EP3336613B1 - Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane - Google Patents

Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3336613B1
EP3336613B1 EP16204580.1A EP16204580A EP3336613B1 EP 3336613 B1 EP3336613 B1 EP 3336613B1 EP 16204580 A EP16204580 A EP 16204580A EP 3336613 B1 EP3336613 B1 EP 3336613B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balance
resonator
plane
balances
pair
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16204580.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3336613A1 (en
Inventor
Dara Bayat
Yves Pétremand
Ivar Kjelberg
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.)
ASSOCIATION SUISSE POUR LA RECHERCHE HORLOGERE
Original Assignee
ASSOCIATION SUISSE POUR LA RECHERCHE HORLOGERE
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 ASSOCIATION SUISSE POUR LA RECHERCHE HORLOGERE filed Critical ASSOCIATION SUISSE POUR LA RECHERCHE HORLOGERE
Priority to EP16204580.1A priority Critical patent/EP3336613B1/en
Priority to US16/469,935 priority patent/US11422506B2/en
Priority to JP2019554039A priority patent/JP7053658B2/en
Priority to CN201780078151.0A priority patent/CN110214294B/en
Priority to PCT/IB2017/057199 priority patent/WO2018109583A1/en
Publication of EP3336613A1 publication Critical patent/EP3336613A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3336613B1 publication Critical patent/EP3336613B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/063Balance construction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a resonator for a timepiece comprising a support structure intended to allow the mounting of the resonator in a timepiece, two pendulums arranged to oscillate in the same plane, and a plurality of elastic elements arranged to connect the two pendulums to the support structure, the configuration of the plurality of elastic elements determining two parallel axes of elastic pivoting for the two pendulums, and the plurality of elastic elements also forming elastic return means arranged to angularly recall each of the two pendulums to a rest position.
  • a balance spring as a regulating member.
  • the latter is made up of three main parts: a balance wheel in the form of a flywheel, an axis which carries the balance wheel and which is terminated by two pivots making it possible to mount the balance wheel in a timepiece frame, and finally, a spiral spring which produces a return torque proportional to the magnitude of the angle separating the balance from its equilibrium position.
  • the balance-spring has been the almost exclusive time base of mechanical watches for over 300 years.
  • balance-spring is a reliable and precise resonator.
  • precision of quartz watches is still much higher than that of mechanical watches equipped with a balance-spring. This difference in accuracy is due in part to the fact that a quartz tuning fork has a considerably higher quality factor than that of a balance-spring.
  • the amplitude of the oscillations of a balance-spring is considerable. It usually varies between 180 ° and 315 ° depending on the degree of winding of the mainspring and according to the rather horizontal or rather vertical position of the watch. Under these conditions, the two bearings in which the pendulum axis rotates are very stressed, which causes the dissipation of a fraction of the energy of the pendulum by friction. It will be understood that this friction contributes to lowering the quality factor of the balance spring. Great efforts have been made to provide pendulum bearings with optimized tribological properties. The fact remains that the negative effect of friction on the quality factor has not yet been eliminated.
  • the patent document CH 709 291 A2 describes a resonator for a timepiece comprising a support element, intended to allow the mounting of the resonator in a timepiece, a balance in the form of a flywheel, and finally two elastic blades which connect the support element to the pendulum crossing.
  • the configuration of the two elastic blades is chosen so as to define a geometric pivot axis concentric with the balance.
  • the two blades are arranged so as to exert a restoring torque on the pendulum.
  • the above-mentioned resonator has certain drawbacks.
  • the amplitude of the pendulum's oscillations is typically 20 °.
  • the effect of a possible collinearity between, on the one hand, the angular moment of the pendulum, and on the other hand, its geometric pivot axis cannot simply be neutralized by rotation.
  • a flexible pivot balance like that which has just been described is more sensitive to shocks than a balance spring.
  • the patent document EP 3,035,127 A1 proposes to couple two flexible pivot resonators, so as to form a tuning fork shape.
  • the coupling between the two resonators is ensured by a mobile connecting element to which the elastic blades of the two resonators are fixed by one end. The other end of each pair of blades is connected to one of the two pendulums as before.
  • the connecting element carries the two pendulums, while itself being elastically fixed on a support element rigidly mounted in the timepiece. With such an arrangement, the geometric axes of pivoting of the two pendulums each occupy a fixed position relative to the connecting element, while being collectively movable relative to the frame of the timepiece.
  • the oscillator he describes constitutes a form of tuning fork.
  • an advantage linked to the symmetry of the tuning forks is that it favors a few well-defined oscillation modes having a high quality factor.
  • the two most basic modes are the symmetrical mode and the asymmetric mode.
  • the asymmetric mode (the tuning fork branches move at the same time in opposite directions) is the most advantageous because of its lower sensitivity to external phenomena; to shocks in particular.
  • the symmetrical oscillation mode (the branches of the tuning fork move at the same time in the same direction) is always effectively damped.
  • the document EP 3,035,127 A1 teaches to couple the oscillations of the two pendulums using a connecting element suspended elastically on a fixed element.
  • a special feature of the asymmetric resonance mode is that the center of mass of the system remains at rest, the forces acting on the link element of the tuning fork mutually neutralizing each other.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a resonator with a high quality factor, and which comprises two pendulums mechanically coupled, the coupling between the pendulums being designed to favor the asymmetric oscillation mode.
  • the invention achieves this object by providing a resonator according to claim 1 appended hereto.
  • the expression “support structure” does not necessarily designate a single support part. Indeed, in accordance with the invention, the support structure may for example comprise two separate support elements, one of the support elements used for mounting the first balance and the other support element used for mounting the second balance.
  • the figure 1 is a top plan view of a timepiece resonator, which is in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the illustrated resonator comprises a support structure intended to allow its mounting on a frame (not shown) of a mechanical watch.
  • the support structure consists of two flanges respectively referenced 2 and 4.
  • the resonator further comprises two pendulums generally referenced 6 and 8 which, in the example illustrated, generally each have the shape of an ellipse with a large central notch. When the pendulums are in their rest position as shown, the two notches open facing each other. It can also be seen that the two flanges 2, 4 of the support structure are each arranged inside one of the notches.
  • Each balance also comprises a twill 10 provided to give it greater inertia.
  • the serge extends along the periphery of the pendulum.
  • the first and second balance preferably have the same mass and the same dimensions so that it is easy to oscillate them at the same frequency.
  • the pendulums are connected to the support structure by a plurality of elastic elements. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each balance 6, 8 is connected to one of the two flanges 2, 4 by a pair of elastic blades (referenced respectively 12a, 12b and 14a, 14b). As shown in the figure, one end of each blade is attached to the balance by the bottom of the notch, while the other end is secured to the flange located in the same notch, so that each pair of elastic blades is arranged inside the pendulum notch to which it is attached. We can also see that the two elastic blades of the same pair intersect so as to form a X which extends in the plane of the pendulum inside the notch.
  • the configuration of the pair of blades connecting one of the pendulums to the support structure determines a geometric elastic pivot axis X ′, X ′′ for this balance.
  • the geometric pivot axis is perpendicular to the plane of the pendulum and it passes through the point of intersection of the two blades of the X. This point of intersection moves very slightly during the movement of the pendulums.
  • the X formed by the elastic blades is preferably positioned in the notch so that the intersection of the geometric pivot axis with the plane of the balance coincides with the center of mass of the balance.
  • the figure 1 also shows that the two elastic blades 12a, 12b or 14a, 14b which form the X have their junction point midway between their two ends. Simulations show in fact that the configuration in which the two blades of the X structure intersect in the middle, allows to obtain a clean rotation without friction around the geometric axis of pivoting.
  • a flexible pivot in X has the advantageous characteristic of producing a return torque proportional to the magnitude of the angle separating the balance from its equilibrium position, and this in one direction as in the other.
  • the expression “proper rotation” used above designates a rotation which minimizes the displacement of the pivot axis.
  • the height of the blades corresponds to their extension perpendicular to the plane of the balance, while their thickness corresponds to their extension in the plane of the balance, perpendicular to their length.
  • the thickness of the blades is preferably reduced so as to give the elastic blades sufficient flexibility in the plane of the balance.
  • the height blades is determined so as to give them sufficient rigidity to contain the oscillations of the balance in the same determined plane.
  • the two pairs of blades are preferably made of the same material.
  • the two flexible pivots in X preferably have identical dimensions so that the first and the second pendulum have the same fundamental frequency of resonance when they have the same mass and the same moment of inertia.
  • FIGS 2A and 2B are enlarged partial views showing a second and a third variant configuration of the pair of elastic blades connecting one of the pendulums to the support structure of the resonator of the invention.
  • FIGs 1, 2A and 2B it can be observed in particular that these figures are distinguished by the value of the angle made between them by the two elastic blades from one of the flanges 4, 4 ′ or 4 ".
  • figure 1 this angle is substantially equal to 90 °, in the figure 2A , it is significantly less than 90 °, and finally in the figure 2B , it is significantly larger than 90 °.
  • the angle at which the blades cross has an impact on the excitability of certain modes of oscillation out of plane of the pendulums. These higher modes are undesirable for most horological applications of the resonator of the invention.
  • the angle between the elastic blades will be chosen according to the shape of the pendulums and the desired rigidities according to the different planes.
  • the resonator further comprises a flexible blade 16 which constitutes a strap arranged so as to couple the first and the second pendulum 6 and 8.
  • the flexible blade is attached to the first and to the second pendulum, the junctions, respectively 16a and 16b, of the flexible blade with the first and the second pendulum are located in the same plane parallel to the plane of oscillation of the two pendulums and are symmetrical to each other with respect to the point central of the figure (referenced O).
  • the figure 1 it can be seen that between the two junction points 16a and 16b, the shape of the blade 16 has a central symmetry around the central point O. It will however be understood that this characteristic is only present when the pendulums 6, 8 are in their rest position.
  • the center of symmetry O is located halfway between the geometric pivot axes of the two pendulums.
  • the figure 1 also shows a straight line d which passes through the center O and through the junctions 16a, 16b of the flexible blade 16 with the two pendulums 6, 8.
  • the straight line d makes an angle ⁇ of at least 30 ° , preferably at least 45 °, with the plane containing the first and the second geometric pivot axis.
  • the first and the second pendulum have the same fundamental resonance frequency. Due to the presence of the strap 16, when one of the pendulums deviates from its equilibrium position by pulling the strap after it, the other pendulum is forced to follow the movement by deviating from its position of balance the other way.
  • the first balance 6 rotates clockwise, it exerts traction on the strap 16.
  • the inertia of the strap being very low compared to that of the pendulums, the tension to which the strap is subjected affects the second balance 8 at the junction 16b. The second balance thus undergoes a torque which tends to rotate it counterclockwise.
  • the two pendulums deform the elastic X-shaped blades 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b which connect them to the support structure (the flanges 2 and 4).
  • the deformation of the two pairs of elastic blades generates two return couples which are exerted respectively on the first and the second balance.
  • the presence of the strap 16 has the effect of synchronizing the oscillations of the two pendulums. It may also be noted in passing that the oscillations of the two pendulums coupled to the resonant frequency are said to be antisynchronous, and not simply synchronous, when the oscillations occur in an antisymmetric mode in accordance with what has just been described.
  • the figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a timepiece resonator according to a second particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the resonator illustrated in the figures 3 and 4 is very similar to the resonator of the figure 1 .
  • the resonator comprises a pair of straps 116, 118 attached to each other at mid-length by a rigid coupling element. 120.
  • the shoulder straps 116, 118 are also each attached to the first and to the second pendulum 6 and 8.
  • the pair of suspenders 116, 118 is mainly constituted by a first flexible blade attached to the first balance 6 by its two ends, and by a second flexible blade attached to the second balance 8 by its two ends. It can be seen that the two flexible blades are further connected to each other via the coupling element 120. The two flexible blades are connected to the coupling element in the middle, and it will be understood that in the construction shown, the two halves of the first flexible blade respectively constitute the half 116 'of the strap 116 and the half 118' of the strap 118. Similarly, the two halves of the second flexible blade respectively constitute the other half 116 "of strap 116 and the other half 118" of strap 118.
  • the coupling element 120 is rigid and it is arranged to rigidly connect a central portion of the first flexible blade and a central portion of the second flexible blade, so that these two central portions are kept spaced apart and parallel to each other.
  • An advantage of the second embodiment which has just been described is its highly symmetrical character which gives even more stability to the antisymmetrical oscillation mode of the resonator.
  • Another advantage is that the oscillations of the balance at resonance result in a back-and-forth movement of the rigid coupling element 120 according to a rectilinear trajectory in the plane of symmetry of the resonator (the mediator plane already mentioned) .
  • the fact of having a part performing a back-and-forth along a rectilinear trajectory could in particular be used to associate an exhaust with the resonator.
  • each pendulum 6, 8 is located on the lower side of the pendulum. She can however, alternatively, be located on the upper side or on both sides of the balance.
  • the resonator according to the invention can be produced in a single piece from silicon and / or silicon oxide, diamond, quartz or metal, for example.
  • DRIE or LIGA type techniques can be used.
  • the resonator according to the invention can also be obtained by an assembly of parts.

