EP3432081A1 - Timepiece assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Watchmaking assembly (1) comprising a clock component (3) fixed on an axis (5) extending in an axial direction (Z), said component (3) comprising a receiving zone (9) delimited by at least one surface of positioning (11) and at least two holding surfaces (13), the at least one of which is displaceable against a restoring force and arranged to clamp said axis (5) against said positioning surface (11). ).

According to the invention, said axis (5) comprises a section (7) of non-circular cross section, said section (7) and said receiving zone (9) being shaped so as to allow insertion of the axis ( 5) in said axial direction when said axis and said component have a first relative angular orientation as well as to clamp said section (7) against said positioning surface (11) when said component (3) and said axis (5) have a second relative angular orientation distinct from said first orientation.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It relates more particularly to a watch assembly comprising a watch component fixed on an axis.

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 the material of the component elastically, 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.

Yet another interesting document is the document EP3037896 . This document describes a removable peg holder which clamps a peg by the use of a non-circular key which acts on a flexible tongue. Depending on the angular position of this key, the tongue squeezes the pin against a positioning surface or releases it. This arrangement does not lend itself to other components than a piton and requires the additional key to perform the locking of the piton. This arrangement is thus monovalent and relatively complex.

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 watch assembly as defined by claim 1.

This set comprises a watch component such as a wheel, an anchor, a hairspring, a plate or the like, fixed on an axis which extends in an axial direction. Said component comprises a receiving zone delimited by at least one positioning surface and at least two holding surfaces, the at least one of which is displaceable against a restoring force in order to clamp said section against said surface positioning. These holding surfaces may be, for example, formed by fingers, tongues or the like.

According to the invention, the axis comprises a section of non-circular cross section (that is to say has a shape other than circular considered in a plane forming a non-zero angle, in particular perpendicular to said axial direction), this section and said receiving zone (in particular the positioning surface as well as the holding surfaces) being shaped so as to allow insertion of the axis substantially without driving in said axial direction when the axis and the component are mutually oriented in a first relative angular orientation, and to clamp said axis against said positioning surface when they have a second relative angular orientation, distinct from said first.

The component can thus be secured to the axis by a rotary clipping instead of a driving. Conventional driving involves significant friction between the component and the axis during this operation, which is accompanied by a risk of wear of the component and / or the axis. On the other hand, rotational clipping as defined above implies less friction and therefore less wear.

Furthermore, since the section of the axis is non-circular, the angular alignment of the axis and the component can be substantially perfect and therefore requires no manual adjustment from a watchmaker.

Advantageously, said holding surfaces are each carried by a corresponding arm, the at least one of which is elastic.

Advantageously, said elastic arms partially surround said axis and are preferably folded inwards. The arms can thus act as an antilock to cushion shocks in certain directions.

Advantageously, said positioning surface is carried by an element which is substantially rigid and thus provides a stable reference for the positioning of the component with respect to the axis.

Advantageously, said section comprises at least one flat part intended to cooperate with one of said surfaces, preferably with said positioning surface. The indexing of the axis relative to the component is thus provided without the need for manual adjustment by a watchmaker. Therefore, the indexation of a balance plate with a spiral spring, for example, can be ensured in this way.

Advantageously, said section has a height parallel to said axial direction which is between 100% and 120%, preferably between 101% and 115%, of the thickness of said component considered in the same direction. If the section is machined in a cylindrical portion of the axis, the edges of the section may act as shoulders to position the component along the axis

Advantageously, the axis carries a locking element arranged to pass through said receiving zone when the axis and the component are oriented according to said first relative angular orientation and to block said component axially on said axis when the axis and the component are oriented in said second relative angular orientation. Axial blocking of the component on the axis is thus ensured, regardless of the shape and length of the section. This locking element advantageously has at least one lug arranged to block said component axially on said axis when the axis and the component are oriented according to said second relative angular orientation. A substantially polygonal shape whose vertices constitute said lugs is particularly suitable for this function.

Advantageously, said component is a spiral spring (whose receiving zone is defined by its ferrule or its peg carrier), a balance wheel, a wheel, an anchor, or a balance plate.

This set can be, of course, incorporated into a watch movement, which can be integrated in turn into a timepiece.

