EP3211486B1 - Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement - Google Patents

Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3211486B1
EP3211486B1 EP16157390.2A EP16157390A EP3211486B1 EP 3211486 B1 EP3211486 B1 EP 3211486B1 EP 16157390 A EP16157390 A EP 16157390A EP 3211486 B1 EP3211486 B1 EP 3211486B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hairspring
spiral
glue
adhesive
balance spring
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16157390.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3211486A1 (en
Inventor
Julien Christan
Thierry Conus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to EP18183176.9A priority Critical patent/EP3432083A1/en
Priority to EP16157390.2A priority patent/EP3211486B1/en
Priority to US15/298,498 priority patent/US10018965B2/en
Priority to TW105134437A priority patent/TWI701528B/en
Priority to JP2016237311A priority patent/JP6259056B2/en
Priority to CN201611121756.7A priority patent/CN107121918B/en
Publication of EP3211486A1 publication Critical patent/EP3211486A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3211486B1 publication Critical patent/EP3211486B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/32Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • G04B17/34Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton for fastening the hairspring onto the balance
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/063Balance construction
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/32Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • G04B17/325Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton for fastening the hairspring in a fixed position, e.g. using a block

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of fixing a spiral for a mechanical clockwork movement.
  • the present invention relates in particular to a process for bonding silicon spirals.
  • the balance spring constitutes with the balance the time base of the mechanical timepieces.
  • the spiral is schematically in the form of a very thin spring wound in concentric turns and a first end called the first turn inside is connected to a ferrule, and a second end called last turn outside is connected at a peak.
  • the oscillating system comprises a sprung-balance pair and an escapement.
  • the balance consists of a balance shaft connected to a serge by means of radial arms and pivoted between a first and second bearings.
  • the hairspring is fixed via a first turn inside to the balance shaft for example by means of a ferrule.
  • the hairspring is fixed via a last outer turn at a point of attachment formed by a pin possibly carried by a peg holder.
  • the exhaust comprises a double plate consisting of a large plate which carries a plateau pin and a small plate in which is formed a notch.
  • the escapement also includes an anchor with an anchor axis pivoted between first and second bearings.
  • the anchor consists of a rod that connects a fork to an input arm and an output arm.
  • the fork is made up of an entrance horn and an exit horn between which a dart extends.
  • the travel of the fork is limited by an entry limiting pin and an output limiting pin that can be made from one piece with an anchor bridge.
  • the inlet arm and the output arm respectively carry an entry pallet and an exit pallet.
  • the anchor cooperates with an escape wheel comprising an exhaust wheel axle pivoted between a first and a second bearing.
  • the material used for making the spirals is usually an alloy based on cobalt, nickel and chromium. Ductile, such an alloy must resist corrosion. Recent developments, however, propose making the silicon spirals. Silicone spirals are more accurate than their steel predecessors. Their cost price is nevertheless higher. Due to their small dimensions, such spirals are however difficult to assemble.
  • the hairspring is an Archimedes spring, wound in the horizontal plane, which serves only one function: once paired with a pendulum, it must turn in one direction, then in the other, that is to say swing around its equilibrium position. He is said to breathe. Now, everything helps to prevent a hairspring from always oscillating at the same frequency.
  • the hairspring must in particular withstand the oxidation and magnetism that sticks the turns between them and stops the watch.
  • the influence of atmospheric pressure is weak. For a long time, it was the temperature that was the crux of the problem because the heat expands the metal, the cold shrinks it.
  • the hairspring must also be elastic to deform and yet still find its shape.
  • the hairspring must be isochronous. No matter how far the spiral turns, it must always be the same time to oscillate. If the hairspring contracts by a few degrees, it accumulates little energy and slowly returns to its equilibrium position. If the hairspring is moved away from much of its equilibrium position, it goes very quickly in the opposite direction. The important thing is that these two trips are made in the same duration. The underlying idea is that the energy available to the hairspring is not constant and that it must still work whether the watch is fully recovered or that it is in its last hours of power reserve.
  • the material used for making the spirals is usually an alloy based on cobalt, nickel and chromium. Ductile, such an alloy must resist corrosion. Recent developments, however, propose making the silicon spirals. Silicone spirals that are especially insensitive to magnetism are more accurate than their steel predecessors. Their cost price is nevertheless higher.
  • Requirement WO 2014/023584 discloses a method of fixing a last turn outside a watch hairspring in a piton, this method comprising the step of sticking the last turn to the outside of the watch hairspring by means of a fluid glue .
  • the present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks as well as others by providing a method of fixing a hairspring which does not induce mechanical stresses in such a hairspring and does not separate it from its position rest.
  • the subject of the present invention is a process for fixing a last turn outside a watch spiral in a peak, this process comprising the step of sticking the last turn outside the clockwork spiral by means of a fluid adhesive whose viscosity is between 200 and 400 mPa.s.
  • the last turn outside of the watch winder is glued in a groove in the peak.
  • the fluid adhesive is polymerizable by means of ultraviolet radiation.
  • the present invention provides a method of fixing a watchmaker's hairspring in which the last turn outside the watch hairspring is glued to the peak by means of a drop of fluid glue.
  • Fluid glue can also be a glue that hardens on contact with air.
  • the watch winder is formed of a coil of concentric turns comprising a last turn on the outside which ends with a wafer which is thicker than the other spiral turns, the wafer being provided with at least one notch to promote the adhesion of the glue once it hardened.
  • the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of sticking the last coil outside a hairspring on a peak by means of a fluid adhesive whose viscosity is between 200 and 400 mPa.s. It has indeed been observed that when the last turn is glued to the outside of a hairspring, for example by means of a heat-fusible glue, the The viscosity of such an adhesive is such that it exerts capillary forces on the hairspring which tend to move the hairspring away from its rest position and to induce in the latter mechanical stresses which considerably impair its running accuracy.
  • the glue used is a fluid adhesive which hardens on contact with air.
