EP2911012B1 - Timepiece oscillator - Google Patents

Timepiece oscillator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2911012B1
EP2911012B1 EP14156053.2A EP14156053A EP2911012B1 EP 2911012 B1 EP2911012 B1 EP 2911012B1 EP 14156053 A EP14156053 A EP 14156053A EP 2911012 B1 EP2911012 B1 EP 2911012B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
oscillator
balance
plane
blades
blade
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EP14156053.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2911012A1 (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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    • 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 regulating member which is, usually to this day, a sprung balance.
  • the latter is made up of three main parts: the balance which acts as a flywheel, a shaft terminated by pivots, which allows the balance to be mounted in a timepiece frame and a spiral spring which produces a torque. of return proportional to the angular displacement of the balance.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose an oscillator incorporating the advantages of the systems of the state of the art, but at least partially free from their drawbacks.
  • the invention relates to a rotary oscillator with virtual pivot, that is to say without a physical pivot in the usual sense of the term, which comprises a support element intended to allow assembly of the oscillator on a timepiece, a balance, a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element to the balance capable of exerting a return torque on the balance, and a rim mounted integral with the balance.
  • the invention relates to two alternative embodiments of an oscillator, as defined by independent claims 1 and 2, as well as two corresponding alternative microsystems, as defined in independent claims 16 and 17.
  • the invention makes it possible to ensure proper rotation, that is to say in which the axis of oscillation is fixed, and without friction, except that of the air.
  • quality factors of the oscillator are obtained which are typically an order of magnitude higher than the oscillators of the state of the art, which reflects a reduction in the damping of the oscillation.
  • This proper rotation makes it possible to produce on the oscillator a return torque almost proportional to the angular displacement.
  • 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 also comprises a balance 3, which, in this example, comprises a circular element comprising a central opening, inside which the support element 2 takes place. The latter is located in the plane of the balance 3, near the center of balance 3 or its center of gravity in the case of a non-circular balance.
  • the support element 2 is connected to the balance 3 by a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element 2 to the balance 3.
  • a rim 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, in which there are two flexible blades of which a first blade 51 disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of oscillator 1, and a second blade 53 disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of 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 flexibility in the plane of the balance 3.
  • the height of the blades is defined so as to provide sufficient rigidity to hold the balance 3 in the same plane as the support element 2 when the oscillator 1 is assembled on the frame.
  • the first and second planes intersect on a straight line which passes 7/8 th of the length of each blade 51 and 53 and which defines a virtual axis of oscillation 7 of oscillator 1.
  • the plurality of flexible blades comprises a pair formed of a first 51 and of a second 52 blades arranged 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 includes a third blade 53 disposed in the second plane perpendicular to the plane of 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 double that of the first 51 or of the second 52 blade.
  • the figure 4 shows a side view of the flexible slats in which we can clearly see the arrangement of the flexible slats and the difference in height of the slats.
  • the use of a plurality of flexible blades makes it possible to increase the out-of-plane rigidity of the virtual pivot.
  • the geometry of the blades is adapted so as to keep the rigidity of the pivot constant while keeping the symmetry of the rigidity with respect to the mean plane of the balance.
  • the balance 3 has a shape allowing 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 circumference which defines the central opening defines a polygon of symmetry of order N around the virtual axis of oscillation 7. At a first of their ends 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, the arms of which cross in their middle 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 faces which are substantially parallel, respectively, to the two 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 support. They can also be positioned in the middle of said faces.
  • the first and second planes containing the slats are perpendicular.
  • the face of the support element 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, via fixing means 21, for example holes, which can also be shaped so as to provide means for indexing the position of oscillator 1.
  • the rim 4 is positioned integrally on the outer periphery of the balance 3. It is made of a material with a density greater than the density of the material of the balance 3, in order to give the oscillator 1 sufficient inertia.
  • serge 4 is a ring, but we could consider having a plurality of mallets, distributed regularly around the balance 3.
  • the balance 3 comprises a plurality of housings 32, advantageously circular, each receiving a weight 6.
  • the housings 32 are regularly distributed on the balance 3, and preferably arranged to equidistant from 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 balance 3 is structured so as to define, at each housing 32, an elastic element 33 taking place at least partially in said housing 32.
  • an elastic element 33 taking place at least partially in said housing 32.
  • the elastic elements 33 make it possible to hold the weights 6, by 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 rim 4 and the weights 6 can advantageously be made from the same material with a density greater than that of the material of the balance 3.
  • the support element 2, the balance 3 including the elastic elements 33, and the flexible blades 51, and 53 or 51, 52 and 53 depending on the cases proposed are of monolithic manufacture.
  • Such a microsystem 8, illustrated on figure 3 can be produced in 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 typically only separated by a few microns.
  • the microsystem 8 is made of silicon and the rim 4 is made of gold. They are assembled at the wafer level by thermocompression. This allows a much more precise 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 oscillator 1, by coating the latter with a coating of a material having a coefficient of thermal elasticity of the inverse Young's modulus of 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, where appropriate 52, to reduce, or even eliminate, 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 of the temperature, in the intended range of use.
  • the entire outer surface of oscillator 1 can be oxidized and include a layer of SiO 2 , even if the role of this coating is essentially useful on the flexible blades 51, 52, 53.
  • the number of flexible blades presented in the examples described above is not limiting and those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the number of flexible blades and their arrangement according to their needs.
  • the maximum number of slats being defined by a compromise between the size granted to the system (in particular from an aesthetic point of view) and the stability of the system.
  • the blades of a pair can be on the same side of the midplane or on either side of this plane.

