Timepiece assembly and method of manufacturing timepiece assembly

Abstract

A timepiece assembly (10) comprising:-a first flexible member (20) defining a first stationary plane (P1) in a stationary state,-a second flexible member (30) defining a second stationary plane (P2) in a stationary state, characterized in that the timepiece assembly (10) comprises a fastening connection formed between the first flexible member (20) and the second flexible member (30), the first flexible part (20) and / or the second flexible part (30) are / is deformed in the direction perpendicular to or basically perpendicular to the first static plane (P1) and / or the second static plane (P2) respectively through the first flexible part (20) and / or the second flexible part (30) in the direction perpendicular to or basically perpendicular to the first static plane (P1) and / or the second static plane (P2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a timepiece assembly obtained by assembling at least two individual parts, and more particularly to a timepiece assembly obtained by assembling at least two completely planar individual parts, or each of which has at least one planar portion to be assembled. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the watch industry has been adopting manufacturing and microfabrication technologies (UV LIGA, silicon wafer engraving, etc.) that allow the production of single, flat parts. These technologies allow the manufacture of parts with complex shapes, diverse materials, and high precision. However, the parts produced are essentially flat, which can impose limitations or constraints on their integration and assembly in the assembly of specific watch components.

[0003] Among the prior art timepiece components, patent document WO2018146639A1 discloses an elastic member assembled from individual planar parts stacked and joined together or in pairs. This requires the provision of intermediate components for joining, and also requires specialized stacking because the individual planar parts rotate in opposite directions. Consequently, the finished component consists of multiple parts and is complex to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and, in particular, to propose a timepiece assembly comprising a single part which may initially be flat, the finished assembly remaining simple, comprising a limited number of parts and being manufacturable in a simple manner. The invention also aims to propose a method for manufacturing such a timepiece assembly.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a watchmaking assembly comprising:

[0006] - a first flexible member defining, in a rest state, a first rest plane,

[0007] - a second flexible member defining, in the rest state, a second rest plane,

[0008] It is characterized in that the watch assembly includes a fastening connection formed between the first flexible part and the second flexible part, so that the first flexible part and / or the second flexible part are deformed in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first stationary plane and / or the second stationary plane respectively.

[0009] In the above-described embodiment, the first flexible component and the second flexible component are both planar components before assembly, and once assembled at the fastening connection, at least one of the two components is deformed in a direction perpendicular to its resting plane due to the fastening connection. Therefore, once assembly is completed, at least one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component is elastically deformed in a direction perpendicular to its resting plane to connect the other of the first flexible component and the second flexible component. This embodiment allows the timepiece assembly to be simplified because no additional or separate components are required to join the two flexible components together: the first flexible component and the second flexible component are directly assembled together by being deformed perpendicular to at least one of their resting planes. In other words, the timepiece assembly includes a fastening connection that causes the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component to be deformed outside the first resting plane and / or the second resting plane, respectively. In particular, the fastening connection causes a residual elastic deformation of the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component. In particular, the fastening connection is arranged to apply a deforming force (preferably permanent), which causes the first flexible part and / or the second flexible part to deform, and even when the watch component is free or at rest, that is, when the watch component is completely free, a permanent deforming force is still applied to the first flexible part and / or the second flexible part due to the fastening connection. Specifically, the fastening connection is arranged to apply a permanent tensile force (such as bending, shearing, twisting, stretching or compression) to the first flexible part and / or the second flexible part. Specifically, the watch component includes a support part (for example, formed on the first flexible part or on the second flexible part, or even formed on another component), and the fastening connection is arranged to support the first flexible part and / or the second flexible part on the support part, and / or to cause a residual and / or permanent deformation or displacement of at least a part of the first flexible part and / or the second flexible part relative to the support part.

[0010] In particular, it is noted that the fastening connection is a connection formed between the two flexible components themselves, which is an internal fastening connection of the timepiece assembly. This is not a fastening of one of the timepiece components to any external frame or chassis that could cause internal deformation of the timepiece assembly. In more detail, it is noted that the fastening connection can be a connection formed between the two flexible components after their manufacture, and / or a fastening connection formed directly between the two flexible components.

[0011] In other words, the present invention may relate to a timepiece assembly comprising:

[0012] - a first flexible member comprising a first fastener,

[0013] - a second flexible member superimposed on the first fastening member and comprising a second fastening member,

[0014] It is characterized in that the timepiece assembly comprises a fastening connection formed between a first fastening element and a second fastening element, and wherein the first fastening element and / or the second fastening element has a longitudinal direction which is at least partially directed in the superposition direction of the second flexible part on the first flexible part.

