EP3379342B1 - Device comprising a quick-adjustment spring engaging with a mobile of a timepiece - Google Patents

Device comprising a quick-adjustment spring engaging with a mobile of a timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3379342B1
EP3379342B1 EP17162423.2A EP17162423A EP3379342B1 EP 3379342 B1 EP3379342 B1 EP 3379342B1 EP 17162423 A EP17162423 A EP 17162423A EP 3379342 B1 EP3379342 B1 EP 3379342B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spring
flexible portion
finger
wheel
assembly according
Prior art date
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EP17162423.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3379342A1 (en
Inventor
Frédéric Dreyer-Gonzales
Arnaud HOURIET
Frédéric Rondeau
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Officine Panerai AG
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Officine Panerai AG
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Priority to EP17162423.2A priority Critical patent/EP3379342B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G04B19/283—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel
    • 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
    • G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
    • G04B11/001—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in both directions, possibly with limitation on the transfer of power
    • G04B11/003—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in both directions, possibly with limitation on the transfer of power with friction member, e.g. with spring action
    • 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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/22—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces
    • G04B19/23—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces by means of additional hands or additional pairs of hands
    • G04B19/235—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces by means of additional hands or additional pairs of hands mechanisms for correcting the additional hand or hands

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device comprising a quick-setting spring cooperating with a moving part of a timepiece, in which the spring has a reduced risk of breakage and a longer service life than a conventional quick-setting spring.
  • the present invention relates in particular to a device in which the mobile comprises a rotating bezel.
  • GTT Greenwich Mean Time
  • a GMT watch typically comprises an elastic clutch device comprising a spindle spring.
  • the time zone spring allows the time to be set in the second time zone, by moving the second hour hand (or GMT hand) in successive jumps of a full hour.
  • the first hour hand, the minute hand and the second hand are not affected by this operation.
  • the figure 4 shows such a spindle spring 1 cooperating with a star wheel 4 with twelve teeth 41 kinematically connected to the GMT hand.
  • the spring 1 comprises two flexible arms 21 and two fingers 3 exerting a compressive force on the teeth 41 of the star 4. When the fingers 3 move between a hollow between two successive teeth 41 and the top of one of the teeth, the arms 21 are stressed in deformation.
  • spindle springs of this type are typically made of "maraging C300" or " Durnico® " or similar steel. These spindle springs have a limited lifespan, between 4 (element in Durnico) and 20 years (element in Nivaflex). The service life has a random character, due in particular to the considerable length of the arms 21 and their small sections. However, it is difficult to produce such a spring with larger arm sections without losing the elastic properties of the arms, necessary for the proper functioning of the spring. The manufacturing techniques available impose a ratio between the thickness and the width of the arms at a ratio close to 1.
  • the document WO13102598 describes a spring for a watch mechanism, the spring comprising a body extending between a first end of the spring and a second end of the spring, the spring being intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends, the spring comprising, between the first and the second end, at least one member intended to act by contact on an element of the timepiece mechanism.
  • the document EP2905661 describes a rotating bezel device for a timepiece, the device comprising a first rotating ring, a second rotating ring and a first mechanical linking element making it possible to kinematically link the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring.
  • US2008056070 discloses a display for world time zones comprising a bezel which cooperates via hooks with a timepiece mobile.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a watch assembly comprising a rotating bezel and a device comprising a quick-adjustment spring free from the limitations of known devices, in particular in terms of freedom of design including its form factor, its thickness and/or or its width.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a watch assembly comprising a rotating bezel and a device comprising a quick-adjustment spring of compact geometry and which makes it possible to reduce the risk of breakage and the random nature of the break.
  • a watch assembly comprising a rotating bezel and a device comprising a rapid adjustment spring and a timepiece mobile, said spring cooperating with said mobile, the spring comprising a finger and a flexible part, the finger cooperating with the mobile so as to be movable with respect to the latter according to a maximum displacement by a relative movement between the mobile and the spring and to exert a force against the mobile thanks to the bending of the flexible part; at least the flexible part of the spring being made of an amorphous metal alloy, the device cooperating with a rotating bezel, and the amorphous metal alloy in which at least the flexible part of the spring is made has a ratio of the elastic limit to its modulus of Young which is at least 0.010.
  • the dimensioning of the flexible part limits the ratio of the maximum stress to the elastic limit to 0.70 at the maximum and preferably 0.64 at the maximum, during the maximum displacement of the finger.
  • the amorphous metal alloy in which at least the flexible part of the spring is made has a ratio of the elastic limit to its Young's modulus which is at least preferably 0.015, and still preferably at least 0.02.
  • a quick-adjust spring 1 is shown in figure 1 , according to one embodiment.
  • the spring 1 is intended to operate in an elastic clutch device of a secondary display indicating the time of the time zone (not represented), for example by moving a hand (also not represented) by successive jumps of a whole hour .
  • the spring 1 comprises a flexible part 2 comprising two flexible arms 21, each having an arc shape so that the two arms form a continuous geometry closed on itself.
  • Each of the arms 21 ends in a finger 3 arranged to cooperate with the teeth 41 of a star wheel 4 with twelve teeth 41.
  • a 6 hour wheel is also shown.
  • the hour wheel 6 is typically driven by a timer (not shown) and itself drives the star wheel 4 in rotation.
  • the finger 3 comprises a projection 31 which is housed in a hollow between two successive teeth 41 of the star with twelve teeth 41.
  • the arms 3 exert a compressive force on the teeth 41 of the star 4.
  • the projections 31 of the fingers 3 of the spring 1 deviate from their rest position in a hollow between two teeth 41 of the star 4 and fall into the immediately following hollow under the effect of their elasticity and the compressive force exerted by the flexible part 2.
  • the spring 1 therefore makes it possible to define twelve stable positions for the secondary hour hand.
  • the two arms 21 are substantially symmetrical so that the two fingers 3 are arranged diametrically opposite, each of the fingers 3 exerting a restoring force towards the axis 42 of pivoting of the star 4.
  • the configuration of the arms 21 allows each fingers 3 to exert a symmetrical force towards the pivot axis 42 of the star 4.
  • the maximum displacement of the finger 3 corresponds to the spacing of the finger 3 between a first position of the spring 1 where each of the fingers 3 are in a hollow between two teeth 41 and a second position of the spring 1 where the fingers 3 are each on the vertex of one of the teeth 41.
  • the maximum displacement of the finger 3 therefore generally corresponds to the height of the teeth 41.
  • the deformation of the finger and of the spring may be greater if there is pre-winding at rest in order to guarantee the shock resistance of the hand or the indicator associated with the star 4.
  • the figure 1 shows the spring in the first position.
  • the spring is shown in the second position.
  • Each of the fingers 3 can include a stud 8 which can slide in an oblong opening (not visible) made in another component (such as the hub of the hour wheel 6) and capable of receiving the stud 8.
  • the oblong openings make it possible to guide the fingers 3 and to impose a precise positioning on them.
  • the oblong openings can also be rectangular or any other suitable shape.
  • At least the flexible part 2 of the spring 1 is made of an amorphous metal alloy having a ratio of the yield stress ⁇ lim to its Young's modulus which is at least 0.010, preferably 0.015, and still preferably at least 0.02.
  • a ratio of the yield stress ⁇ lim to its Young's modulus which is at least 0.010, preferably 0.015, and still preferably at least 0.02.
  • the whole of the spring 1 is made from the solid amorphous metal alloy.
  • the amorphous metallic alloy is chosen from a group comprising a metallic glass.
  • Metallic glasses do not have a precise crystallographic structure and are in a state called vitreous. This gives them very special properties. From a mechanical point of view, the phenomena of deformation and rupture known in crystalline metals no longer exist. It has also been shown that the chemical stability of bulk amorphous alloys is superior to that of conventional alloys.
  • Metallic glasses have a relatively low Young's modulus.
  • Young's modulus of a metallic glass is about two times weaker than that of an alloy such as X2NiCoMo18-9-5 steel known under the name “maraging C300" or " Durnico® " while having a breaking strength substantially equivalent to that of Durnico.
  • Durnico is typically used in watchmaking for the manufacture of complicated parts with high spring properties and resistance to fatigue.
  • a metallic glass spring will have an elongation at break about twice as great as for the same Durnico spring. It is therefore possible to operate a metallic glass spring over a larger deformation range.
  • the picture 3 represents the spring 1 showing simulations of the displacements of the arms 21 and the fingers 3 of the spring 1, as well as the stresses undergone by the different parts of the spring 1.
  • the simulated displacements and stresses are shown for the spring 1 in the second position, that is to say when the fingers 3 are each at the top of one of the teeth 41.
  • the spring 1 is made of a metallic glass based on zirconia, Zr (Zr-BMG) characterized by a density of 6830 kg/m 3 , an elastic limit stress ⁇ lim of 1620 N/mm 2 and a Young's modulus of 81,000 N/mm 2 .
  • the Zr-BMG alloy can include copper, nickel and aluminum as well.
