EP3561607B1 - Collision protection of a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding - Google Patents

Collision protection of a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3561607B1
EP3561607B1 EP18205260.5A EP18205260A EP3561607B1 EP 3561607 B1 EP3561607 B1 EP 3561607B1 EP 18205260 A EP18205260 A EP 18205260A EP 3561607 B1 EP3561607 B1 EP 3561607B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transverse
resonator mechanism
flexible
longitudinal
translation table
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP18205260.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3561607A1 (en
Inventor
Pascal Winkler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from EP18168765.8A external-priority patent/EP3561609B1/en
Priority claimed from EP18185138.7A external-priority patent/EP3438762A3/en
Application filed by ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA filed Critical ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
Priority to US16/654,262 priority Critical patent/US11409245B2/en
Priority to JP2019195910A priority patent/JP6828117B2/en
Publication of EP3561607A1 publication Critical patent/EP3561607A1/en
Priority to CN201911081303.XA priority patent/CN111158230B/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3561607B1 publication Critical patent/EP3561607B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs
    • 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
    • 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
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
    • 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
    • G04B43/00—Protecting clockworks by shields or other means against external influences, e.g. magnetic fields
    • G04B43/002—Component shock protection arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, comprising a structure and an anchoring block from which is suspended at least one inertial element arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ about a pivot axis extending along a first direction Z, said inertial element being subjected to restoring forces exerted by a flexible pivot comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades, each fixed, at a first end to said anchoring block, and at a second end to said element inertial, each said elastic blade being deformable essentially in an XY plane perpendicular to said first direction Z.
  • the invention also relates to a clock oscillator comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such oscillator and/or such a resonator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising such a clock movement, and/or such an oscillator, and/or such a resonator mechanism.
  • the invention relates to the field of clockwork resonators, and more particularly those which comprise elastic blades acting as return means for the operation of the oscillator.
  • the torsion rigidity of the suspension is a delicate point for most clock oscillators comprising at least one spiral spring or elastic blades constituting a flexible guide, and in particular for resonators with crossed blades.
  • the shock resistance also depends on this torsional stiffness; in fact, during out-of-plane shocks, the stress undergone by the blades quickly reaches very high values, which correspondingly reduces the travel that the part can travel before yielding.
  • Shock absorbers for timepieces come in many variants. However, their main purpose is to protect the fragile pivots of the axle, and not the elastic elements, such as conventionally the spiral spring.
  • the document EP3054357A1 on behalf of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse SA describes a horological oscillator comprising a structure and separate primary resonators, temporally and geometrically out of phase, each comprising a mass returned to the structure by an elastic return means.
  • This oscillator comprises coupling means for the interaction of the primary resonators, comprising motor means for driving a mobile in motion which comprises drive and guide means arranged to drive and guide a control means articulated with transmission means , each articulated, at a distance from the control means, with a mass of a primary resonator.
  • the primary resonators and the mobile are arranged in such a way that the axes of the articulations of any two of the primary resonators and the axis of articulation of the control means are never coplanar.
  • the document EP3035127A1 on behalf of SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd describes a clockwork oscillator comprising a resonator consisting of a tuning fork which comprises at least two oscillating mobile parts, fixed to a connecting element by flexible elements whose geometry determines a virtual pivot axis of determined position relative to a plate, and around which the respective movable part oscillates, the center of mass of which coincides in the rest position with the respective virtual pivot axis.
  • the flexible elements consist of elastic blades crossed at a distance from each other in two parallel planes, the projections of the directions of which on one of the parallel planes intersect at the level of the pivot axis. virtual of the mobile part.
  • New mechanism architectures make it possible to maximize the quality factor of a resonator, by the use of a flexible guide with the use of a lever escapement with a very small angle of lift, according to demand CH713150 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse and its derivatives, the teachings of which can be directly used in the present invention, and whose resonator can be further improved as regards its sensitivity to shocks, in certain particular directions. It is therefore a question of protecting the blades from breaking in the event of impact.
  • Requirement CH714922 or request EP3561609 on behalf of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse describes a resonator clockwork mechanism, comprising a structure carrying, by a flexible suspension, an anchoring block from which is suspended an inertial element oscillating according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ, under the action of restoring forces exerted by a flexible pivot comprising first elastic blades each fixed to said inertial element and to said anchoring block, the flexible suspension being arranged to allow a certain mobility of the anchoring block according to all the other degrees of freedom that the first degree of freedom in rotation RZ according to which only the inertial element is mobile to avoid any disturbance of its oscillation, and the rigidity of the suspension according to the first degree of freedom in rotation RZ is very greatly greater than the rigidity of the pivot flexible according to this same first degree of freedom in rotation RZ.
  • the invention proposes to optimize the torsional rigidities of the suspension, in particular for a resonator mechanism according to CH714922 or request EP3561609 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, or for a similar resonator with flexible guides.
  • a good rotary resonator with flexible guidance which constitutes a flexible pivot and defines a virtual pivot axis, must be both very flexible for the rotation of oscillation according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ, and also very rigid according to the other degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, RX, RY) so as to avoid parasitic movements of the center of mass of the resonator. Indeed, such parasitic movements can cause walking errors, if the orientation of the resonator changes in the field of gravity (one speaks of position error).
  • the suspension of the embedding of the pivot must be very rigid according to the degree of freedom of the oscillation, so as not to disturb the isochronism of the resonator, and not to dissipate energy via movements due to the reaction forces.
  • the invention proposes to better manage the torsion rigidities of the suspension, and consequently to limit the out-of-plane displacement travel of the blades of a blade resonator, and therefore to ensure better performance of the system.
  • the invention relates to a blade resonator mechanism according to claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a clock oscillator comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a clock movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising such a clock movement, and/or such a resonator mechanism.
  • the invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, which constitutes a variant of the resonators described in the application CH714922 or request EP3561609 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, the person skilled in the art will know how to combine the characteristics with those specific to the present invention.
  • This clockwork resonator mechanism 100 comprises a structure 1 and an anchor block 30, from which is suspended at least one inertial element 2 arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around an axis of pivot D extending in a first direction Z.
  • This inertial element 2 is subjected to restoring forces exerted by a flexible pivot 200 comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades 3, each fixed, at a first end to the anchoring block 30, and at a second end to the inertial element 2.
  • Each elastic blade 3 is essentially deformable in an XY plane perpendicular to the first direction Z.
  • the principle of the invention is to use the torsional flexibility of a translation table to better manage the torsional stiffness of the suspension.
  • the blades of the XY tables are oriented so that the direction of greatest flexibility in torsion aims at the axis of rotation of the resonator. Their flexibility in torsion is managed by bringing the blades closer to each other.
