Flexible guide assembly for a rotating resonator mechanism, in particular for a timepiece movement

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible guide assembly for a rotating resonator mechanism, in particular for a timepiece movement, the assembly comprising a fixed support and two flexible guides, the two flexible guides being arranged in series, the first flexible guide comprising: a first element movable relative to the fixed support; a first pair of flexible blades connected to the first movable element so that the first movable element can be moved by bending the blades of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center, the second flexible guide comprising: a second element movable relative to the first movable element; a second pair of flexible blades connecting the second movable element to the first movable element so that the second movable element can be moved relative to the first movable element by bending the blades of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center, characterized in that the first rotation center and the second rotation center are offset by a first predefined distance belonging to the plane of the assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible guide assembly for a rotating resonator mechanism and a timepiece movement provided with such a flexible guide assembly. Background of the Invention

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

[0003] The escapement, on the other hand, performs two main functions:

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

[0005] -Count these back and forth movements.

[0006] The Swiss-type escapement has a low energy efficiency (about 30%). This inefficiency stems from the fact that the movement of the escapement is not smooth, with a lost "drop" or travel to accommodate machining tolerances, and from the fact that several parts transmit their movement via inclined surfaces that rub against each other.

[0007] The manufacture of a mechanical resonator requires an inertial element, a guide and an elastic return element. Usually, a balance spring acts as an elastic return element for the inertial element constituted by the balance wheel. This balance wheel is guided in rotation by a pivot that rotates in a smooth ruby ​​bearing. This causes friction and therefore energy losses and disturbances in operation, which are position-dependent and need to be eliminated.

[0008] There are also known embodiments of resonators comprising guides with flexible blades as elastic return means for one or more inertial elements. Flexible guides with virtual pivots can significantly improve the efficiency of a timepiece resonator. The simplest are guides with crossed blades, consisting of two crossed straight, usually perpendicular blades. However, there are also guides with non-crossed blades of the RCC (Remote Center Compliance) type, which have straight blades that do not cross. Such resonators are described in European Patent No. 2911012 or in European Patents No. 14199039 and No. 16155039.

[0009] The use of a flexible guide makes it possible to replace the pivot of the balance and its balance spring. This has the advantage of eliminating pivot friction, thus increasing the quality factor of the resonator. However, flexible guides are known to have a small angular travel (approximately between 10° and 20° compared to 300° for a balance spring). A large angular travel is required to ensure the proper functioning of many mechanical escapements.

[0010] To solve this problem, it has been envisaged to place several guides with flexible blades in series, for example in US Pat. No. 2018319517, US Pat. No. 2019120287 or European Pat. No. 3451072. Thus, a much greater angular travel is obtained. The advantage of placing several guides in series is that each guide has a small rotation amplitude, which makes it possible to obtain good isochronism and good guidance.

[0011] However, some disadvantages still exist, in particular the lack of control over undesired movements of the guide, or in particular the influence of gravity on the flexible guide, which is still significant. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a flexible guide for a rotary resonator mechanism which avoids the above mentioned problems.

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a flexible guide assembly for a rotating resonator mechanism, in particular for a timepiece movement, the assembly comprising a fixed support and two flexible guides, the two flexible guides extending in substantially the same plane or in two different parallel planes, the two flexible guides being arranged in series, the first flexible guide comprising: a first element movable relative to the fixed support; a first pair of flexible blades connected to the first movable element so that the first movable element can be moved by bending the blades of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center, the second flexible guide comprising: a second element movable relative to the first movable element and the fixed support; a second pair of flexible blades connecting the second movable element to the first movable element so that the second movable element can be moved relative to the first movable element and the fixed support by bending the blades of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center.

[0014] The flexible guide assembly is characterized in that the first center of rotation and the second center of rotation are offset by a first predefined distance, the first predefined distance belonging to the plane of the assembly.

[0015] As a result of the present invention, a guide assembly is obtained having a flexible blade with sufficient angular travel, more precise control of unwanted motion, and minimizing the effects of gravity on the operation of the resonator.

