EP3273305A1 - Part for clock movement - Google Patents

Part for clock movement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3273305A1
EP3273305A1 EP16180228.5A EP16180228A EP3273305A1 EP 3273305 A1 EP3273305 A1 EP 3273305A1 EP 16180228 A EP16180228 A EP 16180228A EP 3273305 A1 EP3273305 A1 EP 3273305A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pivot
axis
pivots
magnetic
depth
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP16180228.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3273305B1 (en
Inventor
Christian Charbon
Alexandre Fussinger
Marco Verardo
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.)
Nivarox Far SA
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Nivarox Far SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nivarox Far SA filed Critical Nivarox Far SA
Priority to EP16180228.5A priority Critical patent/EP3273305B1/en
Priority to JP2017135240A priority patent/JP6543659B2/en
Priority to US15/651,295 priority patent/US11131965B2/en
Priority to RU2017125568A priority patent/RU2752293C2/en
Priority to CN201710584232.XA priority patent/CN107632511B/en
Publication of EP3273305A1 publication Critical patent/EP3273305A1/en
Priority to HK18107787.2A priority patent/HK1248326A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3273305B1 publication Critical patent/EP3273305B1/en
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B1/00—Driving mechanisms
    • G04B1/10—Driving mechanisms with mainspring
    • G04B1/16—Barrels; Arbors; Barrel axles
    • 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
    • G04B1/00—Driving mechanisms
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22C—ALLOYS
    • C22C21/00—Alloys based on aluminium
    • C22C21/10—Alloys based on aluminium with zinc as the next major constituent
    • 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
    • G04B13/00—Gearwork
    • G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
    • 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
    • G04B15/00—Escapements
    • G04B15/14—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. construction of the lever or the escape wheel
    • 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
    • G04B17/32—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • 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
    • G04B43/00—Protecting clockworks by shields or other means against external influences, e.g. magnetic fields
    • G04B43/007—Antimagnetic alloys
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D3/00—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
    • G04D3/0069—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for working with non-mechanical means, e.g. chemical, electrochemical, metallising, vapourising; with electron beams, laser beams

