Timepiece component for receiving a member driven therein

Abstract

The present invention relates to a watch component for receiving a component driven therein, comprising a first opening for receiving the component when the component is driven therein, an axis located at the center of the first opening, and at least two structures for receiving the component. Each receiving structure comprises: a receiving element for contacting the component and extending at least substantially radially orthogonally relative to the axis; a first connecting element extending at least substantially radially from a first end of the receiving element relative to the axis; a second connecting element extending at least substantially radially from a second end of the receiving element relative to the axis; a first elastically deformable element extending at least substantially radially orthogonally relative to the axis; and a second elastically deformable element extending at least substantially radially orthogonally relative to the axis. The first connecting element mechanically connects the first end of the receiving element to the first elastically deformable element, and the second connecting element mechanically connects the second end of the receiving element to the second elastically deformable element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a timepiece component for receiving a member driven therein. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a component and a member mounted therein or driven therein. The invention also relates to a movement comprising such a component or such an assembly. Finally, the invention relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a movement or such an assembly or such a component. Background Art

[0002] The assembly process of some wheel-shaped parts, in particular the escape wheel, having the particular feature of being manufactured by the LIGA process from a nickel-based alloy constitutes an improved method in terms of its robustness and repeatability.

[0003] The prior art discloses a variety of elastic structural geometries suitable for enabling a timepiece component, which is usually of a fragile type, to be driven onto a shaft. Such structures generally meet the purpose of maximizing the clamping force on the shaft while minimizing the driving force. Such structures may, for example, include elastic arms designed to be actuated in a bending manner when driven into the shaft.

[0004] For example, patent applications CH700024, WO2012079976, EP1826634 disclose respectively a clamp and a wheel-shaped piece of a helical spring, each of which comprises an elastic structure with a plurality of elastic arms which are built-in only at one of their ends. Such a structure with an open or discontinuous profile may prove to be particularly fragile and brittle. Moreover, the expected clamping force may be low.

[0005] Alternatively, such elastic structure can have a closed or continuous profile, for example. For example, patent applications WO2016192957 and EP3056948 disclose chucks with three elastic arms and four elastic arms, respectively, which protrude inwardly from the first main opening for receiving the shaft, so as to contact the shaft during driving in operation. These chucks have three or four lobes, each of which includes a second opening opened toward the first main opening. They are suitable for maximizing the effective length of the elastic arms, thereby defining points at which the elastic arms are built as far away from the center of the first main opening as possible. During the operation of driving the shaft, the bearing point on the shaft moves radially relative to the geometric axis of the shaft by the bending action of each elastic arm. The clamping force is mainly generated by the stiffness of each arm, which is determined by the height and thickness of the chuck. Therefore, this geometric shape has limitations.

[0006] For its part, Japanese patent application JP2012185128 discloses an elastic structure comprising a second opening in the form of slots opening towards a first opening for receiving a shaft. The extent of these slots, together with a third opening in the form of a ring portion, defines the extent of the elastic arm designed to come into contact with the shaft. In other words, the area of ​​the built-in elastic arm is defined by the second opening and not only by the third opening.

[0007] The problem of out-of-roundness that is prone to be produced by such an elastic structure is mentioned in the patent application EP2219083. In order to overcome this problem, the patent application proposes to adopt an elastic structure close to the elastic structure disclosed in the application JP2012185128. This elastic structure described in the escape wheel also includes a second opening in the form of a slot open to the first opening for receiving the shaft. The range of these slots, together with the third opening in the form of a ring portion, defines the range of the elastic arm designed to contact the shaft. In order to minimize the deformation of the wheel rim of the wheel, the elastic structure also includes a fourth opening in the form of a plurality of elliptical slots with different ranges arranged at the interface of the second and third openings with the teeth of the escape wheel. Here, the fourth opening is designed to be deformable so as to absorb the deformation caused by the deformation of the elastic arm. The aesthetics of the escape wheel are defined by the geometry of the elastic structure, which here occupies most of the plate of the escape wheel. Therefore, this elastic structure is difficult to convert into a predetermined watch component aesthetics. Regardless of the size, it is also difficult to convert into a watch component. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece component which makes it possible to remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks and improve the timepiece components known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a timepiece component which makes it possible to provide high strength while avoiding deformation of the periphery of the component when it is driven in.

