EP4123394A1 - Ring for mechanical connection of two timepiece components - Google Patents

Abstract

Ring (1) for the mechanical connection of a first timepiece component (2) to a second timepiece component (3), the ring comprising:- at least one first elastic arm (11) arranged and/or configured so as to press against a first timepiece component (2); and- at least one second elastic arm (12) arranged and/or configured so as to press against a second timepiece component (3).

Description

The invention relates to a ring for mechanically connecting a first timepiece component to a second timepiece component. The invention also relates to a timepiece assembly, in particular a timepiece movement, comprising such a ring. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a ring or such a timepiece assembly.

The vast majority of clock dials known from the prior art have feet. The latter are usually attached to a lower surface of the dial, and are designed to be housed in bores formed on an upper face of a frame of a timepiece. Screws arranged within the frame are used to bear against the feet and block them, to prevent any dissociation of the dial and the frame. This attachment has the first drawback of not being practical since several small screws have to be handled. It has the second drawback of being bulky, and it can therefore be implemented with difficulty on watches equipped with multiple functions which require the occupation of a large part of the available surface, as in the case of a calendar watch. . The use of a skirted dial such as that which is the subject of the patent application EP2743783 is, for its part, hardly compatible with the placement of levers for correcting and/or actuating one or more functions on the periphery of a watch movement.

As an alternative to the solution for securing dial feet using screws, the document CH368750 discloses a connecting ring taking the form of a hollow cylindrical sleeve made of synthetic material, in particular polyamide or rubber. The outer circumference of the sleeve is driven into a recess formed within a draft of a clockwork movement, while a dial foot is held with a slight friction within the cylindrical opening of the sleeve. To do this, the respective diameters of the opening and of the foot are adjusted so as to obtain a slight tightening of the foot in the opening. The choice of a sleeve made of synthetic material makes it possible to avoid any problem of sticking between the sleeve and the foot of the dial.

The document US4150538 also relates to such a sleeve made of synthetic material. This document more particularly discloses a specific sleeve geometry, which has the particularity of comprising an opening whose sides are inclined in order to best receive a dial foot.

The document CH590508 discloses a connecting ring of plastic material such as nylon, which takes the form of a clamp. This one has a horseshoe-shaped geometry. It has two elastic portions distributed symmetrically, which are intended to pinch a dial foot. The outer part of the ring is, for its part, intended to be held by greasy friction in a recess of a plate of a clock movement. Maintaining the ring within the movement is thus carried out by adjusting the diameter of the partially cylindrical periphery of the outer part of the ring and the diameter of the recess provided to receive said ring.

Due to their conformation, the rings of the aforementioned documents produce holding forces within a blank and/or clamping forces of a dial foot which may prove to be too low and/or vary significantly depending on the variations tolerance of elements taking part to the assembly device. Furthermore, the synthetic materials mentioned are particularly subject to ageing, in particular to creep.

The document CH622661 proposes a solution for a ring connecting a dial base to a plate, which takes the form of a hollow metal sleeve which can in particular be obtained by turning. This sleeve comprises elastic portions formed by slots made on the periphery of the sleeve, which extend in a direction perpendicular to a surface along which extends the plate provided to receive said sleeve. In other words, these elastic portions extend in a direction parallel to that in which extends the dial foot provided to cooperate with said sleeve. When the sleeve is put into place in the plate, the elastic portions are stressed in bending in order to cause said sleeve to pass through a bore in the plate and thus hold it in position. When the dial is put in place, the foot is introduced inside the sleeve and thus urges the elastic portions in bending, which thus ensures adequate maintenance of the dial vis-à-vis the plate. On the one hand, such a sleeve is particularly bulky in the axial direction of the dial foot. On the other hand, the elastic portions are provided both to allow the assembly of the sleeve in the plate and the assembly of the foot in the sleeve. The holding force of the dial foot is thus dictated, at least partially, by the assembly requirements of the sleeve within the plate.

A braking element is, for example, disclosed within the document EP3396470 . This comprises first elastic portions designed to press against a first component, in particular an arbor of a seconds wheel. It also includes a massive portion to allow its integration within a movement, in particular a sketch. This massive portion may in particular comprise a fork which allows it to be held axially relative to a blank and to a lock. The assembly of such a portion, in particular the fixing of such a portion in particular within a blank, can prove to be tedious. This may be all the more the case if the component is made of a fragile or micro-machinable material.

The object of the invention is to provide a ring making it possible to improve the known devices of the prior art and to remedy the drawbacks mentioned. In particular, the invention proposes a simple ring making it possible to produce a controlled and reliable mechanical connection between two timepiece components.

According to the invention, a mechanical connecting ring is defined by claim 1.

Embodiments of the ring are defined by claims 2 to 7.

According to the invention, a timepiece assembly is defined by claim 8.

Embodiments of the assembly are defined by claims 9 to 14.

According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 15.

