EP3324246B1 - Protection of a resonator mechanism with axial impact blades - Google Patents

Protection of a resonator mechanism with axial impact blades Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3324246B1
EP3324246B1 EP16199006.4A EP16199006A EP3324246B1 EP 3324246 B1 EP3324246 B1 EP 3324246B1 EP 16199006 A EP16199006 A EP 16199006A EP 3324246 B1 EP3324246 B1 EP 3324246B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
resonator mechanism
axial stop
inertial element
pivot axis
plane
Prior art date
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Application number
EP16199006.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3324246A1 (en
Inventor
Dominique Lechot
Pascal Winkler
Gianni Di Domenico
Jean-Jacques Born
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Swatch Group Research and Development SA
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Swatch Group Research and Development SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Research and Development SA filed Critical Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority to CH01511/16A priority Critical patent/CH713137A2/en
Priority to EP16199006.4A priority patent/EP3324246B1/en
Priority to US15/730,913 priority patent/US10394190B2/en
Priority to JP2017203230A priority patent/JP6434597B2/en
Priority to CN201711131959.9A priority patent/CN108073066B/en
Publication of EP3324246A1 publication Critical patent/EP3324246A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3324246B1 publication Critical patent/EP3324246B1/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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/10—Oscillators with torsion strips or springs acting in the same manner as torsion strips, e.g. weight oscillating in a horizontal plane
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/32—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
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
    • 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
    • G04B43/002—Component shock protection arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a timepiece resonator mechanism, comprising a structure and at least one inertial element arranged to oscillate in a pivoting movement about a pivot axis, with the center of inertia of said at least one inertial element aligned with said pivoting axis, said at least one inertial element being subjected to return forces exerted by a plurality of elastic blades each fixed, directly or indirectly, at a first end to said structure and fixed, directly or indirectly, at a second end thereof at least one inertial element, each said elastic blade extending in a plane perpendicular to said pivot axis, and being substantially deformable in said plane perpendicular to said pivot axis, wherein said resonator mechanism comprises axial abutment means comprising at least one stop lower axial and / or an upper axial abutment, said abutment means axial being arranged to cooperate in abutment abutment with at least one of the moving components for the protection of said blade
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising such a watch movement, and / or such a resonator mechanism.
  • the invention relates to the field of clock resonators, and especially those which comprise elastic blades acting as return means for the operation of the oscillator.
  • Shock resistance is a delicate point for most watch oscillators, and especially for cross-wound resonators. In fact, during out-of-plane shocks, the stress experienced by the blades quickly reaches very high values, which reduces the amount of travel the part can travel before yielding.
  • Shock absorbers for timepieces come in many variants. However, their main purpose is to protect fragile pivots of the axis, and not the elastic elements, as conventionally the spiral spring.
  • the document EP3054357A1 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse SA describes a clock oscillator comprising a structure and separate primary resonators, temporally and geometrically out of phase, each comprising a mass biased towards the structure by an elastic return means.
  • This oscillator comprises coupling means for the interaction of the primary resonators, comprising motor means for driving a mobile in motion which comprises driving and guiding means arranged to drive and guide a control means articulated with transmission means , each articulated, away from the control means, with a mass of a primary resonator.
  • the primary resonators and the mobile are arranged in such a way that the axes of the joints of any two of the primary resonators and the axis of articulation of the control means are never coplanar.
  • the document EP3035127A1 in the name of SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd. describes a clock oscillator comprising a resonator constituted by a tuning fork which comprises at least two oscillating mobile parts fixed to a connecting element by flexible elements whose geometry determines a virtual pivot axis defined position relative to a plate, and around which oscillates the respective movable portion, whose center of mass is merged in the rest position with the respective virtual pivot axis.
  • the flexible elements consist of elastic blades crossed at a distance from each other in two parallel planes, the projections of the directions on one of the parallel planes intersect at the pivot axis virtual part of the mobile part.
  • the invention proposes to limit the out-of-plane displacement stroke of the blades of a blade resonator, and thus to ensure a better holding of the system.
  • the invention relates to a blade resonator mechanism according to claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising such a watch movement, and / or such a resonator mechanism.
  • the invention relates to a timepiece resonator mechanism 100 comprising a structure 1 and at least one inertial element 2 arranged to oscillate in a pivoting movement about a pivot axis D.
  • the center of inertia resulting from the assembly inertial elements 2 is aligned on the pivot axis D.
  • At least one inertial element 2 is subjected to return forces exerted by a plurality of elastic blades 3 each fixed, directly or indirectly, at a first end 301 to the structure 1 and fixed, directly or indirectly, to a second end 302 to this at least one inertial element 2.
  • Each elastic blade 3 extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D, and is essentially deformable in this plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D.
  • Each inertial element 2 extends between an elementary lower plane PI and an elementary upper plane PS.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises axial abutment means.
  • These axial abutment means comprise a lower axial abutment 7 and / or an upper axial abutment 8.
  • These axial abutment means are arranged to cooperate in abutment abutment with at least one of the moving components, for the protection of the resonator mechanism 100 with blades. , and in particular elastic blades 3 which it comprises, against axial shocks in the direction of the pivot axis D.
  • these axial abutment means comprise a lower axial abutment 7 extending in the immediate vicinity of the elementary lower plane PI of a particular inertial element 2 and arranged to limit the off-plane displacement of this particular inertial element 2, and / or an upper axial stop 8 extending in the immediate vicinity of the elementary upper plane PS of such a particular inertial element 2, and arranged to limit the out-of-plane displacement of this particular inertial element 2, by direct contact with this inertial element 2.
  • These Specific axial abutments, arranged for direct contact with the inertial element 2 will in particular hereinafter referred to respectively 73 and 83.
  • the axial abutment means of the invention are preferably arranged to cooperate with rigid elements, such as inertial elements or shafts.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises, on either side of the same inertial element 2, such a lower axial abutment 7 and such an upper axial abutment 8.
  • the lower axial abutment 7 and / or the upper axial abutment 8 comprises a lower flat surface 17, respectively upper 18, perpendicular to the pivot axis D, and forming an abutment surface cooperating with the inertial element. 2 concerned in case of shock or the like.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of such inertial elements 2, which extend between a global lower plane PI and an overall upper plane PS.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises, on either side of the overall lower plane PI and of the overall upper plane PS, at least one lower axial abutment 7 and at least one upper axial abutment 8, each arranged to limit the movement out. plane of the closest inertial element 2, for the protection of the resonator mechanism 100 with blades against axial shocks, according to the direction of the pivot axis D.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of inertial elements 2 which extend over several parallel levels. More particularly, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises at least one intermediate axial stop, which is arranged between two such neighboring levels of inertial elements 2. More particularly, at least one intermediate axial abutment is arranged in each gap between two such levels.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of elastic blade levels 3, which all extend between two extreme levels, upper and lower, of inertial elements 2 which protect these elastic blades 3.
  • a shaft 4 carries all or part of the axial abutment means.
  • This shaft 4 is aligned on the pivot axis D, and extends along this axis D.
  • at least one elastic blade 3 comprises a recess, or a clearance, or an eye 6 formed around the pivot axis D, and without contact with the shaft 4.
  • this shaft 4 comprises at least one lower axial abutment 7 or an upper axial abutment 8. More particularly, this shaft 4 comprises at the at least one lower axial abutment 7 and at least one upper axial abutment 8.
  • each elastic blade 3 comprises such a recess, or such a clearance, or such an eye 6, and the shaft 4 passes through all the blade levels 3.
  • the shaft 4 can also comprise at least one intermediate stop, when the resonator mechanism 100 comprises inertial elements 2 distributed on parallel and distant levels, between which two by two can take place such intermediate axial stop.
  • this shaft 4 is fixed on the structure 1, which may itself comprise at least one axial abutment surface.
  • the Figures 1 and 2 illustrate this first embodiment.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 with elastic blades has two parallel levels of blades resilient, upper 31 and lower 32. These blades 31 and 32 respectively extend in directions D1 and D2, which intersect, in projection on a plane parallel to these two levels, at a virtual pivot axis D around which oscillates an inertial element 2 which is suspended and recalled by these resilient blades 31 and 32 relative to a fixed structure 1.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises axial abutment means for indirectly protecting the blades 31 and 32 in case of shock, which are illustrated nonlimitingly in the form of two discs centered on the pivot axis D: a small diameter upper disc, in particular but not limited to transparent and then coupled with an inertial element 2 also having a transparent axial portion, to verify the state of the blades, constituting an upper axial stop 8, and arranged to limit the frost of the inertial element 2 of the upper side, and a lower disk of larger diameter, constituting a lower axial abutment 7 and arranged to limit the frost of the inertial element 2 of a lower side opposite this upper side.
  • the blades 31 and 32 each have an eye 6, at the pivot axis D, to pass a shaft 4, which is here maintained on the fixed structure, and which carries the upper disk and the lower disk.
  • this shaft 4 is fixed on an inertial element 2 of the resonator mechanism 100, and the axial abutment means that comprises this shaft 4 are arranged to cooperate in abutment abutment with complementary abutment surfaces that comprises the structure 1. More particularly, the axial abutment means comprise an upper end surface 48, and a lower end surface 47, arranged to cooperate respectively with an upper complementary surface 18, and a lower supplementary surface 17, of the structure 1.
  • the Figures 3 and 4 illustrate this second embodiment.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 has a single level of resilient blades 3, arranged in the form of RCC pivots arranged head to tail, the directions D1 and D2 along which these blades 3 extend intersect at the virtual pivot axis d.
  • an inertial element 2 which is suspended and recalled by these elastic blades 3 with respect to the fixed structure 1.
  • the inertial element 2 carries a shaft 4 oriented on the pivot axis D, and this shaft comprises, at its two ends free, upper and lower, upper end surfaces 48, and lower 47, respectively arranged to cooperate with complementary upper surfaces 18, and lower 17, the structure 1.
  • the inertial element 2 further comprises another upper axial abutment 83 that can be used during assembly for adjusting the distance between the inertial element and the elastic blades 3.
  • these upper end surfaces 48, upper upper complementary surface 18, lower end 47, and lower complementary surface 17 are surfaces of revolution about the pivot axis D, and of complementary profile two by two: male and female cylinders , cones male and female, which limits the radial stroke, and also allows a refocusing on this pivot axis D ..
  • the resonator mechanism 100 may also comprise a first shaft 4 secured to the structure 1, and a second shaft 4 integral with an inertial element 2.
  • the elastic blades 3 are straight. More particularly, the directions D1, D2, along which these elastic strips 3 extend, are, in projection on a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D, crossed at the pivot axis D.
  • At least one lower axial abutment 7 or an upper axial abutment 8 is in sapphire or other transparent material.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises complementary axial stop means arranged to cooperate in abutting contact with each inertial element 2, arranged to limit the out-of-plane movement of the closest inertial element 2. More particularly, this resonator mechanism 100 comprises, on either side of the set of inertial elements 2 that it comprises, at least one lower axial stop 7 and at least one upper axial stop 8, each arranged to limit the displacement. out of the plane of the closest inertial element 2.
  • the configuration of the figure 3 relates to a resonator mechanism 100 of the double pivot RCC type, with blades constituting ves arranged head to tail, but other geometries flexible leaf pivots leaving the free axis area also allow the implementation of the invention , like the configuration of the figure 1 with superimposed blades, which, in projection on a plane parallel to theirs, intersect at the pivot axis D.
  • Resonator blade configurations often allow clearance of the area around the pivot axis, allowing for easy addition a shaft 4 passing through the axis D virtual pivoting blades.
  • the space left free by the configuration of this double pivot RCC allows to add such a shaft 4, which comprises the axial abutment means.
  • the shaft is integral with an inertial element 2.
  • This element is generally attached to a monolithic component made of silicon or the like, which comprises the elastic blades 3.
  • the variant of the figure 4 comprises lower stops 170 and upper 180, respectively carrying an upper complementary surface 18, and a lower complementary surface 17, which are driven into the structure 1, for example in a bridge and a plate, so as to make possible a fine adjustment of the distance J between the stop and the shaft, preferably between 20 and 70 microns.
  • these stops in one piece with the support of the resonator (platinum and / or bridge) if this component is manufactured accurately.
  • a fine adjustment system such as a screwdriver or the like.
  • the material of these stops may be metal or an elastomer to vary the shock absorption.
  • this mechanical interaction of stops with the inertial element or a shaft can be completed with the addition of a magnetic interaction between the elements which are arranged to abut, for example the faces 18 and 48, respectively 17 and 47, Figures 5 to 7 .
  • This magnetic interaction then constitutes a damping cushion.
  • a contact established on a small contact radius (when the stop is close to the axis of rotation) is favorable from the point of view of the friction during the abutments on the stop, also the variants Illustrated comprise stops closest to the pivot axis D. It is of course possible to place stops on a larger radius, for example on the serge of an inertial arm, or other.
  • the figure 8 illustrates the superposition, in the same resonator, of several levels of elastic blades 3, each level being associated with an inertial element 2, or at least at a particular level of an inertial element 2.
  • an element inertia 2 cooperates with each level of elastic blades 3, and a single shaft 4 links the different inertial elements, and provides the axial abutment means for the entire resonator mechanism 100.
  • this shaft 4 has two shoulders, of which one constitutes a lower axial abutment 73 of distance adjustment, during assembly, with the upper elastic blades 32, and similarly the other constitutes an upper axial abutment 83 of distance adjustment with the lower elastic blades 32 .
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement 200 comprising at least one such resonator mechanism 100.
  • the invention also concerns a watch 300 comprising such a movement 200, and / or such a resonator mechanism 100.

