EP3555708B1 - Timepiece component with a flexible pivot - Google Patents

Timepiece component with a flexible pivot Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3555708B1
EP3555708B1 EP17809039.5A EP17809039A EP3555708B1 EP 3555708 B1 EP3555708 B1 EP 3555708B1 EP 17809039 A EP17809039 A EP 17809039A EP 3555708 B1 EP3555708 B1 EP 3555708B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elastic strips
timepiece component
strip
fixing part
stiffness
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EP17809039.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3555708A1 (en
Inventor
David Chabloz
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a horological component with a flexible pivot.
  • the watch components with flexible pivot are designed to rotate without a physical axis of rotation, therefore without friction, around a virtual axis of rotation, thanks to an arrangement of elastic parts.
  • pivots with separate cross blades pivots with non-separated cross blades or pivots with offset center of rotation known as “RCC” (Remote Center Compliance).
  • RRC Remote Center Compliance
  • the present invention relates to the first type of flexible pivots, namely the pivots with separate cross blades. These pivots are known for their low stiffness, which allows their use in parts of a watch movement where little energy is available.
  • a separate cross-leaf pivot includes two resilient leaves which connect a component attachment portion to a movable component portion and which extend in two respective parallel planes to intersect without contact. Examples of such pivots are described in the patents US 3,520,127 and FROM 201 823 and patent applications EP 2 911 012 , EP 2 998 800 and WO 2016/096677 .
  • the patent application EP 2 911 012 describes a piece of oscillator clock to separate cross blades with the blades intersect at 7/8 th of its length in accordance with the theory developed by WH Wittrick. This crossing of the blades at 7/8 th of their length has the effect of minimizing the displacements of the virtual axis of rotation and therefore of making the frequency of the oscillator independent of the orientation of the watch with respect to gravity.
  • the patent application WO 2016/096677 teaches for its part that with an angle between the elastic blades between 68 ° and 76 °, and preferably equal to 71.2 °, the moment resulting from the action of the blades can be linear depending on the angle of rotation of the moving part, thus making the oscillator frequency independent of the oscillation amplitude.
  • the present invention aims to meet this need and to this end proposes a watch component with a flexible pivot, in particular an oscillator, comprising a fixing part, a movable part and first and second elastic blades connecting the fixing part and the movable part.
  • the first and second elastic blades extending in respective planes parallel and crossing without contact to define a virtual axis of rotation of the movable part with respect to the fixing part, characterized in that at least one of the first and second resilient blades have a stiffness which varies along the blade.
  • the present invention provides a timepiece component according to claim 1, 5 or 13, particular embodiments being defined in the dependent claims.
  • a flexible pivot horological oscillator 1 for a timepiece such as a wristwatch, comprises a fixing part 2 and a movable part 3 which surrounds the fixing part 2.
  • the fixing part 2 is used to mount the oscillator 1 on a fixed or mobile support of a watch mechanism, and for this purpose comprises two fixing lugs 2a, 2b intended to be attached to this support, this support possibly being for example a plate or a exhaust organ.
  • the movable part 3 oscillates relative to the fixing part 2 and thus plays the role of a balance.
  • the fixing part 2 and the movable part 3 are connected by first and second elastic blades 4, 5 of the same length which extend in two respective planes parallel to the plane of the oscillator 1 and which intersect without contact to define a virtual axis of rotation A of the mobile part 3 with respect to the fixed part 2.
  • This virtual axis of rotation A is formed by the straight line forming the intersection of the surfaces passing through the neutral fibers of the elastic blades 4, 5 and perpendicular to the plane of oscillator 1 when the moving part 3 is in its equilibrium position. It corresponds, in top view, to the point of intersection of the elastic blades 4, 5.
  • Oscillator 1 is associated with an escapement (not shown) which may be of the conventional type such as a Swiss lever escapement or of any other type.
  • the resilient blades 4, 5 are typically straight in shape when at rest, as shown. They could nevertheless be curved.
  • the center of mass of the mobile part 3 is on the virtual axis of rotation A.
  • the fixing part 2 comprises rigid parts 2c and elastic parts 2d arranged to allow adjustment of the distance between the fixing lugs 2a, 2b and, thereby, an adjustment of the position of the 'virtual axis of rotation A, as described in the patent application WO 2017/055983 of the present plaintiff.
  • the attachment part 2 could be completely rigid.
  • the two fixing lugs 2a, 2b could also be completely separated.
  • Each elastic blade 4, 5 is joined by its ends to the fixing part 2 and to the movable part 3 either directly or, as shown, by means of fittings 6 which soften the edges between the side faces of the elastic blades 4, 5 and parts 2, 3. In the present invention, such fittings 6 are not considered to be part of the elastic strips 4, 5.
  • the section of each elastic blade 4, 5 varies along the blade.
  • variation of the section is meant a variation in the size and / or the shape of the section. Such a variation in section causes a variation in stiffness along the blade and therefore changes the distribution of stresses in the blade when the latter is working. This allows some characteristics of the oscillator to be adjusted.
  • the shape of the section of each elastic strip 4, 5 remains constant, typically rectangular, but its thickness e varies along the strip.
  • the thickness is the dimension of the blade in a plane parallel to the plane of the oscillator and perpendicular to the neutral fiber of the blade.
  • the height that is to say the dimension of the blade perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (parallel to the virtual axis of rotation A), is typically constant but it can also vary.
  • the thickness e is the same for each elastic strip 4, 5 and varies linearly from one end to the other, being greater at its end attached to the fixing part 2 than at its end. attached to the mobile part 3.
  • r the ratio between the thickness e at the end attached to the mobile part 3 and the thickness e at the end attached to the fixing part 2.
  • figure 3 represents the couples (r, t) for which the frequency of oscillator 1 is independent of gravity, more precisely for which the displacement of the virtual axis of rotation A parallel to the plane of the oscillator during the rotations of the part movable 3 relative to the fixing part 2 is minimum. In practice, this minimum displacement is substantially zero.
  • the virtual axis of rotation A remains in a circle of radius R, with the ratio R / L (where L is the length of the elastic blades 4, 5) less than 0.00125 or even less than 0.00075, when the movable part 3 is rotated from its equilibrium position up to an angle of ⁇ 20 °.
  • the position t of the crossing point of the elastic leaves 4, 5 is at least 14%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 16%, of preferably at least 17%, preferably at least 18%, preferably at least 19%. It can advantageously be between 17 and 21%, more particularly between 18 and 20%.
  • oscillator 1 interesting characteristics in terms for example of oscillation amplitude or sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.
  • the graph of the figure 4 shows the Von Mises equivalent stress (in MPa) undergone by the flexible pivot, that is to say by the set of two elastic blades 4, 5, for a rotation of 20 ° of the mobile part 3 with respect to the fixing part 2, as a function of the torques (r, t) located on the curve of the figure 3 , the overall stiffness of the elastic blades 4, 5 being the same for each pair (r, t).
  • the elastic restoring moment exerted by the flexible pivot 4, 5 on the movable part 3 must be linear as a function of the angle of rotation of the movable part 3 with respect to the fixing part 2.
  • the quantity k be substantially constant, for example that its variation in absolute value over a range of angles ⁇ ranging from 0 ° (equilibrium position of the mobile part 3) to ⁇ 20 °, said variation being able to s '' express by (k ( ⁇ 20 °) - k (0 °)) / k (0 °), i.e. less than 0.05% or even less than 0.02%.
  • the graph of the figure 5 shows the influence on the isochronism of the angle ⁇ between the elastic plates 4, 5 (this angle is measured between the neutral fibers of the plates).
  • J1 the curve of the figure 3 which represents the couples (r, t) for which the oscillator is insensitive to gravity
  • curves J2 to J5 representing the couples (r, t) for which the frequency of the oscillator is independent of the oscillation amplitude, more precisely for which the difference between the frequency of the oscillator at an oscillation amplitude of 20 ° and the frequency of the oscillator at an oscillation amplitude of 2 ° is minimal or zero.
  • Each of the curves J2 to J5 corresponds to a respective angle ⁇ between the elastic strips, namely, for the curve J2 an angle of 70 °, for the curve J3 an angle of 80 °, for the curve J4 an angle of 90 °, and for the curve J5 an angle of 100 °.
  • the points of intersection between curve J1 and curves J2 to J5 define triples (r, t, a) for which the oscillator is isochronous both with respect to gravity and with respect to the amplitude of oscillation.
  • the oscillator can therefore have various configurations, each presenting its advantages and disadvantages compared to the others, in particular in terms of size, sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, oscillation amplitude or impact resistance.
  • the angle ⁇ is at least 77 °, preferably at least 78 °, preferably at least 79 °.
  • the angle ⁇ is for example between 77 ° and 83 °.
  • each elastic blade 4, 5 varies non-linearly. In one embodiment, however, the thickness of each resilient blade 4, 5 varies monotonically (increasing or decreasing) from one end of the blade to the other. In another embodiment, the thickness of each elastic strip 4, 5 varies strictly monotonically (without interrupting the variation) from one end to the other or at least over a continuous portion of the strip representing 25%.
  • the length of the blade is rectilinear or curvilinear depending on the shape, straight or curved, of the elastic blades 4, 5 at rest .
  • the thickness can also vary so that it is smaller at one end than at the other, but not monotonically between the two ends.
  • each elastic blade 4, 5 or of only one of the elastic blades 4, 5 could also be varied in a way other than by varying its section, for example by heat treatment, by doping or ion implantation or by deposits of materials of different stiffness along the blade.
  • the elastic strips 4, 5 can be identical or different, have the same stiffness while being different, or have different stiffnesses.
  • the oscillator according to the invention can be manufactured in a monolithic manner, for example in silicon or in any other suitable material according to the deep reactive ion etching technique known as “DRIE” (Deep Reactive Ion Etching), in nickel, nickel alloy or any other suitable material according to the LIGA technique (lithography, electroplating, molding), in steel, copper-beryllium, nickel silver or other metal alloy by milling or by electroerosion, or in metallic glass by molding.
  • DRIE Deep reactive ion etching technique
  • LIGA lithium-plating, molding
  • the oscillator, or only the elastic blades 4, 5 can be covered with a layer of silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) to increase its mechanical resistance and / or to perform a function. thermal compensation.
  • Such a monolithic construction is particularly suitable for oscillators intended to operate at high frequencies.
  • inertial parts such as a rim and / or weights, made from a material denser than that of the oscillator, as described in the application, can be added to the monolithically formed oscillator.
  • patent EP 2 911 012 can be added to the monolithically formed oscillator.
  • the oscillator according to the invention can comprise more than two elastic blades.
  • it can comprise a second pair of elastic blades superimposed on the first pair of elastic blades 4, 5 and whose two blades cross on the virtual axis of rotation A, to increase the stiffness of the flexible pivot outside the plane of the oscillator.
  • the present invention can be applied to other horological components than an oscillator, for example to an escape lever, a lever or a rocker, to facilitate the optimization of their characteristics.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un composant horloger à pivot flexible.The present invention relates to a horological component with a flexible pivot.