  • the flexible suspension 300 comprises, between the anchor block 30 and a first intermediate mass 303, which is fixed to the structure 1 by means of a flexible plate 301 in the first direction Z, a transverse translation table 32 with flexible guidance, and which comprises transverse blades 320 or transverse flexible rods 1320, rectilinear and extending in the second direction X and in symmetry around a transverse axis D2 crossing the pivot axis D.
  • the flexible suspension 300 further comprises, between the anchor block 30 and a second intermediate mass 305, a longitudinal translation table 31 with flexible guidance, and which comprises 310 longitudinal blades or flexible rods longitudinal 1310, rectilinear and extending in the third direction Y and in symmetry around a longitudinal axis D1 crossing the pivot axis D.
  • the translation table transverse 32 with flexible guide comprises transverse blades 320 or transverse flexible rods 1320, straight and extending in the second direction X and in symmetry around the transverse axis D2 crossing the pivot axis D.
  • the longitudinal axis D1 crosses the transverse axis D2, and in particular the longitudinal axis D1, the transverse axis D2, and the pivot axis D are concurrent.
  • the longitudinal translation table 31 and the transverse translation table 32 each comprise at least two blades or flexible rods, each blade or rod being characterized by its thickness in the second direction X when the blade or rod extends in the third direction Y or vice versa, by its height in the first direction Z, and by its length in the direction in which the blade or rod extends, the length being at least five times greater than the height, the height being at least as great as the thickness, and more particularly at least five times greater than this thickness, and more particularly still at least seven times greater than this thickness.
  • the transverse translation table 32 comprises at least two blades or transverse flexible rods, parallel to each other and of the same length.
  • the figures 1 to 4 illustrate a non-limiting variant with four parallel transverse blades, and, more particularly, each consisting of two half-blades arranged on two superimposed levels, and extending in the extension of one another in the first direction Z. These half-blades can be either completely free relative to each other, or else secured by gluing or the like, or by growth of SiO 2 in the case of an execution in silicon, or the like.
  • the longitudinal translation table 31, when it exists since it is optional, can obey the same principle of construction.
  • the figures 5 to 8 illustrate variants with flexible rods, grouped in two levels of two rods, of substantially square section for the figures 5 and 6 , or substantially circular for figures 7 and 8 .
  • the number, the provision, and the section of these blades or rods, may vary without departing from the present invention.
  • the blades or transverse rods of the transverse translation table 32 have a first plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the transverse axis D2, and which passes through the pivot axis D.
  • the transverse blades or rods of the transverse translation table 32 have a second plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the transverse axis D2, and orthogonal to the pivot axis D.
  • the blades or transverse rods of the transverse translation table 32 have a third plane of symmetry, which is perpendicular to the transverse axis D2, and parallel to the pivot axis D.
  • the blades or transverse rods of the transverse translation table 32 extend over at least two levels parallel to each other, each level being perpendicular to the pivot axis D.
  • the arrangement of the transverse blades or rods of the transverse translation table 32 is identical on each of the levels.
  • transverse blades or rectilinear flexible rods 320, 1320 are flat blades whose height is at least five times greater than their thickness.
  • transverse blades or rectilinear flexible rods 320, 1320 are square or circular section rods whose height is equal to the thickness.
  • the longitudinal translation table 31 comprises at least two blades or longitudinal flexible rods, parallel to each other and of the same length.
  • the blades or longitudinal rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 have a first plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis D1, and which passes through the pivot axis D.
  • the blades or longitudinal rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 have a second plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis D1, and orthogonal to the pivot axis D.
  • the blades or longitudinal rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 have a third plane of symmetry, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis D1, and parallel to the pivot axis D.
  • the blades or transverse rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 extend over at least two levels parallel to each other, each level being perpendicular to the pivot axis D.
  • the arrangement of the blades or transverse rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 is identical on each of the levels.
  • the longitudinal blades or rectilinear flexible rods 310, 1310 are flat blades whose height is at least five times greater than their thickness.
  • the longitudinal strips or rectilinear flexible rods 310, 1310 are rods of square or circular cross-section, the height of which is equal to the thickness.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises axial stop means comprising at least a first axial stop 7 and a second axial stop 8 to limit the travel in translation of the inertial element 2 at least along the first direction Z, the means axial abutment being arranged to cooperate in abutment support with the inertial element 2 for the protection of the longitudinal blades 3 at least against axial shocks in the first direction Z, and the second plane of symmetry is substantially at equal distance from the first axial stop 7 and the second axial stop 8.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plate 301, comprising at least one flexible blade 302 extending in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D, and fixed to the structure 1 and to the first intermediate mass 303, and which is arranged to allow mobility of the first intermediate mass 303 in the first direction Z.
  • the plate 301 comprises at least two flexible blades 302 coplanar.
  • Such a plate 301 is however optional if the height of the blades of the XY translation tables is low compared to the height of the flexible blades 3, in particular less than a third of the height of the flexible blades 3, and in particular if these translation tables comprise flexible rods 1310 or 1320 as on the figures 5 to 8 .
  • the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a one-piece assembly, which includes at least the anchor block 30, a base of the at least one inertial element 2, the flexible pivot 200, the flexible suspension 300, the first mass intermediate 303, and the transverse translation table 32, and comprises at least one breakable element 319 arranged to secure the components of the one-piece assembly during their assembly on the structure 1, and the breakage of which frees all the moving components of the one-piece assembly.
  • the one-piece assembly still includes at least the second intermediate mass 305 and the longitudinal translation table 31.
  • the resonator mechanism 100 can thus advantageously comprise at least two superimposed elementary one-piece assemblies, each of which includes a level of the anchoring block 30, and/or of a base of the at least one inertial element 2, and/or of the flexible pivot 200, and/or of the flexible suspension 300, and/or of the first intermediate mass 303, and/or of the transverse translation table 32, and/or of a breakable element 319; each elementary one-piece assembly can be assembled with at least one other elementary one-piece assembly by bonding or similar, by mechanical assembly, or by growth of SiO 2 in the case of an execution in silicon, or similar.
  • such an elementary one-piece assembly further comprises at least one level of the second intermediate mass 305 and/or of the longitudinal translation table 31.
  • the invention also relates to a clockwork oscillator mechanism 500 comprising such a clockwork resonator mechanism 100, and an escapement mechanism 400, arranged to cooperate with each other.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece movement 1000 comprising at least one such oscillator mechanism 500 and/or at least one resonator mechanism 100.
  • the invention also relates to a watch 2000 comprising at least one such movement 1000 and/or at least one oscillator mechanism 500 and/or at least one such resonator mechanism 100.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie, comportant une structure et un bloc d'ancrage auquel est suspendu au moins un élément inertiel agencé pour osciller selon un premier degré de liberté en rotation RZ autour d'un axe de pivotement s'étendant selon une première direction Z, ledit élément inertiel étant soumis à des efforts de rappel exercés par un pivot flexible comportant une pluralité de lames élastiques sensiblement longitudinales, chacune fixée, à une première extrémité audit bloc d'ancrage, et à une deuxième extrémité audit élément inertiel, chaque dite lame élastique étant déformable essentiellement dans un plan XY perpendiculaire à ladite première direction Z.The invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, comprising a structure and an anchoring block from which is suspended at least one inertial element arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ about a pivot axis extending along a first direction Z, said inertial element being subjected to restoring forces exerted by a flexible pivot comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades, each fixed, at a first end to said anchoring block, and at a second end to said element inertial, each said elastic blade being deformable essentially in an XY plane perpendicular to said first direction Z.

