Clock resonator mechanism equipped with inertial element stop device

Abstract

A resonator mechanism (1) for a clock includes a structure (10) and an anchoring unit (30), at least one inertial element (2) suspended from the anchoring unit (30), the inertial element (2) being arranged to oscillate about a pivot axis (D) extending along a first rotational degree of freedom RZ, the inertial element (2) being configured to withstand a reset force applied by a reset device configured to cause the inertial element (2) to oscillate, the mechanism (1) including a stop device (50) for stopping the inertial element (2), the stop device (50) being actuable as needed to prevent the oscillation of the inertial element (2), characterized in that the stop device (50) is configured to move the inertial element (2) between a pivot position and a stop position in which the inertial element cannot oscillate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clock resonator mechanism equipped with an inertial element stop device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to watch movements that include at least one such resonator mechanism, and / or watch oscillators that include at least one such resonator mechanism. Background Technology

[0003] In the oscillating mechanism of a watch movement, a stop device for stopping the balance wheel is typically used to prevent the balance wheel from oscillating, for example, when attempting to set the time of the movement. These stop devices are constructed to lock the movement of the balance wheel by contacting it.

[0004] Balance wheels are typically annular in shape, and the stopping mechanism includes a movable stopper (butée mobile) that, when actuated, contacts the periphery of the balance wheel to stop its movement. In tourbillons, other types of stopping mechanisms exist that act on the axis of rotation of the balance wheel to stop its motion, such as a counter-stopper (contrebutée) locked onto the axis of rotation.

[0005] However, other types of balance wheels exist that are not necessarily toroidal, or that do not have a rotation axis around which the balance wheel rotates. For example, in the case of an oscillator with flexible guides, the inertial element may be equipped with an elongated body that oscillates by one or more flexible strips.

[0006] Therefore, existing stopping devices are unsatisfactory on such oscillators, and novel stopping devices are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention proposes a novel stop device that can work with any type of inertial element, and also with the ring-shaped inertial element conventionally used in watch oscillators.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a watch resonator mechanism comprising a structure and an anchoring unit, wherein at least one inertial element is suspended to the anchoring unit, the inertial element being arranged to oscillate about a pivot axis D extending along a first direction Z in a first rotational degree of freedom RZ, the inertial element being configured to withstand a reset force applied by a reset device configured to cause the inertial element to oscillate, the mechanism including a stop device for stopping the inertial element, the stop device being actuated as needed to prevent the oscillation of the inertial element.

[0009] The remarkable feature of the oscillating mechanism is that the stop device is configured to allow the inertial element to move between a pivot position and a stop position, in which the inertial element cannot oscillate.

[0010] Therefore, the inertial element is not only rotationally movable so that it can oscillate, but also translationally movable so that it is in a position in which the inertial element is locked and can no longer oscillate.

[0011] This novel type of stop eliminates the need to consider the geometry of the inertial element. This stop is applicable to specific oscillating systems, such as those with flexible guides that include elongated inertial elements instead of a ring balance wheel. Furthermore, these stops can also be used with conventional ring balance wheels.

[0012] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the stopping device includes a stopping limiter, in which the inertial element abuts against the stopping limiter and makes contact in the stopping position, and in the pivoting position, the inertial element no longer makes contact with the stopping limiter.

[0013] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the inertial element can be moved by translating against the stop limiter.

[0014] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the stop device is configured to push the inertial element against the stop limiter.

[0015] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the inertial element is configured to oscillate at least partially about a first pivot of the structure, the first pivot being configured to enable the inertial element to pivot about an axis passing through the first pivot.

[0016] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first pivot column includes a stop limiter.

[0017] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the inertial element is configured to slide along the first pivot column to contact the stop limiter.

[0018] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the stopping device includes an actuating device arranged to move an inertial element against the stopping limiter.

[0019] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the actuation device includes a support body configured to push an inertial element.

[0020] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the actuation device includes a lever configured to apply a force to a support body, thereby moving an inertial element.

[0021] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the support body is flexible.

[0022] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the lever is configured to lift the support body to move the inertial element.

[0023] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the actuation device includes a movable upper mechanism rod to actuate the lever.

[0024] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the reset device includes a flexible pivot comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic strips, each elastic strip being fastened to the anchoring unit at a first end and to the inertial element at a second end, each of the elastic strips being substantially deformable in a plane XY perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0025] The present invention also relates to watch movements that include at least one such resonator mechanism and / or watch oscillators that include at least one such resonator mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] - Figure 1 A flexible strip resonator mechanism, including a stopping device for stopping the inertial element, and an actuation device for actuating the stopping device are schematically shown in the perspective view.