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a piece for a watch movement and in particular to a non-magnetic pivoting axis for a mechanical clockwork movement and more particularly to a balance shaft, an anchor rod and a nonmagnetic escape pinion.
  • the manufacture of a clock pivot axis consists, from a bar of hardened steel, to perform machining operations to define different active surfaces (scope, shoulder, pivots etc.) and then to subject the axis Vietnameselleté to heat treatment operations comprising at least one quench to improve the hardness of the axis and one or more income to improve toughness.
  • the heat treatment operations are followed by a rolling operation of the pivots of the axes, an operation consisting in polishing the pivots to bring them to the required dimensions. During the rolling operation the hardness as well as the roughness of the pivots are further improved. Note that this rolling operation is very difficult or impossible to achieve with most materials whose hardness is low, that is to say less than 600HV.
  • the pivot axes for example the balance shafts, conventionally used in mechanical watch movements are made in grades of free cutting steels which are generally carbon martensitic steels including lead and manganese sulphides to improve their performance. machinability.
  • a steel of this type designated 20AP is typically used for these applications.
  • This type of material has the advantage of being easily machinable, in particular being able to cut and has, after quenching and tempering treatments, high mechanical properties very interesting for the realization of clockwise pivot axes.
  • these steels exhibit high wear resistance and hardness after heat treatment.
  • the hardness of the pivots of an axis made of steel AP may reach a hardness exceeding 700 HV after heat treatment and rolling.
  • this type of material has the disadvantage of being magnetic and of being able to disrupt the running of a watch after being subjected to a magnetic field, and in particular when this material is used for producing a balance shaft cooperating with a balance spring of ferromagnetic material. This phenomenon is well known to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these martensitic steels are also susceptible to corrosion.
  • austenitic stainless steels which have the particularity of being non-magnetic, that is to say of the paramagnetic or diamagnetic or antiferromagnetic type.
  • these austenitic steels have a crystallographic structure that does not allow them to be hardened and to reach hardnesses and therefore wear resistances that are compatible with the requirements required for the realization of clockwise pivot axes.
  • One way to increase the hardness of these steels is work hardening, however this hardening operation does not allow to obtain hardnesses greater than 500 HV. Therefore, in the context of parts requiring high resistance to frictional wear and having pivots having little or no risk of deformation, the use of this type of steel remains limited.
  • the pivots can be in the same material or steel. It is also possible to provide the deposition of an additional layer applied galvanically, chemically, or from the gas phase (for example in Cr, Rh, etc.). This additional layer presents a significant risk of delamination.
  • This document also describes a rocker shaft made entirely of curable bronze. However, no information is given on the manufacturing process of the pivots.
  • a piece made of curable bronze has a hardness less than 450 HV. Such hardness appears to those skilled in the art as insufficient to perform a rolling treatment.
  • the aim of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a pivot axis that makes it possible at the same time to limit the sensitivity to magnetic fields and to to obtain an improved hardness compatible with the requirements of resistance to wear and shocks in the field of watchmaking.
  • the invention also aims to provide a non-magnetic pivot axis having improved corrosion resistance.
  • the invention also aims to provide a non-magnetic pivot axis that can be manufactured simply and economically.
  • the invention relates to a pivot axis for a watch movement comprising at least one metal pivot at at least one of its ends.
  • the metal is a non-magnetic aluminum alloy in order to limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields, and at least the outer surface of said at least one pivot is hardened in depth relative to the center of the axis to a predetermined depth .
  • the pivot axis can accumulate advantages such as low sensitivity to magnetic fields, and in the main stress zones, hardness, in addition to good corrosion resistance while maintaining a good general tenacity.
  • advantages such as low sensitivity to magnetic fields, and in the main stress zones, hardness, in addition to good corrosion resistance while maintaining a good general tenacity.
  • use of such a nonmagnetic aluminum alloy is advantageous insofar as the latter have good machinability.
  • the invention relates to a watch movement comprising a pivot axis according to one of the preceding variants, and in particular a balance shaft, an anchor rod and / or an exhaust pinion comprising a axis as defined above.
  • a surface area or the entire surface of the pivots is cured without having to deposit a second material over the pivots.
  • the hardening is carried out directly in the material of the pivot axis which advantageously allows according to the invention to avoid any subsequent delamination as may occur in the case of the deposition of a hard layer on the axis .
  • non-magnetic material means a paramagnetic or diamagnetic or antiferromagnetic material whose magnetic permeability is less than or equal to 1.01.
  • An aluminum alloy is an alloy containing at least 50% by weight of aluminum.
  • the invention relates to a piece for a watch movement and in particular to a non-magnetic pivoting axis for a mechanical clockwork movement.
  • non-magnetic balance shaft 1 a non-magnetic balance shaft 1.
  • other types of clockwise pivot axes can be envisaged, such as, for example, axes of watch mobiles, typically pinions. exhaust, or anchor rods.
  • the parts of this type have at the body diameters preferably less than 2 mm, and pivots of smaller diameter preferably 0.2 mm, with an accuracy of a few microns.
  • a balance shaft 1 which comprises a plurality of sections 2 of different diameters, preferably formed by bar turning or any other machining technique by chip removal, and conventionally defining spans 2a and shoulders 2b arranged between two end portions defining two pivots 3. These pivots are intended to each rotate in a bearing, typically in a hole of a stone or ruby.
  • the metal 4 of the pivot 3 is a non-magnetic aluminum alloy in order to advantageously limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields.
  • at least the outer surface 5 of the pivots 3 ( Figure 2 ) is cured in depth relative to the remainder of the pivot 3 to a predetermined depth advantageously by means of an ion implantation process in order to offer, advantageously according to the invention, a high hardness at said outer surface while keeping high tenacity.
  • the outer surface hardened in depth pivots 3 has a hardness greater than 600 HV.
  • the non-magnetic aluminum alloy is chosen from the group comprising an aluminum-copper-lead alloy, an aluminum-silicon-magnesium-manganese alloy, an aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy, the proportions of the various elements of the alloys being chosen to give them non-magnetic properties and good machinability.
  • the 7449 aluminum alloy of formula AIZn8Mg2Cu can also be used.
  • composition values are given as a percentage by mass.
  • the elements without indication of composition value are either the remainder (Aluminum) or elements for which the percentage in the composition is less than 1% by weight.
  • a curing depth of between 5% and 40% of the total diameter of the pivots 3 is sufficient for application to a balance shaft.
  • the radius d / 2 is 50 ⁇ m
  • the depth of hardening is preferably around 15 ⁇ m around the pivots 3.
  • a different depth of hardening between 5 % and 80% of the total diameter d can be provided.
  • the outer surface 5 hardened in depth pivots 3 comprises diffused atoms of at least one chemical element.
  • this chemical element may be a non-metal such as nitrogen, argon and / or helium.
  • this chemical element may be a non-metal such as nitrogen, argon and / or helium.
  • the hardening is carried out directly in the material 4 of the pivots 3 which advantageously allows according to the invention to avoid any subsequent delamination during use.
  • the outer surface 5 of the pivot 3 comprises a hard surface layer but has no additional curing layer deposited directly on said surface external 5. It is obvious that other layers having no hardening function can be deposited.
  • At least one surface area of the pivot is hardened, that is to say that the heart of the pivots 3 and / or the rest of the axis, can remain little or no change without significant modification of the mechanical properties of the balance shaft 1.
  • This selective hardening of the pivots 3 of the balance shaft 1 makes it possible to cumulate the advantages such as the low sensitivity to the magnetic fields, a hardness and a high tenacity, in the main stress zones while having a good resistance corrosion and fatigue.
  • the diffusion step b) comprises the diffusion of atoms of at least one chemical element, for example a non-metal, such as nitrogen, argon and / or helium.
  • a non-metal such as nitrogen, argon and / or helium.
  • the hardening depth of the outer surface 5 may advantageously be increased by means of a heat treatment carried out during or after step b) of treatment by ion implantation.
  • the pivots 3 are rolled or polished after step b) in order to reach the final dimensions and final surface state desired for the pivots 3.
  • This rolling operation after treatment makes it possible to obtain axes having improved wear and shock resistance with respect to axes whose pivots have only undergone a hardening operation. As a result, at least the outer surface 5 of the pivots 3 of the invention is rolled.
  • the method can be applied in bulk.
  • the compressive stresses of the process improve the fatigue strength and the impact strength.
  • the method according to the invention does not include any deposition step, directly on the outer surface 5 of the pivot 3, of an additional hardening layer.
  • the pivot axis according to the invention may comprise pivots treated according to the invention or be made entirely of nonmagnetic aluminum alloy.
  • the diffusion treatment of step b) can be performed on the surface of the pivots or on all of the surfaces of the pivot axis.
  • the pivot axis according to the invention can advantageously be produced by machining or any other machining technique by removing chips from non-magnetic aluminum alloy bars with a diameter preferably of less than 3 mm, and preferably less than 2 mm. mm.
  • Aluminum alloys are known to those skilled in the art to be too soft to be rolled and for wear resistance in motion.
  • the use of such materials according to the invention makes it possible surprisingly and unexpectedly to achieve pivoting axes having a hardness greater than 600 HV for rolling and achieving a satisfactory life in motion.
  • the skilled person had to overcome the prejudice to use a nonmagnetic aluminum-based alloy to make a very small part by means of a process including a bar turning step (or any other technique machining) and rolling.
  • the method of the invention makes it possible to obtain a clockwise pivoting axis of which at least the pivots are formed by bar turning (or any other technique of machining by chip removal) and rolling from an alloy of non-magnetic aluminum.
  • the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible of various variations and modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art.
  • it can be envisaged to totally or almost totally treat the pivots 3, that is to say treat a percentage greater than 80% of the diameter d pivots 3 even if this is not necessary for the application to pivot axes such as axes of watchmakers.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Articles (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Gears, Cams (AREA)
  • Sliding-Contact Bearings (AREA)
  • ing And Chemical Polishing (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un axe de pivotement comportant au moins un pivot (3) en métal à au moins une de ses extrémités. Le métal est un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique afin de limiter sa sensibilité aux champs magnétiques et au moins la surface externe (5) de l'au moins un des deux pivots (3) est durcie en profondeur par rapport au reste de l'axe selon une profondeur prédéterminée afin de durcir le ou les pivots (3). L'invention concerne le domaine des mouvements d'horlogerie.The invention relates to a pivot axis comprising at least one pivot (3) made of metal at at least one of its ends. The metal is a non-magnetic aluminum alloy in order to limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields and at least the outer surface (5) of the at least one of the two pivots (3) is hardened in depth relative to the rest of the axis at a predetermined depth to harden the pivot or pivots (3). The invention relates to the field of watch movements.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention se rapporte à une pièce pour mouvement d'horlogerie et notamment à un axe de pivotement amagnétique pour un mouvement d'horlogerie mécanique et plus particulièrement à un axe de balancier, une tige d'ancre et un pignon d'échappement amagnétiques.The invention relates to a piece for a watch movement and in particular to a non-magnetic pivoting axis for a mechanical clockwork movement and more particularly to a balance shaft, an anchor rod and a nonmagnetic escape pinion.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

