Flexible guide with adjustable translation stage for a rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for a watch movement

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible guide (1) for a rotating resonator mechanism, in particular for a watch movement, the guide (1) comprising a fixed support (2), a movable element (3) movable relative to the fixed support (2), at least one main flexible blade (4), the movable element (3) being allowed to move relative to the fixed support (2) with a rotational movement about a rotation center by bending the main flexible blade (4), the flexible guide (1) being arranged substantially in one plane and comprising at least a first translation stage (5) connected to one end of the main flexible blade (4), such that the first translation stage (5) is configured to move in translation at least partially under the influence of the bending of the main flexible blade (4), the flexible guide (1) comprising adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the first translation stage (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a flexible guide with an adjustable translation stage for a rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for a timepiece movement. The invention also relates to a rotary resonator mechanism provided with such a flexible guide. Background Art

[0002] Most mechanical watches today are equipped with a balance spring and a Swiss escapement. The balance spring forms the time base of the watch. It is also called a resonator.

[0003] The escapement then performs two main functions:

[0004] -Maintain the reciprocating motion of the resonator;

[0005] - Count these back and forth movements.

[0006] In order to construct a mechanical resonator, an inertial element, a guide and an elastic return element are required. Usually, a spiral hairspring acts as an elastic return element for the inertial element that constructs the balance wheel. The balance wheel is guided in rotation by a pivot that rotates in a smooth ruby ​​bearing. This causes friction and therefore energy losses and operating disturbances that are position dependent and need to be eliminated.

[0007] Nowadays, flexible guides are used as balance springs to form virtual pivots. Flexible virtual pivot guides significantly improve timepiece resonators. The simplest is the cross-blade pivot, which consists of two guide devices with straight blades that cross each other perpendicularly as a whole. The two blades can be three-dimensional in two different planes or two-dimensional in the same plane and then welded at their intersection.

[0008] However, when seeking to pivot the annular balance using flexible blades in a manner similar to the movement of a balance with a hairspring, isochronous movement cannot be achieved. In fact, a perfectly periodic rotational movement of the mass cannot be achieved. The return torque is not linear and it generates asymmetries depending on the amplitude of the displacement of the mass and the errors in the movement. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flexible guide for a rotary resonator mechanism which avoids the above mentioned problems.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a flexible guide for a rotating resonator mechanism, in particular for a timepiece movement, comprising a fixed support, a movable element movable relative to the fixed support, at least one main flexible blade, the movable element being allowed to move relative to the fixed support with a rotational movement about a center of rotation by bending one or more main flexible blades, the flexible guide being arranged substantially in one plane.

[0011] The flexible guide is notable in that it comprises at least a first translation stage connected to one end of the main flexible blade, such that the first translation stage is configured to move translationally at least partially under the influence of bending of the main flexible blade, and the flexible guide comprises adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the first translation stage.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, an isochronous flexible blade guide is obtained. In fact, the translation stage allows the main blade to move as it bends, and the adjustment device allows the rigidity of the translation stage to be varied to adjust the isochronism of the flexible guide. Thus, a substantially constant return coefficient is maintained, so that the movement of the balance wheel is isochronous.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the translation stage comprises at least one secondary flexible blade, preferably two secondary flexible blades, and a first rigid part, the secondary flexible blade being connected by one end to the rigid part and by the other end either to a fixed support or to a movable element, the secondary flexible blade or blades being substantially perpendicular to the main flexible blade in the rest position of the flexible guide.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the secondary flexible blades are arranged on different lines.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the secondary flexible blades are substantially parallel.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment means comprise a pin for varying the effective length of one or more secondary flexible blades.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment device comprises means for applying a force or torque to a rigid part of the translation stage.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, in the rest position of the guide, the force or torque is directed parallel to the secondary flexible blade and perpendicular to the primary flexible blade.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, in the rest position of the guide, the force or torque is directed perpendicularly to the secondary flexible blade and parallel to the primary flexible blade.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a second translation stage arranged between the application member and the rigid part of the first translation stage.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second translation stage comprises a second rigid part and at least one tertiary flexible blade, preferably two tertiary flexible blades, connecting the second rigid part to the first rigid part of the first translation stage, the tertiary flexible blade or blades being substantially perpendicular or parallel to the main flexible blade in the static position of the flexible guide.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a third translation stage arranged between the application member and the second rigid part of the second translation stage.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the third translation stage comprises a third rigid component, at least one fourth-level blade and at least one fifth-level blade; the at least one fourth-level blade is preferably two fourth-level blades, which connect the second rigid component to the support; the at least one fifth-level blade is preferably four fifth-level blades, which connect the third rigid component to the second rigid component of the second translation stage; in the static position of the flexible guide, the fourth-level blade and the fifth-level blade are substantially parallel to the main flexible blade.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the application member comprises an eccentric screw to press on the rigid part of the translation stage.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the application member comprises a movable element and a spring connecting the movable element to the rigid part, the stiffness of the secondary blade being varied by a displacement of the movable support relative to the rigid part.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the spring is helical.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the application member comprises a fork shoe and a flexible element, the fork shoe allowing a predetermined force or torque to be applied to the rigid part of the translation stage by means of the flexible element.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the applying member comprises magnets, one of which is arranged on a rigid part of the translation stage.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the movable element comprises a central portion.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the movable element comprises a balance wheel centred on the central portion.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rigid part forms a bend so that the different types of blades of the rigid part joining the first translation stage and the second translation stage are perpendicular to each other.