Landscapes

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

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention concerne un résonateur pour pièce d'horlogerie comportant une structure de support destinée à permettre le montage du résonateur dans une pièce d'horlogerie, deux balanciers agencés pour osciller dans un même plan, et une pluralité d'éléments élastiques agencés pour relier les deux balanciers à la structure de support, la configuration de la pluralité d'éléments élastiques déterminant deux axes parallèles de pivotement élastique pour les deux balanciers, et la pluralité d'éléments élastiques formant également des moyens de rappel élastiques agencés pour rappeler angulairement chacun des deux balanciers vers une position de repos.The present invention relates to a resonator for a timepiece comprising a support structure intended to allow the mounting of the resonator in a timepiece, two pendulums arranged to oscillate in the same plane, and a plurality of elastic elements arranged to connect the two pendulums to the support structure, the configuration of the plurality of elastic elements determining two parallel axes of elastic pivoting for the two pendulums, and the plurality of elastic elements also forming elastic return means arranged to angularly recall each of the two pendulums to a rest position.

ART ANTERIEURPRIOR ART

Les montres mécaniques connues utilisent habituellement comme organe de régulation un balancier-spiral. Ce dernier est composé de trois parties principales : un balancier en forme de volant d'inertie, un axe qui porte le balancier et qui est terminé par deux pivots permettant de monter le balancier dans un bâti de pièce d'horlogerie, et enfin, un ressort spiral qui produit un couple de rappel proportionnel à la grandeur de l'angle séparant le balancier de sa position d'équilibre. Comme on le sait bien, le balancier-spiral constitue la base de temps quasi exclusive des montres mécaniques depuis plus de 300 ans.Known mechanical watches usually use a balance spring as a regulating member. The latter is made up of three main parts: a balance wheel in the form of a flywheel, an axis which carries the balance wheel and which is terminated by two pivots making it possible to mount the balance wheel in a timepiece frame, and finally, a spiral spring which produces a return torque proportional to the magnitude of the angle separating the balance from its equilibrium position. As is well known, the balance-spring has been the almost exclusive time base of mechanical watches for over 300 years.