  • the maximum displacement of each of the arms 21, between the first position and the second position of the spring 1, is 0.26 mm (in the middle of the length of the arm 21).
  • the maximum displacement of each of the fingers 3, between the first position and the second position of the spring 1, is 0.19 mm.
  • the maximum stress ⁇ max calculated under these conditions is between 1028 N/mm 2 and 1032 N/mm 2 which results in a ⁇ max / ⁇ lim ratio of 0.64. No aging by fatigue was observed by the inventors after 10 7 cycles of maximum displacement of the fingers 3. The only rupture observed was attributed to wear phenomena caused by the friction between the spring 1 and the star 4.
  • the figure 4 shows a conventional spindle spring 1 made of the Durnico ® alloy, cooperating with a star wheel 4 with twelve teeth 41.
  • the spring 1 is shown (in black) in a position where each of the fingers 3 are in a hollow between two teeth 41 and is represented (in wireframe) in a position where each of the fingers 3 are on the top of one of the teeth 41.
  • the figure 5 represents the same type of simulations carried out for the spring of the picture 3 .
  • the Durnico ® alloy is characterized by a density of 8.1 g/cm 3 , an elastic limit stress ⁇ lim between 1800 N/mm 2 and 2200 N/mm 2 and a Young's modulus of 195000 N/mm 2 .
  • the yield stress ⁇ lim of Durnico is similar to that of Zr-BMG metallic glass but its Young's modulus is about twice as high.
  • the flexible arms 21 will have to be longer when the spring 1 is made from Durnico. Note the longer arms 21 in the geometry of the spring 1 of the figure 4 as well as the folding of the arms more marked.
  • the calculated maximum stress ⁇ max is between 1681 N/mm 2 and 1718 N/mm 2 , which results in a ⁇ max / ⁇ lim ratio of 0.95 for a module of Young of 1800 N/mm 2 and of 0.78 for a Young's modulus of 2200 N/mm 2 .
  • Such values for the ratio ⁇ max / ⁇ lim are high, making the spring sensitive to low cycle fatigue.
  • Metallic glasses having a smaller Young's modulus than for the alloys commonly used for watchmaking applications, but a limit to rupture similar to these alloys allows the exploitation of the metallic glass spring over a wider range of deformation (the elongation at break is about twice as high as for Durnico).
  • the properties of metallic glasses allow the adoption of a spring geometry which is more compact and which makes it possible to reduce stress concentrations.
  • the stresses are distributed in a more homogeneous way in the spring and the metallic glass works in a region farther from the elastic limit, thus reducing the risk of rupture and the random nature of the rupture.
  • the spring 1 made of metallic glass also has better resistance to fatigue, reduced susceptibility to corrosion, and a reduced coefficient of friction compared to a spring made from a conventional alloy.
  • the form factor allowed by the use of this material is also of primary interest.
  • time zone spring for an elastic clutch of a secondary display indicating the time of the time zone.
  • the invention is not limited to such a spring but also applies to any type of quick-adjustment spring and/or elastic element intended to operate in a watch movement.
  • the metal glass spring of the invention can be a rapid time adjustment spring, a rocker return spring, a pawl spring, a driving finger, or a jumper such as a pull tab jumper. or a calendar settings jumper.
  • the bulk amorphous metallic alloy can be shaped starting from a liquid alloy, thereby obtaining a metallic glass.
  • the solidification is then carried out with a very high cooling rate in order to avoid the crystallization of the material, but such a high rate strongly limits the maximum thickness that it is possible to reach.
  • Some bulk amorphous metal alloys can be cooled at significantly lower rates, while retaining an amorphous structure. These amorphous metal alloys allow the use of a much wider range of forming processes. For example, these alloys make it possible to manufacture solid metal glass parts by injection, thus making it possible to obtain more precise shape tolerances than by conventional stamping.
  • alloys also have a much more stable amorphous phase, which makes it possible to carry out various recovery operations on the parts, without the material recrystallizing.
  • finishes for example, polishing or satin-finishing
  • a laser engraving method has been developed to meet the needs of industrial applications.
  • the injection processes of metallic glasses require copper or silicon molds in order to guarantee efficient cooling.
  • the thicknesses of the manufactured parts are limited to a few millimeters in order to extract enough heat and allow sufficiently rapid cooling.
  • the quick-adjust spring 1 is used in combination with a rotating bezel 5 movable in rotation and indexable in rotation, for example with respect to a caseband component 7 of a timepiece.
  • An indexing wheel set (or toothed ring) 4 comprises internal toothing 41.
  • the indexing wheel set is intended to be placed fixed in the caseband component 7.
  • the quick-adjustment spring comprises a ratchet ring 50 comprising several elastic blades 2 each having one end fixed to the ring 50 and the other free end.
  • the indexing mobile 4 and the ring 50 are shown in isolation on the figure 7 .
  • each elastic lamella 2 extend in recesses 51 in the ring 50.
  • the free end of each elastic lamella 2 comprises a finger 3 whose shape is adapted to cooperate with the teeth of the toothing 41 of the indexing mobile 4
  • the ratchet ring 50 comprises three elastic strips 2.
  • the ratchet ring 50 is arranged to be assembled in a fixed manner with the bezel 5 and the indexing mobile 4 to be assembled fixed to the middle part component 7.
  • the finger 3 of the elastic strips 2 cooperates with the teeth of the toothing 41 of the indexing wheel set 4, thus making it possible to angularly index the rotating bezel 5 on the middle component 7.
  • the maximum displacement of the finger 3 is determined by the profile of toothing 41.
  • the configuration of the ratchet ring 50 comprising the elastic blades 2 described above is suitable for applications of angular indexing in a single direction of rotation (for example a bezel).
  • the elastic strips 2 can have a closed geometry.
  • the two ends of the elastic lamella can be fixed (united) to the ratchet ring 50 and the finger 3 arranged so that the elastic lamella 2 is on either side of the finger 3.
  • the finger 3 may correspond to the top of the elastic lamella 2 convex with respect to the internal diameter of the ratchet ring 50.
  • the ratchet ring 50 may comprise a substantially annular elastic blade on which is mounted one or more fingers 3 (which may take the form of a roller).
  • the indexing mobile 4 can then comprise a toothing 41 comprising a continuous profile (for example a profile of sinusoidal shape).
  • the arrangement of the elastic strip 2 and of the finger 3 with respect to the toothing 41 of the indexing mobile 4 can be such that the finger 3 exerts a pressure radially on the toothing 41, axially or partially radial and axial.
  • the figure 6 and 7 show an example where finger 3 exerts pressure radially on toothing 41.
  • An example of finger 3 exerting pressure axially on toothing 41 could correspond to a configuration where finger 3 (and elastic strip 2) exerts a pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bezel 5.
  • At least the elastic lamella 2 is made of an amorphous metal alloy, for example a metallic glass.
  • the elastic lamella 2 can be formed integral with the ratchet ring 50. Alternatively, the elastic lamella 2 can be separated from the ratchet ring 50 or hingedly mounted on the ratchet ring 50.
  • the amorphous metal alloy in which at least the elastic lamella 2 is made has a ratio of the elastic limit ( ⁇ lim ) to its Young's modulus of at least 0.010, preferably of at least 0.02 and even more preferably, of at least 0.015.
  • the dimensioning of the elastic lamella 2 limits the ratio of the maximum stress ⁇ max to the elastic limit ⁇ lim to 0.70 at the maximum, preferably 0.64 at the maximum, when the finger 3 moves on the indexing wheel set 4.
  • the amorphous metal alloy makes it possible to obtain favorable elastic properties and a limited size of the adjusting spring 1.
  • the amorphous metal alloy also makes it possible to obtain good tribological properties for at least the elastic strip 2 and to limit the wear, and therefore the resistance over time, of the assembly comprising the quick-adjustment spring 1 and the indexing mobile 4.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un dispositif comprenant un ressort de réglage rapide coopérant avec un mobile d'une pièce d'horlogerie, dans lequel le ressort a un risque de rupture réduit et une durée de vie plus longue qu'un ressort de réglage rapide conventionnel. La présente invention concerne en particulier un dispositif dans lequel le mobile comprend une lunette tournante.The present invention relates to a device comprising a quick-setting spring cooperating with a moving part of a timepiece, in which the spring has a reduced risk of breakage and a longer service life than a conventional quick-setting spring. The present invention relates in particular to a device in which the mobile comprises a rotating bezel.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Les montres dites "Greenwich Mean Time" (GMT) permettent l'affichage de l'heure d'un second fuseau horaire simultanément au premier. Dans la plupart des cas, cela est réalisé en positionnant une seconde aiguille des heures en dessous d'une première aiguille des heures. Une montre GMT comporte typiquement un dispositif d'embrayage élastique comprenant un ressort fuseau. Le ressort fuseau permet la mise à l'heure du second fuseau horaire, en déplaçant la seconde aiguille des heures (ou aiguille GMT) par sauts successifs d'une heure entière. La première aiguille des heures, celle des minutes et celle des secondes ne sont pas influencées par cette opération. La figure 4 montre un tel ressort fuseau 1 coopérant avec une étoile 4 à douze dents 41 reliée cinématiquement à l'aiguille GMT. Le ressort 1 comprend deux bras flexibles 21 et deux doigts 3 exerçant une force compressive sur les dents 41 de l'étoile 4. Lorsque les doigts 3 se déplacent entre un creux entre deux dents successives 41 et le sommet d'une des dents, les bras 21 sont sollicités en déformation.Watches called "Greenwich Mean Time" (GMT) display the time of a second time zone simultaneously with the first. In most cases, this is achieved by positioning a second hour hand below a first hour hand. A GMT watch typically comprises an elastic clutch device comprising a spindle spring. The time zone spring allows the time to be set in the second time zone, by moving the second hour hand (or GMT hand) in successive jumps of a full hour. The first hour hand, the minute hand and the second hand are not affected by this operation. The figure 4 shows such a spindle spring 1 cooperating with a star wheel 4 with twelve teeth 41 kinematically connected to the GMT hand. The spring 1 comprises two flexible arms 21 and two fingers 3 exerting a compressive force on the teeth 41 of the star 4. When the fingers 3 move between a hollow between two successive teeth 41 and the top of one of the teeth, the arms 21 are stressed in deformation.

