EP3584640B1 - Timepiece oscillator - Google Patents
Timepiece oscillator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3584640B1 EP3584640B1 EP19183765.7A EP19183765A EP3584640B1 EP 3584640 B1 EP3584640 B1 EP 3584640B1 EP 19183765 A EP19183765 A EP 19183765A EP 3584640 B1 EP3584640 B1 EP 3584640B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- oscillator
- less
- pivot
- guide
- shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
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Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- G04B13/00—Gearwork
- G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
- G04B13/026—Assembly and manufacture
-
- 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
- G04B1/00—Driving mechanisms
- G04B1/10—Driving mechanisms with mainspring
- G04B1/16—Barrels; Arbors; Barrel axles
-
- 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
- G04B13/00—Gearwork
- G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
-
- 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
- G04B13/00—Gearwork
- G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
- G04B13/021—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots elastic fitting with a spindle, axis or shaft
- G04B13/022—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots elastic fitting with a spindle, axis or shaft with parts made of hard material, e.g. silicon, diamond, sapphire, quartz and the like
-
- 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
- G04B15/00—Escapements
- G04B15/14—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. construction of the lever or the escape wheel
-
- 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
- G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
- G04B17/063—Balance construction
-
- 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
- G04B17/32—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
-
- 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
- G04B17/32—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
- G04B17/34—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton for fastening the hairspring onto the balance
-
- 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
-
- 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
- G04B31/06—Manufacture or mounting processes
Definitions
- the invention relates to an oscillator comprising a balance shaft.
- the invention also relates to a timepiece movement or a timepiece comprising such an oscillator.
- the invention also relates to a watch axis, in particular a balance wheel axis.
- the balance staff is an essential component of the watchmaking regulating organ.
- the balance shaft comprises at each end a shank extending by a pivot.
- the balance shaft notably carries the spiral spring and oscillates on its pivots in bearings.
- the rods and pivots of the axle constituting zones of lesser mechanical resistance are provided to take up the forces involved. against their respective bearing due to their small dimensions, in particular their small diameter.
- the watch axes are traditionally turned in 20AP steel, then hardened.
- the pivots are then rolled to obtain the required surface condition and surface hardness.
- the hardness typically reaches at least 700HV.
- This operation which consists of steps of polishing and surface hardening of the surface of the pivot, is complex and delicate, and requires a great deal of know-how which is strongly linked to the mastery of the process by the person skilled in the art who performs it. 'applied.
- 20AP steel contains lead (0.2% by mass) and will soon have to be replaced by another lead-free steel such as FinemacTM (or 20C1A).
- FinemacTM or 20C1A
- the manufacture of these pins is identical: they are turned from bar before hardening, then heat-treated and hardened to increase their hardness. Stress relieving ensures the release of internal stresses and prevents these axes from breaking like glass during impact.
- the main defect of this steel is that it lacks hardness at the level of the pivots and therefore also requires a rolling operation to reach the final properties required.
- These axes in 20AP steel or Finemac are also ferromagnetic and can induce disturbances in rate if the movements with which they are equipped are subjected to magnetic fields, by residual magnetization.
- the patent application EP2757423 discloses a solution for hardening an austenitic steel or an austenitic cobalt alloy or an austenitic nickel alloy by means of a thermochemical treatment, aimed at integrating into the interstitial sites of the crystal lattice of the alloy of the atoms carbon or nitrogen intended to reinforce the material before rolling the pivot, while limiting the risk of corrosion of the axle.
- the hardnesses thus reached are close to 1000 HV, which theoretically positions this type of part at a better level than 20AP steel parts.
- An alternative described in the patent application EP2757424 and making it possible to overcome rolling is to constitute all or part of the axle, but in any case the pivot or pivots, in metal material hardened by hard ceramic particles (metal matrix composite or MMC). It is a material partially composed of particles with a hardness greater than or equal to 1000 HV, with a size between 0.1 and 5 microns.
- the exemplified materials have 92% tungsten carbide (WC) particles embedded in a nickel matrix, which are mixed before being injected into a mold in the shape of the axle. After injection, the blank thus obtained is sintered and the axis is polished, in particular at the level pivots, using a diamond paste.
- a metal matrix composite axle with 92% WC and 8% nickel has a toughness of 8 MPa.m 1/2 and a hardness greater than 1300 HV.
- the use of composites comprising particles which risk detaching from them entails a risk .
- the object of the invention is to provide a watch spindle making it possible to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above and to improve the watch spindles known from the prior art.
- the invention proposes a hard and tenacious watch pin whose manufacturing process is simplified.
- an oscillator according to the invention is defined by claim 1.
- a horological movement according to the first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 13.
- a timepiece according to the first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 14.
- the timepiece is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.
- the timepiece comprises a timepiece movement 110, in particular a mechanical movement.
- the watch movement comprises an oscillator 100, in particular a balance oscillator 8 - hairspring.
- the pendulum is for example driven on an axis 1 of the pendulum.
- the first functional portion is made of ceramic and the first functional portion has a first outer diameter D1 of less than 0.5 mm, or even less than 0.4 mm, or even less than 0.2 mm, or even less than 0.1 mm.
- axis 1 comprises a first pivot 21a, a first shank 22a, a portion 33 for receiving a plate 9, a plate 34 for receiving the balance 8, a portion 32 for receiving the balance 8, a portion 31 for receiving a spiral ferrule (not shown), a second pivot 21b and a second rod 22b.
- the shank part has a dimension greater than 0.1 mm, or even greater than 0.2 mm, or even greater than 0.25 mm in at least one direction, or even in all directions.
- the pivot part has a dimension greater than 0.04 mm, or even greater than 0.05 mm, or even greater than 0.1 mm in at least one direction, or even in all directions.
- the first rod part comprises a longitudinal section of the rod (or at least the outer surface of a section of the rod) over a length of at least 0.2 mm.
- the first pivot part comprises a longitudinal section of the pivot (or at least the outer surface of a section of the pivot) over a length of at least 0.1 mm.
- the first two functional portions are made of ceramic and each of the first two functional portions has a first outer diameter D1 of less than 0.5 mm, or even less than 0.4 mm, or even less than 0.2 mm, or even less than 0.1 mm.
- the first and second pivots 21a, 21b ensure a pivoting function and a force absorption function in the event of impact or, more generally, in the event of acceleration undergone by the timepiece fitted with the shaft.
- the first and second rods 22a and 22b perform a force recovery function in the event of impact or, more generally, in the event of acceleration undergone by the timepiece equipped with the spindle.
- the portions 31, 32 and 33 each provide a reception function.
- the second functional portion has a second outside diameter D2 of less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm, or even less than 0.5 mm.
- the second functional portion is made of ceramic.
- the ratio of the dimension of the second diameter to the dimension of the first diameter is less than 0.9, or even less than 0.8, or even less than 0.6, or even less than 0.5, or even less than 0.4.
- first functional portion and/or the second functional portion is made of ceramic means that this functional portion is entirely made of ceramic.
- ceramic is meant a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous material, including at the microscopic level.
