EP4016194B1 - Timepiece resonator mechanism with flexible guide provided with a means for adjusting the rigidity - Google Patents

Timepiece resonator mechanism with flexible guide provided with a means for adjusting the rigidity Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4016194B1
EP4016194B1 EP21208930.4A EP21208930A EP4016194B1 EP 4016194 B1 EP4016194 B1 EP 4016194B1 EP 21208930 A EP21208930 A EP 21208930A EP 4016194 B1 EP4016194 B1 EP 4016194B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flexible
resonator mechanism
mechanism according
prestressing means
moveable body
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
Application number
EP21208930.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP4016194A1 (en
Inventor
Mohammad Hussein Kahrobaiyan
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.)
Omega SA
Original Assignee
Omega SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Omega SA filed Critical Omega SA
Priority to US17/643,278 priority Critical patent/US20220197218A1/en
Priority to JP2021201468A priority patent/JP7238085B2/en
Priority to CN202111549428.8A priority patent/CN114721243A/en
Publication of EP4016194A1 publication Critical patent/EP4016194A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4016194B1 publication Critical patent/EP4016194B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. 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
    • 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
    • G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
    • G04B18/04—Adjusting the beat of the pendulum, balance, or the like, e.g. putting into beat

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a resonator mechanism with flexible guidance provided with means for adjusting the rigidity, in particular for watchmaking.
  • the balance-spring constitutes the time base of the watch. It is also called resonator.
  • an inertial element To constitute a mechanical resonator, an inertial element, a guide and an elastic return element are required.
  • a spiral spring acts as an elastic return element for the inertial element that constitutes a balance. This balance wheel is guided in rotation by pivots, which generally rotate in smooth ruby bearings.
  • the balance spring-spring system For its operation, the balance spring-spring system must generally be able to be adjusted to improve the precision of a watch.
  • means for adjusting the rigidity of the hairspring such as a racket, are used to modify the effective length of the spring.
  • racket For its operation, the rigidity of the hairspring, such as a racket, are used to modify the effective length of the spring.
  • its rigidity is modified to adjust the running precision of the watch.
  • the effect of a traditional racket for adjusting the rate remains limited, and it is not always effective in making the adjustment sufficiently precise, of the order of a few seconds or a few tens of seconds per day.
  • adjustment means comprising one or more screws arranged in the rim of the balance. By acting on the screws, the inertia of the balance wheel is modified, which has the effect of modifying its rate.
  • the document EP 3435172 describes a rotary resonator mechanism comprising a flexible guide and an oscillating mass, the flexible guide comprising at least two main flexible blades and a rigid part, the main flexible blades being joined on the one hand to the rigid part of the flexible guide and on the other part to the oscillating mass, and also comprising means for adjusting the rigidity of the resonator mechanism, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element arranged in series with the flexible guide, the flexible element being connected on the one hand to the part rigid of the flexible guide and on the other hand to an immobile support, so that the flexible guide is suspended by the flexible element, the flexible guide and the flexible element extending substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating mass to perform a rotary movement around a virtual pivot, the adjustment means further comprising prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element or the flexible guide, so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a clockwork resonator mechanism with flexible guidance provided with precise adjustment means.
  • the invention relates to a rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for watchmaking, the resonator mechanism comprising a flexible guide and an oscillating weight, the flexible guide comprising two flexible blades and a rigid part, the flexible blades being joined on the one hand to the rigid part of the flexible guide and on the other hand to the oscillating mass.
  • the mechanism comprises means for adjusting the rigidity of the resonator mechanism, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element arranged in series with the flexible guide, the flexible element being connected on the one hand to the rigid part of the flexible guide and on the other hand to an immobile support, so that the flexible guide is suspended by the flexible element, the flexible element forming a pivot to allow the rigid part to perform a rotary movement, the flexible guide and the flexible element extending substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating weight to perform a rotary movement around a virtual pivot, the adjustment means further comprising pre-tensioning means for applying a force or a variable torque on the flexible element or the flexible guide so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element.
  • the prestressing means by acting on the prestressing means, the force or the torque applied to the flexible element is modified, which leads to a modification of the rigidity of the assembly comprising the flexible element and the flexible guide.
  • the flexible element placed in series with the flexible guide provides additional rigidity, which is added to that of the flexible guide.
  • the prestressing means apply a variable force or torque to the flexible element, they modify the rigidity of the flexible element and therefore of the assembly comprising the flexible guide and the flexible element.
  • a flexible element is placed in series with the flexible guide, between the flexible guide and the fixed support.
  • This flexible element modifies the rigidity of the attachment point and provides additional flexibility to the resonator.
  • the effective rigidity of the resonator includes the rigidity of the flexible guide and the rigidity of the flexible element.
  • a variable force or torque is then applied to pre-stress the flexible element without pre-stressing the flexible guide and without moving the flexible guide.
  • the rigidity of the resonator (rigidity of the flexible guide and rigidity of the flexible element) changes, which consequently modifies the course of the resonator. Since the flexible element is preferably more rigid than the flexible guide, the share of the rigidity of the flexible element in the overall rigidity is lower than that of the flexible guide. Consequently, a modification of the rigidity of the flexible element modifies the rigidity of the whole of the resonator, and consequently regulates its course in a fine way, which makes it possible to precisely adjust the frequency of our time base. Great precision is thus obtained in the adjustment of the rate, because it acts on a single element to adjust the rigidity.
  • the prestressing means only vary the rigidity of the flexible element without modifying the rigidity of the main flexible strips.
  • the flexible element comprises at least one secondary flexible strip, preferably two secondary flexible strips, each secondary flexible strip being connected to the stationary support.
  • the prestressing means comprise pins in contact with the secondary flexible strips.
  • the prestressing means apply the variable force or torque to the secondary flexible strips.
  • the prestressing means apply the variable force or torque to the rigid part of the flexible guide.
  • the prestressing means comprise a first mobile body and at least one flexible tertiary blade connected to the first mobile body and to the rigid part of the flexible guide or to the flexible element.
  • the prestressing means comprise several quaternary flexible blades and a second mobile body, the quaternary flexible blades connecting the second mobile body to the first mobile body.
  • the prestressing means comprise at least one five-year flexible blade connecting the second mobile body or the first mobile body to an immobile support.
  • the prestressing means comprise an eccentric screw in contact with the second mobile body or the rigid part.
  • the prestressing means comprise a screw that can be moved longitudinally against the second moving body.
  • the prestressing means comprise a lever for moving the second mobile body.
  • the prestressing means comprise a first magnet fixed to the rigid part or to the second mobile body and a second magnet mobile with respect to the first magnet.
  • the prestressing means comprise a spring connected to the rigid part and a movable body making it possible to stretch or compress the spring.
  • the prestressing means are arranged in the same plane as the flexible guide and the flexible element.
  • the prestressing means are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the flexible guide and of the flexible element.
  • the flexible element comprises a third mobile body, and several sextenary flexible blades connecting the third mobile body to the rigid part
  • the flexible element comprises a fourth mobile body and several septenary blades connecting the third mobile body to the fourth mobile body.
  • the tertiary flexible blade is connected to the fourth mobile body.
  • the two main blades of the flexible guide are crossed.
  • the flexible element has a greater rigidity than the rigidity of the flexible guide, preferably at least five times greater, or even at least ten times greater.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a resonator mechanism.
  • the three embodiments of the resonator mechanism 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, in particular for watchmaking, figures 1 to 15 comprise a flexible guide 5 and an oscillating weight 2.
  • the oscillating weight 2 comprises an attachment body 3 and a rocker (not shown in the figures), for example a rocker of annular shape or a straight member in the shape of a bone , usually used in watchmaking, which is assembled on the attachment body 3.
  • the attachment body 3 has an elongated rectangular shape.
  • the resonator mechanism 1 extends substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating mass 2 to perform a rotary movement around a virtual pivot.
  • the flexible guide 5 comprises two main flexible blades 4, 6 and a rigid part 7.
  • the flexible guide 5 extends along a main axis of symmetry.
  • the flexible blades 4, 6 are joined on the one hand to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5 and on the other hand to the attachment body 3 of the oscillating mass 2.
  • the two main blades 4, 6 of the flexible guide 5 are crossed, preferably straight and of the same length.
  • the resonator mechanism 1 comprises means for adjusting the rigidity of the resonator mechanism.
  • the adjustment means comprise a flexible element 12 arranged in series with the flexible guide 5, the flexible element 12 being connected on the one hand to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide and on the other hand to an immobile support. 11, so that the flexible guide 5 is suspended by the flexible element 12, the flexible element 12 forming a pivot to allow the rigid part 7 to perform a rotary movement.
  • the rigid part 7 performs a rotary movement thanks to the flexible element 12.
  • the rotary movement of the rigid 7 is added to that of the oscillating mass 2 induced by the flexible guide 5, so that the angular stroke of the oscillating mass is increased by the flexible element 12.
  • the prestressing means 15 vary only the rigidity of the flexible element 12 without modifying the rigidity of the main flexible blades 4, 6.
  • the prestressing means 15 vary only the rigidity of the flexible element 12 without modifying the rigidity of the main flexible blades 4, 6.
  • the rigid part 7 has the shape of an arc of a circle comprising an internal side on which the main blades 4, 6 are joined, preferably symmetrically with respect to the center of the arc of a circle.
  • the flexible element 12 comprises at least one secondary flexible blade, here two secondary flexible blades 8, 9.
  • the secondary flexible blades 8, 9 are straight and of the same length.
  • Each secondary flexible blade 8, 9 connects the outer side of the arc of a circle of the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5 and the stationary support 11.