[0016] In fact, by adjusting the offset between the flexible guides, the undesirable movements of the flexible guide assembly can be selected to make them easier to control. In addition, since the flexible guides do not have the same arrangement, this offset minimizes the influence of gravity.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the first pair of blades are crossed.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the first pair of blades are non-intersecting.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the second pair of blades are crossed.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the second pair of blades are non-intersecting.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide, the third flexible guide comprising a third movable element and a third pair of flexible blades connecting the third movable element to the second movable element, such that the third movable element can be moved relative to the second movable element, the first movable element and the fixed support by bending the blades of the third pair in a circular motion around a third center of rotation.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third center of rotation is offset with respect to the second center of rotation by a second predefined distance, the second predefined distance belonging to the plane of the component.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the third pair of blades are crossed.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the third pair of blades are non-intersecting.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly comprises a fourth flexible guide arranged in series, comprising a fourth movable element and a fourth pair of flexible blades connecting the fourth movable element to the third movable element or the support, such that the fourth movable element can be moved relative to the third movable element, the second movable element, the first movable element and the support by bending the blades of the fourth pair of blades in a circular motion around a fourth rotation center.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the fourth center of rotation is offset with respect to the third center of rotation by a third predefined distance, the third predefined distance belonging to the plane of the component.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the fourth pair of blades are crossed.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the fourth pair of blades are non-intersecting.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, in the rest position of the assembly, the assembly is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal line and / or the transverse line.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first pair of flexible blades is connected to the fixed support.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, in the rest position of the assembly, the center of rotation of the flexible guide is arranged on a straight line, on which the center of mass of the resonator is preferably also arranged.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the stiffness of each flexible guide is selected according to the following equation:

[0033]

[0034] For the set of values ​​{1, ..., N-1} n For each value of N is the number of flexible guides, and k j and k i It is a guide j and guides i The stiffness of r i Flexible guide i and flexible guides i-1 The offset between the rotation centers of

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible guides are identical and comply with the following equation:

[0036]

[0037] For the set of values ​​{1, ..., N-1} n For each value of N is the number of flexible guides, and r N+1 is the distance between the last rotation center of the last flexible guide and the center of mass (M).

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible guide obeys the following equation:

[0039]

[0040] in, , N is the number of flexible guides. k The value of is chosen based on the number of pivots and following the rules of Pascal's triangle.

[0041] The invention also relates to a rotating resonator mechanism for a timepiece movement, comprising an oscillating weight and a flexible guide assembly according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description of several embodiments given purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] - Figure 1 A first arrangement of a flexible guide of a flexible guide assembly according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0044] - Figure 2 Schematically showing a second arrangement of the flexible guide of the flexible guide assembly according to the present invention,

[0045] - Figure 3 Schematically represents a third arrangement of the flexible guide of the flexible guide assembly according to the invention,

[0046] - Figure 4 Schematically showing a flexible guide assembly according to a first embodiment,

[0047] - Figure 5 The flexible guide assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0048] - Figure 6 The flexible guide assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0049] - Figure 7 A flexible guide assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0050] - Figure 8 The flexible guide assembly according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0051] - Fig. 9 Schematically showing a flexible guide assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention,

[0052] - Fig.10 The flexible guide assembly according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0053] - Fig.11 The flexible guide assembly according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0054] - Fig.12 The flexible guide assembly according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0055] - Fig.13 A flexible guide assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, and

[0056] - Fig.14 A flexible guide assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 Represents a theoretical arrangement of multiple rotation centers of flexible guides, each flexible guide having a rotation center 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... N, about which the flexible guide rotates. The flexible guides are arranged in series in different positions so that in a static position of the assembly, the rotation center 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... N of each flexible guide is offset from each other. The static position corresponds to no movement of the flexible guides, all guides are in an equilibrium position. In other words, no rotation center has the same position as another rotation center. With the exception of the first flexible guide 1, which is determined relative to the origin of the reference mark, each rotation center has a defined position relative to the rotation center of the previous flexible guide in the serial series. Each rotation center of the flexible guides is offset relative to the rotation center of the previous flexible guide. Therefore, the rotation center of the second flexible guide 2 is at a distance of 1 / 200 N from the rotation center of the first flexible guide 1. The rotation center of the third flexible guide 3 is offset relative to the rotation center of the second flexible guide 2 by a distance Offset, and so on, until the last flexible guide N. Depending on the arrangement of the flexible guides, the assembly has a center of mass M, which is arranged at a distance N from the last flexible guide. In the figures, all the centers of rotation are offset relative to each other, but in different embodiments, some centers of rotation may overlap.

[0058] Two pivots are said to be connected in series when they are assembled to each other so that the movable element of the latter pivot can be moved in rotation via means connected to the movable element of the preceding pivot. Figure 2 As shown, the flexible guides are arranged so that the centers of rotation of all the flexible guides are arranged on the same straight line 6. Therefore, the centers of rotation 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... N of each flexible guide are offset relative to each other at a predefined distance on the same line. This arrangement of the guides of the assembly makes it possible to reduce the influence of gravity on the assembly. In fact, the movement of the center of gravity is less than Figure 1 The general situation.