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

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 relates more particularly to a rotary oscillator with virtual pivot which comprises:
  • a support element intended to allow assembly of the oscillator on a timepiece,
  • a pendulum,
  • a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element to the balance, and
  • a mounted serge integral with the balance.

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, time is cut into fractions by a regulating member which is, usually to this day, a sprung balance. The latter is made up of three main parts: the balance which acts as a flywheel, a shaft terminated by pivots, which allows the balance to be mounted in a timepiece frame and a spiral spring which produces a torque. of return proportional 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.Reducing the friction of the pivots directly reduces their wear, but also improves the power reserve of the watch. Much work has been carried out on this subject, concerning the optimization of bearings or the lubrication of 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, the demand EP1736838 in the name of the applicant, has described a pivotless oscillator, comprising a flywheel centered on the geometric axis of oscillation of the oscillator, this flywheel being connected to the frame of the movement by four springs, deforming during oscillation and playing the role of a spiral spring. This system, which is particularly advantageous in terms of reducing friction, since it does not include a pivot, is however limited. On the one hand, its oscillation amplitude is limited, less than or equal to 5 °. On the other hand, the guidance offered by the flexible blades is not optimal, the geometric axis of oscillation being able to suffer from disturbances, by undergoing micro-displacements, influencing the isochronism of the regulating organ.

D' autres types d'oscillateurs sans pivot sont également décrits dans les documents EP 2 273 323 A2 et WO 2012/010408 A1 . 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.Other types of pivotless oscillators are also described in documents EP 2 273 323 A2 and WO 2012/010408 A1 . The object of the present invention is to propose an oscillator incorporating the advantages of the systems of the state of the art, but at least partially free from their drawbacks.

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.To this end, the invention relates to a rotary oscillator with virtual pivot, that is to say without a physical pivot in the usual sense of the term, which comprises a support element intended to allow assembly of the oscillator on a timepiece, a balance, a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element to the balance capable of exerting a return torque on the balance, and a rim mounted integral with the balance.

En particulier, l'invention concerne deux réalisations alternatives d'un oscillateur, telles que définies par les revendications indépendantes 1 et 2 ainsi que deux microsystèmes alternatifs correspondants, tels que définis dans les revendications indépendantes 16 et 17.In particular, the invention relates to two alternative embodiments of an oscillator, as defined by independent claims 1 and 2, as well as two corresponding alternative microsystems, as defined in independent claims 16 and 17.

D'autres caractéristiques avantageuses de l'invention sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes.Other advantageous features of the invention are defined in the dependent 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.Consequently, the invention makes it possible to ensure proper rotation, that is to say in which the axis of oscillation is fixed, and without friction, except that of the air. In this way, quality factors of the oscillator are obtained which are typically an order of magnitude higher than the oscillators of the state of the art, which reflects a reduction in the damping of the oscillation. This proper rotation makes it possible to produce on the oscillator a return torque almost proportional to the angular displacement. We obtain a mechanical oscillator capable of offering 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 following description of the embodiments, given by way of example and made 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 part of an oscillator according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 3 is a perspective view of part 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) for carrying out 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 also comprises a balance 3, which, in this example, comprises a circular element comprising a central opening, inside which the support element 2 takes place. The latter is located in the plane of the balance 3, near the center of balance 3 or its center of gravity in the case of a non-circular balance. The support element 2 is connected to the balance 3 by a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element 2 to the balance 3. A rim 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, in which there are two flexible blades of which a first blade 51 disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of oscillator 1, and a second blade 53 disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of 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.We define 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 flexibility in the plane of the balance 3. The height of the blades is defined so as to provide sufficient rigidity to hold the balance 3 in the same plane as the support element 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 on a straight line which passes 7/8 th of the length of each blade 51 and 53 and which defines a virtual axis of oscillation 7 of 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 the flexible blades cross at a point located at 7/8 th of their length is optimal, because it allows to obtain a clean rotation and without friction around its virtual oscillation axis 7 and minimizing the displacement of this axis. In addition, such an oscillator 1 advantageously has a return torque 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 of a second 52 blades arranged 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 includes a third blade 53 disposed in the second plane perpendicular to the plane of 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 double that of the first 51 or of the second 52 blade. The figure 4 shows a side view of the flexible slats in which we can clearly see the arrangement of the flexible slats and the difference in height of the slats.