  • the secondary flexible blades 8, 9 are preferably arranged close to each end of the arc of a circle, symmetrically with respect to the axis of the flexible guide 5.
  • the adjustment means further comprise prestressing means 15 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 12 or the flexible guide 5, so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element 12.
  • the prestressing means 15 comprise pins in contact with the secondary flexible strips.
  • THE figures 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of the first embodiment of a rotary resonator mechanism 1 for a clock movement.
  • the prestressing means 15 apply the variable force or torque to the flexible element 12.
  • the prestressing means 15 apply the force or the torque to the secondary flexible blades 8, 9.
  • the rigidity of the secondary flexible blades 8, 9 is modified to adjust the rigidity of the assembly formed by the flexible element 12 and the flexible guide 5.
  • the prestressing means 15 comprise pins 14, 16, here two pairs of pins each arranged on either side of each secondary flexible blade 8, 9.
  • the two pins 14, 16 are in contact with the secondary flexible blades 8 , 9 and can be moved along each blade 8, 9 to modify their rigidity.
  • the displacement of the pins 14, 16 makes it possible to modify the rigidity of the assembly formed by the secondary flexible blades 8, 9 and the flexible guide 5, to adjust the precision of the operation of the resonator mechanism 1.
  • the operating principle of the second embodiment of the resonator mechanism 1 is illustrated in the picture 3 .
  • the prestressing means 15 apply the variable force or torque to the flexible guide 5, in particular to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5.
  • Such an arrangement makes it possible to modify both the rigidity of the main flexible blades 4, 6 flexible guide 5 and secondary flexible blades 8, 9 of flexible element 12.
  • the first variant of the second embodiment of the figure 4 illustrates prestressing means 15 comprising an eccentric screw 17 whose head is arranged in contact with the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5.
  • prestressing means 15 comprising an eccentric screw 17 whose head is arranged in contact with the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5.
  • the prestressing means 15 comprise magnets 17, 18.
  • a first magnet 17 is arranged on the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5 and a second mobile magnet 18 is arranged at a variable distance from the first magnet 17, so that it applies a variable force or torque to the first magnet 17, and therefore to the rigid part 7.
  • the prestressing means 15 of the third variant of the figure 6 comprise a spring 21 and a mobile body 22 connected by the spring 21 to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5.
  • the spring 21 is stretched or compressed to vary the force or the torque exerted on the rigid part 7.
  • the prestressing means 15 comprise a first mobile body 24 and a tertiary flexible strip 25 assembled in series and with the rigid part 7 and with the first mobile body 24, preferably along the axis of symmetry of the flexible guide.
  • the first mobile body 24 preferably has an elongated shape and arranged in the axis of the tertiary flexible strip 25.
  • the prestressing means 15 comprise a second mobile body 27 in the shape of an elbow, as well as quaternary flexible blades 26, here four, connecting the two mobile bodies 24, 27.
  • the four quaternary blades 26 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the tertiary blade 25 in the rest position of the prestressing means 15.
  • the quaternary flexible blades 26 are preferably parallel.
  • the prestressing means 15 of the fourth variant of the resonator mechanism 60 further comprise two quinquennial blades 28 connecting the first movable body 24 to a stationary support 31.
  • the flexible quinquennial blades 28 are preferably parallel.
  • the quinquennial blades 28 are substantially parallel to the quaternary blades 26 and arranged on the opposite side of the first mobile body 24.
  • the prestressing means 15 also comprise a screw 29 arranged longitudinally to varnish in contact with the second mobile body 27 to apply a force or a varying torque. By applying a variable force or torque to the second mobile body 27, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 60 is varied.
  • the prestressing means 15 further comprise two quinquennial blades 32 connecting the second movable body 37 to a stationary support 31.
  • the quinquennial blades 32 are substantially parallel to the quaternary blades and arranged on the same side of the second element.
  • the prestressing means 15 also comprise a screw 29 arranged longitudinally to varnish in contact with the second movable body 37 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque to the second mobile body 37, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 70 is varied.
  • the sixth 80 and seventh 90 resonator mechanism variants of the second embodiment of the figures 9 and 10 are similar to the fourth variant of the second embodiment of the figure 7 except for the longitudinal screw, which is replaced by another force or torque application means.
  • the prestressing means 15 comprise an eccentric screw 33 whose head is in contact with the second mobile body 27.
  • the force or the torque applied to the second mobile body 27 is variable.
  • the prestressing means 15 comprise a lever 35 connected to the second movable body 27 by a sextenary flexible blade 36 provided with a rigid central section 34.
  • the sextenary flexible blade 36 is substantially parallel to the tertiary flexible blade 25 in the rest position of the prestressing means 15.
  • the lever 35 is arranged perpendicular to the sextenary flexible blade 36.
  • the lever 35 is also connected to a second stationary support 41 by two septenary blades 37, 38 arranged on either side of the lever 35.
  • the free end 39 of the lever 35 is U-shaped, on which one can act by actuating it laterally, in order to apply a force or a variable torque on the flexible element 12.
  • the rigid part 47 of the flexible guide 45 is elongated and arranged perpendicular to the axis of the flexible guide 45.
  • the flexible element 42 comprises at least one sextenary flexible blade 44, here four sextenary flexible blades 44, and a third mobile body 46 L-shaped.
  • the sextenary flexible blades 44 are arranged parallel to the axis of the flexible guide 45, and connect the rigid part 47 of the flexible guide 45 to the internal side of the base of the L.
  • the bar of the L extends parallel to the sextenary flexible strips 44 in the rest position of the flexible element 45.
  • the flexible element 42 further comprises a fourth mobile body 48 and at least one septenary strip 49, here four tertiary flexible strips.
  • the fourth mobile body 48 is in the shape of a separated U, the interior of which faces the outer side of the L bar.
  • the septenary blades 49 connect the outer side of the L bar to the inside of the base of the U, and are substantially perpendicular to the sextenary flexible blades 44.
  • the flexible element also comprises at least one secondary flexible blade 51, 52, here two secondary flexible blades, connecting the spaced ends of the U to a stationary support 53 of the resonator mechanism 100.
  • the prestressing means 43 are configured to apply a force or a torque to the U.
  • the prestressing means 43 further comprise a first mobile body 55 and a tertiary flexible strip 54 assembled in series and with the rigid part 47 of the flexible guide 45 and with the first mobile body 55, preferably perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the flexible guide 45.
  • the first mobile body 55 preferably has an elongated shape and is arranged in the axis of the tertiary flexible blade 54.
  • the prestressing means 43 comprise a second mobile body 57 in the shape of an elbow, as well as flexible quaternary blades 56 connecting the first 55 and the second mobile body 57.
  • the four quaternary blades 56 are substantially perpendicular to the tertiary blade 54 in rest position of the prestressing means 43.
  • the quaternary flexible strips 56 are preferably parallel.
  • the prestressing means 43 also comprise two five-year flexible blades 59 connecting the first moving body 55 to a stationary support 61.
  • the five-year flexible blades 59 are preferably parallel.
  • the quinquennial blades 59 are substantially perpendicular to the tertiary flexible blade 54, and are arranged on the side opposite the quaternary flexible blades 56 with respect to the first mobile body 55.
  • the prestressing means 43 also comprise a screw 58 arranged longitudinally to varnish in contact with the second movable body 57 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a force or a variable torque on the second mobile body 57, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 110 is varied.
  • the prestressing means 43 are similar to those of the first variant, but are offset towards the flexible guide 45.
  • the flexible element 42 further comprises an intermediate body 64 to which the tertiary flexible strip 54 is attached.
  • the intermediate body 64 is in the shape of an arc of a circle and is assembled at the ends spaced apart from the U of the fourth mobile body 48.
  • the tertiary flexible blade 54 is joined inside the arc of a circle.
  • the prestressing means 43 are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the flexible guide 45 and of the flexible element 42.
  • the prestressing means 43 comprise a stud 65 assembled on the base of the U of the fourth mobile body 48, a first mobile body 66 in the shape of an L, and a tertiary flexible blade 67 connecting the stud 65 to the internal base of the L.
  • tertiary flexible blade 67 is preferably arranged above the septenary flexible blades 49.
  • the prestressing means 43 further comprise a second L-shaped movable body 69 and quaternary flexible blades 68, the quaternary flexible blades 68 connecting the external side from the bar of the L of the first mobile body 66 to the internal side of the bar of the L of the second mobile body 69.
  • the quaternary flexible blades 68 are preferably parallel.
  • the prestressing means 43 further comprise at least one five-year flexible blade 72, preferably four five-year flexible blades 72, connecting the internal side of the bar of the L of the second mobile body 69 to the stationary support 73.
  • the five-year flexible blades 72 are of preference parallels.
  • the stationary support 73 has the shape of an arc of a circle at the ends of which the secondary flexible blades 51, 52 are joined.
  • THE stationary support 73 further comprises a central additional section 74 on which the quinquennial blades 72 are joined.
  • the prestressing means 43 also comprise a screw 71 arranged longitudinally to come into contact with the second movable body 69 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque to the second mobile body 69, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 130 is varied.
  • the stud 65, the tertiary flexible blade 67, the first mobile body 66, the quaternary flexible blades 68, the second mobile body 69, the quinquennial flexible blades 72, the screw 71 and the central additional section 74, are arranged in an upper floor of the resonator mechanism 130, the stage being in a plane substantially parallel to the plane comprising the other parts of the mechanism 130.
  • the fourth variant of resonator mechanism 140 of the third embodiment is similar to the second variant, except for the intermediate body 75 which has an L shape.
  • the bar of the L is assembled on the fourth movable body 48 in the shape of a U, while the base of the L the flexible element 42.
  • the tertiary flexible blade 54 is connected to the free end of the base of the L on the external side.
  • the screw 58, the first movable body 55 and the second movable body 57, as well as the quaternary 56 and quinquennial 59 blades are arranged perpendicularly with respect to their respective positions of the second variant of the second embodiment.
  • the flexible blades are preferably straight. Furthermore, the flexible blades of the same type are preferably of the same length. Flexible blades can be continuously flexible or have flexible portions only.
  • the invention also relates to a clock movement, not shown in the figures, the movement comprising a mechanism rotary resonator 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 as previously described.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
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  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
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Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