L'invention concerne encore un oscillateur d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a clock oscillator comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel oscillateur et/ou un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such oscillator and/or such a resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant un tel mouvement d'horlogerie, et/ou un tel oscillateur, et/ou un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a clock movement, and/or such an oscillator, and/or such a resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne le domaine des résonateurs d'horlogerie, et tout particulièrement ceux qui comportent des lames élastiques faisant fonction de moyens de rappel pour la marche de l'oscillateur.The invention relates to the field of clockwork resonators, and more particularly those which comprise elastic blades acting as return means for the operation of the oscillator.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

La rigidité en torsion de la suspension est un point délicat pour la plupart des oscillateurs d'horlogerie comportant au moins un ressort spiral ou des lames élastiques constituant un guidage flexible, et notamment pour les résonateurs à lames croisées. Et la tenue au chocs dépend aussi de cette rigidité en torsion ; en effet, lors de chocs hors plan, la contrainte subie par les lames atteint rapidement des valeurs très importantes, ce qui réduit d'autant la course que peut parcourir la pièce avant de céder. Les amortisseurs de chocs pour les pièces d'horlogerie se déclinent dans de nombreuses variantes. Cependant, ils ont essentiellement pour but de protéger les pivots fragiles de l'axe, et non pas les éléments élastiques, tel que classiquement le ressort spiral.The torsion rigidity of the suspension is a delicate point for most clock oscillators comprising at least one spiral spring or elastic blades constituting a flexible guide, and in particular for resonators with crossed blades. And the shock resistance also depends on this torsional stiffness; in fact, during out-of-plane shocks, the stress undergone by the blades quickly reaches very high values, which correspondingly reduces the travel that the part can travel before yielding. Shock absorbers for timepieces come in many variants. However, their main purpose is to protect the fragile pivots of the axle, and not the elastic elements, such as conventionally the spiral spring.

Le document EP3054357A1 au nom de ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse SA décrit un oscillateur horloger comportant une structure et des résonateurs primaires distincts, déphasés temporellement et géométriquement, comportant chacun une masse rappelée vers la structure par un moyen de rappel élastique. Cet oscillateur comporte des moyens de couplage pour l'interaction des résonateurs primaires, comportant des moyens moteurs pour entraîner en mouvement un mobile lequel comporte des moyens d'entraînement et de guidage agencés pour entraîner et guider un moyen de commande articulé avec des moyens de transmission, chacun articulé, à distance du moyen de commande, avec une masse d'un résonateur primaire. Les résonateurs primaires et le mobile sont agencés de telle façon que les axes des articulations de deux quelconques des résonateurs primaires et l'axe d'articulation du moyen de commande ne sont jamais coplanaires.The document EP3054357A1 on behalf of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse SA describes a horological oscillator comprising a structure and separate primary resonators, temporally and geometrically out of phase, each comprising a mass returned to the structure by an elastic return means. This oscillator comprises coupling means for the interaction of the primary resonators, comprising motor means for driving a mobile in motion which comprises drive and guide means arranged to drive and guide a control means articulated with transmission means , each articulated, at a distance from the control means, with a mass of a primary resonator. The primary resonators and the mobile are arranged in such a way that the axes of the articulations of any two of the primary resonators and the axis of articulation of the control means are never coplanar.

Le document EP3035127A1 au nom de SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd décrit un oscillateur d'horlogerie comportant un résonateur constitué par un diapason lequel comporte au moins deux parties mobiles oscillantes, fixées à un élément de liaison par des éléments flexibles dont la géométrie détermine un axe de pivotement virtuel de position déterminée par rapport à une plaque, et autour duquel oscille la partie mobile respective, dont le centre de masse est confondu en position de repos avec l'axe de pivotement virtuel respectif. Pour au moins une partie mobile, les éléments flexibles sont constitués de lames élastiques croisées à distance l'une de l'autre dans deux plans parallèles, dont les projections des directions sur un des plans parallèles se croisent au niveau de l'axe de pivotement virtuel de la partie mobile.The document EP3035127A1 on behalf of SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd describes a clockwork oscillator comprising a resonator consisting of a tuning fork which comprises at least two oscillating mobile parts, fixed to a connecting element by flexible elements whose geometry determines a virtual pivot axis of determined position relative to a plate, and around which the respective movable part oscillates, the center of mass of which coincides in the rest position with the respective virtual pivot axis. For at least one moving part, the flexible elements consist of elastic blades crossed at a distance from each other in two parallel planes, the projections of the directions of which on one of the parallel planes intersect at the level of the pivot axis. virtual of the mobile part.

De nouvelles architectures de mécanismes permettent de maximiser le facteur de qualité d'un résonateur, par l'utilisation d'un guidage flexible avec l'utilisation d'un échappement à ancre avec un très petit angle de levée, selon la demande CH713150 au nom de ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse et ses dérivées, dont les enseignements sont directement utilisables dans la présente invention, et dont le résonateur peut encore être amélioré en ce qui concerne sa sensibilité aux chocs, selon certaines directions particulières. Il s'agit donc de protéger les lames de la rupture en cas de chocs. On se rend compte que les systèmes antichocs proposés à ce jour pour les résonateurs à guidages flexibles, protègent les lames de chocs dans certaines directions seulement, mais pas dans toutes les directions, ou alors qu'ils présentent le défaut de laisser bouger légèrement l'encastrement du pivot flexible selon sa rotation d'oscillation, ce qui est à éviter autant que possible.New mechanism architectures make it possible to maximize the quality factor of a resonator, by the use of a flexible guide with the use of a lever escapement with a very small angle of lift, according to demand CH713150 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse and its derivatives, the teachings of which can be directly used in the present invention, and whose resonator can be further improved as regards its sensitivity to shocks, in certain particular directions. It is therefore a question of protecting the blades from breaking in the event of impact. We realize that the anti-shock systems proposed to date for resonators with flexible guides, protect the shock blades in certain directions only, but not in all directions, or they have the defect of allowing movement the embedding of the flexible pivot slightly according to its rotation of oscillation, which is to be avoided as much as possible.

La demande CH714922 ou la demande EP3561609 au nom de ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse décrit un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie, comportant une structure portant, par une suspension flexible, un bloc d'ancrage auquel est suspendu un élément inertiel oscillant selon un premier degré de liberté en rotation RZ, sous l'action d'efforts de rappel exercés par un pivot flexible comportant des premières lames élastiques chacune fixée audit élément inertiel et audit bloc d'ancrage, la suspension flexible étant agencée pour autoriser une certaine mobilité du bloc d'ancrage selon tous les degrés de liberté autres que le premier degré de liberté en rotation RZ selon lequel seul est mobile l'élément inertiel pour éviter toute perturbation de son oscillation, et la rigidité de la suspension selon le premier degré de liberté en rotation RZ est très fortement supérieure à la rigidité du pivot flexible selon ce même premier degré de liberté en rotation RZ.Requirement CH714922 or request EP3561609 on behalf of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse describes a resonator clockwork mechanism, comprising a structure carrying, by a flexible suspension, an anchoring block from which is suspended an inertial element oscillating according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ, under the action of restoring forces exerted by a flexible pivot comprising first elastic blades each fixed to said inertial element and to said anchoring block, the flexible suspension being arranged to allow a certain mobility of the anchoring block according to all the other degrees of freedom that the first degree of freedom in rotation RZ according to which only the inertial element is mobile to avoid any disturbance of its oscillation, and the rigidity of the suspension according to the first degree of freedom in rotation RZ is very greatly greater than the rigidity of the pivot flexible according to this same first degree of freedom in rotation RZ.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention se propose d'optimiser les rigidités en torsion de la suspension, notamment pour un mécanisme résonateur selon CH714922 ou la demande EP3561609 au nom de ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, ou pour un résonateur similaire à guidages flexibles.The invention proposes to optimize the torsional rigidities of the suspension, in particular for a resonator mechanism according to CH714922 or request EP3561609 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, or for a similar resonator with flexible guides.

