EP2911012A1 - Timepiece oscillator - Google Patents

Timepiece oscillator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2911012A1
EP2911012A1 EP14156053.2A EP14156053A EP2911012A1 EP 2911012 A1 EP2911012 A1 EP 2911012A1 EP 14156053 A EP14156053 A EP 14156053A EP 2911012 A1 EP2911012 A1 EP 2911012A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
oscillator
plane
balance
rotary
blade
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Granted
Application number
EP14156053.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2911012B1 (en
Inventor
Simon Henein
Ivar Kjelberg
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Centre Suisse dElectronique et Microtechnique SA CSEM
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Centre Suisse dElectronique et Microtechnique SA CSEM
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Priority to EP14156053.2A priority Critical patent/EP2911012B1/en
Publication of EP2911012A1 publication Critical patent/EP2911012A1/en
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    • 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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs
    • 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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • 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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/10—Oscillators with torsion strips or springs acting in the same manner as torsion strips, e.g. weight oscillating in a horizontal plane

Definitions

  • a balance spring In mechanical watches, the time is divided into fractions by a regulating member which is usually, to date, a balance spring.
  • the latter is composed of three main parts: the pendulum which plays the role of flywheel, a shaft terminated by pivots, which allows to mount the balance in a timepiece frame and a spiral spring that produces a couple proportional return to the angular displacement of the balance.
  • the present invention aims to provide an oscillator with the advantages of systems of the state of the art, but at least partially free of their disadvantages.
  • the subject of the invention is a virtual pivot rotary oscillator, that is to say without a physical pivot in the usual sense of the term, which comprises a support element intended to enable the oscillator to be assembled on a timepiece, a balance, a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support member to the balance able to exert a restoring torque on the balance, and a serge mounted integral with the balance.
  • the plurality of flexible blades comprises at least two flexible blades including a first blade disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator, and a second blade disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator and secant with the first plane, the first and second blades are of identical geometry, and in that the oscillation geometric axis of the oscillator is defined by the intersection of the first plane and the second plane, said axis geometric oscillation crossing the first and second blades to 7/8 th of their respective length.
  • the invention provides a clean rotation, that is to say in which the axis of oscillation is fixed, and without friction, if not those of air.
  • This clean rotation makes it possible to produce on the oscillator a return torque that is almost proportional to the angular displacement.
  • We obtain a mechanical oscillator capable of offering a great potential for increasing the power reserve of a mechanical watch.
  • the figure 1 shows a rotary oscillator 1 for a timepiece according to the invention which comprises a support element 2 intended to allow its assembly on a frame (not shown) of a mechanical watch.
  • the oscillator 1 further comprises a rocker 3, which, in this example, comprises a circular-shaped element comprising a central opening, inside which the support element 2 takes place.
  • the latter is situated in the plane of the balance 3, close to the center of the balance 3 or its center of gravity in the case of a non-circular balance.
  • the support member 2 is connected to the balance 3 by a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support member 2 to the balance 3.
  • a serge 4 is mounted integral with the balance 3 to give sufficient inertia to the oscillator 1.
  • the figure 1 presents a first embodiment of the invention, wherein there are two flexible blades including a first blade 51 disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator 1, and a second blade 53 disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane oscillator 1 and secant with the foreground.
  • the first 51 and second 53 blades are advantageously of identical geometry.
  • the height of the blades is the dimension perpendicular to the plane of the balance 3.
  • the length of the blade is naturally the dimension located in the plane of the balance 3, along the longitudinal axis of the blade, and the thickness is the dimension perpendicular to the length, in the plane of the balance 3.
  • the thickness is reduced so as to give the blades a flexibility in the plane of the balance 3.
  • the height of the blades is defined so as to offer sufficient rigidity to maintain the balance 3 in the same plane as the support member 2 when the oscillator 1 is assembled on the frame.
  • the first and second planes intersect along a line that passes 7/8 th of the length of each blade 51 and 53 and which defines a virtual oscillation axis 7 of the oscillator 1.
  • the plurality of flexible blades comprises a pair formed of a first 51 and a second 52 blades disposed in the first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator 1.
  • the first 51 and second 52 blades are of identical geometry.
  • the plurality of blades also comprises a third blade 53 disposed in the second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator 1, and intersecting with the first plane.
  • the third blade 53 is interposed between the first 51 and the second 52 blades and has a height twice that of the first 51 or the second 52 blade.
  • the figure 4 shows a side view of the flexible blades in which there is clearly the arrangement of the flexible blades and the difference in height of the blades.
  • the implementation of a plurality of flexible blades increases the off-plane rigidity of the virtual pivot.
  • the geometry of the blades is adapted to maintain the rigidity of the pivot constant while keeping the symmetry of the rigidity with respect to the average plane of the balance.
  • the rocker 3 has a shape that allows it to be centered and balanced around the geometric axis of oscillation 7. Also, in the particular configuration illustrated by way of example, if its outer circumference is circular, its inner periphery which defines the central opening, defines a symmetry polygon of order N around the virtual oscillation axis 7. At a first of their end 51A, 52A and 53A, the blades are respectively positioned perpendicular to and in the middle of two sides of the polygon.