Les composants horlogers à pivot flexible sont conçus pour pivoter sans axe de rotation physique, donc sans frottements, autour d'un axe de rotation virtuel, grâce à un agencement de parties élastiques.The watch components with flexible pivot are designed to rotate without a physical axis of rotation, therefore without friction, around a virtual axis of rotation, thanks to an arrangement of elastic parts.

Différents types de pivots flexibles existent, tels que les pivots à lames croisées séparées, les pivots à lames croisées non séparées ou les pivots à centre de rotation déporté dits « RCC » (Remote Center Compliance).Different types of flexible pivots exist, such as pivots with separate cross blades, pivots with non-separated cross blades or pivots with offset center of rotation known as “RCC” (Remote Center Compliance).

La présente invention concerne le premier type de pivots flexibles, à savoir les pivots à lames croisées séparées. Ces pivots sont connus pour leur faible raideur, qui permet leur utilisation dans des parties d'un mouvement horloger où peu d'énergie est disponible. Un pivot à lames croisées séparées comprend deux lames élastiques qui relient une partie de fixation du composant à une partie mobile du composant et qui s'étendent dans deux plans respectifs parallèles pour se croiser sans contact. Des exemples de tels pivots sont décrits dans les brevets US 3 520 127 et DE 201 823 et les demandes de brevet EP 2 911 012 , EP 2 998 800 et WO 2016/096677 .The present invention relates to the first type of flexible pivots, namely the pivots with separate cross blades. These pivots are known for their low stiffness, which allows their use in parts of a watch movement where little energy is available. A separate cross-leaf pivot includes two resilient leaves which connect a component attachment portion to a movable component portion and which extend in two respective parallel planes to intersect without contact. Examples of such pivots are described in the patents US 3,520,127 and FROM 201 823 and patent applications EP 2 911 012 , EP 2 998 800 and WO 2016/096677 .