- the ceramic is homogeneous in at least one direction, or even in all directions, over a distance greater than 6 ⁇ m, or even greater than 10 ⁇ m, or even greater than 20 ⁇ m.
- the ceramic does not have any non-ceramic material in at least one direction, or even in all directions, over a distance greater than 6 ⁇ m, or even greater than 10 ⁇ m, or even greater than 20 ⁇ m.
- the ceramic may be predominantly or mainly (in mass or in mole) composed of silicon nitride.
- silicon nitride may be the preponderant element in ceramics. Nevertheless, the proportion by mass or by mole of silicon nitride can be less than 50%.
- the ceramic can be one of the ceramics in the table below: main component Secondary component(s) and proportions Commercial references / resulting composition Hardness [HV1] Breaking stress [MPa] Tenacity [MPa.m 1 ⁇ 2] ZrO2 Y 2 O 3 3% mol TOSOH TZ3Y 1200-1400 900 - 1500 5 to 10 ZrO2 MgO 3.5wt% Metoxit PSZ 1500 1500 10 ZrO2 Al 2 O 3 20wt% TOSOH TZ3Y20A 1400-1600 1600-2000 5 to 8 Y 2 O 3 3% mol ZrO2 Al 2 O 3 21.5wt% Panasonic Nano Zr 1100-1300 900-1300 8 to 18 CeO 2 10.6wt% If 3 N 4 KYOCERA SN-235P 1200-1600 600-850 5 to 8.8 B4C TiB 2 5 to 6.9 TiB 2 CNT TiB 2 - TiC - CNT 3 to 5.2
- the injection or the pressing of a preform of which only the ends would be ground makes it possible to optimize the process, in particular by saving the manufacturing cycle time.
- CIP cold isostatic pressing
- the pivots are not marked during shocks and performance is maintained over time.
- these pivots will not deform, unlike steel pivots which can bend and thereby affect the chronometry of the timepiece.
- the ceramics as presented above make it possible to maintain the geometric integrity of the pivots over time.
- Ceramics also offer the additional advantage of being non-magnetic, and of not influencing the rate of the timepiece when it is subjected to a magnetic field, in particular a magnetic field greater than 32 kA/m (400G) .
- the entire shaft is made of ceramic.
- the ceramic part it is conceivable to limit the ceramic part to the first functional portion which includes at least one pivot and/or at least one rod.
- the first portion has a surface of revolution, in particular a cylindrical surface or a conical surface or a frustoconical surface or a surface with a curved generatrix.
- the shank and the pivot can be confused or at least not be delimited by a clear border like a staff.
- the shank and the pivot can be separated by a frustoconical surface or a surface with a curved generatrix.
- Two variants of a first embodiment of an assembly 41 comprising a shaft 1 as described above and at least one guide 51, in particular a bearing 51, the shaft being intended to rotate or pivot in the at least one bearing, are represented respectively on the figure 2 and 3 .
- the guide may take the form of a conventional damping bearing.
- the at least one bearing 51 comprises a pivot stone 511 provided to cooperate with a cylindrical or frustoconical section of a pivot 21' and a counter support stone 512 provided to cooperate with one end 212' from pivot. The stones therefore cooperate with the pivot 21' to pivot and receive, or axially delimit, the axis in the guide.
- the axle 1 comprises a pivot 21' having a domed or convex end 212'.
- the axle 1 comprises a pivot 21" having a hollowed or concave end 212".
- pins in ceramic a material that is both hard and tough, makes it possible to obtain geometries that can optimize and sustain contact at the level of the pivot and the bearing in which it pivots, in particular at the level of the pivot ends. . This would be difficult to envisage with conventional alloys such as rolled 20AP steel where the risk of loss of performance when worn would be greater, in particular due to excessive contact pressures.
- a second embodiment of an assembly 42 comprising an axle 1 as described previously and at least one guide, in particular a bearing 52, the axle being intended to rotate or pivot in the at least one guide, is represented on the figure 4 .
- the at least one guide 52 comprises a raceway 521 and balls 522, the balls cooperating by contact on a pivot 21* provided with a conical end 212* to guide the axle in the guidance.
- the end of the pivot 21* could alternatively have a frustoconical surface. The balls thus roll both on the raceway and on the pivot.
- the figure 6 and 7 illustrate the advantages of a ball bearing designed to cooperate with a balance-spring type oscillator.
- we see on the figure 6 and 7 obtained respectively by measuring in different clock positions an oscillator cooperating with a conventional damping bearing and by measuring in different clock positions an oscillator cooperating with a ball bearing, that the operation of the oscillator oscillator cooperating with a ball bearing exhibits deviations of quality factor between the different horological positions lower than those induced by the operation of the oscillator cooperating with a conventional damping bearing.
- the use of ceramics for the manufacture of the balls and the pivot makes it possible to optimize the use of a ball bearing and to significantly reduce the differences in quality factor between the different horological positions occupied by the part. of watchmaking.
- a second embodiment of a clock axis 1' according to the invention is described below with reference to the figure 5 .
- This pin 1' is intended to be attached to a pivot pin 6, in particular a pivot pin made of a separate material, in particular a free-cutting steel.
- the first functional portion may comprise a pivot 2a
- the second functional portion may for example take the form of a portion 35 intended to be fixed, in particular by driving in or welding, within a bore 36 formed on the body of the pivot axis 6.
- the invention has been described previously applied to a balance shaft. However, this invention can obviously be applied to any other watchmaking axis, for example a pivoting axis of a watchmaking wheel set such as a wheel set taking part in the finishing line of a watch movement, in particular a center wheel set, or a large average moving wheel, or a small average moving wheel, or a second moving wheel.
- a pivoting axis of a watchmaking wheel set such as a wheel set taking part in the finishing line of a watch movement, in particular a center wheel set, or a large average moving wheel, or a small average moving wheel, or a second moving wheel.
- a horological axis according to the invention can also be implemented within the framework of an optimization of a horological escapement and thus allow the pivoting of an escapement wheel or of a blocker or of an anchor taking part in the exhaust.
- this invention can be applied to any horological mobile taking part in an additional horological function, such as a calendar or a chronograph.
- the first functional portion can perform a translation function.
- the horological spindle is here in the form of a pin 1" comprising a first functional portion 2a which is in the form of a shank 22a.
- the latter cooperates with a groove 53 formed within a horological component, for example a chronograph hammer 91, so as to guide said component in translation, in particular to guide translation of said component in the longitudinal direction of said groove.
- the pin 1 has a second functional portion which is in the form of a shank 45 intended to be driven into a bore 46 of a timepiece blank 81.
- the first and second functional portions are delimited by a range 450, in particular a plate 450.
Description
L'invention concerne un oscillateur comprenant un axe de balancier. L'invention concerne aussi un mouvement horloger ou une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un tel oscillateur. L'invention concerne aussi un axe horloger, notamment un axe de balancier.The invention relates to an oscillator comprising a balance shaft. The invention also relates to a timepiece movement or a timepiece comprising such an oscillator. The invention also relates to a watch axis, in particular a balance wheel axis.