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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Or Mechanical Vibrators, Or Delay Or Filter Circuits (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie, comportant une structure et au moins un élément inertiel agencé pour osciller dans un mouvement de pivotement autour d'un axe de pivotement, avec le centre d'inertie dudit au moins élément inertiel aligné sur ledit axe de pivotement, ledit au moins un élément inertiel étant soumis à des efforts de rappel exercés par une pluralité de lames élastiques chacune fixée, directement ou indirectement, à une première extrémité à ladite structure et fixée, directement ou indirectement, à une deuxième extrémité audit au moins un élément inertiel, chaque dite lame élastique s'étendant dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe de pivotement, et étant déformable essentiellement dans ledit plan perpendiculaire audit axe de pivotement, où ledit mécanisme résonateur comporte des moyens de butée axiale comportant au moins une butée axiale inférieure et/ou une butée axiale supérieure, lesdits moyens de butée axiale étant agencés pour coopérer en appui de butée avec au moins un des composants mobiles pour la protection dudit mécanisme résonateur à lames contre les chocs axiaux selon la direction dudit axe de pivotementThe invention relates to a timepiece resonator mechanism, comprising a structure and at least one inertial element arranged to oscillate in a pivoting movement about a pivot axis, with the center of inertia of said at least one inertial element aligned with said pivoting axis, said at least one inertial element being subjected to return forces exerted by a plurality of elastic blades each fixed, directly or indirectly, at a first end to said structure and fixed, directly or indirectly, at a second end thereof at least one inertial element, each said elastic blade extending in a plane perpendicular to said pivot axis, and being substantially deformable in said plane perpendicular to said pivot axis, wherein said resonator mechanism comprises axial abutment means comprising at least one stop lower axial and / or an upper axial abutment, said abutment means axial being arranged to cooperate in abutment abutment with at least one of the moving components for the protection of said blade resonator mechanism against axial shocks in the direction of said pivot axis