[0009] According to the timepiece component of the present invention, it includes a first opening, which is used to receive the component when the component is driven into the first opening. The component includes an axis located at the center of the first opening and at least two structures for receiving the component, each receiving structure includes: a receiving element, which is used to contact the component and extends at least substantially radially orthogonal to the axis, a first connecting element, which extends at least substantially radially from the first end of the receiving element to the axis, a second connecting element, which extends at least substantially radially from the second end of the receiving element to the axis, a first elastically deformable element, which extends at least substantially radially orthogonal to the axis, and a second elastically deformable element, which extends at least substantially radially orthogonal to the axis, the first connecting element mechanically connecting the first end of the receiving element to the first elastically deformable element, and the second connecting element mechanically connecting the second end of the receiving element to the second elastically deformable element.

[0010] Embodiments according to the invention are defined by the following features:

[0011] The timepiece component comprises two or three or four structures for receiving the component and / or wherein the receiving structures form an assembly with N-th order rotational symmetry, wherein N=2 or N=3 or N=4.

[0012] The timepiece component is configured such that, when the component is introduced into the first opening, the elastically deformable element is loaded predominantly in bending and / or the connecting element is loaded predominantly in compression and / or the receiving element is loaded predominantly in bending.

[0013] The timepiece component comprises second openings extending at least substantially radially relative to the axis and opening into the first opening, each second opening radially orthogonally defining two receiving elements of two adjacent receiving structures, and / or each second opening separates a first connecting element from a second connecting element of two adjacent receiving structures.

[0014] The same elastically deformable element constitutes the first elastically deformable element and the second elastically deformable element of two adjacent receiving structures.

[0015] The first elastically deformable element and / or the second elastically deformable element has a beam structure built-in only at one end thereof.

[0016] The timepiece component comprises third openings, each third opening comprising a first portion extending at least substantially radially orthogonal to said axis, a second portion extending at least substantially radially orthogonal to said axis and a third portion extending at least substantially radially to said axis.

[0017] The first portion defines an elastically deformable element radially with respect to the axis, and / or the second portion defines a receiving element radially with respect to the axis, and / or the third portion defines a connecting element radially orthogonally with respect to the axis.

[0018] A first cylinder of the timepiece component having a first diameter is inscribed in the first opening, and the second opening is inscribed in a second cylinder having a second diameter, the value of the second diameter being between 1.1 and 3 times the value of the first diameter.

[0019] The receiving element comprises at least one surface or one linear bearing area for contact with the component.

[0020] The watch components are produced by an electroforming process or a LIGA type process or a photolithography and deep etching process and / or are made of brittle materials or Ni or NiP or Si or diamond or quartz.

[0021] The watch component comprises: a hub, the outer diameter of the hub is less than 2 mm, less than 1.5 mm, or less than 1.2 mm, the receiving structure is mechanically connected to the hub, the interior of the hub.

[0022] The assembly according to the invention comprises the timepiece component described above and a member which is mounted in the opening or driven into the opening.

[0023] The watch movement according to the present invention comprises the watch component or the assembly described above. The watch according to the present invention is particularly a watch, particularly a wristwatch, comprising the watch movement or the assembly or the watch component described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, several embodiments of the timepiece component according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 are views of a first embodiment of a timepiece comprising a first embodiment of a timepiece component.

[0026] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a detailed view of a first timepiece component embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C are detail views of a first embodiment of a timepiece component shown in different stages of assembly.

[0028] Figure 5 is a view of a second embodiment of a timepiece comprising a second embodiment of a timepiece component.

[0029] Figure 6is a partial detail view of a third embodiment of a timepiece comprising a third embodiment of a timepiece component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 4C A first embodiment of a timepiece 400 according to the invention is described. The timepiece is for example a watch, for example a wristwatch.