  • the fluid adhesive is an adhesive which cures by polymerization under the effect of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
  • photopolymerizable glue is meant a polymer adhesive capable of polymerizing under the effect of ultraviolet radiation. This is why photo-polymerizable adhesives are usually referred to as UV glue.
  • Photopolymerizable adhesives have a large number of advantages: they are monocomponent, their polymerization is fast and can, in some cases, be done without solvent, their application is easy, they allow to carry out heat-sensitive collages and do not have pot life or pot life in Anglo-Saxon terminology. Pot life is the period of time available to use a resin before complete curing from the moment when the two components of the resin are mixed, and the chemical reaction takes place.
  • a photo-polymerizable glue consists of a base resin, a photoactivator and, where appropriate, one or more additives.
  • the base resin which may be a monomer or an oligomer has well-defined functional groups which, after UV polymerization, will condition the physical and resulting polymer.
  • the polymerization reaction may be based either on radical mechanisms to which the acrylic components are subjected, for example, or on cationic mechanisms to which the epoxy components are subjected for example.
  • a radical-type reaction the photo-polymerization phenomenon is interrupted as soon as the exposure to ultraviolet radiation ceases.
  • radical systems of acrylic type are subject to inhibition by oxygen.
  • the photo-polymerization phenomenon continues even after interruption of the UV illumination and is not inhibited by oxygen.
  • These short-wave reactive salts (200-300 nm) can be used alone or in combination with photo-sensitizers, ie molecules capable of absorbing light and transferring excitation to another molecule, for greater efficiency.
  • the photoactivators must have excellent reactivity, a suitable absorption spectrum, a lack of yellowing, good stability, compatibility with the monomers and substrates, minimum odor and non-toxicity.
  • composition of a photo-polymerizable adhesive may be supplemented by one or more additives among which mention may be made of co-initiators, that is to say molecules which do not participate in the absorption of light but which contribute the production of reactive particles, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, reactive diluents or adhesion promoters or surfactants.
  • co-initiators that is to say molecules which do not participate in the absorption of light but which contribute the production of reactive particles, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, reactive diluents or adhesion promoters or surfactants.
  • FIG. 1 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated on the figure 1 attached.
  • an oscillating system for a watch movement generally designated by the general numerical reference 1.
  • This oscillating system mounted on a bridge 2 of the turntable of a watch movement, comprises a watch winder 4 formed of a very thin spring wound in concentric turns and which is fixed via a first turn inside 6 to a balance shaft 8 by means of a ferrule 10.
  • the spiral 4 is fixed via a last outer turn 12 at an attachment point formed by a stud 14 carried by a stud holder or a bridge 16.
  • the oscillating system 1 also comprises a rocker 18 whose axis 8 is connected to a serge 20 by means of radial arms 22.
  • the balance shaft 8 is pivoted between a first and a second bearing 24, only one of which is visible in the drawing. and which are hunted in bridge 2 and platinum of the watch movement.
  • the oscillating system 1 comprises a double-plate 26 consisting of a large plate 28 which carries a plate pin 30 and a small plate 32 in which is formed a notch 34.
  • the oscillating system finally comprises an anchor 36 whose axis 38 is pivoted between a first and a second pivot 40, only one of which is visible in the drawing.
  • the anchor 36 consists of a rod 42 which connects a fork 44 to an input arm 46 and an output arm 48.
  • the fork 44 consists of an input horn 50 and a horn of output 52 between which extends a stinger 54.
  • the travel of the fork 44 is limited by an input limiting pin and an output limiting pin (not visible in the drawing) that can be made of a piece with a anchor bridge.
  • the inlet arm 46 and the output arm 48 respectively carry an inlet pallet 56 and an outlet pallet 58.
  • the anchor 36 cooperates with an escape wheel 60 comprising an exhaust wheel axle 60 pivoted between a first and a second pivot 64.
  • the last outer turn 12 of the spring 4 is glued to the stud 14 by means of a drop of photo-polymerizable adhesive 66.
  • This drop of glue is for example deposited by means of an automated dispensing device such as a syringe still known by its Anglo-Saxon name "dispenser”.
  • the drop of photo-polymerizable glue 66 is polymerized by exposure to light radiation produced by an ultraviolet light source 68. Exposure to ultraviolet light is sufficient to cause complete polymerization of the glue.
  • the first turn inside the spiral 4 can also be glued to the ferrule 10 by means of the same UV conductive glue as that used for gluing the spiral 4 to the stud 14.
  • the last turn outside 12 of the hairspring 4 is arranged in a groove 70 formed at the upper end of the pin 14.
  • the drop of photo-polymerizable adhesive 66 has been deposited using a syringe and, under the effect of the gluing force of the glue, the end of the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 has moved slightly away from its rest position and touches the walls of the groove 70, which is very unfavorable to the precision of the spiral.
  • the end of the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 is spontaneously returned to its rest position.
  • the photo-polymerizable adhesive 66 is very fluid, its viscosity being between 200 and 400 mPa.s, so that the adhesive does not oppose the spontaneous return movement of the end of the spiral 4 in its equilibrium position. Therefore, the fixing operation of the hairspring 4 induces no mechanical stress in the hairspring 4, which is very favorable to the accuracy of the latter.
  • the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 ends with a plate 72 made in one piece with the end of the last turn outside 12 and which is thicker than the other spiral windings 4.
  • the cross section of the wafer is 0.1x0.1 mm 2 and its length L is 0.6 millimeters.
  • the wafer 72 is provided with at least one and, preferably, two notches 74 to promote the adhesion of the glue once it has hardened.
  • the last turn outside 12 is not concentric with the other turns of the spiral 4. The latter turns outside 12 slightly away from the center of the turn 4 so that the penultimate turn 68 which precedes it does not touch the peak 14.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
  • the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 can be glued to the stud 14 by means of a drop of glue which hardens on contact with the air .
  • the material used for making the spirals is usually an alloy based on cobalt, nickel and chromium. Ductile, such an alloy must resist corrosion.
  • Silicone spiral means a spiral made of a material comprising monocrystalline silicon, doped monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, doped polycrystalline silicon, porous silicon, silicon oxide, quartz, silica, silicon nitride or silicon carbide. Of course, when the silicon-based material is in crystalline phase, any crystalline orientation can be used.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Adhesives Or Adhesive Processes (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)

Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

La présente invention concerne un procédé de fixation d'un spiral pour un mouvement d'horlogerie mécanique. La présente invention concerne en particulier un procédé de collage de spiraux en silicium.The present invention relates to a method of fixing a spiral for a mechanical clockwork movement. The present invention relates in particular to a process for bonding silicon spirals.

Arrière-plan technologique de l'inventionTechnological background of the invention

Dans le domaine de l'horlogerie, le spiral constitue avec le balancier la base de temps des pièces d'horlogerie mécanique. Le spiral se présente schématiquement sous la forme d'un très fin ressort enroulé en spires concentriques et dont une première extrémité appelée première spire à l'intérieur est reliée à une virole, et dont une seconde extrémité appelée dernière spire à l'extérieur est reliée à un piton.In the field of watchmaking, the balance spring constitutes with the balance the time base of the mechanical timepieces. The spiral is schematically in the form of a very thin spring wound in concentric turns and a first end called the first turn inside is connected to a ferrule, and a second end called last turn outside is connected at a peak.

Plus précisément, le système oscillant comprend un couple balancier-spiral et un échappement. Le balancier se compose d'un axe de balancier relié à une serge au moyen de bras radiaux et pivoté entre un premier et un second paliers. Le spiral est fixé via une première spire à l'intérieur à l'axe de balancier par exemple au moyen d'une virole. Le spiral est fixé via une dernière spire extérieure en un point d'attache formé par un piton éventuellement porté par un porte-piton. L'échappement comprend un double plateau constitué d'un grand plateau qui porte une cheville de plateau et d'un petit plateau dans lequel est ménagée une encoche. L'échappement comprend également une ancre dont un axe d'ancre est pivoté entre un premier et un second paliers. L'ancre se compose d'une baguette qui relie une fourchette à un bras d'entrée et un bras de sortie. La fourchette est constituée d'une corne d'entrée et d'une corne de sortie entre lesquelles s'étend un dard. Le débattement de la fourchette est limité par une goupille de limitation d'entrée et une goupille de limitation de sortie qui peuvent être faites d'une pièce avec un pont d'ancre. Le bras d'entrée et le bras de sortie portent respectivement une palette d'entrée et une palette de sortie. Enfin, l'ancre coopère avec une roue d'échappement comprenant un axe de roue d'échappement pivoté entre un premier et un second paliers.More specifically, the oscillating system comprises a sprung-balance pair and an escapement. The balance consists of a balance shaft connected to a serge by means of radial arms and pivoted between a first and second bearings. The hairspring is fixed via a first turn inside to the balance shaft for example by means of a ferrule. The hairspring is fixed via a last outer turn at a point of attachment formed by a pin possibly carried by a peg holder. The exhaust comprises a double plate consisting of a large plate which carries a plateau pin and a small plate in which is formed a notch. The escapement also includes an anchor with an anchor axis pivoted between first and second bearings. The anchor consists of a rod that connects a fork to an input arm and an output arm. The fork is made up of an entrance horn and an exit horn between which a dart extends. The travel of the fork is limited by an entry limiting pin and an output limiting pin that can be made from one piece with an anchor bridge. The inlet arm and the output arm respectively carry an entry pallet and an exit pallet. Finally, the anchor cooperates with an escape wheel comprising an exhaust wheel axle pivoted between a first and a second bearing.

Le matériau utilisé pour la réalisation des spiraux est habituellement un alliage à base de cobalt, de nickel et de chrome. Ductile, un tel alliage doit résister à la corrosion. Des développements récents proposent cependant de réaliser les spiraux en silicium. Les spiraux en silicium sont plus précis que leurs prédécesseurs en acier. Leur prix de revient est néanmoins plus élevé. En raison de leurs faibles dimensions, de tels spiraux sont toutefois difficiles à assembler.The material used for making the spirals is usually an alloy based on cobalt, nickel and chromium. Ductile, such an alloy must resist corrosion. Recent developments, however, propose making the silicon spirals. Silicone spirals are more accurate than their steel predecessors. Their cost price is nevertheless higher. Due to their small dimensions, such spirals are however difficult to assemble.

Le spiral est un ressort d'Archimède, enroulé dans le plan horizontal, qui ne sert qu'une fonction : une fois appairé avec un balancier, il doit tourner dans un sens, puis dans l'autre, c'est-à-dire osciller autour de sa position d'équilibre. On dit qu'il respire. Or, tout contribue à empêcher un spiral d'osciller toujours à la même fréquence. Le spiral doit notamment résister à l'oxydation et au magnétisme qui colle les spires entre elles et arrête la montre. L'influence de la pression atmosphérique est faible. Longtemps, c'est la température qui a été le noeud du problème car la chaleur dilate le métal, le froid le rétrécit. Le spiral doit aussi être élastique pour se déformer et cependant toujours retrouver sa forme.The hairspring is an Archimedes spring, wound in the horizontal plane, which serves only one function: once paired with a pendulum, it must turn in one direction, then in the other, that is to say swing around its equilibrium position. He is said to breathe. Now, everything helps to prevent a hairspring from always oscillating at the same frequency. The hairspring must in particular withstand the oxidation and magnetism that sticks the turns between them and stops the watch. The influence of atmospheric pressure is weak. For a long time, it was the temperature that was the crux of the problem because the heat expands the metal, the cold shrinks it. The hairspring must also be elastic to deform and yet still find its shape.

Surtout, le spiral doit être isochrone. Peu importe jusqu'à quel point le spiral tourne, il doit toujours mettre le même temps à osciller. Si le spiral se contracte de quelques degrés seulement, il accumule peu d'énergie et revient lentement à sa position d'équilibre. Si le spiral est écarté de beaucoup de sa position d'équilibre, il part très vite en sens inverse. L'important est que ces deux déplacements se fassent dans la même durée. L'idée sous-jacente est que l'énergie dont dispose le spiral n'est pas constante et qu'il doit malgré tout fonctionner que la montre soit remontée à fond ou qu'elle soit dans ses dernières heures de réserve de marche.Above all, the hairspring must be isochronous. No matter how far the spiral turns, it must always be the same time to oscillate. If the hairspring contracts by a few degrees, it accumulates little energy and slowly returns to its equilibrium position. If the hairspring is moved away from much of its equilibrium position, it goes very quickly in the opposite direction. The important thing is that these two trips are made in the same duration. The underlying idea is that the energy available to the hairspring is not constant and that it must still work whether the watch is fully recovered or that it is in its last hours of power reserve.

Le matériau utilisé pour la réalisation des spiraux est habituellement un alliage à base de cobalt, de nickel et de chrome. Ductile, un tel alliage doit résister à la corrosion. Des développements récents proposent cependant de réaliser les spiraux en silicium. Les spiraux en silicium qui sont notamment insensibles au magnétisme sont plus précis que leurs prédécesseurs en acier. Leur prix de revient est néanmoins plus élevé.The material used for making the spirals is usually an alloy based on cobalt, nickel and chromium. Ductile, such an alloy must resist corrosion. Recent developments, however, propose making the silicon spirals. Silicone spirals that are especially insensitive to magnetism are more accurate than their steel predecessors. Their cost price is nevertheless higher.

En raison de leurs faibles dimensions, de tels spiraux sont toutefois difficiles à assembler. Or, la façon dont les deux extrémités d'un spiral sont fixées influe également énormément sur la précision du mouvement d'horlogerie. Dans la plupart des mouvements d'horlogerie mécaniques, les deux extrémités du spiral sont insérées dans une pièce percée et sont immobilisées au moyen d'une goupille montée en force manuellement à l'aide d'une pince. Il peut alors se produire une légère rotation du spiral, ce qui est préjudiciable à la précision de marche du mouvement. Pour pallier ce problème, la manufacture horlogère française Lip a, dans les années 1960, proposé de coller un spiral avec un grain de colle thermo-fusible, c'est-à-dire une colle solide à température ambiante, mais fondant sous l'action de la chaleur.Due to their small dimensions, such spirals are however difficult to assemble. However, the way in which the two ends of a hairspring are fixed also has a great influence on the precision of the watch movement. In most mechanical watch movements, both ends of the hairspring are inserted into a pierced part and are immobilized by means of a pin mounted manually by force with a clamp. It can then occur a slight rotation of the spiral, which is detrimental to the accuracy of movement. To overcome this problem, the French watch manufacturer Lip, in the 1960s, proposed to glue a hairspring with a grain of hot melt glue, that is to say a glue solid at room temperature, but melting under the action of heat.

Néanmoins, même la technique consistant à coller l'extrémité des spiraux au moyen d'une colle thermo-fusible a montré ses limites. Il a en effet été observé qu'en raison de sa viscosité, la colle thermo-fusible, en fondant, exerce par capillarité une force de traction sur le spiral et peut plaquer l'extrémité du spiral contre les parois du piton dans lequel cette extrémité est engagée. La déformation résultante du spiral induit dans celui-ci des contraintes mécaniques qui sont très préjudiciables à la régularité de sa marche.Nevertheless, even the technique of sticking the end of the spirals with a hot-melt glue has shown its limits. It has indeed been observed that because of its viscosity, the hot-melt adhesive, by melting, exerts a pulling force on the hairspring by capillary action and can press the end of the hairspring against the walls of the pin in which this end is engaged. The resulting distortion of the spiral induces in it mechanical stresses that are very detrimental to the regularity of its operation.