En particulier, la demande de brevet EP 2 911 012 décrit un oscillateur de pièce d'horlogerie à lames croisées séparées dont les lames se croisent aux 7/8ème de leur longueur conformément à la théorie développée par W.H. Wittrick. Ce croisement des lames aux 7/8ème de leur longueur a pour effet de minimiser les déplacements de l'axe de rotation virtuel et donc de rendre la fréquence de l'oscillateur indépendante de l'orientation de la montre par rapport à la gravité. La demande de brevet WO 2016/096677 enseigne quant à elle qu'avec un angle entre les lames élastiques compris entre 68° et 76°, et de préférence égal à 71,2°, le moment résultant de l'action des lames peut être linéaire en fonction de l'angle de rotation de la partie mobile, rendant ainsi la fréquence de l'oscillateur indépendante de l'amplitude d'oscillation.In particular, the patent application EP 2 911 012 describes a piece of oscillator clock to separate cross blades with the blades intersect at 7/8 th of its length in accordance with the theory developed by WH Wittrick. This crossing of the blades at 7/8 th of their length has the effect of minimizing the displacements of the virtual axis of rotation and therefore of making the frequency of the oscillator independent of the orientation of the watch with respect to gravity. The patent application WO 2016/096677 teaches for its part that with an angle between the elastic blades between 68 ° and 76 °, and preferably equal to 71.2 °, the moment resulting from the action of the blades can be linear depending on the angle of rotation of the moving part, thus making the oscillator frequency independent of the oscillation amplitude.

On comprend donc à la lecture de ces deux demandes de brevet qu'un oscillateur horloger à lames croisées séparées doit, pour être isochrone, avoir ses lames qui se croisent aux 7/8ème de leur longueur et qui définissent un angle compris entre 68° et 76°. Ceci offre peu de liberté dans la conception de l'oscillateur et ne permet pas d'optimiser d'autres caractéristiques de l'oscillateur comme son encombrement, son amplitude d'oscillation ou sa résistance aux chocs.It will therefore be understood from reading these two patent applications that a watch oscillator with separate crossed blades must, in order to be isochronous, have its blades which intersect at 7/8 th of their length and which define an angle of between 68 ° and 76 °. This offers little freedom in the design of the oscillator and does not make it possible to optimize other characteristics of the oscillator such as its size, its amplitude of oscillation or its resistance to shocks.

De manière générale, il existe un besoin d'un oscillateur, ou autre composant horloger, à pivot flexible à lames croisées séparées qui offre une plus grande liberté pour l'optimisation de ses caractéristiques et performances.In general, there is a need for an oscillator, or other horological component, with a flexible pivot with separate crossed blades which offers greater freedom for the optimization of its characteristics and performance.

La présente invention vise à répondre à ce besoin et propose à cette fin un composant horloger à pivot flexible, notamment un oscillateur, comprenant une partie de fixation, une partie mobile et des première et deuxième lames élastiques reliant la partie de fixation et la partie mobile, les première et deuxième lames élastiques s'étendant dans des plans respectifs parallèles et se croisant sans contact pour définir un axe de rotation virtuel de la partie mobile par rapport à la partie de fixation, caractérisé en ce que l'une au moins des première et deuxième lames élastiques présente une raideur qui varie le long de la lame.The present invention aims to meet this need and to this end proposes a watch component with a flexible pivot, in particular an oscillator, comprising a fixing part, a movable part and first and second elastic blades connecting the fixing part and the movable part. , the first and second elastic blades extending in respective planes parallel and crossing without contact to define a virtual axis of rotation of the movable part with respect to the fixing part, characterized in that at least one of the first and second resilient blades have a stiffness which varies along the blade.

Plus précisément, la présente invention propose un composant horloger selon la revendication 1, 5 ou 13, des modes de réalisation particuliers étant définis dans les revendications dépendantes.More specifically, the present invention provides a timepiece component according to claim 1, 5 or 13, particular embodiments being defined in the dependent claims.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • les figures 1 et 2 sont respectivement une vue de dessus et une vue en perspective d'un oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible à lames croisées séparées selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est un graphique, obtenu par simulation numérique, montrant la position optimale t du point de croisement des lames du pivot flexible (c'est-à-dire la position qui rend l'oscillateur insensible à la gravité) en fonction du rapport r entre les épaisseurs aux extrémités de chaque lame, dans le cas de lames ayant une épaisseur qui varie linéairement ;
  • la figure 4 est un graphique, obtenu par simulation numérique, montrant la contrainte équivalente exercée sur les lames lors d'une rotation de 20° de la partie mobile de l'oscillateur, en fonction du couple (r, t) ;
  • la figure 5 est un graphique, obtenu par simulation numérique, contenant quatre courbes représentant, chacune pour un angle respectif entre les lames, les couples (r, t) pour lesquels la fréquence de l'oscillateur est indépendante de l'amplitude d'oscillation, et contenant en outre la courbe d'insensibilité à la gravité déjà illustrée à la figure 3.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description given with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figures 1 and 2 are respectively a top view and a perspective view of a flexible pivot horological oscillator with separate crossed blades according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 3 is a graph, obtained by numerical simulation, showing the optimal position t of the crossing point of the blades of the flexible pivot (that is to say the position which makes the oscillator insensitive to gravity) as a function of the ratio r between the thicknesses at the ends of each blade, in the case of blades having a thickness which varies linearly;
  • the figure 4 is a graph, obtained by digital simulation, showing the equivalent stress exerted on the blades during a 20 ° rotation of the moving part of the oscillator, as a function of the torque (r, t);
  • the figure 5 is a graph, obtained by digital simulation, containing four curves representing, each for a respective angle between the blades, the couples (r, t) for which the oscillator frequency is independent of the oscillation amplitude, and containing in addition, the curve of insensitivity to gravity already illustrated in figure 3 .