[0031] The timepiece comprises a timepiece movement 300. The timepiece movement may be mechanical, in particular automatic. The movement may alternatively be electronic.

[0032] The movement comprises an assembly 200 comprising a timepiece component 20 and a first timepiece component embodiment 100 , in which the timepiece component 20 is mounted, in particular driven, into the timepiece component 100 .

[0033] The timepiece component comprises a first opening 1 for receiving a member 20 when the member is driven into said opening.

[0034] The component, in particular a part of the component for being driven into a timepiece component, can be made of a brittle material, in particular ceramic or ruby.The component part can be a shaft, in particular a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shaft.

[0035] In a first embodiment, component 100 is an escape wheel. Component 100 may be another type of wheel-shaped piece, or component 100 may be another type. In a first embodiment, escape wheel 100 may have a hub 6 with an outer diameter D6, which is advantageously smaller than D9 / 2, or even smaller than D9 / 3, or even smaller than D9 / 4, wherein D9 is the head diameter 9 of the teeth 9 arranged on the rim 8 of wheel 100.

[0036] The timepiece components and members are shown in the figures in cross-section, in particular in cross-section on a plane perpendicular to the direction or axis A1 in or along which the member is driven into the component.

[0037] The timepiece component 100 comprises a first opening 1 for receiving a component 20 when the component is driven into the first opening. The axis A1 is located at the centre of the first opening. The timepiece component 100 comprises at least two structures 10 for receiving the component.

[0038] Each receiving structure consists of:

[0039] a receiving element 4b intended to come into contact with the member and extending at least substantially radially orthogonal relative to the axis A1 ,

[0040] a first connecting element 4c extending from a first end of the receiving element at least substantially radially with respect to the axis A1 ,

[0041] a second connecting element 4d extending from the second end of the receiving element at least substantially radially with respect to the axis A1 ,

[0042] a first elastically deformable element 4a extending at least substantially radially orthogonal relative to the axis A1 , and

[0043] - a second elastically deformable element 4a' extending at least substantially radially orthogonal relative to the axis A1.

[0044] The first connecting element mechanically connects the first end of the receiving element to the first elastically deformable element, and the second connecting element mechanically connects the second end of the receiving element to the second elastically deformable element.

[0045] The receiving element 4b comprises a support area extending between the two ends 1a, 1b of the receiving element 4b, in particular extending from the first end 1a to the second end 1b. The support area is used to contact the component 20, in particular to contact the axis of the component. These ends are defined by the intersection of the first opening 1 and the second opening 2, 2". The support area may include a single continuous surface. Alternatively, the support area may include multiple surfaces, in particular multiple elongated surfaces, in particular multiple elongated surfaces parallel to the axis A1. Therefore, the receiving element includes at least one surface or one contact point for contacting the component. The receiving element 4b preferably comprises a linear or straight first support area extending parallel to the axis A1, for example at the level of the first end 1a of the receiving element 4b, and a linear or straight second support area extending parallel to the axis A1, for example at the second end 1b of the receiving element 4b. Therefore, the first support area and / or the second support area have a straight or substantially straight shape.

[0046] At rest, that is to say when no component is introduced into the opening, the first opening 1 has a substantially cylindrical geometry with a diameter D1. The diameter D1 is the diameter of a cylinder of the largest diameter that can be inscribed in the opening. The axis A1 is defined as the axis of rotation of the cylinder of the largest diameter. In this sense, the first opening 1 is centered on the axis A1.

[0047] When the component 20 is driven in, the geometric axis A2 of the component, in particular the axis of symmetry or rotation A2 of the shaft of the component 20 , is designed to be aligned or substantially aligned with the geometric axis A1 of the structure 10 .

[0048] The watch component may include three structures 10 for receiving the component. These receiving structures advantageously constitute an assembly with third-order rotational symmetry. Therefore, only one receiving structure is described in detail here. The other receiving structures are derived from the described receiving structure by rotation around the axis A1. Elements of another structure that are similar to or functionally identical to the elements of the described receiving structure are identified by the same reference numerals with a suffix of ' or ".