[0059] In one particular case, the flexible guide is arranged according to the following equation:

[0060]

[0061] in , N is the number of flexible guides belonging to the assembly, k j It is a guide j The stiffness of r i Flexible guide iand flexible guides i-1 The offset distance between the rotation centers of

[0062] distance r 1 is the distance between the center of rotation of the guide 1 and the fixed support 7 of the assembly. This arrangement of the guide of the assembly further reduces the influence of gravity on the assembly, since the movement of the center of gravity is even smaller.

[0063] Same stiffness in all flexible guides k In the specific case of , the equation becomes:

[0064]

[0065] in , N is the number of flexible guides belonging to the assembly, and r N+1 is the distance between the last rotation center of the last flexible guide and the center of mass (M). This arrangement of the guides of the assembly reduces the manufacturing costs of the assembly, since the guides are identical and therefore easier to manufacture.

[0066] In a variation, the guides are identical but have different stiffnesses, or they are different but have the same stiffness. In these cases, the flexible guide is selected according to the following binomial equation:

[0067]

[0068] in, , N is the number of flexible guides, r k+1 Flexible guide k+1 and flexible guides k The offset distance between the rotation centers of k The value of is chosen based on the number of guides and following the rules of Pascal's triangle. Pascal's triangle has the following form:

[0069] .

[0070] In the case of an assembly of two flexible guides, the coefficients of the third row are chosen k For a component with three guides, choose the coefficients of the fourth row k For the assembly of four guides, choose the coefficients of the fifth row k , and so on for additional guides. The last number corresponds to the offset of the center of mass of the assembly. When the coefficient has a negative sign, on line 6, the offset is along the same axis as the coefficient kPositive values ​​bias in the opposite direction.

[0071] For example, in Figure 3 , for an assembly of four flexible guides, the first rotation center 1 of the first guide is arranged at a distance X from the support 7 on the line 6 by a factor of 1. The second rotation center 2 of the second guide is offset from the first rotation center 1 on the line 6 by a distance of -4X. The third rotation center 3 of the third guide is offset from the second rotation center 2 on the line 6 by a distance of 6X. The fourth rotation center 4 of the fourth guide is offset from the third rotation center 3 on the line 6 by a distance of -4X. Finally, the assembly is configured such that the center of mass M of the assembly is arranged at a distance X from the fourth rotation center 4 on the line 6.

[0072] This arrangement of the guides of the assembly further reduces the effects of gravity on the assembly, since the shift of the centre of gravity is smaller than in the previous variants.

[0073] Figures 4 to 14 An embodiment of the assembly comprises flexible guides whose rotation centers are arranged on the same line.

[0074] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A first embodiment 10 and a second embodiment 20 of an assembly of two flexible guides assembled in series are shown. The assemblies 10, 20 comprise supports 11, 21 and two flexible guides, each of which is arranged substantially in one plane. The supports 11, 21 have the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely relative to the assemblies 10, 20.

[0075] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 13, 23 movable relative to the support 11, 21, and a first pair of flexible blades 12, 22 connecting the support 11, 21 to the first movable element 13, 23. Thus, the first movable element 13, 23 is movable relative to the support 11, 21 by bending the blades 12, 22 of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center 17, 27. The first movable element 13, 23 has a tubular shape forming a rectangle whose long sides 14, 24 are elevated relative to the other sides so that they are in the plane of the second flexible guide. In the rest position of the assembly, the rectangle is arranged transversely, substantially parallel to the support 11, 21.

[0076] The second flexible guide comprises a second element 16, 26 movable relative to the first movable element 13, 23, and a second pair of flexible blades 15, 25 connecting the second movable element 16, 26 to the first movable element 13, 23. Thus, the second movable element 16, 26 is movable relative to the first movable element 13, 23 by bending the blades 15, 25 of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center 18, 28. In the rest position of the assembly 10, 20, the second movable element 16, 26 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely, substantially parallel to the support 11, 21 and the first movable element 13, 23.

[0077] The flexible blades 12, 15, 22, 25 of the same pair cross and are welded at their intersection. The blades of the same pair are attached to the support 11, 21 or movable element 13, 16, 26, 23 on the same side. The blades 15, 25 of the second pair are attached on the same raised side 14, 24 of the first movable element 13, 23.

[0078] exist Figure 4 In a first embodiment of the assembly 10, two flexible guides extend one behind the other, while Figure 5 In the second embodiment of the assembly 20, the two flexible guides largely overlap, with the second flexible guide being oriented above the first guide in another direction relative to the first embodiment 10.