L'invention se rapporte à un mécanisme résonateur à guidage flexible muni de moyens d'ajustement de la rigidité, notamment pour l'horlogerie.The invention relates to a resonator mechanism with flexible guidance provided with means for adjusting the rigidity, in particular for watchmaking.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnology background

La plupart des montres mécaniques actuelles sont munies d'un balancier-spiral et d'un mécanisme d'échappement à ancre suisse. Le balancier-spiral constitue la base de temps de la montre. On l'appelle aussi résonateur.Most current mechanical watches are equipped with a balance-spring and a Swiss lever escapement mechanism. The balance-spring constitutes the time base of the watch. It is also called resonator.

L'échappement, quant à lui, remplit deux fonctions principales:

  • entretenir les va-et-vient du résonateur ;
  • compter ces va-et-vient.
The escapement, on the other hand, performs two main functions:
  • maintaining the back and forth movements of the resonator;
  • count these comings and goings.

Pour constituer un résonateur mécanique, il faut un élément inertiel, un guidage et un élément de rappel élastique. Traditionnellement, un ressort spiral joue le rôle d'élément de rappel élastique pour l'élément inertiel que constitue un balancier. Ce balancier est guidé en rotation par des pivots, qui tournent généralement dans des paliers lisses en rubis.To constitute a mechanical resonator, an inertial element, a guide and an elastic return element are required. Traditionally, a spiral spring acts as an elastic return element for the inertial element that constitutes a balance. This balance wheel is guided in rotation by pivots, which generally rotate in smooth ruby bearings.

On utilise aujourd'hui des guidages flexibles comme ressort pour former un pivot virtuel. Les guidages flexibles à pivot virtuel permettent d'améliorer sensiblement les résonateurs horlogers. Les plus simples sont des pivots à lames croisées, composés de deux dispositifs de guidage à lames droites qui se croisent, en général perpendiculairement. Ces deux lames peuvent être, soit tridimensionnelles dans deux plans différents, soit bidimensionnelles dans un même plan et sont alors comme soudées à leur point de croisement. Mais il existe aussi des guidages à lames décroisées de type RCC (pour « Remote Center Compliance » en anglais), qui ont des lames droites ne se croisant pas. Un tel résonateur est décrit dans le document EP 2911012 , ou dans les documents EP 3035126 , et EP 3206089 .Today, flexible guides are used as a spring to form a virtual pivot. Flexible virtual pivot guides make it possible to significantly improve watch resonators. The simplest are cross-bladed pivots, consisting of two straight-bladed guide devices that intersect, usually perpendicularly. These two blades can be either three-dimensional in two different planes, or two-dimensional in the same plane and are then as if welded at their crossing point. But there are also guides with uncrossed blades of RCC type (for "Remote Center Compliance"), which have straight blades that do not intersect. Such a resonator is described in the document EP 2911012 , or in the documents EP 3035126 , And EP 3206089 .

Pour son fonctionnement, le système ressort-spiral balancier doit généralement pouvoir être réglé pour améliorer la précision d'une montre. A cette fin, on utilise des moyens de réglages de la rigidité du ressort-spiral, telle une raquette pour modifier la longueur effective du ressort. Ainsi, on modifie sa rigidité pour ajuster la précision de marche de la montre. Toutefois, l'effet d'une raquette traditionnelle pour ajuster la marche reste limitée, et elle n'est pas toujours efficace pour rendre le réglage suffisamment précis, de l'ordre de quelques secondes ou quelques dizaines de secondes par jour.For its operation, the balance spring-spring system must generally be able to be adjusted to improve the precision of a watch. To this end, means for adjusting the rigidity of the hairspring, such as a racket, are used to modify the effective length of the spring. Thus, its rigidity is modified to adjust the running precision of the watch. However, the effect of a traditional racket for adjusting the rate remains limited, and it is not always effective in making the adjustment sufficiently precise, of the order of a few seconds or a few tens of seconds per day.

Dans le cas d'un guidage flexible, il existe des moyens de réglage comprenant une ou plusieurs vis agencées dans la serge du balancier. En agissant sur les vis, on modifie l'inertie du balancier, qui a comme effet de modifier sa marche.In the case of a flexible guide, there are adjustment means comprising one or more screws arranged in the rim of the balance. By acting on the screws, the inertia of the balance wheel is modified, which has the effect of modifying its rate.

Cependant, bien que la plage de réglage conférée par ces vis soit importante, la finesse du réglage n'est pas précise. Ainsi, l'ajustage de la marche est difficile à obtenir.However, although the range of adjustment conferred by these screws is large, the fineness of adjustment is not precise. Thus, the adjustment of the step is difficult to obtain.

Le document EP 3435172 décrit un mécanisme résonateur rotatif comportant un guidage flexible et une masse oscillante, le guidage flexible comprenant au moins deux lames flexibles principales et une partie rigide, les lames flexibles principales étant jointes d'une part à la partie rigide du guidage flexible et d'autre part à la masse oscillante, et comprenant également des moyens d'ajustement de la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur, les moyens d'ajustement comprenant un élément flexible agencé en série du guidage flexible, l'élément flexible étant relié d'une part à la partie rigide du guidage flexible et d'autre part à un support immobile, de sorte que le guidage flexible soit suspendu par l'élément flexible, le guidage flexible et l'élément flexible s'étendant sensiblement dans un même plan pour permettre à la masse oscillante d'effectuer un mouvement rotatif autour d'un pivot virtuel, les moyens d'ajustement comprenant en outre des moyens de précontrainte pour appliquer une force ou un couple variable sur l'élément flexible ou le guidage flexible, de manière à faire varier la rigidité de l'élément flexible.The document EP 3435172 describes a rotary resonator mechanism comprising a flexible guide and an oscillating mass, the flexible guide comprising at least two main flexible blades and a rigid part, the main flexible blades being joined on the one hand to the rigid part of the flexible guide and on the other part to the oscillating mass, and also comprising means for adjusting the rigidity of the resonator mechanism, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element arranged in series with the flexible guide, the flexible element being connected on the one hand to the part rigid of the flexible guide and on the other hand to an immobile support, so that the flexible guide is suspended by the flexible element, the flexible guide and the flexible element extending substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating mass to perform a rotary movement around a virtual pivot, the adjustment means further comprising prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element or the flexible guide, so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Le but de la présente invention est de pallier tout ou partie des inconvénients cités précédemment en proposant un mécanisme résonateur d'horlogerie à guidage flexible muni de moyens de réglage précis.The object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a clockwork resonator mechanism with flexible guidance provided with precise adjustment means.

A cet effet, l'invention se rapporte à un mécanisme résonateur rotatif, notamment pour l'horlogerie, le mécanisme résonateur comprenant un guidage flexible et une masse oscillante, le guidage flexible comprenant deux lames flexibles et une partie rigide, les lames flexibles étant jointes d'une part à la partie rigide du guidage flexible et d'autre part à la masse oscillante.To this end, the invention relates to a rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for watchmaking, the resonator mechanism comprising a flexible guide and an oscillating weight, the flexible guide comprising two flexible blades and a rigid part, the flexible blades being joined on the one hand to the rigid part of the flexible guide and on the other hand to the oscillating mass.

