EP4179391A1 - Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot - Google Patents

Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot

Info

Publication number
EP4179391A1
EP4179391A1 EP21737500.5A EP21737500A EP4179391A1 EP 4179391 A1 EP4179391 A1 EP 4179391A1 EP 21737500 A EP21737500 A EP 21737500A EP 4179391 A1 EP4179391 A1 EP 4179391A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balance
elastic
watchmaker
oscillator according
support
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP21737500.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
David Chabloz
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.)
Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Original Assignee
Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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 Patek Philippe SA Geneve filed Critical Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Publication of EP4179391A1 publication Critical patent/EP4179391A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flexible pivot oscillator intended to serve as a time base in a watch mechanism.
  • a flexible pivot oscillator is an oscillator whose balance wheel is guided in rotation by an arrangement of elastic parts and not by a physical axis of rotation sliding in bearings. In addition to its function of guiding rotation, the flexible pivot exerts a restoring torque on the balance like the hairspring of a balance-spring oscillator.
  • a flexible-pivot oscillator does not produce sharp friction during operation. It therefore has a better quality factor.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to a flexible pivot oscillator whose arrangement of elastic parts comprises separate cross blades. Such blades extend in parallel planes and in different directions to intersect without contact.
  • Separate cross-blade oscillators are described for example in patent applications EP 2911012, EP 2998800, WO 2016/096677, WO 2017/055983 and WO 2018/109584.
  • the properties of a separated cross-blade oscillator are characterized in particular by the precision of its frequency, its quality factor, its insensitivity to gravity, its insensitivity to temperature, its isochronism and its resistance to shocks.
  • the present invention aims to provide a watch oscillator with separated crossed blades, at least some of the aforementioned properties of which can be excellent.
  • the subject of the invention is a horological oscillator with a flexible pivot comprising a support, a balance wheel and first and second elastic blades arranged to guide the balance wheel in rotation relative to the support around a virtual axis of rotation and to exert on the balance a return torque, the first and second elastic strips extending in parallel planes and crossing each other without contact, the balance having a rim of generally symmetrical shape with respect to the virtual axis of rotation and being assembled between an upper part and a lower part, the upper part comprising an upper stage of the support and the first elastic blade, the lower part comprising a lower stage of the support and the second elastic blade.
  • the invention makes it possible to dissociate the inertia of the oscillator, provided essentially by the balance wheel, from the stiffness of the elastic blades and to adjust the inertia and the stiffness separately.
  • the inertia can be adjusted in an easy and known manner via the attached balance, as for a standard balance, and the elastic blades can be made to the desired stiffness, without constraint of sizing to obtain the good stiffness/inertia compromise usually sought in standard flexible pivot oscillators.
  • the materials of the pendulum and of the upper and lower parts can be different and each optimized for the function to be fulfilled.
  • the geometric and structural characteristics of the oscillator according to the invention contribute to improving several of its properties, including insensitivity to gravity and temperature and shock resistance.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clock oscillator according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same oscillator but some parts of which have been removed to lighten the drawing, this oscillator being shown here associated with fixed central stops;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a balance of this oscillator
  • FIG. 4 is an axial sectional view of this oscillator.
  • a horological oscillator with a flexible pivot for a timepiece such as a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a pendant watch, comprises a support 1, a balance 2 and a flexible pivot 3 connecting support 1 to balance wheel 2.
  • Support 1 is intended to be mounted on a fixed or mobile frame of the timepiece.
  • the flexible pivot 3 comprises first and second elastic strips 4, 5 which are identical but extend in parallel planes and in different directions to intersect without contact. In plan view from above, the crossing point of the blades 4, 5 coincides with the geometric center of the balance 2.
  • the crossing of the blades 4, 5 defines a virtual axis of rotation A of the balance 2 with respect to the support 1, axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator and of the balance 2.
  • the flexible pivot 3 thus serves to suspend the balance 2 from the support 1, to guiding the balance 2 in rotation with respect to the support 1 around the virtual axis of rotation A and exerting on the balance 2 an elastic return torque tending to bring it back to a position of equilibrium with respect to the support 1 (the position shown in Figures 1 and 2).
  • the oscillator according to the invention is not monolithic but formed of a stack of parts comprising an upper part 6, a lower part 7 and, between the two, the balance wheel 2.
  • the upper part 6 comprises an upper stage 8 of the support 1, the first elastic blade 4 and an upper arm 9 connected to the upper stage 8 of the support 1 by the first elastic blade 4.
  • the lower part 7 comprises a lower stage 10 of the support 1, the second elastic blade 5 and a lower arm 11 connected to the lower stage 10 of the support 1 by the second elastic blade 5.
  • each of the upper and lower parts 6, 7 is monolithic.
  • the material of these parts 6, 7 is chosen for its good elastic properties and for its ability to be micro-machined.
  • each of these parts 6, 7 is made of silicon by DRIE at a single level, a technique relatively simple to implement and which makes it possible to achieve high precision.
  • the silicon parts 6, 7 can be coated with a reinforcing layer, for example a layer of silicon oxide, making it possible to improve their mechanical strength.
  • a layer of silicon oxide can also have a thickness chosen to make the frequency of the oscillator insensitive to a variation in temperature (typically 30°C).
  • the balance 2 comprises a rim 12 and a diametral arm 13 which, in the example shown, is interrupted in its central part.
  • the balance 2 can be made, in part at least, in a dense material such as beryllium copper, gold, platinum, nickel silver or other dense metal or alloy. It can thus have a small diameter for a given moment of inertia. In this way, friction with the air is reduced, which increases the quality factor.
  • the serge 12 of the balance 2 can carry traditional flyweights 12a making it possible to adjust the inertia.
  • the upper and lower stages 8, 10 of the support 1 are superimposed while being separated by a spacer 14, for example metallic, and are assembled by pins 15.
  • the pins 15 pass through the elastic ends 16 of the upper and lower stages. 8, 10 and pass through holes in spacer 14. Stages 8, 10 are thus secured only by elastic tightening of pins 15.
  • the holes in spacer 14 through which pins 15 pass have a diameter slightly larger than that of the pins 15 so as not to constrain the elastic blades 4, 5, which would modify their stiffness and therefore the frequency of the oscillator.
  • the spacer 14 is immobilized with respect to the stages 8, 10 by gluing, brazing or welding to the pins 15 and/or to at least one of the stages 8, 10.
  • the upper arm 9, the diametral arm 13 and the lower arm 11 are superimposed.
  • pins 17 pass through the elastic ends 18 of the upper and lower arms 9, 11 and pass through holes 19 of the diametral arm 13.
  • the upper and lower arms 9, 11 are thus made integral only by elastic tightening of the pins 17.
  • the holes 19 of the diametral arm 13 through which the pins 17 pass have a slightly larger diameter than that of the pins 17 so as not to constrain the elastic blades 4, 5.
  • the diametral arm 13 is immobilized with respect to the arms 9, 11 by gluing, brazing or welding to the pins 17 and/or to at least one of the arms 9, 11.