[0015] In other words, the present invention may relate to a timepiece assembly comprising:

[0016] - a first flexible member comprising a first fastener,

[0017] - a second flexible member superimposed on the first fastening member and comprising a second fastening member,

[0018] It is characterized in that the timepiece assembly includes a fastening connection formed between the first fastening member and the second fastening member in a direction in which the second flexible member is superimposed on the first flexible member.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first flexible component in the rest state is an unassembled component, that is, still independent of the second component. In this unassembled state, the first flexible component defines a first rest plane.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second flexible component in the rest state is an unassembled component, that is, still independent of the first component. In this unassembled state, the second flexible component defines a second rest plane.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first flexible member, once assembled, has at least one portion that is no longer within the first resting plane. In other words, during assembly, once the secure connection is formed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, at least one portion of the first flexible member that was previously within the first resting plane is deformed and no longer within the first resting plane.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second flexible member, once assembled, has at least one portion that is no longer within the second resting plane. In other words, during assembly, once the secure connection is formed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, at least one portion of the second flexible member that was previously within the second resting plane is deformed and no longer within the second resting plane.

[0023] In one embodiment, once the fastening connection is formed, the first flexible member and / or the second flexible member (outside the first rest plane and / or the second rest plane, respectively) undergo elastic deformation. Specifically, once the fastening connection is formed, the first flexible member and / or the second flexible member undergo a residual or permanent elastic deformation. Thus, if the first flexible member and / or the second flexible member have an unsupported portion, this unsupported portion will undergo elastic and / or continuous deformation within the timepiece assembly. In other words, once the timepiece assembly is formed, the unsupported portion of the first flexible member and / or the second flexible member will be deformed and will no longer be within the first rest plane and / or the second rest plane, respectively.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first flexible component has a first thickness and / or the second flexible component has a second thickness, and once the fastening connection is formed, it will cause the first flexible component to displace greater than or equal to 50% of the first thickness, preferably 100%, and / or cause the second flexible component to displace greater than or equal to 50% of the second thickness, preferably 100%.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first flexible member and the second flexible member are stackable, wherein the first stationary plane and the second stationary plane are parallel. In this embodiment, the first flexible member and the second flexible member are stacked on each other to provide a compact assembly, and at least one of the first flexible member and the second flexible member is deformed along the stacking direction.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first stationary plane and the second stationary plane may be separated and / or arranged at a distance from each other.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first flexible component may include a first fastener and the second flexible component may include a second fastener, wherein a secure connection may be formed between the first fastener and the second fastener. Each fastener may be formed by a free end or strand of the respective flexible component. Alternatively, each fastener may be formed by a portion of the respective flexible component, not necessarily an end. In any case, at least one fastener may be provided on the movable, displaceable, or deformable portion in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the stationary plane of the associated flexible component.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fastening connection may be arranged at least partially between the first stationary plane and the second stationary plane.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fastening connection can be formed by a complementary meshing of the first and second flexible components, with or without the use of a filler material, or by welding. It should be noted that the fastening connection can be reversible or detachable, or conversely, definitive or irreversible. The fastening connection can generally be formed by or between the first and second flexible components, i.e., the fastening connection is not a separate component connecting the first and second flexible components.

[0030] In one embodiment, the clock assembly may include at least one insert arranged to form a gap between the first flexible member and the second flexible member. Such an insert may be provided to isolate adjacent flexible members to avoid friction, interference, or overlap that could impair the normal operation of the clock assembly. In other words, once the clock assembly is formed, the first and second flexible members include first and second portions, respectively, that face each other, and the clock assembly includes at least one insert arranged between the first and second portions that face each other. Without the insert, the first and second portions would contact each other.

[0031] In one embodiment, the insert may be a gasket formed by a thin sheet, a flange, a flat plate, a ridge or a lug provided on at least one of the first flexible part and the second flexible part.