Les ressorts fuseaux connus de ce type sont typiquement fabriqués dans un acier "maraging C300" ou "Durnico®" ou similaire. Ces ressorts fuseaux ont une durée de vie limitée, comprise entre 4 (élément en Durnico) et 20 ans (élément en Nivaflex). La durée de vie a un caractère aléatoire, dû notamment à la longueur importante des bras 21 et à leurs petites sections. Il est cependant difficile de réaliser un tel ressort avec des sections de bras plus grandes sans perdre les propriétés élastiques des bras, nécessaires au bon fonctionnement du ressort. Les techniques de fabrication à disposition imposent un rapport entre l'épaisseur et la largeur des bras à un rapport proche de 1.Known spindle springs of this type are typically made of "maraging C300" or " Durnico® " or similar steel. These spindle springs have a limited lifespan, between 4 (element in Durnico) and 20 years (element in Nivaflex). The service life has a random character, due in particular to the considerable length of the arms 21 and their small sections. However, it is difficult to produce such a spring with larger arm sections without losing the elastic properties of the arms, necessary for the proper functioning of the spring. The manufacturing techniques available impose a ratio between the thickness and the width of the arms at a ratio close to 1.

La problématique décrite ci-dessus s'applique également à d'autres ressorts de réglage rapide utilisés dans un mouvement horloger, tel qu'un ressort de rappel de bascule, un ressort-cliquet, un doigt entraineur, ou un sautoir.The problem described above also applies to other quick-adjustment springs used in a watch movement, such as a rocker return spring, a pawl spring, a driving finger, or a jumper.

Le document WO13102598 décrit un ressort pour mécanisme horloger, le ressort comprenant un corps s'étendant entre une première extrémité du ressort et une deuxième extrémité du ressort, le ressort étant destiné à être lié mécaniquement à un bâti au niveau de chacune des première et deuxième extrémités, le ressort comprenant, entre la première et la deuxième extrémité, au moins un organe destiné à agir par contact sur un élément du mécanisme horloger.The document WO13102598 describes a spring for a watch mechanism, the spring comprising a body extending between a first end of the spring and a second end of the spring, the spring being intended to be mechanically linked to a frame at each of the first and second ends, the spring comprising, between the first and the second end, at least one member intended to act by contact on an element of the timepiece mechanism.

Le document EP2905661 décrit un dispositif de lunette rotative pour pièce d'horlogerie, le dispositif comprenant une première bague rotative, une deuxième bague rotative et un premier élément de liaison mécanique permettant de lier cinématiquement la première bague rotative et la deuxième bague rotative.The document EP2905661 describes a rotating bezel device for a timepiece, the device comprising a first rotating ring, a second rotating ring and a first mechanical linking element making it possible to kinematically link the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring.

Le document US2008056070 divulgue un affichage pour les fuseaux horaires mondiaux comprenant une lunette qui coopère par l'intermédiaire de crochets avec un mobile de pièce d'horlogerie.The document US2008056070 discloses a display for world time zones comprising a bezel which cooperates via hooks with a timepiece mobile.

Bref résumé de l'inventionBrief summary of the invention

Un but de la présente invention est de proposer un ensemble horloger comprenant une lunette tournante et un dispositif comportant un ressort de réglage rapide exempt des limitations des dispositif connus, notamment en termes de la liberté de design incluant son facteur de forme, son épaisseur et/ou sa largeur.An object of the present invention is to provide a watch assembly comprising a rotating bezel and a device comprising a quick-adjustment spring free from the limitations of known devices, in particular in terms of freedom of design including its form factor, its thickness and/or or its width.

Un autre but de l'invention est de fournir un ensemble horloger comprenant une lunette tournante et un dispositif comportant un ressort de réglage rapide de géométrie compacte et qui permet de réduire le risque de rupture et le caractère aléatoire de la rupture.Another object of the invention is to provide a watch assembly comprising a rotating bezel and a device comprising a quick-adjustment spring of compact geometry and which makes it possible to reduce the risk of breakage and the random nature of the break.