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant un tel mouvement d'horlogerie, et/ou un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a watch movement, and / or such a resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne le domaine des résonateurs d'horlogerie, et tout particulièrement ceux qui comportent des lames élastiques faisant fonction de moyens de rappel pour la marche de l'oscillateur.The invention relates to the field of clock resonators, and especially those which comprise elastic blades acting as return means for the operation of the oscillator.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

La tenue aux chocs est un point délicat pour la plupart des oscillateurs d'horlogerie, et notamment pour les résonateurs à lames croisées. En effet, lors de chocs hors plan, la contrainte subie par les lames atteint rapidement des valeurs très importantes, ce qui réduit d'autant la course que peut parcourir la pièce avant de céder.Shock resistance is a delicate point for most watch oscillators, and especially for cross-wound resonators. In fact, during out-of-plane shocks, the stress experienced by the blades quickly reaches very high values, which reduces the amount of travel the part can travel before yielding.

Les amortisseurs de chocs pour les pièces d'horlogerie se déclinent dans de nombreuses variantes. Cependant, ils ont essentiellement pour but de protéger les pivots fragiles de l'axe, et non pas les éléments élastiques, tel que classiquement le ressort spiral.Shock absorbers for timepieces come in many variants. However, their main purpose is to protect fragile pivots of the axis, and not the elastic elements, as conventionally the spiral spring.

Le document EP3054357A1 au nom de ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse SA décrit un oscillateur horloger comportant une structure et des résonateurs primaires distincts, déphasés temporellement et géométriquement, comportant chacun une masse rappelée vers la structure par un moyen de rappel élastique. Cet oscillateur comporte des moyens de couplage pour l'interaction des résonateurs primaires, comportant des moyens moteurs pour entraîner en mouvement un mobile lequel comporte des moyens d'entraînement et de guidage agencés pour entraîner et guider un moyen de commande articulé avec des moyens de transmission, chacun articulé, à distance du moyen de commande, avec une masse d'un résonateur primaire. Les résonateurs primaires et le mobile sont agencés de telle façon que les axes des articulations de deux quelconques des résonateurs primaires et l'axe d'articulation du moyen de commande ne sont jamais coplanaires.The document EP3054357A1 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse SA describes a clock oscillator comprising a structure and separate primary resonators, temporally and geometrically out of phase, each comprising a mass biased towards the structure by an elastic return means. This oscillator comprises coupling means for the interaction of the primary resonators, comprising motor means for driving a mobile in motion which comprises driving and guiding means arranged to drive and guide a control means articulated with transmission means , each articulated, away from the control means, with a mass of a primary resonator. The primary resonators and the mobile are arranged in such a way that the axes of the joints of any two of the primary resonators and the axis of articulation of the control means are never coplanar.