[0032] In one embodiment, before forming the fastening connection, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component can be formed along the first stationary plane or the second stationary plane, respectively. In other words, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component can be a planar component, generally having a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component can be formed from silicon, such as from a silicon wafer, nickel, such as by electrodeposition, a nickel-phosphorus alloy, such as by electrodeposition, or silicon carbide. These manufacturing or microfabrication methods typically result in a planar flexible component. Specifically, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component can contain silicon, nickel, or a nickel alloy, such as nickel-phosphorus or silicon carbide.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may have a first end, a second end, and an active elastic portion arranged between the first end and the second end. The active elastic portion may be configured to undergo elastic deformation to allow relative elastic displacement between the first end and the second end. In the case of rotational relative motion, the relative elastic displacement may be greater than 5°, or greater than 10°, or greater than 30°, or greater than 90°, or 180°, or greater than 280°, or greater than 300°, or even greater than one or several weeks. In the case of flexural relative motion, the relative elastic displacement may be greater than 5% of the length of the active elastic portion, or greater than 10%, or greater than 30%, or greater than 50%.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may have a spiral structure. Specifically, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may have or include a spiral active portion (configured to be elastically deformed).

[0036] In one embodiment, the fastening connection may be arranged at the periphery of the first flexible member and / or the second flexible member, and / or at the end of the first flexible member and / or the end of the second flexible member. It should be noted that the above-mentioned end may be the end of the effective elastically deformable length of the first flexible member and / or the second flexible member, which is not necessarily the physical end, nor necessarily the end of the relevant flexible member.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least one of the first flexible member and the second flexible member may exhibit a variation in thickness and / or stiffness to compensate for stress caused by deformation in the normal plane caused by the fastening connection.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first flexible member and / or the second flexible member may be connected together to form a single helical member.

[0039] In one embodiment, the clock assembly can form the elastic energy storage member of clock parts, or forms the oscillation of the oscillator of clock parts to keep elastic member. Conventionally, it is possible to design and form a barrel spring, for the motion of clock parts provides power. Alternatively, it is possible to design and form an oscillator spring, for it is intended to be combined with a balance wheel, to produce or maintain the oscillation in clock parts. In another alternative, it is possible to design and form a spring, as the drive barrel of an additional or complex mechanism (such as a timer or an alarm clock), or for driving a specific mechanism, such as date, month, year or moon phase display (for example, instantaneous jump in a perpetual calendar). The structure can also be designed to drive axle or tooth plate to carry out partial rotation, or to carry out linear displacement.

[0040] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a timepiece component, comprising the following steps:

[0041] - providing a first flexible member defining a first rest plane in a rest state,

[0042] - providing a second flexible member defining a second rest plane in the rest state,

[0043] - deforming and / or displacing at least a portion of one of the first flexible member and the second flexible member in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first stationary plane and / or the second stationary plane.

[0044] - forming a secure connection between the first flexible component and the second flexible component at the at least one deformed and / or displaced portion. It should be noted that the above method includes a step of deforming and / or displacing at least a portion of one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component, and that once the secure connection is formed, this deformation and / or displacement is at least partially permanent or definitive. Therefore, elastic stresses may still exist within the resulting timepiece assembly.

[0045] In one embodiment:

[0046] - the step of providing a first flexible component may comprise at least the step of making the first component planar or having at least a flat main surface, and / or

[0047] The step of providing a second flexible component may comprise at least the step of making the second component planar or at least having a flat main surface.

[0048] In one embodiment:

[0049] - the step of providing a first flexible component may comprise at least a step of microfabrication and / or additive manufacturing, and / or subtractive manufacturing, and / or planar substrate etching, and / or

[0050] The step of providing a second flexible component may comprise at least a step of microfabrication and / or additive manufacturing, and / or subtractive manufacturing, and / or planar substrate etching.

[0051] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method may include the steps of overlaying the second flexible member on the first flexible member, followed by the steps of deforming and / or moving at least a portion of one of the first flexible member and the second flexible member.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first flexible member may include a first fastener and the second flexible member may include a second fastener.

[0053] And the step of forming the fastened connection may include the step of aligning or abutting the first fastener with the second fastener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention which are described by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 A top view showing an example of a first flexible component and a second flexible component that need to be assembled together;

[0056] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A side view of the first flexible member and the second flexible member;

[0057] Figure 3 Shown assembled Figure 1 A side view of a watch assembly formed by the first flexible component and the second flexible component;

[0058] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 A side view of an alternative arrangement of the clock components in FIG.

[0059] Figure 5 Shown Figure 3 or Figure 4 A top view of the clock assembly in FIG.