[0032] The invention also relates to a pivot comprising at least two flexible guides, preferably three symmetrical flexible guides, each formed by a main blade and a translation stage connected to a support, these pairs being angularly distributed around a central part, each main blade being connected to the central part by one end, at least one of the flexible guides being defined according to the invention.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the movable element comprises a central portion.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the movable element comprises a balance wheel centred on the central portion.

[0035] The invention also relates to a rotating resonator mechanism, in particular for a timepiece movement, comprising a flexible guide and / or a flexible pivot according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent after reading several embodiments given purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0038] Figure 2 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide with a balance wheel according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0039] Figure 3 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a first variant of a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0040] Figure 4 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a second variant of the second embodiment of the present invention,

[0041] Figure 5 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a third variation of the second embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] Figure 6 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0043] Figure 7 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0044] Figure 8 Schematically showing a top view of a flexible guide according to a variation of a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0045] Fig. 9 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

[0046] Fig.10 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible blade pivot with a balance wheel, the pivot comprising a flexible guide according to a third variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0047] Fig.11 schematically shows a top view of a symmetrical flexible blade pivot comprising a flexible guide according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0048] Fig.12 Schematically shows a top view of a flexible guide according to a first variant of a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0049] Fig.13 A top view of a flexible guide according to a second variation of the third embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figures 1 to 9 A flexible guide is shown for a rotating resonator mechanism, in particular for a rotating resonator mechanism of a watch movement. The flexible guides 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 are arranged substantially in one plane. The flexible guide comprises a fixed support 2, a movable element 3 movable relative to the fixed support 2 and a main flexible blade 4 connecting the movable element 3 to the support 2. The main flexible blade 4 allows the movable element 3 to move relative to the fixed support 2. By bending the main flexible blade 4, the movable element 3 can be moved relative to the support 2 in a rotational movement about a center of rotation. The movable element 3 comprises a cylindrical portion.

[0051] According to the invention, the flexible guide 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 comprises a translation stage 5, 15, 25 attached to one end of the main flexible blade 4. In this embodiment, the translation stage 5, 15, 25 is arranged in series between the fixed support 2 and said main flexible blade 4. The translation stage 5, 15, 25 is attached to the fixed support 2 and to a first end of the main flexible blade 4, which is attached to the movable element 3 by a second end. The translation stage 5, 15, 25 is configured to move in translation at least partially under the influence of the movement of the main flexible blade 4. The translation stage 5, 15, 25 comprises at least one secondary flexible blade, here two secondary flexible blades 7, 8, and a rigid part 6, 16, 26. The secondary flexible blades 7, 8 are arranged on different lines. Preferably, the secondary flexible blades 7, 8 are attached to the same face of the rigid part 6, 16, 26 by one end and to the fixed support 2 by the other end.

[0052] Here, the rigid part 6, 16, 26 forms a right-angled bend comprising two substantially perpendicular sections. The primary flexible blade 4 is attached to the first section and the secondary blades 7, 8 are attached to the second section. Thus, in the rest position of the guide 1, the primary flexible blade 4 is substantially perpendicular to the secondary flexible blades 7, 8 of the translation stage 5, 15, 25. The rest position is defined when the primary flexible blade 4 and the secondary flexible blades 7, 8 are straight and therefore not bent.