En référence aux figures 1 et 2, un oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible 1 selon l'invention, pour une pièce d'horlogerie telle qu'une montre-bracelet, comprend une partie de fixation 2 et une partie mobile 3 qui entoure la partie de fixation 2. La partie de fixation 2 sert à monter l'oscillateur 1 sur un support fixe ou mobile d'un mécanisme horloger, et comprend à cet effet deux pattes de fixation 2a, 2b destinées à être attachées à ce support, ce support pouvant être par exemple une platine ou un organe d'échappement. En fonctionnement, la partie mobile 3 oscille par rapport à la partie de fixation 2 et joue ainsi le rôle d'un balancier. La partie de fixation 2 et la partie mobile 3 sont reliées par des première et deuxième lames élastiques 4, 5 de même longueur qui s'étendent dans deux plans respectifs parallèles au plan de l'oscillateur 1 et qui se croisent sans contact pour définir un axe de rotation virtuel A de la partie mobile 3 par rapport à la partie fixe 2. Cet axe de rotation virtuel A est constitué par la droite formant l'intersection des surfaces passant par les fibres neutres des lames élastiques 4, 5 et perpendiculaires au plan de l'oscillateur 1 lorsque la partie mobile 3 est dans sa position d'équilibre. Il correspond, en vue de dessus, au point de croisement des lames élastiques 4, 5. En plus de guider la partie mobile 3 autour de l'axe de rotation virtuel A, les lames élastiques 4, 5 exercent sur la partie mobile 3, par rapport à la partie de fixation 2, un moment de rappel ramenant la partie mobile 3 dans sa position d'équilibre à l'instar du spiral d'un oscillateur balancier-spiral. L'oscillateur 1 est associé à un échappement (non représenté) qui peut être de type classique tel qu'un échappement à ancre suisse ou de tout autre type.With reference to figures 1 and 2 , a flexible pivot horological oscillator 1 according to the invention, for a timepiece such as a wristwatch, comprises a fixing part 2 and a movable part 3 which surrounds the fixing part 2. The fixing part 2 is used to mount the oscillator 1 on a fixed or mobile support of a watch mechanism, and for this purpose comprises two fixing lugs 2a, 2b intended to be attached to this support, this support possibly being for example a plate or a exhaust organ. In operation, the movable part 3 oscillates relative to the fixing part 2 and thus plays the role of a balance. The fixing part 2 and the movable part 3 are connected by first and second elastic blades 4, 5 of the same length which extend in two respective planes parallel to the plane of the oscillator 1 and which intersect without contact to define a virtual axis of rotation A of the mobile part 3 with respect to the fixed part 2. This virtual axis of rotation A is formed by the straight line forming the intersection of the surfaces passing through the neutral fibers of the elastic blades 4, 5 and perpendicular to the plane of oscillator 1 when the moving part 3 is in its equilibrium position. It corresponds, in top view, to the point of intersection of the elastic blades 4, 5. In addition to guiding the mobile part 3 around the axis of virtual rotation A, the elastic blades 4, 5 exert on the movable part 3, relative to the fixing part 2, a return moment bringing the movable part 3 into its equilibrium position like the hairspring of a balance-spring oscillator. Oscillator 1 is associated with an escapement (not shown) which may be of the conventional type such as a Swiss lever escapement or of any other type.

Les lames élastiques 4, 5 sont typiquement de forme droite à l'état de repos, comme représenté. Elles pourraient néanmoins être courbes. De préférence, le centre de masse de la partie mobile 3 est sur l'axe de rotation virtuel A.The resilient blades 4, 5 are typically straight in shape when at rest, as shown. They could nevertheless be curved. Preferably, the center of mass of the mobile part 3 is on the virtual axis of rotation A.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la partie de fixation 2 comprend des parties rigides 2c et des parties élastiques 2d agencées pour permettre un réglage de la distance entre les pattes de fixation 2a, 2b et, par là même, un réglage de la position de l'axe de rotation virtuel A, comme décrit dans la demande de brevet WO 2017/055983 de la présente demanderesse. En variante, toutefois, la partie de fixation 2 pourrait être complètement rigide. Les deux pattes de fixation 2a, 2b pourraient également être complètement séparées.In the example illustrated, the fixing part 2 comprises rigid parts 2c and elastic parts 2d arranged to allow adjustment of the distance between the fixing lugs 2a, 2b and, thereby, an adjustment of the position of the 'virtual axis of rotation A, as described in the patent application WO 2017/055983 of the present plaintiff. Alternatively, however, the attachment part 2 could be completely rigid. The two fixing lugs 2a, 2b could also be completely separated.

Chaque lame élastique 4, 5 est jointe par ses extrémités à la partie de fixation 2 et à la partie mobile 3 soit directement soit, comme représenté, par l'intermédiaire de raccords 6 qui adoucissent les arêtes entre les faces latérales des lames élastiques 4, 5 et les parties 2, 3. Dans la présente invention, de tels raccords 6 ne sont pas considérés comme faisant partie des lames élastiques 4, 5.Each elastic blade 4, 5 is joined by its ends to the fixing part 2 and to the movable part 3 either directly or, as shown, by means of fittings 6 which soften the edges between the side faces of the elastic blades 4, 5 and parts 2, 3. In the present invention, such fittings 6 are not considered to be part of the elastic strips 4, 5.

Conformément à la présente invention, la section de chaque lame élastique 4, 5 varie le long de la lame. Par « variation de la section » on entend une variation de la taille et/ou de la forme de la section. Une telle variation de section entraîne une variation de raideur le long de la lame et change donc la répartition des contraintes dans la lame lorsque celle-ci travaille. Cela permet d'ajuster certaines caractéristiques de l'oscillateur.According to the present invention, the section of each elastic blade 4, 5 varies along the blade. By “variation of the section” is meant a variation in the size and / or the shape of the section. Such a variation in section causes a variation in stiffness along the blade and therefore changes the distribution of stresses in the blade when the latter is working. This allows some characteristics of the oscillator to be adjusted.

De préférence, la forme de la section de chaque lame élastique 4, 5 reste constante, typiquement rectangulaire, mais son épaisseur e varie le long de la lame. Dans la présente invention l'épaisseur est la dimension de la lame dans un plan parallèle au plan de l'oscillateur et perpendiculairement à la fibre neutre de la lame. La hauteur, c'est-à-dire la dimension de la lame perpendiculairement au plan de l'oscillateur (parallèlement à l'axe de rotation virtuel A), est typiquement constante mais elle peut aussi varier.Preferably, the shape of the section of each elastic strip 4, 5 remains constant, typically rectangular, but its thickness e varies along the strip. In the present invention, the thickness is the dimension of the blade in a plane parallel to the plane of the oscillator and perpendicular to the neutral fiber of the blade. The height, that is to say the dimension of the blade perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator (parallel to the virtual axis of rotation A), is typically constant but it can also vary.