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 use of a plurality of flexible blades, particularly in the configuration of the second embodiment, makes it possible to increase the out-of-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 so as to keep the rigidity of the pivot constant while keeping the symmetry of the rigidity with respect to the mean 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 balance 3 has a shape allowing 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 circumference which defines the central opening defines a polygon of symmetry of order N around the virtual axis of oscillation 7. At a first of their ends 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, the arms of which cross in their middle 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 faces which are substantially parallel, respectively, to the two 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 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 slats are perpendicular. In other words, the face of the support element 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, via fixing means 21, for example holes, which can also be shaped so as to provide means for indexing the position of 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 rim 4 is positioned integrally on the outer periphery of the balance 3. It is made of a material with a density greater than the density of the material of the balance 3, in order to give the oscillator 1 sufficient inertia. In the example given, serge 4 is a ring, but we could consider having a plurality of mallets, 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 balancing of the oscillator 1, the balance 3 comprises a plurality of housings 32, advantageously circular, each receiving a weight 6. The housings 32 are regularly distributed on the balance 3, and preferably arranged to equidistant from 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, the weight can be adjusted. position of the center of gravity of 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 définir, 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 best be seen from the figure 3 , the balance 3 is structured so as to define, at each housing 32, an elastic element 33 taking place at least partially in said housing 32. On the figures 1 and 2 , we see the weights 6 arranged in the housings 32. The elastic elements 33 make it possible to hold the weights 6, by 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.The rim 4 and the weights 6 can advantageously be made from the same material with a density greater than that of 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 depending on the cases proposed, are of monolithic manufacture. . Such a microsystem 8, illustrated on figure 3 , can be produced in 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 typically only separated by 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 rim 4 is made of gold. They are assembled at the wafer level by thermocompression. This allows a much more precise 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 oscillator 1, by coating the latter with a coating of a material having a coefficient of thermal elasticity of the inverse Young's modulus of 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, where appropriate 52, to reduce, or even eliminate, 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 of the temperature, in the intended range of use. In practice, the entire outer surface of oscillator 1 can be oxidized and include a layer of SiO 2 , even if 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.Those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the oscillator 1 described above so as to place, on the parts intended to be in motion, a member having the usual function of a plate pin, to cooperate with an escapement.

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 presented in the examples described above is not limiting and those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the number of flexible blades and their arrangement according to their needs. The maximum number of slats being defined by a compromise between the size 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.Easily, we can thus have 4 or 5 flexible blades which will be dimensioned and arranged so that the rigidity they impart is arranged symmetrically with respect to the mean 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, we can have 4 identical flexible blades, arranged on either side of the mean plane of the balance, a first pair of these blades being in the first plane and a second pair of these blades being in the second plane mentioned above. above. The blades of a pair can be on the same side of the midplane or on either side 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, we will typically be inspired by the 3-blade embodiment, with a flexible blade located in the first plane, interposed 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 located in the foreground.

Claims (17)