[0060] Figure 6a Shown Figure 5 a partial view of the region VI, showing a first alternative for the fastening connection between the first flexible part and the second flexible part;

[0061] Figure 6b Shown Figure 5 A partial view of the region VI, showing a second alternative for the fastening connection between the first flexible member and the second flexible member;

[0062] Figure 6c Shown Figure 5 a partial view of the region VI, showing a third alternative for the fastening connection between the first flexible member and the second flexible member;

[0063] Figure 6d Shown Figure 5 a partial view of the region VI, showing a fourth alternative for the fastening connection between the first flexible member and the second flexible member;

[0064] Figure 6e Shown Figure 5 Partial view of the region VI to illustrate a fifth alternative for the fastening connection between the first flexible part and the second flexible part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1A top view of an example of a first flexible component 20 and a second flexible component 30 that need to be assembled together is shown. In this example, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are identical and each forms a spring, including a fastener 21, 31, a free end 22, 32 and a movable portion 23, 33, respectively. The first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are planar components, that is, at least one of their top or bottom surfaces is planar. In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are completely planar components, that is, their top and bottom surfaces are all planar. Figure 2 As shown, the first flexible member 20 defines a first stationary plane P1 and the second flexible member 30 defines a second stationary plane P2.

[0066] In the example shown, the center of the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30 respectively has fasteners 21, 31, which form a collar and a screw, but it can also be designed that only one of the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30 has such a fastener. It is also conceivable not to design a collar directly integrated into the first flexible part 20 or a screw integrated into the second flexible part 30. In other words, it can be designed that the first flexible part 20 and / or the second flexible part 30 simply exist at one end of the rod forming the movable part 23 or 33. In such a case, the first free end of the first flexible part 20 can be directly connected to the balance axis (for example, through a traditional collar), and / or the second free end of the second flexible part 30 can be directly connected or pinched to the balance bridge of the watch part. In the case of using brittle silicon parts, the first flexible part 20 may include a fastener 21 (to form a collar such as Figure 1 The second flexible part 30 may have a fastener 31 forming a nail.

[0067] In the example shown, the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30 are parts obtained by microfabrication, in particular, Figure 1 The first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 in FIG. 5 are parts manufactured by etching a silicon wafer, for example by deep reactive ion etching.

[0068] exist Figure 1 , the first flexible member 20 is flipped relative to the second flexible member 30, which is why its winding direction is opposite to that of the second flexible member 30. This arrangement can be seen in that if the first flexible member 20 is stacked upside down relative to the second flexible member 30, the respective ends 22 and 33 of the first flexible member 20 and the second flexible member 30 face each other.

[0069] In fact, and as Figure 2As shown in the side view in FIG, the first flexible member 20 and the second flexible member 30 are stacked, and the end 22 of the first flexible member 20 is located above the end 32 of the second flexible member 30 along the z-axis (the direction perpendicular to the stationary planes P1 and P2).

[0070] Therefore, if Figure 1 If the first flexible member 20 and the second flexible member 30 are stacked, the end 22 of the first flexible member 20 will be located directly above and completely facing the end 32 of the second flexible member 30.

[0071] Then, you can pass along Figure 2 The z-axis in FIG. 1 causes the end portion 22 of the first flexible member 20 and the end portion 32 of the second flexible member 30 to deform / move, forming a secure connection therebetween.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the timepiece assembly 10 is formed by overlapping or joining the first flexible member 20 and / or the second flexible member 30 at the end 22 of the first flexible member 20 and / or the end 32 of the second flexible member 30 .

[0073] Specifically, the fastening connection is formed directly between the end 22 of the first flexible member 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible member 30, thereby forcing the first flexible member 20 and the second flexible member 30 to abut against each other and each deform along the z-axis to engage at the fastening connection. For example, the end 22 of the first flexible member 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible member 30 can be placed between one or more clamps to align and connect them.

[0074] Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown in the side view of FIG, each end of the first flexible member 20 and the second flexible member 30 has a longitudinal direction oriented along the horizontal x-axis and the vertical z-axis.

[0075] In other words, the end 22 of the first flexible member 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible member 30 are butted together. To this end, the timepiece assembly, utilizing an otherwise planar component, has a portion (the fastened connection) that is tilted along the z-axis and along the second stationary planes P1 and P2. This tilted portion is comprised of the first end portions of the first and second flexible members 20 and 30. Aside from these tilted end portions, which are not parallel to the first and second stationary planes P1 and P2, the remainder of the timepiece assembly (the remainder of the first and second flexible members 20 and 30) lies within or parallel to the first and second stationary planes P1 and P2. It can be noted that the unsupported portions of the first and second flexible members 20 and 30 deform along the z-axis. It can also be noted that the fastened connection creates or applies a permanent deforming force to the first and second flexible members 20 and 30. In this example, the deformation is essentially flexural (and, to some extent, twisting of the second flexible member 30 by the fulcrum of the first flexible member 20) due to the flexural-shearing forces applied by the fastened connection. Other geometries may be involved, possibly involving torsion, compression or tension.