La fabrication d'un axe de pivotement horloger consiste, à partir d'une barre en acier trempable, à réaliser des opérations de décolletage pour définir différentes surfaces actives (portée, épaulement, pivots etc.) puis à soumettre l'axe décolleté à des opérations de traitement thermique comprenant au moins une trempe pour améliorer la dureté de l'axe et un ou plusieurs revenus pour en améliorer la ténacité. Les opérations de traitements thermiques sont suivies d'une opération de roulage des pivots des axes, opération consistant à polir les pivots pour les amener aux dimensions requises. Au cours de l'opération de roulage la dureté ainsi que la rugosité des pivots sont encore améliorées. On notera que cette opération de roulage est très difficile voire impossible à réaliser avec la plupart des matériaux dont la dureté est faible c'est-à-dire inférieure à 600HV.The manufacture of a clock pivot axis consists, from a bar of hardened steel, to perform machining operations to define different active surfaces (scope, shoulder, pivots etc.) and then to subject the axis décolleté to heat treatment operations comprising at least one quench to improve the hardness of the axis and one or more income to improve toughness. The heat treatment operations are followed by a rolling operation of the pivots of the axes, an operation consisting in polishing the pivots to bring them to the required dimensions. During the rolling operation the hardness as well as the roughness of the pivots are further improved. Note that this rolling operation is very difficult or impossible to achieve with most materials whose hardness is low, that is to say less than 600HV.

Les axes de pivotement, par exemple les axes de balancier, utilisés classiquement dans les mouvements d'horlogerie mécaniques sont réalisés dans des nuances d'aciers de décolletage qui sont généralement des aciers martensitiques au carbone incluant du plomb et des sulfures de manganèse pour améliorer leur usinabilité. Un acier de ce type désigné 20AP est typiquement utilisé pour ces applications.The pivot axes, for example the balance shafts, conventionally used in mechanical watch movements are made in grades of free cutting steels which are generally carbon martensitic steels including lead and manganese sulphides to improve their performance. machinability. A steel of this type designated 20AP is typically used for these applications.

Ce type de matériau a l'avantage d'être facilement usinable, en particulier d'être apte au décolletage et présente, après des traitements de trempe et de revenu, des propriétés mécaniques élevées très intéressantes pour la réalisation d'axes de pivotement horlogers. Ces aciers présentent en particulier une résistance à l'usure et une dureté après traitement thermique élevées. Typiquement la dureté des pivots d'un axe réalisé en acier 20 AP peut atteindre une dureté dépassant les 700 HV après traitement thermique et roulage.This type of material has the advantage of being easily machinable, in particular being able to cut and has, after quenching and tempering treatments, high mechanical properties very interesting for the realization of clockwise pivot axes. In particular, these steels exhibit high wear resistance and hardness after heat treatment. Typically the hardness of the pivots of an axis made of steel AP may reach a hardness exceeding 700 HV after heat treatment and rolling.

Bien que fournissant des propriétés mécaniques satisfaisantes pour les applications horlogères décrites ci-dessus, ce type de matériau présente l'inconvénient d'être magnétique et de pouvoir perturber la marche d'une montre après avoir été soumis à un champ magnétique, et ce notamment lorsque ce matériau est utilisé pour la réalisation d'un axe de balancier coopérant avec un balancier spiral en matériau ferromagnétique. Ce phénomène est bien connu de l'homme du métier. On notera également que ces aciers martensitiques sont également sensibles à la corrosion.Although providing satisfactory mechanical properties for the horological applications described above, this type of material has the disadvantage of being magnetic and of being able to disrupt the running of a watch after being subjected to a magnetic field, and in particular when this material is used for producing a balance shaft cooperating with a balance spring of ferromagnetic material. This phenomenon is well known to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these martensitic steels are also susceptible to corrosion.

Des essais pour tenter de remédier à ces inconvénients ont été menés avec des aciers inoxydables austénitiques qui présentent la particularité d'être amagnétiques c'est-à-dire du type paramagnétique ou diamagnétique ou antiferromagnétique. Toutefois, ces aciers austénitiques présentent une structure cristallographique ne permettant pas de les tremper et d'atteindre des duretés et donc des résistances à l'usure compatibles avec les exigences requises pour la réalisation d'axes de pivotement horlogers. Un moyen d'augmenter la dureté de ces aciers est l'écrouissage, toutefois cette opération de durcissement ne permet pas d'obtenir des duretés supérieure à 500 HV. Par conséquent, dans le cadre de pièces nécessitant une grande résistance à l'usure par frottement et devant avoir des pivots ne présentant pas ou peu de risque de déformation, l'utilisation de ce type d'aciers reste limitée.Attempts to overcome these disadvantages have been carried out with austenitic stainless steels which have the particularity of being non-magnetic, that is to say of the paramagnetic or diamagnetic or antiferromagnetic type. However, these austenitic steels have a crystallographic structure that does not allow them to be hardened and to reach hardnesses and therefore wear resistances that are compatible with the requirements required for the realization of clockwise pivot axes. One way to increase the hardness of these steels is work hardening, however this hardening operation does not allow to obtain hardnesses greater than 500 HV. Therefore, in the context of parts requiring high resistance to frictional wear and having pivots having little or no risk of deformation, the use of this type of steel remains limited.

Une autre approche pour tenter de remédier à ces inconvénients a consisté à déposer sur les axes de pivotements des couches dures de matériaux tels que le carbone amorphe connu sous la dénomination anglaise diamond like carbone (DLC). Or, on a constaté des risques importants de délamination de la couche dure et donc la formation de débris qui peuvent circuler à l'intérieur du mouvement horloger et venir perturber le fonctionnement de ce dernier, ce qui n'est pas satisfaisant.Another approach to try to overcome these disadvantages has been to deposit on the pivot axes of the hard layers of materials such as the amorphous carbon known as English diamond carbon (DLC). However, there have been significant risks of delamination of the hard layer and therefore the formation of debris that can circulate inside the watch movement and come to disrupt the operation of the latter, which is not satisfactory.

Une approche similaire, décrite dans le brevet FR 2 015 873 , prévoit de réaliser un axe de balancier dont au moins la partie principale est réalisé en certains matériaux amagnétiques. Les pivots peuvent être dans ce même matériau ou en acier. Il est également possible de prévoir le dépôt d'une couche supplémentaire appliquée par voie galvanique, chimique, ou à partir de la phase gazeuse (par exemple en Cr, Rh, etc.). Cette couche supplémentaire présente un risque important de délamination. Ce document décrit également un axe de balancier fabriqué entièrement en bronze durcissable. Toutefois, aucune information n'est donnée sur le procédé de fabrication des pivots. De plus, une pièce réalisée en bronze durcissable présente une dureté inférieure à 450 HV. Une telle dureté apparait pour l'homme du métier comme insuffisante pour réaliser un traitement par roulage.A similar approach, described in the patent FR 2 015 873 , provides to achieve a balance shaft at least the main part is made of certain non-magnetic materials. The pivots can be in the same material or steel. It is also possible to provide the deposition of an additional layer applied galvanically, chemically, or from the gas phase (for example in Cr, Rh, etc.). This additional layer presents a significant risk of delamination. This document also describes a rocker shaft made entirely of curable bronze. However, no information is given on the manufacturing process of the pivots. In addition, a piece made of curable bronze has a hardness less than 450 HV. Such hardness appears to those skilled in the art as insufficient to perform a rolling treatment.