• La figure 1 est une vue d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe partielle d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un assemblage.
• Les figures 3 à 5 sont des vues partielles de dessus du premier mode de réalisation de l'assemblage.
• La figure 6 est une vue en coupe partielle d'une variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'assemblage.
• Les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues illustrant une deuxième utilisation d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une bague de liaison mécanique.
• Les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues illustrant une troisième utilisation du premier mode de réalisation de la bague de liaison mécanique.
• La figure 11 est une vue partielle d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• Les figures 12 et 13 sont des vues partielles de dessus d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'assemblage.

The appended drawings show, by way of example, two embodiments of a timepiece.

• The figure 1 is a view of a first embodiment of a timepiece.
• The figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of an assembly.
• The figures 3 to 5 are partial top views of the first embodiment of the assembly.
• The figure 6 is a partial sectional view of a variation of the first embodiment of the assembly.
• The figures 7 and 8 are views illustrating a second use of a first embodiment of a mechanical connecting ring.
• The figures 9 and 10 are views illustrating a third use of the first embodiment of the mechanical connecting ring.
• The figure 11 is a partial view of a second embodiment of a timepiece.
• The figure 12 and 13 are partial top views of a second embodiment of the assembly.

An embodiment of a timepiece 200 is described below in detail with reference to the figures 1 to 10 .

The timepiece 200 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece 200 comprises an assembly 100, in particular a timepiece movement 100, intended to be mounted in a casing or a timepiece box in order to protect it from the external environment. The watch movement 100 can be a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or an electronic movement, or even a hybrid movement.

• un premier composant horloger 2 ; 4,
• un deuxième composant horloger 3, et
• une bague 1 de liaison mécanique permettant de lier mécaniquement les premier et deuxième composants selon des caractéristiques définies et maîtrisées.

The assembly 100, in particular the watch movement 100, comprises:

• a first timepiece component 2; 4,
• a second timepiece component 3, and
• a mechanical connection ring 1 making it possible to mechanically connect the first and second components according to defined and controlled characteristics.

In other words, the ring makes it possible to produce a mechanical connection from the first timepiece component to the second timepiece component, in particular a mounting connection of the recessed type or a sliding connection with controlled friction or a sliding pivot connection with controlled friction or a pivot connection having controlled friction.

• au moins un premier bras élastique 11 agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à appuyer contre le premier composant horloger 2 ; 4 ; et
• au moins un deuxième bras élastique 12 agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à appuyer contre le deuxième composant horloger 3.

The ring includes:

• at least one first elastic arm 11 arranged and/or configured so as to press against the first timepiece component 2; 4; and
• at least one second elastic arm 12 arranged and/or configured so as to press against the second timepiece component 3.

In the first embodiment, the at least one first elastic arm 11 is deformable in bending so that it presses against the first component 2; 4 and/or the at least one second elastic arm 12, different from the first, is deformable in bending so that it presses against the second component 3.

According to an advantageous implementation of the ring 1 illustrated on the figure 1 and 2 , the first component is a dial 2, in particular a foot 21 of the dial, and the second component is a blank 3 of the movement, in particular a plate or a bridge.

According to another advantageous implementation of the ring 1 illustrated on the figures 7 to 10 , the first component is a horological mobile 4, in particular an axis or a shaft 41 of a mobile 4, and the second component is a movement blank 3, in particular a plate or a bridge.

The figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the watch assembly 100 comprising the dial 2 and the blank 3, feet 21 of the dial each being connected to the blank 3 by a ring 1. Preferably, the rings can be identical. Each of these rings is provided to be housed within a recess 31 formed in the blank 3, as is more particularly visible in the partial sectional view of the figure 2 .

According to the specific embodiment variant of ring 1 illustrated by the picture 3 , the latter has a substantially annular geometry with axis A1, a plane P in which the ring extends being perpendicular to the axis A1 (and parallel to the plane of the figure).

The ring 1 comprises a central opening 14. This central opening 14 is intended to receive the first timepiece component. The ring 1 comprises an outer periphery 141. This outer periphery 141 is intended to be housed in the second timepiece component 3, in particular in a conformation 31 of the second timepiece component 3, like a core 31.

The first and second elastic arms 11, 12 are deformable in bending in the plane P or in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane P. In other words, the first and second elastic arms 11, 12 preferably extend at least substantially in the P plan.

The specifically illustrated ring 1 comprises more particularly three first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c which are deformable in bending. These first arms are each defined by at least one oblong slot 13a, 13b, 13c.

The first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1 at the level of a first radius R1 measured from the axis A1, and at least partially define the opening 14 of axis A1, in which is provided to be housed, for example, a foot 21 of dial 2. In other words, these first elastic arms at least partially define an inner contour of ring 1.

The first arms 11a, 11b, 11c are embedded at their respective first ends 111a, 111b, 111c from first rigid or substantially rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c. The first rigid or substantially rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c are advantageously in the form of annular or substantially annular portions relative to the axis A1.

Preferably, the first elastic arms are evenly distributed around the axis A1.