En améliorant la rigidité en torsion de la suspension, on améliore aussi la protection des lames contre une rupture en cas de chocs. Un bon résonateur rotatif à guidage flexible, qui constitue un pivot flexible et définit un axe de pivotement virtuel, doit être à la fois très flexible pour la rotation d'oscillation selon un premier degré de liberté en rotation RZ, et aussi très rigide selon les autres degrés de liberté (X, Y, Z, RX, RY) de façon à éviter des mouvements parasites du centre de masse du résonateur. En effet, de tels mouvements parasites peuvent provoquer des erreurs de marche, si l'orientation du résonateur change dans le champ de gravité (on parle d'erreur aux positions). La suspension de l'encastrement du pivot doit être très rigide selon le degré de liberté de l'oscillation, pour ne pas perturber l'isochronisme du résonateur, et pour ne pas dissiper de l'énergie via des mouvements dûs aux forces de réaction.By improving the torsional stiffness of the suspension, the protection of the blades against breakage in the event of impact is also improved. A good rotary resonator with flexible guidance, which constitutes a flexible pivot and defines a virtual pivot axis, must be both very flexible for the rotation of oscillation according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ, and also very rigid according to the other degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, RX, RY) so as to avoid parasitic movements of the center of mass of the resonator. Indeed, such parasitic movements can cause walking errors, if the orientation of the resonator changes in the field of gravity (one speaks of position error). The suspension of the embedding of the pivot must be very rigid according to the degree of freedom of the oscillation, so as not to disturb the isochronism of the resonator, and not to dissipate energy via movements due to the reaction forces.

L'invention se propose de mieux gérer les rigidités en torsion de la suspension, et en conséquence de limiter la course de déplacement hors plan des lames d'un résonateur à lames, et donc d'assurer une meilleure tenue du système.The invention proposes to better manage the torsion rigidities of the suspension, and consequently to limit the out-of-plane displacement travel of the blades of a blade resonator, and therefore to ensure better performance of the system.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un mécanisme résonateur à lames selon la revendication 1.To this end, the invention relates to a blade resonator mechanism according to claim 1.

L'invention concerne encore un oscillateur d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a clock oscillator comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a clock movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant un tel mouvement d'horlogerie, et/ou un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a clock movement, and/or such a resonator mechanism.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue en plan, un mécanisme résonateur à lames élastiques, comportant une masse inertielle suspendue à un bloc d'ancrage par un pivot flexible comportant deux niveaux parallèles de lames élastiques, les directions selon lesquelles s'étendent ces lames se croisant, en projection, au niveau d'un axe de pivotement virtuel de cet élément inertiel, selon la demande CH714922 ou la demande EP3561609 au nom de ETA
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:
  • the figure 1 represents, schematically, and in plan view, a resonator mechanism with elastic blades, comprising an inertial mass suspended from an anchoring block by a flexible pivot comprising two parallel levels of elastic blades, the directions in which these extend blades crossing, in projection, at the level of a virtual pivot axis of this inertial element, according to the request CH714922 or request EP3561609 on behalf of ETA

Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, et dont les enseignements sont utilisables dans le cas de la présente invention; ce mécanisme résonateur est représenté dans une configuration particulière, non limitative, où il comporte deux tables de translation agencées pour autoriser une liberté restreinte à des masses intermédiaires que comporte le résonateur entre le bloc d'ancrage et la fixation à une platine ; on remarque que chacune de ces tables de translation comporte des éléments élastiques longilignes dont la direction est sensiblement dirigée vers l'axe de pivotement au niveau du pivot virtuel défini par les lames élastiques ; l'élément inertiel porte ici une masse inertielle sous la forme d'un balancier avec des visselottes d'ajustement, et porte encore un élément saillant, de type cheville ou similaire, agencé pour coopérer avec un mécanisme d'échappement non représenté, et notamment avec une ancre, voire directement avec une roue d'échappement ; ce mécanisme comporte encore des butées supérieur et inférieure pour limiter la course de la masse inertielle et protéger les lames du guidage flexible :

  • la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, les différents degrés de liberté de la masse inertielle que comporte le mécanisme résonateur de la figure 1 ; le balancier est déposé pour rendre visible le guidage flexible avec les deux lames élastiques croisées en projections, ainsi que les deux tables de translation ; le mécanisme est représenté dans une configuration où au moins un des deux niveaux de lames élastiques appartient à un ensemble monobloc, lequel comporte des éléments sécables de façon à faciliter la mise en place du mécanisme résonateur dans un mouvement avant de le libérer en brisant les éléments sécables ; plus particulièrement, l'ensemble des deux niveaux peut aussi constituer un tel ensemble monobloc ;
  • la figure 3 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 2, le même mécanisme après dépose des éléments de liaison à une structure fixe de la montre;
  • la figure 4 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 3, un détail de cette figure 3 montrant une table de translation transversale avec des lames élastiques transversales rectilignes, sur deux niveaux superposés et parallèles ;
  • la figure 5 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 3, un mécanisme similaire, mais dont les tables de translation comportent des tiges flexibles rectilignes à section sensiblement carrée ;
  • la figure 6 est un détail des tiges flexibles rectilignes à section sensiblement carrée de la figure 5 ;
  • la figure 7 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 3, un mécanisme similaire, mais dont les tables de translation comportent des tiges flexibles rectilignes à section sensiblement circulaire ;
  • la figure 8 est un détail des tiges flexibles rectilignes à section sensiblement circulaire de la figure 7 ;
  • la figure 9 est un schéma-blocs représentant une montre comportant un mouvement comportant, d'une part un tel mécanisme résonateur, et d'autre part un mécanisme oscillateur comportant un tel mécanisme résonateur.
Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, and whose teachings can be used in the case of the present invention; this resonator mechanism is shown in a particular, non-limiting configuration, where it comprises two translation tables arranged to allow restricted freedom to intermediate masses that the resonator comprises between the anchoring block and the attachment to a plate; it is noted that each of these translation tables comprises elongated elastic elements whose direction is substantially directed towards the pivot axis at the level of the virtual pivot defined by the elastic blades; the inertial element here carries an inertial mass in the form of a balance wheel with adjustment screws, and also carries a protruding element, of the ankle or similar type, arranged to cooperate with an escapement mechanism not shown, and in particular with an anchor, or even directly with an escape wheel; this mechanism also includes upper and lower stops to limit the travel of the inertial mass and protect the blades of the flexible guide:
  • the picture 2 represents, in a schematic way, and in perspective, the different degrees of freedom of the inertial mass that comprises the resonator mechanism of the figure 1 ; the balance wheel is removed to make visible the flexible guide with the two elastic blades crossed in projections, as well as the two translation tables; the mechanism is represented in a configuration where at least one of the two levels of elastic blades belongs to a one-piece assembly, which comprises breakable elements so as to facilitate the positioning of the resonator mechanism in one movement before releasing it by breaking the elements scored; more particularly, the assembly of the two levels can also constitute such a one-piece assembly;
  • the picture 3 represents, similarly to the figure 2 , the same mechanism after removal of the connecting elements to a fixed structure of the watch;
  • the figure 4 represents, similarly to the picture 3 , a detail of this picture 3 showing a transverse translation table with rectilinear transverse elastic blades, on two superimposed and parallel levels;
  • the figure 5 represents, similarly to the picture 3 , a similar mechanism, but whose translation tables comprise rectilinear flexible rods with a substantially square section;
  • the figure 6 is a detail of the rectilinear flexible rods with a substantially square section of the figure 5 ;
  • the figure 7 represents, similarly to the picture 3 , a similar mechanism, but whose translation tables comprise rectilinear flexible rods with a substantially circular section;
  • the figure 8 is a detail of the rectilinear flexible rods with a substantially circular section of the figure 7 ;
  • the figure 9 is a block diagram representing a watch comprising a movement comprising, on the one hand such a resonator mechanism, and on the other hand an oscillating mechanism comprising such a resonator mechanism.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