Dans l'exemple illustré, l'épaisseur e est la même pour chaque lame élastique 4, 5 et varie linéairement d'une extrémité à l'autre en étant plus grande à son extrémité rattachée à la partie de fixation 2 qu'à son extrémité rattachée à la partie mobile 3. On appelle r le rapport entre l'épaisseur e à l'extrémité rattachée à la partie mobile 3 et l'épaisseur e à l'extrémité rattachée à la partie de fixation 2.In the example illustrated, the thickness e is the same for each elastic strip 4, 5 and varies linearly from one end to the other, being greater at its end attached to the fixing part 2 than at its end. attached to the mobile part 3. We call r the ratio between the thickness e at the end attached to the mobile part 3 and the thickness e at the end attached to the fixing part 2.

Dans un oscillateur de type Wittrick, insensible à la gravité, les lames élastiques ont une section constante et leur point de croisement est situé à environ 12,7% de la longueur de chaque lame au repos, la valeur théorique étant de 1/2 - √5/6. Ceci correspond environ aux 7/8ème ou au 8ème, selon le sens choisi, mentionnés dans la demande de brevet EP 2911012 . On appelle t la position (en %) du point de croisement des lames élastiques, mesurée depuis l'extrémité de chaque lame jointe à la partie de fixation 2 lorsque la partie mobile 3 est dans sa position d'équilibre (position de repos). La demanderesse a constaté qu'il existe en fait une infinité de points de croisement possibles qui rendent l'oscillateur insensible à la gravité, si l'on fait varier la section des lames élastiques 4, 5. Le graphique de la figure 3 représente les couples (r, t) pour lesquels la fréquence de l'oscillateur 1 est indépendante de la gravité, plus précisément pour lesquels le déplacement de l'axe de rotation virtuel A parallèlement au plan de l'oscillateur pendant les rotations de la partie mobile 3 par rapport à la partie de fixation 2 est minimum. En pratique ce déplacement minimum est sensiblement nul. L'axe de rotation virtuel A reste en effet dans un cercle de rayon R, avec le rapport R/L (où L est la longueur des lames élastiques 4, 5) inférieur à 0,00125 voire inférieur à 0,00075, lorsque la partie mobile 3 est tournée de sa position d'équilibre jusqu'à un angle de ±20°. Le point B (r = 1, t = 12,7%) sur la figure 3 correspond à l'oscillateur Wittrick. Le point C (r = 0,5, t = 19,2%) correspond à l'oscillateur 1 tel que montré aux figures 1 et 2.In a Wittrick type oscillator, insensitive to gravity, the elastic blades have a constant section and their crossing point is located about 12.7% of the length of each blade at rest, the theoretical value being 1/2 - √5 / 6. This corresponds approximately to the 7/8 th or the 8 th , depending on the direction chosen, mentioned in the patent application. EP 2911012 . We call t the position (in%) of the point of intersection of the elastic blades, measured from the end of each blade joined to the fixing part 2 when the mobile part 3 is in its equilibrium position (rest position). The Applicant has observed that there is in fact an infinite number of possible crossing points which make the oscillator insensitive to gravity, if the section of the elastic blades 4, 5 is varied. figure 3 represents the couples (r, t) for which the frequency of oscillator 1 is independent of gravity, more precisely for which the displacement of the virtual axis of rotation A parallel to the plane of the oscillator during the rotations of the part movable 3 relative to the fixing part 2 is minimum. In practice, this minimum displacement is substantially zero. The virtual axis of rotation A remains in a circle of radius R, with the ratio R / L (where L is the length of the elastic blades 4, 5) less than 0.00125 or even less than 0.00075, when the movable part 3 is rotated from its equilibrium position up to an angle of ± 20 °. Point B (r = 1, t = 12.7%) on the figure 3 corresponds to the Wittrick oscillator. Point C (r = 0.5, t = 19.2%) corresponds to oscillator 1 as shown in figures 1 and 2 .

On peut ainsi choisir une valeur de r permettant d'obtenir une position souhaitée pour le point de croisement des lames élastiques 4, 5, à savoir une position plus proche de la partie de fixation 2 (r > 1) ou, au contraire, une position moins proche de la partie de fixation 2 (r < 1). Par exemple, avec un point de croisement moins proche de la partie de fixation 2, la partie mobile 3 pourra avoir un diamètre plus petit et l'encombrement de l'oscillateur 1 pourra donc être réduit. Dans des exemples de réalisation de la présente invention, la position t du point de croisement des lames élastiques 4, 5 est d'au moins 14%, de préférence d'au moins 15%, de préférence d'au moins 16%, de préférence d'au moins 17%, de préférence d'au moins 18%, de préférence d'au moins 19%. Elle peut être avantageusement comprise entre 17 et 21%, plus particulièrement entre 18 et 20%.It is thus possible to choose a value of r making it possible to obtain a desired position for the point of intersection of the elastic strips 4, 5, namely a position closer to the fixing part 2 (r> 1) or, on the contrary, a position less close to fixing part 2 (r <1). For example, with a crossing point less close to the fixing part 2, the mobile part 3 could have a smaller diameter and the size of the oscillator 1 could therefore be reduced. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the position t of the crossing point of the elastic leaves 4, 5 is at least 14%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 16%, of preferably at least 17%, preferably at least 18%, preferably at least 19%. It can advantageously be between 17 and 21%, more particularly between 18 and 20%.

De plus, des configurations particulières peuvent être trouvées conférant à l'oscillateur 1 des caractéristiques intéressantes en termes par exemple d'amplitude d'oscillation ou de sensibilité aux tolérances de fabrication.In addition, particular configurations can be found giving oscillator 1 interesting characteristics in terms for example of oscillation amplitude or sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.