[0028] - Figure 2 Schematic and shown in the side view Figure 1 The resonator mechanism in the middle,

[0029] - Figure 3 Schematic and shown in the top view Figure 1 and Figure 2 The resonator mechanism in the middle, in which the structure and stop device have been arranged,

[0030] - Figure 4 A portion of the inertial mass component, suspended from the anchoring unit via a flexible pivot, is schematically shown in the perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This invention relates to watch resonator mechanisms, for example, to variations of the resonator described in patent application CH00518 / 18 or patent application EP18168765.8 under the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, which are incorporated herein by reference, and in which those skilled in the art can combine these features with the specific features of the invention.

[0032] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the present invention, the clock resonator mechanism 1 includes a structure 10 and an anchoring unit 30, wherein at least one inertial element 2 is suspended to the anchoring unit 30, and the inertial element 2 is arranged to oscillate about a pivot axis D extending along a first direction Z along a first degree of rotational freedom RZ.

[0033] The inertial element 2 is subjected to a reset force applied by the reset device. In this embodiment, the reset device is a flexible pivot 200, which includes a plurality of generally longitudinal elastic strips 3, each elastic strip 3 being fastened to an anchoring unit 30 at a first end and to the inertial element 2 at a second end. In the figures, the resonator mechanism 1 includes two intersecting elastic strips 3, and on each face of the strips 3, each strip 3 is provided with a plurality of ribs 13 on either side. The elastic strips 3 are substantially deformable in a plane XY perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0034] Due to the reset device, the inertial element 2 can swing in the plane XY, with the first direction Z perpendicular to the plane XY.

[0035] The inertial element 2 includes an attachment 20 to which an elastic band 3 is fastened. The inertial element 2 also includes a balance wheel 15 assembled with the attachment 20. The balance wheel 15 is elongated and has a substantially symmetrical bone shape.

[0036] The inertial element 2 is configured to oscillate at least partially about a first pivot post 5 of the structure 10, the pivot post 5 being configured to allow the inertial element 2 to pivot about it. For this purpose, the balance wheel 15 includes a central bore 16 for insertion into the first pivot post 5. The central bore 16 has a wider diameter than the first post 5 to allow the balance wheel 15 to rotate about it.

[0037] The inertial element 2 also includes a support plate assembly 25 assembled below the attachment 20, centered on the balance wheel 20 and the center hole 16. The support plate assembly 25 includes two arc-shaped arms 17, 18, the ends of which are configured to engage with the escapement wheel (not shown in the figures). The escapement may be mechanical or magnetic.

[0038] The second pivot post 19 of structure 10 is inserted into the tray assembly 25 along the rotation axis of the inertial element 2. The tray assembly 25 includes a second hole 21 into which the second post 19 is inserted. The second hole 21 is wider than the second post 19 to avoid any contact between the tray assembly 25 and the second hole 21. The second post 19 is arranged on the axis of the first post 5. Thus, the inertial element 2 surrounds the first post 5 and the second post 19, one of which is inserted into the balance wheel 15 and the other into the tray assembly 25, so that the inertial element 2 can oscillate along the rotation axis passing through the two posts 5 and 19. The oscillation amplitude of the inertial element 2 in the oscillation plane is, for example, in the range of 20° to 40°. The oscillation frequency is, for example, greater than ten hertz.

[0039] The second column 19 functions as a vertical limiter in the Z direction during vibration to prevent breakage of the elastic strip 3 or the strips of the translation platforms 31 and 32. The second column 19 has a protrusion or widening at its base to hold the inertial element 2. Therefore, if the mechanism shakes violently, the movement of the inertial element 2 in the Z direction is limited by the second column 19.

[0040] According to the invention, the mechanism includes a stop device 50 for the inertial element 2, which can be actuated as needed to prevent the inertial element 2 from swinging. The stop device 50 is configured to allow the inertial element 2 to move between a pivot position and a stop position, in which the inertial element 2 can swing freely, and in the stop position, the inertial element 2 cannot swing due to its constraint.

[0041] For this purpose, the resonator mechanism 1 includes a stop limiter 6, in which the inertial element 2 abuts against and contacts the stop limiter 6 in the stopped position to prevent any oscillation. The first post 5 includes the stop limiter 6, which is formed, for example, by an additional thickness at the periphery of the first post 5, or by a widening of the post 5 at its base.