  • the assembly of the upper arm 9, of the rocker 2 (via its diametral arm 13) and bottom 11 forms a rigid oscillating assembly.
  • Each elastic end 16, 18 of the upper and lower stages 8, 10 and of the upper and lower arms 9, 11 can be formed of elastic arms, preferably three in number, gripping the corresponding pin 15, 17.
  • the contact between each elastic arm and the pin 15, 17 can be punctual, as shown, in order to ensure contact between the elastic ends 16, 18 and the pins 15, 17 at discrete points only. In this way, the alignment of the upper and lower parts 6, 7 can be very precise.
  • the assembly of the upper and lower parts 6, 7 and of the rocker arm 2 makes it possible to have a real physical separation of the elastic blades 4, 5, obtained in an easier way than with a manufacturing monolithic.
  • the pendulum 2 constitutes the inertial part of the oscillator, the inertia of the upper and lower arms 9, 11 being able to be neglected.
  • the present invention dissociates the inertial part of the oscillator from the stiffness of the flexible pivot, which facilitates the adjustment of the frequency of the oscillator.
  • the inertia and the unbalance of the balance 2, on the one hand, and the torque of the flexible pivot 3, on the other hand, can be measured and corrected easily independently of each other.
  • the oscillator according to the invention comprises an upper stop member 20 and a lower stop member 21 mounted respectively on the upper face of the upper part 6 and on the lower face of the part lower 7.
  • These organs of abutment 20, 21 are assembled by pins 22 which pass through the arms 9, 11, 13.
  • a central stud 23 of the upper abutment member 20, centered on the virtual axis of rotation A, is engaged with play in a bore 24 of an upper stop 25 fixed relative to the support 1.
  • a central stud 26 of the lower stop member 21, centered on the virtual axis of rotation A is engaged with play in a bore 27 of a lower stop 28 fixed relative to the support 1.
  • the studs 23, 26 rotate in the bores 24, 27 without touching the wall of the latter.
  • the studs 23, 26 do not constitute pivots guided in bearings but simple movable stops capable of coming into contact with the fixed stops 25, 28 in the event of an impact received by the watch.
  • the studs 23, 26 can come to bear against the side wall of the bore 24, 27.
  • one of the studs 23, 26 can come to rest against the bottom of the bore 24, 27 or more generally one of the abutment members 20, 21 can stop against the corresponding fixed abutment 25, 28.
  • the cooperation between the stop members 20, 21 and the fixed stops 25, 28 protects the elastic strips 4, 5 by preventing them from deforming beyond their elastic limit during radial or axial shocks.
  • the upper abutment member 20 and the lower abutment member 21 are typically made of a metallic material which may be the same or which may be different from the metallic material of the rocker arm 2.
  • the pins 22 can be driven into the abutment members 20, 21 and in the diametral arm 13 of the pendulum 2 and pass through the upper and lower arms 9, 11 with clearance.
  • the stud-bore arrangement could be reversed, in other words the fixed stops 25, 28 could comprise the studs and the stop members 20, 21 could comprise the bores.
  • the balance 2 and more generally the entire rigid oscillating assembly 2, 9, 11, 20, 21 can have its center of mass located substantially in the median plane of the flexible pivot 3, between the parallel planes in which extend respectively the elastic strips 4, 5. This reduces the risk of tilting of the pendulum 2 during movements of the arms of the wearer, during shocks or under the effect of gravity, a tilting which would disturb the chronometry by deforming outside their plane of operation the elastic blades 4, 5 or even by causing the abutment members 20, 21 to rub against the fixed abutments 25, 28. Placing the balance wheel between the upper and lower parts 6, 7 also makes the frequency of the oscillator less sensitive to the temperature.
  • the balance wheel 2 metallic, deforms differently from the arms 9, 11 made of silicon.
  • the arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to prevent the upper and lower silicon parts 6, 7 from becoming curved and deforming the blades 4, 5 in torsion, thus modifying their stiffness.
  • the balance 2 and its rim 12 have a generally symmetrical shape with respect to the virtual axis of rotation A, this so that thermal expansion of the balance 2 does not modify, or only slightly modifies, the position of its center of mass, avoiding thus increasing the variation in rate between the different positions of the watch at the nominal operating amplitude.
  • the edge 12 is preferably annular to optimize the inertia to mass ratio of the balance 2 and consequently reduce the sensitivity of the frequency of the oscillator to the orientation with respect to gravity.
  • an unbalance adjustment part 29 is mounted on the balance 2.
  • This unbalance adjustment part 29 is mounted in the center of the balance 2, on the member upper stop 20, to modify the inertia of the rocker arm 2 as little as possible.
  • This unbalance adjustment part 29 is held elastically by the central stud 23 of the upper stop member 20 which crosses, by deforming it elastically, a slot 30 of the part 29.
  • the slot 30 is oriented along the axis of symmetry of the flexible pivot 3 passing between the junction points of the flexible pivot 3 to the support 1 in plan view from above.
  • Pins 31 driven into the upper abutment member 20 and passing through the slot 30 guide the piece of adjustment of unbalance 29 in translation along the aforementioned axis of symmetry when part 29 is moved by the watchmaker to adjust the unbalance of balance wheel 2.
  • the unbalance adjustment part 29 makes it possible to place the center of mass of the balance 2, more precisely the center of mass of the entire rigid oscillating assembly to which the pendulum 2 belongs, on the aforementioned axis of symmetry of the flexible pivot 3 at a position distinct from that of the virtual axis of rotation A, said position being chosen so as to minimize the dependence of the frequency of oscillation with respect to the orientation of gravity for a predetermined amplitude of oscillation.
  • the adjusting weights 12a carried by the balance 2 can be used to compensate for the change in the inertia of the balance 2 caused by the unbalance adjustment.
  • the balance wheel 2 can carry a part 33 or have a protrusion or a recess enabling it to achieve a certain imbalance from manufacture, the unbalance adjustment part 29 then serving as a fine adjustment element.
  • the part 33 can be in an arc of a circle centered on the virtual axis of rotation A and can be pierced with openings 34 whose function is to allow an optical measurement (by laser diode) of the amplitude of balance wheel 2 as a function of time.
  • the oscillator according to the invention may comprise a pin 35 of the conventional type.
  • This pin 35 can be carried by the lower abutment member 21, as shown. It can alternatively be carried by the upper stop member 20 or by the upper and lower arms 9, 11.
  • the mode of assembly of the balance 2 and the upper and lower parts 6, 7 by the pins 17 is independent of the shape of the balance 2 and of its rim 12 and of the order in which the parts 2, 6, 7 are stacked.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Or Mechanical Vibrators, Or Delay Or Filter Circuits (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece oscillator with a flexible pivot, comprising a support member (1), a balance wheel (2) and first and second resilient blades (4, 5) which are arranged to guide the balance wheel (2) in terms of rotation relative to the support member (1) about a virtual rotation axis (A) and to apply a restoring torque to the balance wheel (2). The first and second resilient blades (4, 5) extend in parallel planes and intersect each other without contact. The balance wheel (2) comprises a felloe (12) of generally symmetrical shape relative to the virtual rotation axis (A) and is assembled between an upper piece (6) and a lower piece (7), the upper piece (6) comprising an upper stage (8) of the support member (1) and the first resilient blade (4), the lower piece (7) comprising a lower stage (10) of the support member (1) and the second resilient blade (5).