On connait également de la demande EP 2 757 423 des axes de pivotements réalisés en alliage de cobalt ou de nickel du type austénitique et présentant une surface externe durcie selon une certaine profondeur. Toutefois, de tels alliages peuvent s'avérer difficiles à usiner par enlèvement de copeaux. De plus, ils sont relativement coûteux en raison du prix élevé du nickel et du cobalt.We also know the demand EP 2 757 423 pivoting pins made of cobalt or nickel alloy of the austenitic type and having an outer surface hardened to a certain depth. However, such alloys can be difficult to machine by chip removal. In addition, they are relatively expensive because of the high price of nickel and cobalt.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Le but de la présente invention est de pallier tout ou partie des inconvénients cités précédemment en proposant un axe de pivotement permettant à la fois de limiter la sensibilité aux champs magnétiques et d'obtenir une dureté améliorée compatible avec les exigences de résistance à l'usure et aux chocs dans le domaine horloger.The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a pivot axis that makes it possible at the same time to limit the sensitivity to magnetic fields and to to obtain an improved hardness compatible with the requirements of resistance to wear and shocks in the field of watchmaking.

L'invention a également pour but de fournir un axe de pivotement amagnétique ayant une résistance à la corrosion améliorée.The invention also aims to provide a non-magnetic pivot axis having improved corrosion resistance.

L'invention a encore pour but de fournir un axe de pivotement amagnétique qui puisse être fabriqué de manière simple et économique.The invention also aims to provide a non-magnetic pivot axis that can be manufactured simply and economically.

A cet effet, l'invention se rapporte à un axe de pivotement pour mouvement horloger comportant au moins un pivot en métal à au moins une de ses extrémités.For this purpose, the invention relates to a pivot axis for a watch movement comprising at least one metal pivot at at least one of its ends.

Selon l'invention, le métal est un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique afin de limiter sa sensibilité aux champs magnétiques, et au moins la surface externe dudit au moins un pivot est durcie en profondeur par rapport au coeur de l'axe selon une profondeur prédéterminée.According to the invention, the metal is a non-magnetic aluminum alloy in order to limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields, and at least the outer surface of said at least one pivot is hardened in depth relative to the center of the axis to a predetermined depth .

Par conséquent, une zone superficielle ou la totalité de la surface de l'axe est durcie c'est-à-dire que le coeur de l'axe peut rester peu ou pas modifié. Par ce durcissement sélectif de portions de l'axe, l'axe de pivotement permet de cumuler les avantages comme la faible sensibilité aux champs magnétiques, et dans les zones de contrainte principales, une dureté, en plus d'une bonne résistance à la corrosion tout en conservant une bonne ténacité générale. Par ailleurs l'utilisation d'un tel alliage d'aluminium amagnétique est avantageuse dans la mesure où ces derniers présentent une bonne usinabilité.As a result, a surface area or the entire surface of the axis is hardened, i.e. the axis core may remain little or not changed. By this selective hardening of portions of the axis, the pivot axis can accumulate advantages such as low sensitivity to magnetic fields, and in the main stress zones, hardness, in addition to good corrosion resistance while maintaining a good general tenacity. Moreover, the use of such a nonmagnetic aluminum alloy is advantageous insofar as the latter have good machinability.

Conformément à d'autres caractéristiques avantageuses de l'invention :

  • la profondeur prédéterminée représente entre 5% et 40% du diamètre d total du pivot, typiquement entre 5 et 35 microns;
  • la surface externe durcie en profondeur comporte des atomes diffusés d'au moins un élément chimique;
  • la surface externe durcie en profondeur comporte une dureté de préférence supérieure à 600 HV.
According to other advantageous features of the invention:
  • the predetermined depth is between 5% and 40% of the total diameter of the pivot, typically between 5 and 35 microns;
  • the outer surface hardened in depth comprises diffused atoms of at least one chemical element;
  • the hardened outer surface has a hardness preferably greater than 600 HV.

De plus, l'invention se rapporte à un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant un axe de pivotement selon l'une des variantes précédentes, et en particulier un axe de balancier, une tige d'ancre et/ou un pignon d'échappement comprenant un axe tel que défini ci-dessus.In addition, the invention relates to a watch movement comprising a pivot axis according to one of the preceding variants, and in particular a balance shaft, an anchor rod and / or an exhaust pinion comprising a axis as defined above.

Enfin, l'invention se rapporte à un procédé de fabrication d'un axe de pivotement comportant les étapes suivantes :

  1. a) former, de préférence par décolletage ou toute autre technique d'usinage par enlèvement de copeaux, un axe de pivotement comportant au moins un pivot en métal à au moins une de ses extrémités, ledit métal étant un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique, pour limiter sa sensibilité aux champs magnétiques;
  2. b) diffuser des atomes par un processus d'implantation ionique selon une profondeur prédéterminée au moins dans la surface externe dudit pivot afin de durcir en profondeur l'axe de pivotement au niveau des zones de contraintes principales tout en gardant une ténacité élevée.
Finally, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pivot axis comprising the following steps:
  1. a) forming, preferably by machining or any other machining machining technique, a pivot axis having at least one metal pivot at at least one of its ends, said metal being a non-magnetic aluminum alloy, for limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields;
  2. b) diffusing atoms by an ion implantation process at a predetermined depth at least in the outer surface of said pivot to deeply harden the pivot axis at the main stress zones while maintaining high toughness.

Par conséquent, par diffusion d'atomes dans l'alliage d'aluminium, une zone superficielle ou la totalité de la surface des pivots est durcie sans avoir à déposer un deuxième matériau par-dessus les pivots. En effet, le durcissement est réalisé directement dans le matériau de l'axe de pivotement ce qui permet avantageusement selon l'invention d'éviter tout délaminage ultérieur comme cela peut se produire dans le cas du dépôt d'une couche dure sur l'axe.Therefore, by diffusion of atoms in the aluminum alloy, a surface area or the entire surface of the pivots is cured without having to deposit a second material over the pivots. Indeed, the hardening is carried out directly in the material of the pivot axis which advantageously allows according to the invention to avoid any subsequent delamination as may occur in the case of the deposition of a hard layer on the axis .