• à être sollicités essentiellement en flexion du fait de leur appui contre le premier composant horloger 2 ; 4, et/ou
• à s'étendre sensiblement orthoradialement relativement à l'axe A1.

Thus, the first elastic arms are arranged and/or configured so:

• to be stressed mainly in bending because of their support against the first timepiece component 2; 4, and/or
• to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1.

The ring 1 illustrated also comprises six second elastic arms 12a, 12c, 12e, 12b, 12d, 12f deformable in bending, which are respectively defined by oblong slots 15a, 15b, 15c, 16a, 16b, 16c.

The second elastic arms extend essentially orthoradially relative to the axis A1 at the level of a second radius R2 measured from the axis A1, and at least partially define the outer contour 141 of the ring 1. The second arms 12a, 12c , 12e and the second arms 12b, 12d, 12f can have two distinct conformations, as is more particularly visible in the detail view of the figure 4 .

The second arms 12a, 12c, 12e are embedded at their respective first ends 121a, 121c, 121e from a first rigid or substantially rigid portion 17a, 17b, 17c.

The second arms 12a, 12c, 12e are bent and comprise a first portion 122a extending substantially radially relative to the axis A1, as well as a second portion 123a extending substantially orthoradially relative to this same axis A1. The bent oblong slots 15a, 15b, 15c comprise a first portion 152a extending substantially radially relative to the axis A1, as well as a second portion 153a extending substantially orthoradially relative to this same axis A1.

The second arms 12b, 12d, 12f are, for their part, embedded at their respective first end 121b, 121d, 121f from second rigid or substantially rigid portions 18a, 18b, 18c protruding respectively from the ends 111a, 111b, 111c of the first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c. The second arms 12b, 12d, 12f extend essentially orthoradially. Oblong slots 16a, 16b, 16c delimiting the second arms 12b, 12d, 12f also extend essentially orthoradially. The second rigid or substantially rigid portions 18a, 18b, 18c are preferably bent and comprise, for their part, preferably, first portions 181a, 181b, 181c extending substantially radially relative to the axis A1, as well as second portions 182a, 182b, 182c extending substantially orthoradially relative to this same axis A1 from which the second elastic arms 12b, 12d, 12f are embedded.

The first and second rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c, 18a, 18b, 18c are each essentially arranged at a third radius R3 between the first radius R1 and the second radius R2. These portions make it possible to make the forces applied by the first elastic arms on the first timepiece component 2 independent or almost independent of those applied by the second elastic arms on the second timepiece component 3.

Preferably, the second arms 12a, 12c, 12e and the second arms 12b, 12d, 12f are evenly distributed around the axis A1, as represented on the picture 3 . It is the same with regard to the first and second rigid or substantially rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c, 18a, 18b, 18c, as shown in the picture 3 .

• à être sollicités essentiellement en flexion du fait de leur appui contre le deuxième composant horloger 3, et/ou
• à s'étendre sensiblement orthoradialement relativement à l'axe A1.

Thus, the second elastic arms are arranged and/or configured so:

• to be stressed essentially in bending due to their bearing against the second timepiece component 3, and/or
• to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1.

The set of first and second rigid portions advantageously constitutes a serge or a rim, that is to say a rigid portion from which the first and second elastic arms extend. The first elastic arms extend from an inner surface of the serge. The second elastic arms extend from an outer surface of the serge.

One embodiment of a method for assembling a dial 2 on a blank 3 using a ring 1 is described below.

By convention, we choose to define a horizontal plane as being a plane parallel to a plate 22 of dial 2, and the vertical direction z as the direction which is perpendicular to it, oriented upwards, from the blank 3 towards the plate 22 of dial. With this convention, the feet 21 therefore extend vertically downwards from the dial plate, and the fixing of the dial 2 on the blank 3 is done by a vertical approximation of the feet 21 opposite the blank 3, in particular respectively within the ring 1. The plane P in which the ring 1 extends corresponds or is parallel or substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and the axis A1 is parallel to the vertical axis.

A first step consists in assembling at least one ring 1 within a recess 31 of the blank 3. This is done by vertically bringing the ring 1 towards the recess 31, until this ring comes lodge within this drowning. During this step, the second arms 12a, 12c, 12e, 12b, 12d, 12f are stressed in bending because the dimension of the recess, in particular its diameter, is slightly smaller than the dimension, in particular the diameter, of the contour outside 141 of the ring 1 defined by the second arms. More particularly, the radius R6 of the here circular recess is slightly smaller than the radius R4 of the circle tangent to the second ends of the second arms defining at least partially the outer contour 141 of the ring 1 (in an unsolicited configuration of the second arms illustrated on the figure 5 ). The bending stressing of the second arms during the introduction of the ring 1 into the recess 31 can for example be facilitated by an entry chamfer 311 formed at the level of the entry of the recess 31, as illustrated in the figure 2 . The axial holding force F2 of the ring 1 within the recess 31 is here essentially determined by the elastic deformation of the second arms within the recess 31. This deformation determines the contact force of the second elastic arms with the recess 31 given the rigidity of the second elastic arms. This also determines the axial holding force F2 taking into account the coefficient of friction at the interface of the second arms and the core 31.

