Clip for guiding balance of timepiece
Through the connection of the guide bearing without shock absorber and the flexible arm, the problem of large balance guide elements in mechanical watch movements is solved, and the compact watch movement design and stable rotation of the balance wheel are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380025943.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-08
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-08
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-20
AI Technical Summary
The pivot guiding element of the balance wheel in a mechanical watch movement is large in thickness, limiting the realization of the ultra-flat movement.
Using first and second guide bearings without shock absorbers, connected by flexible arms in the first and second blanks, providing displacement stiffness of about 8N/mm to 100N/mm and displacement capability of 0.05mm to 0.1mm , ensure compact guidance of the balance wheel.
It realizes the compact design of the watch movement in the thickness direction, supports the realization of the ultra-flat movement, while maintaining the stable rotation of the balance wheel.
Smart Images
Figure CN119173821A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a guide element for guiding the pivoting of a balance wheel of a timepiece. The invention also relates to a timepiece module comprising such a guide element. The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such a guide element or such a timepiece module. The invention finally relates to a timepiece comprising such a guide element or such a timepiece movement or such a timepiece module. Background Art
[0002] Mechanical watch movements usually make use of a balance-spring type oscillator. The balance is guided to pivot about an axis by means of bearings mounted in the frame of the movement. Usually, a first bearing is mounted in the plate of the movement via a first shock absorber and a second bearing is mounted in the balance stem via a second shock absorber. The shock absorber makes this mounting flexible so as not to damage the balance shaft when the movement is subjected to shocks, the balance wheel has considerable inertia and the balance shaft needs to have a pivot of reduced size to optimize the range of movement.
[0003] However, the architecture described above has the disadvantage of being bulky in the direction of the pivot axis of the balance wheel, ie generally in the thickness of the timepiece movement. This is particularly disadvantageous for achieving an ultra-flat movement.
[0004] Proposal of the present invention
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a guide element which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and improves the guide elements known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a simple guide element which is compact in the thickness direction of the timepiece movement. Summary of the invention
[0006] According to the invention, a component can guide the pivoting of a balance wheel of a timepiece around an axis. The component comprises:
[0007] - a first guide bearing without a shock absorber, and
[0008] - a first blank, in particular a first balance-stem or cock,
[0009] The first blank comprises:
[0010] - at least one first fixing portion for fixing to another blank,
[0011] - a first receiving portion for receiving a first guide bearing, and
[0012] - At least one first flexible arm mechanically connecting the first fixing part to the first receiving part.
[0013] At least one first arm can be constructed and / or designed to limit a displacement stiffness of the first receiving part along the axis direction of approximately 8 N / mm or less than 10 N / mm or less than 20 N / mm or less than 50 N / mm or less than 100 N / mm, and / or at least one first arm can be constructed and / or designed so that the first receiving part can move greater than 0.05 mm or approximately 0.1 mm along the axis direction.
[0014] The guiding element may comprise a plurality of first flexible arms, in particular 2, 3 or 4 first flexible arms, mechanically connecting the at least one first fixing portion to the first receiving portion.
[0015] One or more first arms may comprise an open-worked geometry, and / or one or more first arms may extend substantially radially relative to the direction of the axis, and / or each arm may comprise two parallel branches extending from one or more first fixing portions and approaching each other near a first receiving portion for receiving a guide bearing.
[0016] The first fixing portion may be in the form of a rim, and / or the thickness of the first receiving portion for receiving the first guide bearing along the axis may be about 0.2 mm or less than 0.23 mm or less than 0.14 mm.
[0017] One of the at least one first arm may include a balance spring stud holder.
[0018] The first fixing portion may comprise a first receiving portion for receiving a first guide bearing for the escape wheel.
[0019] Guiding elements may include:
[0020] - a second guide bearing without a shock absorber, and
[0021] - a second blank, in particular a second balance staff or plate,
[0022] The second blank comprises:
[0023] - at least one second fixing portion for fixing to the first blank,
[0024] - a second receiving portion for receiving a second guide bearing, and
[0025] - At least one second flexible arm mechanically connecting the at least one second fixing part to the second receiving part.