[0079] According to the invention, for both embodiments, the first rotation center 17, 27 and the second rotation center 18, 28 are offset by a first predefined distance. In the rest position of the assembly 10, 20, the rotation centers are substantially arranged at the intersection of the pair of blades 12, 15, 22, 25 of each flexible guide. In the first embodiment 10, this distance is greater than in the second embodiment 20.

[0080] Figure 6 The third embodiment is a variation of the second embodiment, in which the two pairs of intersecting blades 32, 35 are not joined at their intersection. Furthermore, the first movable element 33 has a rectangular shape, provided with a raised portion 34, so as to be located in the plane of the second flexible guide. The two guides are mainly overlapping, with an offset so as to separate the two rotation centers 37, 38 by a first predefined distance. The support 31 of the assembly 30 and the second movable element 36 are almost overlapping.

[0081] Figure 7 A fourth embodiment of an assembly 40 is shown, comprising a support 41 and four flexible guides arranged in series. The guides are arranged in substantially the same plane. The support 41 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely with respect to the assembly 40.

[0082] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 43 movable relative to the support 41, a first pair of flexible blades 42 connecting the support 41 to the first movable element 43. Thus, the first movable element 43 can be moved relative to the support 41 by bending the blades 42 of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center 47. The first movable element 43 is in the shape of an arc, with its curved portion facing the support 41.

[0083] The second flexible guide comprises a second element 46 movable relative to the first movable element 43, and a second pair of flexible blades 45 connecting the second movable element 46 to the first movable element 43. Thus, the second movable element 46 is movable relative to the first movable element 43 by bending the blades 45 of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center 48. The second movable element 46 has an H shape, the central section 39 of which is elongated.

[0084] According to the invention, the first rotation centre 47 and the second rotation centre 48 are offset by a first predefined distance.The rotation centres 47, 48 are arranged substantially at the intersection of the collinearities of the blades of each flexible guide in the rest position.

[0085] The assembly 40 comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third movable element 51 and a third pair of flexible blades 49 connecting the third movable element 51 to the second movable element 46. Thus, the third movable element 51 is movable relative to the second movable element 46 by bending the blades 49 in the third pair in a circular motion around a third rotation center. The third rotation center is at substantially the same position as the second rotation center 48. The third movable element 51 is in the shape of an arc of a circle, which is arranged symmetrically to another arc of the first movable element 43 relative to the section 39 of the H-shaped body located in the middle of the assembly 40. The two arcs are arranged in the H, on both sides of the section 39.

[0086] The assembly comprises a fourth flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the third flexible guide, the fourth flexible guide comprising a fourth movable element 53 and a fourth pair of flexible blades 52 connecting the fourth movable element 53 to the third movable element 51. Thus, the fourth movable element 53 is able to move relative to the third movable element 51 by bending the blades 52 of the fourth pair in a circular motion around the fourth rotation center 44. The fourth rotation center 44 is offset relative to the second and third rotation centers 48 by a second predefined distance, which is substantially equal to the first distance. In the static position of the assembly 40, the fourth movable element 53 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged parallel to the support 41. The curvature of the arc of the third movable element 51 is directed towards the fourth movable element 53. The support 41 and the fourth movable element 53 are arranged outside the H, behind each arc.

[0087] The four flexible guides have blades that do not cross. The blades 42, 45, 49, 52 of the same pair of blades are arranged on the same side of the support 41 and / or the corresponding movable element 43, 46, 51, 53. The two flexible guides are arranged symmetrically in pairs. Therefore, the flexible guide assembly 40 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal line and the transverse line in the static position, and these two lines are substantially perpendicular.

[0088] exist Figure 8 In the fifth embodiment, the assembly 50 comprises a support 61 and three flexible guides arranged in series, each guide being arranged substantially in the same plane. The support 61 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate provided with protrusions on which the blades are attached.

[0089] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 63 movable relative to the support 61, a first pair of flexible blades 62 connecting the support 61 to the first movable element 63. Thus, the first movable element 63 is movable relative to the support 61 by bending the blades 62 of the first pair in a circular motion around the first rotation center 57. The first movable element 63 is U-shaped.

[0090] The second flexible guide comprises a second element 66 movable relative to the first movable element 63, and a second pair of flexible blades 65 connecting the second movable element 66 to the first movable element 63. Thus, the second movable element 66 is movable relative to the first movable element 63 by bending the blades 65 of the second pair in a circular motion around the second rotation center 58. The second movable element 66 is U-shaped.

[0091] The assembly comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third element 67 movable relative to the second movable element 66, and a third pair of flexible blades 59 connecting the third movable element 67 to the second movable element 66. Thus, the third movable element 67 is movable relative to the second movable element 66 by bending the blades 59 of the third pair in a circular motion around the third rotation center 54. The third movable element 67 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate provided with protrusions on which the blades are attached. The third rotation center 54 is offset relative to the second rotation center 58 by a second predefined distance, which is substantially equal to the first distance.