[0053] The flexible guide 1 , 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 , 70 , 80 further comprises adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the secondary flexible blades 7 , 8 .

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the adjusting device for adjusting the stiffness of the secondary flexible blades 7, 8 includes a pin 38 for supporting one or more secondary blades 7, 8 of the translation stage 5. The pin 38 is movable to press at different positions along the length of the secondary flexible blades 7, 8. Therefore, the effective length of the secondary flexible blades 7, 8 is changed by moving the pin 38. The shorter the effective length, the greater the stiffness. Therefore, the flexible guide 1 can be adjusted to be isochronous. The pins 38 are provided on both sides of each secondary blade 7, 8. In Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, three pins 38 are arranged on both sides of two blades 7, 8 and one pin is arranged between two secondary blades 7, 8. By moving the pins 38 away from the support 2, the length of the blades 7, 8 comprised between the support 2 and the pins 38 is blocked and no longer participates in the movement of the movable element 3. Only the length of the blades 7, 8 comprised between the pins 38 and the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5 is active in the movement of the movable element 3. The pins 38 are preferably simultaneously displaceable and pressed at substantially the same distance from the length of the secondary flexible blades 7, 8.

[0055] In a second embodiment, the flexible guides 10, 20, 30, 40, the adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the flexible blades comprises a member for supporting on the rigid part 6 of the translation stage, thereby changing the stiffness of one or more secondary blades 7, 8 of the translation stage 5. The general principle is shown in Figure 2 The adjusting means are configured to apply a force or a torque parallel to one or more secondary blades 7, 8 to the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5. The intensity of such a force or such a torque makes the secondary blades 7, 8 more or less rigid. The force or torque is transmitted by the rigid part 6 to the secondary flexible blades 7, 8. Thus, the secondary blades 7, 8 are prestressed by the supporting member, which changes the stiffness of one or more secondary blades 7, 8. The greater the force applied, the greater the stiffness of the blades 7, 8. These adjusting means allow adjusting the isochronism of the flexible guide by varying the stiffness of the secondary blades 7, 8.

[0056] exist Figure 3 , a first variant of the second embodiment consists in applying a more or less significant force by means of an eccentric screw 9. The screw head 9 is in contact with the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5. Thus, by turning the screw head 9, a more or less significant force is applied to the rigid part 6, since the screw head is not centered on the axis of the screw 9. This force prestresses the secondary blade of the translation stage.

[0057] As a variation of the second embodiment, the device for adjusting the flexible guide 30 includes magnets 11, 12. The first magnet 11 is arranged on the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5, and the second magnet 12 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first magnet 11 of the rigid part 6. The magnets 11, 12 are oriented to have the same magnetic poles facing each other. Therefore, by approaching each other, the second magnet exerts a repulsive force on the first magnet. Alternatively, the magnetic poles may have opposite markings to exert tension on the rigid part 6. Therefore, the stiffness of the secondary blades 7, 8 of the translation stage 5 can be adjusted by changing the distance between the two magnets 11, 12, and thereby the isochronism.

[0058] Figure 5 , which comprises an adjustment device provided with a spring 14 and a movable element 13. The spring 14 connects the movable element 13 to the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5. The movable element 13 is displaceable in a plurality of positions relative to the rigid part 13. Thus, the spring is more or less compressed, which then exerts a greater or lesser force on the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5.

[0059] Figure 6 An alternative variant of the second embodiment is shown, in which the force or torque is applied perpendicularly to the secondary blades 7, 8 and parallel to the primary blade 4. All variants of the adjustment device of the second embodiment can be used to apply a force or torque to the rigid part 16 of the translation stage 15. Thus, the velocity of the flexible guide 50 can be adjusted. Fig.12 and 13 A modified example of this embodiment is described in .

[0060] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Two variations of the third embodiment are shown, in which the flexible guide adjustment device 60, 70 comprises a second translation stage 17 and a third translation stage 19, which are arranged to exert a force or torque on the first translation stage 5. The second translation stage 17 is connected to the first translation stage 5 by at least one tertiary flexible blade, preferably two tertiary flexible blades 18. In the static position, the tertiary flexible blade 18 is substantially parallel to the secondary blades 7, 8. The second translation stage 17 comprises a second rigid component 21, and the third translation stage 19 comprises a third rigid component 22. The two rigid components 21, 22 each have a wedge shape with two vertical sections. When the flexible guides 60, 70 are in the static position, the two components are arranged end to end, and the sections of the second rigid component 21 and the sections of the third component 22 are parallel in pairs. The third translation stage 19 has the function of guiding the force or torque in the direction directed to the first translation stage 5 and the function of forming a spring with the second translation stage 17. The second translation stage 17 has a function of transmitting the force or torque generated by the spring to the first translation stage 5 .