[0049] Advantageously, the components are configured such that, when the component 20 is introduced into the first opening, the elastically deformable element is predominantly loaded in bending and / or the connecting element is predominantly loaded in compression and / or the receiving element is predominantly loaded in bending.

[0050] Advantageously, the component comprises second openings 2, 2', 2". extending at least substantially radially relative to the axis A1 and opening into the first opening. Each second opening also radially limits two receiving elements of two adjacent receiving structures and / or each second opening separates a first connecting element from a second connecting element of two adjacent receiving structures. The second opening 2 is, for example, a slot extending radially from the first opening 1 relative to the axis A1. The depth of the slot (measured radially relative to the axis A1) is, for example, greater than twice the width of the slot (measured orthogonally to the axis A1).

[0051] The second opening 2, 2', 2" preferably has a U-shape (i.e., with a circular bottom), a V-shape (i.e., with a linear or substantially linear bottom) or a sawtooth shape (i.e., with a flat bottom). The second opening 2, 2', 2" is preferably inscribed in a cylinder with a minimum diameter D2, the diameter D2 being between 1.1 times and 3 times the diameter D1 (including 1.1 times and 3 times the diameter D1).

[0052] The width d of the opening (measured radially orthogonally relative to the axis A1 ) is preferably given by the equation 2×d=α×D1 , where α is between 0.17 and 0.7 (inclusive).

[0053] In combination with the first opening and the second opening, the third opening 3 , 3 ′, 3 ″ (which opens neither into the first opening 1 nor into the second opening) can define the geometry of the receiving structure.

[0054] The third opening mainly includes a first opening portion 3a extending radially orthogonally or substantially radially orthogonally relative to the axis A1 at the level of the first diameter D3a, a second opening portion 3b extending radially orthogonally or substantially radially orthogonally relative to the axis A1 at the level of the second diameter D3b, and a third opening portion 3c extending radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A1 from the first portion to the second portion, in particular from one end of the first portion to one end of the second portion.

[0055] The second diameter D3b is smaller than the first diameter D3a. For example, the diameters D3b and D3a may be related or substantially related by the following equation: 2×D3b=D1+D3a.

[0056] For example, the first portion 3a may extend around the axis A1 over an angle of 1.5×π / N, where N is the number of receiving structures.

[0057] For example, the second portion 3b may extend around the axis A1 over an angle of 0.8×π / N, where N is the number of receiving structures.

[0058] Alternatively, the first portion 3a and the second portion 3b may extend across the same or substantially the same angle around the axis A1 .

[0059] The first elastically deformable element and / or the second elastically deformable element advantageously has a beam structure which is built-in at the level of the hub only at one of its ends, or at the level of the second arm 5 connected to the hub.

[0060] This part advantageously comprises third openings 3 each comprising a first portion 3a extending at least substantially radially orthogonal to the axis A1 , a second portion 3b extending at least substantially radially orthogonal to the axis A1 , and a third portion 3c extending at least substantially radially to the axis A1 .

[0061] The first portion 3a preferably defines the elastically deformable element 4a radially relative to the axis A1 and / or the second portion 3b preferably defines the receiving element 4b" radially relative to the axis A1 and / or the third portion 3c preferably defines the connecting element 4d" radially relative to the axis A1 orthogonally.

[0062] This geometry of the opening makes it possible to define an arm 4 comprising:

[0063] - a first portion 4a of the arm 4,

[0064] - a second portion 4c of the arm 4,

[0065] - a third portion 4b of the arm 4, and

[0066] - a fourth portion 4d of the arm 4.

[0067] The first portion 4a is built into the second arm 5, which extends from the hub 6, in particular from the inner surface 61 of the hub, in a radial or substantially radial direction relative to the axis A1. The build-in is defined here by the two openings 3, 3', in particular by the portions 3a, 3b' and 3c'. More specifically, the section of the arm 4 at the level of its first portion 4a is defined by the diameter D3a, D3b and the width L (measured radially relative to the axis A1) of the portions 3a, 3b'. The first portion 4a constitutes a second elastically deformable element such as described above.