• fournir un composant horloger comprenant une zone de réception délimitée par au moins une surface de positionnement ainsi qu'au moins deux surfaces de maintien déplaçables à l'encontre d'une force de rappel et agencées pour serrer ledit axe contre ladite surface de positionnement ;
• fournir un axe s'étendant selon une direction axiale et comprenant un tronçon présentant une section transversale non circulaire agencé pour coopérer avec lesdites surfaces de maintien ainsi qu'avec ladite surface de positionnement, ledit tronçon et ladite zone de réception étant conformés de telle sorte à permettre l'insertion de l'axe selon ladite direction axiale lorsque l'axe et le composant présentent une première orientation angulaire relative, et à serrer ledit axe contre ladite surface de positionnement lorsque le composant et ledit axe présentent une deuxième orientation angulaire relative ;
• orienter ledit axe et ledit composant selon ladite première orientation angulaire relative ;
• insérer ledit axe dans ladite zone de réception selon une direction parallèle à ladite direction axiale ;
• pivoter ledit axe par rapport audit composant pour les mettre dans ladite deuxième orientation angulaire relative.

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

• providing a clock component comprising a receiving area delimited by at least one positioning surface and at least two holding surfaces displaceable against a restoring force and arranged to clamp said axis against said positioning surface;
• providing an axis extending in an axial direction and comprising a section having a non-circular cross-section arranged to cooperate with said holding surfaces as well as with said positioning surface, said section and said receiving area being shaped such that allowing insertion of the axis in said axial direction when the axis and the component have a first relative angular orientation, and clamping said axis against said positioning surface when the component and said axis have a second relative angular orientation;
• orienting said axis and said component according to said first relative angular orientation;
• inserting said axis into said receiving zone in a direction parallel to said axial direction;
• pivoting said axis relative to said component to put in said second relative angular orientation.

In doing so, the component is clipped on the section of the axis, which implies a reduction in the friction exerted between these two elements in comparison with conventional driving and reduced wear, for the reasons mentioned above. Moreover, these two elements are indexed automatically without requiring manual adjustment.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 est une représentation schématique en coupe d'un ensemble horloger selon l'invention en position d'insertion de l'axe ;
• Fig. 2 est une représentation schématique de l'ensemble horloger de la figure 1 en position de service ;
• Fig. 3 est une vue isométrique d'une variante d'un ensemble horloger selon l'invention en position d'insertion de l'axe ;
• Fig. 4 est une vue isométrique de l'ensemble horloger de la figure 3 en position de service ;
• Fig. 5 est une représentation schématique en coupe d'une autre variante d'un ensemble horloger selon l'invention en position d'insertion de l'axe ;
• Fig. 6 est une vue isométrique de l'ensemble horloger de la figure 5;
• Fig. 7 est une représentation schématique en coupe de la variante de la figure 5 en position de service ; et
• Fig. 8 est une vue isométrique de l'ensemble horloger de la figure 7.

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. 1 is a schematic representation in section of a watch assembly according to the invention in insertion position of the axis;
• Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the entire watchmaking figure 1 in the service position;
• Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a variant of a watch assembly according to the invention in insertion position of the axis;
• Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the watchmaking ensemble of the figure 3 in the service position;
• Fig. 5 is a schematic representation in section of another variant of a watch assembly according to the invention in insertion position of the axis;
• Fig. 6 is an isometric view of the watchmaking ensemble of the figure 5 ;
• Fig. 7 is a schematic representation in section of the variant of the figure 5 in the service position; and
• Fig. 8 is an isometric view of the watchmaking ensemble of the figure 7 .

Embodiment of the invention

The Figures 1 and 2 represent a first embodiment of a watch assembly 1 according to the invention, seen in partial section.

This assembly comprises a watch component 3, which is shown here as a monoblock anchor assembled to an axis 5 of which only the section which cooperates with the anchor is shown. This section is represented by a section 7 of non-circular cross section that extends along at least a portion of the axis. Said non-circular shape is considered in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis 5, and is, for example, at least partially polygonal. The latter can be fixed or mobile in rotation, can be any tree or a similar structure such as a piton in the form of a tree.

The watch component 3 comprises a hollow reception zone 9 arranged to receive and tighten the axis 5. This zone 9 is delimited on the one hand by a positioning surface 11 and on the other hand by at least two holding surfaces 13 which are subjected to an elastic restoring force. In the As shown, the holding surfaces 13 are carried by resilient arms 15 extending from the body of the component 3, and the positioning surface 11 is substantially rigid (i.e., having a rigidity such as deformations). resilient in service position does not substantially disturb the function of the component 3). In other words, the positioning surface is substantially indestructible.

The receiving zone 9 and the shape of the section 7 are complementary and have a relationship such that, in a first relative angular orientation of these two elements, the axis 5 can be inserted into the zone 9 in an axial direction. This relationship is illustrated on the figure 1 in full line and shows that there is enough clearance for the section 7 does not come into contact with the watch component 3 when inserted into said zone in a direction parallel to the axis 5. Alternatively, a slight contact between the axis 5 and the two surfaces 11, 13 may be allowed.