L'invention est remarquable en ce que le mécanisme comprend des moyens d'ajustement de la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur, les moyens d'ajustement comprenant un élément flexible agencé en série du guidage flexible, l'élément flexible étant relié d'une part à la partie rigide du guidage flexible et d'autre part à un support immobile, de sorte que le guidage flexible soit suspendu par l'élément flexible, l'élément flexible formant pivot pour permettre à la partie rigide d'effectuer un mouvement rotatif, le guidage flexible et l'élément flexible s'étendant sensiblement dans un même plan pour permettre à la masse oscillante d'effectuer un mouvement rotatif autour d'un pivot virtuel, les moyens d'ajustement comprenant en outre des moyens de précontrainte pour appliquer une force ou un couple variable sur l'élément flexible ou le guidage flexible de manière à faire varier la rigidité de l'élément flexible.The invention is remarkable in that the mechanism comprises means for adjusting the rigidity of the resonator mechanism, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element arranged in series with the flexible guide, the flexible element being connected on the one hand to the rigid part of the flexible guide and on the other hand to an immobile support, so that the flexible guide is suspended by the flexible element, the flexible element forming a pivot to allow the rigid part to perform a rotary movement, the flexible guide and the flexible element extending substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating weight to perform a rotary movement around a virtual pivot, the adjustment means further comprising pre-tensioning means for applying a force or a variable torque on the flexible element or the flexible guide so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element.

Grâce à l'invention, en agissant sur les moyens de précontrainte, on modifie la force ou le couple appliqué sur l'élément flexible, ce qui entraîne une modification de la rigidité de l'ensemble comprenant l'élément flexible et le guidage flexible. En effet, l'élément flexible mis en série avec le guidage flexible apporte une rigidité supplémentaire, qui s'ajoute à celle du guidage flexible. Ainsi, lorsque les moyens de précontrainte appliquent une force ou un couple variable sur l'élément flexible, ils modifient la rigidité de l'élément flexible et donc de l'ensemble comprenant le guidage flexible et l'élément flexible.Thanks to the invention, by acting on the prestressing means, the force or the torque applied to the flexible element is modified, which leads to a modification of the rigidity of the assembly comprising the flexible element and the flexible guide. Indeed, the flexible element placed in series with the flexible guide provides additional rigidity, which is added to that of the flexible guide. Thus, when the prestressing means apply a variable force or torque to the flexible element, they modify the rigidity of the flexible element and therefore of the assembly comprising the flexible guide and the flexible element.

Autrement dit, on place un élément flexible en série du guidage flexible, entre le guidage flexible et le support fixe. Cet élément flexible modifie la rigidité du point d'attache et apporte une flexibilité supplémentaire au résonateur. Ainsi, la rigidité effective du résonateur comprend la rigidité du guidage flexible et la rigidité de l'élément flexible. On applique alors une force ou un couple variable pour pré-contraindre l'élément flexible sans pré-contraindre le guidage flexible et sans déplacer le guidage flexible. En précontraignant l'élément flexible, sa rigidité change, tandis que la rigidité du guidage flexible reste inchangée, puisqu'il n'est pas précontraint et que son extrémité ne se déplace pas. En changeant la rigidité de l'élément flexible, la rigidité du résonateur (rigidité du guidage flexible et rigidité de l'élément flexible) change, ce qui modifie par conséquent la marche du résonateur. L'élément flexible étant, de préférence, plus rigide que le guidage flexible, la part de la rigidité de l'élément flexible dans la rigidité d'ensemble est inférieure à celle du guidage flexible. Par conséquent, une modification de la rigidité de l'élément flexible modifie la rigidité de l'ensemble du résonateur, et par conséquent règle sa marche de manière fine, ce qui permet d'ajuster précisément la fréquence de notre base de temps. On obtient ainsi une grande précision dans le réglage de la marche, car on agit sur un seul élément pour ajuster la rigidité.In other words, a flexible element is placed in series with the flexible guide, between the flexible guide and the fixed support. This flexible element modifies the rigidity of the attachment point and provides additional flexibility to the resonator. Thus, the effective rigidity of the resonator includes the rigidity of the flexible guide and the rigidity of the flexible element. A variable force or torque is then applied to pre-stress the flexible element without pre-stressing the flexible guide and without moving the flexible guide. By prestressing the flexible element, its stiffness changes, while the stiffness of the flexible guide remains unchanged, since it is not prestressed and its end does not move. By changing the rigidity of the flexible element, the rigidity of the resonator (rigidity of the flexible guide and rigidity of the flexible element) changes, which consequently modifies the course of the resonator. Since the flexible element is preferably more rigid than the flexible guide, the share of the rigidity of the flexible element in the overall rigidity is lower than that of the flexible guide. Consequently, a modification of the rigidity of the flexible element modifies the rigidity of the whole of the resonator, and consequently regulates its course in a fine way, which makes it possible to precisely adjust the frequency of our time base. Great precision is thus obtained in the adjustment of the rate, because it acts on a single element to adjust the rigidity.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte font varier uniquement la rigidité de l'élément flexible sans modifier la rigidité des lames flexibles principales.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means only vary the rigidity of the flexible element without modifying the rigidity of the main flexible strips.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, l'élément flexible comprend au moins une lame flexible secondaire, de préférence deux lames flexibles secondaires, chaque lame flexible secondaire étant reliée au support immobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises at least one secondary flexible strip, preferably two secondary flexible strips, each secondary flexible strip being connected to the stationary support.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comprennent des goupilles en contact avec les lames flexibles secondaires.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise pins in contact with the secondary flexible strips.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte appliquent la force ou le couple variable sur les lames flexibles secondaires.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means apply the variable force or torque to the secondary flexible strips.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte appliquent la force ou le couple variable sur la partie rigide du guidage flexible.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means apply the variable force or torque to the rigid part of the flexible guide.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comprennent un premier corps mobile et au moins une lame flexible tertiaire reliée au premier corps mobile et à la partie rigide du guidage flexible ou à l'élément flexible.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a first mobile body and at least one flexible tertiary blade connected to the first mobile body and to the rigid part of the flexible guide or to the flexible element.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comprennent plusieurs lames flexibles quaternaires et un second corps mobile, les lames flexibles quaternaires reliant le second corps mobile au premier corps mobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise several quaternary flexible blades and a second mobile body, the quaternary flexible blades connecting the second mobile body to the first mobile body.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comprennent au moins une lame flexible quinquénaire reliant le second corps mobile ou le premier corps mobile à un support immobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise at least one five-year flexible blade connecting the second mobile body or the first mobile body to an immobile support.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comportent une vis excentrique en contact avec le deuxième corps mobile ou la partie rigide.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise an eccentric screw in contact with the second mobile body or the rigid part.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comportent une vis déplaçable longitudinalement contre le deuxième corps mobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a screw that can be moved longitudinally against the second moving body.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comprennent un levier pour déplacer le deuxième corps mobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a lever for moving the second mobile body.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comprennent un premier aimant solidaire de la partie rigide ou du deuxième corps mobile et un deuxième aimant mobile par rapport au premier aimant.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a first magnet fixed to the rigid part or to the second mobile body and a second magnet mobile with respect to the first magnet.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte comprennent un ressort relié à la partie rigide et un corps mobile permettant d'étirer ou de comprimer le ressort.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a spring connected to the rigid part and a movable body making it possible to stretch or compress the spring.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte sont agencés dans le même plan que le guidage flexible et l'élément flexible.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means are arranged in the same plane as the flexible guide and the flexible element.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens de précontrainte sont agencés dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan du guidage flexible et de l'élément flexible.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the flexible guide and of the flexible element.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, l'élément flexible comprend un troisième corps mobile, et plusieurs lames flexibles sexténaires reliant le troisième corps mobile à la partie rigideAccording to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a third mobile body, and several sextenary flexible blades connecting the third mobile body to the rigid part

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, l'élément flexible comprend un quatrième corps mobile et plusieurs lames septénaires reliant le troisième corps mobile au quatrième corps mobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a fourth mobile body and several septenary blades connecting the third mobile body to the fourth mobile body.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la lame flexible tertiaire est reliée au quatrième corps mobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the tertiary flexible blade is connected to the fourth mobile body.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les deux lames principales du guidage flexible sont croisées.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the two main blades of the flexible guide are crossed.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, l'élément flexible a une rigidité supérieure à la rigidité du guidage flexible, de préférence au moins cinq fois supérieure, voire au moins dix fois supérieure.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element has a greater rigidity than the rigidity of the flexible guide, preferably at least five times greater, or even at least ten times greater.