L'axe de balancier est un composant essentiel de l'organe réglant horloger. L'axe de balancier comprend à chaque extrémité un tigeron se prolongeant par un pivot. L'axe de balancier porte notamment le ressort spiral et oscille sur ses pivots dans des paliers. Lors de chocs, les tigerons et les pivots de l'axe constituant des zones de moindre résistance mécanique sont prévus pour reprendre les efforts en jeu. Néanmoins, dans certains cas, notamment lors de chocs de forte intensité, les pivots peuvent être matés à l'encontre de leur palier respectif du fait de leurs faibles dimensions, notamment de leur faible diamètre.The balance staff is an essential component of the watchmaking regulating organ. The balance shaft comprises at each end a shank extending by a pivot. The balance shaft notably carries the spiral spring and oscillates on its pivots in bearings. During impacts, the rods and pivots of the axle constituting zones of lesser mechanical resistance are provided to take up the forces involved. against their respective bearing due to their small dimensions, in particular their small diameter.
L'axe se doit donc:
- d'avoir une haute limite élastique pour ne pas se déformer plastiquement lors de chocs importants,
- d'être tenace pour ne pas de rompre lors des chocs importants, et
- d'être dur, principalement au niveau des pivots, de manière à ne pas s'user ni se marquer lors des chocs courants, et afin d'optimiser le facteur de qualité et l'isochronisme de la pièce d'horlogerie qu'il équipe, l'axe étant constamment en mouvement.
- to have a high elastic limit so as not to deform plastically during major shocks,
- to be tenacious so as not to break during major shocks, and
- to be hard, mainly at the level of the pivots, so as not to wear out or be marked during common shocks, and in order to optimize the quality factor and the isochronism of the timepiece it equips , the axis being constantly in motion.
Les axes horlogers sont traditionnellement décolletés dans un acier 20AP, puis trempés. Les pivots sont ensuite roulés pour obtenir l'état de surface et la dureté superficielle requis. La dureté atteint typiquement au moins 700HV. Les axes en acier 20AP ou réalisés dans d'autres matériaux métalliques, qu'ils aient été durcis ou non, nécessitent cette opération de roulage au niveau des pivots pour en assurer la précision de fabrication, la tenue dans le temps, par rapport à l'usure mais également par rapport aux chocs, ainsi que pour assurer le fonctionnement optimal du mouvement par la maîtrise des paramètres tribologiques. Cette opération, qui consiste en des étapes de polissage et d'écrouissage superficiel de la surface du pivot, est complexe et délicate, et requiert un grand savoir-faire qui est fortement lié à la maîtrise du procédé par l'homme du métier qui l'applique. Par ailleurs, l'acier 20AP contient du plomb (0.2 % en masse) et devra prochainement être remplacé par un autre acier sans plomb comme le FinemacTM (ou 20C1A). La fabrication de ces axes est identique : ils sont décolletés à partir de barre avant trempe, puis traités thermiquement et trempés pour en augmenter la dureté. Un recuit de détente permet d'assurer une libération des contraintes internes et évite que ces axes ne se brisent comme du verre lors des chocs. Cet acier a pour principal défaut de manquer de dureté au niveau des pivots et de nécessiter de ce fait également une opération de roulage pour atteindre les propriétés finales requises. Ces axes en acier 20AP ou en Finemac sont également ferromagnétiques et peuvent induire des perturbations de la marche si les mouvements dont ils sont équipés sont soumis à des champs magnétiques, par magnétisation résiduelle.The watch axes are traditionally turned in 20AP steel, then hardened. The pivots are then rolled to obtain the required surface condition and surface hardness. The hardness typically reaches at least 700HV. Shafts made of 20AP steel or made of other metallic materials, whether they have been hardened or not, require this operation of rolling at the level of the pivots to ensure manufacturing precision, resistance over time, with respect to wear and also with respect to shocks, as well as to ensure the optimal functioning of the movement by controlling the tribological parameters. This operation, which consists of steps of polishing and surface hardening of the surface of the pivot, is complex and delicate, and requires a great deal of know-how which is strongly linked to the mastery of the process by the person skilled in the art who performs it. 'applied. In addition, 20AP steel contains lead (0.2% by mass) and will soon have to be replaced by another lead-free steel such as FinemacTM (or 20C1A). The manufacture of these pins is identical: they are turned from bar before hardening, then heat-treated and hardened to increase their hardness. Stress relieving ensures the release of internal stresses and prevents these axes from breaking like glass during impact. The main defect of this steel is that it lacks hardness at the level of the pivots and therefore also requires a rolling operation to reach the final properties required. These axes in 20AP steel or Finemac are also ferromagnetic and can induce disturbances in rate if the movements with which they are equipped are subjected to magnetic fields, by residual magnetization.
Des alternatives à ces axes en acier 20AP ou en Finemac existent, avec des axes en acier austénitique ou en alliages austénitiques à base de cobalt ou de nickel durcis par implantation d'ions carbone ou azote. Ils sont également roulés pour améliorer leurs propriétés. Selon la demande de brevet
De tels axes nécessitent toutefois aussi un roulage au niveau des pivots pour atteindre la dimension finale, afin d'obtenir notamment un état de surface permettant d'obtenir des performances adéquates en termes de chronométrie. Une telle solution n'est donc pas optimale dans la mesure où celle-ci requiert à minima deux étapes de traitement de l'axe : une étape de durcissement superficielle suivie d'une deuxième étape de roulage.However, such axes also require rolling at the level of the pivots in order to reach the final dimension, in particular in order to obtain a surface finish making it possible to obtain adequate performance in terms of chronometry. Such a solution is therefore not optimal insofar as it requires at least two stages of treatment of the shaft: a surface hardening stage followed by a second rolling stage.
Une alternative décrite dans la demande de brevet
Le but de l'invention est de fournir un axe horloger permettant de remédier aux inconvénients mentionnés précédemment et d'améliorer les axes horlogers connus de l'art antérieur. En particulier, l'invention propose un axe horloger dur et tenace et dont le procédé de fabrication est simplifié.The object of the invention is to provide a watch spindle making it possible to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above and to improve the watch spindles known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a hard and tenacious watch pin whose manufacturing process is simplified.
Selon un premier aspect de l'invention, un oscillateur selon l'invention est défini par la revendication 1.According to a first aspect of the invention, an oscillator according to the invention is defined by
Différents modes de réalisation de l'oscillateur selon le premier aspect de l'invention sont définis par les revendications 2 à 9.Different embodiments of the oscillator according to the first aspect of the invention are defined by claims 2 to 9.
Un ensemble selon le premier aspect de l'invention est défini par la revendication 10.An assembly according to the first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 10.
Différents modes de réalisation de l'ensemble selon le premier aspect de l'invention sont définis par les revendications 11 et 12.Different embodiments of the assembly according to the first aspect of the invention are defined by claims 11 and 12.
Un mouvement horloger selon le premier aspect de l'invention est défini par la revendication 13.A horological movement according to the first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 13.
Une pièce d'horlogerie selon le premier aspect de l'invention est définie par la revendication 14.A timepiece according to the first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 14.