La demande WO 2014/023584 divulgue un procédé de fixation d'une dernière spire à l'extérieur d'un spiral horloger dans un piton, ce procédé comprenant l'étape qui consiste à coller la dernière spire à l'extérieur du spiral horloger au moyen d'une colle fluide.Requirement WO 2014/023584 discloses a method of fixing a last turn outside a watch hairspring in a piton, this method comprising the step of sticking the last turn to the outside of the watch hairspring by means of a fluid glue .

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients susmentionnés ainsi qu'à d'autres encore en procurant un procédé de fixation d'un spiral qui n'induise pas de contraintes mécaniques dans un tel spiral et ne l'écarte pas de sa position de repos.The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks as well as others by providing a method of fixing a hairspring which does not induce mechanical stresses in such a hairspring and does not separate it from its position rest.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un procédé de fixation d'une dernière spire à l'extérieur d'un spiral horloger dans un piton, ce procédé comprenant l'étape qui consiste à coller la dernière spire à l'extérieur du spiral horloger au moyen d'une colle fluide dont la viscosité est comprise entre 200 et 400 mPa.s.For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a process for fixing a last turn outside a watch spiral in a peak, this process comprising the step of sticking the last turn outside the clockwork spiral by means of a fluid adhesive whose viscosity is between 200 and 400 mPa.s.

Selon une caractéristique complémentaire de l'invention, la dernière spire à l'extérieur du spiral horloger est collée dans une rainure ménagée dans le piton.According to a complementary feature of the invention, the last turn outside of the watch winder is glued in a groove in the peak.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la colle fluide est polymérisable au moyen d'un rayonnement ultraviolet.According to another characteristic of the invention, the fluid adhesive is polymerizable by means of ultraviolet radiation.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la présente invention procure un procédé de fixation d'un spiral horloger dans lequel la dernière spire à l'extérieur du spiral horloger est collée sur le piton au moyen d'une goutte de colle fluide. Ainsi, même si au moment du dépôt de la goutte de colle, par exemple au moyen d'un distributeur de colle automatisé, l'extrémité libre de la dernière spire du spiral se déforme un peu sous l'effet du poids de la colle, ce qui induit dans le spiral des contraintes mécaniques non désirées, la colle est, avant durcissement, suffisamment fluide pour permettre à l'extrémité libre de la dernière spire du spiral de revenir spontanément dans sa position de repos. Les contraintes induites dans le spiral au moment du dépôt de la goutte de colle disparaissent donc d'elles-mêmes, de sorte que la régularité de marche du spiral n'est pas affectée par l'opération de fixation de ce dernier.Thanks to these features, the present invention provides a method of fixing a watchmaker's hairspring in which the last turn outside the watch hairspring is glued to the peak by means of a drop of fluid glue. Thus, even if at the time of depositing the drop of glue, for example by means of an automated glue dispenser, the free end of the last turn of the spiral deforms a little under the effect of the weight of the glue, which induces unwanted mechanical stresses in the hairspring, the adhesive is, before curing, sufficiently fluid to allow the free end of the last turn of the hairspring to return spontaneously to its rest position. The stresses induced in the hairspring at the time of deposition of the glue drop therefore disappear by themselves, so that the smooth running of the hairspring is not affected by the fixing operation of the hairspring.

La colle fluide peut aussi être une colle qui durcit au contact de l'air.Fluid glue can also be a glue that hardens on contact with air.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le spiral horloger est formé d'un enroulement de spires concentriques comprenant une dernière spire à l'extérieur qui se termine par une plaquette qui est plus épaisse que les autres spires du spiral, la plaquette étant munie d'au moins une encoche pour favoriser l'accrochage de la colle une fois celle-ci durcie.According to another characteristic of the invention, the watch winder is formed of a coil of concentric turns comprising a last turn on the outside which ends with a wafer which is thicker than the other spiral turns, the wafer being provided with at least one notch to promote the adhesion of the glue once it hardened.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront mieux de la description détaillée qui suit d'un exemple de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention, cet exemple étant donné à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif seulement en liaison avec le dessin annexé sur lequel:

  • la figure 1 est une vue générale en perspective d'un système oscillant pour mouvement d'horlogerie auquel s'applique la présente invention ;
  • les figures 2A et 2B illustrent schématiquement un spiral dont une extrémité extérieure est collée sur un piton au moyen d'une colle photo-polymérisable, et
  • la figure 3 est une vue d'un spiral horloger dont la dernière spire à l'extérieur se termine par une plaquette plus épaisse que les autres spires du spiral et dans laquelle sont ménagées des encoches pour favoriser l'accrochage de la colle.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of an exemplary implementation of the method according to the invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and nonlimiting purposes only in connection with the drawing. annexed in which:
  • the figure 1 is a general perspective view of an oscillating system for a watch movement to which the present invention applies;
  • the Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a spiral whose outer end is glued to a stud by means of a photo-polymerizable glue, and
  • the figure 3 is a view of a clockwork spiral, the last turn outside ends with a wafer thicker than the other turns of the spiral and in which are formed notches to promote the attachment of the glue.

Description détaillée d'un exemple de réalisation de l'inventionDetailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention

La présente invention procède de l'idée générale inventive qui consiste à coller la dernière spire à l'extérieur d'un spiral sur un piton au moyen d'une colle fluide dont la viscosité est comprise entre 200 et 400 mPa.s. On a en effet observé que lorsqu'on colle la dernière spire à l'extérieur d'un spiral par exemple au moyen d'une colle thermo-fusible, la viscosité d'une telle colle est telle qu'elle exerce sur le spiral des forces de capillarité qui tendent à écarter le spiral de sa position de repos et à induire dans ce dernier des contraintes mécaniques qui nuisent considérablement à sa précision de marche. Au contraire, dans le cas d'une colle suffisamment fluide, même si le spiral s'écarte de sa position de repos au moment où la colle est déposée, le spiral peut revenir spontanément à sa position de repos libre de toute contrainte avant que la colle ne durcisse. De la sorte, la précision de marche du spiral n'est pas affectée par l'opération qui consiste à le coller sur le piton.The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of sticking the last coil outside a hairspring on a peak by means of a fluid adhesive whose viscosity is between 200 and 400 mPa.s. It has indeed been observed that when the last turn is glued to the outside of a hairspring, for example by means of a heat-fusible glue, the The viscosity of such an adhesive is such that it exerts capillary forces on the hairspring which tend to move the hairspring away from its rest position and to induce in the latter mechanical stresses which considerably impair its running accuracy. On the contrary, in the case of a sufficiently fluid glue, even if the spiral deviates from its rest position at the moment when the glue is deposited, the spiral can spontaneously return to its resting position free of any stress before the glue does not harden. In this way, the precision of the spiral is not affected by the operation of sticking it on the stud.