[0076] As a deformation and as Figure 4 As shown, the entire or part of the watch assembly, namely the first flexible member 20 and the second flexible member 30, may be tilted or non-parallel to the first stationary plane P1 and the second stationary plane P2. Figure 4 In this variation, for example, the fastening connection is formed by bringing the ends 22 and 32 end-to-end with the intermediate layer 11 (or filler material 11). In this example, the applied deformation is essentially flexural—deflection caused by shear deformation forces. Other geometries involving torsion, compression, or tension are possible.

[0077] The method for manufacturing the assembly thus comprises the following steps:

[0078] - correctly positioning the first flexible part 20 relative to the second flexible part 30 (here the parts are superimposed),

[0079] - deforming or displacing one (or both) of the ends 22, 32 in the z direction perpendicular to the first and second stationary planes P1, P2,

[0080] - Connecting the ends 22 and 32 together to join the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30 .

[0081] Figure 5 The figure shows a top view of the watch assembly, wherein the fasteners 21 and 31 overlap each other, and the movable parts 23 and 33 ending at the interconnected ends 22 and 32 also overlap each other. The watch assembly 10 thus obtained comprises:

[0082] a first helical portion, from the fastener 21 to the periphery of the timepiece assembly 10 and from the first flexible part 20 , and

[0083] a second helical portion, from the periphery of timepiece assembly 10 to fastener 31 and coming from second flexible part 30 .

[0084] Regarding the portion formed between the ends 22 and 32 and located Figure 5 The fastening connection of the middle region VI can be implemented in various alternative ways, such as Figures 6a to 6e shown.

[0085] Figure 6a Shown Figure 5 A partial view of the middle section VI shows, from above, a first alternative fastening connection between the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30, in which the fastening connection is formed by bringing the ends 22 and 32 together end to end, without the need for intermediate layers or filler materials. For example, welding without the use of metal parts, or anodic bonding, especially if one of the parts is made of glass, or any other suitable technique may be proposed.

[0086] Figure 6b Shown Figure 5 The partial view of the middle section VI shows, from a top view (or also from a profile view), a second alternative for the fastening connection between the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30, wherein the fastening connection is formed by joining the ends 22 and 32 end to end, with an intermediate layer 11 (or filler material 11). For metal parts, for example, filler material welding, eutectic bonding, especially if one of the parts is made of glass or silicon, can be proposed. Suitable adhesive bonding can be used for any type of part, layer deposition, especially oxide deposition, or any other suitable technique.

[0087] Figure 6c Shown Figure 5 A partial view of area VI, in plan view (or alternatively, in profile), shows a third alternative fastening connection between the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30, wherein the fastening connection is formed by the end-to-end connection of the ends 22 and 32, utilizing the meshing of complementary shapes. A dovetail shape is shown here, but other geometries are contemplated. The width of the ends 22 and 32 is also shown to be greater than the width of the remainder of the first flexible part and / or the second flexible part 30, but the width of the ends may be equal to or comparable to, or even smaller than, the width of the remainder of the parts. It is also possible to make the assembly reversible or removable, or, conversely, to make it irreversible by gluing, welding, or locking with additional parts, or by irreversible plastic deformation of the material.

[0088] Figure 6d Shown Figure 5 The partial view of area VI shows, from a top view (or also from a profile view), a fourth alternative for the fastening connection between the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30, in which the fastening connection is formed by the ends 22 and 32 partially overlapping each other. The fastening connection is formed without the need for intermediate layers or filler materials, and welding can be provided without the use of metal parts. If one of the parts is made of glass, anodic bonding can be performed.

[0089] Figure 6e Shown Figure 5 A partial view of area VI, shown from above (or in profile), shows a fifth alternative for the fastening connection between first flexible component 20 and second flexible component 30, wherein the fastening connection is formed by partially overlapping ends 22 and 32. An intermediate layer 11 (or filler material 11) is required to form the fastening connection. For metal parts, filler material welding can be proposed. If one of the parts is made of glass or silicon, eutectic bonding can be used. Suitable adhesive bonding can be used for any type of part.

[0090] Industrial Applications

[0091] The timepiece component according to the invention and its manufacture can be used in industrial applications.