Subsequently, by pivoting the axis 5 relative to the component 3, the periphery of the section 7 abuts against the holding surfaces 13, which are displaced against the restoring force provided by the elastic arms 15. The angular relationship between these components is illustrated on the figure 1 in broken lines, in which a corner of the section 7 is in contact with the positioning surface 11 (this contact being represented here by an overlap between the axis 3 and the holding surfaces 13). In order to limit the stresses on the elastic arms 15, the positioning surface 11 may comprise a notch 17 which allows a corner of the section 7 to enter during the rotation. The displacement of the holding surfaces 13 and also the stresses generated in the arms 15 can thus be limited.

By pivoting the axis 5 even further with respect to the component 3, the axis 5 adopts a stable position in a second relative angular orientation illustrated in FIG. figure 2 this angular orientation being distinct from the first angular orientation mentioned above. In this position, the holding surfaces 13 have been raised by the shape of the section and the elastic arms 15 are thus constrained (solid lines, the initial position of the elastic arms 15 is illustrated in dotted lines), and clamp the section 7 against the positioning surface 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the section has a shape having a flat portion 7a which is positioned against the positioning surface 11 (which is also flat with the exception of the notch 17) in the service position, as well as two corners 7b rounded arranged to be in contact with the holding surfaces 13. The flat 7a is connected to the rounded corners 7b by flat surfaces.

However, it goes without saying that a large number of forms of positioning surfaces 11, holding surfaces 13 and section 7 serve the purpose. Therefore, the illustrated embodiment should not be considered limiting. One could imagine, for example, that the section has angular, curved, polygonal, oval, irregular shapes and any combination thereof. The holding surfaces 13 may take the form of jumpers, fingers, tongues or any other suitable form. As for the elastic restoring force for these surfaces, it can be provided by elastic elements of any kind which are integral with said surfaces 13 or which are constituted by additional elements provided on the component 3. Furthermore, the positioning surface may be curved, angular, irregular or any other suitable form. Indeed, any combination of shapes of the surfaces 11, 13 and section 7 which allow a stable tight angular position and an angular position which allows the axis 5 to enter the receiving zone 9, substantially without displacement of the surfaces of maintenance 13, is suitable for the implementation of the invention.

The axial retention of the component 3 on the axis 5 can be performed using the edges of the section 7 as axial stops in the case where the shape of the section 5 is machined in the body of a cylindrical axis. In such a case, the section 7 does not extend all along the axis 5 but occupies a length lying between 100% and 120%, preferably between 101 and 115% of the thickness of the component 3.

That said, Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a variant in which axial stops of larger size are present. In this variant, the component 3 is a wheel.

The axis 5 has a conventional shoulder 19, located on one side of the component. On the other side is a locking element 21, which has a triangular shape in the illustrated variant. The shoulder 19 and the locking element 21 are thus connected to each other by said section.

The locking element is shaped to enter the receiving zone 9 when the axis 5 is in the aforementioned first angular orientation relative to the component 3. The axis 5 can thus be inserted into the receiving zone 9 with play. and the component 3 can be adjusted against the shoulder 19. Then, by pivoting the axis 5 relative to the component 3, the section 7 of the axis 5 is tightened as described above. In doing so, the locking element 21 is also pivoted and the lugs 21a, constituted by the vertices of its triangular shape, abut against the component 3 and thus prevent its removal from the axis 5 when the latter is in said second orientation angularly with respect to the component 3. The locking element 21 and the shoulder 19 thus block the component 3 axially on the axis 5. It goes without saying that other forms of locking element 21 are possible, for example shapes comprising at least one lug 21a or projecting projection arranged to form an axial abutment when the axis 5 and the component 3 are in their second angular orientation.

By pivoting the axis 5 again with respect to the component 3 so that they are again in their first angular orientation, the locking element can pass through the receiving zone 9 and can be removed.

In the variants illustrated in the Figures 1 to 4 the angle between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation is 60 °, but any suitable angle may be used.

The Figures 5 to 8 illustrate another variant of a watch assembly 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the watch component 3 is a spiral spring of which only the shell and the root 3a of the spring are illustrated.

The root 3a is substantially rigid and carries the positioning surface 11. The elastic arms 15 extend symmetrically from the root 3a and partially surround the receiving zone 9. The latter are folded inwards to give them increased elasticity and define the holding surfaces 13. The elastic arms 15 and the root 3a thus form a ferrule allowing attach the hairspring to the balance shaft 15.