Selon un deuxième aspect de l'invention, des objets sont définis selon les propositions qui suivent :
- 1. Axe horloger (1; 1'; 1"), notamment axe de balancier (1), comprenant une première portion fonctionnelle (2a ; 2b) incluant au moins une partie (221a ; 221b) d'un tigeron (22a ; 22b) et/ou au moins une partie (211a ; 211b) d'un pivot (21a ; 21b ; 21' ; 21" ; 21*), la première portion fonctionnelle étant en céramique et un premier diamètre extérieur (D1) de la première portion fonctionnelle étant inférieur à 0.5 mm, voire inférieur à 0.4 mm, voire inférieur à 0.2 mm, voire inférieur à 0.1 mm, la réalisation de la première portion fonctionnelle en un matériau composé de grains de céramique liés entre eux par une matrice métallique étant exclue.
- 2. Axe selon la
proposition 1, caractérisé en ce que la céramique est majoritairement composée :- d'oxyde de zirconium, ou
- d'alumine, ou
- d'une combinaison de ces deux oxydes,
- nanotubes de carbone,
- graphène,
- fullérènes,
- oxyde d'yttrium,
- oxyde de cérium,
- carbure de zirconium,
- carbure de silicium,
- carbure de titane,
- borure de zirconium,
- nitrure de bore,
- nitrure de titane, et
- nitrure de silicium.
- 3. Axe selon
la proposition 1, caractérisé en ce que la céramique est majoritairement composée de nitrure de silicium,
éventuellement additionnée de l'un ou de plusieurs des éléments suivants :- nanotubes de carbone,
- graphène,
- fullérènes,
- oxyde de zirconium,
- oxyde d'aluminium,
- oxyde d'yttrium,
- oxyde de cérium,
- carbure de zirconium,
- carbure de silicium,
- carbure de titane,
- borure de zirconium,
- nitrure de bore et
- nitrure de titane.
- 4. Axe selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que la première portion présente une surface de révolution, notamment une surface cylindrique ou une surface conique ou une surface tronconique ou une surface à génératrice courbe. - 5. Axe selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'axe ou la première portion fonctionnelle présente une extrémité convexe (212') ou concave (212") ou conique (212*) ou tronconique. - 6. Axe selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il présente une deuxième portion fonctionnelle (3), notamment :- une deuxième portion fonctionnelle de réception (31, 32, 33 ; 34 ; 35 ; 45) d'un composant horloger, notamment un balancier, un plateau, une virole de ressort-spiral, une roue dentée, un autre axe (6), une ébauche (81) ou
- une deuxième portion de pivotement d'un composant horloger sur l'axe, ou
- une deuxième portion d'engrènement, notamment une denture.
- 7. Axe selon
la proposition 6, caractérisé en ce que la deuxième portion fonctionnelle présente un deuxième diamètre extérieur (D2) inférieur à 2 mm, voire inférieur à 1 mm, voire inférieur à 0.5 mm. - 8. Axe selon la proposition 7, caractérisé en ce que le rapport de la dimension du deuxième diamètre sur la dimension du premier diamètre est inférieur à 0.9, voire inférieur à 0.8, voire inférieur à 0.6, voire inférieur à 0.5, voire inférieur à 0.4.
- 9. Axe selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que l'axe est réalisé intégralement en céramique. - 10. Ensemble (41 ; 42) comprenant un axe (1) selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 9 et au moins un guidage (51 ; 52 ; 53), notamment un palier (51 ; 52) ou une rainure (53), l'axe étant destiné à :- tourner ou pivoter dans l'au moins un guidage ; et/ou
- se translater dans l'au moins un guidage.
- 11. Ensemble (41) selon la proposition 10, caractérisé en ce que l'au moins un guidage (51) comprend une pierre de pivotement (511) et une pierre de contre appui (512), les pierres coopérant avec le pivot pour guider l'axe dans le guidage.
- 12. Ensemble (42) selon la proposition 10, caractérisé en ce que l'au moins un guidage (52) comprend un chemin de roulement (521) et des billes (522), les billes coopérant par contact sur le pivot (21*) pour guider l'axe dans le guidage.
- 13. Oscillateur (100) du type balancier-spiral comprenant un axe (1 ; 1') selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 9 et/ou un ensemble selon l'une des propositions 10 à 12. - 14. Mouvement horloger (110) comprenant un oscillateur (100) selon la proposition 13 et/ou un ensemble selon l'une des propositions 10 à 12 et/ou un axe (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 9. - 15. Pièce d'horlogerie (120) comprenant un mouvement horloger (110) selon la proposition 14 et/ou un oscillateur (100) selon la proposition 13 et/ou un ensemble selon l'une des propositions 10 à 12 et/ou un axe (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une des
propositions 1 à 9.
- 1. Clock axis (1; 1';1"), in particular balance axis (1), comprising a first functional portion (2a; 2b) including at least a part (221a; 221b) of a rod (22a; 22b ) and/or at least a part (211a; 211b) of a pivot (21a; 21b; 21';21"; 21*), the first functional portion being made of ceramic and a first outer diameter (D1) of the first functional portion being less than 0.5 mm, or even less than 0.4 mm, or even less than 0.2 mm, or even less than 0.1 mm, the production of the first functional portion in a material composed of ceramic grains bonded together by a metal matrix being excluded .
- 2. Axis according to
proposal 1, characterized in that the ceramic is mainly composed of:- zirconium oxide, or
- alumina, or
- of a combination of these two oxides,
- carbon nanotubes,
- graphene,
- fullerenes,
- yttrium oxide,
- cerium oxide,
- zirconium carbide,
- silicon carbide,
- titanium carbide,
- zirconium boride,
- boron nitride,
- titanium nitride, and
- silicon nitride.
- 3. Axis according to
proposal 1, characterized in that the ceramic is mainly composed of silicon nitride,
possibly added with one or more of the following elements:- carbon nanotubes,
- graphene,
- fullerenes,
- zirconium oxide,
- aluminum oxide,
- yttrium oxide,
- cerium oxide,
- zirconium carbide,
- silicon carbide,
- titanium carbide,
- zirconium boride,
- boron nitride and
- titanium nitride.
- 4. Shaft according to one of
proposals 1 to 3, characterized in that the first portion has a surface of revolution, in particular a cylindrical surface or a conical surface or a frustoconical surface or a surface with a curved generatrix. - 5. Shaft according to one of
proposals 1 to 4, characterized in that the shaft or the first functional portion has a convex end (212 ') or concave (212 ") or conical (212 *) or frustoconical. - 6. Axis according to one of
proposals 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a second functional portion (3), in particular:- a second functional receiving portion (31, 32, 33; 34; 35; 45) of a timepiece component, in particular a balance wheel, a plate, a hairspring ferrule, a toothed wheel, another axis (6), a blank (81) or
- a second pivoting portion of a timepiece component on the axis, or
- a second meshing portion, in particular a toothing.
