EP3432080A1 - Clockwork component - Google Patents

Abstract

Watch component (2) intended to be fixed on an axis (3) extending in a first direction (Z), said component (2) being a spiral spring, or a display member, or a pendulum, or a wheel , or an anchor, or a balance plate and comprising a first receiving zone (B) delimited by at least one positioning surface (20) and at least two holding surfaces (22), the at least one of which is movable against a biasing force to clamp said pin (3) against said positioning surface (20).

According to the invention, said component (2) further comprises a second reception zone (A) intended to receive said axis, said second reception zone (A) being adjacent to said first reception zone (B) and in communication with the latter, said holding surfaces (22) being arranged so as to allow said axis (3) to be moved laterally in translation from said second zone to enter said first receiving zone (B).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It relates, more particularly, to a watch component intended to be fixed on an axis in order to form a watch assembly.

State of the art

In the field of watchmaking, it is often desired to integrate in rotation a component with an axis in order to be able to mount the component in rotation in the movement. Typically, this integration is performed by driving the axis in a hole that includes the component. This hunting deforms elastically the material of the component, and the stresses thus generated serve to tighten the axis. The two elements are thus made integral with one another. During driving, the material of the component typically undergoes a slight plastic deformation in addition.

This method of attachment is ideal for metal or polymer components that are relatively resilient and can undergo plastic deformation without breaking.

More recently, brittle materials have become commonplace in watchmaking. These materials have little or no plastic field and are therefore extremely fragile. In this respect, mention may be made of hard steels, ceramics, glasses, glass-ceramics, monocrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, nitride oxides or silicon carbides under any crystalline regime, alumina or synthetic diamond. and the like.

Since these materials are brittle, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to drive a component made of such material onto an axis in a conventional manner, while maintaining acceptable manufacturing tolerances.

For these reasons, watch manufacturers have developed several solutions for mounting components made of such materials on axes. One of these solutions is to provide resilient structures at the component mounting area, these elastic structures allowing a hunting without development of excessive stresses in the component material. These structures are typically formed in the body of the component and flex when introducing the axis.

As such, we can cite the document EP2112565 which describes a micromechanical part whose opening for fixing it on an axis comprises rigid zones alternating with elastic zones. The rigid areas ensure the proper positioning of the component on the axis and the elastic zones provide the clamping force to secure the two elements relative to each other.

Another interesting document is the WO2011 / 116486 which describes a split ferrule comprising two resilient tongues which constrain and position the axis against a substantially rigid positioning surface when the axis is driven into the receiving zone defined by the tongues and the positioning surface. Similar arrangements with different geometries are also disclosed in the document WO2013045706 . All of these ferrules are adapted for conventional driving in an axial direction, and are not suitable for any other use.

The document FR 2394839 discloses a friction wheel in which the metal friction spring is clipped on the axis with play (and thus does not tighten the latter), and is axially in its central zone against a shoulder of the axis. The ends of the spring press against the friction wheel which is pivotally mounted on the axis to press the wheel against a second shoulder in a conventional manner. Finally, the document CH 306105 discloses a wheel-axle assembly in which the wheel is held axially in the axial direction by means of a metal key, slightly arched upwards, which is clipped with play on a circular section of the axle and s 'press against a shoulder to prevent the wheel to be removed from the axis. These documents do not provide any solution to the desired goal.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a watch component in which the aforementioned defects are at least partially overcome.

Disclosure of the invention

More specifically, the invention relates to a timepiece component as defined by appended claim 1. This component may be, for example, a wheel, the inner or outer end of a spiral or any other timepiece intended to be fixed on an axis which extends in a first direction, axial.

The component, which is a spiral spring, a rocker, a display member, a wheel, an anchor or a balance plate, comprises a first receiving zone delimited by at least one positioning surface and at least two surfaces. keeping, such as fingers. At least one, preferably each, of these holding surfaces is movable against a restoring force in order to constrain said axis against said positioning surface, in particular in the plane of said component. For this purpose, the holding surfaces may for example be integral with elastic arms or may be subject to elastic return forces provided by separate elastic members.