L'utilisation d'un balancier-spiral comme base de temps donne la possibilité d'avoir des montres robustes et faisant preuve d'une précision chronométrique de l'ordre de 15 secondes par jour. On peut donc dire que balancier-spiral est un résonateur fiable et précis. Il n'en demeure pas moins que la précision des montres à quartz est encore bien supérieure à celle des montres mécaniques équipées d'un balancier-spiral. Cette différence de précision est attribuable en partie au fait qu'un diapason en quartz possède un facteur de qualité considérablement plus élevé que celui d'un balancier-spiral.The use of a balance-spring as a time base gives the possibility of having robust watches that demonstrate chronometric precision of the order of 15 seconds per day. We can therefore say that balance-spring is a reliable and precise resonator. The fact remains that the precision of quartz watches is still much higher than that of mechanical watches equipped with a balance-spring. This difference in accuracy is due in part to the fact that a quartz tuning fork has a considerably higher quality factor than that of a balance-spring.

L'amplitude des oscillations d'un balancier-spiral est considérable. Elle varie habituellement entre 180° et 315° suivant le degré d'armage du ressort-moteur et selon la position plutôt horizontale ou plutôt verticale de la montre. Dans ces conditions, les deux paliers dans lesquels tourne l'axe du balancier sont très sollicités, ce qui entraîne la dissipation d'une fraction de l'énergie du balancier par frottement. On comprendra que ces frottements contribuent à abaisser le facteur de qualité du balancier-spiral. De grands efforts ont été accomplis pour fournir des paliers de balancier présentant des propriétés tribologiques optimisées. Il n'en demeure pas moins que l'effet négatif des frottements sur le facteur de qualité n'a pas encore été éliminé.The amplitude of the oscillations of a balance-spring is considerable. It usually varies between 180 ° and 315 ° depending on the degree of winding of the mainspring and according to the rather horizontal or rather vertical position of the watch. Under these conditions, the two bearings in which the pendulum axis rotates are very stressed, which causes the dissipation of a fraction of the energy of the pendulum by friction. It will be understood that this friction contributes to lowering the quality factor of the balance spring. Great efforts have been made to provide pendulum bearings with optimized tribological properties. The fact remains that the negative effect of friction on the quality factor has not yet been eliminated.

Dans le but de remédier aux problèmes qui viennent d'être décrits, on a proposé de remplacer les pivotements traditionnels des balanciers par un pivotement flexible. Le document de brevet CH 709 291 A2 , en particulier, décrit un résonateur pour pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un élément de support, destiné à permettre le montage du résonateur dans une pièce d'horlogerie, un balancier en forme de volant d'inertie, et enfin deux lames élastiques qui relient l'élément de support au balancier en se croisant. La configuration des deux lames élastiques est choisie de manière à définir un axe géométrique de pivotement concentrique au balancier. De plus, les deux lames sont agencées de manière à exercer un couple de rappel sur le balancier. Avec cette construction, lorsque le résonateur oscille, les deux lames se déforment jouant tout à la fois le rôle de ressort-spiral et de pivotement flexible. On comprendra de ce qui précède que la solution proposée dans ce document antérieur permet d'éliminer une des principales causes de frottement, puisqu'elle supprime les paliers du balancier pour les remplacer par un pivotement flexible. Selon le document CH 709 291 A2 , l'oscillateur proposé possède un facteur de qualité environ 10 fois supérieur à celui d'un balancier-spiral.In order to remedy the problems which have just been described, it has been proposed to replace the traditional pivoting of the pendulums with a flexible pivoting. The patent document CH 709 291 A2 , in particular, describes a resonator for a timepiece comprising a support element, intended to allow the mounting of the resonator in a timepiece, a balance in the form of a flywheel, and finally two elastic blades which connect the support element to the pendulum crossing. The configuration of the two elastic blades is chosen so as to define a geometric pivot axis concentric with the balance. In addition, the two blades are arranged so as to exert a restoring torque on the pendulum. With this construction, when the resonator oscillates, the two blades are deformed, playing both the role of spiral spring and flexible pivoting. It will be understood from the above that the solution proposed in this prior document makes it possible to eliminate one of the main causes of friction, since it eliminates the bearings of the balance wheel to replace them by a flexible pivoting. According to the document CH 709 291 A2 , the proposed oscillator has a quality factor about 10 times higher than that of a balance spring.

Le résonateur susmentionné présente toutefois certains inconvénients. En effet, selon ce document l'amplitude des oscillations du balancier est typiquement de 20°. Dans ces conditions, l'effet d'un éventuel défaut de colinéarité entre, d'une part, le moment cinétique du balancier, et d'autre part, son axe géométrique de pivotement, ne peut pas être simplement neutralisé par la rotation. Par ailleurs, on peut craindre qu'un balancier à pivot flexible comme celui qui vient d'être décrit soit plus sensible aux chocs qu'un balancier-spiral. Afin de remédier à ces deux derniers problèmes, le document de brevet EP 3 035 127 A1 propose de coupler deux résonateurs à pivot flexible, de manière à réaliser une forme de diapason. Selon cette proposition, le couplage entre les deux résonateurs est assuré par un élément de liaison mobile auquel les lames élastiques des deux résonateurs sont fixées par une extrémité. L'autre extrémité de chaque paire de lames est reliée à un des deux balanciers comme précédemment. On comprendra que selon ce deuxième document antérieur, l'élément de liaison porte les deux balanciers, tout en étant lui-même fixé élastiquement sur un élément de support monté rigidement dans la pièce d'horlogerie. Avec un tel agencement, les axes géométriques de pivotement des deux balanciers occupent chacun une position fixe par rapport à l'élément de liaison, tout en étant mobile collectivement relativement au bâti de la pièce d'horlogerie.However, the above-mentioned resonator has certain drawbacks. According to this document, the amplitude of the pendulum's oscillations is typically 20 °. Under these conditions, the effect of a possible collinearity between, on the one hand, the angular moment of the pendulum, and on the other hand, its geometric pivot axis, cannot simply be neutralized by rotation. Furthermore, it is feared that a flexible pivot balance like that which has just been described is more sensitive to shocks than a balance spring. In order to remedy these last two problems, the patent document EP 3,035,127 A1 proposes to couple two flexible pivot resonators, so as to form a tuning fork shape. According to this proposal, the coupling between the two resonators is ensured by a mobile connecting element to which the elastic blades of the two resonators are fixed by one end. The other end of each pair of blades is connected to one of the two pendulums as before. It will be understood that according to this second prior document, the connecting element carries the two pendulums, while itself being elastically fixed on a support element rigidly mounted in the timepiece. With such an arrangement, the geometric axes of pivoting of the two pendulums each occupy a fixed position relative to the connecting element, while being collectively movable relative to the frame of the timepiece.