Selon l'invention, ces buts sont atteints notamment au moyen d'un ensemble horloger comprenant une lunette tournante et un dispositif comportant un ressort de réglage rapide et un mobile de pièce d'horlogerie, ledit ressort coopérant avec ledit mobile, le ressort comprenant un doigt et une partie flexible, le doigt coopérant avec le mobile de sorte à être déplaçable par rapport à celui-ci selon un déplacement maximal par un mouvement relatif entre le mobile et le ressort et à exercer une force contre le mobile grâce à la flexion de la partie flexible; au moins la partie flexible du ressort étant fabriquée dans un alliage métallique amorphe, le dispositif coopérant avec une lunette tournante, et l'alliage métallique amorphe dans lequel est réalisée au moins la partie flexible du ressort a un rapport de la limite élastique sur son module d'Young qui est au moins de 0.010. Le dimensionnement de la partie flexible limite le rapport de la contrainte maximale sur la limite élastique à 0.70 au maximum et de préférence 0.64 au maximum, lors du déplacement maximal du doigt.According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of a watch assembly comprising a rotating bezel and a device comprising a rapid adjustment spring and a timepiece mobile, said spring cooperating with said mobile, the spring comprising a finger and a flexible part, the finger cooperating with the mobile so as to be movable with respect to the latter according to a maximum displacement by a relative movement between the mobile and the spring and to exert a force against the mobile thanks to the bending of the flexible part; at least the flexible part of the spring being made of an amorphous metal alloy, the device cooperating with a rotating bezel, and the amorphous metal alloy in which at least the flexible part of the spring is made has a ratio of the elastic limit to its modulus of Young which is at least 0.010. The dimensioning of the flexible part limits the ratio of the maximum stress to the elastic limit to 0.70 at the maximum and preferably 0.64 at the maximum, during the maximum displacement of the finger.

Selon une forme d'exécution, l'alliage métallique amorphe dans lequel est réalisée au moins la partie flexible du ressort a un rapport de la limite élastique sur son module d'Young qui est au moins de préférence 0.015, et encore de préférence au moins 0.02.According to one embodiment, the amorphous metal alloy in which at least the flexible part of the spring is made has a ratio of the elastic limit to its Young's modulus which is at least preferably 0.015, and still preferably at least 0.02.

Par conséquent, les contraintes sur les facteurs de forme sont nettement moins sévères par rapport aux matériaux conventionnels.Therefore, the constraints on the form factors are significantly less severe compared to conventional materials.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of figures

Des exemples de mise en oeuvre de l'invention sont indiqués dans la description illustrée par les figures annexées dans lesquelles:

  • la figure 1 illustre un ressort de réglage rapide dans une première position, selon un mode de réalisation;
  • la figure 2 illustre le ressort de réglage rapide de la figure 1, dans une seconde position;
  • la figure 3 montre les déplacements et les contraintes dans le ressort de la figure 1, en position de repos et dans une position déformée;
  • la figure 4 représente un ressort de réglage rapide conventionnel;
  • la figure 5 montre les déplacements et les contraintes dans le ressort de la figure 4, en position de repos et dans une position déformée; et
  • la figure 6 illustre un dispositif dans lequel le ressort de réglage rapide utilisé en combinaison avec une lunette tournante, selon un mode de réalisation; et
  • la figure 7 illustre un mobile d'indexage et une bague à cliquet du dispositif de la figure 6.
Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:
  • the figure 1 illustrates a quick-set spring in a first position, according to one embodiment;
  • the picture 2 illustrates the quick-adjust spring of the figure 1 , in a second position;
  • the picture 3 shows the displacements and stresses in the spring of the figure 1 , in the rest position and in a deformed position;
  • the figure 4 represents a conventional quick-adjust spring;
  • the figure 5 shows the displacements and stresses in the spring of the figure 4 , in the rest position and in a deformed position; and
  • the figure 6 illustrates a device in which the quick-adjust spring used in combination with a rotating bezel, according to one embodiment; and
  • the figure 7 illustrates an indexing mobile and a ratchet ring of the device of the figure 6 .

Exemple(s) de mode de réalisation de l'inventionExample(s) of embodiment of the invention

Un ressort de réglage rapide 1 est illustré à la figure 1, selon un mode de réalisation. Le ressort 1 est destiné à fonctionner dans un dispositif d'embrayage élastique d'un affichage secondaire indiquant l'heure du fuseau horaire (non représenté), par exemple en déplaçant une aiguille (également non représentée) par sauts successifs d'une heure entière.A quick-adjust spring 1 is shown in figure 1 , according to one embodiment. The spring 1 is intended to operate in an elastic clutch device of a secondary display indicating the time of the time zone (not represented), for example by moving a hand (also not represented) by successive jumps of a whole hour .

Le ressort 1 comprend une partie flexible 2 comportant deux bras flexibles 21, chacun ayant une forme d'arc de sorte que les deux bras forment une géométrie continue et fermée sur elle-même. Chacun des bras 21 se termine par un doigt 3 arrangé pour coopérer avec les dents 41 d'une étoile 4 à douze dents 41. Dans la figure 1, une roue des heures 6 est également représentée. Dans cette configuration, la roue des heures 6 est typiquement entraînée par une minuterie (non représentée) et entraîne elle-même l'étoile 4 en rotation. En particulier, le doigt 3 comprend une saillie 31 qui vient se loger dans un creux entre deux dents successives 41 de l'étoile à douze dents 41. Les bras 3 exercent une force compressive sur les dents 41 de l'étoile 4. Lorsque l'étoile 4 tourne, les saillies 31 des doigts 3 du ressort 1 s'écartent de leur position de repos dans un creux entre deux dents 41 de l'étoile 4 et tombent dans le creux immédiatement suivant sous l'effet de leur élasticité et de la force compressive exercée par la partie flexible 2. Le ressort 1 permet donc de définir douze positions stables pour l'aiguille des heures secondaire.The spring 1 comprises a flexible part 2 comprising two flexible arms 21, each having an arc shape so that the two arms form a continuous geometry closed on itself. Each of the arms 21 ends in a finger 3 arranged to cooperate with the teeth 41 of a star wheel 4 with twelve teeth 41. In the figure 1 , a 6 hour wheel is also shown. In this configuration, the hour wheel 6 is typically driven by a timer (not shown) and itself drives the star wheel 4 in rotation. In particular, the finger 3 comprises a projection 31 which is housed in a hollow between two successive teeth 41 of the star with twelve teeth 41. The arms 3 exert a compressive force on the teeth 41 of the star 4. When the star 4 rotates, the projections 31 of the fingers 3 of the spring 1 deviate from their rest position in a hollow between two teeth 41 of the star 4 and fall into the immediately following hollow under the effect of their elasticity and the compressive force exerted by the flexible part 2. The spring 1 therefore makes it possible to define twelve stable positions for the secondary hour hand.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, les deux bras 21 sont sensiblement symétriques de sorte que les deux doigts 3 sont arrangés diamétralement opposés, chacune des doigts 3 exerçant une force de rappel vers l'axe 42 de pivotement de l'étoile 4. La configuration des bras 21 permet à chacune des doigts 3 d'exercer une force symétrique vers l'axe de pivotement 42 de l'étoile 4.In the example of the figure 1 , the two arms 21 are substantially symmetrical so that the two fingers 3 are arranged diametrically opposite, each of the fingers 3 exerting a restoring force towards the axis 42 of pivoting of the star 4. The configuration of the arms 21 allows each fingers 3 to exert a symmetrical force towards the pivot axis 42 of the star 4.