  • the inner periphery 31 of the balance 3 has a shape resulting from the superposition of a square and a Greek cross, whose arms intersect at their center and are equidistant, the axes of the arms of the cross passing through the angles of the square with identical arms whose angles of the square and the arms of the cross are aligned.
  • the support element 2 has two substantially parallel faces, respectively, on both sides of the polygon receiving the blades, so that at their second end 51B, 52B and 53B, the blades are also positioned perpendicular to the faces of the element of the support. They can also be positioned in the middle of said faces.
  • the first and second planes containing the blades are perpendicular.
  • the face of the support member 2 and the side of the polygon connecting the same blade are parallel.
  • the support element 2 makes it possible to assemble the oscillator 1 on the frame (not shown) of a mechanical watch, by means of fixing means 21, for example holes, which can also be shaped so as to provide means indexing the position of the oscillator 1.
  • the serge 4 is positioned integrally on the outer periphery of the balance 3. It is made of a material of higher density than the density of the material of the balance 3, in order to give the oscillator 1 sufficient inertia. In the example proposed, serge 4 is a ring, but could consider having a plurality of clubs, distributed regularly around the balance 3.
  • the balance 3 comprises a plurality of housings 32, advantageously circular, each receiving a counterweight 6.
  • the housings 32 are regularly distributed on the balance 3, and preferably arranged at equidistance of the geometric axis of oscillation 7.
  • Each of the weights 6 has a center of gravity positioned eccentrically with respect to each housing 32.
  • the rocker 3 is structured so as to define, at each housing 32, an elastic element 33 taking up at least partially in said housing 32.
  • the weights 6 are arranged in the housings 32.
  • the elastic elements 33 allow to maintain the weights 6, exerting on them a prestressing force generated by the deformation of the elastic elements 33 tending to maintain the weights 6 in their housing 32.
  • the support element 2, the balance 3 including the elastic elements 33, and the flexible blades 51, and 53 or 51, 52 and 53 according to the proposed cases, are of monolithic manufacture .
  • Such a microsystem 8, illustrated on the figure 3 can be made of silicon, by deep etching techniques. It is thus possible to obtain the precision required for the machining of the flexible blades 51, 52 and 53, which are separated, typically, by only a few microns.
  • the microsystem 8 is made of silicon and the serge 4 is made of gold. They are assembled at the wafer level by thermocompression. This allows a much more accurate assembly than by conventional methods.
  • a microsystem 8 made of silicon it is possible to compensate for the thermal drift affecting the flexible blades of the oscillator 1 by coating the latter with a coating made of a material having a coefficient of thermal elasticity of the inverse Young's modulus. that of silicon.
  • the material chosen is typically SiO 2 .
  • the thickness of the coating is determined so as to correct the stiffness constant of the flexible blades 51 and 53, if appropriate 52, to reduce, or even cancel, its dependence on temperature variations. It is also possible, by modulating the stiffness constant of the flexible blades to compensate for the thermal drift of the inertia of the balance 3 so as to obtain an oscillation frequency as independent as possible from the temperature, in the intended field of use.
  • the entire outer surface of the oscillator 1 can be oxidized and include a layer of SiO 2 , although the role of this coating is essentially useful on the flexible blades 51, 52, 53.
  • the number of flexible blades shown in the examples described above is not limiting and the skilled person will adapt the number of flexible blades and their arrangement according to his needs.
  • the maximum number of blades being defined by a compromise between the congestion granted to the system (in particular from an aesthetic point of view) and the stability of the system.
  • the blades of a pair may be on the same side of the middle plane or on both sides of this plane.
  • the 3-blade embodiment will typically be inspired, with a flexible blade located in the first plane, sandwiched between two pairs of flexible blades located in the second plane, the sum of the heights of the flexible blades. located in the second plane being equal to the height of the flexible blade in the foreground.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un oscillateur (1) rotatif pour pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un élément de support (2) destiné à permettre l'assemblage de l'oscillateur (1) sur une pièce d'horlogerie, un balancier (3), une pluralité de lames flexibles reliant l'élément de support (2) au balancier (3) et aptes à exercer un couple de rappel sur le balancier (3), et une serge (4) montée solidaire du balancier (3). La pluralité de lames flexibles comporte au moins deux lames flexibles dont une première lame (51) disposée dans un premier plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur (1), et une deuxième lame (52) disposée dans un deuxième plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur (1) et sécant avec le premier plan. L'axe géométrique d'oscillation (7) de l'oscillateur (1) est défini par l'intersection du premier plan et du deuxième plan, ledit axe géométrique d'oscillation (7) croisant les première (51) et deuxième (52) lames aux 7/8 ème de leur longueur respective.The invention relates to a rotary oscillator (1) for a timepiece comprising a support element (2) intended to enable the oscillator (1) to be assembled on a timepiece, a pendulum (3), a a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element (2) to the rocker arm (3) and able to exert a return torque on the rocker arm (3), and a serge (4) mounted integral with the rocker arm (3). The plurality of flexible blades comprises at least two flexible blades including a first blade (51) disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1), and a second blade (52) disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1) and secant with the first plane. The oscillation geometric axis (7) of the oscillator (1) is defined by the intersection of the first plane and the second plane, said oscillation geometric axis (7) intersecting the first (51) and second (52) ) blades at 7/8 th of their respective lengths.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine de l'horlogerie mécanique. Elle concerne, plus particulièrement un oscillateur rotatif avec pivot virtuel qui comprend :

