A timepiece component configured to nest on a shaft

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece component (1) arranged to be nested on a shaft (99) along a nesting axis (A), comprising: a main body (2), a coupling interface (10), a circumferential flexible segment (20) arranged between the main body (2) and the coupling interface (10), N first connection bridges (31) connecting the circumferential flexible segment (20) and the coupling interface (10), a plurality of second connection bridges (51) connecting the circumferential flexible segment (20) and the main body (2), wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, characterized in that, in a plane perpendicular to the nesting axis (A), at least one of the N first connection bridges (31) is offset by an angle with respect to at least one of the plurality of second connection bridges (51): the angle is between (170 / N)° and (190 / N)°, for example (180 / N)°, and is subtended by the nesting axis (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a watch component configured to be nested on a shaft. More specifically, the present invention relates to a watch component configured to be nested on a shaft, made of or containing a fragile material (such as silicon), and / or comprising a flexible structure configured to mate with the shaft. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, known documents WO2011116486A1, EP2796940A2, EP2755093A2, EP3327514A2, or EP2112565A2 disclose a watch component that is nested on a shaft, made of or containing a fragile material (such as silicon), and / or includes a flexible structure configured to mate with the shaft. However, the components described in these documents are not suitable for all situations, particularly for applications that require the transmission of torque or the resistance to impacts without axial slippage, and for applications requiring significant geometric compensation to accommodate changes in shaft diameter geometry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention aims to specifically provide a watch component that is nested on a shaft, made of or containing a fragile material (such as silicon or electroplated material), and / or includes a flexible structure configured to cooperate with the shaft; the watch component is designed to be suitable for various applications, such as applications that need to transmit torque or withstand impacts without axial slippage, and applications that require significant geometric compensation to cope with changes in shaft diameter.

[0004] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a clock component configured to be nested on a shaft along a nested axis, comprising: main body, The connection interface is configured to mate with the shaft. At least one circumferential flexible segment is disposed between the main body and the connection interface. N first connecting bridge components, which connect the circumferential flexible segment and the connecting interface. Multiple second connecting bridge components connect the circumferential flexible segment to the main body. Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, The feature is that: on a plane perpendicular to the nested axis, at least one of the N first connecting bridge members is offset by an angle relative to at least one of the plurality of second connecting bridge members: This angle is between (170 / N)° and (190 / N)°, for example (180 / N)°, and The nested axis is the vertex.

[0005] In the above embodiment, the watch component includes a circumferential flexible segment, a plurality of first connecting bridges (disposed between the circumferential flexible segment and the connection interface), and a plurality of second connecting bridges (disposed between the circumferential flexible segment and the main body of the watch component), thereby forming an elastic structure whose shape design can prevent deformation of other parts of the watch component (such as the functional areas of gears or balance wheels). Furthermore, at least one of the N first connecting bridges is offset by an angle between (170 / N)° and (190 / N)° relative to at least one of the plurality of second connecting bridges, thereby maximizing the elastic displacement of the connection interface. This effectively compensates for possible dimensional changes in the shaft and / or the connection interface, while ensuring that the clamping force of the connection interface on the shaft is sufficiently large to prevent slippage between the shaft and the watch component, especially slippage under impact or when transmitting torque.

[0006] Watch components may have the following individual features or combinations of features.

[0007] In one embodiment, the shaft is a separate component that may or may not be movable relative to the movement frame. Alternatively, the shaft may be part of a watch component that may or may not be movable relative to the movement frame. Typically, the shaft includes at least one cylindrical protrusion, preferably with a circular cross-section, for accommodating a watch component.

[0008] In one embodiment, N is an integer between 2 and 6, and preferably N=3. This watch component can be compact and small in size, while possessing the aforementioned advantages: forming a sufficiently rigid elastic structure to preferentially prevent any slippage on the shaft, thereby transmitting a predefined torque without relative rotational displacement of the component relative to the shaft, while compensating for significant dimensional changes. Specifically, the watch component can, for example, be housed within a circle with a diameter of less than 6 mm, or even 5 mm, or even 4 mm.

[0009] In one embodiment, the clockwork component is nested on the shaft to form an embedded mechanical connection with an elastic structure (all degrees of freedom are locked), which has sufficient stiffness to preferentially prevent any slippage on the shaft. However, under certain conditions, an embedded connection that allows relative movement (typically sliding) can be provided, and its enhanced stiffness can be used to provide a sleeve with a precise aperture and minimal deformation, which fits onto the shaft and has a repeatable sliding threshold torque.