According to the invention, the component further comprises a second receiving zone intended to receive said axis, the two receiving zones being adjacent and in communication with one another, said holding surfaces being arranged in such a way permitting said axis to be moved laterally (i.e., at a non-zero angle, especially perpendicular to, said first direction) in translation from said second area to enter said first area.

This construction makes it possible to clip the axis in the first reception zone instead of driving it therein, the clamping of the axis being effected by means of stresses which are exerted in the plane of said component in order to tighten its axis. periphery. The second reception zone allows the insertion of the axis in an axial direction, advantageously without contact, without risk of wear of the holding surfaces or the positioning surface, and the component of the fastening on the axis is therefore effected by moving the axis laterally, c ' that is to say in the plane of the component in order to separate the holding surfaces to allow the passage of the axis. Moreover, the mounting of the component on the axis is facilitated with respect to a known driving, in particular at the level of the determination of the axial position of the component on the axis.

Advantageously, said second zone is shaped such that said axis can take place there without displacement of said holding surfaces. Any friction (and therefore any wear) between the component and the axis during the insertion of the latter is thus eliminated. As mentioned above, this insertion is effected, of course, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of said axis, along which said axis extends.

Advantageously, said component comprises a substantially rigid portion and at least one, and advantageously two, elastic arms extending from said substantially rigid portion, said elastic arm or arms comprising ends shaped to define at least one of said first zone and said second zone, preferably each of said zones. In such a case, the component may be selected from a spiral spring, a balance wheel, a wheel, an anchor, and a balance plate. In particular, the component may in particular be a balance plate and the substantially rigid portion may be an anchor intended to interact with a fork of an anchor.

A monobloc component that is easy to position correctly on the axis is thus proposed.

Advantageously, said holding surfaces are part of fingers each extending towards each other from respective ends of each of said elastic arms. A compact solution is thus proposed.

Advantageously, said at least one positioning surface is distributed between two surfaces that comprise elements that extend towards one another from a respective end of each of said arms. elastic. The elasticity of the arms can thus be determined independently of the shape of the positioning surfaces.

Advantageously, said second zone is defined by said holding surfaces and two languages each constituting an end portion of a respective one of said ends. The languages make it possible to define a second discrete zone and can be shaped in such a way that the axis can not leave the second zone unexpectedly in an undesired direction.

The component may be part of a watch assembly in which the component is mounted on said axis. This assembly can be for example a mobile, a spiral mounted on a balance shaft, a spiral mounted on a bolt carrier or any other appropriate assembly.

Advantageously, said axis comprises at least one flat, or any contour equivalent in function, in contact with one of said holding surfaces or with said positioning surface. This flat (or flats) increases the resistance to a rotation of the component relative to the axis in the service position, which reduces the risk of deindexation of these two elements.

Advantageously, said at least one flat has a parallel height audite first direction which is between 100% and 120%, preferably between 101% and 115%, of the thickness of said component considered in the same direction. The flat (or flats) can thus be used to define the axial position of the component on the axis without requiring other abutment means. However, the presence of an additional shoulder is not excluded.

• fournir un composant horloger comme défini ci-dessus ;
• fournir un axe ;
• insérer ledit axe dans ladite deuxième zone selon une direction parallèle à ladite première direction ;
• déplacer ledit axe latéralement en translation afin de le faire entrer dans ladite première zone.

The invention also relates to a method for fixing a watch component on an axis in order to form a watch assembly. This process comprises the steps of:

• provide a watch component as defined above;
• provide an axis;
• inserting said axis in said second zone in a direction parallel to said first direction;
• moving said axis laterally in translation to enter said first zone.

Therefore, no driving of the component on the axis is necessary, since the attachment of these two elements is effected by means of a clipping as mentioned above. The wear of the component during its attachment to the axis is thus reduced.