Conformément à d'autres caractéristiques avantageuses de l'invention :

  • la profondeur prédéterminée représente entre 5% et 40% du diamètre d total du pivot ;
  • les atomes comportent au moins un élément chimique ;
  • les pivots sont roulés ou polis après l'étape b).
According to other advantageous features of the invention:
  • the predetermined depth is between 5% and 40% of the total diameter of the pivot;
  • the atoms comprise at least one chemical element;
  • the pivots are rolled or polished after step b).

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres particularités et avantages ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une représentation d'un axe de pivotement selon l'invention ; et
  • la figure 2 est une coupe partielle d'un pivot d'axe de balancier selon l'invention après l'opération de traitement de diffusion par implantation ionique et après l'opération de roulage ou de polissage.
Other particularities and advantages will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a representation of a pivot axis according to the invention; and
  • the figure 2 is a partial section of a rocker arm pivot according to the invention after the ion implantation diffusion treatment operation and after the rolling or polishing operation.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Dans la présente description, le terme matériau « amagnétique » signifie un matériau paramagnétique ou diamagnétique ou antiferromagnétique, dont la perméabilité magnétique est inférieure ou égale à 1.01.In the present description, the term "non-magnetic" material means a paramagnetic or diamagnetic or antiferromagnetic material whose magnetic permeability is less than or equal to 1.01.

Un alliage d'aluminium est un alliage contenant au moins 50% en poids d'aluminium.An aluminum alloy is an alloy containing at least 50% by weight of aluminum.

L'invention se rapporte à une pièce pour mouvement d'horlogerie et notamment à un axe de pivotement amagnétique pour un mouvement d'horlogerie mécanique.The invention relates to a piece for a watch movement and in particular to a non-magnetic pivoting axis for a mechanical clockwork movement.

L'invention sera décrite ci-après dans le cadre d'une application à un axe de balancier amagnétique 1. Bien évidemment, d'autres types d'axes de pivotement horlogers sont envisageables comme par exemple des axes de mobiles horlogers, typiquement des pignons d'échappement, ou encore des tiges d'ancre. Les pièces de ce type présentent au niveau du corps des diamètres inférieurs de préférence à 2 mm, et des pivots de diamètre inférieur de préférence à 0.2 mm, avec une précision de quelques microns.The invention will be described hereinafter in the context of an application to a non-magnetic balance shaft 1. Of course, other types of clockwise pivot axes can be envisaged, such as, for example, axes of watch mobiles, typically pinions. exhaust, or anchor rods. The parts of this type have at the body diameters preferably less than 2 mm, and pivots of smaller diameter preferably 0.2 mm, with an accuracy of a few microns.

En se référant à la figure 1 on peut voir un axe de balancier 1 selon l'invention qui comporte une pluralité de sections 2 de diamètres différents, formées de préférence par décolletage ou toute autre technique d'usinage par enlèvement de copeaux, et définissant classiquement des portées 2a et des épaulements 2b arrangés entre deux portions d'extrémité définissant deux pivots 3. Ces pivots sont destinés à venir chacun pivoter dans un palier, typiquement dans un orifice d'une pierre ou rubis.Referring to the figure 1 we can see a balance shaft 1 according to the invention which comprises a plurality of sections 2 of different diameters, preferably formed by bar turning or any other machining technique by chip removal, and conventionally defining spans 2a and shoulders 2b arranged between two end portions defining two pivots 3. These pivots are intended to each rotate in a bearing, typically in a hole of a stone or ruby.

Avec le magnétisme induit par les objets rencontrés au quotidien, il est important de limiter la sensibilité de l'axe de balancier 1 sous peine d'influencer la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie dans laquelle il est incorporé.With the magnetism induced by the objects encountered on a daily basis, it is important to limit the sensitivity of the pendulum axis 1, otherwise it will influence the operation of the timepiece in which it is incorporated.

De manière surprenante, l'invention permet de résoudre les deux problèmes en même temps sans compromis et en apportant d'autres avantages. Ainsi, le métal 4 du pivot 3 est un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique afin de limiter de manière avantageuse sa sensibilité aux champs magnétiques. De plus, au moins la surface externe 5 des pivots 3 (Figure 2) est durcie en profondeur par rapport au reste du pivot 3 selon une profondeur prédéterminée avantageusement au moyen d'un processus d'implantation ionique afin d'offrir, avantageusement selon l'invention, une dureté élevée au niveau de ladite surface externe tout en gardant une ténacité élevée.Surprisingly, the invention solves both problems at the same time without compromise and providing other benefits. Thus, the metal 4 of the pivot 3 is a non-magnetic aluminum alloy in order to advantageously limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields. In addition, at least the outer surface 5 of the pivots 3 ( Figure 2 ) is cured in depth relative to the remainder of the pivot 3 to a predetermined depth advantageously by means of an ion implantation process in order to offer, advantageously according to the invention, a high hardness at said outer surface while keeping high tenacity.

En effet, selon l'invention, la surface externe durcie en profondeur des pivots 3 présente une dureté supérieure à 600 HV.Indeed, according to the invention, the outer surface hardened in depth pivots 3 has a hardness greater than 600 HV.

De préférence, l'alliage d'aluminium amagnétique est choisi parmi le groupe comprenant un alliage aluminium-cuivre-plomb, un alliage aluminium-silicium-magnésium-manganèse, un alliage aluminium-zinc-magnésium-cuivre, les proportions des différents éléments des alliages étant choisies pour leur conférer des propriétés amagnétiques ainsi qu'une bonne usinabilité.Preferably, the non-magnetic aluminum alloy is chosen from the group comprising an aluminum-copper-lead alloy, an aluminum-silicon-magnesium-manganese alloy, an aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy, the proportions of the various elements of the alloys being chosen to give them non-magnetic properties and good machinability.

Par exemple les alliages d'aluminium amagnétiques utilisés dans la présente invention, désignés selon la norme DIN EN-573-3, sont :

  • EN AW-2007 de formule AlCu4PbMgMn (désigné Avional Pb118)
  • EN AW-2011 de formule AlCu6BiPb (désigné Decoltal 500)
  • EN AW-6082 de formule AlSi1 MgMn (désigné Anticorodal 100/112)
  • EN AW-7075 de formule AIZn5.5MgCu (désigné Perunal 215).
For example, the non-magnetic aluminum alloys used in the present invention, designated according to DIN EN-573-3, are:
  • EN AW-2007 of formula AlCu4PbMgMn (designated Avional Pb118)
  • EN AW-2011 formula AlCu6BiPb (designated Decoltal 500)
  • EN AW-6082 of formula AlSi1 MgMn (designated Anticorodal 100/112)
  • EN AW-7075 of formula AIZn5.5MgCu (designated Perunal 215).