• de la géométrie de l'interface des premiers bras et du pied 21, et
• du coefficient de frottement à l'interface des premiers bras et du pied 21.

A second step consists in carrying out a vertical approach of at least one foot 21 towards the ring 1, until this foot comes to lodge within the opening 14 of the ring 1. During this step, the first arms 11a, 11b, 11c are stressed in bending because the opening 14 is slightly smaller than the foot 21. More particularly, the radius R5 of the opening 14 is slightly smaller than the radius R7 of the foot when the ring 1 is not yet requested (as shown in the figure 5 ). The bending stressing of the first elastic arms during the introduction of the foot 21 into the ring 1 can for example be facilitated by an entry chamfer 211 formed at the level of the end of the foot 21. A second chamfer 212, called "exit", can also be provided in order to block the foot axially relative to the ring when the latter has at least partially passed through it. The axial holding force F1 of the foot 21 within the opening 14 is here essentially determined by the elastic deformation of the first arms under the effect of the foot 21. This deformation determines the force of contact of the first elastic arms with the foot 21 given the rigidity of the first elastic arms. This also determines the axial holding force F1 taking into account:

• the geometry of the interface of the first arms and the foot 21, and
• the coefficient of friction at the interface of the first arms and the foot 21.

Advantageously, this axial holding force F1 of the foot 21 is lower, or even much lower, than the axial holding force F2 of the ring 1 within the recess 31.

Preferably, at least one foot 21 is also housed within an opening 32 of the blank 3, which is at least partially superimposed on the recess 31. It may for example be a bore 32 arranged coaxially with the recess 31. Advantageously, such an opening 32 allows the guiding of the foot 21 in the blank 3. Thus, preferably, the foot 21 is held on the blank 3 by means of a ring 1, and it is guided on the blank 3 through an opening 32, in particular a bore 32.

The dial feet illustrated on the figure 1 and 2 here have a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, their form could be quite different. For example, 21 feet could be in the form of marbles, as shown in the figure 6 . Such a solution has the particular advantage of obviating the problem of lack of perpendicularity of the feet with respect to the dial plate. These balls can be brought back from different ways on the plate 22 of dial 2, for example by gluing or welding. Advantageously, cavities 23 can be provided in order to receive the balls 21 within the plate 22 and allow precise positioning of the balls on the plate.

For example, the intensity of the force F1 is approximately 3 N, and the intensity of the force F2 is approximately 10 N. More generally, the ratio F1/F2 is advantageously less than 0.8, even less than 0.6, even less than 0.4. A parametric optimization of the geometry of the ring 1 makes it possible to obtain precisely the expected forces.

The ring 1 thus acts here as a holding ring of the dial 2, in particular of a foot 21, on the blank 3, in particular a bridge or a plate. Preferably, the dial 2 is held on the blank 3 by means of two feet 21 respectively housed in two rings 1. Preferably, the dial 2 is guided on the blank 3 by means of two feet 21 respectively housed in two openings 32, in particular housed with less play in two openings 32. In order to limit the risks of hyperstatism, the openings 32 provided to respectively accommodate each of these feet may have different geometries or formats. For example, a first opening 32 may be circular or triangular, while a second opening 32 may have an oblong geometry, in particular an oblong geometry oriented at least substantially in the direction of the first opening 32. The two rings 1 may be identical or no, and the feet 21 may or may not be identical, with the aim of optimizing the positioning and/or holding of the dial 2 on the blank 3 while minimizing the stresses within the rings 1.

According to another advantageous implementation, the ring 1 can alternatively act as a braking ring as illustrated by the figures 7 to 10 . In such an implementation, the first timepiece component 4 is mounted to move relative to the second timepiece component 3 along an axis A1, and the first timepiece component 4 and the second timepiece component 3 are braked relative to each other by through ring 1, in particular braked in translation and/or in rotation along axis A1.

The figures 7 and 8 illustrate such an application, in which the ring 1, previously housed within the recess 31 of the blank 3, cooperates with an axis 41 of a mobile 4 watch. This mobile 4, in particular the axis 41, passes through the opening 14 formed by the ring 1. More particularly, the axis 41 is pivoted between two bearings, in particular between two stones 5, 6, which allow it to 'be arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially to the axis A1. For example, the stone 5 is driven into the blank 3. For example again, the stone 6 is supported by a wheel 7 arranged coaxially to the mobile 4, in particular to the axis 41.

Advantageously, the wheel set 4 is a display wheel set, in particular a display wheel set for an untensioned gear train, namely a display wheel set branched from a finishing line. It may be, for example, a seconds display mobile. Thus, such a ring 1 makes it possible to overcome the problem of quavering, by generating a friction torque C1 against the axis 41 due to the elastic deformation of the first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c in contact with the axis 41. Preferably, this friction torque C1 is of the order of 0.5 to 5 μNm and preferably less than 10 μNm. This torque C1 is thus extremely low compared to the torque C2 necessary to rotate the ring 1 around its axis. A1 within the core 31, which is preferably greater than 10 mNm. Preferably, the C1/C2 ratio is less than 10 ^-3 , or even less than 5×10 ^-4 .