Advantageously, said axis comprises at least one flat part intended to be in contact with at least one of said holding surfaces and / or said positioning surface, said method further comprising a step of aligning said flat surface before entering said axis. in said second zone. Any subsequent alignment of the component with respect to the axis is thus rendered superfluous.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1a est une représentation schématique en plan d'un composant horloger selon l'invention en position de service ;
• Fig. 1b est une représentation schématique en plan du composant horloger de la figure 1a en position d'insertion de l'axe ;
• Fig. 2 est une représentation schématique latérale du composant horloger de la figure 1a en position de service (trait fort) et en position d'insertion (trait discontinu);
• Fig. 3 est une représentation schématique en plan d'une variante d'un composant horloger selon l'invention en position d'insertion de l'axe ;
• Fig. 4 est une représentation schématique en plan du composant horloger de la figure 3 en position de service ; et
• Fig. 5 est une représentation schématique en plan d'encore une variante d'un composant horloger en position d'insertion.
• Fig. 6 est une représentation schématique en plan de la variante de la fig. 5 en position de service

Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Fig. 1a is a schematic representation in plan of a watch component according to the invention in the service position;
• Fig. 1b is a schematic representation in plan of the watchmaking component of the figure 1a in insertion position of the axis;
• Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the watchmaking component of the figure 1a in the service position (strong line) and in the insertion position (dashed line);
• Fig. 3 is a schematic representation in plan of a variant of a watch component according to the invention in insertion position of the axis;
• Fig. 4 is a schematic representation in plan of the watchmaking component of the figure 3 in the service position; and
• Fig. 5 is a schematic representation in plan of yet another variant of a watchmaker component in the insertion position.
• Fig. 6 is a schematic representation in plan of the variant of the Fig. 5 in service position

Embodiment of the invention

The Figures 1 and 2 represent a first embodiment of a watch component 2 according to the invention.

This component 2 is shown schematically and can be a moving part such as a wheel, a rocker, an anchor, one of the ends of a spiral spring, a display member, or a balance plate.

The component 2 extends in an XY plane and comprises a first zone B arranged to receive and clamp an axis 3, which extends along an axis perpendicular to the XY plane of the component 2, in particular in the direction Z. The axis 3 can be an axis that is intended to be rotatable or a fixed axis. In the context of the invention, the term "axis" is synonymous with "tree", "pad" or any similar structure extending along a geometric axis and to which a watch component 2 may be attached.

In zone B (dotted line), the axis 3 bears against a substantially rigid positioning surface 20, against which it is constrained by a pair of displaceable fingers 23 whose ends constitute holding surfaces 22. These fingers 23 are are at the end of two elastic arms 21 which are integral with the component 2, which is thus monobloc. In doing so, when the arms 21 are bent, they apply a restoring force used to bring the fingers 23 towards their rest position (dotted line). The positioning surface 20 extends perpendicularly to the XY plane of the component 2.

The fingers 23 are shaped such that the axis is thus clamped against the positioning surface 20 by the holding surfaces 22, the positioning surface 20 being of curved shape and shaped to conform closely to the shape of the axis 3. However, the positioning surface 20 may be straight or may alternatively comprise one or more discrete contact points. For this purpose, the stresses exerted by the elastic arms 21 on the axis 3, as well as the stresses between the axis 3 and the positioning surface 20, are exerted in the XY plane of the component 2. The holding surfaces 22 and the positioning surface 23 form at least three contact zones distributed around the periphery of the axis 3 in order to position it and hold it in place. These aspects also apply to the other embodiments of the invention described below, and therefore should not be repeated each time.

The component-axis component constitutes a clock component 1 when the component 2 and the axis 3 are assembled to one another, that is to say in the service position (dashed line).

In the variant shown, the axis 3 comprises two flats 31, each in contact with the holding surface 22 of a corresponding finger 23 in the service position (dashed line). In doing so, when the axis 3 is in the first zone B ( figure 1a ), the elastic arms are constrained and the fingers bear against the flats 31, which has more resistance against a relative rotation between the axis 3 and the component 2 with a circular section axis. Alternatively, only one flat may be in contact with a narrow or discrete positioning surface. Again alternatively, if the coefficients of friction and the stresses exerted during the use of the component allow it, the axis 3 may be circular, but the resistance to relative rotation between the axis 3 and the component 2 is of course diminished accordingly. Similarly, the manufacturing technologies available for materials such as those covered by the invention make it possible to produce microstructures (microdentures, microcannels, etc.) on the respective surfaces of a "roughly" cylindrical shaft and surfaces in contact with each other. with this one.