To perform this operation, the axis 5 is inserted into the zone 9 by having the axis 5 and the spring 5 in a first relative angular orientation (as shown in solid lines on the figure 5 as well as on the figure 6 ). In this position, the locking element 21 can pass through the reception zone 9. Then, the axis 5 is pivoted relative to the spring 3, for example in the clockwise direction. When these two components are in the relative angular orientation shown in dashed lines on the figure 5 , the section 7 abuts against the holding surfaces 13 and a corner of the shape of the section enters the notch 17. This position is also illustrated in dotted lines on the figure 5 . By pivoting the shaft 5 further, the elastic arms 15 are raised and the section adopts the second relative angular orientation, which is a stable position illustrated in solid lines on the figure 7 as well as on the figure 8 . The holding surfaces 13 of the elastic arms 15 thus clamp the section against the positioning surface 11 by means of a force provided by the elastic arms. In this position, the locking member 21 axially locks the spring on the axis 5 as described above.

In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 8 the shape of the elastic arms 15 surrounding the axis 5 acts as an antilock for each direction in the plane of the component 3, except in the direction of the rigid root 3a. Indeed, in each other direction in the plane, the arms 15 can deform in response to shock and dampen. After this damping, the elastic arms 15 return the section 7 to its original position.

In the embodiments shown, the section 7 always has at least one line of symmetry but it is also possible that its shape is irregular. Furthermore, the elastic arms 15, which have been shown in symmetrical shapes, may also be different from each other and asymmetrical. Indeed, it is not important that the forces exerted by the holding surfaces are identical or are carried out symmetrically.

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 3 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 13 is resiliently movable, the other being substantially rigid. The skilled person is able to modify the geometry of the surfaces 11, 13, the arms 15 etc. in order to apply this possibility.

Claims (13)

Watchmaking assembly (1) comprising a clock component (3) fixed on an axis (5) extending in an axial direction (Z), said component (3) comprising a receiving zone (9) delimited by at least one surface of positioning (11) and at least two holding surfaces (13) at least one of which is displaceable against a restoring force and arranged to clamp said axis (5) against said positioning surface (11). );
characterized in that said axis (5) comprises a section (7) of non-circular cross section, said section (7) and said receiving zone (9) being shaped so as to allow insertion of the axis (5). ) in said axial direction when said axis and said component have a first relative angular orientation as well as to clamp said section (7) against said positioning surface (11) when said component (3) and said axis (5) present a second relative angular orientation distinct from said first orientation. Horological assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said holding surfaces (13) are each carried by a corresponding arm (15) of which at least one is elastic. Watchmaking assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein said resilient arms (15) partially surround said axis (5). Watchmaking assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of said elastic arms (15) is folded inwards. Watchmaking assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said positioning surface (11) is carried by a member (3, 3a) which is substantially rigid. Watchmaking assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said section (7) comprises at least one flat part intended to cooperate with one said surfaces (11, 13), preferably with said positioning surface (11). Horological assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said section (7) has a height parallel to said axial direction (Z) which is between 100% and 120%, preferably between 101% and 115%, of the thickness of said component (3) considered in the same direction (Z). Timepiece assembly (1) according to one of the claims, wherein the axis (5) carries a locking element (21) arranged to pass through said receiving zone (9) when said axis (5) and said component (3) are oriented according to said first relative angular orientation as well as to block said component (3) axially on said axis (5) when said axis (5) and said component (3) are oriented according to said second relative angular orientation. Watchmaking assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said locking element (21) has at least one lug (21a) arranged to block said component axially on said axis when the axis and the component are oriented according to said second angular orientation relative. Watchmaking assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said component (3) is selected from a spiral spring, a rocker, a wheel, an anchor, and a balance plate. Watchmaking movement comprising a watch assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Timepiece comprising a movement according to claim 11. A method of fixing a watch component (3) on an axis (5) to form a watch assembly (1), comprising the steps of: - providing a watch component (3) comprising a receiving zone (9) delimited by at least one positioning surface (11) and at least one two holding surfaces (13) movable against a restoring force and arranged to clamp said shaft (5) against said positioning surface; - providing an axis (3) extending in an axial direction (Z) and comprising a section (7) having a non-circular section arranged to cooperate with said holding surfaces (13) and with said positioning surface (11). ), said section (7) and said receiving zone (9) being shaped so as to allow insertion of the axis (5) in said axial direction (Z) when the axis (5) and the component ( 3) have a first relative angular orientation as well as to clamp said section (7) of said axis (5) against said positioning surface (11) when the component (3) and said axis (5) have a second relative angular orientation; - orienting said axis (5) and said component (3) according to said first relative angular orientation; inserting said axis (5) into said receiving zone (9) in a direction parallel to said axial direction (Z); pivoting said axis (5) relative to said component (3) to put the latter in said second relative angular orientation.

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