Comme l'indique le titre du document EP 3 035 127 A1 , l'oscillateur qu'il décrit constitue une forme de diapason. A cet égard, on sait qu'un avantage lié à la symétrie des diapasons est qu'elle privilégie quelques modes d'oscillations bien définis ayant un facteur de qualité élevé. Parmi ces modes d'oscillations, les deux modes les plus fondamentaux sont le mode symétrique et le mode antisymétrique. En ce qui concerne les applications horlogères, le mode antisymétrique (les branches du diapason se déplacent en même temps dans des sens opposés) est le plus avantageux en raison de sa moindre sensibilité aux phénomènes externes ; aux chocs notamment. Avec un diapason destiné à une application horlogère, il est donc important que le mode d'oscillations symétrique (les branches du diapason se déplacent en même temps dans le même sens) soit toujours amorti efficacement. Dans ce contexte, le document EP 3 035 127 A1 enseigne de coupler les oscillations des deux balanciers en utilisant un élément de liaison suspendu élastiquement sur un élément fixe. Une particularité du mode de résonnance antisymétrique est que le centre de masse du système reste au repos, les forces agissant sur l'élément liaison du diapason se neutralisant mutuellement. Dans ces conditions, pour favoriser le mode de résonnance antisymétrique, il faut ajuster la suspension de l'élément de liaison de telle sorte que les vibrations de cet élément soient fortement amorties, tout en veillant à ce que l'élément de liaison reste libre de transmettre au deuxième balancier les impulsions d'excitation reçues sur le premier balancier. Au vu de ce qui précède, on peut redouter qu'il soit très délicat d'ajuster la suspension de l'élément de liaison de manière satisfaisante.As the title of the document indicates EP 3,035,127 A1 , the oscillator he describes constitutes a form of tuning fork. In this regard, we know that an advantage linked to the symmetry of the tuning forks is that it favors a few well-defined oscillation modes having a high quality factor. Among these oscillation modes, the two most basic modes are the symmetrical mode and the asymmetric mode. With regard to horological applications, the asymmetric mode (the tuning fork branches move at the same time in opposite directions) is the most advantageous because of its lower sensitivity to external phenomena; to shocks in particular. With a tuning fork intended for a horological application, it is therefore important that the symmetrical oscillation mode (the branches of the tuning fork move at the same time in the same direction) is always effectively damped. In this context, the document EP 3,035,127 A1 teaches to couple the oscillations of the two pendulums using a connecting element suspended elastically on a fixed element. A special feature of the asymmetric resonance mode is that the center of mass of the system remains at rest, the forces acting on the link element of the tuning fork mutually neutralizing each other. Under these conditions, to favor the antisymmetrical resonance mode, it is necessary to adjust the suspension of the connecting element so that the vibrations of this element are strongly damped, while ensuring that the connecting element remains free from transmitting to the second balance the excitation pulses received on the first balance. In view of the above, it can be feared that it is very difficult to adjust the suspension of the connecting element satisfactorily.

BREF EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

Un but de la présente invention est de fournir un résonateur avec un facteur de qualité élevé, et qui comporte deux balanciers couplés mécaniquement, le couplage entre les balanciers étant conçu pour favoriser le mode d'oscillation antisymétrique. L'invention atteint ce but en fournissant un résonateur conforme à la revendication 1 annexée.An object of the present invention is to provide a resonator with a high quality factor, and which comprises two pendulums mechanically coupled, the coupling between the pendulums being designed to favor the asymmetric oscillation mode. The invention achieves this object by providing a resonator according to claim 1 appended hereto.

Dans la présente demande de brevet, l'expression « structure de support » ne désigne pas nécessairement une pièce de support unique. En effet, conformément à l'invention, la structure de support peut par exemple comporter deux éléments de support distincts, un des éléments de support servant au montage du premier balancier et l'autre élément de support servant au montage du second balancier.In the present patent application, the expression “support structure” does not necessarily designate a single support part. Indeed, in accordance with the invention, the support structure may for example comprise two separate support elements, one of the support elements used for mounting the first balance and the other support element used for mounting the second balance.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un résonateur pour pièce d'horlogerie conforme à un premier mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ;
  • les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues partielles de dessus montrant en détail la paire de lames élastiques qui relie un des balanciers à la structure de support du résonateur, conformément respectivement à une deuxième et à une troisième variante du premier mode de réalisation illustré dans la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en perspectives d'un résonateur pour pièce d'horlogerie conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a top plan view of a timepiece resonator according to a first particular embodiment of the invention;
  • the Figures 2A and 2B are partial views from above showing in detail the pair of elastic blades which connects one of the pendulums to the support structure of the resonator, in accordance respectively with a second and a third variant of the first embodiment illustrated in the figure 1 ;
  • the figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a timepiece resonator according to a second particular embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE MODES DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

La figure 1 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un résonateur pour pièce d'horlogerie, qui est conforme à un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention. Conformément à l'invention, le résonateur illustré comporte une structure de support destinée à permettre son montage sur un bâti (non représenté) de montre mécanique. Dans le présent exemple, la structure de support est constituée de deux brides respectivement référencées 2 et 4. Le résonateur comporte encore deux balanciers généralement référencés 6 et 8 qui, dans l'exemple illustré, ont généralement chacun la forme d'une ellipse avec une grande encoche centrale. Lorsque les balanciers sont dans leur position de repos comme représenté, les deux encoches s'ouvrent en regard l'une de l'autre. On peut voir en outre que les deux brides 2, 4 de la structure de support sont agencées chacune à l'intérieur d'une des encoches. Chaque balancier comporte en outre une serge 10 prévue pour lui donner une plus grande inertie. La serge s'étend le long de la périphérie du balancier. Le premier et le second balancier ont de préférence la même masse et les mêmes dimensions de manière à ce qu'il soit facile de les faire osciller à la même fréquence.The figure 1 is a top plan view of a timepiece resonator, which is in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention. According to the invention, the illustrated resonator comprises a support structure intended to allow its mounting on a frame (not shown) of a mechanical watch. In the present example, the support structure consists of two flanges respectively referenced 2 and 4. The resonator further comprises two pendulums generally referenced 6 and 8 which, in the example illustrated, generally each have the shape of an ellipse with a large central notch. When the pendulums are in their rest position as shown, the two notches open facing each other. It can also be seen that the two flanges 2, 4 of the support structure are each arranged inside one of the notches. Each balance also comprises a twill 10 provided to give it greater inertia. The serge extends along the periphery of the pendulum. The first and second balance preferably have the same mass and the same dimensions so that it is easy to oscillate them at the same frequency.

Conformément à l'invention, les balanciers sont reliés à la structure de support par une pluralité d'éléments élastiques. Plus spécifiquement, dans le mode de réalisation illustré, chaque balancier 6, 8 est relié à une des deux brides 2, 4 par une paire de lames élastiques (référencées respectivement 12a, 12b et 14a, 14b). Comme le montre la figure, une des extrémités de chaque lame est rattachée au balancier par le fond de l'encoche, alors que l'autre extrémité est solidaire de la bride située dans la même encoche, de sorte que chaque paire de lames élastiques est arrangée à l'intérieur de l'encoche du balancier auquel elle est rattachée. On peut voir également que les deux lames élastiques d'une même paire se croisent de manière à former un X qui s'étend dans le plan du balancier à l'intérieur de l'encoche. L'homme du métier comprendra de ce qui précède que la configuration de la paire de lames reliant un des balanciers à la structure de support détermine un axe géométrique de pivotement élastique X', X" pour ce balancier. L'axe géométrique de pivotement est perpendiculaire au plan du balancier et il passe par le point d'intersection des deux lames du X. Ce point d'intersection se déplace très légèrement au cours du mouvement des balanciers. Pour des raisons qui apparaîtront plus clairement par la suite, le X formé par les lames élastiques est de préférence positionné dans l'encoche de manière à ce que l'intersection de l'axe géométrique de pivotement avec le plan du balancier coïncide avec le centre de masse du balancier.In accordance with the invention, the pendulums are connected to the support structure by a plurality of elastic elements. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each balance 6, 8 is connected to one of the two flanges 2, 4 by a pair of elastic blades (referenced respectively 12a, 12b and 14a, 14b). As shown in the figure, one end of each blade is attached to the balance by the bottom of the notch, while the other end is secured to the flange located in the same notch, so that each pair of elastic blades is arranged inside the pendulum notch to which it is attached. We can also see that the two elastic blades of the same pair intersect so as to form a X which extends in the plane of the pendulum inside the notch. A person skilled in the art will understand from the above that the configuration of the pair of blades connecting one of the pendulums to the support structure determines a geometric elastic pivot axis X ′, X ″ for this balance. The geometric pivot axis is perpendicular to the plane of the pendulum and it passes through the point of intersection of the two blades of the X. This point of intersection moves very slightly during the movement of the pendulums.For reasons which will appear more clearly later, the X formed by the elastic blades is preferably positioned in the notch so that the intersection of the geometric pivot axis with the plane of the balance coincides with the center of mass of the balance.