Description

Oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible Flexible Pivot Clock Oscillator
La présente invention concerne un oscillateur à pivot flexible destiné à servir de base de temps dans un mécanisme horloger. The present invention relates to a flexible pivot oscillator intended to serve as a time base in a watch mechanism.
Un oscillateur à pivot flexible est un oscillateur dont le balancier est guidé en rotation par un agencement de parties élastiques et non pas par un axe de rotation physique glissant dans des paliers. En plus de sa fonction de guidage en rotation, le pivot flexible exerce un couple de rappel sur le balancier à l’instar du spiral d’un oscillateur balancier-spiral. A flexible pivot oscillator is an oscillator whose balance wheel is guided in rotation by an arrangement of elastic parts and not by a physical axis of rotation sliding in bearings. In addition to its function of guiding rotation, the flexible pivot exerts a restoring torque on the balance like the hairspring of a balance-spring oscillator.
Contrairement aux oscillateurs balancier-spiral, un oscillateur à pivot flexible ne produit pas de frottements secs pendant son fonctionnement. Il présente donc un meilleur facteur de qualité. Unlike balance-spring oscillators, a flexible-pivot oscillator does not produce sharp friction during operation. It therefore has a better quality factor.
La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un oscillateur à pivot flexible dont l’agencement de parties élastiques comprend des lames croisées séparées. De telles lames s’étendent dans des plans parallèles et dans des directions différentes pour se croiser sans contact. Des oscillateurs à lames croisées séparées sont décrits par exemple dans les demandes de brevet EP 2911012, EP 2998800, WO 2016/096677, WO 2017/055983 et WO 2018/109584. The present invention relates more particularly to a flexible pivot oscillator whose arrangement of elastic parts comprises separate cross blades. Such blades extend in parallel planes and in different directions to intersect without contact. Separate cross-blade oscillators are described for example in patent applications EP 2911012, EP 2998800, WO 2016/096677, WO 2017/055983 and WO 2018/109584.
Parmi les oscillateurs à lames croisées séparées connus, certains sont destinés à être fabriqués monolithiquement en silicium par DRIE (gravure ionique réactive profonde) et d’autres à être formés d’un assemblage de pièces. Le choix se porte normalement sur une fabrication monolithique lorsqu’on souhaite privilégier la précision dimensionnelle, et sur une fabrication par assemblage lorsqu’on préfère faciliter la fabrication, la DRIE multiniveau étant complexe et coûteuse à mettre en oeuvre et nécessitant l’emploi d’une technique spéciale pour séparer les lames. Among the known separated cross-blade oscillators, some are intended to be made monolithically in silicon by DRIE (deep reactive ion etching) and others to be formed from an assembly of parts. The choice normally falls on monolithic manufacturing when one wishes to favor dimensional precision, and on manufacturing by assembly when one prefers to facilitate manufacturing, the multilevel DRIE being complex and expensive to implement and requiring the use of a special technique to separate the blades.
Comme pour tout oscillateur horloger, les propriétés d’un oscillateur à lames croisées séparées se caractérisent notamment par la précision de sa fréquence, son facteur de qualité, son insensibilité à la gravité, son insensibilité à la température, son isochronisme et sa tenue aux chocs. As with any horological oscillator, the properties of a separated cross-blade oscillator are characterized in particular by the precision of its frequency, its quality factor, its insensitivity to gravity, its insensitivity to temperature, its isochronism and its resistance to shocks.
La présente invention vise à proposer un oscillateur horloger à lames croisées séparées dont au moins une partie des propriétés susmentionnées puissent être excellentes. The present invention aims to provide a watch oscillator with separated crossed blades, at least some of the aforementioned properties of which can be excellent.
A cet effet, l’invention a pour objet un oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible comprenant un support, un balancier et des première et deuxième lames élastiques agencées pour guider le balancier en rotation par rapport au support autour d’un axe de rotation virtuel et pour exercer sur le balancier un couple de rappel, les première et deuxième lames élastiques s’étendant dans des plans parallèles et se croisant sans contact, le balancier ayant une serge de forme générale symétrique par rapport à l’axe de rotation virtuel et étant assemblé entre une pièce supérieure et une pièce inférieure, la pièce supérieure comprenant un étage supérieur du support et la première lame élastique, la pièce inférieure comprenant un étage inférieur du support et la deuxième lame élastique. To this end, the subject of the invention is a horological oscillator with a flexible pivot comprising a support, a balance wheel and first and second elastic blades arranged to guide the balance wheel in rotation relative to the support around a virtual axis of rotation and to exert on the balance a return torque, the first and second elastic strips extending in parallel planes and crossing each other without contact, the balance having a rim of generally symmetrical shape with respect to the virtual axis of rotation and being assembled between an upper part and a lower part, the upper part comprising an upper stage of the support and the first elastic blade, the lower part comprising a lower stage of the support and the second elastic blade.
La demanderesse a constaté que la précision dimensionnelle des lames d’un oscillateur à lames croisées séparées est essentielle pour la chronométrie. Tout écart de l’une des lames par rapport aux dimensions prévues influence négativement la chronométrie. Ceci devrait plaider en faveur d’une fabrication monolithique, mais l’expérience montre en réalité qu’une fabrication par DRIE multiniveau d’un pivot flexible à lames croisées séparées n’est pas forcément plus précise, voire peut être moins précise, qu’un assemblage de pièces superposées réalisées chacune par DRIE sur un seul niveau et comprenant chacune une lame, comme le permet la présente invention. The applicant has found that the dimensional precision of the blades of an oscillator with separated crossed blades is essential for chronometry. Any deviation of one of the blades from the planned dimensions negatively influences the chronometry. This should argue in favor of a monolithic manufacturing, but experience actually shows that a multi-level DRIE manufacturing of a flexible pivot with separated cross blades is not necessarily more precise, or even may be less precise, than an assembly of superimposed parts each produced by DRIE on a single level and each comprising a blade, as permitted by the present invention.
De surcroît, l’invention permet de dissocier l’inertie de l’oscillateur, apportée essentiellement par le balancier, de la raideur des lames élastiques et de régler l’inertie et la raideur séparément. L’inertie peut être réglée de manière aisée et connue via le balancier rapporté, comme pour un balancier standard, et les lames élastiques peuvent être réalisées à la raideur souhaitée, sans contrainte de dimensionnement pour obtenir le bon compromis raideur/inertie habituellement recherché dans les oscillateurs à pivot flexible standard. Les matériaux du balancier et des pièces supérieure et inférieure peuvent être différents et optimisés chacun pour la fonction à remplir. Moreover, the invention makes it possible to dissociate the inertia of the oscillator, provided essentially by the balance wheel, from the stiffness of the elastic blades and to adjust the inertia and the stiffness separately. The inertia can be adjusted in an easy and known manner via the attached balance, as for a standard balance, and the elastic blades can be made to the desired stiffness, without constraint of sizing to obtain the good stiffness/inertia compromise usually sought in standard flexible pivot oscillators. The materials of the pendulum and of the upper and lower parts can be different and each optimized for the function to be fulfilled.