L'alliage d'aluminium 7449 de formule AIZn8Mg2Cu peut également être utilisé.The 7449 aluminum alloy of formula AIZn8Mg2Cu can also be used.

Les valeurs de composition sont indiquées en pourcentage massique. Les éléments sans indication de valeur de composition sont soit le reste (Aluminium) soit des éléments pour lesquels le pourcentage dans la composition est inférieur à 1% en poids.The composition values are given as a percentage by mass. The elements without indication of composition value are either the remainder (Aluminum) or elements for which the percentage in the composition is less than 1% by weight.

Bien évidemment, d'autres alliages à base d'aluminium amagnétiques sont envisageables dès lors que la proportion de leurs constituants leur confère des propriétés amagnétiques ainsi qu'une bonne usinabilité.Of course, other alloys based on nonmagnetic aluminum are possible since the proportion of their constituents gives them non-magnetic properties and good machinability.

Il a été montré empiriquement qu'une profondeur de durcissement comprise entre 5% et 40% de diamètre d total des pivots 3 suffit pour l'application à un axe de balancier. A titre d'exemple, si le rayon d/2 est de 50 µm, la profondeur de durcissement est préférentiellement autour de 15 µm tout autour des pivots 3. Bien évidemment, suivant les applications, une profondeur différente de durcissement comprise entre 5% et 80% du diamètre d total peut être prévue.It has been shown empirically that a curing depth of between 5% and 40% of the total diameter of the pivots 3 is sufficient for application to a balance shaft. For example, if the radius d / 2 is 50 μm , the depth of hardening is preferably around 15 μm around the pivots 3. Of course, depending on the application, a different depth of hardening between 5 % and 80% of the total diameter d can be provided.

Préférentiellement selon l'invention, la surface externe 5 durcie en profondeur des pivots 3 comporte des atomes diffusés d'au moins un élément chimique. Par exemple, cet élément chimique peut être un non-métal comme de l'azote, l'argon et/ou l'hélium. En effet, comme expliqué ci-dessous, par sursaturation interstitielle d'atomes dans l'alliage d'aluminium amagnétique 4, une zone superficielle 5 est durcie en profondeur sans avoir à déposer un deuxième matériau par-dessus les pivots 3. En effet, le durcissement est réalisé directement dans le matériau 4 des pivots 3 ce qui permet avantageusement selon l'invention d'éviter tout délaminage ultérieur en cours d'utilisation. De ce fait, la surface externe 5 du pivot 3 comprend une couche superficielle dure mais ne présente aucune couche de durcissement supplémentaire déposée directement sur ladite surface externe 5. Il est bien évident que d'autres couches n'ayant pas de fonction de durcissement peuvent être déposées. Ainsi, il est possible de déposer sur la surface externe du pivot une couche de lubrification par exemple.Preferably according to the invention, the outer surface 5 hardened in depth pivots 3 comprises diffused atoms of at least one chemical element. For example, this chemical element may be a non-metal such as nitrogen, argon and / or helium. Indeed, as explained below, by interstitial supersaturation of atoms in the nonmagnetic aluminum alloy 4, a superficial zone 5 is cured in depth without having to deposit a second material over the pivots 3. In fact, the hardening is carried out directly in the material 4 of the pivots 3 which advantageously allows according to the invention to avoid any subsequent delamination during use. As a result, the outer surface 5 of the pivot 3 comprises a hard surface layer but has no additional curing layer deposited directly on said surface external 5. It is obvious that other layers having no hardening function can be deposited. Thus, it is possible to deposit on the outer surface of the pivot a lubrication layer for example.

Par conséquent, au moins une zone superficielle du pivot est durcie c'est-à-dire que le coeur des pivots 3 et/ou le reste de l'axe, peut rester peu ou pas modifié sans modification notable des propriétés mécaniques de l'axe de balancier 1. Ce durcissement sélectif des pivots 3 de l'axe de balancier 1 permet de cumuler les avantages comme la faible sensibilité aux champs magnétiques, une dureté et une ténacité élevée, dans les zones de contrainte principales tout en ayant une bonne résistance à la corrosion et à la fatigue.Therefore, at least one surface area of the pivot is hardened, that is to say that the heart of the pivots 3 and / or the rest of the axis, can remain little or no change without significant modification of the mechanical properties of the balance shaft 1. This selective hardening of the pivots 3 of the balance shaft 1 makes it possible to cumulate the advantages such as the low sensitivity to the magnetic fields, a hardness and a high tenacity, in the main stress zones while having a good resistance corrosion and fatigue.

L'invention se rapporte également au procédé de fabrication d'un axe de balancier comme expliqué ci-dessus. Le procédé comporte avantageusement selon l'invention les étapes suivantes :

  1. a) former, de préférence par décolletage ou toute autre technique d'usinage par enlèvement de copeaux, un axe de balancier 1 comportant un pivot 3 en métal à chacune de ses extrémités, ledit métal étant un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique pour limiter sa sensibilité aux champs magnétiques et;
  2. b) diffuser des atomes par un processus d'implantation ionique selon une profondeur prédéterminée au moins dans la surface externe 5 des pivots 3 afin de durcir en profondeur les pivots au niveau des zones de contraintes principales.
The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing a balance shaft as explained above. The process advantageously comprises according to the invention the following steps:
  1. a) forming, preferably by bar turning or any other machining machining technique, a balance shaft 1 having a pivot 3 of metal at each of its ends, said metal being a non-magnetic aluminum alloy to limit its sensitivity magnetic fields and;
  2. b) diffusing atoms by an ion implantation process at a predetermined depth at least in the outer surface 5 of the pivots 3 in order to deepen the pivots at the main stress zones.

L'étape b) de diffusion comprend la diffusion d'atomes d'au moins un élément chimique, par exemple un non-métal, comme de l'azote, l'argon et/ou l'hélium. Ce procédé possède l'avantage de ne pas limiter le type d'atomes diffusés et permettre une diffusion aussi bien interstitielle que substitutionnelle.The diffusion step b) comprises the diffusion of atoms of at least one chemical element, for example a non-metal, such as nitrogen, argon and / or helium. This method has the advantage of not limiting the type of diffused atoms and allowing an interstitial as well as a substitutional diffusion.

La profondeur de durcissement de la surface externe 5 peut avantageusement être augmentée à l'aide d'un traitement thermique effectué pendant ou après l'étape b) de traitement par implantation ionique.The hardening depth of the outer surface 5 may advantageously be increased by means of a heat treatment carried out during or after step b) of treatment by ion implantation.