According to another particular variation of implementation of the braking ring 1, the latter can also act as a pivot ring and thus replace at least one bearing. For example, the figures 9 and 10 illustrate such an implementation, in which the axis 41 of the mobile 4 is pivoted in the blank 3 directly by the ring 1. The latter thus replaces the bearing 5 of the figures 7 and 8 . Such an embodiment can in particular be very advantageous for the pivoting of an oscillator, in particular of a balance-spring assembly, as described in the application EP3382472 . In this particular case, the first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c would make it possible to minimize the difference existing between the torques resisting the oscillation of an oscillator in the different horological positions.

A second embodiment of a timepiece 200' is described below in detail with reference to the figures 11 to 13 .

The timepiece 200' is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece 200' comprises an assembly 100', in particular a timepiece movement 100', intended to be mounted in a case or a timepiece box in order to protect it from the external environment. The watch movement 100' can be a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or an electronic movement or even a hybrid movement.

• un premier composant horloger 2,
• un deuxième composant horloger 3, et
• une bague 1' de liaison mécanique permettant de lier mécaniquement les premier et deuxième composants notamment selon des caractéristiques définies et maîtrisées.

The assembly 100', in particular the watch movement 100', comprises:

• a first timepiece component 2,
• a second timepiece component 3, and
• a mechanical connection ring 1' making it possible to mechanically connect the first and second components in particular according to defined and controlled characteristics.

In other words, the ring 1' makes it possible to create a connection from the first timepiece component 2 to the second timepiece component 3.

• au moins un premier bras élastique 11' agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à appuyer contre le premier composant horloger 2 ; 4 ; et
• au moins un deuxième bras élastique 12' agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à appuyer contre le deuxième composant horloger 3.

The 1' ring includes:

• at least one first elastic arm 11' arranged and/or configured so as to press against the first timepiece component 2; 4; and
• at least one second elastic arm 12' arranged and/or configured so as to press against the second timepiece component 3.

The figure 11 illustrates a partial exploded view of the assembly 100' comprising a dial 2 and a blank 3, at least one foot 21 of the dial being connected to the blank 3 by the ring 1' extending in a plane P'.

The ring 1', more particularly visible on the figure 12 and 13 , differs from the ring 1 in that it comprises at least a second elastic arm 12 'deformable in compression so that it presses against the blank 3. This at least one elastic arm is included in the within a serge 19' defining the outer circumference of the ring 1'.

More particularly, this rim 19' comprises two thinned portions which respectively constitute two elastic arms 12a', 12b'. In order to promote their deformation under compression, these two arms each comprise a portion 121a', 121b' in the form of an arc, the curvature of which is capable of being modified by elastic deformation during the assembly of the ring 1' within a core 31 of the blank 3.

The rim 19' also comprises two rigid portions 19a', 19b' which respectively support a pair of first elastic arms 11a', 11b' and 11c', 11d' arranged orthoradially relative to an axis A1' of the ring 1' so as to define an opening 14', and thus define, at least partially, an inner contour of the ring 1'. Preferably, these rigid portions 19a', 19b' have an arc shape.

More particularly, these pairs of first elastic arms are supported by connecting elements 13a', 13b' oriented radially relative to axis A1'. Preferably, these connecting elements 13a', 13b' extend from the middle of the rigid portions 19a', 19b'.

The ring 1' here has a symmetrical conformation. More particularly, it comprises at least one plane of symmetry. In this case, the pairs of first elastic arms 11a', 11b' and 11c', 11d' are symmetrical with respect to a first plane of symmetry P1' perpendicular to the plane P', and the arms 12a', 12b', in particular the portions 121a', 121b' are symmetrical with respect to a second plane of symmetry P2' perpendicular to the plane P'. Furthermore, the first elastic arms of each of the pairs 11a', 11b' and 11c', 11d' and/or the second elastic arms 12a', 12b' are also symmetrical with respect to the plane P2'. Advantageously, the planes P1' and P2' are perpendicular. Preferably, the first arms 11a', 11b', 11c', 11d' form arcs connected in their middles to the connecting elements. These arcs extend for example over more than 90° around the axis A1'.

Such a ring conformation makes it possible to make the forces produced by the first elastic arms perfectly independent of those produced by the second elastic arms.

One embodiment of a method for assembling dial 2 on a blank 3 using a ring 1' is described below.