[0092] The first and third flexible guides have flexible blades that do not cross. The second flexible guide has crossed flexible blades that are connected at their intersection. The two "U" shapes face each other so that the inside of one "U" faces the inside of the other "U". The two U shapes are connected to each other by a second pair of blades 65 forming an "X", the ends of the blades being assembled to the inside of the U. The support 61 and the third movable element 67 are each arranged inside the U, with the protrusions pointing to the outside of the U. The first pair of blades 62 and the third pair of blades 59 are connected to the inside of the U after the second pair of blades 58.

[0093] In the rest position, the flexible guide assembly is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and a transverse line, the two lines being substantially perpendicular.

[0094] Fig. 9 The sixth embodiment of the invention shows an assembly 60 comprising a support 71 and two flexible guides arranged in series in one plane. The support 71 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely with respect to the assembly 60 .

[0095] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 73 movable relative to the support 71, a first pair of flexible blades 72 connecting the support 71 to the first movable element 73. Thus, the first movable element 73 is movable relative to the support 71 by bending the blades 72 of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center 77. The first movable element 73 is U-shaped, the inner side of the U facing transversely to the support.

[0096] The second flexible guide comprises a second element 76 movable relative to the first movable element 73, and a second pair of flexible blades 75 connecting the second movable element 76 to the first movable element 76. Thus, the second movable element 76 can be moved relative to the first movable element 73 by bending the blades 75 of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center 78. The second movable element 76 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate provided with protrusions on which the blades are attached.

[0097] According to the invention, the first rotation center 77 and the second rotation center 78 are offset at a first predefined distance. The rotation centers 77, 78 are substantially arranged at the intersection of the co-linearity of the blades of each flexible guide in the static position. Thus, the first rotation center 77 is formed at the intersection, while the second rotation center is formed at the protrusion of the second movable element 76.

[0098] The first flexible guide has intersecting flexible blades which are joined at their intersection points. The second flexible guide has non-intersecting flexible blades.

[0099] The support and the U are connected to each other by a second pair of blades 75 forming an X, the ends of which are assembled to the inside of the U on the one hand and to the sides of the rectangular plate on the other hand. A second movable element 76 is arranged inside the U with the protrusion facing the outside of the U. The first pair of blades 72 and the second pair of blades 75 are attached to the inside of the U.

[0100] exist Fig.10 In the seventh embodiment, the component 70 is Fig. 9 A variation of the fifth embodiment in which the flexible blades 85 of the second pair are crossed, the second movable element 86 is arranged perpendicular to the support 81 inside the U of the first movable element 83. The first rotation center 87 of the first pair of blades 82 is offset relative to the second rotation center 88.

[0101] exist Fig.11 , an eighth embodiment of the assembly 80 comprises a support 91 and three flexible guides arranged in series in substantially the same plane. The support 91 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely relative to the assembly 80.

[0102] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 93 movable relative to the support 91, a first pair of flexible blades 92 connecting the support 91 to the first movable element 93. Thus, the first movable element 93 can be moved relative to the support 91 by bending the blades 92 of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center 97. The first movable element 93 has a W-shape with bent ends.

[0103] The second flexible guide comprises a second element 96 movable relative to the first movable element 93, and a second pair of flexible blades 95 connecting the second movable element 96 to the first movable element 93. Thus, the second movable element 96 is movable relative to the first movable element 93 by bending the blades 95 of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center 98. The second movable element 96 is also W-shaped with bent ends, the W being arranged substantially parallel to the first movable element 93 in an inverted position.

[0104] The bases of the W-shapes face each other. The two W-shapes are connected to each other by a second pair of blades 95 forming an X, the ends of the blades being assembled to the curved ends of the W-shape. The first and third pairs of blades are connected to the inner tips of the W-shapes.

[0105] The assembly comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third element 89 movable relative to the second movable element 96, and a third pair of flexible blades 99 connecting the third movable element 89 to the second movable element 96. Thus, the third movable element 89 is movable relative to the second movable element 96 by bending the blades 99 in the third pair in a circular motion around the third rotation center 94. The third movable element 89 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate substantially parallel to the first movable element 93 and parallel to the W-shaped arrangement.

[0106] The first and third flexible guides have pairs of flexible blades 92, 99 that do not cross. The second flexible guide has a pair of crossed flexible blades 95 that are connected at their intersection. The blades in the same pair of blades are arranged on the same side of the support and / or movable element. The blades 95 in the second pair of blades are connected to the curved end of each W.