Selon une première variante de réalisation de l'invention, la colle utilisée est une colle fluide qui durcit au contact de l'air. Selon une seconde variante de réalisation de l'invention, la colle fluide est une colle qui durcit par polymérisation sous l'effet d'une exposition à un rayonnement ultraviolet.According to a first variant embodiment of the invention, the glue used is a fluid adhesive which hardens on contact with air. According to a second variant embodiment of the invention, the fluid adhesive is an adhesive which cures by polymerization under the effect of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

On entend par colle photo-polymérisable une colle polymérique capable de polymériser sous l'effet d'une radiation ultraviolette. C'est pourquoi les colles photo-polymérisables sont habituellement désignées par l'expression colle UV. Les colles photo-polymérisables présentent un grand nombre d'avantages: elles sont monocomposants, leur polymérisation est rapide et peut, dans certains cas, se faire sans solvant, leur application est aisée, elles permettent d'effectuer des collages sensibles à la chaleur et n'ont pas de vie en pot ou pot life en terminologie anglo-saxonne. On entend par vie en pot la période dont on dispose pour utiliser une résine avant durcissement complet à partir du moment où l'on a mélangé les deux composants de la résine, et que la réaction chimique s'opère.By photopolymerizable glue is meant a polymer adhesive capable of polymerizing under the effect of ultraviolet radiation. This is why photo-polymerizable adhesives are usually referred to as UV glue. Photopolymerizable adhesives have a large number of advantages: they are monocomponent, their polymerization is fast and can, in some cases, be done without solvent, their application is easy, they allow to carry out heat-sensitive collages and do not have pot life or pot life in Anglo-Saxon terminology. Pot life is the period of time available to use a resin before complete curing from the moment when the two components of the resin are mixed, and the chemical reaction takes place.

Très schématiquement, une colle photo-polymérisable se compose d'une résine de base, d'un photo-activateur et, le cas échéant, d'un ou de plusieurs additifs.Very schematically, a photo-polymerizable glue consists of a base resin, a photoactivator and, where appropriate, one or more additives.

La résine de base qui peut être un monomère ou un oligomère présente des groupements fonctionnels bien déterminés qui, après polymérisation aux UV, conditionneront les propriétés physiques et chimiques du polymère résultant. La réaction de polymérisation peut reposer soit sur des mécanismes radicalaires auxquels sont soumis par exemple les composants acryliques, soit sur des mécanismes cationiques auxquels sont soumis par exemple les composants époxydes. Dans le cas d'une réaction de type radicalaire, le phénomène de photo-polymérisation s'interrompt aussitôt que cesse l'exposition au rayonnement ultraviolet. En outre, les systèmes radicalaires de type acrylique sont sujets à l'inhibition par l'oxygène. Au contraire, dans le cas d'une réaction de type cationique, le phénomène de photo-polymérisation se poursuit même après interruption de l'éclairage UV et n'est pas inhibé par l'oxygène. De plus, il est possible de compléter la polymérisation par UV par une dernière étape de polymérisation thermique.The base resin which may be a monomer or an oligomer has well-defined functional groups which, after UV polymerization, will condition the physical and resulting polymer. The polymerization reaction may be based either on radical mechanisms to which the acrylic components are subjected, for example, or on cationic mechanisms to which the epoxy components are subjected for example. In the case of a radical-type reaction, the photo-polymerization phenomenon is interrupted as soon as the exposure to ultraviolet radiation ceases. In addition, radical systems of acrylic type are subject to inhibition by oxygen. On the contrary, in the case of a cationic type reaction, the photo-polymerization phenomenon continues even after interruption of the UV illumination and is not inhibited by oxygen. In addition, it is possible to complete the UV polymerization by a last thermal polymerization step.

Dans le cas de la présente invention, on s'intéresse aussi bien aux réactions de polymérisation de type radicalaire que de type cationique. A cet effet, la résine de base peut être choisie parmi:

  • les composés époxydes qui regroupent les époxydes cycloaliphatiques et les époxydes glycidyliques, les éthers vinyliques et les composés vinyliques riches en électrons;
  • les alcools en combinaison avec des composés époxydes, et
  • les composés acryliques.
In the case of the present invention, one is interested as well in radical type polymerization reactions as cationic type. For this purpose, the base resin may be chosen from:
  • epoxide compounds which include cycloaliphatic epoxides and glycidyl epoxides, vinyl ethers and electron-rich vinyl compounds;
  • alcohols in combination with epoxy compounds, and
  • acrylic compounds.

On notera que les alcools et les polyols réagissent conjointement avec les époxydes et les acryliques en tant qu'agents de transfert de chaîne, en améliorant généralement la vitesse de polymérisation des formulations. On notera également que les résines époxydes cycloaliphatiques donnent lieu à une réaction de polymérisation cationique plus rapide que les résines époxydes glycidyliques car elles présentent une plus grande flexibilité de chaîne que ces dernières.It will be appreciated that alcohols and polyols react together with epoxides and acrylics as chain transfer agents, generally improving the rate of polymerization of the formulations. It should also be noted that cycloaliphatic epoxy resins give rise to a faster cationic polymerization reaction than glycidyl epoxy resins because they have greater chain flexibility than the latter.

En plus d'une résine de base, la composition d'une colle UV est complétée par un photo-activateur. Un photo-activateur est une molécule qui absorbe la lumière et qui forme une espèce chimique réactive. Ces composés photo-amorceurs génèrent généralement un hyper-acide qui permet la réticulation des systèmes cationiques. Ces systèmes sont donc inhibés en milieu basique ou humide. Par contre, ils ne sont pas inhibés par la présence d'oxygène. Les photo-activateurs cationiques classiques sont notamment:

  • les sels de diaryliodonium;
  • les sels de triarylsulfonium;
  • les sels de dialkylphenacylsulfonium.
In addition to a base resin, the composition of a UV glue is completed by a photoactivator. A photoactivator is a molecule that absorbs light and forms a reactive chemical species. These Photo-initiator compounds typically generate a hyper-acid that allows the crosslinking of cationic systems. These systems are therefore inhibited in basic or wet medium. On the other hand, they are not inhibited by the presence of oxygen. Conventional cationic photoactivators include:
  • diaryliodonium salts;
  • triarylsulfonium salts;
  • dialkylphenacylsulfonium salts.

Ces sels qui réagissent aux courtes longueurs d'onde (200-300 nm) peuvent être utilisés seuls ou en combinaison avec des photo sensibilisateurs, c'est-à-dire des molécules capables d'absorber la lumière et de transférer l'excitation à une autre molécule, pour une plus grande efficacité.These short-wave reactive salts (200-300 nm) can be used alone or in combination with photo-sensitizers, ie molecules capable of absorbing light and transferring excitation to another molecule, for greater efficiency.

Les photo-activateurs doivent présenter une excellente réactivité, un spectre d'absorption adapté, une absence de jaunissement, une bonne stabilité, une compatibilité avec les monomères et les substrats, un minimum d'odeur et une non-toxicité.The photoactivators must have excellent reactivity, a suitable absorption spectrum, a lack of yellowing, good stability, compatibility with the monomers and substrates, minimum odor and non-toxicity.