[0061] The third rigid part 22 is connected to the fixed support 2 on the one hand by at least one quaternary flexible blade, preferably two quaternary flexible blades 24, and to the second rigid part 21 on the other hand by at least one quinary flexible blade, preferably four quinary flexible blades 23. When the flexible guides 60, 70 are in the rest position, the quaternary flexible blades 24 and the quinary flexible blades 23 are substantially perpendicular to the secondary blades 7, 8 and the tertiary blade 18. The quaternary flexible blade 24 has the function of guiding the third rigid part 22 in a direction that allows it to approach or move away from the second rigid part 21. The quinary flexible blade 23 has the function of a spring formed between the third rigid part 22 and the second rigid part 21, which transmits a force or torque to the first rigid part 6 of the first translation stage 5 through the tertiary flexible blade 18. The spring is prestressed by the displacement of the third rigid part 22 caused by the adjustment device.

[0062] The fourth-stage flexible blade 24 and the fifth-stage flexible blade 23 are connected to a single section of the corresponding rigid components 21, 22, and the two sections of each rigid component are parallel. Therefore, one section of each rigid component 21, 22 is not connected by any flexible blade. These two sections are substantially parallel to the fourth-stage flexible blade 24 and the fifth-stage flexible blade 23, and are substantially perpendicular to the secondary blades 7, 8 and the tertiary blade 18.

[0063] The adjustment device also comprises a movable support device on the third rigid part 22 of the third translation stage 19. Figure 7 In a first variant embodiment, the movable support device comprises a screw 27, the axis of which is supported on the third rigid component 22 of the third translation stage 19, and Figure 8 A variant comprises an eccentric screw 28. The support device is configured to move the third rigid part 22 in a direction parallel to the secondary blades 7, 8 and the tertiary blade 18 and perpendicular to the primary blade 4, the quaternary blade 24 and the quinary blade 23 in the rest position of the guide. It thus allows to exert a more or less significant force or torque on the third translation stage 19, which transmits said force or said torque to the second translation stage 17, which in turn transmits said force or said torque to the first translation stage 5.

[0064] Fig. 9 The flexible guide 80 of the fourth embodiment comprises a first translation stage 25, a second translation stage 34 connected to the first translation stage 25, and an adjustment device provided with a fork pallet 32 ​​connected to the second translation stage 34 via a flexible element 29. The fork pallet 32 ​​comprises a fork 33 at a first end and is connected to the flexible element 29 at its second end. The fork pallet 32 ​​is connected to the support 2 by two flexible blades 35 arranged on both sides of the fork pallet. The fork 33 allows the fork pallet 32 ​​to be moved in the direction of the plane of the flexible guide 80.

[0065] In addition to the same elements as those of the other embodiments, the first translation stage 25 comprises a rigid part 26 provided with a third section substantially perpendicular to the first section, the third section being substantially parallel to the first section, but offset towards the second translation stage 34. The second rigid part 31 of the second translation stage 34 forms a wedge with two substantially perpendicular sections. The first section is substantially parallel to the third section of the first rigid part 26 of the first translation stage 25. The second section is substantially parallel to the second section of the first translation stage 25. The second translation stage 34 comprises tertiary flexible blades, here four tertiary flexible blades 37, which connect the third section of the first translation stage 25 to the first section of the second translation stage 34. The tertiary flexible blades 37 are substantially perpendicular to the secondary flexible blades 7, 8. The flexible element 29 is connected to the fork shoe 32 by a first quaternary flexible blade 36 on the one hand and to the second section of the second translation stage 34 by a second quaternary flexible blade 37 on the other hand. For example, the flexible element 29 may be a flexible flat blade or a rigid rod provided with a neck which is thinned at each end to allow it to bend.

[0066] By moving the fork 33 , the fork shoe 32 applies a force or torque to the flexible element 29 , which is transmitted to the second translation stage 34 .