[0010] In one embodiment, the watch component includes N or more second connecting bridges, and preferably includes N second connecting bridges. The first and second connecting bridges are evenly or equidistantly distributed around the connection location or connection interface, thereby ensuring good coaxiality between the shaft and the axis defined by the connection interface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one circumferential flexible segment forms a circumferential flexible cover, which preferably completely surrounds the connection interface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one circumferential flexible segment includes at least one circumferential flexible sheet disposed between at least one of the N first connecting bridges and at least one of the plurality of second connecting bridges, and offset from or arranged side-by-side with the first and second connecting bridges. The circumferential flexible segment primarily compensates for larger geometric gaps through bending deformation while maintaining a compact structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the body forms or includes an anchoring section to which the second connecting bridge member is anchored. The volume of the anchoring section can be much larger than that of the circumferential flexible section. Specifically, the anchoring cross-section of the anchoring section is greater than 1.5 times the cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece, preferably greater than 2 times the cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece, and preferably greater than 3 times the cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece. The term "cross-section" refers to the surface area obtained when a component or piece is cut along a radial direction relative to the nesting axis. Specifically, for a given radial direction relative to the nesting axis, the anchoring cross-section of the anchoring section can be greater than 1.5 times the cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece, preferably greater than 2 times the cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece, and preferably greater than 3 times the cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece. By convention, the "average anchoring cross-section" is defined as the average value of the cross-section of the anchoring section within the range of the anchoring section around the connection location or connection interface (particularly around the nesting axis). By convention, the "average cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece" is defined as the average cross-section of the piece within the range of at least one circumferential flexible piece surrounding the connection location or connection interface (particularly around the nesting axis). The "anchorage range" refers to the range of the anchorage segment on the circumference of the connection interface, i.e., the range along the nesting axis in a 360° direction. The "extension range of at least one flexible segment" refers to the extension range of at least one flexible segment from the first connecting bridge member to the second connecting bridge member. Specifically, the average cross-section of the anchorage segment may be greater than 1.5 times the average cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece, preferably greater than 2 times the average cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece, and preferably greater than 3 times the average cross-section of at least one circumferential flexible piece.

[0014] In other words, the dimensions of the main body or anchoring section are designed to make its stiffness much higher than that of the circumferential flexible section and / or circumferential flexible sheet. In a planar watch component nested on a shaft, the circumferential flexible section and / or circumferential flexible sheet may preferentially undergo bending deformation due to displacement caused by the mounting method on the shaft, while the main body or anchoring section may also bear stresses that lead to bending stress. However, on any cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the plane of the component and passing through the axis, the moment of inertia of the circumferential flexible section and / or circumferential flexible sheet is much smaller than the moment of inertia of the main body or anchoring section. In one embodiment, on any cross-sectional plane containing the nesting axis, the cross-sectional moment of inertia of the circumferential flexible section and / or circumferential flexible sheet is three times smaller than the cross-sectional moment of inertia of the main body or anchoring section, preferably eight times smaller, preferably fifteen times smaller, and preferably twenty-five times smaller. Such features ensure that the deformation of the main body or anchoring section is very small or zero, and is negligible at least relative to the deformation or displacement of the circumferential flexible section and / or circumferential flexible sheet.

[0015] More generally, the main body or the rest of the main body of a watch component is much larger or more rigid than the circumferential flexible section and its circumferential flexible sheet. Therefore, the deformation that occurs during assembly with the shaft is still concentrated on the circumferential flexible section and its circumferential flexible sheet. That is to say, when assembling a watch component with the shaft, the deformation of the main body or the rest of the main body of the watch component should be minimized as much as possible, or even completely eliminated.

[0016] In one embodiment, the variation of the anchorage cross-section is less than 30%, less than 20%, and less than 10% within at least 40%, or even at least 50%, or even at least 60%, or even at least 70% of the range of the anchorage segment around the connection location or connection interface (particularly around the nesting axis). In another embodiment, the variation of the cross-section of the circumferential flexible sheet is less than 30%, or even less than 20%, and even less than 10% within at least 40%, or even at least 50%, or even at least 60%, or even at least 70% of the extension range of at least one circumferential flexible sheet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the body includes at least one anchoring flexible piece disposed between at least one of a plurality of second connecting bridges and the remainder of the body or watch component body. This anchoring flexible piece connects the body or the remainder of the body to at least one (preferably each) of the plurality of second connecting bridges, further enhancing the geometric compensation capability for manufacturing tolerances and / or minimizing deformation of the watch component body or the remainder of the body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the at least one flexible anchor plate has a flexible anchor plate cross section, and the flexible anchor plate cross section is substantially equal to the cross section of the circumferential flexible plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the connection interface includes N connection segments, each independent of the others and each configured to mate with a shaft. Preferably, each connection segment is opposite to and / or directly connected to one of the N first connecting bridges. The independent connection segments can limit static indeterminacy and improve geometric compensation capabilities, thereby mitigating dimensional variations in the component.

[0020] In one embodiment, the connection interface includes at least one, and preferably N, flexible connecting pieces, such as forming an Ω-shaped blade, disposed between the connecting segments. Such a structure provides significant deformability within a limited footprint, particularly in terms of bending.