The range of assembly of a dial 2 on a blank 3 involving a ring 1' is similar or identical to that previously described above in relation to the ring 1 according to the first embodiment. Undistorted (as shown in figure 13 ), the ring 1', in particular the rim 19', is circumscribed by a radius R4' which is greater than the radius R6 of the recess 31. The opening 14' has, for its part, a radius R5' which is less to the radius R7 of the foot 21. Thus, the conformation of the recess 31, as well as that of the foot 21, make it possible to deform the ring 1', in particular the first and the second elastic arms, and thus allow the assembly of the dial 2 on the blank 3. In this case of application, the ratio of forces F1'/F2' is less than 0.8, or even less than 0.6, or even less than 0.4, F1' being the intensity of the force produced by the first elastic arms on the first component 2 and F2' being the intensity of the force produced by the second elastic arms on the second component 3. A parametric optimization of the geometry of the ring 1' makes it possible to obtain precisely the expected forces.

Of course, like the ring 1 of the first embodiment, a ring 1' according to the second embodiment can also act as a friction ring and possibly a pivoting ring for a horological wheel set. Such a ring 1' can also be particularly advantageous for assembling a bearing or abutment, in particular a stone, within a blank, that is to say for fixing or mechanically binding a bearing or abutment, in particular a stone, within a blank.

• fixe relativement à un bâti 99, notamment être une ébauche, en particulier une platine ou un pont, ou
• mobile relativement à un bâti 99, notamment être une bascule ou un levier.

In all the embodiments mentioned above, the second component is a movement blank 3, in particular a plate or a bridge. However, whatever the embodiment or the variant, the second timepiece component 3 can be:

• fixed relative to a frame 99, in particular being a blank, in particular a plate or a bridge, or
• mobile relative to a frame 99, in particular being a rocker or a lever.

The same may also apply to the first component.

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the ring 1; 1 'can be made of a nickel-based alloy, in particular an alloy comprising a nickel content by weight of between 91% and 99.8% inclusive and between 0.2 and 6% inclusive, or even between 0.2 and 4% inclusive, by weight of a second element selected from phosphorus, boron, bismuth, carbon, chlorine, calcium, indium, manganese, tin or zirconium. The ring can for example be manufactured according to the process which is the subject of the application WO2017102661 .

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the ring 1; 1′ can be obtained by implementing a micro-manufacturing step such as, for example, a step of deep reactive ion etching (usually designated by its English acronym “DRIE”) for a component comprising in particular silicon, or even UV-Liga technology for a component based, for example, on nickel.

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the geometries of the first arms and those of the second arms are preferably different or distinct. Preferably, the first arms all have geometries identical. Alternatively, the first arms may have different geometries between them. Preferably, the second arms all have identical geometries. Alternatively, the second arms may have different geometries between them.

In the case where the ring 1; 1' is used to assemble a dial on a blank, it is entirely possible to drive out at least one ring 1; 1′ within the dial, and to provide the blank with a foot, the latter being intended to be housed within the opening 14; 14' formed by ring 1; 1' from the dial.

• une évolution de la position angulaire relativement à l'axe A1 ; A1' de la géométrie de la section, selon la position verticale du plan de section perpendiculaire à l'axe A1 ; A1' ou sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe A1 ; A1', dans l'épaisseur de la bague, le long de l'axe A1 ; A1', la géométrie de section pouvant demeurer la même, et/ou
• une évolution de la géométrie de section selon la position verticale du plan de section perpendiculaire à l'axe A1 ; A1' ou sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe A1 ; A1', dans l'épaisseur de la bague, le long de l'axe A1 ; A1'.

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the ring preferably has the same section geometry regardless of the vertical position of the section plane perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1', in the thickness of the ring, along the axis A1; A1'. Alternatively, the ring may have a section whose geometry changes according to the vertical position of the section plane perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1', in the thickness of the ring, along the axis A1; A1'. In particular, the evolution can be:

• a change in the angular position relative to the axis A1; A1' of the geometry of the section, according to the vertical position of the section plane perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1', in the thickness of the ring, along the axis A1; A1', the section geometry possibly remaining the same, and/or
• an evolution of the section geometry according to the vertical position of the section plane perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1', in the thickness of the ring, along the axis A1; A1'.

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the ring preferably has a thickness (measured parallel to the axis A1 or A1') of between 0.05 times and 0.3 times or between 0.08 times and 0.2 times the outer diameter of the smallest circle circumscribed to the ring (when the ring is not stressed).

In the embodiments or variants described above, the first elastic arms 11; 11' are arranged or configured so as to be stressed essentially in bending due to their bearing against the first timepiece component 2; 4 and/or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to axis A1; A1'. However, as an alternative, whatever the embodiment or the variant, the first elastic arms 11; 11' can be arranged or configured so as to be stressed essentially in compression due to their bearing against the first timepiece component 2; 4 and/or to extend substantially radially relative to axis A1; A1'.

In the embodiments or variants described above, the first elastic arms 11; 11' at least partially define an inner contour of the ring 1; 1' and the second elastic arms 12; 12' at least partially define an outer contour of the ring 1; 1'. However, as an alternative, whatever the embodiment or the variant, the first elastic arms 11; 11' can at least partially define an outer contour of the ring 1; 1' and the second elastic arms 12; 12' can at least partially define an inner contour of the ring 1; 1'.