Le déplacement maximal du doigt 3 correspond à l'écartement du doigt 3 entre une première position du ressort 1 où chacun des doigts 3 sont dans un creux entre deux dents 41 et une seconde position du ressort 1 où les doigts 3 sont chacun sur le sommet d'une des dents 41. Le déplacement maximal du doigt 3 correspond donc généralement à la hauteur des dents 41. La déformation du doigt et du ressort peut être plus grand s'il y a un préarmage au repos afin de garantir la tenue aux chocs de l'aiguille ou l'indicateur associé à l'étoile 4.The maximum displacement of the finger 3 corresponds to the spacing of the finger 3 between a first position of the spring 1 where each of the fingers 3 are in a hollow between two teeth 41 and a second position of the spring 1 where the fingers 3 are each on the vertex of one of the teeth 41. The maximum displacement of the finger 3 therefore generally corresponds to the height of the teeth 41. The deformation of the finger and of the spring may be greater if there is pre-winding at rest in order to guarantee the shock resistance of the hand or the indicator associated with the star 4.

La figure 1 montre le ressort dans la première position. Dans la figure 2, le ressort est représenté dans la seconde position.The figure 1 shows the spring in the first position. In the picture 2 , the spring is shown in the second position.

Chacun des doigts 3 peut comporter un téton 8 pouvant coulisser dans une ouverture oblongue (pas visible) pratiqué dans un autre composant (comme le moyeu de la roue des heures 6) et apte à recevoir le téton 8. Les ouvertures oblongues permettent de guider les doigts 3 et de leur imposer un positionnement précis. Les ouvertures oblongues peuvent également être de forme rectangulaire ou toute autre forme appropriée.Each of the fingers 3 can include a stud 8 which can slide in an oblong opening (not visible) made in another component (such as the hub of the hour wheel 6) and capable of receiving the stud 8. The oblong openings make it possible to guide the fingers 3 and to impose a precise positioning on them. The oblong openings can also be rectangular or any other suitable shape.

Dans un mode de réalisation, au moins la partie flexible 2 du ressort 1 est fabriquée dans un alliage métallique amorphe ayant un rapport de la contrainte de limite élastique σlim sur son module d'Young qui est au moins 0.010, de préférence 0.015, et encore préférence au moins 0.02. Un tel rapport permet d'optimiser la géométrie de la partie flexible 2 de manière à ce que le rapport σmax/σlim de la contrainte maximale σmax lors d'un déplacement maximal du doigt 3 sur la contrainte de limite élastique σlim, correspondant à la limite d'élasticité soit 0.70 au maximum et de préférence 0.64 au maximum.In one embodiment, at least the flexible part 2 of the spring 1 is made of an amorphous metal alloy having a ratio of the yield stress σ lim to its Young's modulus which is at least 0.010, preferably 0.015, and still preferably at least 0.02. Such a ratio makes it possible to optimize the geometry of the flexible part 2 so that the ratio σ max /σ lim of the maximum stress σ max during a maximum displacement of the finger 3 on the elastic limit stress σ lim , corresponding to the elastic limit, ie 0.70 at most and preferably 0.64 at most.

Selon une forme d'exécution, l'ensemble du ressort 1 est fabriqué dans l'alliage métallique amorphe massif. De manière préférée, l'alliage métallique amorphe est choisi parmi un groupe comprenant un verre métallique.According to one embodiment, the whole of the spring 1 is made from the solid amorphous metal alloy. Preferably, the amorphous metallic alloy is chosen from a group comprising a metallic glass.

Les verres métalliques n'ont pas une structure cristallographique précise et sont dans un état appelé vitreux. Ceci leur procure des propriétés tout à fait particulières. D'un point de vue mécanique, les phénomènes de déformation et rupture connus dans les métaux cristallins n'ont plus lieu d'être. Il a également été montré que la stabilité chimique des alliages amorphes massifs est supérieure à celle des alliages conventionnels.Metallic glasses do not have a precise crystallographic structure and are in a state called vitreous. This gives them very special properties. From a mechanical point of view, the phenomena of deformation and rupture known in crystalline metals no longer exist. It has also been shown that the chemical stability of bulk amorphous alloys is superior to that of conventional alloys.

Les verres métalliques présentent un module de Young relativement bas. Par exemple le module de Young d'un verre métallique est environ deux plus faible que celui d'un alliage tel que l'acier X2NiCoMo18-9-5 connu sous la dénomination "maraging C300" ou "Durnico®" tout en ayant une limite à la rupture substantiellement équivalent à celle du Durnico. Le Durnico est typiquement utilisé en horlogerie pour la fabrication de pièces compliquées présentant des propriétés ressorts et une résistance à la fatigue élevées.Metallic glasses have a relatively low Young's modulus. For example the Young's modulus of a metallic glass is about two times weaker than that of an alloy such as X2NiCoMo18-9-5 steel known under the name "maraging C300" or " Durnico® " while having a breaking strength substantially equivalent to that of Durnico. Durnico is typically used in watchmaking for the manufacture of complicated parts with high spring properties and resistance to fatigue.

Un ressort en verre métallique aura une élongation à la rupture environ deux fois plus importante que pour un même ressort en Durnico. Il est donc possible d'exploiter un ressort en verre métallique sur une plage de déformation plus importante.A metallic glass spring will have an elongation at break about twice as great as for the same Durnico spring. It is therefore possible to operate a metallic glass spring over a larger deformation range.

La figure 3 représente le ressort 1 montrant des simulations des déplacements des bras 21 et des doigts 3 du ressort 1, ainsi que des contraintes subies par les différentes parties du ressort 1. Les déplacements et les contraintes simulés sont montrés pour le ressort 1 dans la seconde position, c'est-à-dire lorsque les doigts 3 sont chacun au sommet d'une des dents 41. Dans l'exemple de la figure 3, le ressort 1 est fabriqué dans un verre métallique à base de zircone, Zr (Zr-BMG) caractérisé par une densité de 6830 kg/m3, une contrainte de limite élastique σlim de 1620 N/mm2 et un module de Young de 81000 N/mm2. L'alliage Zr-BMG peut comprendre le cuivre, le nickel et l'aluminium également.The picture 3 represents the spring 1 showing simulations of the displacements of the arms 21 and the fingers 3 of the spring 1, as well as the stresses undergone by the different parts of the spring 1. The simulated displacements and stresses are shown for the spring 1 in the second position, that is to say when the fingers 3 are each at the top of one of the teeth 41. In the example of the picture 3 , the spring 1 is made of a metallic glass based on zirconia, Zr (Zr-BMG) characterized by a density of 6830 kg/m 3 , an elastic limit stress σ lim of 1620 N/mm 2 and a Young's modulus of 81,000 N/mm 2 . The Zr-BMG alloy can include copper, nickel and aluminum as well.

Le déplacement maximal de chacun des bras 21, entre la première position et la seconde position du ressort 1, est de 0.26 mm (au milieu de la longueur du bras 21). Le déplacement maximal de chacun des doigts 3, entre la première position et la seconde position du ressort 1, est de 0.19 mm. La contrainte maximale σmax calculée dans ces conditions est comprise entre 1028 N/mm2 et 1032 N/mm2 ce qui résulte dans un rapport σmax/σlim de 0.64. Aucun vieillissement par fatigue n'a été constaté par les inventeurs après 107 cycles de déplacement maximal des doigts 3. La seule rupture observée a été attribuée à des phénomènes d'usure causés par le frottement entre le ressort 1 et l'étoile 4.The maximum displacement of each of the arms 21, between the first position and the second position of the spring 1, is 0.26 mm (in the middle of the length of the arm 21). The maximum displacement of each of the fingers 3, between the first position and the second position of the spring 1, is 0.19 mm. The maximum stress σ max calculated under these conditions is between 1028 N/mm 2 and 1032 N/mm 2 which results in a σ max /σ lim ratio of 0.64. No aging by fatigue was observed by the inventors after 10 7 cycles of maximum displacement of the fingers 3. The only rupture observed was attributed to wear phenomena caused by the friction between the spring 1 and the star 4.