[0107] According to the present invention, the first rotation center 97 and the second rotation center 98 are offset by a first predefined distance. The third rotation center 94 is also offset by a second predefined distance relative to the second rotation center 98. The rotation centers 97, 98 are substantially arranged at the intersection of the collinearity of each pair of blades 92, 95, 99 of each flexible guide in the static position. Thus, the second rotation center 97 is formed at the intersection, while the first rotation center 98 and the third rotation center 94 are formed at the inner tip of the W shape.

[0108] In the rest position, the flexible guide assembly 80 is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and a transverse line, which are substantially perpendicular.

[0109] exist Fig.12 In the ninth embodiment, the assembly 90 comprises a support 101 and three flexible guides arranged in series in substantially the same plane. The support 101 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely relative to the assembly 90.

[0110] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 103 movable relative to the support 101, a first pair of flexible blades 102 connecting the support 101 to the first movable element 103. Thus, the first movable element 103 is movable relative to the support 101 by bending the blades 102 of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center 107. The first movable element 103 has a triangular shape, one vertex of which has a rounded protrusion.

[0111] The second flexible guide comprises a second element 106 movable relative to the first movable element 103, and a second pair of flexible blades 105 connecting the second movable element 106 to the first movable element 103. Thus, the second movable element 106 can be moved relative to the first movable element 103 by bending the blades 105 of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center 108. The second movable element 103 has a triangular shape with a circular protrusion at one vertex. The role of the protrusion is to catch the uncrossed blades.

[0112] The assembly 90 comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third element 110 movable relative to the second movable element 106, and a third pair of flexible blades 109 connecting the third movable element 110 to the second movable element 106. Thus, the third movable element 110 is movable relative to the second movable element 106 by bending the blades 109 of the third pair in a circular motion around the third rotation center 104. The third movable element 110 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged substantially parallel to the support 101.

[0113] The blades of the same pair of blades are arranged on the same side of the support and / or the movable element. The first pair of flexible blades 102 and the third pair of flexible blades 109 are not crossed. The flexible blades of the second pair of flexible blades 102 are crossed.

[0114] The two triangles are arranged between the support 101 and the third movable element 110, with the protrusions facing the second movable element 103 and the third movable element 106. The first pair of blades 102 and the third pair of blades 109 are attached to the protrusions, while the blade 105 of the second pair is attached to the base of the triangle.

[0115] In the rest position, the flexible guide assembly 90 is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and a transverse line, which are substantially perpendicular.

[0116] According to the invention, the first rotation center 107 and the second rotation center 108 are offset by a first predefined distance. These rotation centers are substantially arranged at the intersection of the co-linearity of the blades 102, 105, 109 in each pair of each flexible guide in the static position. In addition, the third rotation center 104 is also offset by a second predefined distance relative to the second rotation center 98.

[0117] exist Fig.14, a tenth embodiment of an assembly 100 according to the invention comprises a support 111 and four flexible guides arranged in series. The first and second guides are arranged in a first plane, while the third and fourth guides are arranged in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The support has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely relative to the guide 100.

[0118] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 113 movable relative to the support 111, and a first pair of flexible blades 112 connecting the support 111 to the first movable element 113. Thus, the first movable element 113 is movable relative to the support 111 by bending the blades 112 of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center 117. The first movable element 113 has a substantially square plate shape.

[0119] The second flexible guide comprises a second element 116 movable relative to the first movable element 113, and a second pair of flexible blades 115 connecting the second movable element 116 to the first movable element 113. Thus, the second movable element 116 is movable relative to the first movable element 113 by bending the blades 115 of the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center 118. The second movable element 116 has a tubular structure in the form of a rectangle which, in the rest position of the assembly 100, defines the length and the width of the assembly 100.

[0120] The assembly 100 comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third element 120 movable relative to the second movable element 116, and a third pair of flexible blades 119 connecting the third movable element 120 to the second movable element 116. Thus, the third movable element 120 is movable relative to the second movable element 116 by bending the blades 119 of the third pair in a circular motion around a third rotation center 123. The third movable element 120 has a tubular structure in the form of a square, the dimensions of which are smaller than the rectangular shape of the second movable element 116.

[0121] The assembly comprises a fourth flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the third flexible guide, the fourth flexible guide comprising a fourth movable element 122 and a fourth pair of flexible blades 121 connecting the fourth movable element 122 to the third movable element 120. Thus, the fourth movable element 122 is movable relative to the third movable element 120 by bending the blades 121 of the fourth pair in a circular motion around a fourth rotation center 124. In the rest position of the assembly 100, the fourth movable element 122 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely relative to the support 100.