Le document EP3035127A1 au nom de SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd décrit un oscillateur d'horlogerie comportant un résonateur constitué par un diapason lequel comporte au moins deux parties mobiles oscillantes, fixées à un élément de liaison par des éléments flexibles dont la géométrie détermine un axe de pivotement virtuel de position déterminée par rapport à une plaque, et autour duquel oscille la partie mobile respective, dont le centre de masse est confondu en position de repos avec l'axe de pivotement virtuel respectif. Pour au moins une partie mobile, les éléments flexibles sont constitués de lames élastiques croisées à distance l'une de l'autre dans deux plans parallèles, dont les projections des directions sur un des plans parallèles se croisent au niveau de l'axe de pivotement virtuel de la partie mobile.The document EP3035127A1 in the name of SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd. describes a clock oscillator comprising a resonator constituted by a tuning fork which comprises at least two oscillating mobile parts fixed to a connecting element by flexible elements whose geometry determines a virtual pivot axis defined position relative to a plate, and around which oscillates the respective movable portion, whose center of mass is merged in the rest position with the respective virtual pivot axis. For at least one moving part, the flexible elements consist of elastic blades crossed at a distance from each other in two parallel planes, the projections of the directions on one of the parallel planes intersect at the pivot axis virtual part of the mobile part.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention se propose de limiter la course de déplacement hors plan des lames d'un résonateur à lames, et donc d'assurer une meilleure tenue du système.The invention proposes to limit the out-of-plane displacement stroke of the blades of a blade resonator, and thus to ensure a better holding of the system.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un mécanisme résonateur à lames selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention relates to a blade resonator mechanism according to claim 1.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant un tel mouvement d'horlogerie, et/ou un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a watch movement, and / or such a resonator mechanism.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue en plan, un premier mode de réalisation avec un mécanisme résonateur à lames élastiques, comportant deux niveaux parallèles de lames élastiques, les directions selon lesquelles s'étendent ces lames se croisant, en projection, au niveau d'un axe de pivotement virtuel d'un élément inertiel qui est suspendu et rappelé par ces lames élastiques par rapport à une structure fixe, et où ce mécanisme résonateur comporte des moyens de butée axiale pour protéger les lames en cas de choc, illustrés non limitativement sous forme de deux disques centrés sur l'axe de pivotement: un disque supérieur de petit diamètre, transparent, agencé pour limiter l'ébat de l'élément inertiel, qui dans ce cas particulier constitue une boîte entourant et protégeant l'ensemble des lames élastiques, du côté supérieur, et un disque inférieur de plus grand diamètre, agencé pour limiter l'ébat de ce même élément inertiel d'un côté inférieur opposé à ce côté supérieur, les lames comportant un oeil au niveau de l'axe de pivotement pour laisser passer un arbre, ici maintenu sur la structure fixe non représentée, cet arbre portant ce disque supérieur et ce disque inférieur;
  • la figure 2 représente, en coupe selon AA, le mécanisme résonateur de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue en plan, un deuxième mode de réalisation, avec un autre mécanisme résonateur à lames élastiques, comportant un seul niveau de lames élastiques, agencées sous forme de pivots RCC agencés tête-bêche, les directions selon lesquelles s'étendent ces lames se croisant au niveau d'un axe de pivotement virtuel d'un élément inertiel qui est suspendu et rappelé par ces lames élastiques par rapport à une structure fixe. L'élément inertiel porte un arbre axé sur l'axe de pivotement, et cet arbre comporte, à ses deux extrémités libres, supérieure et inférieure, des surfaces d'extrémité supérieure, et inférieure, respectivement agencées pour coopérer avec des surfaces complémentaires supérieure, et inférieure, de la structure;
  • la figure 4 représente, en coupe selon BB, le mécanisme résonateur de la figure 3,
  • les figures 5 à 7 représentent, de façon similaire à la figure 4, d'autres variantes du deuxième mode, où les surfaces d'extrémité supérieure et inférieure de l'arbre, correspondent à des surfaces complémentaire supérieure et inférieure de la structure, qui sont toutes des surfaces de révolution autour de l'axe de pivotement, et de profil complémentaire deux à deux, avec, en figure 5 des cylindres femelles dans la structure et des cylindres mâles aux extrémités de l'arbre, en figure 6 des cônes femelles dans la structure et des cônes mâles aux extrémités de l'arbre, en figure 7 des cônes mâles dans la structure et des cônes femelles aux extrémités de l'arbre ;
  • la figure 8 représente, en coupe passant par l'axe de pivotement, un autre mécanisme résonateur où sont superposés deux niveaux distants de lames élastiques. Sur la variante non limitative illustrée, un élément inertiel coopère avec chaque niveau de lames élastiques, et un arbre unique lie les différents éléments inertiels, et assure les moyens de butée axiale pour l'ensemble du mécanisme résonateur. Cet arbre comporte deux épaulements, dont l'un est à distance des lames élastiques supérieures, et l'autre est à distance des lames élastiques inférieures. Les extrémités de cet arbre coopèrent en position de butée avec des surfaces complémentaires de la structure fixe comme dans le deuxième mode des figures 3 à 7 ;
  • la figure 9 est un schéma-blocs représentant une montre comportant un mouvement qui comporte lui-même un mécanisme résonateur selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 schematically represents, in plan view, a first embodiment with a resonator mechanism with elastic blades, comprising two parallel levels of elastic blades, the directions along which these blades intersect, in projection, at the level of a virtual pivoting axis of an inertial element which is suspended and recalled by these resilient blades relative to a fixed structure, and wherein the resonator mechanism comprises axial abutment means for protecting the blades in the event of impact, not shown. limitingly in the form of two disks centered on the axis of pivoting: an upper disc of small diameter, transparent, arranged to limit the frost of the inertial element, which in this particular case constitutes a box surrounding and protecting all elastic blades, on the upper side, and a lower disk of larger diameter, arranged to limit the fretting of this same inertial element of a side in lower opposite this upper side, the blades having an eye at the pivot axis for passing a shaft, here maintained on the fixed structure not shown, the shaft bearing the upper disk and the lower disk;
  • the figure 2 represents, in section along AA, the resonator mechanism of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 3 schematically represents, in plan view, a second embodiment, with another resilient blade resonator mechanism, comprising a single level of resilient blades, arranged in the form of RCC pivots arranged head to tail, the directions according to which extend these intersecting blades at a virtual pivot axis of an inertial element which is suspended and recalled by these resilient blades relative to a fixed structure. The inertial element carries a shaft centered on the pivot axis, and this shaft has, at its two free ends, upper and lower, upper and lower end surfaces respectively arranged to cooperate with complementary upper surfaces, and lower, of the structure;
  • the figure 4 represents, in section along BB, the resonator mechanism of the figure 3 ,
  • the Figures 5 to 7 represent, similarly to the figure 4 other variants of the second mode, where the upper and lower end surfaces of the shaft, correspond to upper and lower complementary surfaces of the structure, which are all surfaces of revolution about the pivot axis, and complementary profile two by two, with, in figure 5 female cylinders in the structure and male cylinders at the ends of the shaft, in figure 6 female cones in the structure and male cones at the ends of the tree, in figure 7 male cones in the structure and female cones at the ends of the tree;
  • the figure 8 represents, in section passing through the axis of pivoting, another resonator mechanism in which two distant levels of elastic blades are superimposed. On the nonlimiting variant illustrated, an inertial element cooperates with each level of elastic blades, and a single shaft links the different inertial elements, and provides the axial abutment means for the entire resonator mechanism. This shaft has two shoulders, one of which is at a distance from the upper elastic blades, and the other is at a distance from the lower elastic blades. The ends of this shaft cooperate in the abutment position with complementary surfaces of the fixed structure as in the second embodiment of FIGS. Figures 3 to 7 ;
  • the figure 9 is a block diagram showing a watch comprising a movement which itself comprises a resonator mechanism according to the invention.

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

L'invention concerne un mécanisme résonateur 100 d'horlogerie, comportant une structure 1 et au moins un élément inertiel 2 agencé pour osciller dans un mouvement de pivotement autour d'un axe de pivotement D. Le centre d'inertie résultant de l'ensemble des éléments inertiels 2 est aligné sur l'axe de pivotement D.The invention relates to a timepiece resonator mechanism 100 comprising a structure 1 and at least one inertial element 2 arranged to oscillate in a pivoting movement about a pivot axis D. The center of inertia resulting from the assembly inertial elements 2 is aligned on the pivot axis D.

Au moins un élément inertiel 2 est soumis à des efforts de rappel exercés par une pluralité de lames élastiques 3 chacune fixée, directement ou indirectement, à une première extrémité 301 à la structure 1 et fixée, directement ou indirectement, à une deuxième extrémité 302 à cet au moins un élément inertiel 2.At least one inertial element 2 is subjected to return forces exerted by a plurality of elastic blades 3 each fixed, directly or indirectly, at a first end 301 to the structure 1 and fixed, directly or indirectly, to a second end 302 to this at least one inertial element 2.

Chaque lame élastique 3 s'étend dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement D, et est déformable essentiellement dans ce plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement D.Each elastic blade 3 extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D, and is essentially deformable in this plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D.

Chaque élément inertiel 2 s'étend entre un plan inférieur élémentaire PI et un plan supérieur élémentaire PS.Each inertial element 2 extends between an elementary lower plane PI and an elementary upper plane PS.