La figure 4 montre un ressort fuseau 1 conventionnel réalisé dans l'alliage Durnico®, coopérant avec une étoile 4 à douze dents 41. Le ressort 1 est représenté (en noir) dans une position où chacun des doigts 3 sont dans un creux entre deux dents 41 et est représenté (en filaire) dans une position où chacun des doigts 3 sont sur le sommet d'une des dents 41. La figure 5 représente le même type de simulations réalisées pour le ressort de la figure 3. L'alliage Durnico® est caractérisé par une densité de 8.1 g/cm3, une contrainte de limite élastique σlim entre 1800 N/mm2 et 2200 N/mm2 et un module de Young de 195000 N/mm2.The figure 4 shows a conventional spindle spring 1 made of the Durnico ® alloy, cooperating with a star wheel 4 with twelve teeth 41. The spring 1 is shown (in black) in a position where each of the fingers 3 are in a hollow between two teeth 41 and is represented (in wireframe) in a position where each of the fingers 3 are on the top of one of the teeth 41. The figure 5 represents the same type of simulations carried out for the spring of the picture 3 . The Durnico ® alloy is characterized by a density of 8.1 g/cm 3 , an elastic limit stress σ lim between 1800 N/mm 2 and 2200 N/mm 2 and a Young's modulus of 195000 N/mm 2 .

On remarque que la contrainte de limite élastique σlim du Durnico est similaire à celle du verre métallique Zr-BMG mais son module de Young est environ deux fois plus élevé. Afin d'accommoder les mêmes déformations que le ressort 1 en verre métallique tout en restant dans le domaine élastique, par exemple un déplacement maximal de chacun des doigts de l'ordre de 0.19 mm, les bras flexibles 21 devront être plus longs lorsque le ressort 1 est fabriqué en Durnico. On remarque les bras 21 plus long dans la géométrie du ressort 1 de la figure 4 ainsi que le repliement des bras plus marqué.It is noted that the yield stress σ lim of Durnico is similar to that of Zr-BMG metallic glass but its Young's modulus is about twice as high. In order to accommodate the same deformations as the metallic glass spring 1 while remaining in the elastic range, for example a maximum displacement of each of the fingers of the order of 0.19 mm, the flexible arms 21 will have to be longer when the spring 1 is made from Durnico. Note the longer arms 21 in the geometry of the spring 1 of the figure 4 as well as the folding of the arms more marked.

Dans le cas du ressort 1 de la figure 4 et pour un déplacement maximal du doigt 3 de 0.19 mm, la contrainte maximale σmax calculée est comprise entre 1681 N/mm2 et 1718 N/mm2, ce qui résulte dans un rapport σmax/σlim de 0.95 pour un module de Young de 1800 N/mm2 et de 0.78 pour un module de Young de 2200 N/mm2. De telles valeurs pour le rapport σmax/σlim sont élevées, rendant le ressort sensible à la fatigue oligocyclique.In the case of spring 1 of the figure 4 and for a maximum displacement of finger 3 of 0.19 mm, the calculated maximum stress σ max is between 1681 N/mm 2 and 1718 N/mm 2 , which results in a σ max /σ lim ratio of 0.95 for a module of Young of 1800 N/mm 2 and of 0.78 for a Young's modulus of 2200 N/mm 2 . Such values for the ratio σ max /σ lim are high, making the spring sensitive to low cycle fatigue.

On comprend de la comparaison des géométries de ressort des figures 3 et 4 ainsi que des rapports σmax/σlim que l'utilisation d'un verre métallique pour la fabrication du ressort 1 permet une géométrie du ressort 1 plus compacte (par exemple des bras 21 plus courts) tout en réduisant les concentrations de contraintes, autrement dit en ayant un rapport σmax/σlim plus faible que dans le cas d'alliages conventionnels. Par rapport à un ressort dans un alliage conventionnel, le ressort 1 en verre métallique permet de réduire l'encombrement et est plus sécuritaire, c'est-à-dire que les valeurs de contrainte maximale σmax sont plus éloignées que la valeur de la contrainte de limite élastique σlim (rapport σmax/σlim plus faible).We understand from the comparison of the spring geometries of the figures 3 and 4 as well as ratios σ max /σ lim that the use of a metallic glass for the manufacture of the spring 1 allows a more compact geometry of the spring 1 (for example shorter arms 21) while reducing the stress concentrations, otherwise said by having a lower σ max /σ lim ratio than in the case of conventional alloys. Compared to a spring in a conventional alloy, the glass spring 1 metallic makes it possible to reduce the size and is safer, that is to say that the maximum stress values σ max are further apart than the value of the elastic limit stress σ lim (ratio σ max /σ lim lower ).

Les verres métalliques ayant un module de Young plus petit que pour les alliages couramment utilisés pour les applications horlogères, mais une limite à la rupture semblable à ces alliages permet d'exploiter le ressort en verre métallique sur une plus large plage de déformation (l'élongation à la rupture est d'environ deux fois plus importante que pour le Durnico).Metallic glasses having a smaller Young's modulus than for the alloys commonly used for watchmaking applications, but a limit to rupture similar to these alloys allows the exploitation of the metallic glass spring over a wider range of deformation (the elongation at break is about twice as high as for Durnico).

Les propriétés des verres métalliques autorisent l'adoption d'une géométrie du ressort qui est plus compacte et qui permet de réduire les concentrations de contraintes. Les contraintes sont réparties d'une manière plus homogène dans le ressort et le verre métallique travaille dans un domaine plus éloigné de la limite élastique, diminuant ainsi le risque de rupture et le caractère aléatoire de la rupture.The properties of metallic glasses allow the adoption of a spring geometry which is more compact and which makes it possible to reduce stress concentrations. The stresses are distributed in a more homogeneous way in the spring and the metallic glass works in a region farther from the elastic limit, thus reducing the risk of rupture and the random nature of the rupture.

Le ressort 1 en verre métallique a également une meilleure résistance à la fatigue, une sensibilité réduite à la corrosion, et un coefficient de friction réduit par rapport à un ressort fabriqué dans un alliage conventionnel. Le facteur de forme autorisé par l'utilisation de ce matériau est également de premier intérêt.The spring 1 made of metallic glass also has better resistance to fatigue, reduced susceptibility to corrosion, and a reduced coefficient of friction compared to a spring made from a conventional alloy. The form factor allowed by the use of this material is also of primary interest.

La description ci-dessus décrit un ressort fuseau pour un embrayage élastique d'un affichage secondaire indiquant l'heure du fuseau horaire. Cependant, l'invention n'est pas limitée à un tel ressort mais s'applique également à tout type de ressort de réglage rapide et/ou élément élastique destiné à fonctionner dans un mouvement horloger.The above description describes a time zone spring for an elastic clutch of a secondary display indicating the time of the time zone. However, the invention is not limited to such a spring but also applies to any type of quick-adjustment spring and/or elastic element intended to operate in a watch movement.

Par exemple, le ressort en verre métallique de l'invention peut être un ressort de réglage rapide de l'heure, un ressort de rappel de bascule, un ressort-cliquet, un doigt entraineur, ou un sautoir tel qu'un sautoir de tirette ou un sautoir de réglages de calendrier.For example, the metal glass spring of the invention can be a rapid time adjustment spring, a rocker return spring, a pawl spring, a driving finger, or a jumper such as a pull tab jumper. or a calendar settings jumper.

L'alliage métallique amorphe massif peut être mis en forme en partant d'un alliage liquide, en obtenant ainsi un verre métallique. Pour certains alliages, la solidification est alors effectuée avec une vitesse de refroidissement très importante afin d'éviter la cristallisation de la matière, mais une telle vitesse importante limite fortement l'épaisseur maximale qu'il est possible d'atteindre.The bulk amorphous metallic alloy can be shaped starting from a liquid alloy, thereby obtaining a metallic glass. For some alloys, the solidification is then carried out with a very high cooling rate in order to avoid the crystallization of the material, but such a high rate strongly limits the maximum thickness that it is possible to reach.