[0122] According to the invention, in a first plane, the first rotation center 117 and the second rotation center 118 are offset by a first predefined distance. In a second plane, the third rotation center 123 is offset by a second predefined distance relative to the second rotation center 118. In the second plane, the fourth rotation center 124 is offset by a third predefined distance relative to the third rotation center 123. In the static position of the assembly 100, the rotation centers 117, 118, 123, 124 are substantially arranged at the intersection of the collinearity of the blades in each pair of flexible blades.

[0123] The blades of the same pair of blades are arranged on the same side of the support and / or movable element. The two flexible guides are arranged symmetrically in pairs. Thus, the flexible guide assembly 100 is symmetrical in the rest position with respect to a longitudinal line and a transverse line, which are substantially perpendicular.

[0124] The invention also relates to a resonator mechanism for a rotating timepiece, not shown in the figures. The resonator mechanism is provided with a pendulum weight and a flexible guide assembly, such as one of the above-described embodiments. The pendulum weight is, for example, an annular balance wheel or a bone-shaped member, which is assembled in series on the last movable element in the assembly.

[0125] Fig.14 A fourth embodiment of an assembly 110 is shown, comprising a support 131 and four flexible guides arranged in series. The guides are arranged in substantially the same plane. The support 131 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged transversely with respect to the assembly 110.

[0126] The first flexible guide comprises a first element 133 movable relative to a support 131, a first pair of flexible blades 132 connected to the first movable element 133. Thus, the first movable element 133 can be moved by bending the blades 132 of the first pair in a circular motion around a first rotation center 137. The first movable element 133 has an H-shape, the central section 139 of which is elongated.

[0127] The second flexible guide includes a second element 136 movable relative to the first movable element 133, and a second pair of flexible blades 135 connecting the second movable element 136 to the first movable element 133. Thus, the second movable element 136 can be moved relative to the first movable element 133 by bending the blades 135 in the second pair in a circular motion around a second rotation center 138. The second movable element 136 has an arc shape, and its bent portion does not face the support 131.

[0128] According to the invention, the first rotation center 137 and the second rotation center 138 are offset by a first predefined distance.The rotation centers 137, 138 are substantially arranged at the intersection of the collinearities of the blades of each flexible guide in the rest position.

[0129] The assembly 110 comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third movable element 141 and a third pair of flexible blades 139 connecting the third movable element 141 to the second movable element 136. Thus, the third movable element 141 is able to move relative to the second movable element 136 by bending the blades 139 of the third pair in a circular motion around a third rotation center. The third rotation center is at substantially the same position as the second rotation center 138. In the static position of the assembly 40, the third movable element 141 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged parallel to the support 131. The curvature of the arc of the second movable element 136 is directed towards the third movable element 141. The support 131 and the third movable element 141 are arranged outside the H, after each arc.

[0130] The assembly comprises a fourth flexible guide arranged in series upstream of the first flexible guide, the fourth flexible guide comprising a fourth movable element 143 and a fourth pair of flexible blades 142 connecting the fourth movable element 143 to the support 131. Thus, the fourth movable element 143 can be moved relative to the support 131 by bending the blades 142 of the fourth pair in a circular motion around a fourth rotation center. The fourth rotation center is substantially at the same position as the first rotation center 137. The blades 132 of the first pair of blades connect the fourth movable element 143 to the first movable element 133 to allow the first movable element 133 to move relative to the fourth movable element 143 by bending the blades 132 of the first pair of blades in a circular motion around the first rotation center 137. The fourth movable element 143 is in the shape of an arc with its curved portion facing the support 131. The fourth movable element 143 is arranged symmetrically to another arc of the second movable element 136 relative to a section 139 of the H-shaped body located in the middle of the assembly 110. The two arcs are arranged in H, on either side of segment 139 .

[0131] The four flexible guides have blades that do not cross. The blades 132, 135, 139, 142 of the same pair of blades are arranged on the same side of the support 131 and / or the corresponding movable element 133, 136, 141, 143. The two flexible guides are arranged symmetrically in pairs. Therefore, the flexible guide assembly 110 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal line and the transverse line in the static position, and these two lines are substantially perpendicular.