- 7. Shaft according to
proposal 6, characterized in that the second functional portion has a second outer diameter (D2) less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm, or even less than 0.5 mm. - 8. Axis according to proposal 7, characterized in that the ratio of the dimension of the second diameter to the dimension of the first diameter is less than 0.9, or even less than 0.8, or even less than 0.6, or even less than 0.5, or even less than 0.4 .
- 9. Axis according to one of
proposals 1 to 8, characterized in that the axis is made entirely of ceramic. - 10. Assembly (41; 42) comprising an axis (1) according to one of
proposals 1 to 9 and at least one guide (51; 52; 53), in particular a bearing (51; 52) or a groove (53) , the axis being intended for:- turning or pivoting in the at least one guide; and or
- to translate in the at least one guide.
- 11. Assembly (41) according to proposal 10, characterized in that the at least one guide (51) comprises a pivot stone (511) and a stone against support (512), the stones cooperating with the pivot to guide the axis in the guide.
- 12. Assembly (42) according to proposal 10, characterized in that the at least one guide (52) comprises a raceway (521) and balls (522), the balls cooperating by contact on the pivot (21* ) to guide the axis in the guide.
- 13. Oscillator (100) of the balance-spring type comprising an axis (1; 1') according to one of
proposals 1 to 9 and/or an assembly according to one of proposals 10 to 12. - 14. Watch movement (110) comprising an oscillator (100) according to proposition 13 and/or an assembly according to one of propositions 10 to 12 and/or an axis (1; 1';1") according to one of
proposals 1 to 9. - 15. Timepiece (120) comprising a watch movement (110) according to proposition 14 and/or an oscillator (100) according to proposition 13 and/or an assembly according to one of propositions 10 to 12 and/or a axis (1; 1';1") according to one of the
proposals 1 to 9.
Les figures annexées représentent, à titre d'exemple, trois modes de réalisation d'un axe horloger selon l'invention, différents modes de réalisation de systèmes selon l'invention et un mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention.
- La
figure 1 est une vue d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, comprenant un premier mode de réalisation d'un axe selon l'invention. - La
figure 2 est une vue d'une première variante d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un ensemble axe-guidage selon l'invention. - La
figure 3 est une vue d'une deuxième variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'ensemble axe-guidage selon l'invention. - La
figure 4 est une vue d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'ensemble axe-guidage selon l'invention. - La
figure 5 est une vue d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'axe selon l'invention. - La
figure 6 est un graphique des variations de facteur de qualité d'un oscillateur balancier-spiral dans différentes positions horlogères, l'oscillateur étant équipé d'un palier amortisseur classique. - La
figure 7 est un graphique des variations de facteur de qualité d'un oscillateur balancier-spiral dans différentes positions horlogères, l'oscillateur étant équipé d'un palier à billes. - La
figure 8 est une vue d'un troisième mode de réalisation de l'axe selon l'invention. - La
figure 9 est une vue en coupe selon le plan A-A de lafigure 8 du troisième mode de réalisation de l'axe selon l'invention.
- The
figure 1 is a view of a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, comprising a first embodiment of an axle according to the invention. - The
picture 2 is a view of a first variant of a first embodiment of an axis-guide assembly according to the invention. - The
picture 3 - The
figure 4 is a view of a second embodiment of the pin-guide assembly according to the invention. - The
figure 5 is a view of a second embodiment of the axle according to the invention. - The
figure 6 is a graph of the quality factor variations of a balance-spring oscillator in different horological positions, the oscillator being equipped with a conventional damping bearing. - The
figure 7 is a graph of the quality factor variations of a balance-spring oscillator in different horological positions, the oscillator being equipped with a ball bearing. - The
figure 8 is a view of a third embodiment of the axle according to the invention. - The
figure 9 is a sectional view according to plan AA of thefigure 8 of the third embodiment of the axle according to the invention.
Un mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie 120 est décrit ci-après en référence à la
L'axe de balancier 1 comprend une première portion fonctionnelle 2a ; 2b incluant :
- au moins une partie 221a ; 221b
d'un tigeron 22a ; 22b, et/ou - au moins une partie 211a ; 211b
d'un pivot 21a ; 21b.
- at least one
part 221a; 221b of arod 22a; 22b, and/or - at least one
part 211a; 211b of apivot 21a; 21b.
La première portion fonctionnelle est en céramique et la première portion fonctionnelle présente un premier diamètre extérieur D1 inférieur à 0.5 mm, voire inférieur à 0.4 mm, voire inférieur à 0.2 mm, voire inférieur à 0.1 mm.The first functional portion is made of ceramic and the first functional portion has a first outer diameter D1 of less than 0.5 mm, or even less than 0.4 mm, or even less than 0.2 mm, or even less than 0.1 mm.
Dans le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la
Dans le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la
- au moins une partie 221a ; 221b
d'un tigeron 22a ; 22b, et/ou - au moins une partie 211a ; 211b
d'un pivot 21a ; 21b.
- at least one
part 221a; 221b of arod 22a; 22b, and/or - at least one
part 211a; 211b of apivot 21a; 21b.
Dans le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la
La première portion fonctionnelle peut assurer des fonctions diverses telles que notamment :
- une fonction de guidage, notamment en pivotement et/ou translation, c'est-à-dire que la portion présente une surface de contact avec un autre composant, en particulier un guidage, pour assurer le pivotement et/ou la translation et qu'il y a un contact et un mouvement relatif entre la portion et cet autre composant, et/ou
- une fonction de réception, c'est-à-dire que la portion présente une surface de contact avec un autre composant pour assurer le positionnement et/ou le maintien de l'autre composant sur la portion, et/ou
- une fonction d'engrènement, c'est-à-dire que la portion présente une surface de contact en forme de dents avec un autre composant pour assurer l'engrènement entre la portion et cet autre composant, et/ou
- une fonction de transmission d'efforts ou de reprise d'efforts, c'est-à-dire que la portion est sollicitée mécaniquement.
- a guiding function, in particular in pivoting and/or translation, that is to say that the portion has a contact surface with another component, in particular a guiding, to ensure the pivoting and/or the translation and that there is contact and relative movement between the portion and that other component, and/or
- a reception function, that is to say that the portion has a contact surface with another component to ensure the positioning and/or the maintenance of the other component on the portion, and/or
- a meshing function, that is to say that the portion has a contact surface in the form of teeth with another component to ensure meshing between the portion and this other component, and/or
- a force transmission or force absorption function, that is to say that the portion is stressed mechanically.
Dans le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la
L'axe peut aussi présenter une deuxième portion fonctionnelle 3, notamment :
- une deuxième portion fonctionnelle de réception 31, 32, 33 ; 34 d'un composant horloger, notamment du balancier 8, du
plateau 9, de la virole de ressort-spiral, voire d'une roue dentée ou d'un autreaxe 6 dans un autre mode de réalisation qui sera décrit plus bas, ou - une deuxième portion de pivotement d'un composant horloger, comme une roue, sur l'axe dans un autre mode de réalisation, de façon à permettre le pivotement de ce composant horloger vis-à-vis de l'axe, ou
- une deuxième portion d'engrènement, notamment une denture, dans un autre mode de réalisation.