La figure 1 montre encore que les deux lames élastiques 12a, 12b ou 14a, 14b qui forment le X ont leur point de jonction à mi-distance entre leurs deux extrémités. Des simulations montrent en effet que la configuration conformément à laquelle les deux lames de la structure en X se coupent au milieu, permet d'obtenir une rotation propre et sans frottement autour de l'axe géométrique de pivotement. De plus, un tel pivot flexible en X possède la caractéristique avantageuse de produire un couple de rappel proportionnel à la grandeur de l'angle séparant le balancier de sa position d'équilibre, et cela dans un sens comme dans l'autre. On notera en outre que l'expression « rotation propre » utilisée ci-dessus désigne une rotation qui minimise le déplacement de l'axe de pivotement.The figure 1 also shows that the two elastic blades 12a, 12b or 14a, 14b which form the X have their junction point midway between their two ends. Simulations show in fact that the configuration in which the two blades of the X structure intersect in the middle, allows to obtain a clean rotation without friction around the geometric axis of pivoting. In addition, such a flexible pivot in X has the advantageous characteristic of producing a return torque proportional to the magnitude of the angle separating the balance from its equilibrium position, and this in one direction as in the other. It will also be noted that the expression “proper rotation” used above designates a rotation which minimizes the displacement of the pivot axis.

On admettra pour la suite de cette description que la hauteur des lames correspond à leur extension perpendiculairement au plan du balancier, alors que leur épaisseur correspond à leur extension dans le plan du balancier, perpendiculairement à leur longueur. L'épaisseur des lames est de préférence réduite de manière à donner aux lames élastiques une flexibilité suffisante dans le plan du balancier. La hauteur des lames est déterminée de manière à leur donner une rigidité suffisante pour contenir les oscillations du balancier dans un même plan déterminé. Les deux paires de lames sont de préférence réalisées dans un même matériau. De plus, comme le montrent les figures, les deux pivots flexibles en X ont de préférence des dimensions identiques de manière à ce que le premier et le second balancier aient la même fréquence fondamentale de résonnance lorsqu'ils ont la même masse et le même moment d'inertie.It will be assumed for the remainder of this description that the height of the blades corresponds to their extension perpendicular to the plane of the balance, while their thickness corresponds to their extension in the plane of the balance, perpendicular to their length. The thickness of the blades is preferably reduced so as to give the elastic blades sufficient flexibility in the plane of the balance. The height blades is determined so as to give them sufficient rigidity to contain the oscillations of the balance in the same determined plane. The two pairs of blades are preferably made of the same material. In addition, as shown in the figures, the two flexible pivots in X preferably have identical dimensions so that the first and the second pendulum have the same fundamental frequency of resonance when they have the same mass and the same moment of inertia.

Les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues partielles agrandies montrant une deuxième et une troisième variante de configuration de la paire de lames élastiques reliant un des balanciers à la structure de support du résonateur de l'invention. En comparant les figures 1, 2A et 2B, on peut observer notamment que ces figures se distinguent par la valeur de l'angle que font entre elles les deux lames élastiques issues d'une des brides 4, 4' ou 4". Dans la figure 1, cet angle est sensiblement égal à 90°, dans la figure 2A, il est sensiblement inférieur à 90°, et enfin dans la figure 2B, il est sensiblement plus grand que 90°. L'angle selon lequel les lames se croisent a une incidence sur l'excitabilité de certains modes d'oscillation hors plan des balanciers. Ces modes supérieurs sont indésirables pour la plupart des applications horlogères du résonateur de l'invention. En pratique on choisira l'angle entre les lames élastiques en fonction de la forme des balanciers et des rigidités souhaitées selon les différents plans.The Figures 2A and 2B are enlarged partial views showing a second and a third variant configuration of the pair of elastic blades connecting one of the pendulums to the support structure of the resonator of the invention. By comparing the Figures 1, 2A and 2B , it can be observed in particular that these figures are distinguished by the value of the angle made between them by the two elastic blades from one of the flanges 4, 4 ′ or 4 ". figure 1 , this angle is substantially equal to 90 °, in the figure 2A , it is significantly less than 90 °, and finally in the figure 2B , it is significantly larger than 90 °. The angle at which the blades cross has an impact on the excitability of certain modes of oscillation out of plane of the pendulums. These higher modes are undesirable for most horological applications of the resonator of the invention. In practice, the angle between the elastic blades will be chosen according to the shape of the pendulums and the desired rigidities according to the different planes.

Conformément à l'invention, le résonateur comporte en outre une lame flexible 16 qui constitue une bretelle agencée de manière à coupler le premier et le second balancier 6 et 8. La lame flexible est attachée au premier et au second balancier, les jonctions, respectivement 16a et 16b, de la lame flexible avec le premier et le second balancier sont localisées dans un même plan parallèle au plan d'oscillation des deux balanciers et sont symétriques l'une de l'autre par rapport au point central de la figure (référencé O). En se référant toujours à la figure 1, on peut voir qu'entre les deux points de jonction 16a et 16b, la forme de la lame 16 présente une symétrie centrale autour du point central O. On comprendra toutefois que cette caractéristique est uniquement présente lorsque les balanciers 6, 8 sont dans leur position de repos. Comme on peut le vérifier sur la figure, le centre de symétrie O est situé à mi-chemin entre les axes géométriques de pivotement des deux balanciers.According to the invention, the resonator further comprises a flexible blade 16 which constitutes a strap arranged so as to couple the first and the second pendulum 6 and 8. The flexible blade is attached to the first and to the second pendulum, the junctions, respectively 16a and 16b, of the flexible blade with the first and the second pendulum are located in the same plane parallel to the plane of oscillation of the two pendulums and are symmetrical to each other with respect to the point central of the figure (referenced O). Always referring to the figure 1 , it can be seen that between the two junction points 16a and 16b, the shape of the blade 16 has a central symmetry around the central point O. It will however be understood that this characteristic is only present when the pendulums 6, 8 are in their rest position. As can be seen in the figure, the center of symmetry O is located halfway between the geometric pivot axes of the two pendulums.

La figure 1 montre encore une droite d qui passe par le centre O et par les jonctions 16a, 16b de la lame flexible 16 avec les deux balanciers 6, 8. Conformément à l'invention, la droite d fait un angle α d'au moins 30°, de préférence d'au moins 45°, avec le plan contenant le premier et le second axe géométrique de pivotement.The figure 1 also shows a straight line d which passes through the center O and through the junctions 16a, 16b of the flexible blade 16 with the two pendulums 6, 8. According to the invention, the straight line d makes an angle α of at least 30 ° , preferably at least 45 °, with the plane containing the first and the second geometric pivot axis.