[0132] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A flexible guide assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110) for use in a rotating resonator mechanism, the flexible guide assembly comprising a fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131) and two flexible guides, the two flexible guides extending in substantially the same plane or in two different parallel planes, the two flexible guides being arranged in series, the first flexible guide comprising: a first movable element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) movable relative to the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131); a first pair of flexible blades (12, 22, 32, 42, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112, 132) connected to the first movable element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) so as to bend the first movable element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) by a circular motion around a first rotation center (17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 87, 97, 107, 117, 137) For a blade (12, 22, 32, 42, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112, 132) in the flexible blade, the first movable element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) is movable, and the second flexible guide comprises: a second movable element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136) movable relative to the first movable element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) and the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131);a second pair of flexible blades (15, 25, 35, 45, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 135) connecting the second movable element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136) to the first movable element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) , so that the second movable element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96) is bent by bending the blades (15, 25, 35, 45, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 135) of the second pair of flexible blades in a circular motion around a second rotation center (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 78, 88, 98, 108, 118, 138) , 106, 116, 136) is movable relative to the first movable element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) and the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131), characterized in that the first rotation center (17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 87, 97, 107, 117, 137) and the second rotation center (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 78, 88, 98, 108, 118, 138) are offset by a first predefined distance, the first predefined distance belonging to the plane of the flexible guide assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110). ; 2. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The blades (12, 22, 32, 72, 82, 112) of the first pair of flexible blades are interdigitated.

3. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The blades (42, 62, 92, 102, 132) of the first pair of flexible blades are non-intersecting.

4. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The blades (15, 25, 35, 45, 85, 95, 105, 115) of the second pair of flexible blades are crossed.

5. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The blades (45, 65, 75, 135) of the second pair of flexible blades are non-intersecting.

6. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The flexible guide assembly includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide, the third flexible guide including a third movable element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141) and a third pair of flexible blades (49, 59, 99, 109, 119, 139) connecting the third movable element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141) to the second movable element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136) so that the third movable element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141) is movable by rotating the third movable element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141) about a third rotation center (54, 94, 104, 123) The blades (49, 59, 99, 109, 119, 139) of the third pair of flexible blades are bent in a circular motion, and the third movable element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141) is movable relative to the second movable element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136), the first movable element (13, 23, 43, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) and the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131).

7. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The third center of rotation (54, 94, 104, 123) is offset relative to the second center of rotation (58, 98, 108, 118) by a second predefined distance, the second predefined distance belonging to the plane of the flexible guide assembly.

8. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The blades (119) of the third pair of flexible blades are crossed.

9. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The blades (49, 59, 99, 109, 139) of the third pair of flexible blades are non-intersecting.

10. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The flexible guide assembly includes a fourth flexible guide arranged in series, the fourth flexible guide including a fourth movable element (53, 122, 143) and a fourth pair of flexible blades (52, 121, 142) connecting the fourth movable element (53, 122, 143) to the third movable element (51, 120) or the support (131), so that the fourth movable element (53, 122, 143) can move relative to the third movable element (51, 120), the second movable element (46, 116, 136), the first movable element (43, 113, 133) and the support (41, 111, 131) by bending the blades of the fourth pair of flexible blades (52, 121, 142) in a circular motion around a fourth rotation center (44, 124).

11. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that The fourth center of rotation (44, 124) is offset relative to the third center of rotation (123) by a third predefined distance, the third predefined distance belonging to the plane of the flexible guide assembly.

12. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The blades (121) of the fourth pair of flexible blades are crossed.

13. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The blades (52, 142) of the fourth pair of flexible blades are non-intersecting.

14. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: In the rest position of the flexible guide assembly, the flexible guide assembly is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and / or a transverse line.

15. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first pair of flexible blades (12, 22, 32, 42, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112) is connected to the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111).

16. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In the static position of the flexible guide assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110), the rotation center (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, 17, 18, 27, 28, 37, 38, 44, 47, 48, 54, 57, 58, 78, 87, 88, 94, 97, 98, 104, 107, 108, 117, 118, 123, 124) of the flexible guide is arranged on a straight line (6).

17. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that The center of mass (M) of the resonator is also arranged on said straight line (6).

18. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The stiffness of each flexible guide is selected according to the following equation: For each value of n belonging to the set of values ​​{1, ..., N-1}, where N is the number of flexible guides, and k j and k i is the stiffness of guide j and guide i, and r i is the offset between the rotation centers of flexible guide i and flexible guide i-1.

19. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that The flexible guides are identical and follow the following equation: For each value of n belonging to the set of values ​​{1, ..., N-1}, where N is the number of flexible guides, and r N+1 is the distance between the last rotation center of the last flexible guide and the center of mass (M).

20. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The flexible guide follows the following equation: Where k=0, 1, ..., N, N is the number of flexible guides, and the value of the number k is chosen according to the number of pivots and following the rules of Pascal's triangle.

21. The flexible guide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The rotary resonator mechanism is used in a timepiece movement.

22. A rotary resonator mechanism for a timepiece movement, comprising a pendulum weight, characterized in that: The rotary resonator mechanism comprises a flexible guide assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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