Le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte des moyens de butée axiale. Ces moyens de butée axiale comportent une butée axiale inférieure 7 et/ou une butée axiale supérieure 8. Ces moyens de butée axiale sont agencés pour coopérer en appui de butée avec au moins un des composants mobiles, pour la protection du mécanisme résonateur 100 à lames, et en particulier des lames élastiques 3 qu'il comporte, contre les chocs axiaux selon la direction de l'axe de pivotement D.The resonator mechanism 100 comprises axial abutment means. These axial abutment means comprise a lower axial abutment 7 and / or an upper axial abutment 8. These axial abutment means are arranged to cooperate in abutment abutment with at least one of the moving components, for the protection of the resonator mechanism 100 with blades. , and in particular elastic blades 3 which it comprises, against axial shocks in the direction of the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, ces moyens de butée axiale comportent une butée axiale inférieure 7 s'étendant au voisinage immédiat du plan inférieur élémentaire PI d'un élément inertiel particulier 2 et agencée pour limiter le déplacement hors plan de cet élément inertiel 2 particulier, et/ou une butée axiale supérieure 8 s'étendant au voisinage immédiat du plan supérieur élémentaire PS d'un tel élément inertiel particulier 2, et agencée pour limiter le déplacement hors plan de cet élément inertiel 2 particulier, par contact direct avec cet élément inertiel 2. Ces butées axiales particulières, agencées pour un contact direct avec l'élément inertiel 2 seront notamment ci-après dénommées respectivement 73 et 83.More particularly, these axial abutment means comprise a lower axial abutment 7 extending in the immediate vicinity of the elementary lower plane PI of a particular inertial element 2 and arranged to limit the off-plane displacement of this particular inertial element 2, and / or an upper axial stop 8 extending in the immediate vicinity of the elementary upper plane PS of such a particular inertial element 2, and arranged to limit the out-of-plane displacement of this particular inertial element 2, by direct contact with this inertial element 2. These Specific axial abutments, arranged for direct contact with the inertial element 2 will in particular hereinafter referred to respectively 73 and 83.

En effet, même s'il est concevable de positionner des butées axiales agencées pour coopérer directement en appui de butée avec les lames élastiques 3, une telle coopération n'est pas appropriée pour des lames élastiques en matériau micro-usinable, silicium ou similaire, en raison du risque de détérioration ou de bris. C'est la raison pour laquelle les moyens de butée axiale de l'invention sont de préférence agencés pour coopérer avec des éléments rigides, tels qu'éléments inertiels ou arbres.Indeed, even if it is conceivable to position axial stops arranged to cooperate directly in abutment abutment with the resilient blades 3, such cooperation is not suitable for elastic blades of micro-machinable material, silicon or the like, because of the risk of deterioration or breakage. This is the reason why the axial abutment means of the invention are preferably arranged to cooperate with rigid elements, such as inertial elements or shafts.

Plus particulièrement, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte, de part et d'autre d'un même élément inertiel 2, une telle butée axiale inférieure 7 et une telle butée axiale supérieure 8.More particularly, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises, on either side of the same inertial element 2, such a lower axial abutment 7 and such an upper axial abutment 8.

Dans une variante particulière, la butée axiale inférieure 7 et/ou la butée axiale supérieure 8 comporte une surface plane inférieure 17, respectivement supérieure 18, perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement D, et formant une surface de butée coopérant avec l'élément inertiel 2 concerné en cas de choc ou similaire.In a particular variant, the lower axial abutment 7 and / or the upper axial abutment 8 comprises a lower flat surface 17, respectively upper 18, perpendicular to the pivot axis D, and forming an abutment surface cooperating with the inertial element. 2 concerned in case of shock or the like.

Notamment le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte une pluralité de tels éléments inertiels 2, qui s'étendent entre un plan inférieur global PI et un plan supérieur global PS.In particular, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of such inertial elements 2, which extend between a global lower plane PI and an overall upper plane PS.

Plus particulièrement, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte, de part et d'autre du plan inférieur global PI et du plan supérieur global PS, au moins une butée axiale inférieure 7 et au moins une butée axiale supérieure 8, chacune agencée pour limiter le déplacement hors plan de l'élément inertiel 2 le plus proche, pour la protection du mécanisme résonateur 100 à lames contre les chocs axiaux, selon la direction de l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises, on either side of the overall lower plane PI and of the overall upper plane PS, at least one lower axial abutment 7 and at least one upper axial abutment 8, each arranged to limit the movement out. plane of the closest inertial element 2, for the protection of the resonator mechanism 100 with blades against axial shocks, according to the direction of the pivot axis D.

Selon l'invention, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte une pluralité d'éléments inertiels 2 qui s'étendent sur plusieurs niveaux parallèles. Plus particulièrement, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte au moins une butée axiale intermédiaire, qui est agencée entre deux tels niveaux voisins d'éléments inertiels 2. Plus particulièrement encore, au moins une butée axiale intermédiaire est agencée dans chaque interstice entre deux tels niveaux.According to the invention, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of inertial elements 2 which extend over several parallel levels. More particularly, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises at least one intermediate axial stop, which is arranged between two such neighboring levels of inertial elements 2. More particularly, at least one intermediate axial abutment is arranged in each gap between two such levels.

Plus particulièrement, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte une pluralité de niveaux de lames élastiques 3, qui s'étendent tous entre deux niveaux extrêmes, supérieur et inférieur, d'éléments inertiels 2 qui protègent ces lames élastiques 3.More particularly, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of elastic blade levels 3, which all extend between two extreme levels, upper and lower, of inertial elements 2 which protect these elastic blades 3.

De façon particulière, un arbre 4 porte tout ou partie des moyens de butée axiale. Cet arbre 4, est aligné sur l'axe de pivotement D, et s'étend le long de cet axe D. Afin d'éviter toute interférence et tout frottement, au moins une lame élastique 3 comporte un évidement, ou un dégagement, ou un œil 6 ménagé autour de l'axe de pivotement D, et sans contact avec l'arbre 4. Et cet arbre 4 comporte au moins une butée axiale inférieure 7 ou une butée axiale supérieure 8. Plus particulièrement, cet arbre 4 comporte à la fois au moins une butée axiale inférieure 7 et au moins une butée axiale supérieure 8.In particular, a shaft 4 carries all or part of the axial abutment means. This shaft 4 is aligned on the pivot axis D, and extends along this axis D. In order to avoid any interference and friction, at least one elastic blade 3 comprises a recess, or a clearance, or an eye 6 formed around the pivot axis D, and without contact with the shaft 4. And this shaft 4 comprises at least one lower axial abutment 7 or an upper axial abutment 8. More particularly, this shaft 4 comprises at the at least one lower axial abutment 7 and at least one upper axial abutment 8.

Plus particulièrement, chaque lame élastique 3 comporte un tel évidement, ou un tel dégagement, ou un tel œil 6, et l'arbre 4 traverse la totalité des niveaux de lames 3.More particularly, each elastic blade 3 comprises such a recess, or such a clearance, or such an eye 6, and the shaft 4 passes through all the blade levels 3.

Naturellement, l'arbre 4 peut aussi comporter au moins une butée intermédiaire, quand le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte des éléments inertiels 2 répartis sur des niveaux parallèles et distants, entre lesquels deux à deux peut prendre place une telle butée axiale intermédiaire.Naturally, the shaft 4 can also comprise at least one intermediate stop, when the resonator mechanism 100 comprises inertial elements 2 distributed on parallel and distant levels, between which two by two can take place such intermediate axial stop.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation cet arbre 4 est fixé sur la structure 1, laquelle peut comporter elle-même au moins une surface de butée axiale.In a first embodiment this shaft 4 is fixed on the structure 1, which may itself comprise at least one axial abutment surface.

Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent ce premier mode de réalisation. Le mécanisme résonateur 100 à lames élastiques comporte deux niveaux parallèles de lames élastiques, supérieures 31 et inférieures 32. Ces lames 31 et 32 s'étendent respectivement selon des directions D1 et D2, qui se croisent, en projection sur un plan parallèle à ces deux niveaux, au niveau d'un axe de pivotement virtuel D autour duquel oscille un élément inertiel 2 qui est suspendu et rappelé par ces lames élastiques 31 et 32 par rapport à une structure fixe 1. Le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte des moyens de butée axiale pour protéger indirectement les lames 31 et 32 en cas de choc, qui sont illustrés non limitativement sous forme de deux disques centrés sur l'axe de pivotement D: un disque supérieur de petit diamètre, notamment mais non limitativement transparent et alors couplé avec un élément inertiel 2 comportant aussi une partie axiale transparente, permettant de vérifier l'état des lames, constituant une butée axiale supérieure 8, et agencé pour limiter l'ébat de l'élément inertiel 2 du côté supérieur, et un disque inférieur de plus grand diamètre, constituant une butée axiale inférieure 7 et agencé pour limiter l'ébat de l'élément inertiel 2 d'un côté inférieur opposé à ce côté supérieur. Les lames 31 et 32 comportent chacune un oeil 6, au niveau de l'axe de pivotement D, pour laisser passer un arbre 4, qui est ici maintenu sur la structure fixe, et qui porte ce disque supérieur et ce disque inférieur.The Figures 1 and 2 illustrate this first embodiment. The resonator mechanism 100 with elastic blades has two parallel levels of blades resilient, upper 31 and lower 32. These blades 31 and 32 respectively extend in directions D1 and D2, which intersect, in projection on a plane parallel to these two levels, at a virtual pivot axis D around which oscillates an inertial element 2 which is suspended and recalled by these resilient blades 31 and 32 relative to a fixed structure 1. The resonator mechanism 100 comprises axial abutment means for indirectly protecting the blades 31 and 32 in case of shock, which are illustrated nonlimitingly in the form of two discs centered on the pivot axis D: a small diameter upper disc, in particular but not limited to transparent and then coupled with an inertial element 2 also having a transparent axial portion, to verify the state of the blades, constituting an upper axial stop 8, and arranged to limit the frost of the inertial element 2 of the upper side, and a lower disk of larger diameter, constituting a lower axial abutment 7 and arranged to limit the frost of the inertial element 2 of a lower side opposite this upper side. The blades 31 and 32 each have an eye 6, at the pivot axis D, to pass a shaft 4, which is here maintained on the fixed structure, and which carries the upper disk and the lower disk.

Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation ne faisant pas partie de l'invention, cet arbre 4 est fixé sur un élément inertiel 2 du mécanisme résonateur 100, et les moyens de butée axiale que comporte cet arbre 4 sont agencés pour coopérer en appui de butée avec des surfaces complémentaires de butée que comporte la structure 1. Plus particulièrement, les moyens de butée axiale comportent une surface d'extrémité supérieure 48, et une surface d'extrémité inférieure 47, agencées pour coopérer respectivement avec une surface complémentaire supérieure 18, et une surface complémentaire inférieure 17, de la structure 1.In a second embodiment not forming part of the invention, this shaft 4 is fixed on an inertial element 2 of the resonator mechanism 100, and the axial abutment means that comprises this shaft 4 are arranged to cooperate in abutment abutment with complementary abutment surfaces that comprises the structure 1. More particularly, the axial abutment means comprise an upper end surface 48, and a lower end surface 47, arranged to cooperate respectively with an upper complementary surface 18, and a lower supplementary surface 17, of the structure 1.

Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent ce deuxième mode de réalisation. Le mécanisme résonateur 100 y comporte un seul niveau de lames élastiques 3, agencées sous forme de pivots RCC agencés tête-bêche, les directions D1 et D2 selon lesquelles s'étendent ces lames 3 se croisent au niveau de l'axe de pivotement virtuel d'un élément inertiel 2 qui est suspendu et rappelé par ces lames élastiques 3 par rapport à la structure fixe 1. L'élément inertiel 2 porte un arbre 4 axé sur l'axe de pivotement D, et cet arbre comporte, à ses deux extrémités libres, supérieure et inférieure, des surfaces d'extrémité supérieure 48, et inférieure 47, respectivement agencées pour coopérer avec des surfaces complémentaires supérieure 18, et inférieure 17, de la structure 1. Dans cette variante, l'élément inertiel 2 comporte encore une autre butée axiale supérieure 83 utilisable lors de l'assemblage pour le réglage de distance entre l'élément inertiel et les lames élastiques 3.The Figures 3 and 4 illustrate this second embodiment. The resonator mechanism 100 has a single level of resilient blades 3, arranged in the form of RCC pivots arranged head to tail, the directions D1 and D2 along which these blades 3 extend intersect at the virtual pivot axis d. an inertial element 2 which is suspended and recalled by these elastic blades 3 with respect to the fixed structure 1. The inertial element 2 carries a shaft 4 oriented on the pivot axis D, and this shaft comprises, at its two ends free, upper and lower, upper end surfaces 48, and lower 47, respectively arranged to cooperate with complementary upper surfaces 18, and lower 17, the structure 1. In this variant, the inertial element 2 further comprises another upper axial abutment 83 that can be used during assembly for adjusting the distance between the inertial element and the elastic blades 3.

Dans une réalisation particulière, tel que visible sur les figures 5 à 7, ces surfaces d'extrémité supérieure 48, complémentaire supérieure 18, d'extrémité inférieure 47, et complémentaire inférieure 17, sont des surfaces de révolution autour de l'axe de pivotement D, et de profil complémentaire deux à deux: cylindres mâle et femelle, cônes mâle et femelles, ce qui limite la course radiale, et autorise aussi un recentrage sur cet axe de pivotement D..In a particular embodiment, as visible on the Figures 5 to 7 these upper end surfaces 48, upper upper complementary surface 18, lower end 47, and lower complementary surface 17, are surfaces of revolution about the pivot axis D, and of complementary profile two by two: male and female cylinders , cones male and female, which limits the radial stroke, and also allows a refocusing on this pivot axis D ..

Naturellement le mécanisme résonateur 100 peut aussi comporter un premier arbre 4 solidaire de la structure 1, et un deuxième arbre 4 solidaire d'un élément inertiel 2.Naturally, the resonator mechanism 100 may also comprise a first shaft 4 secured to the structure 1, and a second shaft 4 integral with an inertial element 2.

Dans une réalisation particulière, les lames élastiques 3 sont droites. Plus particulièrement, les directions D1, D2, selon lesquelles s'étendent ces lames élastiques 3 sont, en projection sur un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement D, croisées au niveau de l'axe de pivotement D.In a particular embodiment, the elastic blades 3 are straight. More particularly, the directions D1, D2, along which these elastic strips 3 extend, are, in projection on a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D, crossed at the pivot axis D.

Dans une réalisation particulière, au moins une butée axiale inférieure 7 ou une butée axiale supérieure 8 est en saphir ou en un autre matériau transparent.In a particular embodiment, at least one lower axial abutment 7 or an upper axial abutment 8 is in sapphire or other transparent material.