[0021] In one embodiment, the watch component includes a plurality of flexible connecting tabs disposed between connecting segments, the flexible connecting tabs forming a connecting cover with the connecting segments, the connecting cover being configured to surround, preferably completely surround, the shaft. Such a connecting cover helps to limit the position or alignment deviation of the shaft after assembly.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one flexible connecting piece has a flexible connecting piece cross-section. Furthermore, the cross-section of the flexible connecting piece is essentially the same as the cross-section of the circumferential flexible piece.

[0023] In one embodiment, the circumferential flexible sheet has an average circumferential flexible sheet cross-section (ranging from at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of its length), and the flexible connecting sheet has an average flexible connecting sheet cross-section (ranging from at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of its length), and the value of the average flexible connecting sheet cross-section ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 times the average cross-section of the circumferential flexible sheet.

[0024] In one embodiment: The at least one flexible connecting piece has a flexible connecting piece cross-section. The at least one circumferential flexible sheet has a circumferential flexible sheet cross-section. Furthermore, at least a portion of the flexible connecting piece has a cross-section significantly larger than the circumferential flexible piece cross-section. Preferably, the central portion of the flexible connecting piece has a cross-section larger than 1.2 times, more preferably 1.5 times, and more preferably 1.8 times the circumferential flexible piece cross-section. This embodiment ensures a high clamping force on the shaft at the connection interface.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the flexible connecting piece in the central portion of the blade, particularly exhibiting an Ω-shape, is greater than 1.2 times, preferably 1.5 times, and preferably 1.8 times, the cross-section of the flexible connecting piece in the circumferential portion of the blade is substantially equal to the cross-section of the circumferential flexible piece. This embodiment design ensures high clamping force on the shaft at the connection interface (wherein the cross-section of the flexible connecting piece in the central portion is greater than 1.2 times, preferably 1.5 times, and preferably 1.8 times, the cross-section of the circumferential flexible piece) while providing good deformability (the cross-section of the flexible connecting piece in the side or circumferential portion is substantially equal to the cross-section of the circumferential flexible piece).

[0026] In one embodiment, the at least one circumferential flexible segment includes at least one recessed segment disposed facing and opposite to at least one of a plurality of first connecting bridges, and / or facing and opposite to at least one of a plurality of second connecting bridges. This concave structure helps to minimize displacement of the second connecting bridges. In one embodiment, the at least one recessed segment is disposed on the outer surface of the at least one circumferential flexible segment, facing and opposite to at least one of a plurality of first connecting bridges connected to the inner surface of the at least one circumferential flexible segment. In another embodiment, the at least one recessed segment is disposed on the inner surface of the at least one circumferential flexible segment, facing and opposite to at least one of a plurality of second connecting bridges connected to the inner surface of the at least one circumferential flexible segment.

[0027] In one embodiment, the watch component includes at least one, and preferably N, third connecting bridges that connect the connection interface to the circumferential flexible segment and are disposed on an extension of at least one of the plurality of second connecting bridges. Such third connecting bridges can improve the stiffness of the watch component, particularly the stiffness of the connection interface.

[0028] In one embodiment: The first connecting bridge component is connected to the circumferential flexible segment within a first connecting area, which is located between a first circle with radius R1 centered on the nested axis and a second circle with radius R2. The second connecting bridge component (connected to the circumferential flexible segment within the second connecting area, which is located between a third circle with radius R3 centered on the nested axis and a fourth circle with radius R4) And R1 <R2<R3<R4。

[0029] In one embodiment, the third connecting bridge is connected to the circumferential flexible segment within a third connecting region, which is located between a fifth circle with radius R5 centered on the nested axis and a sixth circle with radius R6. And R1 <R2<R5<R6<R3<R4。

[0030] In one embodiment: The connection interface defines at least one, and preferably N, internal grooves, which are disposed between the shaft and the connection interface, penetrate the watch component, and have internal groove surfaces. The first connecting bridge, the connecting interface, and the circumferential flexible segment together form at least one, and preferably N, circumferential grooves, which penetrate the watch component and have circumferential groove surfaces. Furthermore, the surface area of ​​the internal groove is less than or equal to the surface area of ​​the circumferential groove. In the above embodiments, the material allocated to the circumferential flexible segment is limited to ensure good deformability, thereby easily compensating for dimensional changes in the shaft or connection interface.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment: The connection interface defines at least one, and preferably N, internal grooves, which are disposed between the shaft and the connection interface, penetrate the watch component, and have internal groove surfaces. The first connecting bridge, the connecting interface, and the circumferential flexible segment together form at least one, and preferably N, circumferential grooves, which penetrate the watch component and have circumferential groove surfaces. Furthermore, the surface area of ​​the internal groove is greater than or equal to the surface area of ​​the circumferential groove. In the above embodiment, the material allocated to the circumferential flexible segment is maximized to ensure good stiffness, thereby guaranteeing good clamping force of the connection interface on the shaft.