Selon un mode préférentiel de réalisation, les pivots 3 sont roulés ou polis après l'étape b) afin d'atteindre les dimensions et l'état de surface finaux désirés pour les pivots 3. Cette opération de roulage après traitement permet d'obtenir des axes présentant une résistance à l'usure et aux chocs améliorée par rapport à des axes dont les pivots n'ont subi qu'une opération de durcissement. De ce fait, au moins la surface externe 5 des pivots 3 de l'invention est roulée.According to a preferred embodiment, the pivots 3 are rolled or polished after step b) in order to reach the final dimensions and final surface state desired for the pivots 3. This rolling operation after treatment makes it possible to obtain axes having improved wear and shock resistance with respect to axes whose pivots have only undergone a hardening operation. As a result, at least the outer surface 5 of the pivots 3 of the invention is rolled.

Avantageusement selon l'invention, quel que soit le mode de réalisation, le procédé peut être appliqué en vrac. Enfin, avantageusement, il a été trouvé que les contraintes compressives du procédé améliorent la résistance à la fatigue et la tenue aux chocs.Advantageously according to the invention, whatever the embodiment, the method can be applied in bulk. Finally, advantageously, it has been found that the compressive stresses of the process improve the fatigue strength and the impact strength.

Le procédé selon l'invention ne comprend aucune étape de dépôt, directement sur la surface externe 5 du pivot 3, d'une couche de durcissement supplémentaire.The method according to the invention does not include any deposition step, directly on the outer surface 5 of the pivot 3, of an additional hardening layer.

L'axe de pivotement selon l'invention peut comprendre des pivots traités selon l'invention ou être réalisé entièrement en alliage d'aluminium amagnétique. De plus, le traitement de diffusion de l'étape b) peut être réalisé à la surface des pivots ou sur la totalité des surfaces de l'axe de pivotement.The pivot axis according to the invention may comprise pivots treated according to the invention or be made entirely of nonmagnetic aluminum alloy. In addition, the diffusion treatment of step b) can be performed on the surface of the pivots or on all of the surfaces of the pivot axis.

L'axe de pivotement selon l'invention peut être réalisé avantageusement par décolletage ou toute autre technique d'usinage par enlèvement de copeaux à partir de barres en alliage d'aluminium amagnétique de diamètre de préférence inférieur à 3 mm, et préférentiellement inférieur à 2 mm. Les alliages d'aluminium sont connus de l'homme du métier pour être trop mous pour pouvoir être roulés et pour la tenue à l'usure en mouvement. Toutefois, l'utilisation de tels matériaux selon l'invention permet d'une manière surprenante et inattendue de réaliser des axes de pivotement présentant une dureté supérieure à 600 HV permettant d'effectuer un roulage et d'atteindre une longévité satisfaisante en mouvement. Pour réaliser la présente invention, l'homme du métier a dû vaincre le préjugé à utiliser un alliage à base d'aluminium amagnétique pour réaliser une pièce de très faibles dimensions au moyen d'un procédé comprenant une étape de décolletage (ou toute autre technique d'usinage par enlèvement de copeaux) et de roulage.The pivot axis according to the invention can advantageously be produced by machining or any other machining technique by removing chips from non-magnetic aluminum alloy bars with a diameter preferably of less than 3 mm, and preferably less than 2 mm. mm. Aluminum alloys are known to those skilled in the art to be too soft to be rolled and for wear resistance in motion. However, the use of such materials according to the invention makes it possible surprisingly and unexpectedly to achieve pivoting axes having a hardness greater than 600 HV for rolling and achieving a satisfactory life in motion. To achieve the present invention, the skilled person had to overcome the prejudice to use a nonmagnetic aluminum-based alloy to make a very small part by means of a process including a bar turning step (or any other technique machining) and rolling.

Contre toute attente, le procédé de l'invention permet d'obtenir un axe de pivotement horloger dont au moins les pivots sont formés par décolletage (ou toute autre technique d'usinage par enlèvement de copeaux) et roulage à partir d'un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique.Against all expectations, the method of the invention makes it possible to obtain a clockwise pivoting axis of which at least the pivots are formed by bar turning (or any other technique of machining by chip removal) and rolling from an alloy of non-magnetic aluminum.

Bien entendu, la présente invention ne se limite pas à l'exemple illustré mais est susceptible de diverses variantes et modifications qui apparaîtront à l'homme de l'art. En particulier, il peut être envisagé de totalement ou quasi-totalement traiter les pivots 3, c'est-à-dire traiter un pourcentage supérieur à 80% du diamètre d des pivots 3 même si cela n'est pas nécessaire pour l'application à des axes de pivotements tels que des axes de balanciers horlogers.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible of various variations and modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, it can be envisaged to totally or almost totally treat the pivots 3, that is to say treat a percentage greater than 80% of the diameter d pivots 3 even if this is not necessary for the application to pivot axes such as axes of watchmakers.

Claims (15)