L'invention concerne un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie, qui constitue une variante des résonateurs décrits dans la demande CH714922 ou la demande EP3561609 au nom de ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, dont l'homme du métier saura combiner les caractéristiques avec celles propres à la présente invention.The invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, which constitutes a variant of the resonators described in the application CH714922 or request EP3561609 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, the person skilled in the art will know how to combine the characteristics with those specific to the present invention.

Ce mécanisme résonateur 100 d'horlogerie comporte une structure 1 et un bloc d'ancrage 30, auquel est suspendu au moins un élément inertiel 2 agencé pour osciller selon un premier degré de liberté en rotation RZ autour d'un axe de pivotement D s'étendant selon une première direction Z. Cet élément inertiel 2 est soumis à des efforts de rappel exercés par un pivot flexible 200 comportant une pluralité de lames élastiques 3 sensiblement longitudinales, chacune fixée, à une première extrémité au bloc d'ancrage 30, et à une deuxième extrémité à l'élément inertiel 2. Chaque lame élastique 3 est déformable essentiellement dans un plan XY perpendiculaire à la première direction Z.This clockwork resonator mechanism 100 comprises a structure 1 and an anchor block 30, from which is suspended at least one inertial element 2 arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around an axis of pivot D extending in a first direction Z. This inertial element 2 is subjected to restoring forces exerted by a flexible pivot 200 comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades 3, each fixed, at a first end to the anchoring block 30, and at a second end to the inertial element 2. Each elastic blade 3 is essentially deformable in an XY plane perpendicular to the first direction Z.

Selon l'invention, le bloc d'ancrage 30 est suspendu à la structure 1 par une suspension flexible 300, qui est agencée pour autoriser la mobilité du bloc d'ancrage 30 selon cinq degrés de liberté flexibles de la suspension qui sont :

  • un premier degré de liberté en translation selon la première direction Z,
  • un deuxième degré de liberté en translation selon une deuxième direction X orthogonale à la première direction Z,
  • un troisième degré de liberté en translation selon une troisième direction Y orthogonale à la deuxième direction X et à la première direction Z,
  • un deuxième degré de liberté en rotation RX autour d'un axe s'étendant selon la deuxième direction X,
  • et un troisième degré de liberté en rotation RY autour d'un axe s'étendant selon la troisième direction Y.
According to the invention, the anchor block 30 is suspended from the structure 1 by a flexible suspension 300, which is arranged to allow the mobility of the anchor block 30 according to five flexible degrees of freedom of the suspension which are:
  • a first degree of freedom in translation along the first direction Z,
  • a second degree of freedom in translation along a second direction X orthogonal to the first direction Z,
  • a third degree of freedom in translation along a third direction Y orthogonal to the second direction X and to the first direction Z,
  • a second degree of freedom in rotation RX around an axis extending along the second direction X,
  • and a third degree of freedom in rotation RY about an axis extending along the third direction Y.

Le principe de l'invention est d'utiliser la souplesse en torsion d'une table de translation pour mieux gérer les rigidités en torsion de la suspension. Pour ce faire, on oriente les lames des tables XY de manière à ce que la direction de plus grande flexibilité en torsion vise l'axe de rotation du résonateur. On gère leur souplesse en torsion en rapprochant les lames les unes des autres.The principle of the invention is to use the torsional flexibility of a translation table to better manage the torsional stiffness of the suspension. To do this, the blades of the XY tables are oriented so that the direction of greatest flexibility in torsion aims at the axis of rotation of the resonator. Their flexibility in torsion is managed by bringing the blades closer to each other.

Ainsi, selon l'invention, la suspension flexible 300 comporte, entre le bloc d'ancrage 30 et une première masse intermédiaire 303, laquelle est fixée à la structure 1 par l'intermédiaire d'une plaque 301 flexible selon la première direction Z, une table de translation transversale 32 à guidage flexible, et qui comporte des lames transversales 320 ou des tiges flexibles transversales 1320, rectilignes et s'étendant selon la deuxième direction X et en symétrie autour d'un axe transversal D2 croisant l'axe de pivotement D.Thus, according to the invention, the flexible suspension 300 comprises, between the anchor block 30 and a first intermediate mass 303, which is fixed to the structure 1 by means of a flexible plate 301 in the first direction Z, a transverse translation table 32 with flexible guidance, and which comprises transverse blades 320 or transverse flexible rods 1320, rectilinear and extending in the second direction X and in symmetry around a transverse axis D2 crossing the pivot axis D.

Dans une réalisation particulière non limitative, et tel qu'illustré par les figures, la suspension flexible 300 comporte encore, entre le bloc d'ancrage 30 et une deuxième masse intermédiaire 305, une table de translation longitudinale 31 à guidage flexible, et qui comporte des lames longitudinales 310 ou des tiges flexibles longitudinales 1310, rectilignes et s'étendant selon la troisième direction Y et en symétrie autour d'un axe longitudinal D1 croisant l'axe de pivotement D. Et, entre la deuxième masse intermédiaire 305 et la première masse intermédiaire 303, la table de translation transversale 32 à guidage flexible comporte des lames transversales 320 ou des tiges flexibles transversales 1320, rectilignes et s'étendant selon la deuxième direction X et en symétrie autour de l'axe transversal D2 croisant l'axe de pivotement D.In a particular non-limiting embodiment, and as illustrated by the figures, the flexible suspension 300 further comprises, between the anchor block 30 and a second intermediate mass 305, a longitudinal translation table 31 with flexible guidance, and which comprises 310 longitudinal blades or flexible rods longitudinal 1310, rectilinear and extending in the third direction Y and in symmetry around a longitudinal axis D1 crossing the pivot axis D. And, between the second intermediate mass 305 and the first intermediate mass 303, the translation table transverse 32 with flexible guide comprises transverse blades 320 or transverse flexible rods 1320, straight and extending in the second direction X and in symmetry around the transverse axis D2 crossing the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, l'axe longitudinal D1 croise l'axe transversal D2, et en particulier l'axe longitudinal D1, l'axe transversal D2, et l'axe de pivotement D sont concourants.More particularly, the longitudinal axis D1 crosses the transverse axis D2, and in particular the longitudinal axis D1, the transverse axis D2, and the pivot axis D are concurrent.