Conformément à l'invention, le premier et le deuxième balancier ont la même fréquence de résonnance fondamentale. En raison de la présence de la bretelle 16, lorsqu'un des balanciers s'écarte de sa position d'équilibre en tirant la bretelle après lui, l'autre balancier est forcé de suivre le mouvement en s'écartant de sa position d'équilibre dans l'autre sens. En particulier, en se référant à la figure 1, on peut comprendre que si le premier balancier 6 pivote dans le sens horaire, il exerce une traction sur la bretelle 16. L'inertie de la bretelle étant très faible par rapport à celle des balanciers, la tension à laquelle la bretelle est soumise se répercute sur le second balancier 8 au niveau de la jonction 16b. Le second balancier subit ainsi un couple qui tend à le faire pivoter dans le sens antihoraire. En s'écartant ainsi de leur position de repos, les deux balanciers font se déformer les lames élastiques en X 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b qui les relient à la structure de support (les brides 2 et 4). La déformation des deux paires de lames élastiques engendre deux couples de rappel qui s'exercent respectivement sur le premier et le second balancier. On peut comprendre de ce qui précède que la présence de la bretelle 16 a pour effet de synchroniser les oscillations des deux balanciers. On peut encore noter en passant que les oscillations des deux balanciers couplés à la fréquence de résonnance sont dites antisynchrones, et non pas simplement synchrones, lorsque les oscillations se produisent selon un mode antisymétrique conformément à ce qui vient d'être décrit.According to the invention, the first and the second pendulum have the same fundamental resonance frequency. Due to the presence of the strap 16, when one of the pendulums deviates from its equilibrium position by pulling the strap after it, the other pendulum is forced to follow the movement by deviating from its position of balance the other way. In particular, with reference to the figure 1 , it can be understood that if the first balance 6 rotates clockwise, it exerts traction on the strap 16. The inertia of the strap being very low compared to that of the pendulums, the tension to which the strap is subjected affects the second balance 8 at the junction 16b. The second balance thus undergoes a torque which tends to rotate it counterclockwise. By thus deviating from their rest position, the two pendulums deform the elastic X-shaped blades 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b which connect them to the support structure (the flanges 2 and 4). The deformation of the two pairs of elastic blades generates two return couples which are exerted respectively on the first and the second balance. We can understand from the above that the presence of the strap 16 has the effect of synchronizing the oscillations of the two pendulums. It may also be noted in passing that the oscillations of the two pendulums coupled to the resonant frequency are said to be antisynchronous, and not simply synchronous, when the oscillations occur in an antisymmetric mode in accordance with what has just been described.

Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en perspectives d'un résonateur pour pièce d'horlogerie conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention. Comme on peut le voir, le résonateur illustré dans les figures 3 et 4 est très semblable au résonateur de la figure 1. Toutefois, conformément au deuxième mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention qui fait l'objet du présent exemple, le résonateur comporte une paire de bretelles 116, 118 attachées l'une à l'autre à mi-longueur par un élément de couplage rigide 120. Les bretelles 116, 118 sont également attachées chacune au premier et au second balancier 6 et 8. Sur la figure 3, on a désigné une moitié de la bretelle 116, qui s'étend entre le premier balancier 6 et l'élément de couplage 120, par la référence 116', et on a désigné l'autre moitié de la bretelle 116, qui s'étend entre l'élément de couplage et le second balancier 8, par la référence 116". De même, on a désigné une moitié de la bretelle 118, située entre le premier balancier et l'élément de couplage, par la référence 118', et l'autre moitié par la référence 118".The figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a timepiece resonator according to a second particular embodiment of the invention. As can be seen, the resonator illustrated in the figures 3 and 4 is very similar to the resonator of the figure 1 . However, in accordance with the second particular embodiment of the invention which is the subject of this example, the resonator comprises a pair of straps 116, 118 attached to each other at mid-length by a rigid coupling element. 120. The shoulder straps 116, 118 are also each attached to the first and to the second pendulum 6 and 8. On the figure 3 , one has designated one half of the strap 116, which extends between the first balance 6 and the coupling element 120, by the reference 116 ′, and the other half of the strap 116, which has been designated, has been designated extends between the coupling element and the second balance 8, by the reference 116 ". Similarly, a half of the strap 118, located between the first balance and the coupling element, has been designated by the reference 118 ', and the other half by the reference 118 ".

On peut observer sur la figure 3 en particulier que, lorsque les balanciers sont dans leur position de repos comme illustré, les bretelles 116, 118 sont symétriques l'une de l'autre relativement, d'une part, au plan contenant les premier et second axes géométriques de pivotement X' et X", et d'autre part, relativement à un plan médiateur parallèle et équidistant des deux axes géométriques de pivotement (la trace du plan médiateur dans le plan des balanciers est représentée dans la figure 3 par un trait interrompu désigné par la référence m).We can observe on the figure 3 in particular that, when the pendulums are in their rest position as illustrated, the straps 116, 118 are symmetrical to each other relatively, on the one hand, to the plane containing the first and second geometric pivot axes X ' and X ", and on the other hand, relative to a parallel mediating plane and equidistant from the two geometric pivot axes (the trace of the mediating plane in the plane of the pendulums is represented in the figure 3 by a broken line designated by the reference m).

En se référant encore aux figures 3 et 4, on peut observer que la paire de bretelles 116, 118 est principalement constituée par une première lame flexible attachée au premier balancier 6 par ses deux extrémités, et par une seconde lame flexible attachée au second balancier 8 par ses deux extrémités. On peut voir que les deux lames flexibles sont en outre reliées l'une à l'autre par l'intermédiaire de l'élément de couplage 120. Les deux lames flexibles sont reliées à l'élément de couplage en leur milieu, et on comprendra que dans la construction représentée, les deux moitiés de la première lame flexible constituent respectivement la moitié 116' de la bretelle 116 et la moitié 118' de la bretelle 118. De même, les deux moitiés de la seconde lame flexible constituent respectivement l'autre moitié 116" de la bretelle 116 et l'autre moitié 118" de la bretelle 118.Still referring to figures 3 and 4 , it can be observed that the pair of suspenders 116, 118 is mainly constituted by a first flexible blade attached to the first balance 6 by its two ends, and by a second flexible blade attached to the second balance 8 by its two ends. It can be seen that the two flexible blades are further connected to each other via the coupling element 120. The two flexible blades are connected to the coupling element in the middle, and it will be understood that in the construction shown, the two halves of the first flexible blade respectively constitute the half 116 'of the strap 116 and the half 118' of the strap 118. Similarly, the two halves of the second flexible blade respectively constitute the other half 116 "of strap 116 and the other half 118" of strap 118.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré, l'élément de couplage 120 est rigide et il est agencé pour relier rigidement une portion centrale de la première lame flexible et une portion centrale de la seconde lame flexible, de manière à ce que ces deux portions centrales soient maintenues espacées et parallèles l'une à l'autre. Un avantage du deuxième mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit est son caractère hautement symétrique qui donne encore plus de stabilité au mode d'oscillation antisymétrique du résonateur. Un autre avantage est que les oscillations du balancier à la résonnance se traduisent par un mouvement de va-et-vient de l'élément de couplage rigide 120 selon une trajectoire rectiligne dans le plan de symétrie du résonateur (le plan médiateur m déjà mentionné). Le fait de disposer d'une pièce effectuant un va-et-vient selon une trajectoire rectiligne pourrait notamment être mis à profit pour associer un échappement au résonateur.According to the illustrated embodiment, the coupling element 120 is rigid and it is arranged to rigidly connect a central portion of the first flexible blade and a central portion of the second flexible blade, so that these two central portions are kept spaced apart and parallel to each other. An advantage of the second embodiment which has just been described is its highly symmetrical character which gives even more stability to the antisymmetrical oscillation mode of the resonator. Another advantage is that the oscillations of the balance at resonance result in a back-and-forth movement of the rigid coupling element 120 according to a rectilinear trajectory in the plane of symmetry of the resonator (the mediator plane already mentioned) . The fact of having a part performing a back-and-forth along a rectilinear trajectory could in particular be used to associate an exhaust with the resonator.

Dans l'exemple illustré aux figures 3 et 4, la serge 10 de chaque balancier 6, 8 est située du côté inférieur du balancier. Elle peut néanmoins, en variante, être située du côté supérieur ou des deux côtés du balancier.In the example illustrated in figures 3 and 4 , the serge 10 of each pendulum 6, 8 is located on the lower side of the pendulum. She can however, alternatively, be located on the upper side or on both sides of the balance.

Le résonateur selon l'invention peut être réalisé de manière monobloc en silicium et/ou oxyde de silicium, en diamant, en quartz ou en métal, par exemple. A cet effet, des techniques de type DRIE ou LIGA peuvent être employées. Le résonateur selon l'invention peut aussi être obtenu par un assemblage de pièces.The resonator according to the invention can be produced in a single piece from silicon and / or silicon oxide, diamond, quartz or metal, for example. For this purpose, DRIE or LIGA type techniques can be used. The resonator according to the invention can also be obtained by an assembly of parts.