[0032] In one embodiment, the clock component is a gear with n teeth, and preferably n = x·N, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 2. According to this embodiment, the teeth of the gear are evenly distributed between the gear and the first connecting bridge.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one of the first bridge member, and / or the second bridge member, and / or the third bridge member includes a pair of bridge walls separated by a gap. According to this embodiment, at least one first bridge member, and / or the second bridge member, and / or the third bridge member includes two separate and spaced-apart bridge walls or two individual bridge members. Rigidity is improved without increasing the mass of the watch components. For each “split” first, second, or third bridge member, the two bridge wall surfaces or the two individual bridge members are substantially parallel, or at least arranged in parallel or approximately parallel directions.

[0034] In one embodiment, the watch component includes at least one tooth, and at least one of the second and / or third bridge members is disposed opposite to the at least one tooth. In another embodiment, the at least one tooth includes a pair of tooth walls separated by a gap, and the gap extends between the bridge walls of at least one of the second and / or third bridge members, which are disposed opposite to the at least one tooth. The rigidity of the watch component is improved without increasing its mass.

[0035] In one embodiment, the clock component is a planar component, specifically, there is no protruding material relative to the plane of the clock component.

[0036] In one embodiment, the watch component is made of, or comprises, or constitutes a component of at least one of the following materials: silicon, ceramic and / or nickel, nickel-phosphorus alloy and / or metallic glass.

[0037] In one embodiment, the watch component is the balance wheel or anchor shaft of the escapement mechanism.

[0038] The second aspect of the invention relates to a clock assembly (e.g., a clock) comprising a shaft and a clock component nested on the shaft as described in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Other features and advantages of the invention can be more clearly understood by reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a front view of a first alternative to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clock component forms a balance wheel and includes a main body, a connecting interface, a circumferential flexible section, a first connecting bridge disposed between the connecting interface and the circumferential flexible section, and a second connecting bridge disposed between the circumferential flexible section and the main body. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 First detailed drawing of the clock component shown; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A second detailed view of the clock component shown; Figure 4 This is a front view of a second alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clock component forms a gear (here, an escapement gear), and the clock component includes a connecting interface, a circumferential flexible section, a first connecting bridge disposed between the connecting interface and the circumferential flexible section, a second connecting bridge disposed between the circumferential flexible section and the main body, and the main body and... Figure 1 The first alternative shown is similar; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 First detailed drawing of the clock component shown; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A second detailed view of the clock component shown; Figure 7 This is a front view of a first alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clock component forms a gear in a gear train, and the connection interface of the clock component is with... Figures 1 to 6 The first embodiment shown differs significantly; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 First detailed drawing of the clock component shown; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A second detailed view of the clock component shown; Figure 10 This is a front view of a second alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the clock component forms a gear in the gear train, and the clock component is... Figure 7 The main difference in the first alternative shown is the presence of a third connecting bridge between the circumferential flexible segment and the connection interface; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 First detailed drawing of the clock component shown; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A second detailed view of the clock component shown; Figure 13 Another example of a watch component according to the second alternative of the second embodiment is shown; Figure 14 Another example of a watch component according to a second alternative to the second embodiment is shown, with Figure 13 The example shown is similar. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following describes two embodiments, each including a first alternative and a second alternative. For the same or similar structures in the alternatives and embodiments, the reference numerals remain consistent. Figures 1 to 3 The figures show a first alternative to the first embodiment, and these figures are labeled only with reference numerals without symbols (“'”, “''”, “''”). " (”). Figures 4 to 6 A second alternative to the first embodiment is shown, and these icons are labeled with reference numerals and the symbol “'”. Figures 7 to 9 The first alternative to the second embodiment is shown, and these icons are labeled with reference numerals and the symbol “''”. Figures 10 to 12 A second alternative to the second embodiment is shown, these icons are labeled with reference numerals and the symbol " ". Figure 14The examples shown are labeled with reference numerals and the symbol “ For ease of explanation, the figure labels below will not include '', ''', or '''. " Symbols such as "" (these symbols are visible in each figure).

[0042] Figure 1 This is a front view of a first alternative to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the clock component 1 forms the balance wheel, anchor pin, or escapement fork of the escapement mechanism. The clock component is configured to be nested on shaft 99 along the nesting axis (indicated by the dotted line) and includes: Main body 2, The elastic structure 100 includes: Connection interface 10 is configured to mate with axis 99. The circumferential flexible segment 20 is disposed between the main body 2 and the connecting interface 10. N (three in this example) first connecting bridge components 31, which connect the circumferential flexible segment 20 and the connecting interface 10. Multiple (three in this example) second connecting bridge members 51 connect the circumferential flexible segment 20 to the main body 2. The base 40, in this document, connects each of the second connecting bridges 51 to the rest of the body 2.

[0043] Specifically, the unique feature of the elastic structure 100 used in this watch component is that it firstly includes: • The first connection interface 10, being a closed loop, defines the central opening 110 of the geometric axis A for accommodating the axis 99. • A closed-loop circumferential flexible segment 20 is configured to support the connection interface 10 via a first connecting bridge 31 extending radially or approximately radially relative to axis A.