L'invention se rapporte également à un mouvement horloger comportant un tel mécanisme résonateur.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a resonator mechanism.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of figures

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de plusieurs formes de réalisation données uniquement à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une première variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 3 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 4 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une première variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 5 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une deuxième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 6 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une troisième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 7 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une quatrième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 8 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une cinquième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 9 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une sixième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 10 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une septième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 11 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 12 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une première variante du troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 13 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une deuxième variante du troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 14 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une troisième variante du troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, et
  • la figure 15 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un mécanisme résonateur selon une quatrième variante du troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear on reading several embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • there figure 1 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 2 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention,
  • there picture 3 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 4 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first variant of the second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 5 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a second variant of the second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 6 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a third variant of the second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 7 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a fourth variant of the second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 8 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a fifth variant of the second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 9 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a sixth variant of the second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 10 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a seventh variant of the second embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 11 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a third embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 12 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first variant of the third embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 13 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a second variant of the third embodiment of the invention,
  • there figure 14 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a third variant of the third embodiment of the invention, and
  • there figure 15 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a fourth variant of the third embodiment of the invention.

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

Les trois modes de réalisation du mécanisme résonateur 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, notamment pour l'horlogerie, des figures 1 à 15, comprennent un guidage flexible 5 et une masse oscillante 2. La masse oscillante 2 comprend un corps d'attache 3 et un balancier (non représenté sur les figures), par exemple un balancier de forme annulaire ou un membre droit en forme d'os, usuellement utilisés en horlogerie, qui est assemblé sur le corps d'attache 3. Le corps d'attache 3 a une forme rectangulaire allongée. Le mécanisme résonateur 1 s'étend sensiblement dans un même plan pour permettre à la masse oscillante 2 d'effectuer un mouvement rotatif autour d'un pivot virtuel.The three embodiments of the resonator mechanism 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, in particular for watchmaking, figures 1 to 15 , comprise a flexible guide 5 and an oscillating weight 2. The oscillating weight 2 comprises an attachment body 3 and a rocker (not shown in the figures), for example a rocker of annular shape or a straight member in the shape of a bone , usually used in watchmaking, which is assembled on the attachment body 3. The attachment body 3 has an elongated rectangular shape. The resonator mechanism 1 extends substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating mass 2 to perform a rotary movement around a virtual pivot.

Le guidage flexible 5 comprend deux lames flexibles principales 4, 6 et une partie rigide 7. Le guidage flexible 5 s'étend selon un axe de symétrie principal. Les lames flexibles 4, 6 sont jointes d'une part à la partie rigide 7 du guidage flexible 5 et d'autre part au corps d'attache 3 de la masse oscillante 2. Les deux lames principales 4, 6 du guidage flexible 5 sont croisées, de préférence droites et de même longueur.The flexible guide 5 comprises two main flexible blades 4, 6 and a rigid part 7. The flexible guide 5 extends along a main axis of symmetry. The flexible blades 4, 6 are joined on the one hand to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5 and on the other hand to the attachment body 3 of the oscillating mass 2. The two main blades 4, 6 of the flexible guide 5 are crossed, preferably straight and of the same length.

Selon l'invention, le mécanisme résonateur 1 comprend des moyens d'ajustement de la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur. A cette fin, les moyens d'ajustement comprennent un élément flexible 12 agencé en série du guidage flexible 5, l'élément flexible 12 étant relié d'une part à la partie rigide 7 du guidage flexible et d'autre part à un support immobile 11, de sorte que le guidage flexible 5 soit suspendu par l'élément flexible 12, l'élément flexible 12 formant pivot pour permettre à la partie rigide 7 d'effectuer un mouvement rotatif. Ainsi, la partie rigide 7 effectue un mouvement rotatif grâce à l'élément flexible 12. Le mouvement rotatif de la rigide 7 s'ajoute à celui de la masse oscillante 2 induit par le guidage flexible 5, de sorte que la course angulaire de la masse oscillante est augmentée par l'élément flexible 12.According to the invention, the resonator mechanism 1 comprises means for adjusting the rigidity of the resonator mechanism. To this end, the adjustment means comprise a flexible element 12 arranged in series with the flexible guide 5, the flexible element 12 being connected on the one hand to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide and on the other hand to an immobile support. 11, so that the flexible guide 5 is suspended by the flexible element 12, the flexible element 12 forming a pivot to allow the rigid part 7 to perform a rotary movement. Thus, the rigid part 7 performs a rotary movement thanks to the flexible element 12. The rotary movement of the rigid 7 is added to that of the oscillating mass 2 induced by the flexible guide 5, so that the angular stroke of the oscillating mass is increased by the flexible element 12.

En outre, les moyens de précontrainte 15 font varier uniquement la rigidité de l'élément flexible 12 sans modifier la rigidité des lames flexibles principales 4, 6. Ainsi, pour régler le mécanisme résonateur, on n'agit sur un seul élément pour simplifier le réglage. De plus, la position des lames flexibles principales 4, 6, ne change pas à cause des moyens de précontrainte 15.In addition, the prestressing means 15 vary only the rigidity of the flexible element 12 without modifying the rigidity of the main flexible blades 4, 6. Thus, to adjust the resonator mechanism, one acts on a single element to simplify the setting. Moreover, the position of the main flexible strips 4, 6 does not change because of the prestressing means 15.

Dans les deux premiers modes de réalisation, la partie rigide 7 a une forme d'arc de cercle comprenant un côté interne sur lequel les lames principales 4, 6 sont jointes, de préférence symétriquement par rapport au centre de l'arc de cercle. L'élément flexible 12 comprend au moins une lame flexible secondaire, ici deux lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9. De préférence, les lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9 sont droites et de même longueur. Chaque lame flexible secondaire 8, 9 relie le côté externe de l'arc de cercle de la partie rigide 7 du guidage flexible 5 et le support immobile 11. Les lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9 sont de préférence agencées près de chaque extrémité de l'arc de cercle, symétriquement par rapport à l'axe du guidage flexible 5.In the first two embodiments, the rigid part 7 has the shape of an arc of a circle comprising an internal side on which the main blades 4, 6 are joined, preferably symmetrically with respect to the center of the arc of a circle. The flexible element 12 comprises at least one secondary flexible blade, here two secondary flexible blades 8, 9. Preferably, the secondary flexible blades 8, 9 are straight and of the same length. Each secondary flexible blade 8, 9 connects the outer side of the arc of a circle of the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5 and the stationary support 11. The secondary flexible blades 8, 9 are preferably arranged close to each end of the arc of a circle, symmetrically with respect to the axis of the flexible guide 5.

Les moyens d'ajustement comprennent en outre des moyens de précontrainte 15 pour appliquer une force ou un couple variable sur l'élément flexible 12 ou le guidage flexible 5, de manière à faire varier la rigidité de l'élément flexible 12.The adjustment means further comprise prestressing means 15 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 12 or the flexible guide 5, so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element 12.

Dans la seconde variante du premier mode de réalisation, les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent des goupilles en contact avec les lames flexibles secondaires.In the second variant of the first embodiment, the prestressing means 15 comprise pins in contact with the secondary flexible strips.

Les figures 1 et 2 montrent une représentation schématique du premier mode de réalisation d'un mécanisme résonateur 1 rotatif pour un mouvement d'horlogerie. Comme le montre le principe de fonctionnement de la figure 1, les moyens de précontrainte 15 appliquent la force ou le couple variable sur l'élément flexible 12. Ici, les moyens de précontrainte 15 appliquent la force ou le couple sur les lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9. Ainsi, la rigidité des lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9 est modifiée pour ajuster la rigidité de l'ensemble formé de l'élément flexible 12 et du guidage flexible 5.THE figures 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of the first embodiment of a rotary resonator mechanism 1 for a clock movement. As shown by the principle of operation of the figure 1 , the prestressing means 15 apply the variable force or torque to the flexible element 12. Here, the prestressing means 15 apply the force or the torque to the secondary flexible blades 8, 9. Thus, the rigidity of the secondary flexible blades 8, 9 is modified to adjust the rigidity of the assembly formed by the flexible element 12 and the flexible guide 5.

Dans la variante de la figure 2, les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent des goupilles 14, 16, ici deux paires de goupilles agencées chacune de part et d'autre de chaque lame flexible secondaire 8, 9. Les deux goupilles 14, 16 sont en contact avec les lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9 et peuvent être déplacées le long de chaque lame 8, 9 pour modifier leur rigidité. Ainsi, le déplacement des goupilles 14, 16 permet de modifier la rigidité de l'ensemble formé par les lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9 et le guidage flexible 5, pour ajuster la précision de la marche du mécanisme résonateur 1.In the variant of figure 2 , the prestressing means 15 comprise pins 14, 16, here two pairs of pins each arranged on either side of each secondary flexible blade 8, 9. The two pins 14, 16 are in contact with the secondary flexible blades 8 , 9 and can be moved along each blade 8, 9 to modify their rigidity. Thus, the displacement of the pins 14, 16 makes it possible to modify the rigidity of the assembly formed by the secondary flexible blades 8, 9 and the flexible guide 5, to adjust the precision of the operation of the resonator mechanism 1.