On comprendra en outre que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour un homme du métier peuvent être apportées aux modes de réalisation qui font l'objet de la présente description sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention définie par les revendications annexées. En particulier :

  • les balanciers 6, 8 pourraient avoir une autre forme allongée que la forme d'une ellipse et pourraient aussi avoir une forme ronde, carrée, en aile de papillon ou autre. Les formes allongées sont toutefois préférées car elles permettent d'éloigner les points d'attache des bretelles 16, 116, 118 sur les balanciers 6, 8, ce qui facilite l'ajustement du couplage élastique entre lesdits balanciers ;
  • au lieu de s'ouvrir en regard l'une de l'autre, les encoches des balanciers 6, 8 dans lesquelles se trouvent les brides 2, 4 et les lames élastiques 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b pourraient s'ouvrir vers l'extérieur des balanciers 6, 8 ou pourraient même être fermées ;
  • l'orientation des brides 2, 4 et des lames élastiques 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b dans les encoches pourrait être différente de celle représentée. Par exemple l'une des brides 2, 4 ou les deux pourraient être tournées de plus ou moins 90° par rapport à leur position illustrée à la figure 1. Les orientations respectives des brides 2, 4 peuvent être identiques ou opposées ;
  • au lieu d'être coplanaires et de se croiser physiquement comme dans les modes de réalisation illustrés, les lames élastiques 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b de chaque paire pourraient s'étendre dans deux plans parallèles différents pour former un pivot flexible de type « Wittrick ». Par rapport à un pivot flexible de type « Wittrick » le pivot flexible en X utilisé dans les modes de réalisation illustrés présente le désavantage d'un mouvement parasite plus important de l'axe géométrique de pivotement X', X" lors de la flexion, et de lames plus courtes dans lesquelles les concentrations de contraintes sont plus élevées. Par contre, la rigidité transversale des lames est bien plus élevée ce qui améliore la stabilité des balanciers 6, 8 dans leur plan de rotation et leur résistance aux chocs hors de leur plan de rotation ;
  • d'autres types de pivot flexible qu'un pivot en X ou qu'un pivot « Wittrick » pourraient être utilisés pour relier chaque balancier 6, 8 à la structure de support 2, 4. De plus, le nombre de lames ou d'éléments élastiques formant chaque pivot flexible peut être supérieur à deux ou même égal à un.
It will further be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the embodiments which are the subject of the present description without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims. In particular :
  • the pendulums 6, 8 could have another elongated shape than the shape of an ellipse and could also have a round, square, butterfly wing or other shape. The elongated forms are however preferred since they allow the attachment points of the straps 16, 116, 118 to be moved away from the pendulums 6, 8, which facilitates the adjustment of the elastic coupling between said pendulums;
  • instead of opening opposite one another, the notches of the pendulums 6, 8 in which the flanges 2, 4 are located and the elastic blades 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b could open towards the outside of the pendulums 6, 8 or could even be closed;
  • the orientation of the flanges 2, 4 and the elastic blades 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b in the notches could be different from that shown. For example, one of the flanges 2, 4 or both could be turned more or less 90 ° relative to their position illustrated in the figure 1 . The respective orientations of the flanges 2, 4 may be identical or opposite;
  • instead of being coplanar and physically crossing as in the illustrated embodiments, the elastic blades 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b of each pair could extend in two different parallel planes to form a flexible pivot of the “Wittrick” type " Compared to a flexible “Wittrick” type pivot, the flexible X pivot used in the illustrated embodiments has the disadvantage of a larger parasitic movement of the geometric pivot axis X ′, X ″ during bending, and shorter blades in which the stress concentrations are higher. On the other hand, the transverse rigidity of the blades is much higher which improves the stability of the pendulums 6, 8 in their plane of rotation and their resistance to shocks out of their rotation plane;
  • other types of flexible pivot than an X-pivot or a “Wittrick” pivot could be used to connect each balance 6, 8 to the support structure 2, 4. In addition, the number of blades or elastic elements forming each flexible pivot can be greater than two or even equal to one.

Claims (10)

  1. Resonator for a timepiece comprising a support structure (2, 4) intended to permit mounting of the resonator in a timepiece, a first and a second balance (6, 8) which are arranged to oscillate in the same plane, at least one first elastic element (12a, 12b) arranged to connect the first balance (6) to the support structure, at least one second elastic element (14a, 14b; 14a', 14b'; 14a", 14b") arranged to connect the second balance (8) to the support structure, the configuration of the elastic elements determining two parallel geometrical elastic pivoting axes (X', X") for the two balances, and the elastic elements forming elastic return means arranged to angularly return each of the balances towards a rest position, characterised
    - in that it further comprises a strap (16; 116, 118) arranged to couple the first and the second balance (6, 8), the strap being attached to the first and to the second balance, in that the points (16a, 16b) joining the strap respectively to the first and the second balance are located in the same plane parallel to the plane of oscillation of the balances, and in that, when the balances are in their rest position, on the one hand, said joining points are symmetrical with respect to a centre of symmetry (O) located half way between the two geometrical pivoting axes, and on the other hand, a radius connecting the centre of symmetry (O) to the point (16a, 16b) of joining to the first or the second balance, parallel to the plane of oscillation, forms an angle (a) of at least 30° with the plane containing the first and the second geometrical pivoting axis (X', X").
  2. Resonator as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that when the balances are in their rest position, the shape of the strap is symmetrical with respect to said centre of symmetry (O).
  3. Resonator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that when the balances are in their rest position, a radius connecting the centre of symmetry (O) to the point (16a, 16b) of joining to the first or second balance, parallel to the plane of oscillation, forms an angle (a) of at least 45° with the plane containing the first and the second geometrical pivoting axis (X', X").
  4. Resonator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a pair of straps (116, 118) attached to each other mid-length and each attached to the first and to the second balance (6, 8), the pair of straps comprising said strap, and
    - in that, when the balances (6, 8) are in their rest position, the two straps (116, 118) of the pair of straps are symmetrical with respect to each other relative, on the one hand, to the plane containing the first and the second geometrical pivoting axis (X', X") and, on the other hand, relative to a parallel intermediate plane (m) equidistant from the two geometrical pivoting axes.
  5. Resonator as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the pair of straps (116, 118) comprises a first flexible strip attached to the first balance (6) by its two ends, a second flexible strip attached to the second balance (8) by its two ends, and a coupling element (120) arranged to rigidly connect a central portion of the first flexible strip and a central portion of the second flexible strip so that the central portions of the two flexible strips are held spaced apart from and parallel with each other.
  6. Resonator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the first and the second balance (6, 8) have an elongate shape.
  7. Resonator as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the distance between the geometrical pivoting axis (X', X") of a balance and the edge of the same balance is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least two times, greater in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the two geometrical pivoting axes (X', X") than in a direction parallel to this plane.
  8. Resonator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one first elastic element (12a, 12b) comprises a first pair of elastic strips which are parallel to the plane of pivoting of the balances (6, 8), the strips of the first pair (12a, 12b) being fixed to the support structure (2, 4) by one end and to the first balance (6) by the other end, and in that the at least one second elastic element (14a, 14b; 14a', 14b'; 14a", 14b") comprises a second pair of elastic strips which are parallel to the plane of pivoting of the balances (6, 8), the strips of the second pair (14a, 14b; 14a', 14b'; 14a", 14b") being fixed to the support structure (2, 4) by one end and to the second balance (8) by the other end, the two geometrical pivoting axes (X', X") of the two balances each crossing perpendicularly the two elastic strips of one of the pairs.
  9. Resonator as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the pair of elastic strips (12a, 12b, 14a, 14b) perpendicularly crossing the same geometrical pivoting axis (X', X") are contained in the same plane parallel to the plane of pivoting of the balances so that the two elastic strips of the same pair have an intersection at the place where they cross with the geometrical pivoting axis.
  10. Resonator as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the two elastic strips (12a, 12b, 14a, 14b) of the same pair intersect in their middle
EP16204580.1A 2016-12-16 2016-12-16 Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane Active EP3336613B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16204580.1A EP3336613B1 (en) 2016-12-16 2016-12-16 Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane
US16/469,935 US11422506B2 (en) 2016-12-16 2017-11-17 Resonator for a timepiece comprising two balances arranged to oscillate in the same plane
JP2019554039A JP7053658B2 (en) 2016-12-16 2017-11-17 Resonator for a timepiece containing two balances arranged to vibrate in the same plane
CN201780078151.0A CN110214294B (en) 2016-12-16 2017-11-17 Resonator for a timepiece comprising two balances arranged to oscillate in the same plane
PCT/IB2017/057199 WO2018109583A1 (en) 2016-12-16 2017-11-17 Resonator for a timepiece including two balances that are arranged to oscillate in one and the same plane