[0067] Fig.10 A first embodiment of a pivot 90 is shown for a rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for a watch movement. The pivot 90 is arranged substantially in a plane. The pivot 90 comprises a fixed support 2, a movable element 3 movable relative to the fixed support 2 and two main flexible blades 4, each of which connects the movable element 3 to the support 2. The main flexible blades 4 allow the movable element 3 to move relative to the fixed support 2. By bending the main flexible blades 4, the movable element 3 can be moved relative to the support 2 by a rotational movement on itself around a center of rotation. The main blades 4 preferably have the same length and are angularly distributed around a central part of the movable element 3.

[0068] According to the invention, the pivot 90 comprises two translation stages 5, each of which is linked to one end of a different primary flexible blade 4. In this embodiment, the translation stages 5 are arranged in series between the fixed support 2 and said corresponding primary flexible blade 4. The translation stages 5 are linked to the fixed support 2 and to a first end of the corresponding primary flexible blade 4, which is linked to the central portion by a second end.

[0069] Thus, the pivot 90 comprises two pairs, each formed by a main flexible blade 4 and a translation stage 5. The pairs are distributed angularly around a central portion, to which each main blade 4 is connected by one end. The pairs, in particular the main blades 4, form an angle of, for example, about 120° between each other. For example, the central portion is a portion of a cylinder. In this embodiment, the movable element 3 comprises the central portion. The first translation stage 5 is identical to those described in the embodiments of the flexible guide described above.

[0070] The movable element 3 also comprises a balance 39, which has the shape of a ring. The balance 16 comprises an outer annular portion 41 and arms 42, here three arms, which connect the annular portion 41 to an axial joint 43 relative to the annular portion 41. The arms 42 are concentric and have the same length. The balance 39 is assembled on the central portion by the joint 43. Preferably, the central portion and the joint 43 are made in one piece. Therefore, the balance 39 is centered relative to the central portion. In this variant, the balance is made of the same material, that is to say, it is made in one piece.

[0071] When the balance wheel 39 moves, a periodic rotational movement follows in the plane of the balance wheel 39, in one direction and then in the other direction, about an axis passing through the joint 43 and the central part. The main flexible blade 4 bends and acts as a spring for returning the balance wheel 39 so that it rotates in the other direction and vice versa. The translation stage 5 allows the main blade 4 to move longitudinally as it bends. When the main blade 4 bends, the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5 moves closer to the central part due to the secondary blade, and moves away from the central part when the main blade 4 straightens. Thus, the isochronism of the movement of the balance wheel 39 is maintained.

[0072] Fig.11 An embodiment of a symmetrical pivot 100 is shown for a rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for a rotary resonator mechanism of a watch movement. The symmetrical pivot 100 is arranged substantially in a plane. The symmetrical pivot 100 comprises a fixed support 2, a movable element 3 movable relative to the fixed support 2 and three main flexible blades 4, each flexible blade 4 connecting the movable element 3 to the support 2. The main flexible blades 4 allow the movable element 3 to move relative to the fixed support 2. By bending the main flexible blades 4, the movable element 3 can be moved relative to the support 2 by a rotational movement on itself about the center of rotation. The main blades 4 preferably have the same length and are angularly evenly distributed around the central part of the movable element 3.

[0073] According to the invention, the symmetrical pivot 100 comprises a translation stage 5, each of which is linked to one end of a different primary flexible blade 4. In this embodiment, the translation stages 5 are arranged in series between the fixed support 2 and said corresponding primary flexible blade 4. The translation stages 5 are linked to the fixed support 2 and to a first end of the corresponding primary flexible blade 4, which is linked to the central portion by a second end.

[0074] Thus, the symmetric pivot 100 comprises three pairs, each pair being formed by a main flexible blade 4 and a translation stage 5 arranged in series. The pairs are distributed angularly around a central portion, to which each main blade 4 is connected by one end. The pairs, in particular the main blades 4, form an angle of about 120° between each other. For example, the central portion is a portion of a cylinder. In this embodiment, the movable element 3 comprises the central portion. The first translation stage 5 is identical to those described in the embodiments of the flexible guide described above.