  • un élément de support destiné à permettre l'assemblage de l'oscillateur sur une pièce d'horlogerie,
  • un balancier,
  • une pluralité de lames flexible reliant l'élément support au balancier, et
  • une serge montée solidaire du balancier.
The present invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking. It concerns, more particularly, a rotary oscillator with virtual pivot which comprises:
  • a support element intended to allow the assembly of the oscillator on a timepiece,
  • a pendulum,
  • a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support member to the balance, and
  • a serge mounted on the pendulum.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Dans les montres mécaniques, le temps est découpé en fractions par un organe de régulation qui est, usuellement à ce jour, un balancier-spiral. Ce dernier est composé de trois parties principales : le balancier qui joue le rôle de volant d'inertie, un arbre terminé par des pivots, qui permet de monter le balancier dans un bâti de pièce d'horlogerie et un ressort spiral qui produit un couple de rappel proportionnel au débattement angulaire du balancier.In mechanical watches, the time is divided into fractions by a regulating member which is usually, to date, a balance spring. The latter is composed of three main parts: the pendulum which plays the role of flywheel, a shaft terminated by pivots, which allows to mount the balance in a timepiece frame and a spiral spring that produces a couple proportional return to the angular displacement of the balance.

La réduction des frottements des pivots permet directement de réduire leur usure, mais également d'améliorer la réserve de marche de la montre. De nombreux travaux ont été menés autour de ce sujet, concernant l'optimisation des paliers ou la lubrification des zones de pivotement.The reduction of the friction of the pivots makes it possible directly to reduce their wear, but also to improve the power reserve of the watch. Much work has been done on this subject, concerning the optimization of the bearings or the lubrication of the pivot zones.

Plus récemment, la demande EP1736838 au nom de la demanderesse, a décrit un oscillateur sans pivot, comprenant un volant d'inertie centré sur l'axe géométrique d'oscillation de l'oscillateur, ce volant étant relié au bâti du mouvement par quatre ressorts, se déformant au cours de l'oscillation et jouant le rôle de ressort spiral. Ce système, particulièrement intéressant au niveau de la réduction des frottements, puisqu'il ne comporte pas de pivot, est cependant limité. D'une part, son amplitude d'oscillation est limitée, inférieure ou égale à 5°. D'autre part, le guidage proposé par les lames flexibles, n'est pas optimal, l'axe géométrique d'oscillation pouvant souffrir des perturbations, en subissant des micro-déplacements, influençant l'isochronisme de l'organe réglant.More recently, demand EP1736838 in the name of the applicant, has described a pivotless oscillator, comprising a flywheel centered on the oscillation oscillator geometric axis, this flywheel being connected to the frame of the oscillator. movement by four springs, deforming during the oscillation and playing the role of spiral spring. This system, particularly interesting in the reduction of friction, since it has no pivot, however, is limited. On the one hand, its amplitude of oscillation is limited, less than or equal to 5 °. On the other hand, the guidance proposed by the flexible blades, is not optimal, the geometric axis of oscillation can suffer disturbances, undergoing micro-displacements, influencing the isochronism of the regulating organ.

La présente invention a pour but de proposer un oscillateur reprenant les avantages des systèmes de l'état de la technique, mais exempt au moins partiellement de leurs inconvénients.The present invention aims to provide an oscillator with the advantages of systems of the state of the art, but at least partially free of their disadvantages.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un oscillateur rotatif à pivot virtuel, c'est-à-dire sans pivot physique au sens usuel du terme, qui comprend un élément de support destiné à permettre l'assemblage de l'oscillateur sur une pièce d'horlogerie, un balancier, une pluralité de lames flexibles reliant l'élément de support au balancier aptes à exercer un couple de rappel sur le balancier, et une serge montée solidaire du balancier.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a virtual pivot rotary oscillator, that is to say without a physical pivot in the usual sense of the term, which comprises a support element intended to enable the oscillator to be assembled on a timepiece, a balance, a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support member to the balance able to exert a restoring torque on the balance, and a serge mounted integral with the balance.

Selon l'invention, la pluralité de lames flexibles comporte au moins deux lames flexibles dont une première lame disposée dans un premier plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur, et une deuxième lame disposée dans un deuxième plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur et sécant avec le premier plan, les première et deuxième lames sont de géométrie identique, et en ce que l'axe géométrique d'oscillation de l'oscillateur est défini par l'intersection du premier plan et du deuxième plan, ledit axe géométrique d'oscillation croisant les première et deuxième lames aux 7/8ème de leur longueur respective.According to the invention, the plurality of flexible blades comprises at least two flexible blades including a first blade disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator, and a second blade disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator and secant with the first plane, the first and second blades are of identical geometry, and in that the oscillation geometric axis of the oscillator is defined by the intersection of the first plane and the second plane, said axis geometric oscillation crossing the first and second blades to 7/8 th of their respective length.

D'autres caractéristiques avantageuses de l'invention sont définies dans les revendications.Other advantageous features of the invention are defined in the claims.

Par conséquent, l'invention permet d'assurer une rotation propre, c'est-à-dire dans laquelle l'axe d'oscillation est fixe, et sans frottements, si ce n'est ceux de l'air. On obtient ainsi des facteurs de qualité de l'oscillateur supérieurs de typiquement un ordre de grandeur par rapport aux oscillateurs de l'état de la technique, ce qui traduit une réduction de l'amortissement de l'oscillation. Cette rotation propre permet de produire sur l'oscillateur un couple de rappel quasiment proportionnel au débattement angulaire. On obtient un oscillateur mécanique capable d'offrir un grand potentiel d'augmentation de la réserve de marche d'une montre mécanique.Therefore, the invention provides a clean rotation, that is to say in which the axis of oscillation is fixed, and without friction, if not those of air. This results in higher oscillator quality factors of typically an order of magnitude compared to the oscillators of the state of the art, which reflects a reduction in damping of the oscillation. This clean rotation makes it possible to produce on the oscillator a return torque that is almost proportional to the angular displacement. We obtain a mechanical oscillator capable of offering a great potential for increasing the power reserve of a mechanical watch.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, des modes de réalisation, donnés à titre d'exemple et fait en référence aux dessins dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 montre une vue de dessus d'un oscillateur selon l'invention;
  • la figure 2 montre une vue en perspective d'une partie d'un oscillateur selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une partie d'un oscillateur selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, et
  • la figure 4 montre un détail de la figure 3.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, of the embodiments, given by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 shows a top view of an oscillator according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of an oscillator according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an oscillator according to a second embodiment, and
  • the figure 4 shows a detail of the figure 3 .