Le principe de fonctionnement du deuxième mode de réalisation du mécanisme résonateur 1 est illustré sur la figure 3. Les moyens de précontrainte 15 appliquent la force ou le couple variable sur le guidage flexible 5, en particulier sur la partie rigide 7 du guidage flexible 5. Ainsi, une telle disposition permet de modifier à la fois la rigidité des lames flexibles principales 4, 6 du guidage flexible 5 et des lames flexibles secondaires 8, 9 de l'élément flexible 12.The operating principle of the second embodiment of the resonator mechanism 1 is illustrated in the picture 3 . The prestressing means 15 apply the variable force or torque to the flexible guide 5, in particular to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5. Thus, such an arrangement makes it possible to modify both the rigidity of the main flexible blades 4, 6 flexible guide 5 and secondary flexible blades 8, 9 of flexible element 12.

La première variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de la figure 4 illustre des moyens de précontrainte 15 comportant une vis excentrique 17 dont la tête est disposée au contact de la partie rigide 7 du guidage flexible 5. Ainsi, en actionnant la vis excentrique 16, on fait varier la force ou le couple appliqué sur la partie rigide 7.The first variant of the second embodiment of the figure 4 illustrates prestressing means 15 comprising an eccentric screw 17 whose head is arranged in contact with the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5. Thus, by actuating the eccentric screw 16, the force or torque applied to the rigid part is varied 7.

Dans la deuxième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation, les moyens de précontrainte 15 comportent des aimants 17, 18. Un premier aimant 17 est agencé sur la partie rigide 7 du guidage flexible 5 et un deuxième aimant mobile 18 est agencé à une distance variable du premier aimant 17, de sorte qu'il applique une force ou un couple variable sur le premier aimant 17, et donc sur la partie rigide 7.In the second variant of the second embodiment, the prestressing means 15 comprise magnets 17, 18. A first magnet 17 is arranged on the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5 and a second mobile magnet 18 is arranged at a variable distance from the first magnet 17, so that it applies a variable force or torque to the first magnet 17, and therefore to the rigid part 7.

Les moyens de précontrainte 15 de la troisième variante de la figure 6 comportent un ressort 21 et un corps mobile 22 relié par le ressort 21 à la partie rigide 7 du guidage flexible 5. Ainsi, en déplaçant le corps mobile 22, le ressort 21 est étiré ou comprimé pour faire varier la force ou le couple exercé sur la partie rigide 7.The prestressing means 15 of the third variant of the figure 6 comprise a spring 21 and a mobile body 22 connected by the spring 21 to the rigid part 7 of the flexible guide 5. Thus, by moving the mobile body 22, the spring 21 is stretched or compressed to vary the force or the torque exerted on the rigid part 7.

Dans les variantes du deuxième mode de réalisation des figures 7 à 10, les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent un premier corps mobile 24 et une lame flexible tertiaire 25 assemblée en série et à la partie rigide 7 et au premier corps mobile 24, de préférence selon l'axe de symétrie du guidage flexible. Le premier corps mobile 24 a de préférence une forme allongée et agencée dans l'axe de la lame flexible tertiaire 25.In the variants of the second embodiment of the figures 7 to 10 , the prestressing means 15 comprise a first mobile body 24 and a tertiary flexible strip 25 assembled in series and with the rigid part 7 and with the first mobile body 24, preferably along the axis of symmetry of the flexible guide. The first mobile body 24 preferably has an elongated shape and arranged in the axis of the tertiary flexible strip 25.

Les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent un deuxième corps mobile 27 en forme de coude, ainsi que des lames flexibles quaternaires 26, ici quatre, reliant les deux corps mobiles 24, 27. Les quatre lames quaternaires 26 sont de préférence sensiblement perpendiculaires à la lame tertiaire 25 en position de repos des moyens de précontrainte 15. Les lames flexibles quaternaires 26 sont de préférence parallèles.The prestressing means 15 comprise a second mobile body 27 in the shape of an elbow, as well as quaternary flexible blades 26, here four, connecting the two mobile bodies 24, 27. The four quaternary blades 26 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the tertiary blade 25 in the rest position of the prestressing means 15. The quaternary flexible blades 26 are preferably parallel.

Sur la figure 7, les moyens de précontrainte 15 de la quatrième variante du mécanisme résonateur 60 comprennent en outre deux lames quinquénaires 28 reliant le premier corps mobile 24 à un support immobile 31. Les lames flexibles quinquénaires 28 sont de préférence parallèles. Les lames quinquénaires 28 sont sensiblement parallèles aux lames quaternaires 26 et agencées du côté opposé du premier corps mobile 24. Les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent aussi une vis 29 agencée longitudinalement pour vernir en contact avec le deuxième corps mobile 27 pour appliquer une force ou un couple variable. En appliquant une force ou un couple variable sur le deuxième corps mobile 27, on fait varier la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur 60.On the figure 7 , the prestressing means 15 of the fourth variant of the resonator mechanism 60 further comprise two quinquennial blades 28 connecting the first movable body 24 to a stationary support 31. The flexible quinquennial blades 28 are preferably parallel. The quinquennial blades 28 are substantially parallel to the quaternary blades 26 and arranged on the opposite side of the first mobile body 24. The prestressing means 15 also comprise a screw 29 arranged longitudinally to varnish in contact with the second mobile body 27 to apply a force or a varying torque. By applying a variable force or torque to the second mobile body 27, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 60 is varied.

Dans la cinquième variante du mécanisme résonateur 70 de la figure 8, les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent en outre deux lames quinquénaires 32 reliant le deuxième corps mobile 37 à un support immobile 31. Les lames quinquénaires 32 sont sensiblement parallèles aux lames quaternaires et disposées du même côté du deuxième élément. Les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent aussi une vis 29 agencée longitudinalement pour vernir en contact avec le deuxième corps mobile 37 pour appliquer une force ou un couple variable. En appliquant une force ou un couple variable sur le deuxième corps mobile 37, on fait varier la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur 70.In the fifth variant of the resonator mechanism 70 of the figure 8 , the prestressing means 15 further comprise two quinquennial blades 32 connecting the second movable body 37 to a stationary support 31. The quinquennial blades 32 are substantially parallel to the quaternary blades and arranged on the same side of the second element. The prestressing means 15 also comprise a screw 29 arranged longitudinally to varnish in contact with the second movable body 37 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque to the second mobile body 37, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 70 is varied.

Les sixième 80 et septième 90 variantes de mécanisme résonateur du deuxième mode de réalisation des figures 9 et 10, sont semblables à la quatrième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de la figure 7 excepté pour la vis longitudinale, qui est remplacée par un autre moyen d'application de la force ou du couple.The sixth 80 and seventh 90 resonator mechanism variants of the second embodiment of the figures 9 and 10 , are similar to the fourth variant of the second embodiment of the figure 7 except for the longitudinal screw, which is replaced by another force or torque application means.

Sur la figure 9, les moyens de précontrainte 15 comportent une vis excentrique 33 dont la tête est en contact avec le deuxième corps mobile 27. Ainsi en faisant tourner la vis, la force ou le couple appliqué sur le deuxième corps mobile 27 est variable.On the figure 9 , the prestressing means 15 comprise an eccentric screw 33 whose head is in contact with the second mobile body 27. Thus by rotating the screw, the force or the torque applied to the second mobile body 27 is variable.

Dans la septième variante du mécanisme résonateur 90 de la figure 10, les moyens de précontrainte 15 comprennent un levier 35 relié au deuxième corps mobile 27 par une lame flexible sexténaire 36 munie d'un tronçon central 34 rigide. La lame flexible sexténaire 36 est sensiblement parallèle à la lame flexible tertiaire 25 en position de repos des moyens de précontrainte 15. Le levier 35 est agencé perpendiculairement à la lame flexible sexténaire 36. Le levier 35 est en outre relié à un second support immobile 41 par deux lames septénaires 37, 38 agencées de part et d'autre du levier 35. L'extrémité libre 39 du levier 35 est en forme de U, sur lequel on peut agir en l'actionnant latéralement, afin d'appliquer une force ou un couple variable sur l'élément flexible 12.In the seventh variant of the resonator mechanism 90 of the figure 10 , the prestressing means 15 comprise a lever 35 connected to the second movable body 27 by a sextenary flexible blade 36 provided with a rigid central section 34. The sextenary flexible blade 36 is substantially parallel to the tertiary flexible blade 25 in the rest position of the prestressing means 15. The lever 35 is arranged perpendicular to the sextenary flexible blade 36. The lever 35 is also connected to a second stationary support 41 by two septenary blades 37, 38 arranged on either side of the lever 35. The free end 39 of the lever 35 is U-shaped, on which one can act by actuating it laterally, in order to apply a force or a variable torque on the flexible element 12.