[0044] • The base 40 is configured to support the circumferential flexible section 20 and is connected to the rest of the main body 2 of the watch component 1 by a second connecting bridge 51 that extends radially or approximately radially relative to the axis A.

[0045] Figure 1 The clock component shown is the balance wheel of the escapement mechanism, which has mating areas ZC configured to mate with other components of the escapement mechanism (such as one or more escape wheels and plate pins). Note that the position of these mating areas ZC relative to axis A determines the... Figure 1 Can the escapement mechanism of the clock component shown in the figure function properly?

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, the first connecting bridge 31 is located between a first circle with radius R1 and a second circle with radius R2, while the second connecting bridge 51 is located between a third circle with radius R3 and a fourth circle with radius R4, wherein R1 <R2<R3<R4。

[0047] The connecting interface 10 is combined with the circumferential flexible segment 20 and interconnected by the first and second connecting bridges 31 and 51, and connected to the rest of the clock component 1, thereby forming an elastic structure designed to prevent deformation of the rest of the clock component 1. When the shape of the clock component 1 allows, the base 40 can also be designed to adjust the stiffness of the whole formed by the connecting interface 10 and the circumferential flexible segment 20.

[0048] Preferably, all the first connecting bridge members 31 are the same, and all the second connecting bridge members 51 are the same.

[0049] Preferably, the first connecting bridge 31 and the second connecting bridge 51 are evenly distributed around the shaft A. Preferably, the elastic structure 100 has Nth-order rotational symmetry about the shaft A, and the first and second connecting bridges 31 and 51 are offset by an angle of α = (180 / N)°, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown.

[0050] The first and second connecting bridges 31 and 51 are therefore arranged side by side and extend radially along different radial directions of the elastic structure 100.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting bridge member 31 defines a first opening 310 distributed around the shaft A, and preferably evenly distributed around the shaft A. The second connecting bridge member 51 defines a second opening 510 distributed around the shaft A, and preferably evenly distributed around the shaft A.

[0052] Preferably, all first openings 310 are identical, and all second openings 510 are identical.

[0053] Preferably, for the watch movement's chronograph component 1, particularly the escapement component, N=3. This condition maximizes the deformation range of the elastic structure 100 and the radius of curvature of the connecting interface 10 and / or the circumferential flexible segment 20, while allowing the watch-sized axis (whose diameter is typically between 0.15mm and 0.5mm) to pass through the central opening 110. Furthermore, this condition allows the elastic structure 100 to be confined to the center of the watch component 1 without extending to the entire area of ​​the component body 2. Finally, for gears with a tooth number n that is a multiple of 3, this condition has particularly aesthetic and symmetrical characteristics (e.g., ...). Figure 4 and Figure 13 As shown, the gear contains 6 first teeth and 12 second teeth.

[0054] Preferably, n = x·N, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0055] Each of these two embodiments has a first alternative and a second alternative. This document is described with the special conditions N=3 and α=60°, but other settings (N=2, N=4 or more) may also be considered.

[0056] The two embodiments differ in terms of area or surface area, particularly between the connecting interface 10 and the circumferential flexible segment 20. This highlights that in the first embodiment, the amount of material at the connecting interface 10 may not reach its maximum value, while in the second embodiment it does.

[0057] First embodiment (see first alternative) Figures 1 to 3 The second alternative is... Figures 4 to 6 The significant feature of the connection interface 10 is that the area A1 of the central opening 110 (axis A) is less than or equal to N times the area A3 of each first opening 310, as described below.

[0058] The central opening 110 here is triangular or trilobal (each lob is specifically Ω-shaped), and its walls are defined by the connecting interface 10. The connecting interface 10 includes receiving elements 11 (or connecting segments 11) for accommodating the shaft 99. Each receiving element 11 is located directly opposite the first connecting bridge 31.

[0059] Each receiving element 11 is shaped to contact a shaft 99, which is preferably cylindrical, particularly straight cylindrical, and is intended to be embedded in a central opening 111 located inside the opening 110 and at least partially defined by these receiving elements 11.

[0060] Specifically, each receiving element 11 includes a receiving surface 11a, which is preferably concave when viewed from the axis A direction, so as to fit as closely as possible to the cylindrical shaft 99, thereby limiting contact pressure when the shaft 99 is initially nested. Therefore, the shape of the receiving element 11 (opposite to the profile of the shaft 99) is specially designed to minimize stress and optimize stress distribution, thereby preventing breakage when the watch component 1 is fitted into its shaft 99.

[0061] That is, given that the first connecting bridges 31 are located directly above the receiving element 11, each of these first connecting bridges 31 has a concave end that leads to the central opening 111. The other end 31a of each connecting bridge 31 is also concave and leads to its respective second opening 510. This concave structure makes the connection interface 10 more flexible and minimizes the deformation of the second connecting bridge 51.