Par ailleurs, les caractéristiques géométriques et structurelles de l'oscillateur selon l’invention contribuent à améliorer plusieurs de ses propriétés, dont l’insensibilité à la gravité et à la température et la tenue aux chocs. Furthermore, the geometric and structural characteristics of the oscillator according to the invention contribute to improving several of its properties, including insensitivity to gravity and temperature and shock resistance.
D’autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels : Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description given with reference to the appended drawings in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d’un oscillateur horloger selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l’invention ; - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clock oscillator according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du même oscillateur mais dont certaines parties ont été enlevées pour alléger le dessin, cet oscillateur étant montré ici associé à des butées centrales fixes ; - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same oscillator but some parts of which have been removed to lighten the drawing, this oscillator being shown here associated with fixed central stops;
- la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d’un balancier de cet oscillateur ;- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a balance of this oscillator;
- la figure 4 est une vue en coupe axiale de cet oscillateur. - Figure 4 is an axial sectional view of this oscillator.
En référence aux figures 1 à 4, un oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible selon l’invention, pour une pièce d’horlogerie telle qu’une montre-bracelet, une montre de poche ou une montre pendentif, comprend un support 1, un balancier 2 et un pivot flexible 3 reliant le support 1 au balancier 2. Le support 1 est destiné à être monté sur un bâti fixe ou mobile de la pièce d’horlogerie. Le pivot flexible 3 comprend des première et deuxième lames élastiques 4, 5 identiques mais s’étendant dans des plans parallèles et dans des directions différentes pour se croiser sans contact. En vue plane de dessus, le point de croisement des lames 4, 5 est confondu avec le centre géométrique du balancier 2. Le croisement des lames 4, 5 définit un axe de rotation virtuel A du balancier 2 par rapport au support 1 , axe de rotation qui est perpendiculaire au plan de l’oscillateur et du balancier 2. Le pivot flexible 3 sert ainsi à suspendre le balancier 2 au support 1 , à guider le balancier 2 en rotation par rapport au support 1 autour de l’axe de rotation virtuel A et à exercer sur le balancier 2 un couple de rappel élastique tendant à le ramener dans une position d’équilibre par rapport au support 1 (la position illustrée aux figures 1 et 2). Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a horological oscillator with a flexible pivot according to the invention, for a timepiece such as a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a pendant watch, comprises a support 1, a balance 2 and a flexible pivot 3 connecting support 1 to balance wheel 2. Support 1 is intended to be mounted on a fixed or mobile frame of the timepiece. The flexible pivot 3 comprises first and second elastic strips 4, 5 which are identical but extend in parallel planes and in different directions to intersect without contact. In plan view from above, the crossing point of the blades 4, 5 coincides with the geometric center of the balance 2. The crossing of the blades 4, 5 defines a virtual axis of rotation A of the balance 2 with respect to the support 1, axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator and of the balance 2. The flexible pivot 3 thus serves to suspend the balance 2 from the support 1, to guiding the balance 2 in rotation with respect to the support 1 around the virtual axis of rotation A and exerting on the balance 2 an elastic return torque tending to bring it back to a position of equilibrium with respect to the support 1 (the position shown in Figures 1 and 2).
A la différence de nombreux oscillateurs à pivot flexible, l’oscillateur selon l’invention n’est pas monolithique mais formé d’un empilement de pièces comprenant une pièce supérieure 6, une pièce inférieure 7 et, entre les deux, le balancier 2. La pièce supérieure 6 comprend un étage supérieur 8 du support 1 , la première lame élastique 4 et un bras supérieur 9 relié à l’étage supérieur 8 du support 1 par la première lame élastique 4. La pièce inférieure 7 comprend un étage inférieur 10 du support 1, la deuxième lame élastique 5 et un bras inférieur 11 relié à l’étage inférieur 10 du support 1 par la deuxième lame élastique 5. Unlike many oscillators with a flexible pivot, the oscillator according to the invention is not monolithic but formed of a stack of parts comprising an upper part 6, a lower part 7 and, between the two, the balance wheel 2. The upper part 6 comprises an upper stage 8 of the support 1, the first elastic blade 4 and an upper arm 9 connected to the upper stage 8 of the support 1 by the first elastic blade 4. The lower part 7 comprises a lower stage 10 of the support 1, the second elastic blade 5 and a lower arm 11 connected to the lower stage 10 of the support 1 by the second elastic blade 5.
De préférence, chacune des pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7 est monolithique. Le matériau de ces pièces 6, 7 est choisi pour ses bonnes propriétés élastiques et pour son aptitude à être micro-usiné. Selon un exemple typique, chacune de ces pièces 6, 7 est réalisée en silicium par DRIE à un seul niveau, technique relativement simple à mettre en œuvre et qui permet d’atteindre de grandes précisions. Les pièces 6, 7 en silicium peuvent être revêtues d’une couche de renfort, par exemple d’une couche d’oxyde de silicium, permettant d’améliorer leur résistance mécanique. Une telle couche d’oxyde de silicium peut en outre avoir une épaisseur choisie pour rendre la fréquence de l’oscillateur insensible à une variation de température (typiquement de 30°C). Preferably, each of the upper and lower parts 6, 7 is monolithic. The material of these parts 6, 7 is chosen for its good elastic properties and for its ability to be micro-machined. According to a typical example, each of these parts 6, 7 is made of silicon by DRIE at a single level, a technique relatively simple to implement and which makes it possible to achieve high precision. The silicon parts 6, 7 can be coated with a reinforcing layer, for example a layer of silicon oxide, making it possible to improve their mechanical strength. Such a layer of silicon oxide can also have a thickness chosen to make the frequency of the oscillator insensitive to a variation in temperature (typically 30°C).
Le balancier 2 comprend une serge 12 et un bras diamétral 13 qui, dans l’exemple représenté, est interrompu dans sa partie centrale. Le balancier 2 peut être réalisé, en partie au moins, dans un matériau dense tel que le cuivre au béryllium, l’or, le platine, le maillechort ou autre métal ou alliage dense. Il peut ainsi présenter un petit diamètre pour un moment d’inertie donné. De la sorte, les frottements avec l’air sont réduits, ce qui augmente le facteur de qualité. La serge 12 du balancier 2 peut porter des masselottes 12a traditionnelles permettant de régler l’inertie. The balance 2 comprises a rim 12 and a diametral arm 13 which, in the example shown, is interrupted in its central part. The balance 2 can be made, in part at least, in a dense material such as beryllium copper, gold, platinum, nickel silver or other dense metal or alloy. It can thus have a small diameter for a given moment of inertia. In this way, friction with the air is reduced, which increases the quality factor. The serge 12 of the balance 2 can carry traditional flyweights 12a making it possible to adjust the inertia.