[0068] The second portion 4c extends radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A1 from the end of the first portion 4a. The second portion 4c is defined, for example, by the portion 3b' of the third opening 3' and the opening 2. The second portion 4c constitutes, for example, the aforementioned second connecting element 4c. The portion 4c is a bend.

[0069] The third portion 4b extends orthogonally or substantially orthogonally relative to the axis A1 from the end of the second portion 4c. This third portion 4b is defined, for example, by the portion 3b' of the third opening 3' and the opening 1. The third portion 4b constitutes, for example, a receiving element 4b as described above. The section of the arm 4 at the level of its third portion 4b is defined by the width L (measured radially) of the portion 3b and by the diameters D3b and D1.

[0070] The fourth portion 4d extends radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A1 from one end of the third portion 4b. The fourth portion 4d is defined, for example, by the portion 3c' of the third opening and the opening 2'. The fourth portion 4d constitutes, for example, the first connection element 4d described above.

[0071] The fourth portion 4d is advantageously joined to the first portion 4a' of the adjacent arm 4'. This first portion 4a' of the adjacent arm 4' advantageously constitutes the above-mentioned first elastically deformable element 4a'. Thus, in this preferred configuration, the same elastically deformable element 4a constitutes the first elastically deformable element and the second elastically deformable element of two adjacent receiving structures.

[0072] When the component 20 is assembled, the receiving elements 4b, 4b' and 4b" are suitable for movement relative to the axis A1. To this end, the shaft of the component 20 includes a portion 20a, the specifications of which, in particular its diameter D20a, are greater than the specifications of the first opening 1, in particular the diameter D1. Therefore, the insertion of the portion 20a into the opening 1 causes the movement of the support area relative to the axis A1. More particularly, the bending of the elastic arms 4, 4', 4" combined with the expansion of the second openings 2, 2', 2" advantageously causes the receiving elements to move relative to the axis A1 in radial directions and in radially orthogonal directions without deforming the rest of the timepiece component 100, in particular without deforming the hub 6.

[0073] Advantageously, the clamping force on the shaft 20 is mainly defined by the geometry of the second openings 2, 2', while the stresses exerted on the hub 6 are minimized by the configuration of the first arm 4 and thus by the geometry of the two third openings 3, 3'.

[0074] exist Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4, all receiving structures 10 have third-order symmetry with respect to the axis A1. Therefore, all receiving structures 10 include three second openings 2, 2', 2" and three first arms 4, 4', 4" equally distributed around the geometric axis A1.

[0075] For a given opening geometry, this arrangement can maximize the number of resilient arms while minimizing the rigidity of the resilient arms and, therefore, the stresses in the material constituting the arms. Thus, for a given clamping force on the shaft of the member 20, this arrangement can minimize the stresses in the receiving structure 10.

[0076] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The distribution of stresses in receiving structure 10 during the step of assembling component 20 into timepiece component 100 is shown. Figure 4A represents a timepiece component in a resting state, that is to say not loaded by contact with a timepiece part. Here, the structure 10 is completely colored black, which indicates that the stress level in the material constituting the structure 10 is zero.

[0077] Figure 4B An intermediate assembly stage is shown in which a portion of timepiece component 20 is in contact with receiving elements 4b, 4b' and 4b", so as to move them in radial and radially orthogonal directions relative to axis A1, by the effect of an increase from diameter D20 to diameter D20a following the introduction of shaft 20 into opening 1. The white section lines indicate the stress levels caused by the enlargement of the three second openings 2, 2', 2" and the bending of the three arms 4, 4', 4". Note that the stress levels in hub 6 are not affected by the elastic deformation of openings 2, 2', 2", nor by the elastic deformation of arms 4, 4', 4".