De façon plus particulière, la table de translation longitudinale 31 et la table de translation transversale 32 comportent chacune au moins deux lames ou tiges flexibles, chaque lame ou tige étant caractérisée par son épaisseur selon la deuxième direction X quand la lame ou tige s'étend selon la troisième direction Y ou inversement, par sa hauteur selon la première direction Z, et par sa longueur selon la direction selon laquelle s'étend la lame ou tige, la longueur étant au moins cinq fois plus grande que la hauteur, la hauteur étant au moins aussi grande que l'épaisseur, et plus particulièrement au moins cinq fois plus grande que cette épaisseur, et plus particulièrement encore au moins sept fois plus grande que cette épaisseur.More particularly, the longitudinal translation table 31 and the transverse translation table 32 each comprise at least two blades or flexible rods, each blade or rod being characterized by its thickness in the second direction X when the blade or rod extends in the third direction Y or vice versa, by its height in the first direction Z, and by its length in the direction in which the blade or rod extends, the length being at least five times greater than the height, the height being at least as great as the thickness, and more particularly at least five times greater than this thickness, and more particularly still at least seven times greater than this thickness.

Plus particulièrement, la table de translation transversale 32 comporte au moins deux lames ou tiges flexibles transversales, parallèles entre elles et de même longueur. Les figures 1 à 4 illustrent une variante non limitative avec quatre lames transversales parallèles, et, plus particulièrement, chacune constituée de deux demi-lames agencées sur deux niveaux superposées, et s'étendant dans le prolongement l'une de l'autre selon la première direction Z. Ces demi-lames peuvent être, ou bien entièrement libres l'une par rapport à l'autre, ou bien solidarisées par collage ou similaire, ou par croissance de SiO2 dans le cas d'une exécution en silicium, ou similaire. Naturellement, la table de translation longitudinale 31, quand elle existe puisqu'elle est facultative, peut obéir au même principe de construction. Les figures 5 à 8 illustrent quant à elles des variantes avec des tiges flexibles, groupées en deux niveaux de deux tiges, de section sensiblement carrée pour les figures 5 et 6, ou sensiblement circulaire pour les figures 7 et 8. Le nombre, la disposition, et la section de ces lames ou tiges, peuvent varier sans s'écarter de la présente invention.More particularly, the transverse translation table 32 comprises at least two blades or transverse flexible rods, parallel to each other and of the same length. The figures 1 to 4 illustrate a non-limiting variant with four parallel transverse blades, and, more particularly, each consisting of two half-blades arranged on two superimposed levels, and extending in the extension of one another in the first direction Z. These half-blades can be either completely free relative to each other, or else secured by gluing or the like, or by growth of SiO 2 in the case of an execution in silicon, or the like. Naturally, the longitudinal translation table 31, when it exists since it is optional, can obey the same principle of construction. The figures 5 to 8 illustrate variants with flexible rods, grouped in two levels of two rods, of substantially square section for the figures 5 and 6 , or substantially circular for figures 7 and 8 . The number, the provision, and the section of these blades or rods, may vary without departing from the present invention.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges transversales de la table de translation transversale 32 ont un premier plan de symétrie, qui est parallèle à l'axe transversal D2, et qui passe par l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the blades or transverse rods of the transverse translation table 32 have a first plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the transverse axis D2, and which passes through the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges transversales de la table de translation transversale 32 ont un deuxième plan de symétrie, qui est parallèle à l'axe transversal D2, et orthogonal à l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the transverse blades or rods of the transverse translation table 32 have a second plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the transverse axis D2, and orthogonal to the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges transversales de la table de translation transversale 32 ont un troisième plan de symétrie, qui est perpendiculaire à l'axe transversal D2, et parallèle à l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the blades or transverse rods of the transverse translation table 32 have a third plane of symmetry, which is perpendicular to the transverse axis D2, and parallel to the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges transversales de la table de translation transversale 32 s'étendent sur au moins deux niveaux parallèles entre eux, chaque niveau étant perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the blades or transverse rods of the transverse translation table 32 extend over at least two levels parallel to each other, each level being perpendicular to the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, l'agencement des lames ou tiges transversales de la table de translation transversale 32 est identique sur chacun des niveaux.More particularly, the arrangement of the transverse blades or rods of the transverse translation table 32 is identical on each of the levels.

Plus particulièrement, les lames transversales ou tiges flexibles rectilignes 320, 1320, sont des lames plates dont la hauteur est au moins cinq fois plus grande que leur épaisseur.More particularly, the transverse blades or rectilinear flexible rods 320, 1320 are flat blades whose height is at least five times greater than their thickness.

Plus particulièrement, les lames transversales ou tiges flexibles rectilignes 320, 1320, sont des tiges de section carrée ou circulaire dont la hauteur est égale à l'épaisseur.More particularly, the transverse blades or rectilinear flexible rods 320, 1320 are square or circular section rods whose height is equal to the thickness.

Plus particulièrement, la table de translation longitudinale 31 comporte au moins deux lames ou tiges flexibles longitudinales, parallèles entre elles et de même longueur.More particularly, the longitudinal translation table 31 comprises at least two blades or longitudinal flexible rods, parallel to each other and of the same length.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges longitudinales de la table de translation longitudinale 31 ont un premier plan de symétrie, qui est parallèle à l'axe longitudinal D1, et qui passe par l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the blades or longitudinal rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 have a first plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis D1, and which passes through the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges longitudinales de la table de translation longitudinale 31 ont un deuxième plan de symétrie, qui est parallèle à l'axe longitudinal D1, et orthogonal à l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the blades or longitudinal rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 have a second plane of symmetry, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis D1, and orthogonal to the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges longitudinales de la table de translation longitudinale 31 ont un troisième plan de symétrie, qui est perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal D1, et parallèle à l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the blades or longitudinal rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 have a third plane of symmetry, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis D1, and parallel to the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, les lames ou tiges transversales de la table de translation longitudinale 31 s'étendent sur au moins deux niveaux parallèles entre eux, chaque niveau étant perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement D.More particularly, the blades or transverse rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 extend over at least two levels parallel to each other, each level being perpendicular to the pivot axis D.

Plus particulièrement, l'agencement des lames ou tiges transversales de la table de translation longitudinale 31 est identique sur chacun des niveaux.More particularly, the arrangement of the blades or transverse rods of the longitudinal translation table 31 is identical on each of the levels.

Plus particulièrement, les lames longitudinales ou tiges flexibles rectilignes 310, 1310, sont des lames plates dont la hauteur est au moins cinq fois plus grande que leur épaisseur.More particularly, the longitudinal blades or rectilinear flexible rods 310, 1310 are flat blades whose height is at least five times greater than their thickness.

Plus particulièrement, les lames longitudinales ou tiges flexibles rectilignes 310, 1310, sont des tiges de section carrée ou circulaire dont la hauteur égale à l'épaisseur.More particularly, the longitudinal strips or rectilinear flexible rods 310, 1310 are rods of square or circular cross-section, the height of which is equal to the thickness.

De façon particulière, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte des moyens de butée axiale comportant au moins une première butée axiale 7 et une deuxième butée axiale 8 pour limiter la course en translation de l'élément inertiel 2 au moins selon la première direction Z, les moyens de butée axiale étant agencés pour coopérer en appui de butée avec l'élément inertiel 2 pour la protection des lames longitudinales 3 au moins contre les chocs axiaux selon la première direction Z, et le deuxième plan de symétrie est sensiblement à égale distance de la première butée axiale 7 et de la deuxième butée axiale 8.In particular, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises axial stop means comprising at least a first axial stop 7 and a second axial stop 8 to limit the travel in translation of the inertial element 2 at least along the first direction Z, the means axial abutment being arranged to cooperate in abutment support with the inertial element 2 for the protection of the longitudinal blades 3 at least against axial shocks in the first direction Z, and the second plane of symmetry is substantially at equal distance from the first axial stop 7 and the second axial stop 8.