- a second
31, 32, 33; 34 of a watch component, in particular of thefunctional reception portion balance wheel 8, of theplate 9, of the hairspring ferrule, or even of a toothed wheel or of anotheraxis 6 in another embodiment which will be described below, or - a second portion for pivoting a timepiece component, such as a wheel, on the axle in another embodiment, so as to allow the pivoting of this timepiece component with respect to the axle, or
- a second meshing portion, in particular a toothing, in another embodiment.
Dans le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la
Avantageusement, la deuxième portion fonctionnelle présente un deuxième diamètre extérieur D2 inférieur à 2 mm, voire inférieur à 1 mm, voire inférieur à 0.5 mm. De préférence, la deuxième portion fonctionnelle est en céramique.Advantageously, the second functional portion has a second outside diameter D2 of less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm, or even less than 0.5 mm. Preferably, the second functional portion is made of ceramic.
Avantageusement encore, le rapport de la dimension du deuxième diamètre sur la dimension du premier diamètre est inférieur à 0.9, voire inférieur à 0.8, voire inférieur à 0.6, voire inférieur à 0.5, voire inférieur à 0.4.Advantageously again, the ratio of the dimension of the second diameter to the dimension of the first diameter is less than 0.9, or even less than 0.8, or even less than 0.6, or even less than 0.5, or even less than 0.4.
Le fait que la première portion fonctionnelle et/ou la deuxième portion fonctionnelle soit en céramique signifie que cette portion fonctionnelle est intégralement en céramique. La réalisation de la portion fonctionnelle en un matériau composé de grains de céramique liés entre eux par une matrice non céramique, comme une matrice métallique est exclue. Par « céramique », on entend un matériau homogène ou sensiblement homogène, y compris au niveau microscopique. De préférence, la céramique est homogène dans au moins une direction, voire dans toutes les directions, sur une distance supérieure à 6 µm, voire supérieure à 10 µm, voire supérieure à 20 µm. De préférence encore, la céramique ne présente pas de matériau non-céramique dans au moins une direction, voire dans toutes les directions, sur une distance supérieure à 6 µm, voire supérieure à 10 µm, voire supérieure à 20 µm.The fact that the first functional portion and/or the second functional portion is made of ceramic means that this functional portion is entirely made of ceramic. The production of the functional portion in a material composed of ceramic grains linked together by a non-ceramic matrix, such as a metal matrix, is excluded. By "ceramic" is meant a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous material, including at the microscopic level. Preferably, the ceramic is homogeneous in at least one direction, or even in all directions, over a distance greater than 6 μm, or even greater than 10 μm, or even greater than 20 μm. Preferably again, the ceramic does not have any non-ceramic material in at least one direction, or even in all directions, over a distance greater than 6 μm, or even greater than 10 μm, or even greater than 20 μm.
Avantageusement, la céramique est majoritairement ou principalement (en masse ou en mole) composée :
- d'oxyde de zirconium, et/ou
- d'alumine.
- zirconium oxide, and/or
- of alumina.
Ainsi, l'oxyde de zirconium et/ou l'alumine peuvent être les éléments prépondérants dans la céramique. Néanmoins, la proportion en masse ou en mole d'oxyde de zirconium et/ou d'alumine peut être inférieure à 50 %. Eventuellement, la céramique comprend, en plus de l'oxyde de zirconium et/ou de l'alumine, un ou plusieurs des éléments suivants :
- nanotubes de carbone,
- graphène,
- fullérènes,
- oxyde d'yttrium,
- oxyde de cérium,
- carbure de zirconium,
- carbure de silicium,
- carbure de titane,
- borure de zirconium,
- nitrure de bore,
- nitrure de titane et
- nitrure de silicium.
- carbon nanotubes,
- graphene,
- fullerenes,
- yttrium oxide,
- cerium oxide,
- zirconium carbide,
- silicon carbide,
- titanium carbide,
- zirconium boride,
- boron nitride,
- titanium nitride and
- silicon nitride.
Alternativement, la céramique peut être majoritairement ou principalement (en masse ou en mole) composée de nitrure de silicium.Alternatively, the ceramic may be predominantly or mainly (in mass or in mole) composed of silicon nitride.
Ainsi, le nitrure de silicium peut être l'élément prépondérant dans la céramique. Néanmoins, la proportion en masse ou en mole de nitrure de silicium peut être inférieure à 50 %.Thus, silicon nitride may be the preponderant element in ceramics. Nevertheless, the proportion by mass or by mole of silicon nitride can be less than 50%.
Eventuellement, la céramique comprend, en plus du nitrure de silicium, un ou plusieurs des éléments suivants :
- nanotubes de carbone,
- graphène,
- fullérènes,
- oxyde de zirconium,
- oxyde d'aluminium,
- oxyde d'yttrium,
- oxyde de cérium,
- carbure de zirconium,
- carbure de silicium,
- carbure de titane,
- borure de zirconium,
- nitrure de bore et
- nitrure de titane.
- carbon nanotubes,
- graphene,
- fullerenes,
- zirconium oxide,
- aluminum oxide,
- yttrium oxide,
- cerium oxide,
- zirconium carbide,
- silicon carbide,
- titanium carbide,
- zirconium boride,
- boron nitride and
- titanium nitride.
Par exemple, la céramique peut être l'une des céramiques du tableau ci-dessous :
Il peut être envisagé de réaliser un axe à partir d'un fil extrudé en céramique, à l'aide de différentes meules diamant. A l'issue de ces étapes, les pièces peuvent être conformes géométriquement et d'une dureté suffisante pour se passer de post-traitement.It can be envisaged to make an axle from an extruded ceramic wire, using different diamond grinding wheels. At the end of these steps, the parts can be geometrically compliant and of sufficient hardness to dispense with post-processing.
Alternativement, l'injection ou le pressage d'une préforme dont seules les extrémités seraient meulées permet d'optimiser le procédé, notamment par un gain du temps de cycle de fabrication.Alternatively, the injection or the pressing of a preform of which only the ends would be ground makes it possible to optimize the process, in particular by saving the manufacturing cycle time.
Alternativement encore, d'autres techniques de fabrication permettent d'améliorer encore les propriétés des pièces obtenues, comme le pressage isostatique à froid (CIP), en réduisant le nombre de défauts présents dans la matière avant qu'elle ne soit usinée. Ceci augmente notamment sa ténacité.Alternatively still, other manufacturing techniques make it possible to further improve the properties of the parts obtained, such as cold isostatic pressing (CIP), by reducing the number of defects present in the material before it is machined. This notably increases its tenacity.
De par les propriétés intrinsèques des céramiques citées précédemment, extrêmement dures, les pivots ne se marquent pas lors des chocs et la performance est maintenue dans la durée. Avantageusement, en cas de choc important, ces pivots ne se déformeront pas, a contrario des pivots en acier qui peuvent plier et de ce fait porter atteinte à la chronométrie de la pièce d'horlogerie. Ainsi, les céramiques telles que présentées plus haut permettent de maintenir l'intégrité géométrique des pivots dans le temps.Due to the intrinsic properties of the ceramics mentioned above, which are extremely hard, the pivots are not marked during shocks and performance is maintained over time. Advantageously, in the event of a major shock, these pivots will not deform, unlike steel pivots which can bend and thereby affect the chronometry of the timepiece. Thus, the ceramics as presented above make it possible to maintain the geometric integrity of the pivots over time.