Dans une variante, dans le cas d'une pluralité d'éléments inertiels 2, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte des moyens complémentaires de butée axiale agencés pour coopérer en contact de butée avec chaque élément inertiel 2, agencés pour limiter le déplacement hors plan de l'élément inertiel 2 le plus proche. Plus particulièrement, ce mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte, de part et d'autre de l'ensemble des éléments inertiels 2 qu'il comporte, au moins un arrêt axial inférieur 7 et au moins un arrêt axial supérieur 8, chacun agencé pour limiter le déplacement hors plan de l'élément inertiel 2 le plus proche.In a variant, in the case of a plurality of inertial elements 2, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises complementary axial stop means arranged to cooperate in abutting contact with each inertial element 2, arranged to limit the out-of-plane movement of the closest inertial element 2. More particularly, this resonator mechanism 100 comprises, on either side of the set of inertial elements 2 that it comprises, at least one lower axial stop 7 and at least one upper axial stop 8, each arranged to limit the displacement. out of the plane of the closest inertial element 2.

Plus particulièrement, la configuration de la figure 3 concerne un mécanisme résonateur 100 de type double pivot RCC, avec des lames constituant des vés disposés tête-bêche, mais d'autres géométries de pivots à lames flexibles laissant la zone de l'axe libre permettent aussi la mise en oeuvre de l'invention, comme la configuration de la figure 1 avec des lames superposées, qui, en projection sur un plan parallèle au leur, se croisent au niveau de l'axe de pivotement D.In particular, the configuration of the figure 3 relates to a resonator mechanism 100 of the double pivot RCC type, with blades constituting ves arranged head to tail, but other geometries flexible leaf pivots leaving the free axis area also allow the implementation of the invention , like the configuration of the figure 1 with superimposed blades, which, in projection on a plane parallel to theirs, intersect at the pivot axis D.

Les configurations de résonateurs à lames permettent souvent le dégagement de la zone autour de l'axe de pivotement, ce qui permet l'ajout facile d'un arbre 4 passant par l'axe D de pivotement virtuel des lames. Notamment, l'espace laissé libre par la configuration de ce double pivot RCC (Remote Center Compliance) permet d'ajouter un tel arbre 4, qui comporte les moyens de butée axiale.Resonator blade configurations often allow clearance of the area around the pivot axis, allowing for easy addition a shaft 4 passing through the axis D virtual pivoting blades. In particular, the space left free by the configuration of this double pivot RCC (Remote Center Compliance) allows to add such a shaft 4, which comprises the axial abutment means.

Dans une variante particulière, notamment illustrée par la figure 4, l'arbre est solidaire d'un élément inertiel 2. Celui-ci est en général rapporté sur un composant monolithique réalisé en silicium ou similaire, lequel comporte les lames élastiques 3.In a particular variant, particularly illustrated by the figure 4 the shaft is integral with an inertial element 2. This element is generally attached to a monolithic component made of silicon or the like, which comprises the elastic blades 3.

La variante de la figure 4 comporte des butées inférieure 170 et supérieure 180, portant respectivement une surface complémentaire supérieure 18, et une surface complémentaire inférieure 17, qui sont chassées dans la structure 1, par exemple dans un pont et une platine, de sorte à rendre possible un ajustement fin de la distance J entre la butée et l'arbre, de préférence comprise entre 20 et 70 micromètres. Mais il est également possible de réaliser ces butées en une seule pièce avec le support du résonateur (platine et/ou pont) si ce composant est fabriqué de manière précise. On peut également les imaginer vissées ou montées sur un système de réglage fin, tel que chariot à vis ou similaire.The variant of the figure 4 comprises lower stops 170 and upper 180, respectively carrying an upper complementary surface 18, and a lower complementary surface 17, which are driven into the structure 1, for example in a bridge and a plate, so as to make possible a fine adjustment of the distance J between the stop and the shaft, preferably between 20 and 70 microns. But it is also possible to achieve these stops in one piece with the support of the resonator (platinum and / or bridge) if this component is manufactured accurately. One can also imagine them screwed or mounted on a fine adjustment system, such as a screwdriver or the like.

La matière de ces butées peut être du métal, ou encore un élastomère pour varier l'amortissement des chocs.The material of these stops may be metal or an elastomer to vary the shock absorption.

Dans une variante, cette interaction mécanique de butées avec l'élément inertiel ou un arbre, peut être complétée avec l'ajout d'une interaction magnétique entre les éléments qui sont agencés pour entrer en butée, par exemple les faces 18 et 48, respectivement 17 et 47, des figures 5 à 7. Cette interaction magnétique constitue alors faire un coussin amortisseur.Alternatively, this mechanical interaction of stops with the inertial element or a shaft can be completed with the addition of a magnetic interaction between the elements which are arranged to abut, for example the faces 18 and 48, respectively 17 and 47, Figures 5 to 7 . This magnetic interaction then constitutes a damping cushion.

Par rapport à l'axe de pivotement D, un contact établi sur un petit rayon de contact (quand la butée est proche de l'axe de rotation) est favorable du point de vue des frottements lors des appuis sur la butée, aussi les variantes illustrées comportent des butées au plus près ce l'axe de pivotement D. On peut bien sûr placer des butées sur un plus grand rayon, par exemple sur la serge d'un bras inertiel, ou autre.With respect to the pivot axis D, a contact established on a small contact radius (when the stop is close to the axis of rotation) is favorable from the point of view of the friction during the abutments on the stop, also the variants Illustrated comprise stops closest to the pivot axis D. It is of course possible to place stops on a larger radius, for example on the serge of an inertial arm, or other.

D'autres exécutions permettent d'ajouter des sécurités dans différentes directions, tel que visible sur les figures 5 à 7, et donc d'améliorer encore la tenue aux chocs des lames élastiques.Other embodiments allow to add security in different directions, as visible on the Figures 5 to 7 , and therefore to further improve the impact resistance of the elastic blades.

La figure 8 illustre la superposition, dans un même résonateur, de plusieurs niveaux de lames élastiques 3, chaque niveau étant associé à un élément inertiel 2, ou au moins à un niveau particulier d'un élément inertiel 2. Sur la variante non limitative illustrée, un élément inertiel 2 coopère avec chaque niveau de lames élastiques 3, et un arbre 4 unique lie les différents éléments inertiels, et assure les moyens de butée axiale pour l'ensemble du mécanisme résonateur 100. Dans cette variante, cet arbre 4 comporte deux épaulements, dont l'un constitue une butée axiale inférieure 73 de réglage de distance, lors de l'assemblage, avec les lames élastiques supérieures 32, et de façon similaire l'autre constitue une butée axiale supérieure 83 de réglage de distance avec les lames élastiques inférieures 32.The figure 8 illustrates the superposition, in the same resonator, of several levels of elastic blades 3, each level being associated with an inertial element 2, or at least at a particular level of an inertial element 2. On the nonlimiting variant illustrated, an element inertia 2 cooperates with each level of elastic blades 3, and a single shaft 4 links the different inertial elements, and provides the axial abutment means for the entire resonator mechanism 100. In this variant, this shaft 4 has two shoulders, of which one constitutes a lower axial abutment 73 of distance adjustment, during assembly, with the upper elastic blades 32, and similarly the other constitutes an upper axial abutment 83 of distance adjustment with the lower elastic blades 32 .

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie 200 comportant au moins un tel mécanisme résonateur 100.The invention also relates to a watch movement 200 comprising at least one such resonator mechanism 100.

