an angle (β) less than 50 °, or even less than 40 °.
Ressort selon l'une des revendications 4 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la courbe est une courbe plane (18 ; 28 ; 38 ; 58). Spring according to one of Claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the curve is a plane curve (18; 28; 38; 58).
Ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'organe comprend un doigt (17 ; 27 ; 37 ; 57) faisant saillie sur le corps (1 1 ; 21 ; 31 ; 51 ; 61 ) du ressort. Spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the member comprises a finger (17; 27; 37; 57) projecting from the spring (1 1; 21; 31; 51; 61).
Ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il est réalisé en acier ressort ou en silicium ou en nickel ou en nickel-phosphore ou en alliage métallique amorphe. Spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of spring steel or silicon or nickel or nickel-phosphorus or amorphous metal alloy.
Ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps a globalement une forme annulaire présentant une ouverture. Spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body has generally an annular shape having an opening.
Ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'organe est destiné à restituer une énergie, notamment sous la forme d'un travail mécanique, à l'élément du mécanisme horloger. Spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the member is intended to restore energy, in particular under the form of a mechanical work, to the element of the watchmaking mechanism.
Mécanisme horloger (100), notamment mécanisme de calendrier, mécanisme de correction, mécanisme de crantage, comprenant un ressort selon l'une des revendications précédentes. Watch mechanism (100), in particular a calendar mechanism, a correction mechanism, a notching mechanism, comprising a spring according to one of the preceding claims.
Mécanisme horloger selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un bâti et un élément mobile par rapport au bâti et en ce que la surface du ressort agit par contact sur l'élément mobile. Clock mechanism according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a frame and a movable element relative to the frame and in that the surface of the spring acts by contact on the movable element.
Mécanisme horloger selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'en fonctionnement normal du mécanisme, l'élément mobile se déplace d'au moins 10° relativement au bâti, voire d'au moins 15°, voire d'au moins 20° , voire d'au moins 30° et/ou le doigt se déplace d'au moins 5°, voire d'au moins 10°, autour de l'axe d'un élément de liaison, lors d'un passage d'une configuration de contrainte maximale dans le ressort à une configuration de contrainte minimale dans le ressort. Clock mechanism according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in normal operation of the mechanism, the movable element moves at least 10 ° relative to the frame, or at least 15 °, or even at least 20 °, at least 30 ° and / or the finger moves at least 5 °, or even at least 10 °, around the axis of a connecting element, during a passage of a configuration of maximum stress in the spring at a minimum stress configuration in the spring.
14. Mouvement horloger (200) comprenant un mécanisme horloger (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 1 à 13 ou un ressort selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10. 14. watch movement (200) comprising a watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 1 to 13 or a spring according to one of claims 1 to 10.
15. Pièce d'horlogerie (300), notamment montre, comprenant un mouvement horloger selon la revendication précédente ou un mécanisme horloger selon la revendication 1 1 ou 13 ou un ressort selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10. 15. Timepiece (300), in particular a watch, comprising a watch movement according to the preceding claim or a watch mechanism according to claim 1 1 or 13 or a spring according to one of claims 1 to 10.
EP12813874.0A 2011-12-27 2012-12-26 Spring for clock movement Active EP2798413B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12813874.0A EP2798413B1 (en) 2011-12-27 2012-12-26 Spring for clock movement

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11405378 2011-12-27
EP12813874.0A EP2798413B1 (en) 2011-12-27 2012-12-26 Spring for clock movement
PCT/EP2012/076911 WO2013102598A2 (en) 2011-12-27 2012-12-26 Spring for clock movement

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2798413A2 true EP2798413A2 (en) 2014-11-05
EP2798413B1 EP2798413B1 (en) 2020-10-07

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US (1) US9395691B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2798413B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6148683B2 (en)
CN (1) CN104024961B (en)
WO (1) WO2013102598A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2798413B1 (en) 2020-10-07
CN104024961B (en) 2018-05-29
US9395691B2 (en) 2016-07-19
WO2013102598A2 (en) 2013-07-11
JP2015503738A (en) 2015-02-02
WO2013102598A3 (en) 2013-09-06
CN104024961A (en) 2014-09-03
JP6148683B2 (en) 2017-06-14
US20140362670A1 (en) 2014-12-11

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