[0042] The inertial element 2 is therefore configured to slide along the pivot column 5 to contact the limiter 6 when attempting to stop its oscillation. To move the movable element 2, which is translatable in the Z direction, a force is generated below the support assembly 25 to push the movable element 2. The flexibility of the two elastic bands 3 allows the inertial element 2 to move in the Z direction without any risk of wear or damage to the bands 3. The movement of the inertial element 2 occurs over a very short distance to avoid significant deflection of the elastic bands 3. The movable element 2 contacts the limiter 6, which is positioned above the movable element 2 in the Z direction. Therefore, the stop device 50 is configured to push the movable element 2 against the stop limiter 6.

[0043] For this purpose, the stop device 50 includes an actuation device 40 arranged to push the inertial element 2 against the stop limiter 6. The actuation device 40 includes a support body 22 configured to engage with the inertial element 2, the support body 22 serving as a means for moving the inertial element 2. The support body 22 is elongated to enable remote actuation thereto.

[0044] Furthermore, one end of the support body 22 is equipped with a fork-shaped member 36, which surrounds the second post 19 so as to allow sliding along the second post 19. In the pivot position, the support body 22 and the fork-shaped member 36 are not in contact with the inertial element 2.

[0045] In order to move the inertial element 2, the support body 22 is movable along the second column 19 so as to contact the inertial element 2 and push it to the stop limiter 6. Therefore, in the stop position, the support body 22 and the fork 36 are in contact with the inertial element 2.

[0046] In the accompanying drawings, the support body 22 is, for example, a sheet (preferably metal) equipped with a fork-shaped member 36 at its end to grip the second post 19 arranged below the pallet assembly 25.

[0047] Preferably, the support body 22 is flexible to allow for precise application of force. When a force is applied to the sheet, the sheet bends, but some force is transmitted below the inertial element 2 to lift the inertial element 2.

[0048] The actuation device 40 generates a thrust perpendicular to the rotation axis of the inertial element 2. Preferably, the support body 22 is arranged parallel to the inertial element 2.

[0049] The actuation device 40 includes a lever 23 configured to support the inertial element 2 against the support body 22. The lever 23 includes an elongated body, a portion of which presses under the support body 22 to push the support body 22 upward when the actuation device 40 is actuated.

[0050] The actuation device 40 also includes an upper mechanism rod 24 to actuate the lever 23. The rod 24 has a cylindrical shape and is movable along its longitudinal axis when actuated.

[0051] The lever 23 has the shape of a curved arm, with a first curved portion 26 in the middle of the lever 23 and a second curved portion 27 preceding the free end 28. The free end contacts the support body 22. The free end 28 has a triangular shape that tapers towards the end. The free end 28 is positioned below the support body 22. Therefore, by moving the free end 28 below the support body 22, the support body 22 is lifted by the thicker portion of the free end 28.

[0052] The lever 23 includes a second end 29 that contacts the rod 24 and is held between two guide ribs 31, 32 extending around the rod 24. Thus, when the rod 24 is actuated, the second end 29 is pulled or pushed along its axis.

[0053] The lever 23 includes a pivot 33 about which it is rotatable, the pivot 33 being formed by a screw passing through the lever 23. Therefore, when the rod 24 is pulled, the second end follows the movement of the rod 24, causing the lever 23 to rotate about the pivot 33. Consequently, the free end 28 slides beneath the support body 22 to lift the support body 22. The inertial element 2 then lifts itself and contacts the stop limiter 6, which locks the oscillating motion of the inertial element 2.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the structure 10, the anchoring unit 30 is suspended by a flexible suspension member 300, which is arranged to allow the anchoring unit 30 to move along five flexible degrees of freedom:

[0055] - The first translational degree of freedom along the first direction Z;

[0056] - The second translational degree of freedom along the second direction X, which is orthogonal to the first direction Z;

[0057] - The third translational degree of freedom along the third direction Y, which is orthogonal to the second direction X and the first direction Z;

[0058] - The second rotational degree of freedom RX about an axis extending along the second direction X;

[0059] - and the third rotational degree of freedom RY about an axis extending along a third direction Y.

[0060] The flexible suspension 300 includes a lateral translation platform 32 with flexible guides between the anchoring unit 30 and the first intermediate mass 303, the first intermediate mass 303 being fastened to the structure 10 directly or by means of a flexible plate 301 along a first direction Z, and the lateral translation platform 32 including straight lateral strips 320 extending along a second direction X and symmetrical about a lateral axis D2 intersecting the pivot axis D.