L'invention concerne encore une montre 300 comportant un tel mouvement 200, et/ou un tel mécanisme résonateur 100.The invention also concerns a watch 300 comprising such a movement 200, and / or such a resonator mechanism 100.

Claims (17)

  1. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) comprising a structure (1) and at least one inertial element (2) arranged to oscillate in a pivoting movement around a pivot axis (D) with the centre of inertia of said at least one inertial element (2) aligned on said pivot axis (D), wherein said at least one inertial element (2) is subjected to restoring forces exerted by a plurality of elastic blades (3), each fixed directly or indirectly to said structure (1) at a first end and fixed directly or indirectly to said at least one inertial element (2) at a second end, and each said elastic blade (3) extends in a perpendicular plane to said pivot axis (D) and is substantially deformable in said perpendicular plane to said pivot axis (D), where said resonator mechanism (100) comprises axial stop means comprising at least a lower axial stop (7) and/or an upper axial stop (8), and said axial stop means are arranged to cooperate by bearing in abutment with at least one of the movable components for the protection of said blade resonator mechanism (100) against axial shocks in the direction of said pivot axis (D), characterised in that said resonator mechanism (100) comprises a plurality of said inertial elements (2), which extend over several parallel levels, and in that said resonator mechanism (100) comprises at least one intermediate axial stop, which is arranged between two said adjacent levels of said inertial elements (2).
  2. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one said inertial element (2) extends between a lower plane (PI) and an upper plane (PS), and in that said resonator mechanism (100) comprises axial stop means comprising at least a lower axial stop (7) extending in the immediate vicinity of said lower plane (PI) of a said particular inertial element (2) and/or an upper axial stop (8) extending in the immediate vicinity of said upper plane (PS) of a said particular inertial element (2) and arranged to limit the out-of-plane displacement of said particular inertial element (2) by direct contact with said inertial element (2).
  3. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2, characterised in that said structure (1) comprises such a lower axial stop (7) and such an upper axial stop (8) on either side of the same said inertial element (2).
  4. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2, characterised in that said lower axial stop (7) and/or upper axial stop (8) respectively comprise a lower (17) and upper (18) plane surface perpendicular to said pivot axis (D) and forming a stop surface cooperating with said inertial element (2) in question in the case of a shock.
  5. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that said resonator mechanism (100) comprises a plurality of said inertial elements (2), which extend between a lower overall plane (PI) and an upper overall plane (PS), and in that said structure (1) comprises at least one said lower axial stop (7) and at least one said upper axial stop (8) on either side of said lower overall plane (PI) and of said upper overall plane (PS), each of which stops is arranged to limit the out-of-plane displacement of said closest inertial element (2) for the protection of said blade resonator mechanism (100) against axial shocks in the direction of said pivot axis (D).
  6. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that said resonator mechanism (100) comprises a staff (4) aligned on said pivot axis (D), along which said staff (4) extends, and which carries said axial stop means, and in that each said elastic blade (3) has a recess or passage or an eye (6) arranged around said pivot axis (D) and without contact with said staff (4), and in that said staff (4) comprises at least a said lower axial stop (7) and/or a said upper axial stop (8).
  7. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterised in that said staff (4) is fixed to said structure (1).
  8. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterised in that said staff (4) is fixed to a said inertial element (2) of said resonator mechanism (100), and in that said axial stop means belonging to said staff (4) are arranged to cooperate by bearing in abutment with complementary stop surfaces belonging to said structure (1).
  9. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 8, characterised in that said axial stop means of said staff (4) comprise an upper end surface (48) and a lower end surface (47) arranged to respectively cooperate with an upper complementary surface (18) and a lower complementary surface (17) belonging to said structure (1).
  10. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterised in that said upper end surface (48), said upper complementary surface (18), said lower end surface (47) and said lower complementary surface (17) are surfaces of revolution around said pivot axis (D) and have a complementary profile in pairs.
  11. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterised in that said resonator mechanism (100) comprises a first staff (4) integral to said structure (1) and a second staff (4) integral to a said inertial element (2).
  12. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that said resonator mechanism (100) comprises complementary axial stop means arranged to cooperate by abutting against at least one said inertial element (2) that are arranged to limit the out-of-plane displacement of said closest inertial element (2) for the protection of said resonator mechanism (100) against axial shocks in the direction of said pivot axis (D).
  13. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that said elastic blades (3) are straight, and in that the directions (D1; D2), in which said elastic blades (3) extend are crossed at the level of said pivot axis (D) in projection on a perpendicular plane to said pivot axis (D).
  14. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one said lower axial stop (7) and/or one upper axial stop (8) is made from sapphire or another transparent material.
  15. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanical interaction between said axial stop means and surfaces of said at least one inertial element (2) is completed by a magnetic interaction between said axial stop means and said surfaces of said at least one inertial element (2).
  16. Timepiece movement (200) comprising at least one resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1.
  17. Watch (300) comprising at least one movement (200) according to claim 16 and/or a resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1.
EP16199006.4A 2016-11-16 2016-11-16 Protection of a resonator mechanism with axial impact blades Active EP3324246B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH01511/16A CH713137A2 (en) 2016-11-16 2016-11-16 Protection of a resonator mechanism with blades against axial shocks.
EP16199006.4A EP3324246B1 (en) 2016-11-16 2016-11-16 Protection of a resonator mechanism with axial impact blades
US15/730,913 US10394190B2 (en) 2016-11-16 2017-10-12 Protection of a blade resonator mechanism against axial shocks
JP2017203230A JP6434597B2 (en) 2016-11-16 2017-10-20 Protection of bladed resonance mechanism against axial impact
CN201711131959.9A CN108073066B (en) 2016-11-16 2017-11-15 Clock and watch resonator mechanism and watch and clock movement and wrist-watch including the mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16199006.4A EP3324246B1 (en) 2016-11-16 2016-11-16 Protection of a resonator mechanism with axial impact blades

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3324246A1 EP3324246A1 (en) 2018-05-23
EP3324246B1 true EP3324246B1 (en) 2019-11-06

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16199006.4A Active EP3324246B1 (en) 2016-11-16 2016-11-16 Protection of a resonator mechanism with axial impact blades

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US10394190B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3324246B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6434597B2 (en)
CN (1) CN108073066B (en)
CH (1) CH713137A2 (en)

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CH716041A1 (en) 2019-04-04 2020-10-15 Csem Ct Suisse Delectronique Microtechnique Sa Rech Developpement Anti-shock device and mechanical oscillator with flexible guidance having such an anti-shock device.
EP3771947A1 (en) * 2019-07-29 2021-02-03 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Device for guiding pivoting and clockpiece resonator mechanism for a pivoting mass
EP3839651B1 (en) 2019-12-19 2024-05-01 Patek Philippe SA Genève Mechanical timepiece oscillator with flexible guide
EP3971655A1 (en) * 2020-09-18 2022-03-23 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Shock-proof protection with abutment for a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3324246A1 (en) 2018-05-23
JP2018081087A (en) 2018-05-24
US10394190B2 (en) 2019-08-27
CN108073066B (en) 2019-11-15
CN108073066A (en) 2018-05-25
CH713137A2 (en) 2018-05-31
JP6434597B2 (en) 2018-12-05
US20180136607A1 (en) 2018-05-17

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