La composition d'une colle photo-polymérisable peut être complétée par un ou plusieurs additifs parmi lesquels on peut citer les co-initiateurs, c'est-à-dire des molécules qui ne participent pas à l'absorption de la lumière mais qui contribuent à la production des particules réactives, les antioxydants, les stabilisants pour UV, les diluants réactifs ou encore les promoteurs d'adhésion ou les surfactants.The composition of a photo-polymerizable adhesive may be supplemented by one or more additives among which mention may be made of co-initiators, that is to say molecules which do not participate in the absorption of light but which contribute the production of reactive particles, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, reactive diluents or adhesion promoters or surfactants.

Un exemple de réalisation de l'invention est illustré sur la figure 1 annexée. Sur cette figure est représenté un système oscillant pour un mouvement horloger désigné dans son ensemble par la référence numérique générale 1. Ce système oscillant 1, monté sur un pont 2 de la platine d'un mouvement horloger, comprend un spiral horloger 4 formé d'un très fin ressort enroulé en spires concentriques et qui est fixé via une première spire à l'intérieur 6 à un axe de balancier 8 au moyen d'une virole 10. Le spiral 4 est fixé via une dernière spire extérieure 12 en un point d'attache formé par un piton 14 porté par un porte-piton ou un pont 16.An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated on the figure 1 attached. In this figure is represented an oscillating system for a watch movement generally designated by the general numerical reference 1. This oscillating system 1, mounted on a bridge 2 of the turntable of a watch movement, comprises a watch winder 4 formed of a very thin spring wound in concentric turns and which is fixed via a first turn inside 6 to a balance shaft 8 by means of a ferrule 10. The spiral 4 is fixed via a last outer turn 12 at an attachment point formed by a stud 14 carried by a stud holder or a bridge 16.

Le système oscillant 1 comprend aussi un balancier 18 dont l'axe 8 est relié à une serge 20 au moyen de bras radiaux 22. L'axe de balancier 8 est pivoté entre un premier et un second paliers 24 dont un seul est visible au dessin et qui sont chassés dans le pont 2 et la platine du mouvement horloger.The oscillating system 1 also comprises a rocker 18 whose axis 8 is connected to a serge 20 by means of radial arms 22. The balance shaft 8 is pivoted between a first and a second bearing 24, only one of which is visible in the drawing. and which are hunted in bridge 2 and platinum of the watch movement.

Par ailleurs, le système oscillant 1 comprend un double-plateau 26 constitué d'un grand plateau 28 qui porte une cheville de plateau 30 et d'un petit plateau 32 dans lequel est ménagée une encoche 34.Furthermore, the oscillating system 1 comprises a double-plate 26 consisting of a large plate 28 which carries a plate pin 30 and a small plate 32 in which is formed a notch 34.

Le système oscillant comprend enfin une ancre 36 dont un axe 38 est pivoté entre un premier et un second pivot 40 dont un seul est visible au dessin. L'ancre 36 se compose d'une baguette 42 qui relie une fourchette 44 à un bras d'entrée 46 et à un bras de sortie 48. La fourchette 44 est constituée d'une corne d'entrée 50 et d'une corne de sortie 52 entre lesquelles s'étend un dard 54. Le débattement de la fourchette 44 est limité par une goupille de limitation d'entrée et une goupille de limitation de sortie (non visibles au dessin) qui peuvent être faites d'une pièce avec un pont d'ancre. Le bras d'entrée 46 et le bras de sortie 48 portent respectivement une palette d'entrée 56 et une palette de sortie 58.The oscillating system finally comprises an anchor 36 whose axis 38 is pivoted between a first and a second pivot 40, only one of which is visible in the drawing. The anchor 36 consists of a rod 42 which connects a fork 44 to an input arm 46 and an output arm 48. The fork 44 consists of an input horn 50 and a horn of output 52 between which extends a stinger 54. The travel of the fork 44 is limited by an input limiting pin and an output limiting pin (not visible in the drawing) that can be made of a piece with a anchor bridge. The inlet arm 46 and the output arm 48 respectively carry an inlet pallet 56 and an outlet pallet 58.

Finalement, l'ancre 36 coopère avec une roue d'échappement 60 comprenant un axe 62 de roue d'échappement 60 pivoté entre un premier et un second pivot 64.Finally, the anchor 36 cooperates with an escape wheel 60 comprising an exhaust wheel axle 60 pivoted between a first and a second pivot 64.

Conformément au mode de réalisation de l'invention illustré aux figures 2A et 2B, la dernière spire extérieure 12 du spiral 4 est collée sur le piton 14 au moyen d'une goutte de colle photo-polymérisable 66. Cette goutte de colle est par exemple déposée au moyen d'un dispositif de distribution automatisé tel qu'une seringue encore connue sous sa dénomination anglo-saxonne « dispenser ». La goutte de colle photo-polymérisable 66 est polymérisée par exposition au rayonnement lumineux produit par une source de lumière ultraviolette 68. L'exposition à la lumière ultraviolette est suffisante pour provoquer la polymérisation complète de la colle. On notera que la première spire à l'intérieur 6 du spiral 4 peut aussi être collée sur la virole 10 au moyen de la même colle conductrice UV que celle employée pour le collage du spiral 4 sur le piton 14.In accordance with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B the last outer turn 12 of the spring 4 is glued to the stud 14 by means of a drop of photo-polymerizable adhesive 66. This drop of glue is for example deposited by means of an automated dispensing device such as a syringe still known by its Anglo-Saxon name "dispenser". The drop of photo-polymerizable glue 66 is polymerized by exposure to light radiation produced by an ultraviolet light source 68. Exposure to ultraviolet light is sufficient to cause complete polymerization of the glue. It should be noted that the first turn inside the spiral 4 can also be glued to the ferrule 10 by means of the same UV conductive glue as that used for gluing the spiral 4 to the stud 14.