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

La figure 1 montre un oscillateur 1 rotatif pour pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention qui comprend un élément support 2 destiné à permettre son assemblage sur un bâti (non représenté) d'une montre mécanique. L'oscillateur 1 comprend encore un balancier 3, qui, dans cet exemple, comporte un élément de forme circulaire comprenant une ouverture centrale, à l'intérieur de laquelle prend place l'élément de support 2. Ce dernier est situé dans le plan du balancier 3, à proximité du centre du balancier 3 ou de son centre de gravité dans le cas d'un balancier non circulaire. L'élément de support 2 est relié au balancier 3 par une pluralité de lames flexibles reliant l'élément de support 2 au balancier 3. Une serge 4 est montée solidaire du balancier 3 pour donner une inertie suffisante à l'oscillateur 1.The figure 1 shows a rotary oscillator 1 for a timepiece according to the invention which comprises a support element 2 intended to allow its assembly on a frame (not shown) of a mechanical watch. The oscillator 1 further comprises a rocker 3, which, in this example, comprises a circular-shaped element comprising a central opening, inside which the support element 2 takes place. The latter is situated in the plane of the balance 3, close to the center of the balance 3 or its center of gravity in the case of a non-circular balance. The support member 2 is connected to the balance 3 by a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support member 2 to the balance 3. A serge 4 is mounted integral with the balance 3 to give sufficient inertia to the oscillator 1.

La figure 1 présente un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans lequel on a deux lames flexibles dont une première lame 51 disposée dans un premier plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur 1, et une deuxième lame 53 disposée dans un deuxième plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur 1 et sécant avec le premier plan. Les première 51 et deuxième 53 lames sont avantageusement de géométrie identique.The figure 1 presents a first embodiment of the invention, wherein there are two flexible blades including a first blade 51 disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator 1, and a second blade 53 disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane oscillator 1 and secant with the foreground. The first 51 and second 53 blades are advantageously of identical geometry.

On définit que la hauteur des lames est la dimension perpendiculaire au plan du balancier 3. La longueur de la lame est naturellement la dimension située dans le plan du balancier 3, selon l'axe longitudinal de la lame, et l'épaisseur est la dimension perpendiculaire à la longueur, dans le plan du balancier 3. L'épaisseur est réduite de manière à donner aux lames une flexibilité dans le plan du balancier 3. La hauteur des lames est définie de manière à offrir une rigidité suffisante pour maintenir le balancier 3 dans le même plan que l'élément de support 2 lorsque l'oscillateur 1 est assemblé sur le bâti.It is defined that the height of the blades is the dimension perpendicular to the plane of the balance 3. The length of the blade is naturally the dimension located in the plane of the balance 3, along the longitudinal axis of the blade, and the thickness is the dimension perpendicular to the length, in the plane of the balance 3. The thickness is reduced so as to give the blades a flexibility in the plane of the balance 3. The height of the blades is defined so as to offer sufficient rigidity to maintain the balance 3 in the same plane as the support member 2 when the oscillator 1 is assembled on the frame.

Les premier et deuxième plans se croisent selon une droite qui passe aux 7/8ème de la longueur de chaque lame 51 et 53 et qui définit un axe virtuel d'oscillation 7 de l'oscillateur 1.The first and second planes intersect along a line that passes 7/8 th of the length of each blade 51 and 53 and which defines a virtual oscillation axis 7 of the oscillator 1.

En matière de structure flexible, il a été montré que la configuration dans laquelle des lames flexibles se croisent en un point situé aux 7/8ème de leur longueur est optimale, car elle permet d'obtenir une rotation propre et sans frottement autour de son axe virtuel d'oscillation 7 et en minimisant le déplacement de cet axe. De plus, un tel oscillateur 1 présente avantageusement un couple de rappel quasiment proportionnel au débattement angulaire du balancier, qui est typiquement de 20°.In terms of flexible structure, it has been shown that the configuration in which flexible blades intersect at a point 7/8 th of their length is optimal, because it allows to obtain a clean and frictionless rotation around its virtual axis of oscillation 7 and minimizing the displacement of this axis. In addition, such an oscillator 1 advantageously has a return torque that is almost proportional to the angular displacement of the balance, which is typically 20 °.

Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation avantageux proposé aux figures 3 et 4, la pluralité de lames flexibles comporte une paire formée d'une première 51 et d'une deuxième 52 lames disposées dans le premier plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur 1. Les première 51 et deuxième 52 lames sont de géométrie identique. La pluralité de lames comporte aussi une troisième lame 53 disposée dans le deuxième plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur 1, et sécant avec le premier plan. La troisième lame 53 est intercalée entre la première 51 et la deuxième 52 lames et présente une hauteur double de celle de la première 51 ou de la deuxième 52 lame. La figure 4 montre une vue de côté des lames flexible dans laquelle on note clairement la disposition des lames flexibles et la différence de hauteur des lames.In a second advantageous embodiment proposed to figures 3 and 4 , the plurality of flexible blades comprises a pair formed of a first 51 and a second 52 blades disposed in the first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator 1. The first 51 and second 52 blades are of identical geometry. The plurality of blades also comprises a third blade 53 disposed in the second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator 1, and intersecting with the first plane. The third blade 53 is interposed between the first 51 and the second 52 blades and has a height twice that of the first 51 or the second 52 blade. The figure 4 shows a side view of the flexible blades in which there is clearly the arrangement of the flexible blades and the difference in height of the blades.

La mise en oeuvre d'une pluralité de lames flexible, particulièrement dans la configuration du deuxième mode de réalisation, permet d'augmenter la rigidité hors plan du pivot virtuel. Pour une rigidité donnée du pivot virtuel autour de l'axe virtuel d'oscillation 7, la géométrie des lames est adaptée de façon à maintenir la rigidité du pivot constante tout en gardant la symétrie de la rigidité par rapport au plan moyen du balancier.The implementation of a plurality of flexible blades, particularly in the configuration of the second embodiment, increases the off-plane rigidity of the virtual pivot. For a given rigidity of the virtual pivot around the virtual axis of oscillation 7, the geometry of the blades is adapted to maintain the rigidity of the pivot constant while keeping the symmetry of the rigidity with respect to the average plane of the balance.

Le balancier 3 présente une forme lui permettant d'être centré et équilibré autour de l'axe géométrique d'oscillation 7. Aussi, dans la configuration particulière illustrée à titre d'exempte, si son pourtour extérieur est circulaire, son pourtour intérieur qui définit l'ouverture centrale, définit un polygone de symétrie d'ordre N autour de l'axe d'oscillation virtuel 7. A une première de leur extrémité 51A, 52A et 53A, les lames sont respectivement positionnées perpendiculairement à et au milieu de deux côtés du polygone.The rocker 3 has a shape that allows it to be centered and balanced around the geometric axis of oscillation 7. Also, in the particular configuration illustrated by way of example, if its outer circumference is circular, its inner periphery which defines the central opening, defines a symmetry polygon of order N around the virtual oscillation axis 7. At a first of their end 51A, 52A and 53A, the blades are respectively positioned perpendicular to and in the middle of two sides of the polygon.

Dans les exemples particuliers illustrés sur les figures, le pourtour intérieur 31 du balancier 3 présente une forme issue de la superposition d'un carré et d'une croix grecque, dont les bras se croisent en leur milieu et sont équidistants, les axes des bras de la croix passant par les angles du carré à bras identiques dont les angles du carré et les bras de la croix sont alignés.In the particular examples illustrated in the figures, the inner periphery 31 of the balance 3 has a shape resulting from the superposition of a square and a Greek cross, whose arms intersect at their center and are equidistant, the axes of the arms of the cross passing through the angles of the square with identical arms whose angles of the square and the arms of the cross are aligned.

L'élément de support 2 présente deux faces sensiblement parallèles, respectivement, aux deux côtés du polygone recevant les lames, de sorte que, à leur deuxième extrémité 51B, 52B et 53B, les lames sont également positionnées perpendiculairement aux faces de l'élément de support. Elles peuvent être également positionnées au milieu desdites faces.The support element 2 has two substantially parallel faces, respectively, on both sides of the polygon receiving the blades, so that at their second end 51B, 52B and 53B, the blades are also positioned perpendicular to the faces of the element of the support. They can also be positioned in the middle of said faces.

Dans la configuration proposée, les premier et deuxième plans contenant les lames sont perpendiculaires. En d'autres termes, la face de l'élément de support 2 et le côté du polygone reliant une même lame, sont parallèles.In the proposed configuration, the first and second planes containing the blades are perpendicular. In other words, the face of the support member 2 and the side of the polygon connecting the same blade, are parallel.

L'élément de support 2 permet d'assembler l'oscillateur 1 sur le bâti (non représenté) d'une montre mécanique, via des moyens de fixation 21, par exemple des trous, qui peuvent également être conformés de manière à fournir des moyens d'indexation de la position de l'oscillateur 1.The support element 2 makes it possible to assemble the oscillator 1 on the frame (not shown) of a mechanical watch, by means of fixing means 21, for example holes, which can also be shaped so as to provide means indexing the position of the oscillator 1.

La serge 4 est positionnée solidairement sur le pourtour extérieur du balancier 3. Elle est réalisée dans un matériau de densité supérieure à la densité du matériau du balancier 3, afin de donner à l'oscillateur 1 une inertie suffisante. Dans l'exemple proposé, la serge 4 est un anneau, mais on pourrait envisager d'avoir une pluralité de massettes, réparties régulièrement autour du balancier 3.The serge 4 is positioned integrally on the outer periphery of the balance 3. It is made of a material of higher density than the density of the material of the balance 3, in order to give the oscillator 1 sufficient inertia. In the example proposed, serge 4 is a ring, but could consider having a plurality of clubs, distributed regularly around the balance 3.