[0092] It will be understood that various modifications and improvements apparent to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in this specification without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0093] Specifically, it can be noted that in the example shown, the first flexible member 20 and the second flexible member 30 are made of silicon. However, any other material can be used to make the first and second flexible members, such as metal alloys, nickel, nickel-phosphorus alloys, or silicon carbide. In the example shown, the first and second flexible members 20 and 30 are manufactured by etching from a wafer, but the first and / or second flexible members can also be manufactured by electrolytic deposition, conventional wire forming (drawing, work hardening, rolling, etc.).

[0094] In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are completely planar elements, ie, their top and bottom surfaces are completely planar, but partially planar flexible components are also contemplated.

[0095] In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are identical to each other, but the structures of the flexible components may be similar and there may be significant differences between the flexible components, for example, to optimize the torque curve according to mechanical stress.

[0096] In the example shown, the first flexible part 20 and the second flexible part 30 are springs intended to serve as oscillators of a timepiece, but they can be designed to form a timepiece component with any other function: forming a barrel spring for storing and recovering energy, for example, for driving a barrel for finishing a gear train and maintaining an oscillator, a driving barrel for an additional or complex mechanism (such as a timer or an alarm clock), or for driving a specific mechanism such as a date, month, year or moon phase display (for example, an instantaneous jump in a perpetual calendar). The timepiece component can also drive a shaft or a toothed piece to perform a partial rotation, or a linear displacement. In particular, other shapes than a spiral can be used to produce the flexible active part, such as, but not limited to, a flexible claw that can be flexibly deformed, a wave or accordion part that can be elastically folded or unfolded, or a flexibly deformed beam part.

Claims

1. A watch assembly (10), comprising: - a first flexible member (20) defining, in a rest state, a first rest plane (P1), - a second flexible member (30) defining, in the rest state, a second rest plane (P2), The clock assembly (10) is characterized in that the clock assembly (10) includes a fastening connection formed between the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30), so that the first flexible part (20) and / or the second flexible part (30) are deformed in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first stationary plane (P1) and / or the second stationary plane (P2), respectively.

2. The timepiece assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the deformation force exerted by the fastening connection is a permanent deformation force.

3. Timepiece assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30) are superposed, wherein the first stationary plane (P1) and the second stationary plane (P2) are parallel.

4. The timepiece assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first flexible part (20) comprises a first fastener and the second flexible part (30) comprises a second fastener, wherein the fastened connection is formed between the first fastener and the second fastener.

5. Timepiece assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the fastening connection is at least partially arranged between the first stationary plane (P1) and the second stationary plane (P2).

6. The timepiece assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fastening connection is formed by complementary shape engagement between the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30) with or without filler material or by welding.

7. The timepiece assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one insert arranged to form a gap between the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30).

8. The clock assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the insert is a gasket formed by a thin sheet, a flange, a flat plate, a flange or a lug provided on at least one of the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30).

9. A timepiece component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first flexible component (20) and / or the second flexible component (30) is a flexible component formed from silicon, such as a silicon wafer, or nickel, such as by electrodeposition, or a nickel-phosphorus alloy, such as by electrodeposition, or silicon carbide.

10. The timepiece assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first flexible part (20) and / or the second flexible part (30) has a helical structure.

11. A timepiece assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fastening connection is arranged at the periphery of the first flexible part (20) and / or the second flexible part (30), and / or at the end (31) of the first flexible part (20) and / or the end (32) of the second flexible part (30).

12. A timepiece assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30) exhibits a variation in thickness and / or stiffness to compensate for stresses caused by deformations in the normal plane resulting from the tightening connection.

13. The timepiece component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30) are connected together to form a single helical part.

14. A timepiece assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, forming an elastic energy-storing member of a timepiece component, or forming an oscillation-retaining elastic member of an oscillator of a timepiece component.

15. A method for manufacturing a timepiece component (10), comprising the steps of: - providing a first flexible member (20) defining a first rest plane (P1) in a rest state, - providing a second flexible member (30) defining a second rest plane (P2) in a rest state, - deforming and / or displacing at least a portion of one of the first flexible member (20) and the second flexible member (30) in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first stationary plane (P1) and / or the second stationary plane (P2), - a secure connection is formed between the first flexible part (20) and the second flexible part (30) at the at least one deformed and / or displaced portion.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 15, comprising the step of superimposing the second flexible component (30) on the first flexible component (20), and then the step of deforming and / or moving at least a portion of one of the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30).

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