[0078] Figure 4C The timepiece component 100 is shown in a situation where the member 20 has been completely inserted into the timepiece component 100. It can be seen that, despite the stress propagation in the arm 4, the hub 6 is not affected, or not affected very much. It follows that the hub does not deform. In this way, the periphery or rim of the wheel is even less deformed.

[0079] Thus, structure 10 enables assembly of member 20 into component 100 without undesirably deforming the hub, arms, or rims of the component.

[0080] In the following, refer to Figure 5 A second embodiment of a timepiece 400 of the present invention is described. The timepiece is, for example, a watch, for example a wristwatch.

[0081] The timepiece comprises a timepiece movement 300. The timepiece movement may be mechanical, in particular automatic. The movement may alternatively be electronic.

[0082] The movement comprises an assembly 200 comprising a timepiece component 20 and a second timepiece component embodiment 100 , in which the timepiece component 20 is mounted, in particular driven, into the timepiece component 100 .

[0083] The timepiece or timepiece component of this second embodiment does not differ from the timepiece or timepiece component of the first embodiment, for example, except that the timepiece component has only two receiving structures.

[0084] The assembly formed by the two receiving structures preferably has second-order rotational symmetry.

[0085] Moreover, in this second embodiment, the timepiece component may be devoid of the second arm 5 . In this case, the first arm 4 may be mechanically connected directly to the hub 6 .

[0086] Below, refer to Figure 6 A third embodiment of a timepiece 400 of the present invention will be described. The timepiece is, for example, a watch, such as a wristwatch.

[0087] The timepiece comprises a timepiece movement 300. The timepiece movement may be mechanical, in particular automatic. The movement may alternatively be electronic.

[0088] The movement comprises an assembly 200 comprising a timepiece component 20 and a third timepiece component embodiment 100 , in which the timepiece component 20 is mounted, in particular driven, into the timepiece component 100 .

[0089] In this third embodiment, the timepiece or timepiece component differs from the timepiece or timepiece component of the first embodiment only in that the timepiece component has, for example, four receiving structures.

[0090] The assembly formed by the four receiving structures preferably has a fourth-order rotational symmetry.

[0091] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the timepiece or timepiece component differs from the timepieces or timepiece components of the first and second embodiments in that the third opening is repeated.

[0092] In this third embodiment, receiving structure elements that are similar or functionally identical to elements of the receiving structure of the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals preceded by "1".

[0093] Each receiving structure 110 comprises a first elastic arm 14, comprising a first portion 14a, which is embedded in a second arm 15, which extends from the hub 16 in a substantially radial direction relative to the axis 1A1 of the first opening 11. The embedding is defined here by two third openings 13a, 13b', each extending at least partially radially orthogonally relative to the axis 1A1. More specifically, the embedding is defined here by respective portions 113a, 113b' of the openings 13a, 13b', each extending radially orthogonally relative to the axis 1A1. The section of the arm 14 at the level of its first portion 14a is defined by the diameter D13a, D13b and the width L (measured radially relative to the axis 1A1) of the portions 113a, 113b'. Furthermore, the portions 113b' and 213b' of the third opening 13b' together with the first opening 11 and the second opening 12' can define the portions 14b, 14c and 14d of the arm 14. The arm 14 thus has a bent arm shape.

[0094] exist Figure 6 In the third embodiment shown, all receiving structures 110 have a fourth-order rotational symmetry relative to the axis 1A1, and the four first arms 14, 14', 14", 14* are evenly distributed around the geometric axis 1A1. The parts 14a, 14a', 14a", 14a* are driven into the corresponding second arms 15, 15', 15", 15*. In this embodiment, the corresponding parts 14b, 14b', 14b", 14b* of the arms 14, 14', 14", 14* are built into the corresponding parts 14a, 14a', 14a", 14a* of the arms 14, 14', 14", 14* via the parts 14c, 14c', 14c" and 14c*, respectively. In other words, the arms are intertwined with each other.

[0095] In any embodiment or variant, the component may include two, three or four structures for receiving the member, and / or the receiving structures may form an assembly with N-order rotational symmetry, where N=2 or N=3 or N=4.