As visible on the figure 2 the flats 31 preferably do not extend all along the axis 3, but may occupy a length lying between 100% and 120%, preferably between 101 and 115% of the thickness of the component 2. L axis 3 comprises a conventional shoulder 32 against which the component 2 takes place, but the small shoulders formed by the edges of the flats 31 may possibly fulfill the same purpose of the axial positioning of the component 2 on the axis 3.

To allow the assembly of the component 2 on the axis 3, the component 2 comprises a second zone A allowing the insertion of the axis 3 in the direction Z, perpendicular to the plane XY of the component 2. This second zone A is adjacent to , and in communication with, the first zone B. This second zone A is defined by curved portions 23 of the arms 21, which are shaped such that the axis 3 can enter the zone A in a direction perpendicular to the XY plane of the component, without or with little deformation of the arms 21, and ideally without deformation of the curved portions 23 (dashed line) . Alternatively, the zone A may be shaped to allow slight deformation of the arms 21 during the insertion of the axis 3, this insertion being in an axial direction perpendicular to the XY plane of the component 2.

When the desired axial and angular relations of the axis with respect to the component 2 have been obtained in the insertion position of the axis 3 (strong line), the latter is displaced in translation parallel to the XY plane of the component 2 in the direction of the positioning surface 20 to enter the axis in the first zone B. The elastic arms 21 deviate to allow the passage of the axis 3 and cleave the latter against the positioning surface 20. The axis 3 and component 2 are thus secured in rotation and in translation and thus form a watch assembly 1.

In order to separate the axis 3 and the component 2, it suffices to overcome the retention force provided by the fingers 22, 23 and the elastic arms 21, by pushing the axis in translation parallel to the XY plane towards the second zone A. Axis 3 can subsequently be removed from the component in Z direction.

Thanks to this arrangement, it is not necessary to drive the component on the axis, which reduces the wear of the parts of the component 2 in contact with the axis 3. In fact, a conventional drive generates friction between the elastic structures. and the axis which can be much greater than those exerted during the clipping of the axis 3 in the first zone B in the arrangement of the invention.

The Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment in which the component 2 is a balance plate and the axis 3 is a balance shaft. The plate 2 comprises a pin 201 intended to cooperate in a known manner with a fork of an anchor (not shown). Two elastic arms 21 extend symmetrically from the peg 201 and comprise ends 23 shaped to define the zones of The resilient arms 21 are again integral with the component 2. In doing so, the peg 201 constitutes a substantially rigid portion (i.e., having a rigidity such that the elastic deformations in the service does not substantially disturb the function of the component 2), which serves as a support or base for the elastic arms 23.

The first receiving zone B is defined by one or more positioning surfaces 20 carried by substantially rigid elements 20a, extending towards each other from intermediate portions of the ends of the elastic arms 21, as well as by two fingers 22 which are movable against a restoring force provided by the elastic arms 21 and which again constitute holding surfaces. These fingers 22 are pointed and extend laterally towards each other, the region behind each of the fingers 22 being perforated. The second reception zone A is defined by curved surfaces extending from the displaceable fingers 22 and ending in tongues 24. The latter constituting the end portions of the ends 26 of the elastic arms 22 and partially surround the axis 3 when this last is in its insertion position ( figure 3 ). As illustrated on the figure 3 the axis 3 can be inserted in the second reception zone A in a direction perpendicular to the XY plane, without constraining the elastic arms 21. Moreover, the tongues 24 can be shaped so that the axis 3 can not leaving the second zone A in a direction opposite to that of said first zone B.

By aligning the flat portion 31 that comprises the axis 3 with the positioning surfaces 20 and moving the axis towards the pin 21, the outer surface of the shaft 3 lifts the movable fingers 22, thus bending the elastic arms 21 Once the displaceable fingers 22 have been passed by the widest part of the axis 3, the displaceable fingers 22 exert a force on the latter tending to constrain its flat 31 against the positioning surfaces 20. The component 2 and the axis 3 are thus made integral in rotation with one another to form a micromechanical component 1, in particular a watch component.