Les céramiques offrent par ailleurs l'avantage supplémentaire d'être amagnétiques, et de ne pas influencer la marche de la pièce d'horlogerie lorsqu'elle est soumise à un champ magnétique, notamment un champ magnétique supérieur à 32 kA/m (400G).Ceramics also offer the additional advantage of being non-magnetic, and of not influencing the rate of the timepiece when it is subjected to a magnetic field, in particular a magnetic field greater than 32 kA/m (400G) .
Avantageusement, l'entier de l'axe est réalisé en céramique. Toutefois, il est envisageable de limiter la partie en céramique à la première portion fonctionnelle qui inclut au moins un pivot et/ou au moins un tigeron.Advantageously, the entire shaft is made of ceramic. However, it is conceivable to limit the ceramic part to the first functional portion which includes at least one pivot and/or at least one rod.
Avantageusement, la première portion présente une surface de révolution, notamment une surface cylindrique ou une surface conique ou une surface tronconique ou une surface à génératrice courbe. Le tigeron et le pivot peuvent être confondus ou tout au moins ne pas être délimités par une frontière franche comme une portée. Par exemple, le tigeron et le pivot peuvent être séparés par une surface tronconique ou une surface à génératrice courbe.Advantageously, the first portion has a surface of revolution, in particular a cylindrical surface or a conical surface or a frustoconical surface or a surface with a curved generatrix. The shank and the pivot can be confused or at least not be delimited by a clear border like a staff. For example, the shank and the pivot can be separated by a frustoconical surface or a surface with a curved generatrix.
Deux variantes d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un ensemble 41 comprenant un axe 1 tel que décrit précédemment et au moins un guidage 51, notamment un palier 51, l'axe étant destiné à tourner ou à pivoter dans l'au moins un palier, sont représentées respectivement sur les
Le guidage peut se présenter sous la forme d'un palier amortisseur conventionnel. Ainsi, dans le premier mode de réalisation, l'au moins un palier 51 comprend une pierre de pivotement 511 prévue pour coopérer avec une section cylindrique ou tronconique d'un pivot 21' et une pierre de contre appui 512 prévue pour coopérer avec une extrémité 212' du pivot. Les pierres coopèrent donc avec le pivot 21' pour pivoter et réceptionner, ou délimiter axialement, l'axe dans le guidage.The guide may take the form of a conventional damping bearing. Thus, in the first embodiment, the at least one
Dans la première variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'ensemble, l'axe 1 comprend un pivot 21' présentant une extrémité 212' bombée ou convexe.In the first variant of the first embodiment of the assembly, the
Dans la deuxième variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'ensemble, l'axe 1 comprend un pivot 21" présentant une extrémité 212" creusée ou concave.In the second variant of the first embodiment of the assembly, the
Le fait d'avoir des axes en céramique, matériau à la fois dur et tenace, permet d'obtenir des géométries qui peuvent optimiser et pérenniser le contact au niveau du pivot et du palier dans lequel il pivote, notamment au niveau des extrémités de pivot. Ceci serait difficilement envisageable avec les alliages conventionnels tels que l'acier 20AP roulés où le risque de perte de performances au porter serait plus important, du fait notamment de pressions de contact trop conséquentes.Having pins in ceramic, a material that is both hard and tough, makes it possible to obtain geometries that can optimize and sustain contact at the level of the pivot and the bearing in which it pivots, in particular at the level of the pivot ends. . This would be difficult to envisage with conventional alloys such as rolled 20AP steel where the risk of loss of performance when worn would be greater, in particular due to excessive contact pressures.
Un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un ensemble 42 comprenant un axe 1 tel que décrit précédemment et au moins un guidage, notamment un palier 52, l'axe étant destiné à tourner ou à pivoter dans l'au moins un guidage, est représenté sur la
Les
Toutefois, il est essentiel, pour le bon fonctionnement du pivotement et la réduction des écarts de marche en position, que la géométrie des pivots soit pérenne dans le temps, quelles que soient les contraintes et chocs subis par la montre, ceci pour toutes les géométries de pivots. Ceci est encore plus critique dans certains cas : en effet, si un pivot associé à un palier à billes se mate ou présente des déformations plastiques suite à des chocs, une grande partie de l'avantage de la solution est perdue.However, it is essential, for the proper functioning of the pivoting and the reduction of rate deviations in position, that the geometry of the pivots be durable over time, regardless of the constraints and shocks to which the watch is subjected, this for all geometries. pivots. This is even more critical in certain cases: indeed, if a pivot associated with a ball bearing dulls or exhibits plastic deformations following shocks, a large part of the advantage of the solution is lost.
Ainsi, l'emploi des céramiques pour la fabrication des billes et du pivot permet d'optimiser l'utilisation d'un palier à billes et de réduire de manière importante les écarts de facteur de qualité entre les différentes positions horlogère qu'occupe la pièce d'horlogerie.Thus, the use of ceramics for the manufacture of the balls and the pivot makes it possible to optimize the use of a ball bearing and to significantly reduce the differences in quality factor between the different horological positions occupied by the part. of watchmaking.
Un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un axe horloger 1' selon l'invention est décrit ci-après en référence à la
Cet axe 1' est prévu pour être rapporté sur un axe de pivotement 6, notamment un axe de pivotement fait d'un matériau distinct, notamment un acier de décolletage.This pin 1' is intended to be attached to a
Ainsi, la première portion fonctionnelle peut comprendre un pivot 2a, mais la deuxième portion fonctionnelle peut par exemple se présenter sous la forme d'une portion 35 destinée à être fixée, notamment par chassage ou soudage, au sein d'un alésage 36 formé sur le corps de l'axe 6 de pivotement.Thus, the first functional portion may comprise a
L'invention a été décrite précédemment appliquée à un axe de balancier. Toutefois, cette invention peut évidemment être appliquée à tout autre axe horloger, par exemple un axe de pivotement d'un mobile horloger tel qu'un mobile prenant part à la chaîne de finissage d'un mouvement horloger, en particulier un mobile de centre, ou un mobile de grande moyenne, ou un mobile de petite moyenne, ou un mobile des secondes.The invention has been described previously applied to a balance shaft. However, this invention can obviously be applied to any other watchmaking axis, for example a pivoting axis of a watchmaking wheel set such as a wheel set taking part in the finishing line of a watch movement, in particular a center wheel set, or a large average moving wheel, or a small average moving wheel, or a second moving wheel.