[0062] Therefore, the connecting interface 10 is fixed to the circumferential flexible segment 20 via the first connecting bridge 31, while the circumferential flexible segment 20 itself is fixed to the base 40 of the main body 2 of the watch component 1 via the second connecting bridge 51. This structural design minimizes the stiffness of these elastic segments and maximizes deformable material within a given space without affecting the geometric integrity of the rest of the main body 2 in the watch component 1. In fact, during the nesting of the axis 99, the micron-level displacement direction of the first connecting bridge 31 is opposite to the displacement direction of the second connecting bridge 51, thereby maintaining the geometric integrity of the rest of the watch component 1.

[0063] Therefore, through this arrangement of the connecting interface 10, the circumferential flexible segment 20 and the base 40, the stress inside the elastic structure 100 can be minimized under the fastening force of a given axis 99.

[0064] Given that clock component 1 ( Figures 1-3 rocker arm or Figures 4-6 The expected load-bearing capacity of the gear (in the gear) on its shaft 99 necessitates not maximizing the perimeter of the connection interface 10; therefore, the area of ​​opening 110 is equivalent to or less than the sum of the areas of all openings 310. That is, the area A1 of the central opening 110 along axis A is less than or equal to N times the area A3 of each of the first openings. For the two alternatives of the first embodiment, A1 is approximately 0.15 mm. 2 A3 is approximately 0.05mm. 2 .

[0065] Specifically, please note that in the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 3 The first alternative shown and Figures 4 to 6 The second alternative shown): The connection interface 10 and the flexible connection piece with a curled structure together form a flexible connection cover. The circumferential flexible segment 20 and the circumferential flexible sheet with a rolled structure together form a circumferential flexible cover. Furthermore, the flexible connecting piece and the circumferential flexible piece have essentially the same cross-section.

[0066] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the first alternative to the first embodiment shown, stress minimization becomes particularly important due to the special structure of the base 40, which is characterized by the inclusion of openings (specifically N openings 410) primarily located directly above the second connecting bridge member 51. Preferably, these openings 410 are uniformly distributed along axis A and extend tangentially relative to axis A. The angular range of these openings is preferably smaller than angle α (in... Figures 1 to 3 (The specific example shown is approximately 40° or 45°). This forms a flexible anchoring piece that connects each second connecting bridge 51 to the main body 2 or the rest of the main body 2.

[0067] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example shown, the body 2 or the remainder of the body 2 extends beyond the opening 410 (radially or laterally), and its shape makes its stiffness much greater than that of the circumferential flexible segment 20. Specifically, on any cross-sectional plane containing the shaft A, the moment of inertia of the body 2 or the remainder of the body 2 is significantly greater than that of the circumferential flexible segment 20. Therefore, even if press fitting is performed within the diameter tolerance limits of the shaft 99, the circumferential flexible segment 20 will deform, but the body 2 or the remainder of the body 2 will not deform or will hardly deform, so the position of the mating area ZC relative to the shaft A will not be affected by mounting on the shaft 99 with diameter tolerance limits.

[0068] In the second alternative of the first embodiment (e.g.) Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the base 40 corresponds to the rim formed by the clock component 1. The stress within the elastic structure 100 is entirely within acceptable limits for the expected load-bearing capacity. Therefore, the base 40 can be in the form of a rigid component, either integrally or partially.

[0069] In the second embodiment, each vertex of the connecting interface 10 (or the central portion of the Ω-shaped structure) bulges out at the corresponding first opening 310 to maximize the deformable material within a given space, thereby further optimizing the stress distribution. Therefore, as described later, the area A1 of the central opening 110 in the A-axis direction is greater than or equal to N times the area A3 of each first opening.

[0070] Specifically, as will be described in detail below, in the second embodiment ( Figures 7 to 9 The first alternative shown and Figures 9 to 12 The second alternative shown): The connection interface 10 and the flexible connection piece with a curled structure together form a flexible connection cover. The circumferential flexible segment 20 and the circumferential flexible sheet with a rolled structure together form a circumferential flexible cover. Furthermore, the cross-section of the connecting flexible sheet at each vertex (or the central part of the Ω-shape) is significantly larger than that of the circumferential flexible sheet, especially the cross-section of the connecting flexible sheet is 1.5 times larger than that of the circumferential flexible sheet.

[0071] exist Figures 7 to 9 In the first alternative shown, note that A1 is approximately 0.3 mm. 2 A3 is approximately 0.07mm. 2 Besides the fact that A1 ≥ 3.A3, Figures 7 to 9 The elastic structure 100 of the middle watch component 1 and Figures 4 to 6is equivalent to the elastic structure in the second alternative of the first embodiment. Here, the base 40 likewise corresponds to the rim of a gear. Note that the recessed section 31a is specially widened to minimize the deformation of the second connecting bridge member 51 as much as possible. However, these protrusions must not be too prominent, otherwise excessive stress may be generated at these locations.