Certains alliages métalliques amorphes massifs peuvent être refroidis à des vitesses nettement plus faibles, tout en conservant une structure amorphe. Ces alliages métalliques amorphes permettent l'utilisation d'une gamme beaucoup plus large de procédés de mise en forme. Par exemple, ces alliages permettent de fabriquer des pièces en verre métallique massif par injection, permettant ainsi d'obtenir des tolérances de forme plus précises que par un étampage classique.Some bulk amorphous metal alloys can be cooled at significantly lower rates, while retaining an amorphous structure. These amorphous metal alloys allow the use of a much wider range of forming processes. For example, these alloys make it possible to manufacture solid metal glass parts by injection, thus making it possible to obtain more precise shape tolerances than by conventional stamping.

Ces alliages possèdent également une phase amorphe nettement plus stable, ce qui permet d'effectuer diverses opérations de reprise sur les pièces, sans que la matière ne se recristallise. Ainsi, tous types de finitions (par exemple, le polissage ou le satinage) peuvent être appliqués. Il est ainsi possible de rectifier des trous, des faces ainsi que de tarauder des trous. A titre d'exemple, une méthode de gravure laser a été développée afin de répondre aux besoins des applications industrielles.These alloys also have a much more stable amorphous phase, which makes it possible to carry out various recovery operations on the parts, without the material recrystallizing. Thus, all types of finishes (for example, polishing or satin-finishing) can be applied. It is thus possible to grind holes, faces as well as to tap holes. For example, a laser engraving method has been developed to meet the needs of industrial applications.

Les procédés d'injection des verres métalliques requièrent des moules en de cuivre ou silicium afin de garantir un refroidissement efficace. Les épaisseurs des pièces fabriquées sont limitées à quelques millimètres afin d'extraire suffisamment de chaleur et permettre un refroidissement suffisamment rapide.The injection processes of metallic glasses require copper or silicon molds in order to guarantee efficient cooling. The thicknesses of the manufactured parts are limited to a few millimeters in order to extract enough heat and allow sufficiently rapid cooling.

Encore selon un autre mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 6, le ressort de réglage rapide 1 est utilisé en combinaison avec une lunette tournante 5 mobile en rotation et indexable en rotation, par exemple par rapport à un composant de carrure 7 d'une pièce d'horlogerie.Yet according to another embodiment illustrated in figure 6 , the quick-adjust spring 1 is used in combination with a rotating bezel 5 movable in rotation and indexable in rotation, for example with respect to a caseband component 7 of a timepiece.

Un mobile d'indexage (ou bague dentée) 4 comporte une denture intérieure 41. Le mobile d'indexage est destiné à être placé fixe dans le composant de carrure 7. Le ressort de réglage rapide comprend une bague à cliquet 50 comportant plusieurs lamelles élastiques 2 ayant chacune une extrémité solidaire de la bague 50 et l'autre extrémité libre. Le mobile d'indexage 4 et la bague 50 sont montrés de manière isolée à la figure 7.An indexing wheel set (or toothed ring) 4 comprises internal toothing 41. The indexing wheel set is intended to be placed fixed in the caseband component 7. The quick-adjustment spring comprises a ratchet ring 50 comprising several elastic blades 2 each having one end fixed to the ring 50 and the other free end. The indexing mobile 4 and the ring 50 are shown in isolation on the figure 7 .

Les lamelles élastiques 2 s'étendent dans des évidements 51 que comporte la bague 50. L'extrémité libre de chaque lamelle élastique 2 comporte un doigt 3 dont la forme est adaptée à coopérer avec les dents de la denture 41 du mobile d'indexage 4. Dans l'ensemble illustré, la bague à cliquet 50 comporte trois lamelles élastiques 2.The elastic lamellae 2 extend in recesses 51 in the ring 50. The free end of each elastic lamella 2 comprises a finger 3 whose shape is adapted to cooperate with the teeth of the toothing 41 of the indexing mobile 4 In the assembly illustrated, the ratchet ring 50 comprises three elastic strips 2.

La bague à cliquet 50 est arrangée pour venir s'assembler de manière fixe avec la lunette 5 et le mobile d'indexage 4 s'assembler fixe au composant de carrure 7. Lorsque bague à cliquet 50 et le mobile d'indexage 4 sont assemblés, le doigt 3 des lamelles élastiques 2 vient coopérer avec les dents de la denture 41 du mobile d'indexage 4, permettant ainsi d'indexer angulairement la lunette tournante 5 sur le composant de carrure 7. Le déplacement maximal du doigt 3 est déterminé par le profil de la denture 41.The ratchet ring 50 is arranged to be assembled in a fixed manner with the bezel 5 and the indexing mobile 4 to be assembled fixed to the middle part component 7. When the ratchet ring 50 and the indexing mobile 4 are assembled , the finger 3 of the elastic strips 2 cooperates with the teeth of the toothing 41 of the indexing wheel set 4, thus making it possible to angularly index the rotating bezel 5 on the middle component 7. The maximum displacement of the finger 3 is determined by the profile of toothing 41.

La configuration de la bague à cliquet 50 comportant les lamelles élastiques 2 décrite ci-dessus est adaptée pour des applications d'indexation angulaire dans une direction unique de rotation (par exemple une lunette). Dans le cas d'une application bidirectionnelle, par exemple pour une lunette GMT ou autre, les lamelles élastiques 2 peuvent avoir une géométrie fermée. Par exemple, les deux extrémités de la lamelle élastique peuvent être fixées (solidaire) de la bague à cliquet 50 et le doigt 3 arrangé de façon à ce que la lamelle élastique 2 est de part et d'autre du doigt 3. Le doigt 3 peut correspondre au sommet de la lamelle élastique 2 convexe par rapport au diamètre intérieur de la bague à cliquet 50.The configuration of the ratchet ring 50 comprising the elastic blades 2 described above is suitable for applications of angular indexing in a single direction of rotation (for example a bezel). In the case of a bidirectional application, for example for a GMT or other bezel, the elastic strips 2 can have a closed geometry. For example, the two ends of the elastic lamella can be fixed (united) to the ratchet ring 50 and the finger 3 arranged so that the elastic lamella 2 is on either side of the finger 3. The finger 3 may correspond to the top of the elastic lamella 2 convex with respect to the internal diameter of the ratchet ring 50.

Selon une autre forme d'exécution non illustrée, la bague à cliquet 50 peut comprendre une lame élastique sensiblement annulaire sur laquelle est monté un ou plusieurs doigts 3 (pouvant prendre la forme d'un galet). Le mobile d'indexage 4 peut alors comprendre une denture 41 comportant un profil continu (par exemple un profil de forme sinusoïdale).According to another embodiment not shown, the ratchet ring 50 may comprise a substantially annular elastic blade on which is mounted one or more fingers 3 (which may take the form of a roller). The indexing mobile 4 can then comprise a toothing 41 comprising a continuous profile (for example a profile of sinusoidal shape).

L'arrangement de la lamelle élastique 2 et du doigt 3 par rapport à la denture 41 du mobile d'indexage 4 peut être tel que le doigt 3 exerce une pression de manière radiale sur la denture 41, axiale ou en partie radiale et axiale. Les figures 6 et 7 montrent un exemple où le doigt 3 exerce une pression de manière radiale sur la denture 41. Un exemple du doigt 3 exerçant une pression de manière axiale sur la denture 41 pourrait correspondre à une configuration où le doigt 3 (et la lamelle élastique 2) exerce une pression dans une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation de la lunette 5.The arrangement of the elastic strip 2 and of the finger 3 with respect to the toothing 41 of the indexing mobile 4 can be such that the finger 3 exerts a pressure radially on the toothing 41, axially or partially radial and axial. The figure 6 and 7 show an example where finger 3 exerts pressure radially on toothing 41. An example of finger 3 exerting pressure axially on toothing 41 could correspond to a configuration where finger 3 (and elastic strip 2) exerts a pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bezel 5.