Comme on le voit à l'examen des figures 2A et 2B, la dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 du spiral 4 est disposée dans une rainure 70 ménagée à l'extrémité supérieure du piton 14. A la figure 2A, la goutte de colle photo-polymérisable 66 a été déposée à l'aide d'une seringue et, sous l'effet de la force de projection de la colle, l'extrémité de la dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 du spiral 4 s'est légèrement écartée de sa position de repos et touche les parois de la rainure 70, ce qui est très défavorable à la précision de marche du spiral. Cependant, comme visible sur la figure 2B, avant polymérisation de la colle, l'extrémité de la dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 du spiral 4 est spontanément revenue à sa position de repos. Ceci est rendu possible grâce au fait que la colle photo-polymérisable 66 est très fluide, sa viscosité étant comprise entre 200 et 400 mPa.s, de sorte que la colle ne s'oppose pas au mouvement spontané de retour de l'extrémité du spiral 4 dans sa position d'équilibre. Par conséquent, l'opération de fixation du spiral 4 n'induit aucune contrainte mécanique dans le spiral 4, ce qui est très favorable à la précision de marche de ce dernier.As seen in the discussion of Figures 2A and 2B the last turn outside 12 of the hairspring 4 is arranged in a groove 70 formed at the upper end of the pin 14. Figure 2A , the drop of photo-polymerizable adhesive 66 has been deposited using a syringe and, under the effect of the gluing force of the glue, the end of the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 has moved slightly away from its rest position and touches the walls of the groove 70, which is very unfavorable to the precision of the spiral. However, as visible on the Figure 2B before the polymerization of the glue, the end of the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 is spontaneously returned to its rest position. This is made possible by the fact that the photo-polymerizable adhesive 66 is very fluid, its viscosity being between 200 and 400 mPa.s, so that the adhesive does not oppose the spontaneous return movement of the end of the spiral 4 in its equilibrium position. Therefore, the fixing operation of the hairspring 4 induces no mechanical stress in the hairspring 4, which is very favorable to the accuracy of the latter.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 du spiral 4 se termine par une plaquette 72 faite d'une seule pièce avec l'extrémité de la dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 et qui est plus épaisse que les autres spires du spiral 4. A titre d'exemple seulement, la section droite de la plaquette est de 0,1x0,1 mm2 et sa longueur L est de 0,6 millimètres. On observera également que la plaquette 72 est munie d'au moins une et, préférentiellement, de deux encoches 74 pour favoriser l'accrochage de la colle une fois celle-ci durcie. On observera enfin que la dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 n'est pas concentrique aux autres spires du spiral 4. Cette dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 s'écarte légèrement du centre de la spire 4 afin que l'avant-dernière spire 68 qui la précède ne touche pas le piton 14.According to another characteristic of the invention, the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 ends with a plate 72 made in one piece with the end of the last turn outside 12 and which is thicker than the other spiral windings 4. For example only, the cross section of the wafer is 0.1x0.1 mm 2 and its length L is 0.6 millimeters. It will also be observed that the wafer 72 is provided with at least one and, preferably, two notches 74 to promote the adhesion of the glue once it has hardened. Finally, it will be observed that the last turn outside 12 is not concentric with the other turns of the spiral 4. The latter turns outside 12 slightly away from the center of the turn 4 so that the penultimate turn 68 which precedes it does not touch the peak 14.

Il va de soi que la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits et que diverses modifications et variantes simples peuvent être envisagées par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention tel que défini par les revendications annexées. On comprendra en particulier que selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la dernière spire à l'extérieur 12 du spiral 4 peut être collée sur le piton 14 au moyen d'une goutte de colle qui durcit au contact de l'air. Le matériau utilisé pour la réalisation des spiraux est habituellement un alliage à base de cobalt, de nickel et de chrome. Ductile, un tel alliage doit résister à la corrosion. Des développements récents proposent cependant de réaliser les spiraux en silicium. Les spiraux en silicium sont beaucoup plus précis que leurs prédécesseurs en acier. Leur prix de revient est néanmoins sensiblement plus élevé que celui des spiraux en acier. Par spiral en silicium, on entend un spiral réalisé en un matériau comportant du silicium monocristallin, du silicium monocristallin dopé, du silicium polycristallin, du silicium polycristallin dopé, du silicium poreux, de l'oxyde de silicium, du quartz, de la silice, du nitrure de silicium ou du carbure de silicium. Bien entendu, quand le matériau à base de silicium est sous phase cristalline, n'importe quelle orientation cristalline peut être utilisée.It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be understood in particular that according to another embodiment of the invention, the last turn outside 12 of the spiral 4 can be glued to the stud 14 by means of a drop of glue which hardens on contact with the air . The material used for making the spirals is usually an alloy based on cobalt, nickel and chromium. Ductile, such an alloy must resist corrosion. Recent developments, however, propose making the silicon spirals. The silicon spirals are much more accurate than their steel predecessors. Their cost price is nevertheless significantly higher than that of steel spirals. Silicone spiral means a spiral made of a material comprising monocrystalline silicon, doped monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, doped polycrystalline silicon, porous silicon, silicon oxide, quartz, silica, silicon nitride or silicon carbide. Of course, when the silicon-based material is in crystalline phase, any crystalline orientation can be used.

NomenclatureNomenclature

  • 1. Système oscillant1. Oscillating system
  • 2. Pont2. Bridge
  • 4. Spiral horloger4. Watchmaker's spiral
  • 6. Première spire à l'intérieur6. First turn inside
  • 8. Axe de balancier8. Balance shaft
  • 10. Virole10. Ferrule
  • 12. Dernière spire extérieure12. Last outer turn
  • 14. Piton14. Piton
  • 16. Porte-piton ou pont16. Post or bridge
  • 18. Balancier18. Pendulum
  • 20. Serge20. Serge
  • 22. Bras radiaux22. Radial arms
  • 24. Premier et second paliers24. First and Second Landings
  • 26. Double-plateau26. Double-tray
  • 28. Grand plateau28. Large plateau
  • 30. Cheville de plateau30. Tray anchor
  • 32. Petit plateau32. Small platter
  • 34. Encoche34. Notch
  • 36. Ancre36. Anchor
  • 38. Axe38. Axis
  • 40. Premier et second pivot40. First and second pivot
  • 42. Baguette42. Wand
  • 44. Fourchette44. Fork
  • 46. Bras d'entrée46. Entry arm
  • 48. Bras de sortie48. Release arm
  • 50. Corne d'entrée50. Horn of entry
  • 52. Corne de sortie52. Output horn
  • 54. Dard54. Dart
  • 56. Palette d'entrée56. Entry pallet
  • 58. Palette de sortie58. Exit pallet
  • 60. Roue d'échappement60. Exhaust wheel
  • 62. Axe62. Axis
  • 64. Premier et second pivot64. First and second pivot
  • 66. Colle photo-polymérisable66. Photo-polymerizable adhesive
  • 68. Source de lumière ultraviolette68. Ultraviolet light source
  • 70. Rainure70. Groove
  • 72. Plaquette72. Plaque
  • 74. Encoches74. Notches

Claims (5)

  1. Method for attachment of a last outer coil (12) of a timepiece balance spring (4) in a balance spring stud (14), the method including the step of adhesive bonding the last outer coil (12) of the timepiece balance spring (4) by means of a fluid adhesive (66) whose viscosity is comprised between 200 and 400 mPa.s.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the last outer coil (12) of the timepiece balance spring (4) is adhesive bonded inside a groove (70) provided in the balance spring stud (14).
  3. Attachment method according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluid adhesive (66) is cured by means of ultraviolet irradiation.
  4. Attachment method according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluid adhesive is an adhesive that hardens on contact with the air.
  5. Attachment method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the timepiece balance spring (4) is formed of a winding of concentric coils and comprising a last outer coil (12) ending in a plate (72) which is thicker than the other coils of the balance spring (4), the plate (72) being provided with at least one notch (74) to promote the adhesion of the fluid adhesive (66) once the latter has hardened.
EP16157390.2A 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement Active EP3211486B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18183176.9A EP3432083A1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Hairspring for mechanical clock movement
EP16157390.2A EP3211486B1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement
US15/298,498 US10018965B2 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-10-20 Method for attachment of a balance spring for a mechanical timepiece movement and balance spring attached by such a method
TW105134437A TWI701528B (en) 2016-02-25 2016-10-25 Method for attachment of a balance spring for a mechanical timepiece movement and balance spring attached by such a method
JP2016237311A JP6259056B2 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-12-07 Method of attaching a balance spring for a mechanical watch movement, and a balance spring attached by the method
CN201611121756.7A CN107121918B (en) 2016-02-25 2016-12-08 Method for movement of mechanical clock attaching balance spring and the balance spring by this method attaching