A titre d'illustration, le graphique de la figure 4 montre la contrainte équivalente de Von Mises (en MPa) subie par le pivot flexible, c'est-à-dire par l'ensemble des deux lames élastiques 4, 5, pour une rotation de 20° de la partie mobile 3 par rapport à la partie de fixation 2, en fonction des couples (r, t) situés sur la courbe de la figure 3, la raideur globale des lames élastiques 4, 5 étant la même pour chaque couple (r, t). Le point D correspond au couple (r = 1, t = 12,7%), c'est-à-dire à l'oscillateur Wittrick. Le point E correspond au couple (r = 0,5, t = 19,2%), c'est-à-dire à l'oscillateur 1 illustré aux figures 1 et 2. On voit que la contrainte équivalente est minimale pour ce point E, et que pour des valeurs de r comprises entre 0,3 et 1 la contrainte équivalente est inférieure à celle de l'oscillateur Wittrick. La diminution des contraintes dans les lames élastiques 4, 5 permet d'augmenter l'amplitude d'oscillation de la partie mobile 3 et d'augmenter ainsi les sécurités de l'échappement qui coopère avec l'oscillateur 1.By way of illustration, the graph of the figure 4 shows the Von Mises equivalent stress (in MPa) undergone by the flexible pivot, that is to say by the set of two elastic blades 4, 5, for a rotation of 20 ° of the mobile part 3 with respect to the fixing part 2, as a function of the torques (r, t) located on the curve of the figure 3 , the overall stiffness of the elastic blades 4, 5 being the same for each pair (r, t). Point D corresponds to the torque (r = 1, t = 12.7%), that is to say to the Wittrick oscillator. Point E corresponds to the torque (r = 0.5, t = 19.2%), i.e. to oscillator 1 illustrated in figures 1 and 2 . We see that the equivalent stress is minimal for this point E, and that for values of r between 0.3 and 1 the equivalent stress is lower than that of the Wittrick oscillator. The reduction in the stresses in the elastic blades 4, 5 makes it possible to increase the amplitude of oscillation of the mobile part 3 and thus to increase the safety of the escapement which cooperates with the oscillator 1.

En plus de l'insensibilité à la gravité, il est important de rendre la fréquence de l'oscillateur indépendante de l'amplitude d'oscillation. Pour cela, le moment de rappel élastique exercé par le pivot flexible 4, 5 sur la partie mobile 3 doit être linéaire en fonction de l'angle de rotation de la partie mobile 3 par rapport à la partie de fixation 2. En d'autres termes, la constante de rappel élastique ou raideur du pivot flexible 4, 5 doit être constante en fonction dudit angle de rotation. Si l'on désigne par k la constante de rappel élastique ou raideur, par M le moment de rappel élastique et par θ l'angle de rotation de la partie mobile 3 par rapport à la partie de fixation 2, on a classiquement la relation M = k. θ. On souhaite donc que la grandeur k soit sensiblement constante, par exemple que sa variation en valeur absolue sur une plage d'angles θ allant de 0° (position d'équilibre de la partie mobile 3) à ±20°, ladite variation pouvant s'exprimer par (k(±20°) - k(0°))/k(0°), soit inférieure à 0,05% voire inférieure à 0,02%.In addition to the insensitivity to gravity, it is important to make the oscillator frequency independent of the oscillation amplitude. For this, the elastic restoring moment exerted by the flexible pivot 4, 5 on the movable part 3 must be linear as a function of the angle of rotation of the movable part 3 with respect to the fixing part 2. In other words In terms, the elastic return constant or stiffness of the flexible pivot 4, 5 must be constant as a function of said angle of rotation. If we denote by k the elastic restoring constant or stiffness, by M the elastic restoring moment and by θ the angle of rotation of the mobile part 3 with respect to the fixing part 2, we conventionally have the relation M = k. θ. It is therefore desired that the quantity k be substantially constant, for example that its variation in absolute value over a range of angles θ ranging from 0 ° (equilibrium position of the mobile part 3) to ± 20 °, said variation being able to s '' express by (k (± 20 °) - k (0 °)) / k (0 °), i.e. less than 0.05% or even less than 0.02%.

Le graphique de la figure 5 montre l'influence sur l'isochronisme de l'angle α entre les lames élastiques 4, 5 (cet angle est mesuré entre les fibres neutres des lames). Sur ce graphique on a reporté et désigné par J1 la courbe de la figure 3 qui représente les couples (r, t) pour lesquels l'oscillateur est insensible à la gravité, et on a ajouté des courbes J2 à J5 représentant les couples (r, t) pour lesquels la fréquence de l'oscillateur est indépendante de l'amplitude d'oscillation, plus précisément pour lesquels la différence entre la fréquence de l'oscillateur à une amplitude d'oscillation de 20° et la fréquence de l'oscillateur à une amplitude d'oscillation de 2° est minimale ou nulle. Chacune des courbes J2 à J5 correspond à un angle α respectif entre les lames élastiques, à savoir, pour la courbe J2 un angle de 70°, pour la courbe J3 un angle de 80°, pour la courbe J4 un angle de 90°, et pour la courbe J5 un angle de 100°. Les points d'intersection entre la courbe J1 et les courbes J2 à J5 définissent des triplets (r, t, a) pour lesquels l'oscillateur est isochrone à la fois par rapport à la gravité et par rapport à l'amplitude d'oscillation.The graph of the figure 5 shows the influence on the isochronism of the angle α between the elastic plates 4, 5 (this angle is measured between the neutral fibers of the plates). On this graph we have plotted and designated by J1 the curve of the figure 3 which represents the couples (r, t) for which the oscillator is insensitive to gravity, and we have added curves J2 to J5 representing the couples (r, t) for which the frequency of the oscillator is independent of the oscillation amplitude, more precisely for which the difference between the frequency of the oscillator at an oscillation amplitude of 20 ° and the frequency of the oscillator at an oscillation amplitude of 2 ° is minimal or zero. Each of the curves J2 to J5 corresponds to a respective angle α between the elastic strips, namely, for the curve J2 an angle of 70 °, for the curve J3 an angle of 80 °, for the curve J4 an angle of 90 °, and for the curve J5 an angle of 100 °. The points of intersection between curve J1 and curves J2 to J5 define triples (r, t, a) for which the oscillator is isochronous both with respect to gravity and with respect to the amplitude of oscillation.