Afin d'ajuster et éventuellement corriger l'équilibrage de l'oscillateur 1, le balancier 3 comprend une pluralité de logements 32, avantageusement circulaires, recevant chacun une masselotte 6. Les logements 32 sont régulièrement répartis sur le balancier 3, et disposés préférablement à équidistance de l'axe géométrique d'oscillation 7. Chacune des masselottes 6 présente un centre de gravité positionné de manière excentrique par rapport à chaque logement 32. Ainsi, en ajustant la position angulaire des masselottes 6 dans leur logement 32, on peut régler la position du centre de gravité de l'oscillateur 1, de manière à ce qu'il soit parfaitement centré sur l'axe géométrique d'oscillation 7.In order to adjust and possibly correct the balance of the oscillator 1, the balance 3 comprises a plurality of housings 32, advantageously circular, each receiving a counterweight 6. The housings 32 are regularly distributed on the balance 3, and preferably arranged at equidistance of the geometric axis of oscillation 7. Each of the weights 6 has a center of gravity positioned eccentrically with respect to each housing 32. Thus, by adjusting the angular position of the weights 6 in their housing 32, we can adjust the position of the center of gravity of the oscillator 1, so that it is perfectly centered on the geometric axis of oscillation 7.

Comme on peut mieux le voir sur la figure 3, le balancier 3 est structuré de manière à définit, à chaque logement 32, un élément élastique 33 prenant place au moins partiellement dans ledit logement 32. Sur les figures 1 et 2, on voit les masselottes 6 disposées dans les logements 32. Les éléments élastiques 33 permettent de maintenir les masselottes 6, en exerçant sur elles une force de précontrainte générée par la déformation des éléments élastiques 33 tendant à maintenir les masselottes 6 dans leur logement 32.As can be seen better on the figure 3 , the rocker 3 is structured so as to define, at each housing 32, an elastic element 33 taking up at least partially in said housing 32. On the figures 1 and 2 , the weights 6 are arranged in the housings 32. The elastic elements 33 allow to maintain the weights 6, exerting on them a prestressing force generated by the deformation of the elastic elements 33 tending to maintain the weights 6 in their housing 32.

On pourra avantageusement réaliser la serge 4 et les masselottes 6 dans un même matériau de densité supérieure à celle du matériau du balancier 3.It will be possible advantageously to make the serge 4 and the weights 6 in the same material of higher density than the material of the balance 3.

Selon un aspect particulièrement intéressant de l'invention, l'élément de support 2, le balancier 3 y inclus les éléments élastiques 33, et les lames flexibles 51, et 53 ou 51, 52 et 53 selon les cas proposés, sont de fabrication monolithique. Un tel microsystème 8, illustré sur la figure 3, peut être réalisé en silicium, par des techniques de gravure profonde. On peut ainsi obtenir la précision requise pour l'usinage des lames flexibles 51, 52 et 53, qui ne sont séparées, typiquement, que de quelques microns.According to a particularly interesting aspect of the invention, the support element 2, the balance 3 including the elastic elements 33, and the flexible blades 51, and 53 or 51, 52 and 53 according to the proposed cases, are of monolithic manufacture . Such a microsystem 8, illustrated on the figure 3 , can be made of silicon, by deep etching techniques. It is thus possible to obtain the precision required for the machining of the flexible blades 51, 52 and 53, which are separated, typically, by only a few microns.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le microsystème 8 est réalisé en silicium et la serge 4 est en or. Ils sont assemblés au niveau wafer par thermocompression. Ceci permet un assemblage beaucoup plus précis que par les méthodes conventionnelles.According to one embodiment of the invention, the microsystem 8 is made of silicon and the serge 4 is made of gold. They are assembled at the wafer level by thermocompression. This allows a much more accurate assembly than by conventional methods.

Avec un microsystème 8 réalisé en silicium, on peut compenser la dérive thermique affectant les lames flexibles de l'oscillateur 1, en revêtant ces dernières d'un revêtement en un matériau présentant un coefficient de d'élasticité thermique du module d'Young inverse de celui du silicium. Le matériau choisi est typiquement du SiO2. L'épaisseur du revêtement est déterminée de manière à corriger la constante de raideur des lames flexibles 51 et 53, le cas échéant 52, pour réduire, voire annuler, sa dépendance aux variations de température. On peut également, en modulant la constante de raideur des lames flexibles compenser la dérive thermique de l'inertie du balancier 3 de manière à obtenir une fréquence d'oscillation aussi indépendante que possible de la température, dans le domaine d'utilisation prévu. En pratique, l'ensemble de la surface extérieure de l'oscillateur 1 peut être oxydé et comporter une couche de SiO2, même si le rôle de ce revêtement est essentiellement utile sur les lames flexibles 51, 52, 53.With a microsystem 8 made of silicon, it is possible to compensate for the thermal drift affecting the flexible blades of the oscillator 1 by coating the latter with a coating made of a material having a coefficient of thermal elasticity of the inverse Young's modulus. that of silicon. The material chosen is typically SiO 2 . The thickness of the coating is determined so as to correct the stiffness constant of the flexible blades 51 and 53, if appropriate 52, to reduce, or even cancel, its dependence on temperature variations. It is also possible, by modulating the stiffness constant of the flexible blades to compensate for the thermal drift of the inertia of the balance 3 so as to obtain an oscillation frequency as independent as possible from the temperature, in the intended field of use. In practice, the entire outer surface of the oscillator 1 can be oxidized and include a layer of SiO 2 , although the role of this coating is essentially useful on the flexible blades 51, 52, 53.

L'homme du métier saura adapter l'oscillateur 1 décrit ci-dessus de manière à disposer, sur les parties destinées à être en mouvement, un organe ayant la fonction usuelle d'une cheville de plateau, pour coopérer avec un échappement.The skilled person will adapt the oscillator 1 described above so as to have on the parts intended to be in motion, a member having the usual function of a plateau pin, to cooperate with an exhaust.