  1. A rotary oscillator (1) for a timepiece comprising:
    - a support element (2) intended to allow the assembly of the oscillator (1) on a timepiece,
    - a balance (3),
    - a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element (2) to the balance (3) and able to exert a return torque on the balance (3),
    - a felloe (4) mounted secured to the balance (3),
    the plurality of flexible blades including at least two flexible blades whose first (51) blade disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1), and a second (53) blade disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1) and intersecting with the plane,
    the first (51) and second (53) blades being of identical geometry, and characterized in that the geometrical axis of oscillation (7) of the oscillator (1) is defined by the intersection of the first plane and second plane, said geometrical axis of oscillation (7) crossing the first (51) and second (53) blades at the 7/8th of their respective length.
  2. The rotary oscillator (1) for a timepiece comprising:
    - a support element (2) intended to allow the assembly of the oscillator (1) on a timepiece,
    - a balance (3),
    - a plurality of flexible blades (51, 52, 53) connecting the support element (2) to the balance (3) and able to exert a return torque on the balance (3),
    - a felloe (4) mounted secured to the balance (3),
    the plurality of flexible blades including a pair formed of a first (51) and a second (52) blade disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1), the first (51) and second (52) blades being of identical geometry,
    characterized in that the plurality of flexible blades also includes a third (53) blade disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1) and intersecting with the first plane, said third (53) blade being inserted between the first (51) and the second (52) blade and having a height that is twice that of the first (51) or second (52) blade,
    and in that the geometrical axis of oscillation (7) of the oscillator (1) is defined by the intersection of the first plane and of the second plane, said geometrical axis of oscillation (7) crossing the first (51) and second (52) blades and the third (53) blade at the 7/8th of their respective length.
  3. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the balance (3) comprises a plurality of housings (32) each receiving an inertia block (6), said housings (32) being evenly distributed over the balance (3), and disposed equidistantly from the geometrical axis of oscillation (7).
  4. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the inertia blocks (6) has a center of gravity positioned in an eccentric manner in each housing (32).
  5. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the balance (3) is structured so as to define, at each housing (32), an elastic element (33) taking place at least partially in said housing (32).
  6. The rotary oscillator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (2), the balance (3) including said elastic elements (33), and the flexible blades (51, 52, 53) are monolithically manufactured.
  7. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the support element (2), the balance (3) including said elastic elements (33), and the flexible blades (51, 52, 53) are made of silicon.
  8. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the flexible blades (51, 52, 53) are coated with SiO2.
  9. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the thickness of the SiO2 coating is determined so as to compensate, at least partially, for the thermal drift of the elasticity coefficient of the Young's modulus of the flexible blades (51, 52, 53).
  10. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the thickness of the SiO2 coating is determined so as to compensate, at least partially, for the thermal drift of the balance (3) inertia.
  11. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the felloe (4) is made of a material with a density greater than the density of the material of the balance (3), the felloe (4) being secured to the balance (3) and having a central symmetry, whose center is the geometrical axis of oscillation (7) of the oscillator (1).
  12. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said oscillator (1) has a circular periphery concentric with the geometrical axis of oscillation (7) .
  13. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the felloe (4) is a segmented or monolithic ring.
  14. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claims 3 and 13, characterized in that the felloe (4) and the inertia blocks (6) are made of the same material with a density higher than the material of the balance (3).
  15. The rotary oscillator (1) according to claims 7 and 14, characterized in that the balance (3) is made of silicon and the felloe (4) is made of gold, the balance (3) and the felloe (4) being assembled by thermo-compression.
  16. A micro-system (8) adapted to be implemented in an oscillator (1) according to claim 6, made of monolithic silicon and comprising:
    - a support element (2) intended to allow the assembly of the oscillator (1) on a timepiece,
    - a balance (3),
    - a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element (2) to the balance (3) and able to exert a return torque on the balance (3),
    and wherein the plurality of flexible blades includes at least two flexible blades, whose first (51) blade is disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1), and a second (53) blade is disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1) and intersecting with the first plane, the first (51) and second (53) blades being of identical geometry, the geometrical axis of oscillation (7) of the oscillator (1) being defined by the intersection of the first plane and second plane, said geometrical axis of oscillation (7) crossing the first (51) and second (53) blades at 7/8th of their respective length.
  17. The micro-system (8) adapted to be implemented in an oscillator (1) according to claim 6, made of monolithic silicon and comprising:
    - a support element (2) intended to allow the assembly of the oscillator (1) on a timepiece,
    - a balance (3),
    - a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element (2) to the balance (3) and able to exert a return torque on the balance (3),
    and wherein the plurality of flexible blades includes a pair formed of a first (51) and a second (52) blade disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1), the first (51) and second (52) blades being of identical geometry, the plurality of flexible blades also includes a third (53) blade disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (1) and intersecting with the first plane, said third (53) blade being inserted between the first (51) and the second (52) blade and having a height that is twice that of the first (51) or second (52) blade, and in that the geometrical axis of oscillation (7) of the oscillator (1) is defined by the intersection of the first plane and second plane, said geometrical axis of oscillation (7) crossing the first (51) and second (52) blades and the third (53) blade at the 7/8th of their respective length.
EP14156053.2A 2014-02-20 2014-02-20 Timepiece oscillator Active EP2911012B1 (en)

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CH00230/14A CH709291A2 (en) 2014-02-20 2014-02-20 Oscillator timepiece.
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US9207641B2 (en) 2015-12-08

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