[0072] In Figures 10 to 12 the second alternative shown, it should be noted that to further reduce stress while minimizing the deformation of the second connecting bridge member 51, it is proposed to use third connecting bridge members 61 to connect the coupling interface 10 to the circumferentially flexible sections 20. These third connecting bridge members are arranged radially relative to axis A, as a supplement to the first connecting bridge members 31. These third connecting bridge members 61 are preferably located directly opposite the second connecting bridge members 51, that is, between two adjacent first connecting bridge members 31, and each extends between two circles with radii R5 and R6 respectively ( Figure 11 ). In the second alternative, R1<R2<R5<R6<R3<R4. These third connecting bridge members 61 ideally replace the recessed sections 31a of the first alternative of the first and second modes, thereby minimizing the deformation of the second connecting bridge members while maximally reducing the stress in the area where the original recessed sections are located.

[0073] Figure 13 shows a timepiece component 1 constituting an escape wheel, which employs the same elastic structure 100 as the Figure 10 timepiece component 1 in.

[0074] Figure 14 shows a timepiece component 1 constituting an escape wheel, which differs from the previous example in that the second bridges 51 have a double-layer structure, or each second bridge comprises a pair of bridge walls. Each second connecting bridge member 51 is opposite to an escape tooth 71. As shown in Figure 14 , there is a gap between the walls of the second connecting bridge members, and a notable feature of this gap is that it extends into or penetrates the interior of each escape tooth 71. That is to say, each wall of the second connecting bridge member extends to or faces the wall of the escape tooth, which helps to provide good rigidity for the entire component, while the mass is reduced due to the gap between the wall of the second connecting bridge member and the wall of the escape tooth.

[0075] Advantageously, the timepiece component 1 and / or the elastic structure 100 are made of a micromachinable material, in particular a silicon-based material, that is, a micromachinable material containing at least 50% by weight. Specifically, the component and / or the structure may, in whole or in part, comprise (or consist of): • Monocrystalline silicon (regardless of its crystal orientation), • Polysilicon, • Amorphous silicon, • Amorphous silicon dioxide, • Doped silicon (regardless of doping type and concentration), or • Porous silicon.

[0076] The clock component 1 may also include, in whole or in part: •Silicon carbide, •Glass, •ceramics, •diamond, •nickel, • Nickel-phosphorus alloy, or •quartz.

[0077] Industrial applications The watch components and their manufacture according to the present invention can be used in industrial applications.

[0078] It is understood that various obvious modifications and improvements can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in this specification that are applicable to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment and alternative, the first connecting bridges 31 are all identical and / or evenly distributed around the nested axis A; however, it can also be configured such that at least one of the plurality of first connecting bridges 31 is different from the others, and / or that first connecting bridge is not evenly distributed around the nested axis A. Similarly, in this embodiment and alternative, the second connecting bridges 51 are all identical and / or evenly distributed around the nested axis A; however, it can also be configured such that at least one of the plurality of second connecting bridges 51 is different from the others, and / or that second connecting bridge is not evenly distributed around the nested axis A. The watch component 1 is not necessarily a component of the escapement mechanism or oscillator; it can be a pawl, balance wheel, gear, or any embedded component fixed to the shaft. Alternatively, the watch component can also be mounted on the shaft, in which case the dimensional design of the connection interface and / or the circumferential flexible section should specifically ensure that the component can undergo relative rotational displacement relative to the shaft when the torque exceeds a given value. This alternative can be used to implement a torque limiter. For example, such a torque limiter can be used to implement a friction system in the time-setting mechanism of a watch movement.

[0080] Furthermore, the first bridge component, and / or the second bridge component, and / or the third bridge component may each include multiple legs, feet, connection points, parallel or substantially parallel or side-by-side portions. That is to say, the first bridge component, and / or the second bridge component, and / or the third bridge component may form a pair of the first bridge component, and / or the second bridge component, and / or the third bridge component.

Claims

1. A clock component (1, 1', 1'', 1) The clock component is configured to be nested on the shaft (99) along the nested axis (A), and includes: Main body (2, 2', 2'', 2) ), Connection interface (10, 10', 10'', 10) The connection interface is configured to mate with shaft (99). At least one circumferential flexible segment (20, 20', 20'', 20 The at least one circumferential flexible segment is disposed in the main body (2, 2', 2'', 2). ) and connection interface (10, 10', 10'', 10 )between, N first connecting bridge components (31, 31', 31'', 31) The N first connecting bridges connect circumferential flexible segments (20, 20', 20'', 20...). ) and connection interface (10, 10', 10'', 10 ), Multiple second connecting bridge components (51, 51', 51'', 51) The plurality of second connecting bridge members connect circumferential flexible segments (20, 20', 20'', 20...). ) and the main body (2, 2', 2'', 2 ), Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, Its characteristic is that: on a plane perpendicular to the nested axis (A), N first connecting bridges (31, 31', 31'', 31...) At least one of the first connecting bridge members (51, 51', 51'', 51) is relative to a plurality of second connecting bridge members (51, 51', 51'', 51''). At least one of the second connecting bridge members has an offset angle: The angle is between (170 / N)° and (190 / N)°, for example (180 / N)°, and The nested axis (A) is the vertex.

2. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, N is an integer between 2 and 6, and preferably N = 3.

3. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 or 2 ),in, Includes N or more second connecting bridge components (51, 51', 51'', 51) ), and preferably includes N second connecting bridges (51, 51', 51'', 51 ).

4. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, The at least one circumferential flexible segment (20, 20', 20'', 20 A circumferential flexible cover is formed, wherein the circumferential flexible cover preferably completely surrounds the connection interface (10, 10', 10'', 10...). ).

5. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, The at least one circumferential flexible segment (20, 20', 20', 20) The N first connecting bridges (31, 31', 31'', 31'') include at least one circumferential flexible sheet disposed thereon. At least one first connecting bridge member and multiple second connecting bridge members (51, 51', 51'', 51) It is disposed between at least one second connecting bridge member and is arranged side by side with the first connecting bridge member and the second connecting bridge member.

6. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 5 ),in, The main body (2, 2', 2'', 2) This includes the anchorage section and the second connecting bridge components (51, 51', 51'', 51). Anchored to the anchoring section, the anchoring section having an anchoring cross section, and the at least one circumferential flexible sheet having a circumferential flexible sheet cross section; wherein, the anchoring cross section is greater than 1.5 times the circumferential flexible sheet cross section, preferably greater than 2 times the circumferential flexible sheet cross section, and preferably greater than 3 times the circumferential flexible sheet cross section.

7. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, The main body (2, 2', 2'', 2) The bridge includes at least one flexible anchor plate, which is disposed in a plurality of second connecting bridge members (51, 51', 51'', 51...). At least one of the second connecting bridge members in the main body (2, 2', 2'', 2) Between the rest of the ).

8. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 6 or 7 ),in, The at least one flexible anchor plate has a flexible anchor plate cross section, and the cross section of the flexible anchor plate is substantially equal to the cross section of the circumferential flexible plate.

9. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, The connection interface (10, 10', 10'', 10) The shaft (99) comprises N connecting segments (11), each independent of the others and each configured to mate with the shaft (99). Preferably, each connecting segment is connected to N first connecting bridges (31, 31', 31'', 31...). One of the first connecting bridge components is positioned relative to and / or directly connected.

10. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 9 ),in, The connection interface (10, 10', 10'', 10) It includes at least one, and preferably N, flexible connecting pieces, such as leaf-shaped pieces or Ω-shaped pieces, which are disposed between connecting segments (11).

11. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 10 ), including multiple flexible connecting pieces disposed between connecting segments (11), wherein, The flexible connecting piece and the connecting segment (11) form a connecting cover, which is configured to surround, preferably completely surround, the shaft (99).

12. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 6 or 10 ),in, The at least one flexible connecting piece has a flexible connecting piece cross-section. Furthermore, the cross-section of the flexible connecting piece is substantially equal to the cross-section of the circumferential flexible piece.

13. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 6 or 10 ),in, The at least one flexible connecting piece has a flexible connecting piece cross-section. The at least one circumferential flexible sheet has a circumferential flexible sheet cross-section. Furthermore, at least a portion of the flexible connecting piece has a cross-section that is significantly larger than the cross-section of the circumferential flexible piece. Preferably, the central portion of the flexible connecting piece has a cross-section that is 1.5 times larger than the cross-section of the circumferential flexible piece.

14. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, The at least one circumferential flexible segment (20, 20', 20', 20) The at least one recessed section is included, the at least one recessed section being oriented toward a plurality of first connecting bridge members (31, 31', 31'', 31...). At least one first connecting bridge member is disposed opposite to and / or toward a plurality of second connecting bridge members (51, 51', 51'', 51...). At least one second connecting bridge member in the ( ) and disposed opposite to it.

15. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, Includes at least one, and preferably N, third connecting bridge components, said third connecting bridge components connecting the connection interfaces (10, 10', 10'', 10...). ) and circumferential flexible segments (20, 20', 20'', 20 ), and is set in multiple second connecting bridges (51, 51', 51'', 51 On at least one extension of the second connecting bridge member in ).

16. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 1 ),in, First connecting bridge (31, 31', 31'', 31) ) within the first connection zone and the circumferential flexible segments (20, 20', 20'', 20 The first connecting area is located between a first circle with radius R1 centered on the nested axis (A) and a second circle with radius R2. Second connecting bridge (51, 51', 51'', 51) ) within the second connection zone and the circumferential flexible segments (20, 20', 20'', 20 The second connecting area is located between a third circle with radius R3 centered on the nested axis (A) and a fourth circle with radius R4. And R1 <R2<R3<R4。 17. The watch component (1, 1', 1'', 1) according to claim 15 or 16 ),in, The third connecting bridge component connects with the circumferential flexible segments (20, 20', 20'', 20'') within the third connecting area. The third connecting area is located between a third circle with radius R5 centered on the nested axis (A) and a fourth circle with radius R6. And R1 <R2<R5<R6<R3<R4。

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