Les étages supérieur et inférieur 8, 10 du support 1 sont superposés en étant séparés par une entretoise 14, par exemple métallique, et sont assemblés par des goupilles 15. A cet effet, les goupilles 15 traversent des extrémités élastiques 16 des étages supérieur et inférieur 8, 10 et passent dans des trous de l’entretoise 14. Les étages 8, 10 sont ainsi rendus solidaires uniquement par serrage élastique des goupilles 15. Les trous de l’entretoise 14 que traversent les goupilles 15 ont un diamètre légèrement plus grand que celui des goupilles 15 afin de ne pas contraindre les lames élastiques 4, 5, ce qui modifierait leur raideur donc la fréquence de l’oscillateur. L’entretoise 14 est immobilisée par rapport aux étages 8, 10 par collage, brasage ou soudage aux goupilles 15 et/ou à l’un au moins des étages 8, 10. The upper and lower stages 8, 10 of the support 1 are superimposed while being separated by a spacer 14, for example metallic, and are assembled by pins 15. For this purpose, the pins 15 pass through the elastic ends 16 of the upper and lower stages. 8, 10 and pass through holes in spacer 14. Stages 8, 10 are thus secured only by elastic tightening of pins 15. The holes in spacer 14 through which pins 15 pass have a diameter slightly larger than that of the pins 15 so as not to constrain the elastic blades 4, 5, which would modify their stiffness and therefore the frequency of the oscillator. The spacer 14 is immobilized with respect to the stages 8, 10 by gluing, brazing or welding to the pins 15 and/or to at least one of the stages 8, 10.
Le bras supérieur 9, le bras diamétral 13 et le bras inférieur 11 sont superposés. Comme pour le support 1, des goupilles 17 traversent des extrémités élastiques 18 des bras supérieur et inférieur 9, 11 et passent dans des trous 19 du bras diamétral 13. Les bras supérieur et inférieur 9, 11 sont ainsi rendus solidaires uniquement par serrage élastique des goupilles 17. Les trous 19 du bras diamétral 13 que traversent les goupilles 17 ont un diamètre légèrement plus grand que celui des goupilles 17 afin de ne pas contraindre les lames élastiques 4, 5. Le bras diamétral 13 est immobilisé par rapport aux bras 9, 11 par collage, brasage ou soudage aux goupilles 17 et/ou à l’un au moins des bras 9, 11. L’assemblage du bras supérieur 9, du balancier 2 (par l’intermédiaire de son bras diamétral 13) et du bras inférieur 11 forme un ensemble rigide oscillant. The upper arm 9, the diametral arm 13 and the lower arm 11 are superimposed. As for the support 1, pins 17 pass through the elastic ends 18 of the upper and lower arms 9, 11 and pass through holes 19 of the diametral arm 13. The upper and lower arms 9, 11 are thus made integral only by elastic tightening of the pins 17. The holes 19 of the diametral arm 13 through which the pins 17 pass have a slightly larger diameter than that of the pins 17 so as not to constrain the elastic blades 4, 5. The diametral arm 13 is immobilized with respect to the arms 9, 11 by gluing, brazing or welding to the pins 17 and/or to at least one of the arms 9, 11. The assembly of the upper arm 9, of the rocker 2 (via its diametral arm 13) and bottom 11 forms a rigid oscillating assembly.
Assembler le balancier 2 et les pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7 par les bras 9, 11, 13 confère à l’oscillateur une bonne tenue mécanique et une bonne précision d’assemblage. De plus, en cas de rotation excessive du balancier 2 causée par un choc, et quel que soit le sens de rotation du balancier 2, le bras diamétral 13 peut buter contre le support 1, plus précisément contre l’entretoise 14, avant que la limite élastique des lames élastiques 4, 5 soit dépassée, afin de protéger ces dernières. Assembling the balance wheel 2 and the upper and lower parts 6, 7 by the arms 9, 11, 13 gives the oscillator good mechanical strength and good assembly precision. Moreover, in the event of excessive rotation of the balance 2 caused by a shock, and whatever the direction of rotation of the balance 2, the diametral arm 13 can abut against the support 1, more precisely against the spacer 14, before the elastic limit of the elastic blades 4, 5 is exceeded, in order to protect the latter.
Chaque extrémité élastique 16, 18 des étages supérieur et inférieur 8, 10 et des bras supérieur et inférieur 9, 11 peut être formée de bras élastiques, de préférence au nombre de trois, enserrant la goupille 15, 17 correspondante. Le contact entre chaque bras élastique et la goupille 15, 17 peut être ponctuel, comme représenté, afin d’assurer un contact entre les extrémités élastiques 16, 18 et les goupilles 15, 17 en des points discrets uniquement. De cette manière, l'alignement des pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7 peut être très précis. Each elastic end 16, 18 of the upper and lower stages 8, 10 and of the upper and lower arms 9, 11 can be formed of elastic arms, preferably three in number, gripping the corresponding pin 15, 17. The contact between each elastic arm and the pin 15, 17 can be punctual, as shown, in order to ensure contact between the elastic ends 16, 18 and the pins 15, 17 at discrete points only. In this way, the alignment of the upper and lower parts 6, 7 can be very precise.
Outre son intérêt en termes de précision de fabrication, l’assemblage des pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7 et du balancier 2 permet d’avoir une véritable séparation physique des lames élastiques 4, 5, obtenue de manière plus aisée qu’avec une fabrication monolithique. In addition to its interest in terms of manufacturing precision, the assembly of the upper and lower parts 6, 7 and of the rocker arm 2 makes it possible to have a real physical separation of the elastic blades 4, 5, obtained in an easier way than with a manufacturing monolithic.
L’assemblage des bras 9, 11, 13, avec le bras diamétral 13 servant d’entretoise aux bras supérieur et inférieur 9, 11, suspend le balancier 2 au support 1 par l’intermédiaire des lames élastiques 4, 5. Le balancier 2 constitue la partie inertielle de l’oscillateur, l’inertie des bras supérieur et inférieur 9, 11 pouvant être négligée. Par son balancier rapporté, et non pas monolithique avec le pivot flexible, la présente invention dissocie la partie inertielle de l’oscillateur de la raideur du pivot flexible, ce qui facilite le réglage de la fréquence de l’oscillateur. L’inertie et le balourd du balancier 2, d’une part, et le couple du pivot flexible 3, d’autre part, peuvent être mesurés et corrigés facilement indépendamment l’un de l’autre. De surcroît, il est possible d’appairer le balancier 2 et le pivot flexible 3, en d’autres termes d’associer un balancier ayant un moment d’inertie choisi avec un pivot flexible produisant un couple choisi afin d’obtenir une fréquence souhaitée. The assembly of the arms 9, 11, 13, with the diametral arm 13 serving as a spacer for the upper and lower arms 9, 11, suspends the pendulum 2 from the support 1 via the elastic blades 4, 5. The pendulum 2 constitutes the inertial part of the oscillator, the inertia of the upper and lower arms 9, 11 being able to be neglected. By its attached balance, and not monolithic with the flexible pivot, the present invention dissociates the inertial part of the oscillator from the stiffness of the flexible pivot, which facilitates the adjustment of the frequency of the oscillator. The inertia and the unbalance of the balance 2, on the one hand, and the torque of the flexible pivot 3, on the other hand, can be measured and corrected easily independently of each other. In addition, it is possible to pair the balance 2 and the flexible pivot 3, in other words to associate a balance having a selected moment of inertia with a flexible pivot producing a selected torque in order to obtain a desired frequency. .
Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l’invention, l’oscillateur selon l’invention comprend un organe de butée supérieur 20 et un organe de butée inférieur 21 montés respectivement sur la face supérieure de la pièce supérieure 6 et sur la face inférieure de la pièce inférieure 7. Ces organes de butée 20, 21 sont assemblés par des goupilles 22 qui traversent les bras 9, 11, 13. Un plot central 23 de l’organe de butée supérieur 20, centré sur l’axe de rotation virtuel A, est engagé avec jeu dans un alésage 24 d’une butée supérieure 25 fixe par rapport au support 1. De même, un plot central 26 de l’organe de butée inférieur 21, centré sur l’axe de rotation virtuel A, est engagé avec jeu dans un alésage 27 d’une butée inférieure 28 fixe par rapport au support 1. According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the oscillator according to the invention comprises an upper stop member 20 and a lower stop member 21 mounted respectively on the upper face of the upper part 6 and on the lower face of the part lower 7. These organs of abutment 20, 21 are assembled by pins 22 which pass through the arms 9, 11, 13. A central stud 23 of the upper abutment member 20, centered on the virtual axis of rotation A, is engaged with play in a bore 24 of an upper stop 25 fixed relative to the support 1. Similarly, a central stud 26 of the lower stop member 21, centered on the virtual axis of rotation A, is engaged with play in a bore 27 of a lower stop 28 fixed relative to the support 1.
Pendant le fonctionnement normal de l’oscillateur, les plots 23, 26 tournent dans les alésages 24, 27 sans toucher la paroi de ces derniers. Les plots 23, 26 ne constituent pas des pivots guidés dans des paliers mais de simples butées mobiles aptes à entrer en contact avec les butées fixes 25, 28 en cas de choc reçu par la montre. Lors d’un choc radial, les plots 23, 26 peuvent venir s’appuyer contre la paroi latérale de l’alésage 24, 27. Lors d’un choc axial, l’un des plots 23, 26 peut s’arrêter contre le fond de l’alésage 24, 27 ou plus généralement l’un des organes de butée 20, 21 peut s’arrêter contre la butée fixe 25, 28 correspondante. La coopération entre les organes de butée 20, 21 et les butées fixes 25, 28 protège les lames élastiques 4, 5 en les empêchant de se déformer au-delà de leur limite élastique lors de chocs radiaux ou axiaux. During normal operation of the oscillator, the studs 23, 26 rotate in the bores 24, 27 without touching the wall of the latter. The studs 23, 26 do not constitute pivots guided in bearings but simple movable stops capable of coming into contact with the fixed stops 25, 28 in the event of an impact received by the watch. During a radial impact, the studs 23, 26 can come to bear against the side wall of the bore 24, 27. During an axial impact, one of the studs 23, 26 can come to rest against the bottom of the bore 24, 27 or more generally one of the abutment members 20, 21 can stop against the corresponding fixed abutment 25, 28. The cooperation between the stop members 20, 21 and the fixed stops 25, 28 protects the elastic strips 4, 5 by preventing them from deforming beyond their elastic limit during radial or axial shocks.
L’organe de butée supérieur 20 et l’organe de butée inférieur 21 sont typiquement réalisés dans un matériau métallique qui peut être le même ou qui peut être différent du matériau métallique du balancier 2. Les goupilles 22 peuvent être chassées dans les organes de butée 20, 21 et dans le bras diamétral 13 du balancier 2 et traverser avec jeu les bras supérieur et inférieur 9, 11. The upper abutment member 20 and the lower abutment member 21 are typically made of a metallic material which may be the same or which may be different from the metallic material of the rocker arm 2. The pins 22 can be driven into the abutment members 20, 21 and in the diametral arm 13 of the pendulum 2 and pass through the upper and lower arms 9, 11 with clearance.
L’agencement plot-alésage pourrait être inversé, autrement dit les butées fixes 25, 28 pourraient comprendre les plots et les organes de butée 20, 21 pourraient comprendre les alésages. The stud-bore arrangement could be reversed, in other words the fixed stops 25, 28 could comprise the studs and the stop members 20, 21 could comprise the bores.
Par l’agencement du balancier 2 entre les pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7, le balancier 2 et plus généralement tout l’ensemble rigide oscillant 2, 9, 11, 20, 21 peut avoir son centre de masse situé sensiblement dans le plan médian du pivot flexible 3, entre les plans parallèles dans lesquels s’étendent respectivement les lames élastiques 4, 5. On réduit ainsi le risque de basculement du balancier 2 lors de mouvements de bras du porteur, lors de chocs ou sous l’effet de la gravité, basculement qui perturberait la chronométrie en déformant hors de leur plan de fonctionnement les lames élastiques 4, 5 voire en faisant frotter les organes de butée 20, 21 contre les butées fixes 25, 28. Placer le balancier entre les pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7 rend en outre la fréquence de l’oscillateur moins sensible à la température. En cas de dilatation thermique de l’oscillateur, le balancier 2, métallique, se déforme différemment des bras 9, 11 en silicium. L’agencement selon l’invention permet d’éviter que les pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7 en silicium se galbent et déforment les lames 4, 5 en torsion, modifiant ainsi leur raideur. By arranging the balance 2 between the upper and lower parts 6, 7, the balance 2 and more generally the entire rigid oscillating assembly 2, 9, 11, 20, 21 can have its center of mass located substantially in the median plane of the flexible pivot 3, between the parallel planes in which extend respectively the elastic strips 4, 5. This reduces the risk of tilting of the pendulum 2 during movements of the arms of the wearer, during shocks or under the effect of gravity, a tilting which would disturb the chronometry by deforming outside their plane of operation the elastic blades 4, 5 or even by causing the abutment members 20, 21 to rub against the fixed abutments 25, 28. Placing the balance wheel between the upper and lower parts 6, 7 also makes the frequency of the oscillator less sensitive to the temperature. In the event of thermal expansion of the oscillator, the balance wheel 2, metallic, deforms differently from the arms 9, 11 made of silicon. The arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to prevent the upper and lower silicon parts 6, 7 from becoming curved and deforming the blades 4, 5 in torsion, thus modifying their stiffness.