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16204580.1A EP3336613B1 (en) 2016-12-16 2016-12-16 Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3336613A1 EP3336613A1 (en) 2018-06-20
EP3336613B1 true EP3336613B1 (en) 2020-03-11

Family

ID=57570351

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16204580.1A Active EP3336613B1 (en) 2016-12-16 2016-12-16 Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US11422506B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3336613B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7053658B2 (en)
CN (1) CN110214294B (en)
WO (1) WO2018109583A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3812842B1 (en) * 2019-10-24 2023-11-29 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Device for guiding the pivoting of a pivoting mass and timepiece resonator mechanism
EP3822711A1 (en) * 2019-11-12 2021-05-19 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece mechanism comprising a driving moving part working with a driven moving part
CN112903477B (en) * 2021-01-25 2022-08-26 华东交通大学 Method for measuring and calculating shearing strength of particle material system

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3035127A1 (en) * 2014-12-18 2016-06-22 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Clock oscillator with tuning fork

Family Cites Families (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1539670A (en) * 1967-05-05 1968-09-20 Ct Tech De L Ind Horlogere Precision mechanical oscillator
CH1089267A4 (en) * 1967-08-02 1970-01-30
JPS4624311Y1 (en) * 1968-03-12 1971-08-21
CH698837B1 (en) * 2003-02-06 2009-11-13 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Flat hairspring for balance wheel/hairspring resonator, has strip formed of turns that are formed with single band from interior curve to exterior curve, where portion of exterior curve has section larger than section of strip
DE60331447D1 (en) * 2003-12-16 2010-04-08 Montres Breguet Sa Chronometer escapement for watches
JP4624311B2 (en) 2006-06-26 2011-02-02 花王株式会社 Toner for electrophotography
EP2141555B1 (en) 2008-07-04 2011-04-06 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Coupled resonators for timepiece
CH700747B1 (en) 2009-04-09 2014-07-31 Rudis Sylva S A mechanical oscillator for clock movement.
HK1146455A2 (en) 2010-03-12 2011-06-03 Microtechne Res & Dev Ct Ltd An oscillator system
EP2574994A1 (en) * 2011-09-29 2013-04-03 Asgalium Unitec SA Resonator with tuning fork for mechanical timepiece movement
US9075394B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2015-07-07 Nivarox-Far S.A. Flexible escapement mechanism with movable frame
EP2874023A1 (en) * 2013-11-13 2015-05-20 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Timepiece comprising a decoupling between the means for transmitting power and the counting means
EP2911012B1 (en) 2014-02-20 2020-07-22 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Timepiece oscillator
CH710115A2 (en) * 2014-09-09 2016-03-15 Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd Mobile module for synchronization of clock of the same frequency resonators.
EP3457221B1 (en) 2014-09-16 2022-08-10 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot
CH710188A2 (en) * 2014-09-26 2016-03-31 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Resonator paraxial and isochronous watchmaking.
EP3054357A1 (en) * 2015-02-03 2016-08-10 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Clock oscillator mechanism
EP3206091B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2019-01-23 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Isochronous clock resonator
US9983549B2 (en) 2015-02-03 2018-05-29 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Isochronous timepiece resonator
CH711402A2 (en) * 2015-08-04 2017-02-15 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Magnetically synchronized rotary arm clock regulator mechanism.

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3035127A1 (en) * 2014-12-18 2016-06-22 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Clock oscillator with tuning fork

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN110214294A (en) 2019-09-06
WO2018109583A1 (en) 2018-06-21
JP2020502547A (en) 2020-01-23
JP7053658B2 (en) 2022-04-12
US20200081401A1 (en) 2020-03-12
US11422506B2 (en) 2022-08-23
CN110214294B (en) 2020-10-30
EP3336613A1 (en) 2018-06-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3234699B1 (en) Timepiece resonator with crossed blades
EP3254158B1 (en) Isochronous clock resonator
EP3355130B1 (en) Timepiece resonator mechanism
EP3293584B1 (en) Clock oscillator mechanism
EP2911012B1 (en) Timepiece oscillator
EP3054356B1 (en) Isochronous clock resonator
EP2405313B1 (en) Spiral with immobile mass centre
EP3561607B1 (en) Collision protection of a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding
EP3382470B1 (en) Timepiece oscillator with a flexible pivot
EP3336613B1 (en) Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane
EP3457221A2 (en) Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot
EP3667432B1 (en) Timepiece resonator comprising at least one flexible guide
CH715526A2 (en) Shock protection of a resonator mechanism with flexible rotary guide.
WO2017068538A1 (en) Oscillator for a mechanical timepiece movement
CH712958A2 (en) Oscillating element and mechanical clock oscillator comprising such an oscillating element.
EP3792700B1 (en) Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot
EP3561606B1 (en) Shock protection of a leaf spring resonator with rcc pivot
EP3572885B1 (en) Timepiece mechanical oscillator that is isochronous in any position
EP3451073B1 (en) Timepiece oscillator having flexible guides with wide angular travel
CH713790B1 (en) Mechanism for a timepiece, timepiece movement and timepiece comprising such a mechanism.
CH715641B1 (en) Clockwork resonator comprising at least one flexible guide.
CH715024A2 (en) Mechanical clock oscillator.
CH713837B1 (en) Regulation device based on an isotropic harmonic oscillator for a timepiece.
EP3771947A1 (en) Device for guiding pivoting and clockpiece resonator mechanism for a pivoting mass
EP3707564A1 (en) Timepiece assembly comprising a timepiece component and a device for translationally guiding a movable element

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20181212

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

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

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20191125

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: PETREMAND, YVES

Inventor name: KJELBERG, IVAR

Inventor name: BAYAT, DARA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: MICHELI AND CIE SA, CH

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1243923

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016031423

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: RS

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: FI

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: NO

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

Effective date: 20200611

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200311

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

Ref country code: BG

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

Effective date: 20200611

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: LV

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: HR

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20200612

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

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

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20200311

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

Ref country code: IS

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

Effective date: 20200711

Ref country code: PT

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

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: SK

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: EE

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: LT

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: SM

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: RO

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: CZ

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

Effective date: 20200311

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1243923

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200311

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016031423

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

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

Ref country code: DK

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: IT

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

Effective date: 20200311

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20201214

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

Ref country code: SI

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: PL

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

Effective date: 20200311

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20200311

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20201231

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20201216

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

Ref country code: TR

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: MT

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: CY

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

Effective date: 20200311

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

Ref country code: MK

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

Effective date: 20200311

Ref country code: AL

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

Effective date: 20200311

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20201231

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231220

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231222

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231214

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20240102

Year of fee payment: 8