Dans une variante particulière, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte une plaque 301, comportant au moins une lame flexible 302 s'étendant dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement D, et fixée à la structure 1 et à la première masse intermédiaire 303, et qui est agencée pour autoriser une mobilité de la première masse intermédiaire 303 selon la première direction Z. Plus particulièrement, la plaque 301 comporte au moins deux lames flexibles 302 coplanaires. Une telle plaque 301 est toutefois facultative si la hauteur des lames des tables de translation XY est faible par rapport à la hauteur des lames flexibles 3, en particulier inférieure au tiers de la hauteur des lames flexibles 3, et notamment si ces tables de translation comportent des tiges flexibles 1310 ou 1320 comme sur les figures 5 à 8.In a particular variant, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a plate 301, comprising at least one flexible blade 302 extending in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis D, and fixed to the structure 1 and to the first intermediate mass 303, and which is arranged to allow mobility of the first intermediate mass 303 in the first direction Z. More particularly, the plate 301 comprises at least two flexible blades 302 coplanar. Such a plate 301 is however optional if the height of the blades of the XY translation tables is low compared to the height of the flexible blades 3, in particular less than a third of the height of the flexible blades 3, and in particular if these translation tables comprise flexible rods 1310 or 1320 as on the figures 5 to 8 .

Dans une réalisation avantageuse, le mécanisme résonateur 100 comporte un ensemble monobloc, qui regroupe au moins le bloc d'ancrage 30, une embase de l'au moins un élément inertiel 2, le pivot flexible 200, la suspension flexible 300, la première masse intermédiaire 303, et la table de translation transversale 32, et comporte au moins un élément sécable 319 agencé pour solidariser les composants de l'ensemble monobloc pendant leur assemblage sur la structure 1, et dont la rupture libère l'ensemble des composants mobiles de l'ensemble monobloc.In an advantageous embodiment, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises a one-piece assembly, which includes at least the anchor block 30, a base of the at least one inertial element 2, the flexible pivot 200, the flexible suspension 300, the first mass intermediate 303, and the transverse translation table 32, and comprises at least one breakable element 319 arranged to secure the components of the one-piece assembly during their assembly on the structure 1, and the breakage of which frees all the moving components of the one-piece assembly.

Plus particulièrement, l'ensemble monobloc comporte encore au moins la deuxième masse intermédiaire 305 et la table de translation longitudinale 31.More particularly, the one-piece assembly still includes at least the second intermediate mass 305 and the longitudinal translation table 31.

Comme exposé ci-dessus, la technologie utilisée pour la fabrication permet d'obtenir deux lames distinctes dans la hauteur d'un wafer silicium, ce qui favorise la souplesse en torsion de la table sans l'assouplir pour la translation. Et le mécanisme résonateur 100 peut ainsi avantageusement comporter au moins deux ensembles monoblocs élémentaires superposés, qui regroupent chacun un niveau du bloc d'ancrage 30, et/ou d'une embase de l'au moins un élément inertiel 2, et/ou du pivot flexible 200, et/ou de la suspension flexible 300, et/ou de la première masse intermédiaire 303, et/ou de la table de translation transversale 32, et/ou d'un élément sécable 319 ; chaque ensemble monobloc élémentaire peut être assemblé à au moins un autre ensemble monobloc élémentaire par collage ou similaire, par assemblage mécanique, ou par croissance de SiO2 dans le cas d'une exécution en silicium, ou similaire.As explained above, the technology used for manufacturing makes it possible to obtain two distinct blades in the height of a silicon wafer, which promotes the torsion flexibility of the table without softening it for translation. And the resonator mechanism 100 can thus advantageously comprise at least two superimposed elementary one-piece assemblies, each of which includes a level of the anchoring block 30, and/or of a base of the at least one inertial element 2, and/or of the flexible pivot 200, and/or of the flexible suspension 300, and/or of the first intermediate mass 303, and/or of the transverse translation table 32, and/or of a breakable element 319; each elementary one-piece assembly can be assembled with at least one other elementary one-piece assembly by bonding or similar, by mechanical assembly, or by growth of SiO 2 in the case of an execution in silicon, or similar.

Plus particulièrement, un tel ensemble monobloc élémentaire comporte encore au moins un niveau de la deuxième masse intermédiaire 305 et/ou de la table de translation longitudinale 31.More particularly, such an elementary one-piece assembly further comprises at least one level of the second intermediate mass 305 and/or of the longitudinal translation table 31.

L'invention concerne encore un mécanisme oscillateur 500 d'horlogerie comportant un tel mécanisme résonateur 100 d'horlogerie, et un mécanisme d'échappement 400, agencés pour coopérer l'un avec l'autre.The invention also relates to a clockwork oscillator mechanism 500 comprising such a clockwork resonator mechanism 100, and an escapement mechanism 400, arranged to cooperate with each other.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie 1000 comportant au moins un tel mécanisme oscillateur 500 et/ou au moins un mécanisme résonateur 100.The invention also relates to a timepiece movement 1000 comprising at least one such oscillator mechanism 500 and/or at least one resonator mechanism 100.

L'invention concerne encore une montre 2000 comportant au moins un tel mouvement 1000 et/ou au moins un mécanisme oscillateur 500 et/ou au moins un tel mécanisme résonateur 100.The invention also relates to a watch 2000 comprising at least one such movement 1000 and/or at least one oscillator mechanism 500 and/or at least one such resonator mechanism 100.

Claims (21)