Le balancier 2 et sa serge 12 présentent une forme générale symétrique par rapport à l’axe de rotation virtuel A, ceci afin qu’une dilatation thermique du balancier 2 ne modifie pas, ou modifie peu, la position de son centre de masse, évitant ainsi d’augmenter l’écart de marche entre les différentes positions de la montre à l’amplitude de fonctionnement nominale. En outre, la serge 12 est de préférence annulaire pour optimiser le rapport inertie sur masse du balancier 2 et par voie de conséquence diminuer la sensibilité de la fréquence de l’oscillateur à l’orientation par rapport à la gravité. Selon encore une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l’invention, visible à la figure 1 , une pièce de réglage de balourd 29 est montée sur le balancier 2. Cette pièce de réglage de balourd 29 est montée au centre du balancier 2, sur l’organe supérieur de butée 20, pour modifier le moins possible l’inertie du balancier 2. Cette pièce de réglage de balourd 29 est maintenue élastiquement par le plot central 23 de l’organe supérieur de butée 20 qui traverse, en la déformant élastiquement, une fente 30 de la pièce 29. La fente 30 est orientée suivant l’axe de symétrie du pivot flexible 3 passant entre les points de jonction du pivot flexible 3 au support 1 en vue plane de dessus. Des tenons 31 chassés dans l’organe supérieur de butée 20 et traversant la fente 30 guident la pièce de réglage de balourd 29 en translation le long de l’axe de symétrie précité lorsque la pièce 29 est déplacée par l’horloger pour régler le balourd du balancier 2. The balance 2 and its rim 12 have a generally symmetrical shape with respect to the virtual axis of rotation A, this so that thermal expansion of the balance 2 does not modify, or only slightly modifies, the position of its center of mass, avoiding thus increasing the variation in rate between the different positions of the watch at the nominal operating amplitude. In addition, the edge 12 is preferably annular to optimize the inertia to mass ratio of the balance 2 and consequently reduce the sensitivity of the frequency of the oscillator to the orientation with respect to gravity. According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, visible in Figure 1, an unbalance adjustment part 29 is mounted on the balance 2. This unbalance adjustment part 29 is mounted in the center of the balance 2, on the member upper stop 20, to modify the inertia of the rocker arm 2 as little as possible. This unbalance adjustment part 29 is held elastically by the central stud 23 of the upper stop member 20 which crosses, by deforming it elastically, a slot 30 of the part 29. The slot 30 is oriented along the axis of symmetry of the flexible pivot 3 passing between the junction points of the flexible pivot 3 to the support 1 in plan view from above. Pins 31 driven into the upper abutment member 20 and passing through the slot 30 guide the piece of adjustment of unbalance 29 in translation along the aforementioned axis of symmetry when part 29 is moved by the watchmaker to adjust the unbalance of balance wheel 2.
Conformément à l’enseignement de la demande de brevet n° PCT/IB2020/056370, dont le contenu est incorporé par renvoi, la pièce de réglage de balourd 29 permet de placer le centre de masse du balancier 2, plus exactement le centre de masse de tout l’ensemble rigide oscillant auquel appartient le balancier 2, sur l’axe de symétrie précité du pivot flexible 3 à une position distincte de celle de l’axe de rotation virtuel A, ladite position étant choisie de manière à rendre minimale la dépendance de la fréquence d’oscillation vis-à- vis de l’orientation de la gravité pour une amplitude d’oscillation prédéterminée. Les masselottes de réglage 12a portées par le balancier 2 peuvent être utilisées pour compenser la modification de l’inertie du balancier 2 causée par le réglage de balourd. In accordance with the teaching of patent application No. PCT/IB2020/056370, the content of which is incorporated by reference, the unbalance adjustment part 29 makes it possible to place the center of mass of the balance 2, more precisely the center of mass of the entire rigid oscillating assembly to which the pendulum 2 belongs, on the aforementioned axis of symmetry of the flexible pivot 3 at a position distinct from that of the virtual axis of rotation A, said position being chosen so as to minimize the dependence of the frequency of oscillation with respect to the orientation of gravity for a predetermined amplitude of oscillation. The adjusting weights 12a carried by the balance 2 can be used to compensate for the change in the inertia of the balance 2 caused by the unbalance adjustment.
Le balancier 2 peut porter une pièce 33 ou présenter une excroissance ou un évidement lui permettant d’atteindre un certain balourd dès la fabrication, la pièce de réglage de balourd 29 servant alors d’élément de réglage fin. Comme illustré sur les figures 1 et 3, la pièce 33 peut être en arc de cercle centré sur l’axe de rotation virtuel A et peut être percée de jours 34 dont la fonction est de permettre une mesure optique (par diode laser) de l’amplitude du balancier 2 en fonction du temps. The balance wheel 2 can carry a part 33 or have a protrusion or a recess enabling it to achieve a certain imbalance from manufacture, the unbalance adjustment part 29 then serving as a fine adjustment element. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the part 33 can be in an arc of a circle centered on the virtual axis of rotation A and can be pierced with openings 34 whose function is to allow an optical measurement (by laser diode) of the amplitude of balance wheel 2 as a function of time.
Pour sa coopération avec une fourchette d’échappement, l’oscillateur selon l’invention peut comprendre une cheville 35 de type classique. Cette cheville 35 peut être portée par l’organe de butée inférieur 21, comme représenté. Elle peut en variante être portée par l’organe de butée supérieur 20 ou par les bras supérieur et inférieur 9, 11. For its cooperation with an escapement fork, the oscillator according to the invention may comprise a pin 35 of the conventional type. This pin 35 can be carried by the lower abutment member 21, as shown. It can alternatively be carried by the upper stop member 20 or by the upper and lower arms 9, 11.
On notera que le mode d’assemblage du balancier 2 et des pièces supérieure et inférieure 6, 7 par les goupilles 17 est indépendant de la forme du balancier 2 et de sa serge 12 et de l’ordre dans lequel les pièces 2, 6, 7 sont empilées. It will be noted that the mode of assembly of the balance 2 and the upper and lower parts 6, 7 by the pins 17 is independent of the shape of the balance 2 and of its rim 12 and of the order in which the parts 2, 6, 7 are stacked.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible comprenant un support (1), un balancier (2) et des première et deuxième lames élastiques (4, 5) agencées pour guider le balancier (2) en rotation par rapport au support (1) autour d’un axe de rotation virtuel (A) et pour exercer sur le balancier (2) un couple de rappel, les première et deuxième lames élastiques (4, 5) s’étendant dans des plans parallèles et se croisant sans contact, le balancier (2) ayant une serge (12) de forme générale symétrique par rapport à l’axe de rotation virtuel (A) et étant assemblé entre une pièce supérieure (6) et une pièce inférieure (7), la pièce supérieure (6) comprenant un étage supérieur (8) du support (1) et la première lame élastique (4), la pièce inférieure (7) comprenant un étage inférieur (10) du support (1) et la deuxième lame élastique (5). 1. Watchmaker oscillator with flexible pivot comprising a support (1), a balance (2) and first and second elastic blades (4, 5) arranged to guide the balance (2) in rotation relative to the support (1) around a virtual axis of rotation (A) and to exert on the balance (2) a return torque, the first and second elastic blades (4, 5) extending in parallel planes and crossing each other without contact, the balance ( 2) having a rim (12) of generally symmetrical shape with respect to the virtual axis of rotation (A) and being assembled between an upper part (6) and a lower part (7), the upper part (6) comprising a upper stage (8) of the support (1) and the first elastic blade (4), the lower part (7) comprising a lower stage (10) of the support (1) and the second elastic blade (5).