[0026] At least one second arm can be constructed and / or designed to limit the displacement stiffness of the second receiving part along the axis direction to approximately 8 N / mm or less than 10 N / mm or less than 20 N / mm or less than 50 N / mm or less than 100 N / mm, and / or at least one second arm can be constructed and / or designed so that the second receiving part can be displaced by greater than 0.05 mm or approximately 0.1 mm along the axis direction.
[0027] The guiding element may comprise a plurality of second flexible arms, in particular 2, 3 or 4 second flexible arms, mechanically connecting the at least one second fixing part to the second receiving part.
[0028] One or more second arms may comprise a hollow geometry, and / or one or more second arms may extend substantially radially relative to the direction of the axis, and / or each arm may comprise two parallel branches extending from one or more second fixing parts and approaching each other near a second receiving part for receiving a guide bearing.
[0029] The second fixing portion may be in the form of a rim, and / or the thickness of the second receiving portion for receiving the second guide bearing along the axis may be about 0.2 mm or less than 0.23 mm or less than 0.14 mm.
[0030] One of the at least one second arm may include a balance spring stud holder.
[0031] At least one second fixing portion may comprise a second receiving portion for receiving a guide bearing for the escape wheel and / or at least one second fixing portion may comprise a second receiving portion for receiving a guide bearing for the pallet fork assembly.
[0032] According to the present invention, a watch module comprises:
[0033] - a guiding element as defined above,
[0034] - balance wheel,
[0035] - the pallet assembly, and
[0036] -Escape wheel.
[0037] According to the invention, a timepiece movement comprises a timepiece module as defined above and / or a guide element as defined above.
[0038] According to the present invention, a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprises:
[0039] - a guiding element as defined above, and / or
[0040] - a watch module as defined above, and / or
[0041] - a watch movement as defined above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The subject matter, features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in detail in the following description of certain non-limiting embodiments given with respect to the accompanying drawings.
[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, an embodiment of a timepiece module according to the invention being shown in detail in a perspective view.
[0044] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a timepiece module according to the invention, the module being assembled on a plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Refer to the following Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of a timepiece 200 is described in detail. The timepiece 200 is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece 200 comprises a timepiece movement 100, which is intended to be mounted in a case or housing of the timepiece to protect the timepiece movement from the external environment. The timepiece movement 100 may be a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.
[0046] Movement 100 includes:
[0047] - Plate 99, and
[0048] a timepiece module 90 , in particular an “escape wheel holder” module described in detail below,
[0049] The watch module 90 is assembled or mounted on the board. This mounting can be performed by means of screws that pass through holes 101 provided on the module and are screwed into the board 99.
[0050] The clock module 90 includes:
[0051] - an oscillator comprising a balance wheel 91 and a hairspring 92,
[0052] - a pallet assembly 93, and
[0053] - an escape wheel 94 including escape teeth and an escape pinion, and
[0054] A guide element 1 for guiding the pivoting of balance wheel 91 about axis A.
[0055] Advantageously, in the timepiece module, the pivoting or rotating guidance of the balance, the pallet-fork assembly and the escape wheel is ensured integrally.
[0056] Escape wheel 94 also meshes with the finishing wheel train of movement 100 .
[0057] The guiding element 1 comprises:
[0058] - a first guide bearing 2 without a shock absorber, and
[0059] - A first blank 3 , in particular a first balance-stem 3 or bridge, as shown.
[0060] The first bearing preferably comprises a pivot jewel 21 and a support jewel 22. The first bearing is mounted (particularly driven) in a hole provided in the first blank. The first bearing, in particular the above-mentioned jewel, is advantageously mounted directly in the first blank. There is no shock absorber between the first bearing (or the jewel made of it) and the first blank.
[0061] The first blank 3 comprises:
[0062] - at least one first fixing portion 31 for fixing to another blank 4,
[0063] a first receiving portion 32 for receiving the first guide bearing 2, and
[0064] At least one first flexible arm 33 mechanically connecting the first fixing part 31 to the first receiving part 32 .
[0065] At least one first fixing portion advantageously has fixing means for fixing it to the second blank 4. These means may comprise through holes intended to receive screws screwed into the second blank 4.
[0066] In a variant, the first fixing part may be in the form of a rim. In the variant shown, there are two first fixing parts:
[0067] - a first portion extending about 120° around the axis A, and
[0068] A first portion extends around the axis A only a few degrees.