Au moins la lamelle élastique 2 est réalisée dans un alliage métallique amorphe, par exemple un verre métallique. La lamelle élastique 2 peut être formée intégrale avec la bague à cliquet 50. Alternativement, la lamelle élastique 2 peut être séparée de la bague à cliquet 50 ou montée de manière articulée sur la bague à cliquet 50.At least the elastic lamella 2 is made of an amorphous metal alloy, for example a metallic glass. The elastic lamella 2 can be formed integral with the ratchet ring 50. Alternatively, the elastic lamella 2 can be separated from the ratchet ring 50 or hingedly mounted on the ratchet ring 50.

L'alliage métallique amorphe dans lequel est réalisée au moins la lamelle élastique 2 a un rapport de la limite élastique (σlim) sur son module d'Young d'au moins 0.010, de préférence d'au moins 0.02 et encore de préférence, d'au moins 0.015.The amorphous metal alloy in which at least the elastic lamella 2 is made has a ratio of the elastic limit (σ lim ) to its Young's modulus of at least 0.010, preferably of at least 0.02 and even more preferably, of at least 0.015.

Le dimensionnement de la lamelle élastique 2 limite le rapport de la contrainte maximale σmax sur la limite élastique σlim à 0.70 au maximum, de préférence 0.64 au maximum, lors du déplacement du doigt 3 sur le mobile d'indexage 4.The dimensioning of the elastic lamella 2 limits the ratio of the maximum stress σ max to the elastic limit σ lim to 0.70 at the maximum, preferably 0.64 at the maximum, when the finger 3 moves on the indexing wheel set 4.

L'alliage métallique amorphe permet d'obtenir des propriétés élastiques favorables et un encombrement limité du ressort de réglage rapide 1. L'alliage métallique amorphe permet également d'obtenir de bonnes propriétés tribologiques pour au moins la lamelle élastique 2 et de limiter l'usure, et donc la résistance dans le temps, de l'ensemble comportant le ressort de réglage rapide 1 et le mobile d'indexage 4.The amorphous metal alloy makes it possible to obtain favorable elastic properties and a limited size of the adjusting spring 1. The amorphous metal alloy also makes it possible to obtain good tribological properties for at least the elastic strip 2 and to limit the wear, and therefore the resistance over time, of the assembly comprising the quick-adjustment spring 1 and the indexing mobile 4.

Numéros de référence employés sur les figuresReference numbers used in the figures

11
ressort de réglage rapidequick adjust spring
22
partie flexible, lamelles élastiquesflexible part, elastic slats
2121
brasarms
33
doigtfinger
3131
saillieprotrusion
44
étoile, mobile d'indexagestar, indexing spindle
4141
dent, denturetooth, toothing
4242
axeaxis
55
lunetteglasses
5050
bague à cliquetratchet ring
5151
évidementrecess
66
roue des heureshour wheel
77
composant de carrurecase middle component
88
tétonnipple
σlimσlim
contrainte de limite élastiqueyield stress
σmaxσmax
contrainte maximalemaximum stress

Claims (10)

  1. Timepiece assembly comprising a rotating bezel (5) and a device comprising a rapid adjustment spring (1) and a timepiece wheel (4), said spring (1) cooperating with said wheel (4), the spring (1) comprising a flexible portion (2) comprising a finger (3) and the finger (3) cooperating with the wheel (4) in such a way as to be displaced relative to the latter through a maximum displacement by a relative movement between the wheel (4) and the spring (1), and to exert a force against the wheel (4) owing to bending of the flexible portion (2);
    at least the flexible portion (2) of the spring is made of an amorphous metallic alloy;
    the device cooperates with the rotating bezel (5); characterized in that the amorphous metallic alloy constituting at least the flexible portion (2) of the spring (1) has a ratio of elastic limit (σlim) to Young's modulus of at least 0.010; and
    in that the dimensions of the flexible portion (2) limit the ratio of maximum stress (σmax) to elastic limit (σlim) to at most 0.70, preferably at most 0.64, when the finger (3) is displaced on the wheel (4).
  2. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the amorphous metallic alloy constituting at least the flexible portion (2) of the spring (1) has a ratio of elastic limit (σlim) to Young's modulus of at least 0.015 and more preferably of at least 0.020.
  3. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the amorphous metallic alloy is a metallic glass.
  4. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel comprises an indexing wheel (4) comprising a toothing (41); the maximum displacement of the finger (3) being determined by the profile of the toothing (41).
  5. Assembly according to Claim 4, wherein the spring (1) comprises a pawl ring (50) comprising at least one flexible portion (2) having an end secured to the ring (50); the pawl ring (50) being secured to the bezel (5) and the indexing wheel (4) being intended to be secured to a middle component (7) of the timepiece.
  6. Assembly according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the other end of the flexible portion (2) is free; and wherein the spring (1) is intended for applications of oneway angular indexing of the bezel (5).
  7. Assembly according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the other end of the flexible portion (2) is also secured to the pawl ring (50); and wherein the spring (1) is intended for applications of two-way angular indexing of the bezel (5).
  8. Assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the flexible portion (2) forms a continuous geometry that is closed on itself.
  9. Assembly according to one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the flexible portion (2) and the finger (3) are arranged relative to the toothing (41) in such a way that the finger (3) exerts pressure radially, axially, or partially radially and axially, on the toothing (41).
  10. Timepiece movement comprising a timepiece assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 9.
EP17162423.2A 2017-03-22 2017-03-22 Device comprising a quick-adjustment spring engaging with a mobile of a timepiece Active EP3379342B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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EP17162423.2A EP3379342B1 (en) 2017-03-22 2017-03-22 Device comprising a quick-adjustment spring engaging with a mobile of a timepiece

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17162423.2A EP3379342B1 (en) 2017-03-22 2017-03-22 Device comprising a quick-adjustment spring engaging with a mobile of a timepiece

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EP3379342B1 true EP3379342B1 (en) 2022-07-20

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Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH716774B9 (en) * 2019-11-06 2023-06-30 Officine Panerai Ag Watchmaking coupling and indexing device.
JP2022099298A (en) 2020-12-22 2022-07-04 ロレックス・ソシエテ・アノニム Spring for notching system and timepiece notching system
JP2022099297A (en) 2020-12-22 2022-07-04 ロレックス・ソシエテ・アノニム Spring for notching system and timepiece notching system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080056070A1 (en) * 2006-04-12 2008-03-06 Atop Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. Time counting assembly with a display for world time zones
EP2113759A1 (en) * 2008-04-29 2009-11-04 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Pressure sensor having a membrane comprising an amorphous material
EP2703911A1 (en) * 2012-09-03 2014-03-05 Blancpain SA. Timepiece regulating element

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3467680B2 (en) * 1998-09-22 2003-11-17 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Rotating bezel mounting structure and timepiece equipped with the same
EP1271268B1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2008-03-12 Richemont International S.A. Timepiece with two time zones
CN104024961B (en) * 2011-12-27 2018-05-29 劳力士有限公司 For the spring of watch and clock movement
JP6741397B2 (en) * 2014-02-10 2020-08-19 ロレックス・ソシエテ・アノニムＲｏｌｅｘ Ｓａ Mobile watch side and watch

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080056070A1 (en) * 2006-04-12 2008-03-06 Atop Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. Time counting assembly with a display for world time zones
EP2113759A1 (en) * 2008-04-29 2009-11-04 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Pressure sensor having a membrane comprising an amorphous material
EP2703911A1 (en) * 2012-09-03 2014-03-05 Blancpain SA. Timepiece regulating element

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