Un axe horloger selon l'invention peut également être mis en œuvre dans le cadre d'une optimisation d'un échappement horloger et ainsi permettre le pivotement d'une roue d'ancre ou d'un bloqueur ou d'une ancre prenant part à l'échappement. Bien entendu, cette invention peut être appliquée à tout mobile horloger prenant part à une fonction horlogère additionnelle, tel qu'un calendrier ou un chronographe.A horological axis according to the invention can also be implemented within the framework of an optimization of a horological escapement and thus allow the pivoting of an escapement wheel or of a blocker or of an anchor taking part in the exhaust. Of course, this invention can be applied to any horological mobile taking part in an additional horological function, such as a calendar or a chronograph.
Dans un mode de réalisation alternatif, représenté sur les
Une fois mises en forme, les pièces en céramique ne nécessitent ni traitement thermique, ni roulage, pour obtenir de hautes performances de résistance à l'usure.Once shaped, ceramic parts do not require heat treatment or rolling to achieve high wear resistance performance.
Claims (14)
- An oscillator (100) of the sprung balance type comprising a balance shaft (1), the balance shaft comprising a first functional portion (2a; 2b) including at least one part (221a; 221b) of a pivot-shank (22a; 22b) and/or at least one part (211a; 211b) of a pivot (21a; 21b; 21'; 21"; 21*), wherein the first functional portion is made of ceramic and wherein a first outer diameter (D1) of the first functional portion is less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.4 mm, or less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm, the realization of the first functional portion in a material composed of ceramic grains bonded together by a metal matrix being excluded.
- The oscillator as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the ceramic is for the most part composed of:- zirconium oxide, or- alumina, or- a combination of these two oxides,optionally adding one or more of the following elements:- carbon nanotubes,- graphene,- fullerenes,- yttrium oxide,- cerium oxide,- zirconium carbide,- silicon carbide,- titanium carbide,- zirconium boride,- boron nitride,- titanium nitride, and- silicon nitride.
- The oscillator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ceramic is for the most part composed of silicon nitride,
optionally adding one or more of the following elements:- carbon nanotubes,- graphene,- fullerenes,- zirconium oxide,- aluminum oxide,- yttrium oxide,- cerium oxide,- zirconium carbide,- silicon carbide,- titanium carbide,- zirconium boride,- boron nitride, and- titanium nitride. - The oscillator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion has a surface of revolution, especially a cylindrical surface or a conical surface or a truncated conical surface or a curve generating surface.
- The oscillator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft or the first functional portion has a convex (212') or concave (212") or conical (212*) or truncated conical end.
- The oscillator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft comprises a second functional portion (3), especially:- a second functional portion (31, 32, 33; 34; 35; 45) for receiving a timepiece component, especially a balance, a plate, a spiral spring collet, a toothed wheel, another shaft (6), a movement-blank (81), or- a second pivoting portion for a timepiece component on the shaft, or- a second intermeshing portion, especially a toothing.
- The oscillator as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the second functional portion has a second outer diameter (D2) less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm.
- The oscillator as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the dimension of the first diameter to the dimension of the second diameter is less than 0.9, or less than 0.8, or less than 0.6, or less than 0.5, or less than 0.4.
- The oscillator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft is made entirely of ceramic.
- An assembly comprising an oscillator as claimed in one of the preceding claims and at least one guide (51; 52; 53), especially a bearing (51; 52) or a groove (53), the shaft being designed to:- rotate or pivot in the at least one guide; and/or- move in translation in the at least one guide.
- The assembly as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the at least one guide (51) comprises a bearing stone (511) and an endstone (512), the stones cooperating with the pivot or pivot-shank to guide the shaft in the guide.
- The assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one guide (52) comprises a ball race way (521) and balls (522), the balls cooperating by contact with the pivot (21*) to guide the shaft in the guide.
- A watch movement (110) comprising an oscillator (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and/or an assembly as claimed in one of claims 10 to 12.
- A timepiece (120) comprising a watch movement (110) as claimed in the preceding claim and/or an oscillator (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and/or an assembly as claimed in one of claims 10 to 12.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19183765.7A EP3584640B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece oscillator |
EP22216886.6A EP4177677A1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Clock axis |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP16174244.0A EP3258325B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece arbor |
EP19183765.7A EP3584640B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece oscillator |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP16174244.0A Division-Into EP3258325B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece arbor |
EP16174244.0A Division EP3258325B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece arbor |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22216886.6A Division EP4177677A1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Clock axis |
Publications (2)
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EP3584640A1 EP3584640A1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
EP3584640B1 true EP3584640B1 (en) | 2023-01-11 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP16174244.0A Active EP3258325B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece arbor |
EP22216886.6A Pending EP4177677A1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Clock axis |
EP19183765.7A Active EP3584640B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece oscillator |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP16174244.0A Active EP3258325B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Timepiece arbor |
EP22216886.6A Pending EP4177677A1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | Clock axis |
Country Status (5)
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US (2) | US20170357213A1 (en) |
EP (3) | EP3258325B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP7214335B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN107490950B (en) |
CH (1) | CH712552B1 (en) |
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EP3273304B1 (en) * | 2016-07-19 | 2021-11-10 | Nivarox-FAR S.A. | Part for clock movement |
EP3594757B1 (en) * | 2018-07-10 | 2021-05-26 | Blancpain SA | Timepiece component with ceramic non-magnetic arboured portion |
JP7143675B2 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2022-09-29 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Watch parts, movements and watches |
EP3627238A1 (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2020-03-25 | Nivarox-FAR S.A. | Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on a support element |
EP3671368B1 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2022-11-23 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Bearing, in particular shock absorber device, and rotating part of a clock movement |
EP3722887A1 (en) | 2019-04-12 | 2020-10-14 | Rolex Sa | Method for manufacturing a turning surface of a timepiece component |
EP3742236A1 (en) * | 2019-05-23 | 2020-11-25 | Rolex Sa | Timepiece device comprising a first component attached to a second component by plastic deformation |
CH718969A2 (en) | 2021-09-09 | 2023-03-15 | Rolex Sa | Inertial element for watch movement, resistant to magnetic fields. |
EP4242752A1 (en) | 2022-03-11 | 2023-09-13 | ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse | Device for guiding a shaft of a balance wheel with hairspring |
EP4242753A1 (en) | 2022-03-11 | 2023-09-13 | ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse | Device for guiding a shaft of a balance wheel with hairspring |
WO2024074517A1 (en) | 2022-10-03 | 2024-04-11 | Rolex Sa | Timepiece staff |
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---|---|
US20170357213A1 (en) | 2017-12-14 |
US20220373977A1 (en) | 2022-11-24 |
CH712552B1 (en) | 2021-12-15 |
CN107490950A (en) | 2017-12-19 |
JP2018028529A (en) | 2018-02-22 |
CH712552A2 (en) | 2017-12-15 |
EP4177677A1 (en) | 2023-05-10 |
JP7214335B2 (en) | 2023-01-30 |
JP2023011848A (en) | 2023-01-24 |
EP3258325B1 (en) | 2019-10-30 |
CN113110010A (en) | 2021-07-13 |
EP3584640A1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
CN107490950B (en) | 2021-05-07 |
EP3258325A1 (en) | 2017-12-20 |
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