On observe qu'en faisant varier les valeurs r, t et α une multitude de solutions existent, en plus de celle proposée dans la demande de brevet WO 2016/096677 , pour rendre la fréquence de l'oscillateur indépendante de la gravité et de l'amplitude d'oscillation. L'oscillateur peut donc avoir diverses configurations, présentant chacune ses avantages et ses inconvénients par rapport aux autres, en particulier en termes d'encombrement, de sensibilité aux tolérances de fabrication, d'amplitude d'oscillation ou de résistance aux chocs. Par exemple, outre l'avantage, déjà mentionné, de minimiser les contraintes, le triplet (r = 0,5, t = 19,2%, α = 79°) par son angle α plus grand que celui proposé dans la demande de brevet WO 2016/096677 , et en particulier plus proche de 90°, rend l'oscillateur moins sensible aux chocs. Dans des exemples de réalisation de la présente invention, l'angle α est d'au moins 77°, de préférence d'au moins 78°, de préférence d'au moins 79°. L'angle α est par exemple compris entre 77° et 83°.It is observed that by varying the values r, t and α a multitude of solutions exist, in addition to that proposed in the patent application WO 2016/096677 , to make the oscillator frequency independent of gravity and oscillation amplitude. The oscillator can therefore have various configurations, each presenting its advantages and disadvantages compared to the others, in particular in terms of size, sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, oscillation amplitude or impact resistance. For example, in addition to the advantage, already mentioned, of minimizing the constraints, the triplet (r = 0.5, t = 19.2%, α = 79 °) by its angle α greater than that proposed in the application for patent WO 2016/096677 , and in particular closer to 90 °, makes the oscillator less sensitive to shocks. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the angle α is at least 77 °, preferably at least 78 °, preferably at least 79 °. The angle α is for example between 77 ° and 83 °.

Dans des variantes de l'invention, l'épaisseur de chaque lame élastique 4, 5 varie de manière non linéaire. Dans un mode de réalisation, toutefois, l'épaisseur de chaque lame élastique 4, 5 varie de manière monotone (croissante ou décroissante) d'une extrémité à l'autre de la lame. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, l'épaisseur de chaque lame élastique 4, 5 varie de manière strictement monotone (sans interruption de la variation) d'une extrémité à l'autre ou au moins sur une portion continue de la lame représentant 25%, de préférence 30%, de préférence 35%, de préférence 40%, de préférence 45%, de préférence 50%, de préférence 55%, de préférence 60%, de préférence 65%, de préférence 70%, de préférence 75%, de préférence 80%, de préférence 85%, de préférence 90%, de préférence 95%, de la longueur de la lame, cette longueur étant rectiligne ou curviligne selon la forme, droite ou courbe, des lames élastiques 4, 5 au repos. L'épaisseur peut aussi varier de telle sorte qu'elle soit plus petite à une extrémité qu'à l'autre, mais de manière non monotone entre les deux extrémités.In variants of the invention, the thickness of each elastic blade 4, 5 varies non-linearly. In one embodiment, however, the thickness of each resilient blade 4, 5 varies monotonically (increasing or decreasing) from one end of the blade to the other. In another embodiment, the thickness of each elastic strip 4, 5 varies strictly monotonically (without interrupting the variation) from one end to the other or at least over a continuous portion of the strip representing 25%. , preferably 30%, preferably 35%, preferably 40%, preferably 45%, preferably 50%, preferably 55%, preferably 60%, preferably 65%, preferably 70%, preferably 75% , preferably 80%, preferably 85%, preferably 90%, preferably 95%, of the length of the blade, this length being rectilinear or curvilinear depending on the shape, straight or curved, of the elastic blades 4, 5 at rest . The thickness can also vary so that it is smaller at one end than at the other, but not monotonically between the two ends.

On pourrait en outre faire varier la raideur de chaque lame élastique 4, 5 ou de l'une seulement des lames élastiques 4, 5 d'une autre façon qu'en faisant varier sa section, par exemple par un traitement thermique, par dopage ou implantation ionique ou par des dépôts de matériaux de rigidités différentes le long de la lame.The stiffness of each elastic blade 4, 5 or of only one of the elastic blades 4, 5 could also be varied in a way other than by varying its section, for example by heat treatment, by doping or ion implantation or by deposits of materials of different stiffness along the blade.

Par ailleurs, on pourrait faire varier la raideur d'une seule des lames élastiques 4, 5, l'autre lame élastique gardant une raideur (par exemple une section) constante, ou faire varier la raideur (par exemple la section) des deux lames différemment.Furthermore, one could vary the stiffness of only one of the elastic strips 4, 5, the other elastic strip keeping a stiffness (for example a section) constant, or vary the stiffness (for example the section) of the two strips. differently.

De manière générale, les lames élastiques 4, 5 peuvent être identiques ou différentes, avoir la même raideur en étant différentes, ou avoir des raideurs différentes.In general, the elastic strips 4, 5 can be identical or different, have the same stiffness while being different, or have different stiffnesses.

L'oscillateur selon l'invention peut être fabriqué de manière monolithique, par exemple en silicium ou dans toute autre matière appropriée selon la technique de gravure ionique réactive profonde dite « DRIE » (Deep Reactive Ion Etching), en nickel, alliage de nickel ou toute autre matière appropriée selon la technique LIGA (lithographie, galvanoplastie, moulage), en acier, cuivre-béryllium, maillechort ou autre alliage métallique par fraisage ou par électroérosion, ou en verre métallique par moulage. Dans le cas d'un oscillateur en silicium, l'oscillateur, ou seulement les lames élastiques 4, 5, peut être recouvert d'une couche d'oxyde de silicium (SiO2) pour augmenter sa résistance mécanique et/ou exercer une fonction de compensation thermique.The oscillator according to the invention can be manufactured in a monolithic manner, for example in silicon or in any other suitable material according to the deep reactive ion etching technique known as “DRIE” (Deep Reactive Ion Etching), in nickel, nickel alloy or any other suitable material according to the LIGA technique (lithography, electroplating, molding), in steel, copper-beryllium, nickel silver or other metal alloy by milling or by electroerosion, or in metallic glass by molding. In the case of a silicon oscillator, the oscillator, or only the elastic blades 4, 5, can be covered with a layer of silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) to increase its mechanical resistance and / or to perform a function. thermal compensation.

Une telle fabrication monolithique convient particulièrement à des oscillateurs destinés à fonctionner à des fréquences élevées. Pour des fréquences de fonctionnement plus basses, on peut rapporter sur l'oscillateur formé monolithiquement des pièces inertielles, telles qu'une serge et/ou des masselottes, réalisées dans un matériau plus dense que celui de l'oscillateur, comme décrit dans la demande de brevet EP 2 911 012 .Such a monolithic construction is particularly suitable for oscillators intended to operate at high frequencies. For lower operating frequencies, inertial parts, such as a rim and / or weights, made from a material denser than that of the oscillator, as described in the application, can be added to the monolithically formed oscillator. patent EP 2 911 012 .