En outre, le nombre de lames flexibles présenté dans les exemples décrits ci-dessus, n'est pas limitatif et l'homme du métier saura adapter le nombre de lames flexibles et leur arrangement en fonction de ses besoins. Le nombre maximum de lames étant défini par un compromis entre l'encombrement accordé au système (notamment d'un point de vue esthétique) et la stabilité du système.In addition, the number of flexible blades shown in the examples described above, is not limiting and the skilled person will adapt the number of flexible blades and their arrangement according to his needs. The maximum number of blades being defined by a compromise between the congestion granted to the system (in particular from an aesthetic point of view) and the stability of the system.

Aisément, on pourra ainsi avoir 4 ou 5 lames flexibles qui seront dimensionnées et disposées de manière à ce que la rigidité qu'elles confèrent soit arrangée symétriquement par rapport au plan moyen du balancier.Thus, it will be possible to have 4 or 5 flexible blades that will be dimensioned and arranged so that the rigidity that they confer is arranged symmetrically with respect to the average plane of the balance.

Par exemple, on peut avoir 4 lames flexibles identiques, disposées de part et d'autre du plan moyen du balancier, une première paire de ces lames étant dans le premier plan et une deuxième paire de ces lames étant dans le deuxième plan mentionnés ci-dessus. Les lames d'une paire peuvent être du même côté du plan moyen ou de part et d'autre de ce plan.For example, one can have 4 identical flexible blades disposed on either side of the middle plane of the balance, a first pair of these blades being in the foreground and a second pair of these blades being in the second plane mentioned above. above. The blades of a pair may be on the same side of the middle plane or on both sides of this plane.

Dans une configuration à 5 lames, on s'inspirera typiquement du mode de réalisation à 3 lames, avec une lame flexible située dans le premier plan, intercalée entre deux paires de lames flexibles situées dans le deuxième plan, la somme des hauteurs des lames flexibles situées dans le deuxième plan étant égale à la hauteur de la lame flexible située dans le premier plan.In a 5-blade configuration, the 3-blade embodiment will typically be inspired, with a flexible blade located in the first plane, sandwiched between two pairs of flexible blades located in the second plane, the sum of the heights of the flexible blades. located in the second plane being equal to the height of the flexible blade in the foreground.

Claims (17)