[0096] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the timepiece component is preferably configured such that when the component is introduced into the first opening, the elastically deformable element is predominantly loaded in bending and / or the connecting element is predominantly loaded in compression and / or the receiving element is predominantly loaded in bending.

[0097] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the watch component preferably includes a second opening, which extends at least substantially radially relative to the axis and opens into the first opening, each second opening radially orthogonally limiting two receiving elements of two adjacent receiving structures and / or each second opening separates the first connecting element from the second connecting element of two adjacent receiving structures.

[0098] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the timepiece component preferably comprises an elastically deformable element constituting a first elastically deformable element and a second elastically deformable element of two adjacent receiving structures.

[0099] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the first elastically deformable element and / or the second elastically deformable element preferably has a beam structure built-in only at one end thereof.

[0100] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the timepiece component preferably includes third openings, each third opening including a first portion extending at least substantially radially orthogonal to the axis, a second portion extending at least substantially radially orthogonal to the axis, and a third portion extending at least substantially radially to the axis.

[0101] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the first portion preferably defines the elastically deformable element radially relative to the axis, and / or the second portion preferably defines the receiving element radially relative to the axis, and / or the third portion preferably defines the connecting element radially orthogonally relative to the axis.

[0102] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, a first cylinder having a first diameter is inscribed in the first opening, and the second opening is inscribed in a second cylinder having a second diameter, the value of the second diameter being between 1.1 and 2.5 times the first diameter.

[0103] In any embodiment or variant, the receiving element preferably comprises at least one surface or one contact point for contact with the component.

[0104] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the first opening is inscribed in a first cylinder having a first diameter, and the second opening is inscribed in a second cylinder having a second diameter, the second diameter varying between 1.1 and 2.5 times the first diameter.

[0105] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the timepiece component may be produced by an electroforming process or by a LIGA type process or by a photolithography and deep etching process.

[0106] In any embodiment or variant embodiment, the timepiece component may be made of a brittle material or Ni or NiP or Si or diamond or quartz.

[0107] In any embodiment or variant, the timepiece component may comprise a hub 6 having an outer diameter less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm or less than 1.2 mm, the receiving structure being mechanically connected to the hub, to the interior of the hub, that is to a surface facing the interior of the hub.

[0108] For each embodiment, various sections of the structure are shown. These sections can preferably be identical and oriented in the same way in all the various cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the axis A1, 1A1. Nevertheless, these sections can also evolve along the axis A1, 1A1. In particular, these sections can be rotated along the axis A1, 1A1, so that a spiral shape can be generated.

[0109] Therefore, the above-mentioned clock component scheme has a resilient structure designed to receive a member such as an axle. These structures have the specific feature of being particularly compact. For example, they can be arranged in the center of a clock component, in particular a wheel, and supported by a small diameter hub.

[0110] Furthermore, such a structure advantageously makes it possible to drive the component in without causing deformation of the external geometry of a timepiece component such as the rim or of the arm connecting the hub to the rim. Moreover, due to their compactness, these structures have no impact on the aesthetics or geometry of a large part of the component, in particular the plate of the wheel. In particular, these structures have no impact on the aesthetics or geometry of the arm connecting the hub to the rim. Thus, such a structure can advantageously be implemented in a component of predetermined design, in particular a wheel-shaped piece.

[0111] The above-described components are particularly suitable for materials with no or only few plastic areas.

[0112] In particular, the described component is constructed so as to substantially minimize or even eliminate any deformation of the rest of the timepiece component when the member is driven into it. In practice, such a component enables, for example, a secure, reliable and permanent assembly of an escape wheel on a shaft, without relying on any deformation of the arms or periphery of said wheel, in particular of the teeth, which would risk creating an out-of-roundness.

[0113] Furthermore, a receiving structure for a component of this type has the advantage of being particularly compact and therefore easy to integrate into the predetermined aesthetics of a timepiece component.