L'oscillateur selon l'invention peut comprendre plus de deux lames élastiques. Par exemple, il peut comprendre une deuxième paire de lames élastiques superposée à la première paire de lames élastiques 4, 5 et dont les deux lames se croisent sur l'axe de rotation virtuel A, pour augmenter la raideur du pivot flexible hors du plan de l'oscillateur.The oscillator according to the invention can comprise more than two elastic blades. For example, it can comprise a second pair of elastic blades superimposed on the first pair of elastic blades 4, 5 and whose two blades cross on the virtual axis of rotation A, to increase the stiffness of the flexible pivot outside the plane of the oscillator.

La présente invention peut s'appliquer à d'autres composants horlogers qu'un oscillateur, par exemple à une ancre d'échappement, un levier ou une bascule, pour faciliter l'optimisation de leurs caractéristiques.The present invention can be applied to other horological components than an oscillator, for example to an escape lever, a lever or a rocker, to facilitate the optimization of their characteristics.

Claims (23)

  1. Timepiece component (1) with a flexible pivot comprising a fixing part (2), a mobile part (3) and first and second elastic strips (4, 5) connecting the fixing part (2) and the mobile part (3), the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) extending in respective parallel planes and crossing without contact to define a virtual axis of rotation (A) of the mobile part (3) with respect to the fixing part (2), characterised in that at least one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) has a stiffness which varies in a strictly monotonic manner over at least a continuous portion of the strip representing 25% of the length of the strip.
  2. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the stiffness of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies in a strictly monotonic manner over at least a continuous portion of the strip representing 30%, preferably 35%, preferably 40%, preferably 45%, preferably 50%, preferably 55%, preferably 60%, preferably 65%, preferably 70%, preferably 75%, preferably 80%, preferably 85%, preferably 90%, preferably 95%, of the length of the strip.
  3. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the stiffness of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies such that it is greater at one end than at the other.
  4. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the stiffness of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies in a monotonic manner from one end of the strip to the other.
  5. Timepiece component (1) with a flexible pivot comprising a fixing part (2), a mobile part (3) and first and second elastic strips (4, 5) connecting the fixing part (2) and the mobile part (3), the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) extending in respective parallel planes and crossing without contact to define a virtual axis of rotation (A) of the mobile part (3) with respect to the fixing part (2), characterised in that at least one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) has a stiffness which varies in a monotonic manner from one end of the strip to the other.
  6. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) have the same stiffness and the same variation in stiffness.
  7. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the stiffness of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies such that it is greater at the end of the strip joined to the fixing part (2) than at the end of the strip joined to the mobile part (3).
  8. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the stiffness of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies in a strictly monotonic manner from one end of the strip to the other.
  9. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) has a cross-section which varies along the strip, this variation in cross-section permitting said variation in stiffness to be achieved.
  10. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) has a cross-section which varies in size along the strip, this variation in size permitting said variation in stiffness to be achieved.
  11. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the thickness of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies along the strip, this variation in thickness permitting said variation in stiffness to be achieved.
  12. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the thickness of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies in a linear manner from one end of the strip to the other.
  13. Timepiece component (1) with a flexible pivot comprising a fixing part (2), a mobile part (3) and first and second elastic strips (4, 5) connecting the fixing part (2) and the mobile part (3), the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) extending in respective parallel planes and crossing without contact to define a virtual axis of rotation (A) of the mobile part (3) with respect to the fixing part (2), characterised in that at least one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) has a thickness which varies in a linear manner from one end of the strip to the other.
  14. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the thickness (e) of at least said one of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) is greater at the end of the strip joined to the fixing part (2) than at the end of the strip joined to the mobile part (3).
  15. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) have the same thickness (e) and the same variation in thickness (e).
  16. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the thickness (e) of each of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) is twice as great at the end of the strip joined to the fixing part (2) than at the end of the strip joined to the mobile part (3).
  17. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) cross at at least 14%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 16%, preferably at least 17%, preferably at least 18%, preferably at least 19% of their length, said length being measured from the end of each strip joined to the fixing part (2).
  18. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) cross at X% of their length, said length being measured from the end of each strip joined to the fixing part (2), X being between 17 and 21, preferably between 18 and 20, and preferably being equal to about 19.2.
  19. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the angle (α) between the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) is at least 77°, preferably at least 78°, preferably at least 79°.
  20. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the angle (α) between the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) is between 77° and 83° and is preferably about 79°.
  21. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the position of the crossing point of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) and said variation are such that the virtual axis of rotation (A) remains in a circle of radius R, with the ratio R/L, wherein L is the length of the first and second elastic strips (4, 5), of less than 0.00125, preferably less than 0.00075, when the mobile part (3) is turned with respect to the fixing part (2) from its equilibrium position to an angle of ±20°.
  22. Timepiece component (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the angle (α) between the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) and said variation are such that the stiffness of the flexible pivot formed by the first and second elastic strips (4, 5) varies by less than 0.05%, preferably by less than 0.02%, as an absolute value over a range of angles of rotation of the mobile part (3) with respect to the fixing part (2) from 0°, corresponding to the equilibrium position of the mobile part (3), to ±20°.
  23. Timepiece component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that it is, or comprises, an oscillator (1), a lever, a rocker or a pallet.
EP17809039.5A 2016-12-16 2017-11-17 Timepiece component with a flexible pivot Active EP3555708B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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EP16204655 2016-12-16
PCT/IB2017/057209 WO2018109584A1 (en) 2016-12-16 2017-11-17 Timepiece component with flexible pivot

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JP6843191B2 (en) 2018-07-24 2021-03-17 ザ・スウォッチ・グループ・リサーチ・アンド・ディベロップメント・リミテッド Timekeeping oscillator with flexor bearings with long square strokes
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EP4163735A1 (en) 2021-10-05 2023-04-12 Patek Philippe SA Genève Methods for producing and adjusting an oscillator with flexible guide and timepiece movement comprising such an oscillator
EP4286959A1 (en) 2022-06-02 2023-12-06 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot

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WO2018109584A1 (en) 2018-06-21
EP3555708A1 (en) 2019-10-23

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