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16157390.2A EP3211486B1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18183176.9A Division EP3432083A1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Hairspring for mechanical clock movement
EP18183176.9A Division-Into EP3432083A1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Hairspring for mechanical clock movement

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3211486A1 EP3211486A1 (en) 2017-08-30
EP3211486B1 true EP3211486B1 (en) 2018-09-26

Family

ID=55436047

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18183176.9A Withdrawn EP3432083A1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Hairspring for mechanical clock movement
EP16157390.2A Active EP3211486B1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18183176.9A Withdrawn EP3432083A1 (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Hairspring for mechanical clock movement

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US10018965B2 (en)
EP (2) EP3432083A1 (en)
JP (1) JP6259056B2 (en)
CN (1) CN107121918B (en)
TW (1) TWI701528B (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI774925B (en) * 2018-03-01 2022-08-21 瑞士商Csem瑞士電子及微技術研發公司 Method for manufacturing a spiral spring
EP3570118B1 (en) * 2018-05-14 2022-01-12 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Pin for attaching a hairspring of a clockwork movement and method for manufacturing such a pin
JP6548240B1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2019-07-24 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Hairspring, governor, watch movement and watch
EP3859449A1 (en) * 2020-01-30 2021-08-04 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Hairspring driving cord

Family Cites Families (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH1601072A4 (en) * 1972-11-03 1975-08-15
DE2333446A1 (en) * 1973-06-30 1975-01-16 Junghans Gmbh Geb Balance-spring outer end fastening - is for use with synthetic material particularly in electric clocks
FR2255648A1 (en) * 1973-12-21 1975-07-18 Epsilon Sarl Watch balance spring fixing method - involves inserting end of spring into fusible adhesive in pin recess
FR2283475A1 (en) * 1973-12-21 1976-03-26 Epsilon Sarl Fixing timepiece balance spring to bolt - using fusible material for holding end of spring
FR2276621A1 (en) * 1974-06-25 1976-01-23 Epsilon Sarl Spiral spring for spring-operated timepiece or measuring device - spring end secured to eye bolt
JPS521172U (en) * 1975-06-23 1977-01-06
JPS5255564A (en) * 1975-10-31 1977-05-07 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Method and device for fixing outside end of balance spring
JPH0798674B2 (en) * 1986-12-15 1995-10-25 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Adhesive fixing structure on the watch side
US5294097A (en) * 1992-07-14 1994-03-15 Hasco Industries, Inc. Apparatus for mounting a spiral spring
JP3634592B2 (en) * 1997-01-08 2005-03-30 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Bonding fixtures, electronic devices and watches
JP2002341054A (en) * 2001-05-11 2002-11-27 Seiko Instruments Inc Hair spring, its structural body, and speed governing mechanism and timepiece using it
CH704016B1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2019-01-31 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Assembly of a part not having a plastic field.
CN202126574U (en) * 2011-06-22 2012-01-25 杭州手表有限公司 Timekeeping speed regulating mechanism of multi-hairspring watch
EP2690506B1 (en) * 2012-07-25 2015-01-14 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Anti-tripping clock hairspring
CH706798B1 (en) * 2012-08-07 2022-03-31 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Watch movement comprising an oscillating system.
EP2748684B1 (en) * 2012-08-07 2016-05-18 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Oscillating system for clock movements
EP2876505B1 (en) * 2013-11-20 2018-11-14 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Clock stud holder with screw
EP2876504B1 (en) * 2013-11-20 2017-07-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Screwless clock stud holder
CN203658736U (en) * 2013-11-22 2014-06-18 尼瓦洛克斯-法尔股份有限公司 Hairspring balance wheel regulating device for mechanical watch
EP2881804B1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2017-08-02 Montres Breguet S.A. Hairspring-stud assembly for timepiece
EP2887154B1 (en) * 2013-12-20 2016-07-20 Blancpain SA. Mechanism for attaching a balance-spring stud to a balance bridge and regulating device with balance-hairspring including such a mechanism
JP2015179071A (en) * 2014-02-25 2015-10-08 シチズンホールディングス株式会社 Manufacturing method of balance spring, and balance spring

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3211486A1 (en) 2017-08-30
JP2017151080A (en) 2017-08-31
US10018965B2 (en) 2018-07-10
EP3432083A1 (en) 2019-01-23
TWI701528B (en) 2020-08-11
TW201732466A (en) 2017-09-16
CN107121918A (en) 2017-09-01
CN107121918B (en) 2019-09-17
JP6259056B2 (en) 2018-01-10
US20170248918A1 (en) 2017-08-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3211486B1 (en) Method for attaching a hairspring for mechanical clock movement
EP2196868B1 (en) Hairspring with curve elevation made from a silicon-based material
EP1904901B1 (en) Reinforced micromechanical part
EP2104006B1 (en) Single-body double spiral and method for manufacturing same
EP2748684B1 (en) Oscillating system for clock movements
EP1605182B1 (en) Temperature compensated hairspring-balance oscillator
WO2009115463A1 (en) Integral adjusting member and method for making same
WO2008080570A2 (en) Mechanical oscillator for timepiece
EP3182212B1 (en) Composite part with resilient means under stress
EP1612627A1 (en) Bi-material autocompensating hairspring
EP2917787B1 (en) Clock movement having a balance and a hairspring
EP3570118B1 (en) Pin for attaching a hairspring of a clockwork movement and method for manufacturing such a pin
CH711473B1 (en) A method of fixing a hairspring for a mechanical horological movement by means of an adhesive in a piton.
EP2753985B1 (en) Clock movement having a balance-wheel and hairspring
CH714775B1 (en) Piton for fixing a spiral spring of a watch movement and methods of manufacturing such a stud.
EP1870784B1 (en) Micro-mechanical wheel with impact-controlled rotation
CH706798B1 (en) Watch movement comprising an oscillating system.
WO2013087404A1 (en) Horology assembly that overmoulded as mobiles
EP4372480A1 (en) Timepiece assembly comprising a hairspring and a pin
EP3534222A1 (en) Method for producing a thermally compensated oscillator
CH719711B1 (en) Watch assembly including a spiral spring and a pin
EP3707563A1 (en) Driving member of a timepiece
EP3825786A1 (en) Display mechanism for a timepiece
CH714704A2 (en) Angular return spring for thermo-compensated oscillator
EP3761122A1 (en) Timepiece escapement component, associated escapement mechanism and timepiece

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20180228

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180613

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1046751

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20181015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016005825

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20180926

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181226

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181226

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181227

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1046751

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180926

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190126

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190126

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016005825

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20190627

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190225

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20190228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190225

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20200225

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200225

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20160225

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180926

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230701

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20240301

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 9