Dans le troisième mode de réalisation des figures 11 à 15, la partie rigide 47 du guidage flexible 45 est allongée et agencée perpendiculairement à l'axe du guidage flexible 45. L'élément flexible 42 comporte au moins une lame flexible sexténaire 44, ici quatre lames flexibles sexténaires 44, et un troiième corps mobile 46 en forme de L. Les lames flexibles sexténaires 44 sont agencées parallèlement à l'axe du guidage flexible 45, et relient la partie rigide 47 du guidage flexible 45 au côté interne de la base du L. La barre du L s'étend parallèlement aux lames flexibles sexténaire 44 en position de repos de l'élément flexible 45. L'élément flexible 42 comprend en outre un quatrième corps mobile 48 et au moins une lame septénaire 49, ici quatre lames flexibles tertiaires. Le quatrième corps mobile 48 est en forme de U écarté dont l'intérieur est en regard du côté externe de la barre du L. Les lames septénaires 49 relient le côté externe de la barre du L à l'intérieur de la base du U, et sont sensiblement perpendiculaires aux lames flexibles sexténaires 44.In the third embodiment of the figures 11 to 15 , the rigid part 47 of the flexible guide 45 is elongated and arranged perpendicular to the axis of the flexible guide 45. The flexible element 42 comprises at least one sextenary flexible blade 44, here four sextenary flexible blades 44, and a third mobile body 46 L-shaped. The sextenary flexible blades 44 are arranged parallel to the axis of the flexible guide 45, and connect the rigid part 47 of the flexible guide 45 to the internal side of the base of the L. The bar of the L extends parallel to the sextenary flexible strips 44 in the rest position of the flexible element 45. The flexible element 42 further comprises a fourth mobile body 48 and at least one septenary strip 49, here four tertiary flexible strips. The fourth mobile body 48 is in the shape of a separated U, the interior of which faces the outer side of the L bar. The septenary blades 49 connect the outer side of the L bar to the inside of the base of the U, and are substantially perpendicular to the sextenary flexible blades 44.

L'élément flexible comprend encore au moins une lame flexible secondaire 51, 52, ici deux lames flexibles secondaires, reliant les extrémités écartées du U à un support immobile 53 du mécanisme résonateur 100.The flexible element also comprises at least one secondary flexible blade 51, 52, here two secondary flexible blades, connecting the spaced ends of the U to a stationary support 53 of the resonator mechanism 100.

Les moyens de précontrainte 43 sont configurés pour appliquer une force ou un couple sur le U.The prestressing means 43 are configured to apply a force or a torque to the U.

Dans la première variante de mécanisme résonateur 110 du troisième mode de réalisation de la figure 12, les moyens de précontrainte 43 comprennent en outre un premier corps mobile 55 et une lame flexible tertiaire 54 assemblée en série et à la partie rigide 47 du guidage flexible 45 et au premier corps mobile 55, de préférence perpendiculairement à l'axe de symétrie du guidage flexible 45. Le premier corps mobile 55 a de préférence une forme allongée et agencée dans l'axe de la lame flexible tertiaire 54.In the first variant of resonator mechanism 110 of the third embodiment of the figure 12 , the prestressing means 43 further comprise a first mobile body 55 and a tertiary flexible strip 54 assembled in series and with the rigid part 47 of the flexible guide 45 and with the first mobile body 55, preferably perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the flexible guide 45. The first mobile body 55 preferably has an elongated shape and is arranged in the axis of the tertiary flexible blade 54.

Les moyens de précontrainte 43 comprennent un deuxième corps mobile 57 en forme de coude, ainsi que des lames flexibles quaternaires 56 reliant le premier 55 et le deuxième corps mobile 57. Ici, les quatre lames quaternaires 56 sont sensiblement perpendiculaires à la lame tertiaire 54 en position de repos des moyens de précontrainte 43. Les lames flexibles quaternaires 56 sont de préférence parallèles.The prestressing means 43 comprise a second mobile body 57 in the shape of an elbow, as well as flexible quaternary blades 56 connecting the first 55 and the second mobile body 57. Here, the four quaternary blades 56 are substantially perpendicular to the tertiary blade 54 in rest position of the prestressing means 43. The quaternary flexible strips 56 are preferably parallel.

Les moyens de précontrainte 43 comprennent aussi deux lames flexibles quinquénaires 59 reliant le premier corps mobile 55 à un support immobile 61. Les lames flexibles quinquénaires 59 sont de préférence parallèles. Les lames quinquénaires 59 sont sensiblement perpendiculaires à la lame flexible tertiaire 54, et sont agencées du côté opposé aux lames flexibles quaternaires 56 par rapport aux premier corps mobile 55. Les moyens de précontrainte 43 comprennent aussi une vis 58 agencée longitudinalement pour vernir en contact avec le deuxième corps mobile 57 pour appliquer une force ou un couple variable. En appliquant une force ou un couple variable sur le deuxième corps mobile 57, on fait varier la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur 110.The prestressing means 43 also comprise two five-year flexible blades 59 connecting the first moving body 55 to a stationary support 61. The five-year flexible blades 59 are preferably parallel. The quinquennial blades 59 are substantially perpendicular to the tertiary flexible blade 54, and are arranged on the side opposite the quaternary flexible blades 56 with respect to the first mobile body 55. The prestressing means 43 also comprise a screw 58 arranged longitudinally to varnish in contact with the second movable body 57 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a force or a variable torque on the second mobile body 57, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 110 is varied.

Dans la deuxième variante de mécanisme résonateur 120 du troisième mode de réalisation de la figure 13, les moyens de précontrainte 43 sont semblables à ceux de la première variante, mais sont décalés vers le guidage flexible 45. L'élément flexible 42 comprend en outre un corps intermédiaire 64 sur lequel est joint la lame flexible tertiaire 54. Le corps intermédiaire 64 est en forme d'arc de cercle et est assemblé aux extrémités écartées du U du quatrième corps mobile 48. La lame flexible tertiaire 54 est jointe à l'intérieur de l'arc de cercle. Ainsi, les moyens de précontrainte 43 sont agencés dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan du guidage flexible 45 et de l'élément flexible 42.In the second variant of resonator mechanism 120 of the third embodiment of the figure 13 , the prestressing means 43 are similar to those of the first variant, but are offset towards the flexible guide 45. The flexible element 42 further comprises an intermediate body 64 to which the tertiary flexible strip 54 is attached. The intermediate body 64 is in the shape of an arc of a circle and is assembled at the ends spaced apart from the U of the fourth mobile body 48. The tertiary flexible blade 54 is joined inside the arc of a circle. Thus, the prestressing means 43 are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the flexible guide 45 and of the flexible element 42.

Dans la troisième variante de mécanisme résonateur 130 du troisième mode de réalisation, représenté sur la figure 14, les moyens de précontrainte 43 comportent un plot 65 assemblé sur la base du U du quatrième corps mobile 48, un premier corps mobile 66 en forme de L, et une lame flexible tertiaire 67 reliant le plot 65 à la base interne du L. La lame flexible tertiaire 67 est agencée de préférence au-dessus des lames flexibles septénaires 49. Les moyens de précontrainte 43 comportent en outre un deuxième corps mobile 69 en forme de L et des lames flexibles quaternaires 68, les lames flexibles quaternaires 68 reliant le côté externe de la barre du L du premier corps mobile 66 au côté interne de la barre du L du deuxième corps mobile 69. Les lames flexibles quaternaires 68 sont de préférence parallèles.In the third variant of resonator mechanism 130 of the third embodiment, represented on the figure 14 , the prestressing means 43 comprise a stud 65 assembled on the base of the U of the fourth mobile body 48, a first mobile body 66 in the shape of an L, and a tertiary flexible blade 67 connecting the stud 65 to the internal base of the L. tertiary flexible blade 67 is preferably arranged above the septenary flexible blades 49. The prestressing means 43 further comprise a second L-shaped movable body 69 and quaternary flexible blades 68, the quaternary flexible blades 68 connecting the external side from the bar of the L of the first mobile body 66 to the internal side of the bar of the L of the second mobile body 69. The quaternary flexible blades 68 are preferably parallel.

Les moyens de précontrainte 43 comportent en outre au moins une lame flexible quinquénaire 72, de préférence quatre lames flexibles quinquénaires 72, reliant le côté interne de la barre du L du deuxième corps mobile 69 au support immobile 73. Les lames flexibles quinquénaires 72 sont de préférence parallèles. Le support immobile 73 a une forme d'arc de cercle aux extrémités duquel les lames flexibles secondaires 51, 52 sont jointes. Le support immobile 73 comprend encore une section supplémentaire centrale 74 sur lequel les lames quinquénaires 72 sont jointes.The prestressing means 43 further comprise at least one five-year flexible blade 72, preferably four five-year flexible blades 72, connecting the internal side of the bar of the L of the second mobile body 69 to the stationary support 73. The five-year flexible blades 72 are of preference parallels. The stationary support 73 has the shape of an arc of a circle at the ends of which the secondary flexible blades 51, 52 are joined. THE stationary support 73 further comprises a central additional section 74 on which the quinquennial blades 72 are joined.