[0114] The timepiece components described are particularly suitable for being mounted axially or for being driven without or virtually without peripheral deformations caused by mounting them on a shaft.

[0115] In the present application, "an element extends in a first direction" preferably means that a first dimension of the element in the first direction is at least greater than a second dimension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, or even at least twice the second dimension, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the axes A1, 1A1.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally, in the present application, “an element extends in a first direction” means that the element mechanically connects two spaced-apart elements, each of which extends in or substantially in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Claims

1. A timepiece component comprising a first opening for receiving a component when the component is driven into the first opening, the timepiece component comprising an axis located at the center of the first opening and at least two receiving structures for receiving the component, each of the receiving structures comprising: - a receiving element intended to come into contact with said member and extending substantially radially orthogonal to said axis between a first end and a second end of said receiving element, - a first connecting element extending from a first end of said receiving element substantially radially with respect to said axis, - a second connecting element, separate from said first connecting element and extending from a second end of said receiving element substantially radially with respect to said axis, - a first elastically deformable element extending substantially radially orthogonally with respect to said axis, said first elastically deformable element allowing a radial movement of said receiving element, and - a second elastically deformable element, separate from said first elastically deformable element and extending substantially radially orthogonally with respect to said axis, said second elastically deformable element allowing a radial movement of said receiving element, The first connecting element mechanically connects the first end of the receiving element to the first elastically deformable element, and the second connecting element mechanically connects the second end of the receiving element to the second elastically deformable element, A first receiving structure and a second receiving structure of the at least two receiving structures are adjacent, wherein the second elastically deformable element of the first receiving structure constitutes the first elastically deformable element of the second receiving structure.

2. A timepiece component according to claim 1, comprising two or three or four structures for receiving the component, and / or wherein the receiving structures constitute an assembly with N-order rotational symmetry, where N=2 or N=3 or N=4.

3. A timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, which is constructed so that when the component is introduced into the first opening, the elastically deformable element is loaded in a bending manner, and / or the connecting element is loaded in a compressive manner, and / or the receiving element is loaded in a bending manner.

4. A timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a second opening extending substantially radially relative to the axis and leading to the first opening, each second opening radially orthogonally defining two receiving elements of two adjacent receiving structures, and / or each second opening separates the first connecting element from the second connecting element of two adjacent receiving structures.

5. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first elastically deformable element and / or the second elastically deformable element has a beam structure built-in only at one end thereof.

6. A timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, comprising third openings, each third opening comprising a first portion extending substantially radially orthogonal to the axis, a second portion extending substantially radially orthogonal to the axis and a third portion extending substantially radially to the axis.

7. The timepiece component according to claim 6, wherein: The first portion defines an elastically deformable element radially with respect to the axis, and / or the second portion defines a receiving element radially with respect to the axis, and / or the third portion defines a connecting element radially orthogonally with respect to the axis.

8. The timepiece component according to claim 4, wherein: A first cylinder having a first diameter is inscribed in the first opening, and the second opening is inscribed in a second cylinder having a second diameter, the value of the second diameter being between 1.1 and 3 times the value of the first diameter.

9. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving element comprises at least one surface or one linear bearing area for contact with the component.

10. A timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, produced by an electroforming process or a LIGA type process or a photolithography and deep etching process and / or made of a brittle material or Ni or NiP or Si or diamond or quartz.

11. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: A wheel hub, wherein the outer diameter of the wheel hub is less than 2 mm, and the receiving structure is mechanically connected to the wheel hub and the interior of the wheel hub.

12. The timepiece component according to claim 11, wherein the outer diameter of the hub is less than 1.5 mm.

13. The timepiece component according to claim 11, wherein the outer diameter of the hub is less than 1.2 mm.

14. An assembly comprising a timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a member mounted in the first opening or driven into the first opening.

15. A timepiece movement comprising a timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or an assembly according to claim 14.

16. A timepiece comprising a timepiece movement according to claim 15 or an assembly according to claim 14 or a timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A timepiece according to claim 16, which is a wristwatch.

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