In the first embodiment described above, the second elastic arms 12 are arranged or configured so as to be biased essentially in bending due to their bearing against the second watch component 3 and/or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to axis A1. However, as an alternative, whatever the embodiment or the variant, the second elastic arms can be arranged or configured so as to be stressed essentially in compression due to their bearing against the second timepiece component 3 (as in the second mode embodiment) and / or to extend substantially radially relative to the axis A1.

• la bague 1 comprend l'axe A1,
• l'au moins un premier bras élastique 11 est agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à s'étendre sensiblement orthoradialement relativement à l'axe A1,
• l'au moins un deuxième bras élastique 12 est agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à s'étendre sensiblement orthoradialement relativement à l'axe A1, et
• l'au moins un premier bras élastique 11 et l'au moins un deuxième bras élastique 12 s'étendent sensiblement dans le même sens S1 (comme représenté par la flèche S1 sur la figure 3).

In the first embodiment, preferably,

• ring 1 includes axis A1,
• the at least one first elastic arm 11 is arranged and/or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1,
• the at least one second elastic arm 12 is arranged and/or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1, and
• the at least one first elastic arm 11 and the at least one second elastic arm 12 extend substantially in the same direction S1 (as represented by the arrow S1 on the picture 3 ).

• elle comprend l'axe A1,
• l'au moins un premier bras élastique 11 est agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à s'étendre sensiblement orthoradialement relativement à l'axe A1,
• l'au moins un deuxième bras élastique est agencé et/ou configuré de sorte à s'étendre sensiblement orthoradialement relativement à l'axe A1,
• l'au moins un premier bras élastique 11 et l'au moins un deuxième bras élastique 12 s'étendent sensiblement en sens opposés, c'est-à-dire que :
• l'au moins un premier bras s'étend dans le sens S1 (comme représenté par la flèche S1 sur la figure 3) et l'au moins un deuxième bras s'étend dans le sens S2 (comme représenté par la flèche S2 sur la figure 3), ou
• l'au moins un premier bras s'étend dans le sens S2 et l'au moins un deuxième bras s'étend dans le sens S1.

However, as an alternative, the ring can be such as:

• it includes axis A1,
• the at least one first elastic arm 11 is arranged and/or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1,
• the at least one second elastic arm is arranged and/or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1,
• the at least one first elastic arm 11 and the at least one second elastic arm 12 extend substantially in opposite directions, that is to say that:
• the at least one first arm extends in the direction S1 (as represented by the arrow S1 on the picture 3 ) and the at least one second arm extends in the direction S2 (as represented by the arrow S2 on the picture 3 ), Where
• the at least one first arm extends in the direction S2 and the at least one second arm extends in the direction S1.

• longueur Lo (mesurée selon une courbe C d'extension d'une géométrie selon une section donnée), sur
• largeur moyenne La le long de la section (mesurée perpendiculairement à la courbe C d'extension d'une géométrie d'une section donnée),

qui est supérieur à 2 ou supérieur à 3 ou supérieur à 4.Preferably, throughout this document, by “arm”, we mean a conformation whose geometries of the sections according to planes perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' are elongated with a length to width ratio greater than 2 or greater than 3 or greater than 4 or have a ratio of:

• length Lo (measured according to an extension curve C of a geometry according to a given section), on
• average width La along the section (measured perpendicular to the extension curve C of a geometry of a given section),

which is greater than 2 or greater than 3 or greater than 4.

• perpendiculaire ou sensiblement perpendiculaire à la courbe C, et/ou
• radiale à l'axe A1 ; A1' et tangente à un fond d'une lumière oblongue 16a (comme représenté sur la figure 3).

Preferably, the length Lo is measured from a point A represented on the picture 3 (at the level of the non-free end of the geometry of the section), which is located on a line E of embedding. During the elastic deformation of the arm (between an unstressed configuration of the arm and a usual or habitual stress configuration), the point A or the line E are preferably not displaced with respect to the axis of the ring, for example the displacement is less than 0.05 times or 0.03 times the external radius of the smallest circle circumscribed to the ring (when the ring is not stressed; radius R4 on the figure 5 ). Preferably, line E is:

• perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to curve C, and/or
• radial to axis A1; A1' and tangent to a bottom of an oblong slot 16a (as shown in the picture 3 ).

Preferably, point A can be placed on a circle of radius R2 (as shown in the picture 3 ).

Preferably, the contacts of the first arms with the first component are located at a distance from the points A or lines E of embedding of the first arms. Preferably again, the contacts of the first arms with the first component are located in the vicinity of the free ends of the first arms.

Preferably, the contacts of the second arms with the second component are located at a distance from the points or lines of embedding of the second arms. Preferably again, the contacts of the second arms with the second component are located in the vicinity of the free ends of the second arms.