[0069] The two first fixing portions may be regarded as the same discontinuous fixing portion.
[0070] Advantageously, first fixing portion 31 may comprise a first receiving portion 311 for receiving first guide bearing 5 of escape wheel 94. The first guide bearing is, for example, a jewel nailed into a hole formed in first portion 311.
[0071] The first receiving portion 32 may have an annular shape surrounding a hole intended to receive the first bearing 2 .
[0072] Preferably, the thickness of the first receiving portion 32 for receiving the first guide bearing 2 is about 0.2 mm or less than 0.23 mm or less than 0.14 mm, measured in the direction of the axis A, ie generally in the direction of the thickness of the movement.
[0073] The at least one first arm is preferably constructed and / or designed:
[0074] - so as to define a displacement stiffness of the first receiving portion in the direction of the axis A of the guide bearing of about 8 N / mm or less than 10 N / mm or less than 20 N / mm or less than 50 N / mm or less than 100 N / mm, and / or
[0075] - enabling the first receiving portion to move by more than 0.05 mm or about 0.1 mm in the direction of axis A. This movement may be limited by elements of the case such as the glass or the bottom cover, or by elements of the movement such as a plate.
[0076] The one or more first arms preferably extend substantially radially with respect to the direction of the axis A of the guide bearing.
[0077] In order to obtain this flexible feature of the first blank, one or more first arms comprise a hollow geometry. In order to create this hollow geometry, each arm may comprise two parallel branches 331 extending from one or more first fixing portions 31. However, these branches are close to each other near the first receiving portion 32 for receiving the guide bearing 2. These branches are parallel again where they intersect the first receiving portion 32 for receiving the guide bearing 2. However, they are separated by a narrow groove at this junction.
[0078] The geometric data of the arm is as follows:
[0079] - the height of the branches (measured parallel to direction A) is, for example, in the range between 0.14 mm and 0.23 mm,
[0080] - the width of the branches (measured orthogonally to the direction A) is, for example, in the range between 0.24 mm and 0.25 mm,
[0081] - the distance between the branches (measured orthogonally to the direction A) is, for example, in the range between 1.4 mm and 1.7 mm,
[0082] The width of the groove is, for example, approximately 0.1 mm, for example 0.12 mm.
[0083] Preferably, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the guiding element 1 comprises:
[0084] - a second guide bearing 6 without a shock absorber, and
[0085] - A second blank 4 , in particular a second balance-stem or bridge, as shown.
[0086] The second bearing preferably comprises a pivot jewel 61 and a support jewel 62. The second bearing is mounted (in particular driven) in a hole provided in the second blank 4. The second bearing, in particular the above-mentioned jewel, is advantageously mounted directly in the second blank. There is no shock absorber between the second bearing (or the jewel making it) and the second blank.
[0087] The second blank 4 comprises:
[0088] at least one second fixing portion 41 for fixing to the first blank 3,
[0089] a second receiving portion 42 for receiving the second guide bearing 6 , and
[0090] At least one second flexible arm 43 mechanically connecting the second fixing part 41 to the second receiving part 42 .
[0091] At least one second fixing part advantageously has fixing means for fixing it to the first blank 3. These means may comprise screw feet intended to receive the above-mentioned screws. Alternatively, the assembly may be realized by pins for positioning and screws for fixing.
[0092] Preferably, as shown in the embodiment, the second fixing part is preferably in the form of a rim. As an alternative, as shown on the first blank, a plurality of second fixing parts may be present. These different second fixing parts may be considered as the same discontinuous fixing part.
[0093] Advantageously, the second fixing part 41 may comprise a second receiving portion 411 for receiving the second guide bearing 7 for the escape wheel 94. The second guide bearing is for example a jewel nailed into a hole formed in the second portion 411.
[0094] The second receiving portion 42 may have an annular shape surrounding a hole intended to receive the second bearing 6 .
[0095] Preferably, the thickness of the second receiving portion 42 for receiving the second guide bearing 6 is about 0.2 mm or less than 0.23 mm or less than 0.14 mm, measured in the direction of the axis A, ie generally in the direction of the thickness of the movement.