The Figures 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a watch component 2 according to the invention. In this variant, the component 2 is an escapement anchor instead of a balance plate, and the principle of the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 has been used.

On the figure 5 , the axis 3 has been inserted in the second receiving zone A, between the elastic arms 21, which are curved to fit the shape of the axis 3 and are integral with the component 2. The latter is illustrated as a triangle with rounded corners, and therefore comprises three flats 31. In the service position (solid lines on the figure 6 ), the axis has been pushed towards the positioning surface 20, against which one of the flats 31 is tightened.

It should be noted that, although the variants illustrated on the Figures 3 to 4 relate to balance plates and that of Figures 5 and 6 As regards an escape anchor, the same principle also applies to other watch components 2. For example, the axis 3 may be the swing axis and the watch component 2 may be a spiral spring, of which the inner end is attached to, or integrally formed with, the substantially rigid portion 201. The same principle also applies to the outer end of a spiral spring. In such a case, the axis 3 may be a cylindrical or prismic stud integral with a cock, the outer end of the spiral being attached to, or integral with, the substantially rigid portion 201. A reverse arrangement is also possible , in which the substantially rigid portion 201 is a part of the racking and the axis 3 is a stud or a short shaft integral with the outer end of the hairspring.

Although the principle of the invention is particularly advantageous when the component 2 is made of brittle material as mentioned in the preamble, it also applies to components 2 of metal or conventional polymer.

Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, other variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, it is possible that only one of the holding surfaces 22 is elastically displaceable, the other being substantially rigid. Those skilled in the art are able to modify the geometry of the zones A and B in order to apply this possibility.

Claims (13)

Watch component (2) intended to be fixed on an axis (3) extending in a first direction (Z), said component (2) being a spiral spring, or a display member, or a pendulum, or a wheel , or an anchor, or a balance plate and comprising a first receiving zone (B) delimited by at least one positioning surface (20) and at least two holding surfaces (22), the at least one of which is movable against a biasing force to clamp said shaft (3) against said locating surface (20); characterized in that said component (2) further comprises a second receiving area (A) for receiving said axis, said second receiving area (A) being adjacent to and communicating with said first receiving area (B). last, said holding surfaces (22) being arranged so as to allow said axis (3) to be moved laterally in translation from said second zone to enter said first receiving zone (B). Watch component (2) according to claim 1, wherein said second zone (A) is shaped so that said axis (3) can take place there without causing displacement of said holding surfaces. Watch component (2) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said component (2) comprises a substantially rigid portion (201) and two resilient arms (21) extending from said substantially rigid portion (201), said resilient arms (21) having ends (23) shaped to define at least one of said first zone (B) and said second zone (A). Watch component (2) according to claim 3, wherein said holding surfaces (22) are constituted by fingers each extending towards each other from respective ends (23) of each of said elastic arms (21). . Watch component (2) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein said at least one positioning surface (20) is distributed between two surfaces comprise elements (20a) which extend towards each other from a respective end (23) of each of said elastic arms (21). Clock component (2) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said second zone (A) is defined by said holding surfaces (22) and two languages (24) each constituting an end portion of one respectively said ends (23). Watchmaking assembly (1) comprising a watch component (2) according to one of the preceding claims mounted on said axis (3). Horological assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said axis (3) comprises at least one flat (31) in contact with one of said holding surfaces (22) or with said positioning surface (20). Watchmaking assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said flat (31) has a parallel height audite first direction (Z) which is between 100% and 120%, preferably between 101% and 115%, of the thickness said component (2) considered in the same direction (Z). Watchmaking movement comprising a watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 9. Timepiece comprising a movement according to claim 10. A method of fixing a watch component (2) on an axis (3), comprising the steps of: - providing a watch component (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6; - provide an axis (3); inserting said axis (3) in said second zone (A) in a direction parallel to said first direction (Z); - Move said axis (3) laterally in translation to enter said first zone (B). A method according to claim 12, wherein said axis (3) has at least one flat (31) for contacting one of said holding surfaces (22) or said positioning surface (20), said method comprising in addition to a step of aligning said flat (31) before bringing said axis (3) into said second zone (A).

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