• de fixer mécaniquement les premier et deuxième composants, c'est-à-dire de réaliser une liaison encastrement (sans degré de liberté) entre les premier et deuxième composants. De préférence, cette liaison mécanique est une liaison mécanique sans jeu entre les premier et deuxième composants, ou
• de réaliser une liaison glissière avec une friction maîtrisée entre les premier et deuxième composants, ou
• de réaliser une liaison pivot glissant avec une friction maîtrisée entre les premier et deuxième composants, ou
• de réaliser une liaison pivot présentant une friction maîtrisée entre les premier et deuxième composants.

Preferably, whatever the embodiment or the variant described above, the mechanical connection ring 1 allows, in normal or usual situations of use of the timepiece comprising the first and second components:

• to mechanically fix the first and second components, that is to say to produce an embedded connection (without degree of freedom) between the first and second components. Preferably, this mechanical connection is a playless mechanical connection between the first and second components, or
• to produce a sliding connection with controlled friction between the first and second components, or
• to produce a sliding pivot connection with controlled friction between the first and second components, or
• to produce a pivot connection having controlled friction between the first and second components.

A connecting ring solution such as those described above can in particular replace an assembly screw to allow the assembly of a foot dial on a movement. Such a solution makes it possible to simplify and make reliable the assembly of a dial with feet on a clock movement. Such a solution is also less bulky, in particular in an axial or vertical direction. Such a solution also makes it possible to finely control the forces exerted by the ring on the first timepiece component and/or on the second timepiece component.

Claims (15)

Ring (1; 1') for the mechanical connection of a first timepiece component (2; 4) to a second timepiece component (3), the ring comprising: - at least one first elastic arm (11; 11') arranged and/or configured so as to press against a first timepiece component (2; 4); and - at least one second elastic arm (12; 12') arranged and/or configured so as to press against a second timepiece component (3). Ring (1; 1') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ring (1; 1') comprises an axis (A1; A1') and in that the at least one first elastic arm (11; 11' ) is arranged and/or configured so: - to be stressed essentially in bending due to its bearing against a first timepiece component (2; 4) and/or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1; A1'), or - to be stressed essentially in compression due to its bearing against a first timepiece component (2; 4) and/or to extend substantially radially relative to the axis (A1; A1'). Ring (1; 1') according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ring (1; 1') comprises an axis (A1; A1') and in that the at least one second elastic arm (12; 12') is arranged and/or configured so: - to be stressed essentially in bending due to its bearing against a second timepiece component (3) and/or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1; A1'), or - to be stressed mainly in compression due to its support against a second timepiece component (3) and/or to extend substantially radially relative to the axis (A1; A1'). Ring (1') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (1') comprises a rim (19'), the at least one first elastic arm (11') extending from the rim ( 19') and/or the at least one second elastic arm (12') extending from the rim (19') or being included in the rim (19'). Ring (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (1) comprises an axis (A1), in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) is arranged and/or configured so to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1), in that the at least one second elastic arm (12) is arranged and/or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1 ) and in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) and the at least one second elastic arm (12) extend substantially in the same direction. Ring (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ring (1) comprises an axis (A1), in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) is arranged and/or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1), in that the at least one second elastic arm (12) is arranged and/or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1) and in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) and the at least one second elastic arm (12) extend substantially in opposite directions. Ring (1; 1') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is produced by implementing a micro-manufacturing step such as, for example, a step of deep reactive ion etching or a step of realization UV-Liga. Timepiece assembly (100; 100'), in particular timepiece movement (100; 100'), comprising: - a ring (1; 1') according to one of the preceding claims, - a first timepiece component (2; 4), and - a second watch component (3). Timepiece assembly (100; 100') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first timepiece component (2; 4) is: - a dial (2), in particular at least one foot (21) of a dial (2), or - a mobile (4), in particular a shaft (41) of a mobile (4). Timepiece assembly (100; 100') according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second timepiece component (3) is: - fixed relative to a frame (99), in particular is a blank, in particular a plate or a bridge, or - movable relative to a frame (99), in particular is a rocker or a lever. Timepiece assembly (100; 100') according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first timepiece component (2; 4) is fixed to the second timepiece component (3) via the ring (1; 1'). Timepiece assembly (100; 100') according to one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the first timepiece component (2; 4) is mounted to move relative to the second timepiece component (3) along an axis (A1; A1' ) and in that the first timepiece component (4) and the second timepiece component (3) are braked relative to each other via the ring (1; 1'), in particular braked in translation and /or in rotation along the axis (A1; A1'). Timepiece assembly (100; 100') according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that an axial force (F1) holding the first timepiece component (2; 4) in the connecting ring (1; 1' ) is less than 0.8 times or 0.6 times or 0.4 times an axial force (F2) holding the connecting ring (1; 1') in the second timepiece component (3). Timepiece assembly (100; 100') according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that a torque (C1) holding the first timepiece component (2; 4) in the connecting ring (1; 1') is less than 10 ^-3 times or 5×10 ^-4 times a holding torque (C2) of the connecting ring (1; 1') in the second timepiece component (3). Timepiece (200; 200'), in particular wristwatch (200; 200'), comprising a connecting ring (1; 1') according to one of Claims 1 to 7 and/or an assembly according to one of claims 8 to 14.

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