[0096] The at least one second arm is preferably constructed and / or designed:
[0097] - so as to define a displacement stiffness of the second receiving portion in the direction of the axis A of the guide bearing of about 8 N / mm or less than 10 N / mm or less than 20 N / mm or less than 50 N / mm or less than 100 N / mm, and / or
[0098] - enabling the second receiving portion to move by more than 0.05 mm or about 0.1 mm in the direction of axis A. This movement may be limited by elements of the case such as the glass or the bottom cover, or by elements of the movement such as a plate.
[0099] The displacement stiffness of the second receiving portion in the direction of the axis A may be equal to or substantially equal to the displacement stiffness of the first receiving portion in the direction of the axis A. Alternatively, the displacement stiffness of the second receiving portion in the direction of the axis A and the displacement stiffness of the first receiving portion in the direction of the axis A may be different or substantially different. For example, the displacement stiffness of the second receiving portion in the direction of the axis A may be about three or four times the displacement stiffness of the first receiving portion in the direction of the axis A.
[0100] The second arm or arms preferably extend substantially radially with respect to the direction of the axis A of the guide bearing.
[0101] In order to obtain this flexible feature of the second blank, one or more second arms comprise a hollow geometry. In order to create this hollow geometry, each arm may comprise two parallel branches 431 extending from one or more second fixing portions 41. However, these branches are close to each other near the second receiving portion 42 for receiving the guide bearing 2. These branches are parallel again where they intersect the second receiving portion 42 for receiving the guide bearing 2. However, they are separated by a narrow groove at this junction.
[0102] The geometric data of the arm is as follows:
[0103] - the height of the branches (measured parallel to direction A) is, for example, in the range between 0.18 mm and 0.23 mm,
[0104] - the width of the branches (measured orthogonally to the direction A) is, for example, in the range between 0.14 mm and 0.2 mm,
[0105] - the distance between the branches (measured orthogonally to the direction A) is, for example, in the range between 1.3 mm and 1.8 mm,
[0106] The width of the groove is, for example, approximately 0.1 mm, for example 0.12 mm.
[0107] Advantageously, the second fixing portion 41 may comprise a second receiving portion 412 for receiving a first guide bearing 8 for the pallet assembly 93. The first guide bearing is, for example, a jewel driven into a hole formed in the second portion 412. The pallet lever 89 may be fixed to the second blank 4 in order to supplement the guidance of the pallet assembly 93. To this end, the pallet lever 89 may comprise a bearing 9.
[0108] In the described embodiment or variant, the first blank comprises three arms and the second blank comprises three arms. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant:
[0109] - the first blank may preferably comprise one, two, three or four flexible arms 33, and / or
[0110] The second blank may preferably comprise one, two, three or four flexible arms 43 .
[0111] Typically, there may be different numbers of arms and any number of arms on the first and second blanks. Preferably, the number of arms of one and / or the other blank is an odd number and / or the arms of any pair of arms of the same blank are not aligned or oriented in parallel.
[0112] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the arms preferably have orthogonal cross sections (relative to the axis A) that are linear or have a maximum aspect ratio of less than 5 or 3 or 2.
[0113] In the embodiment or variant described, the first blank comprises a balance spring stud holder 332 on the first arm. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant: the balance spring stud holder can be located on the second blank or on the first blank. This advantageously depends on which side of the balance spring 92 is located.
[0114] In the described embodiments or variants, the first blank and the second blank are rods. These rods together form a guide cage. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the first blank or the second blank can be a plate.
[0115] In the described embodiments or variants, the first blank and the second blank comprise flexible arms. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant, it may be that only one blank may be provided with a flexible arm. For example, the other blank may have a guide bearing mounted in a shock absorber.
[0116] In the described embodiment or variant, the first blank can be produced, for example, from a hardenable austenitic superalloy based on cobalt (Phynox) or copper beryllium (CuBe).
[0117] In the described embodiment or variant, the second blank can be made of, for example, a hardenable austenitic superalloy based on cobalt (Phynox) or copper beryllium (CuBe).
[0118] This solution makes it possible to realize an extremely flat watch movement while benefiting from a particularly compact balance guidance solution.
[0119] As mentioned above, the geometry of the arms makes it possible to ensure a certain flexibility in the guidance of the balance wheel.