  1. Timepiece resonator mechanism (100) comprising a structure (1) and an anchor unit (30) to which is suspended at least one inertia element (2) arranged to oscillate with a first rotational degree of freedom RZ about a pivot axis (D) extending in a first direction Z, said inertia element (2) being subjected to return forces exerted by a flexure pivot (200) comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic strips (3), each fixed, at a first end to said anchor unit (30), and at a second end to said inertia element (2), each said elastic strip (3) being deformable essentially in a plane XY perpendicular to said first direction Z, said anchor unit (30) being suspended to said structure (1) by a flexible suspension system (300) arranged to allow said anchor unit (30) mobility in five flexible degrees of freedom of the suspension system, which are a first translational degree of freedom in said first direction Z, a second translational degree of freedom in a second direction X orthogonal to said first direction Z, a third translational degree of freedom in a third direction Y orthogonal to said second direction X and to said first direction Z, a second rotational degree of freedom RX about an axis extending in said second direction X, and a third rotational degree of freedom RY about an axis extending in said third direction Y, said flexible suspension system (300) including, between said anchor unit (30) and a first intermediate mass (303), which is fixed to said structure (1) via a plate (301) that is flexible in said first direction Z, a transverse translation table (32) with a flexure bearing and including transverse strips or transverse flexible shafts (320, 1320) which are rectilinear and extend in said second direction X and symmetrically around a transverse axis (D2) crossing said pivot axis (D).
  2. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible suspension system (300) comprises, between said anchor unit (30) and a second intermediate mass (305), a longitudinal translation table (31) with a flexure bearing and comprising longitudinal strips or longitudinal flexible shafts (310, 1310) which are rectilinear and extend in said third direction Y symmetrically about a longitudinal axis (D) crossing said pivot axis (D), and comprises said transverse translation table (32) between said second intermediate mass (305) and said first intermediate mass (303).
  3. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that said longitudinal axis (D1) crosses said transverse axis (D2).
  4. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said longitudinal translation table (31) and said transverse translation table (32) each comprise at least two said flexible strips or shafts, each said strip or shaft being characterized by the thickness thereof in said second direction X when said strip or shaft extends in said third direction Y or conversely, by the height thereof in said first direction Z, and by the length thereof in the direction in which said strip or shaft extends, said length being at least five times greater than said height and said height being at least as great as said thickness.
  5. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said transverse translation table (32) includes at least two said transverse flexible strips or shafts, which are parallel to each other and of the same length.
  6. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said transverse strips or shafts of said transverse translation table (32) have a first plane of symmetry parallel to said transverse axis (D2) and passing through said pivot axis (D), and/or a second plane of symmetry parallel to said transverse axis (D2) and orthogonal to said pivot axis (D), and/or a third plane of symmetry perpendicular to said transverse axis (D2) and parallel to said pivot axis (D).
  7. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said transverse strips or shafts of said transverse translation table (32) extend over at least two parallel levels, each said level being perpendicular to said pivot axis (D).
  8. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the arrangement of said transverse strips or shafts of said transverse translation table (32) is identical on each of said levels.
  9. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said transverse strips or rectilinear flexible shafts (320, 1320) are flat strips whose height is at least five times greater than the thickness thereof, or shafts of square or circular cross-section whose height is equal to the thickness thereof.
  10. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2 or any of the claims that depend on claim 2, characterized in that said longitudinal translation table (31) includes at least two said longitudinal flexible strips or shafts, which are parallel to each other and of the same length.
  11. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2 and any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said longitudinal strips or shafts of said longitudinal translation table (31) have a first plane of symmetry parallel to said longitudinal axis (D1) and passing through said pivot axis (D), and/or a second plane of symmetry parallel to said longitudinal axis (D1) and orthogonal to said pivot axis (D), and/or a third plane of symmetry perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (D1) and parallel to said pivot axis (D).
  12. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2 and any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said transverse strips or shafts of said longitudinal translation table (31) extend over at least two parallel levels, each said level being perpendicular to said pivot axis (D).
  13. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the arrangement of said transverse strips or shafts of said longitudinal translation table (31) is identical on each of said levels.
  14. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 2 and any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said longitudinal strips or rectilinear flexible shafts (310, 1310) are flat strips whose height is at least five times greater than the thickness thereof, or shafts of square or circular cross-section whose height is equal to the thickness thereof.
  15. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 6 or 11 and any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said resonator mechanism (100) includes axial stop means including at least a first axial stop (7) and a second axial stop (8) to limit the translational travel of said inertia element (2) at least in said first direction Z, said axial stop means being arranged to abuttingly engage with said inertia element (2) for the protection of said longitudinal strips (3) at least against axial impact in said first direction Z, and in that said second plane of symmetry is substantially equidistant from said first axial stop (7) and said second axial stop (8).
  16. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said resonator mechanism (100) includes a plate (301) comprising at least one flexible strip (302) or a plurality of coplanar flexible strips, extending in a plane perpendicular to said pivot axis (D), said plate (301) being fixed to said structure (1) and to said first intermediate mass (303) and arranged to allow said first intermediate mass (303) mobility in said first direction Z.
  17. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said resonator mechanism (100) includes a one-piece assembly, which contains at least said anchor unit (30), a base of said at least one inertia element (2), said flexure pivot (200), said flexible suspension system (300), said first intermediate mass (303) and said transverse translation table (32), and includes at least one breakable element (319) arranged to secure the components of said one-piece assembly to each other during assembly thereof on said structure (1), and the breaking of which releases all the movable components of said one-piece assembly.
  18. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claims 2 and 17, characterized in that said one-piece assembly also includes at least said second intermediate mass (305) and said longitudinal translation table (31).
  19. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said resonator mechanism (100) includes at least two superposed basic one-piece assemblies, which each contain one level of said anchor unit (30), and/or of a base of said at least one inertia element (2) and/or of said flexure pivot (200), and/or of said flexible suspension system (300), and/or of said first intermediate mass (303), and/or of said transverse translation table (32), and/or of a breakable element (319).
  20. Timepiece movement (1000) comprising at least one resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 19, and/or at least one timepiece oscillator mechanism (500) comprising a timepiece resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 19 and an escapement mechanism (400), which are arranged to cooperate with each other.
  21. Watch (2000) including at least one movement (1000) according to claim 20 and/or at least one resonator mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 19.
EP18205260.5A 2018-04-23 2018-11-08 Collision protection of a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding Active EP3561607B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/654,262 US11409245B2 (en) 2018-11-08 2019-10-16 Anti shock protection for a resonator mechanism with a rotary flexure bearing
JP2019195910A JP6828117B2 (en) 2018-04-23 2019-10-29 Impact protection for resonant mechanisms with rotary deflection supports
CN201911081303.XA CN111158230B (en) 2018-04-23 2019-11-07 Anti-seismic protection for resonator mechanism with rotating compliant bearing

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18168765.8A EP3561609B1 (en) 2018-04-23 2018-04-23 Shock protection of a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding
EP18185138.7A EP3438762A3 (en) 2017-07-28 2018-07-24 Timepiece oscillator having flexible guides with wide angular travel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3561607A1 EP3561607A1 (en) 2019-10-30
EP3561607B1 true EP3561607B1 (en) 2022-03-16

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EP18205260.5A Active EP3561607B1 (en) 2018-04-23 2018-11-08 Collision protection of a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding

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CN (1) CN111158230B (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3971655A1 (en) 2020-09-18 2022-03-23 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Shock-proof protection with abutment for a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding
EP4012506A1 (en) * 2020-12-14 2022-06-15 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a translation frame
EP4141580A1 (en) * 2021-08-27 2023-03-01 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a means for stopping the inertial element
EP4191346A1 (en) 2021-12-06 2023-06-07 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Shock protection of a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106462105B (en) * 2014-01-13 2019-05-17 洛桑联邦理工学院 The isotropism harmonic oscillator of machinery, system and time set including it
EP2975469B1 (en) * 2014-07-14 2017-07-05 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Flexible clock guide
CH710115A2 (en) * 2014-09-09 2016-03-15 Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd Mobile module for synchronization of clock of the same frequency resonators.
EP3035127B1 (en) 2014-12-18 2017-08-23 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Clock oscillator with tuning fork
CH710692B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2021-09-15 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Clockwork oscillator mechanism.
CH712105A2 (en) * 2016-02-10 2017-08-15 Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd Resonator clock mechanism.
EP3299905B1 (en) * 2016-09-27 2020-01-08 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Mechanical oscillator for a horological movement
CH713056A2 (en) * 2016-10-18 2018-04-30 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Clockwork mechanical movement with two degrees of freedom resonator with roller maintenance mechanism on a track.
EP3324247B1 (en) * 2016-11-16 2019-11-27 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Protection of blades of a mechanical watch resonator
EP3327515B1 (en) 2016-11-23 2020-05-06 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Flexibly guided rotary resonator maintained by a free escapement with pallet

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CN111158230B (en) 2021-08-06
EP3561607A1 (en) 2019-10-30
CN111158230A (en) 2020-05-15

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