oscillateur (1) rotatif pour pièce d'horlogerie comprenant : - un élément de support (2) destiné à permettre l'assemblage de l'oscillateur (1) sur une pièce d'horlogerie, - un balancier (3), - une pluralité de lames flexibles reliant l'élément de support (2) au balancier (3) et aptes à exercer un couple de rappel sur le balancier (3), - une serge (4) montée solidaire du balancier (3),
caractérisé en ce que la pluralité de lames flexibles comporte au moins deux lames flexibles dont une première lame (51) disposée dans un premier plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur (1), et une deuxième lame (53) disposée dans un deuxième plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur (1) et sécant avec le premier plan,
caractérisé en ce que l'axe géométrique d'oscillation (7) de l'oscillateur (1) est défini par l'intersection du premier plan et du deuxième plan, ledit axe géométrique d'oscillation (7) croisant les première (51) et deuxième (53) lames aux 7/8ème de leur longueur respective. rotary oscillator (1) for a timepiece comprising: a support element (2) intended to allow the oscillator (1) to be assembled on a timepiece; a balance (3), a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element (2) to the rocker arm (3) and able to exert a return torque on the rocker (3), - A serge (4) mounted integral with the balance (3),
characterized in that the plurality of flexible blades comprises at least two flexible blades including a first blade (51) disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1), and a second blade (53) disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1) and secant with the foreground,
characterized in that the oscillation geometrical axis (7) of the oscillator (1) is defined by the intersection of the first plane and the second plane, said oscillation geometric axis (7) intersecting the first (51) and second (53) blades at 7/8 th of their respective lengths. Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la pluralité de lames flexibles comporte : - une paire formée d'une première (51) et d'une deuxième (52) lames disposées dans ledit premier plan, les première (51) et deuxième (52) lames étant de géométrie identique, - une troisième (53) lame disposée dans ledit deuxième plan, ladite troisième (53) lame étant intercalée entre la première (51) et la deuxième (52) lame et présentant une hauteur double de celle de la première (51) ou de la deuxième (52) lame. Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of flexible blades comprises: a pair formed of a first (51) and a second (52) blade disposed in said first plane, the first (51) and second (52) blades being of identical geometry, a third blade (53) disposed in said second plane, said third blade (53) being interposed between the first (51) and second (52) blades and having a height twice that of the first (51) or the second (52) blade. Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la pluralité de lames flexibles comporte : - une première lame flexible (51) disposée dans ledit premier plan, et - une deuxième lame flexible (53) identique à la première lame flexible (51), disposée dans ledit deuxième plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur (1). Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of flexible blades comprises: a first flexible blade (51) disposed in said first plane, and - A second flexible blade (53) identical to the first flexible blade (51) disposed in said second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1). Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le balancier (3) comprend une pluralité de logements (32) recevant chacun une masselotte (6), lesdits logements (32) étant régulièrement répartis sur le balancier (3), et disposés à équidistance de l'axe géométrique d'oscillation (7).Rotary oscillator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rocker (3) comprises a plurality of housings (32) each receiving a feeder (6), said housings (32) being regularly distributed over the balance (3), and arranged equidistant from the geometric axis of oscillation (7). Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que chacune des masselottes (6) présente un centre de gravité positionné de manière excentrique dans chaque logement (32).Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that each of the weights (6) has a center of gravity eccentrically positioned in each housing (32). Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 4 ou la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le balancier (3) est structuré de manière à définir, à chaque logement (32), un élément élastique (33) prenant place au moins partiellement dans ledit logement (32).Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the rocker (3) is structured so as to define, at each housing (32), an elastic element (33) taking place at least partially in said housing (32). Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support (2), le balancier (3) y inclus lesdits éléments élastiques (33), et les lames flexibles (51, 52, 53) sont de fabrication monolithique.Rotary oscillator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting element (2), the rocker (3) includes the said elastic elements (33), and the flexible blades (51, 52, 53 ) are monolithic. Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support (2), le balancier (3) y inclus lesdits éléments élastiques (33), et les lames flexibles (51, 52, 53) sont réalisés en silicium.Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the supporting element (2), the rocker (3) including the said elastic elements (33), and the flexible blades (51, 52, 53) are produced in silicon. Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les lames flexibles (51, 52, 53) sont dotées d'un revêtement en SiO2.Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the flexible blades (51, 52, 53) are provided with a SiO 2 coating. Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que l'épaisseur du revêtement en SiO2 est déterminée de manière à compenser, au moins partiellement, la dérive thermique du coefficient d'élasticité du module de Young des lames flexibles (51, 52, 53).Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the thickness of the SiO 2 coating is determined so as to compensate, at least partially, for the thermal drift of the Young's modulus of elasticity of the flexible blades (51 , 52, 53). oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que l'épaisseur du revêtement en SiO2 est déterminée de manière a compenser au moins partiellement la dérive thermique de l'inertie du balancier (3).oscillator (1) rotary according to claim 9, characterized in that the thickness of the SiO 2 coating is determined so as to at least partially compensate for the thermal drift of the inertia of the balance (3). oscillateur (1) rotatif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que la serge (4) est réalisée dans un matériau de densité supérieure à la densité du matériau du balancier (3), la serge (4) étant solidaire du balancier (3) et présentant une symétrie centrale, dont le centre est l'axe géométrique d'oscillation (7) de l'oscillateur (1).oscillator (1) rotary according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the serge (4) is made of a material of higher density than the density of the material of the balance (3), the serge (4) being secured the balance (3) and having a central symmetry, the center of which is the geometric axis of oscillation (7) of the oscillator (1). Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que ledit oscillateur (1) présente un pourtour circulaire concentrique à l'axe géométrique d'oscillation (7).Rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that said oscillator (1) has a circular periphery concentric with the geometric axis of oscillation (7). Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que la serge (4) définit un anneau segmenté ou continu.Rotary oscillator (1) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the serge (4) defines a segmented or continuous ring. Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon les revendications 4 et 14, caractérisé en ce que la serge (4) et les masselottes (6) sont réalisées dans le même matériau de densité supérieur au matériau du balancier (3).Oscillator (1) rotary according to claims 4 and 14, characterized in that the serge (4) and the weights (6) are made of the same material of higher density than the material of the balance (3). Oscillateur (1) rotatif selon les revendications 8 et 15, caractérisé en ce que le balancier (3) est en silicium et la serge (4) en or, le balancier (3) et la serge (4) étant assemblés par thermocompression.Rotary oscillator (1) according to claims 8 and 15, characterized in that the balance (3) is silicon and the serge (4) gold, the balance (3) and the serge (4) being assembled by thermocompression. Microsystème (8) mis en oeuvre dans un oscillateur (1) selon la revendication 7, réalisé en silicium monolithique et comprenant : - un élément de support (2) destiné à permettre l'assemblage de l'oscillateur (1) sur une pièce d'horlogerie, - un balancier (3), - une pluralité de lames flexibles (51, 52, 53) reliant l'élément de support (2) au balancier (3) et aptes à exercer un couple de rappel sur le balancier (3),
la pluralité de lames flexibles comporte au moins deux lames flexibles dont une première (51) lame disposée dans un premier plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur (1), et une deuxième (52) lame disposée dans un deuxième plan perpendiculaire au plan de l'oscillateur (1) et sécant avec le premier plan,
le premier plan et le deuxième plan l'axe se croisant selon l'axe géométrique d'oscillation (7) de l'oscillateur (1), ledit axe géométrique d'oscillation (7) croisant les première (51) et deuxième (52) lames aux 7/8ème de leur longueur respective. Microsystem (8) implemented in an oscillator (1) according to claim 7, made of monolithic silicon and comprising: a support element (2) intended to allow the oscillator (1) to be assembled on a timepiece; a balance (3), a plurality of flexible blades (51, 52, 53) connecting the support element (2) to the rocker (3) and able to exert a restoring torque on the rocker (3),
the plurality of flexible blades comprises at least two flexible blades including a first blade (51) disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1), and a second (52) blade disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1) and secant with the foreground,
the first plane and the second plane intersecting the axis along the oscillation geometrical axis (7) of the oscillator (1), said oscillation geometrical axis (7) crossing the first (51) and second (52) ) blades at 7/8 th of their respective lengths.
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JP2018535431A (en) * 2015-09-29 2018-11-29 パテック フィリップ ソシエテ アノニム ジュネーブ Flexible pivoting machine component and timepiece with flexible pivoting machine component
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US20150234354A1 (en) 2015-08-20
CH709291A2 (en) 2015-08-28

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