Claims
1. A guide element (1) for guiding a balance wheel (91) of a timepiece (200) to pivot about an axis (A), comprising: - a first guide bearing (2) without a shock absorber, and - a first blank (3), in particular a first balance-wheel lever or bridge, The first blank (3) comprises: - at least one first fixing portion (31) for fixing to another blank (4), - a first receiving portion (32) for receiving said first guide bearing (2), and - at least one first flexible arm (33) mechanically connecting said first fixing portion (31) to said first receiving portion (32).
2. A guiding element according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one first arm is constructed and / or designed to limit the displacement stiffness of the first receiving part along the direction of the axis (A) to approximately 8 N / mm or less than 10 N / mm or less than 20 N / mm or less than 50 N / mm or less than 100 N / mm, and / or wherein the at least one first arm is constructed and / or designed so that the first receiving part can move greater than 0.05 mm or approximately 0.1 mm in the direction of the axis (A).
3. A guiding element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding element comprises a plurality of first flexible arms (33), in particular 2, 3 or 4 first flexible arms (33), mechanically connecting the at least one first fixing part (31) to the first receiving part (32).
4. A guiding element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more first arms comprise a hollow geometric shape, and / or wherein the one or more first arms extend substantially radially relative to the direction of the axis (A), and / or wherein each arm comprises two parallel branches (331), the two parallel branches (331) extending from the one or more first fixing parts (31) and approaching each other near the first receiving part (32) for receiving the guide bearing (2).
5. A guiding element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fixing portion is in the form of a rim and / or wherein the thickness of the first receiving portion (32) for receiving the first guiding bearing (2) along the axis (A) is about 0.2 mm or less than 0.23 mm or less than 0.14 mm.
6. Guide element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least one first arms comprises a balance spring stud holder (332).
7. Guide element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fixing portion (31) comprises a first receiving portion (311) for receiving a first guide bearing (5) for an escape wheel (94).
8. A guiding element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding element comprises: - a second guide bearing (6) without a shock absorber, and - a second blank (4), in particular a second balance lever (4) or plate, The second blank (4) comprises: - at least one second fixing portion (41) for fixing to said first blank (3), - a second receiving portion (42) for receiving the bearing (6) of the second guide (2), and - at least one second flexible arm (43) mechanically connecting said at least one second fixing portion (41) to said second receiving portion (42).
9. A guiding element according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one second arm is constructed and / or designed to limit the displacement stiffness of the second receiving part along the direction of the axis (A) to approximately 8 N / mm or less than 10 N / mm or less than 20 N / mm or less than 50 N / mm or less than 100 N / mm, and / or wherein the at least one second arm is constructed and / or designed so that the second receiving part can move greater than 0.05 mm or approximately 0.1 mm in the direction of the axis (A).
10. A guiding element according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the guiding element comprises a plurality of second flexible arms (43), in particular 2, 3 or 4 second flexible arms (43), mechanically connecting the at least one second fixing portion (41) to the second receiving portion (42).
11. A guiding element according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the one or more second arms comprise a hollow geometric shape, and / or wherein the one or more second arms extend substantially radially relative to the direction of the axis (A), and / or wherein each arm comprises two parallel branches (431), which extend from the one or more second fixing parts (41) and are close to each other near the second receiving part (42) for receiving the guide bearing (2).
12. A guiding element according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second fixing portion is in the form of a rim and / or wherein the thickness of the second receiving portion (42) for receiving the second guiding bearing (6) along the axis (A) is about 0.2 mm or less than 0.23 mm or less than 0.14 mm.
13. Guide element according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein one of the at least one second arms comprises a balance spring stud holder.
14. A guiding element according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the at least one second fixing portion (41) comprises a second receiving portion (411) for receiving a guiding bearing (7) for an escape wheel (94), and / or wherein the at least one second fixing portion (41) comprises a second receiving portion (412) for receiving a guiding bearing (8) for an escapement fork assembly (93).
15. A watch module (90), comprising: - a guide element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a balance wheel (91), - a pallet fork assembly (93), and - escape wheel (94).
16. A timepiece movement (100) comprising a timepiece module according to the preceding claims and / or a guide element according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
17. A timepiece (200), in particular a watch (200), comprising: - a guide element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and / or - a timepiece module (90) according to claim 15, and / or - A timepiece movement (100) according to the preceding claim.