[0075] The movable element 3 also comprises a balance 39, which has the shape of a ring. The balance 16 comprises an outer annular portion 41 and arms 42, here three arms, which join the annular portion 41 at an axial joint 43 relative to the annular portion 41. The arms 42 are concentric and have the same length. The balance 39 is assembled on the central portion by the joint 43. Preferably, the central portion and the joint 43 are made in one piece. Therefore, the balance 39 is centered relative to the central portion. In this embodiment, the balance is made of the same material, that is to say, it is made in one piece.

[0076] When the balance wheel 39 moves, a periodic rotational movement follows in the plane of the balance wheel 39, in one direction and then in the other direction, about an axis passing through the joint 43 and the central part. The main flexible blade 4 bends and acts as a spring for returning the balance wheel 39 to rotate in the other direction and vice versa. The translation stage 5 allows the main blade 4 to move longitudinally as it bends. When the main blade 4 bends, the rigid part 6 of the translation stage 5 moves closer to the central part due to the secondary blades, and moves away from the central part when the main blade 4 straightens. Thus, the isochronism of the movement of the balance wheel 39 is maintained.

[0077] Fig.10 and 11 Embodiments of the pivots 90 , 100 also include means for adjusting for asynchronism on one of the translation stages 5 .

[0078] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment of the pivot 90, the adjustment device is Figure 5 The third variant of the second embodiment of the flexible guide 40 is described in detail. The adjustment device comprises a spring and a displaceable retaining element.

[0079] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment of the symmetrical pivot 100, the adjusting device is Figure 1 The first embodiment of the flexible guide 1 is described above. The adjustment means comprises a pin for varying the effective length of the blade.

[0080] Although not shown, other embodiments are possible. Thus, the adjustment device can be arranged on several translation stages of the same symmetrical pivot.

[0081] In another variant, the translation stage is arranged in series between the main flexible blade and the movable element.

[0082] In a first variant of the third embodiment of the flexible guide 110, the rigid part 16 of the translation stage 15 of the flexible guide 50 has a U-shape and includes a third section parallel to the secondary blades 7, 8 in the static position. The first section and the third section are arranged on both sides of the secondary blades 7, 8, and the secondary blades 7, 8 enter the inside of the U-shape to be connected to the second section. The adjustment device is provided with a spring 51 and a movable element 44. The spring 51 connects the movable element 44 to the rigid part 16 of the translation stage 15. In particular, the spring 51 is arranged to be stretched or compressed parallel to the main blade 4 and perpendicular to the secondary blades 7, 8. The spring 51 is connected to the third section of the rigid part 16. The movable element 44 is displaceable in a plurality of positions relative to the rigid part 16. Therefore, the spring 51 is stretched or compressed to a greater or lesser extent, and then it exerts a greater or lesser force on the rigid part 16 of the translation stage 15.

[0083] In a second variant of the third embodiment of the flexible guide 120, the adjustment device comprises a second translation stage 47, which is provided with a second rigid component 49 and a tertiary flexible blade 48. The rigid component 46 of the first translation stage 45 has the shape of a right-angled bend, which includes two substantially vertical sections. The primary flexible blade 4 is connected to the first section, and the secondary blades 7, 8 are connected to the second section. The second section of the rigid component 46 is elongated. The second rigid component 49 of the second translation stage 47 also has the shape of a right-angled bend, which includes two substantially vertical sections. The first section of the second rigid component 49 is substantially parallel to the first section of the first rigid component 46, and the second section of the second rigid component 49 is substantially parallel to the first section of the first rigid component 46. The sections of the first rigid component 46 and the second rigid component 49 face each other in pairs. The flexible guide 120 comprises at least one tertiary blade, preferably four tertiary blades 48, which connect the second sections of the two rigid components 46, 49 to each other. In the rest position of the flexible guide 120 , the tertiary blade 48 is substantially parallel to the secondary blades 7 , 8 and substantially perpendicular to the primary blade 4 .

[0084] The invention also relates to a resonator mechanism, in particular for a timepiece movement, not shown in the accompanying drawings.The resonator mechanism is provided with a flexible guide or pivot according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0085] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings and variants are contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, a plurality of pairs formed by the main flexible blade and the translation stage may be envisaged, the number of which is higher or lower than the example described.