[0061] The flexible suspension 300 also includes a longitudinal translation platform 31 with flexible guides between the anchoring unit 30 and the second intermediate mass 305, and the longitudinal translation platform 31 includes straight longitudinal strips 310 extending in a third direction Y and symmetrical about a longitudinal axis D1 intersecting the pivot axis D. Furthermore, between the second intermediate mass 305 and the first intermediate mass 303, a lateral translation platform 32 with flexible guides includes straight lateral strips 320 extending in a second direction X and symmetrical about a lateral axis D2 intersecting the pivot axis D.

[0062] The longitudinal axis D1 intersects the transverse axis D2, and in particular, the longitudinal axis D1, the transverse axis D2, and the pivot axis D are at the same point.

[0063] The longitudinal translation platform 31 and the transverse translation platform 32 each include at least two strips, each strip being characterized by: its thickness along the second direction X when the strip or rod extends along a third direction Y, or vice versa; its height along the first direction Z; and its length along the direction in which the strip or rod extends; the length being at least five times the height; the height being at least as large as the thickness, and more particularly at least five times the thickness, and even more particularly at least seven times the thickness.

[0064] The lateral translation platform 32 includes at least two lateral flexible strips that are parallel to each other and have the same length. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the translation platform has four flexible strips.

[0065] The present invention also relates to a clock oscillator mechanism, which includes such a clock resonator mechanism 1 and an escapement mechanism (not shown in the figures) arranged to cooperate with each other.

[0066] The present invention also relates to a watch movement 10, which includes at least one such oscillator mechanism and / or at least one resonator mechanism 1.

[0067] Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example, but is applicable to a variety of variations and modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the described embodiment, the inertial element 2 is raised; however, other embodiments are also possible, such as the following embodiments, in which the inertial element is held in the pivot position and slides downward in the stop position. Regarding the reset device, a balance wheel and hairspring can be used instead of a pivot with a flexible strip.

Claims

1. A resonator mechanism (1) for a clock, the resonator mechanism (1) comprising a structure (10) and an anchoring unit (30), at least one inertial element (2) suspended to the anchoring unit (30), the inertial element (2) being arranged to oscillate about a pivot axis (D) extending along a first rotational degree of freedom RZ, the inertial element (2) being configured to withstand a reset force applied by a reset device, the reset device being configured to cause the inertial element (2) to oscillate, the resonator mechanism (1) comprising a stop device (50) for stopping the inertial element (2), the stop device (50) being actuable as needed to prevent the oscillation of the inertial element (2), characterized in that, The stop device (50) is configured to move the inertial element (2) between a pivot position and a stop position, in which the inertial element (2) cannot swing. The stopping device (50) includes a stop limiter (6), in which the inertial element (2) contacts the stop limiter (6) in the stopped position and in the pivot position the inertial element (2) no longer contacts the stop limiter (6), wherein the inertial element (2) is translatably movable when it contacts the stop limiter (6).

2. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop device (50) is configured to push the inertial element (2) against the stop limiter (6).

3. The resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The inertial element (2) is configured to at least partially oscillate about a first pivot post (5) of the structure (10), the first pivot post (5) being configured to enable the inertial element (2) to pivot about an axis passing through the first pivot post (5).

4. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first pivot column (5) includes the stop limiter (6).

5. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inertial element (2) is configured to slide along the first pivot column (5) to contact the stop limiter (6).

6. The resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The stop device (50) includes an actuation device (40) arranged to move the inertial element (2) against the stop limiter (6).

7. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The actuation device (40) includes a support body (22) configured to push the inertial element (2).

8. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The supporting body (22) is flexible.

9. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The actuation device includes a lever (23) configured to apply a force to the support body (22) to move the inertial element (2).

10. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The lever (23) is configured to lift the support body to move the inertial element (2).

11. The resonator mechanism (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The actuation device includes a movable upper mechanism rod (24) to actuate the lever (23).

12. The resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The reset device includes a flexible pivot (200) comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic strips (3), each elastic strip (3) being fastened to the anchoring unit (30) at a first end and to the inertial element (2) at a second end, each elastic strip (3) being substantially deformable in a plane XY perpendicular to the first direction Z.

13. A watch movement comprising at least one resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A watch movement comprising at least one watch oscillator mechanism, said watch oscillator mechanism comprising a resonator mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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