Les moyens de précontrainte 43 comprennent aussi une vis 71 agencée longitudinalement pour venir en contact avec le deuxième corps mobile 69 pour appliquer une force ou un couple variable. En appliquant une force ou un couple variable sur le deuxième corps mobile 69, on fait varier la rigidité du mécanisme résonateur 130.The prestressing means 43 also comprise a screw 71 arranged longitudinally to come into contact with the second movable body 69 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque to the second mobile body 69, the rigidity of the resonator mechanism 130 is varied.

Le plot 65, la lame flexible tertiaire 67, le premier corps mobile 66, les lames flexibles quaternaires 68, le deuxième corps mobile 69, les lames flexibles quinquénaires 72, la vis 71 et la section supplémentaire centrale 74, sont agencés dans un étage supérieur du mécanisme résonateur 130, l'étage étant dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan comprenant les autres parties du mécanisme 130.The stud 65, the tertiary flexible blade 67, the first mobile body 66, the quaternary flexible blades 68, the second mobile body 69, the quinquennial flexible blades 72, the screw 71 and the central additional section 74, are arranged in an upper floor of the resonator mechanism 130, the stage being in a plane substantially parallel to the plane comprising the other parts of the mechanism 130.

La quatrième variante de mécanisme résonateur 140 du troisième mode de réalisation, représentée sur la figure 15, est semblable à la deuxième variante, excepté pour le corps intermédiaire 75 qui a une forme de L. La barre du L est assemblée sur le quatrième corps mobile 48 en forme de U, tandis que la base du L se replie au-dessus de l'élément flexible 42. La lame flexible tertiaire 54 est reliée à l'extrémité libre de la base du L sur le côté externe. Ainsi, la vis 58, le premier corps mobile 55 et le deuxième corps mobile 57, ainsi que les lames quaternaires 56 et quinquénaires 59 sont agencées perpendiculairement par rapport à leurs positions respectives de la deuxième variante du deuxième mode de réalisation.The fourth variant of resonator mechanism 140 of the third embodiment, represented on the figure 15 , is similar to the second variant, except for the intermediate body 75 which has an L shape. The bar of the L is assembled on the fourth movable body 48 in the shape of a U, while the base of the L the flexible element 42. The tertiary flexible blade 54 is connected to the free end of the base of the L on the external side. Thus, the screw 58, the first movable body 55 and the second movable body 57, as well as the quaternary 56 and quinquennial 59 blades are arranged perpendicularly with respect to their respective positions of the second variant of the second embodiment.

Dans les modes de réalisation décrits, les lames flexibles sont de préférence droites. En outre, les lames flexibles d'un même type sont de préférence de même longueur. Les lames flexibles peuvent être flexibles en continu ou avoir des portions flexibles seulement.In the embodiments described, the flexible blades are preferably straight. Furthermore, the flexible blades of the same type are preferably of the same length. Flexible blades can be continuously flexible or have flexible portions only.

L'invention se rapporte également à un mouvement d'horlogerie, non représenté sur les figures, le mouvement comprenant un mécanisme résonateur rotatif 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 tel que décrit précédemment.The invention also relates to a clock movement, not shown in the figures, the movement comprising a mechanism rotary resonator 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 as previously described.

Naturellement, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits en référence aux figures et des variantes pourraient être envisagées sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (22)

  1. Rotating resonator mechanism (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140), particularly for horology, comprising a flexible guide (5, 45) and an oscillating mass (2), the flexible guide (5, 45) comprising at least two main flexible strips (4, 6) and a rigid portion (7, 47), the main flexible strips (4, 6) being joined on the one hand to the rigid portion (7, 47) of the flexible guide (5, 45) and on the other hand to the oscillating mass (2), and also comprising means for adjusting the stiffness of the resonator mechanism (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140), the adjustment means comprising a flexible element (12, 42) arranged in series of the flexible guide (5, 45), the flexible element (12, 42) being connected on the one hand to the rigid portion (7, 47) of the flexible guide (5, 45) and on the other hand to a fixed support (11, 53), so that the flexible guide (5, 45) is suspended by the flexible element (12, 42), the flexible guide (5, 45) and the flexible element (12, 42) extending substantially in the same plane to make it possible for the oscillating mass (2) to perform a rotating movement about a virtual pivot, the adjustment means further comprising prestressing means (15, 43) to apply a variable force or torque on the flexible element (12, 42) or the flexible guide (5, 45), in such a way as to vary the stiffness of the flexible element (12, 42), characterized in that said flexible element forming a pivot to make it possible for the rigid portion (7, 47) to perform a rotating movement.
  2. Resonator mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) vary only the stiffness of the flexible element (12, 42) without modifying the stiffness of the main flexible strips (4, 6).
  3. Resonator mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, the flexible element (12, 42) comprises at least one secondary flexible strip (8, 9, 52, 53), preferably two secondary flexible strips, each secondary flexible strip (8, 9, 52, 53) being connected to the fixed support (11, 53).
  4. Resonator mechanism according to claim 3, characterised in that the prestressing means (15) comprise pins (14, 16) in contact with the secondary flexible strips (8, 9).
  5. Resonator mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the prestressing means (15) apply the variable force or torque on the secondary flexible strips (8, 9).
  6. Resonator mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the prestressing means (15) apply the variable force or torque on the rigid portion (7) of the flexible guide (5).
  7. Resonator mechanism according to claim 6, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) comprise a first moveable body (24, 55, 66) and at least one tertiary flexible strip (25, 54, 67) connected to the first moveable body (24, 55, 66) and to the rigid portion (7, 47) of the flexible guide (5, 45) or to the flexible element (42).
  8. Resonator mechanism according to claim 7, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) comprise a plurality of quaternary flexible strips (26, 56, 68) and a second moveable body (27, 57, 69), the quaternary flexible strips (26, 56) connecting the second moveable body (27, 37, 57, 69) to the first moveable body (24, 55, 66).
  9. Resonator mechanism according to claim 8, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) comprise at least one quinary flexible strip (28, 32, 59, 72) connecting the second moveable body (37, 69) or the first moveable body (24, 55) to a fixed support (31, 61, 73).
  10. Resonator mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) include an eccentric screw (17) in contact with the second moveable body (27) or the rigid portion (7).
  11. Resonator mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) include a screw (29, 58, 71) longitudinally moveable against the second moveable body (27, 37, 57, 69).
  12. Resonator mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) comprise a lever (35) to move the second moveable body (27).
  13. Resonator mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the prestressing means (15) comprise a first magnet (17) integral with the rigid portion (7) or with the second moveable body and a second magnet (18) moveable in relation to the first magnet (17).
  14. Resonator mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the prestressing means (15) comprise a spring (21) connected to the rigid portion (7) and a moveable body (23) for stretching or compressing the spring (21).
  15. Resonator mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the prestressing means (15, 43) are arranged in the same plane as the flexible guide (5, 45) and the flexible element (12).
  16. Resonator mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the prestressing means (43) are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the flexible guide (45) and of the flexible element (12).
  17. Resonator mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the flexible element (42) comprises a third moveable body (46), and a plurality of senary flexible strips (44) connecting the third moveable body (46) to the rigid portion (47).
  18. Resonator mechanism according to claim 17, characterised in that the flexible element (42) comprises a fourth moveable body (48) and a plurality of septenary strips (49) connecting the third moveable body (46) to the fourth moveable body (48).
  19. Resonator mechanism according to claim 18 being dependent on claim 7, characterised in that the tertiary flexible strip (54, 67) is connected to the fourth moveable body (48).
  20. Resonator mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the two main strips (4, 6) of the flexible guide (5, 45) are crossed.
  21. Resonator mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flexible element (12, 42) has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the flexible guide (5, 45), preferably at least five times greater, or even at least ten times greater.
  22. Horological movement comprising a resonator mechanism (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140), according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP21208930.4A 2020-12-18 2021-11-18 Timepiece resonator mechanism with flexible guide provided with a means for adjusting the rigidity Active EP4016194B1 (en)

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US17/643,278 US20220197218A1 (en) 2020-12-18 2021-12-08 Timepiece resonator mechanism with flexible guide equipped with means for adjusting the stiffness
JP2021201468A JP7238085B2 (en) 2020-12-18 2021-12-13 Clock oscillator mechanism having a flexible guide with means for adjusting stiffness
CN202111549428.8A CN114721243A (en) 2020-12-18 2021-12-17 Timepiece resonator mechanism with flexible guide means, equipped with stiffness adjustment means

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EP4343450A1 (en) * 2022-09-22 2024-03-27 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Oscillator mechanism on flexible guide for a mechanical clockwork comprising an anti-shock suspension
WO2024141600A1 (en) * 2022-12-28 2024-07-04 Csem Regulating system for a timepiece movement
WO2024141601A1 (en) 2022-12-28 2024-07-04 Rolex Sa Regulating system for a timepiece movement
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US20220197218A1 (en) 2022-06-23
EP4016194A1 (en) 2022-06-22
JP2022097417A (en) 2022-06-30
JP7238085B2 (en) 2023-03-13
CN114721243A (en) 2022-07-08

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