Claims

1. A flexible guide for a rotating resonator mechanism for a watch movement, the flexible guide comprising a fixed support (2), a movable element (3) movable relative to the fixed support (2), at least one main flexible blade (4), the movable element (3) being allowed to move relative to the fixed support (2) in a rotational movement about a rotation center by bending one or more main flexible blades (4), the flexible guide being arranged substantially in one plane, characterized in that The flexible guide comprises at least a first translation stage (5, 15, 25, 45) connected to one end of the main flexible blade (4), such that the first translation stage (5, 15, 25, 45) is configured to move in translation at least partially under the influence of the bending of the main flexible blade (4), and the flexible guide comprises adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the first translation stage (5, 15, 25, 45).

2. The flexible guide according to claim 1, characterized in that The first translation stage (5, 15, 25, 45) comprises at least one secondary flexible blade (7, 8) and a first rigid part (6, 16, 26), the secondary flexible blade (7, 8) being connected by one end to the first rigid part (6, 16, 26) and by the other end either to the fixed support (2) or to the movable element (3), wherein in the static position of the flexible guide, the one or more secondary flexible blades (7, 8) are substantially perpendicular to the primary flexible blade (4).

3. The flexible guide according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The adjustment device comprises a pin (38) for varying the effective length of one or more secondary flexible blades (7, 8).

4. The flexible guide according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjustment device comprises means for applying a force or torque to the first rigid part (6, 16, 26) of the first translation stage.

5. The flexible guide according to claim 4, characterized in that In the rest position of the flexible guide, the force or the torque is directed parallel to the secondary flexible blades (7, 8).

6. The flexible guide according to claim 4, characterized in that In the rest position of the flexible guide, the force or the torque is directed perpendicularly to the secondary flexible blades (7, 8).

7. The flexible guide according to claim 4, characterized in that The adjustment device comprises a second translation stage arranged between an application member and the first rigid part (6, 16, 26) of the first translation stage (5, 15, 25, 45).

8. The flexible guide according to claim 7, characterized in that The second translation stage comprises a second rigid part (21, 31) and at least one tertiary flexible blade (18, 37, 48), wherein the tertiary flexible blade (18, 37, 48) connects the second rigid part (21, 31) to the first rigid part (6, 16, 26) of the first translation stage, wherein in the static position of the flexible guide, one or more tertiary flexible blades (18, 37, 48) are substantially perpendicular or parallel to the main flexible blade (4).

9. The flexible guide according to claim 8, characterized in that The adjustment device comprises a third translation stage (19) arranged between the application member and the second rigid part (21, 31) of the second translation stage.

10. The flexible guide according to claim 9, characterized in that The third translation stage (19) comprises a third rigid component (22), at least one fourth-level blade (24) and at least one fifth-level blade (23), wherein the fourth-level blade (24) connects the second rigid component to the fixed support (2) or to the movable element (3); the fifth-level blade (23) connects the third rigid component (22) to the second rigid component of the second translation stage; in the static position of the flexible guide, the fourth-level blade (24) and the fifth-level blade (23) are substantially parallel to the main flexible blade (4).

11. The flexible guide according to claim 10, characterized in that The applying member comprises an eccentric screw (9, 28) for pressing on the third rigid component of the third translation stage.

12. The flexible guide according to claim 7, characterized in that The applying member comprises a movable element and a spring (14, 51) connecting the movable element to the first rigid component.

13. The flexible guide according to claim 8, characterized in that The application member comprises a fork shoe (32) and a flexible element (29), wherein the fork shoe (32) allows a predetermined force or torque to be applied to the second rigid part of the second translation stage by means of the flexible element (29).

14. The flexible guide according to claim 7, characterized in that The applying member comprises magnets (11, 12), one of the magnets (11) being arranged on the first rigid part of the first translation stage.

15. The flexible guide according to claim 10, characterized in that The first rigid component forms a bent piece, so that different types of blades of the first rigid component connected to the first translation stage or the second translation stage are perpendicular to each other.

16. A pivot (90, 100), characterized in that: The pivot (90, 100) comprises at least two flexible guides, each formed by a main flexible blade (4) and a first translation stage connected to a fixed support (2) or to a movable element (3), distributed angularly around a central part, each main flexible blade (4) being connected to the central part by one end, at least one of the flexible guides being as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

17. The pivot according to claim 16, characterized in that The movable element (3) comprises the central portion.

18. A pivot according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that The movable element (3) comprises a fork pad (32) centered on the central portion.

19. A rotary resonator mechanism for a watch movement, characterized in that: The rotary resonator mechanism comprises a flexible guide according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or a pivot (90, 100) according to any one of claims 16 to 18.

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