Axe de pivotement (1) pour mouvement horloger comportant au moins un pivot (3) en métal à au moins une de ses extrémités, caractérisé en ce que le métal est un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique afin de limiter sa sensibilité aux champs magnétiques, et en ce qu'au moins la surface externe (5) dudit pivot (3) est durcie en profondeur par rapport au coeur de l'axe selon une profondeur prédéterminée.Pivoting pin (1) for a watch movement comprising at least one metal pivot (3) at at least one of its ends, characterized in that the metal is a non-magnetic aluminum alloy in order to limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields, and in that at least the outer surface (5) of said pivot (3) is hardened in depth relative to the center of the axis to a predetermined depth. Axe de pivotement (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la profondeur prédéterminée représente entre 5% et 40% du diamètre total(d) du pivot (3).Pivot shaft (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined depth is between 5% and 40% of the total diameter (d) of the pivot (3). Axe de pivotement (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la surface externe (5) durcie en profondeur comporte des atomes diffusés d'au moins un élément chimique.Pivot shaft (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer surface (5) hardened in depth comprises diffused atoms of at least one chemical element. Axe de pivotement (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la surface externe (5) durcie en profondeur présente une dureté supérieure à 600 HV.Pivot pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer surface (5) hardened in depth has a hardness greater than 600 HV. Axe de pivotement (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'alliage d'aluminium amagnétique est choisi parmi le groupe comprenant un alliage aluminium-cuivre-plomb, un alliage aluminium-silicium-magnésium-manganèse, un alliage aluminium-zinc-magnésium-cuivre.Pivot shaft (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-magnetic aluminum alloy is selected from the group comprising an aluminum-copper-lead alloy, an aluminum-silicon-magnesium-manganese alloy, a aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy. Axe de pivotement (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite surface externe (5) dudit pivot (3) ne présente aucune couche de durcissement déposée directement sur ladite surface externe.Pivot shaft (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer surface (5) of said pivot (3) has no curing layer deposited directly on said outer surface. Axe de pivotement (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins la surface externe (5) dudit pivot (3) est roulée.Pivot pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the outer surface (5) of said pivot (3) is rolled. Axe de pivotement (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend deux pivots.Pivot pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two pivots. Mouvement pour pièce d'horlogerie, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un axe de pivotement (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes.Movement for a timepiece, characterized in that it comprises a pivot pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Mouvement pour pièce d'horlogerie caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un axe de balancier (1), une tige d'ancre et/ou un pignon d'échappement comprenant un axe selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10.Movement for a timepiece characterized in that it comprises a rocker shaft (1), an anchor rod and / or an exhaust pinion comprising an axis according to one of claims 1 to 10. Procédé de fabrication d'un axe de pivotement (1) pour mouvement horloger comportant les étapes suivantes : a) former un axe de pivotement (1) comportant au moins un pivot (3) en métal à au moins une de ses extrémités, ledit métal étant un alliage d'aluminium amagnétique pour limiter sa sensibilité aux champs magnétiques; b) diffuser des atomes par un processus d'implantation ionique selon une profondeur prédéterminée au moins dans la surface externe (5) dudit pivot (3) afin de durcir en profondeur l'axe de pivotement (1) au niveau des zones de contraintes principales tout en gardant une ténacité élevée. A method of manufacturing a pivot axis (1) for a watch movement comprising the following steps: a) forming a pivot axis (1) having at least one metal pivot (3) at at least one of its ends, said metal being a non-magnetic aluminum alloy to limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields; b) diffusing atoms by an ion implantation process at a predetermined depth at least in the outer surface (5) of said pivot (3) in order to deepen the pivot axis (1) at the main stress zones while keeping a high tenacity. Procédé selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que la profondeur prédéterminée représente entre 5% et 40% du diamètre total (d) du pivot (3).Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the predetermined depth is between 5% and 40% of the total diameter (d) of the pivot (3). Procédé selon l'une des revendications 12 ou 13, caractérisé en ce que l'étape de diffusion comprend la diffusion d'atomes d'au moins un élément chimique.Process according to one of Claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the diffusion step comprises the diffusion of atoms of at least one chemical element. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 12 à 15, caractérisé en ce qu'il ne comprend aucune étape de dépôt, directement sur la surface externe (5) du pivot (3), d'une couche de durcissement.Process according to one of Claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it does not comprise any step of depositing a hardening layer directly on the outer surface (5) of the pivot (3). Procédé selon l'une des revendications 12 à 16, caractérisé en ce que le pivot (3) subit une opération de roulage/polissage après l'étape b).Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the pivot (3) undergoes a rolling / polishing operation after step b).
EP16180228.5A 2016-07-19 2016-07-19 Part for clock movement Active EP3273305B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16180228.5A EP3273305B1 (en) 2016-07-19 2016-07-19 Part for clock movement
JP2017135240A JP6543659B2 (en) 2016-07-19 2017-07-11 Components for watch movements
US15/651,295 US11131965B2 (en) 2016-07-19 2017-07-17 Component for a timepiece movement
RU2017125568A RU2752293C2 (en) 2016-07-19 2017-07-18 Component for clockwork mechanism
CN201710584232.XA CN107632511B (en) 2016-07-19 2017-07-18 Component for a timepiece movement
HK18107787.2A HK1248326A1 (en) 2016-07-19 2018-06-15 Component for a timepiece movement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16180228.5A EP3273305B1 (en) 2016-07-19 2016-07-19 Part for clock movement

Publications (2)

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EP3273305A1 true EP3273305A1 (en) 2018-01-24
EP3273305B1 EP3273305B1 (en) 2023-07-19

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EP16180228.5A Active EP3273305B1 (en) 2016-07-19 2016-07-19 Part for clock movement

Country Status (6)

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US (1) US11131965B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3273305B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6543659B2 (en)
CN (1) CN107632511B (en)
HK (1) HK1248326A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2752293C2 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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EP3339968A1 (en) * 2016-12-20 2018-06-27 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Part for clock movement
EP3587626B1 (en) * 2018-06-28 2023-02-22 Comadur S.A. Decorative part made by incrustation

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CH338767A (en) * 1957-04-30 1959-05-31 Brac Ag Und Jean Bugnon Lever escapement for clockworks
FR2015873A1 (en) 1968-08-19 1970-04-30 Inst Reinhard Straumann
US20040231159A1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2004-11-25 Yoshitsugu Shibuya Soft metal and method for preparation thereof, and exterior part of watch and method for preparation thereof
EP2680090A1 (en) * 2012-06-28 2014-01-01 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Mainspring for a clock piece
EP2757423A1 (en) 2013-01-17 2014-07-23 Omega SA Part for clockwork
CH707504A2 (en) * 2013-01-17 2014-07-31 Omega Sa Metal pivoting axle e.g. non-magnetic balance axle, for clockwork movement of watch, has pivot arranged at end, where axle is made of metal e.g. titanium and titanium alloy, in order to limit sensitivity of pivoting axle to magnetic fields

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CH240641A (en) * 1945-03-31 1946-01-15 Colomb Henri Method of fixing a hairspring to a eyebolt, tools for implementing this method and hairspring fixed by this method.
CH338767A (en) * 1957-04-30 1959-05-31 Brac Ag Und Jean Bugnon Lever escapement for clockworks
FR2015873A1 (en) 1968-08-19 1970-04-30 Inst Reinhard Straumann
US20040231159A1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2004-11-25 Yoshitsugu Shibuya Soft metal and method for preparation thereof, and exterior part of watch and method for preparation thereof
EP2680090A1 (en) * 2012-06-28 2014-01-01 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Mainspring for a clock piece
EP2757423A1 (en) 2013-01-17 2014-07-23 Omega SA Part for clockwork
CH707504A2 (en) * 2013-01-17 2014-07-31 Omega Sa Metal pivoting axle e.g. non-magnetic balance axle, for clockwork movement of watch, has pivot arranged at end, where axle is made of metal e.g. titanium and titanium alloy, in order to limit sensitivity of pivoting axle to magnetic fields

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20180024499A1 (en) 2018-01-25
HK1248326A1 (en) 2018-10-12
CN107632511A (en) 2018-01-26
JP6543659B2 (en) 2019-07-10
EP3273305B1 (en) 2023-07-19
US11131965B2 (en) 2021-09-28
RU2752293C2 (en) 2021-07-26
RU2017125568A (en) 2019-01-18
CN107632511B (en) 2021-08-06
JP2018013480A (en) 2018-01-25
RU2017125568A3 (en) 2020-11-12

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