2. Oscillateur horloger selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend un bras diamétral (13) faisant partie du balancier (2), un bras supérieur (9) faisant partie de la pièce supérieure (6) et un bras inférieur (11) faisant partie de la pièce inférieure (7), et en ce que le balancier (2) est assemblé aux pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7) par la superposition et l’assemblage de ces trois bras (9, 11 , 13). 2. Watchmaker oscillator according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a diametral arm (13) forming part of the balance wheel (2), an upper arm (9) forming part of the upper part (6) and a lower arm ( 11) forming part of the lower part (7), and in that the rocker arm (2) is assembled to the upper and lower parts (6, 7) by the superposition and assembly of these three arms (9, 11, 13 ).
3. Oscillateur horloger selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l’assemblage des trois bras (9, 11, 13) est apte à buter contre le support3. Watchmaker oscillator according to claim 2, characterized in that the assembly of the three arms (9, 11, 13) is capable of abutting against the support
(1), dans chacun des deux sens de rotation du balancier (2), avant que la limite élastique des première et deuxième lames élastiques (4, 5) soit dépassée, en cas de rotation excessive du balancier (2). (1), in each of the two directions of rotation of the balance (2), before the elastic limit of the first and second elastic blades (4, 5) is exceeded, in the event of excessive rotation of the balance (2).
4. Oscillateur horloger selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que les trois bras (9, 11, 13) sont assemblés par des goupilles (17) serrées élastiquement par des parties élastiques (18) des bras supérieur et inférieur (9, 11) et traversant le bras diamétral (13) avec du jeu, et en ce que le bras diamétral (13) est immobilisé par rapport aux bras supérieur et inférieur (9, 11 ) par collage, brasage ou soudage. 4. Watchmaker oscillator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the three arms (9, 11, 13) are assembled by pins (17) elastically clamped by elastic parts (18) of the upper and lower arms (9, 11) and crossing the diametral arm (13) with play, and in that the diametral arm (13) is immobilized with respect to the upper and lower arms (9, 11) by gluing, brazing or welding.
5. Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le balancier (2) est assemblé aux pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7) par des goupilles (17) serrées élastiquement par des parties élastiques (18) des pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7) et traversant le balancier (2) avec du jeu, et en ce que le balancier (2) est immobilisé par rapport aux pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7) par collage, brasage ou soudage. 5. Watchmaker oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the balance (2) is assembled to the upper and lower parts (6, 7) by pins (17) elastically clamped by elastic parts (18 ) of the upper and lower parts (6, 7) and passing through the rocker arm (2) with play, and in that the rocker arm (2) is immobilized with respect to the upper and lower parts (6, 7) by gluing, brazing or welding.
6. Oscillateur horloger selon la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que les parties élastiques (18) sont en contact avec les goupilles (17) seulement en des points discrets. 6. Watchmaker oscillator according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the elastic parts (18) are in contact with the pins (17) only at discrete points.
7. Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que chacune des pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7) est monolithique. 7. Clock oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each of the upper and lower parts (6, 7) is monolithic.
8. Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le balancier (2) est fait dans un matériau différent de celui des pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7), de préférence un matériau plus dense que celui des pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7). 8. Watchmaker oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the balance (2) is made of a material different from that of the upper and lower parts (6, 7), preferably a denser material than that of the upper and lower parts (6, 7).
9. Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que le balancier (2) est en métal ou alliage. 9. Watchmaker oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the balance (2) is made of metal or alloy.
10. Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que les pièces supérieure et inférieure (6, 7) sont faites dans un matériau à base de silicium. 10. Watchmaker oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the upper and lower parts (6, 7) are made of a silicon-based material.
11.Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que la serge (12) est annulaire. 11. Watchmaker oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rim (12) is annular.
12. Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend dans sa partie centrale des organes de butée supérieur et inférieur (20, 21) solidaires du balancier (2) et aptes, en cas de choc, à buter respectivement contre des butées (25, 28) fixes par rapport au support (1) avant que la limite élastique des première et deuxième lames élastiques (4, 5) soit dépassée. 12. Watchmaker oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises in its central part upper and lower abutment members (20, 21) integral with the balance (2) and capable, in the event of shock, to abut respectively against stops (25, 28) fixed relative to the support (1) before the elastic limit of the first and second elastic blades (4, 5) is exceeded.
13. Oscillateur horloger selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend une pièce de réglage de balourd (29) montée sur le balancier (2) et agencée pour être guidée en translation le long d’un axe de symétrie des première et deuxième lames élastiques (4, 5) passant entre les points de jonction des première et deuxième lames élastiques (4, 5) au support (1) en vue plane de dessus. 13. Watchmaker oscillator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises an unbalance adjustment part (29) mounted on the balance (2) and arranged to be guided in translation along a axis of symmetry of the first and second elastic blades (4, 5) passing between the junction points of the first and second elastic blades (4, 5) to the support (1) in plan view from above.
EP21737500.5A 2020-07-10 2021-07-07 Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot Pending EP4179391A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20185171.4A EP3936946A1 (en) 2020-07-10 2020-07-10 Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot
PCT/IB2021/056070 WO2022009102A1 (en) 2020-07-10 2021-07-07 Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot

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EP4286959A1 (en) * 2022-06-02 2023-12-06 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE201823C (en) * 1907-12-22 1908-09-17 STORAGE FOR ROCKERS FOR WATCH LOCKINGS
EP2911012B1 (en) 2014-02-20 2020-07-22 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Timepiece oscillator
EP3457221B1 (en) 2014-09-16 2022-08-10 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot
EP3035126B1 (en) 2014-12-18 2017-12-13 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Timepiece resonator with crossed blades
EP3035127B1 (en) * 2014-12-18 2017-08-23 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Clock oscillator with tuning fork
WO2017055983A1 (en) 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Flexible-pivot mechanical component and timekeeping device including same
EP3182214A1 (en) * 2015-12-16 2017-06-21 Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie Mechanical oscillator for timepiece, adjustment mechanism comprising said mechanical oscillator, and clock movement
WO2018109584A1 (en) 2016-12-16 2018-06-21 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Timepiece component with flexible pivot
EP3382470B1 (en) * 2017-03-29 2020-05-06 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece oscillator with a flexible pivot
EP3502784B1 (en) * 2017-12-22 2020-06-10 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece resonator with flexible guide
WO2019141789A1 (en) * 2018-01-18 2019-07-25 Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Horological oscillator
EP3572885B1 (en) * 2018-05-25 2022-04-20 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Timepiece mechanical oscillator that is isochronous in any position
CA3111836A1 (en) 2018-09-13 2020-03-19 Modernatx, Inc. Modified mrna for the treatment of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis disorders

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JP2023532440A (en) 2023-07-28
WO2022009102A1 (en) 2022-01-13
CN115702396A (en) 2023-02-14

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