Clock device comprising a first component fixed to a second component by plastic deformation

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a timepiece comprising two components fixed to one another. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a timepiece. The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such a timepiece device. Finally, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece device or such a timepiece movement.

[0002] Patent application WO2013064390A1 describes various oscillator variants, each taking the form of a balance wheel and hairspring. In each of these designs, the oscillator components are mounted on a balance staff. In one particular embodiment, a balance plate encases the balance staff along almost its entire height, leaving only the pivots at each end of the staff exposed. While such a design is advantageous due to the simplicity of the balance staff geometry, whose main body is a smooth cylinder, it is not optimal because the forces induced by mounting the plate could prove too great for the balance staff, especially if these forces are intended to be absorbed by a pivot whose dimensions are significantly smaller than those of the balance staff body.Another solution, proposed in document EP2469356A1, is to cut out the part to be assembled.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an alternative watchmaking device to, and an improvement upon, known prior art watchmaking devices. In particular, the invention proposes a watchmaking device that eliminates the need for significant driving forces. The present invention also relates to a method for implementing such a watchmaking device.

[0004] According to the invention, a clockwork device is defined by claims 1 and 13.

[0005] Different embodiments of the watchmaking device are defined by claims 2 to 9.

[0006] According to the invention, a method for making a watchmaking device is defined by claim 10.

[0007] According to the invention, a watch movement is defined by claim 12. 12.

[0008] According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 13.

[0009] The attached figures represent, by way of example, three embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention. There figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a timepiece comprising a first embodiment of a timekeeping device. figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first component of the first embodiment of the watchmaking device. figure 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the watchmaking device. figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the watchmaking device, the device being positioned in a fixture during its manufacturing process, in particular during the plastic deformation of the first component. figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a timepiece comprising a second embodiment of a timekeeping device. figure 6 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a timepiece comprising a third embodiment of a timepiece device.

[0010] A first embodiment of a 100-piece timepiece is described below with reference to figures 1 à 4 The timepiece can be a watch, in particular a bracelet watch.

[0011] The timepiece includes a 200 watch movement. Preferably, this watch movement is a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

[0012] The watch movement 200 includes a watch device 100 mounted to rotate movably relative to a movement frame 99.

[0013] The 100 watchmaking device includes: a first component 10 comprising at least a plastically deformable portion 12a, 12b, and a second component 20 having a surface 24, in particular a surface of revolution and / or guidance and / or fixing of the first component relative to the second component.

[0014] The first component is permanently fixed to the second component by plastic deformation of at least a portion 12a, 12b against the second component, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axis A2 of said surface 24 of the second component.

[0015] Preferably, the second component 20 is also provided with a guiding element 23a, 23b for guiding and / or fixing the watchmaking device 100 relative to the watch movement, in particular relative to the watch movement frame 99.

[0016] In this first embodiment, the clockwork device 100 is a balance wheel 100 of a balance-spring type oscillator 101. The oscillator comprises the balance wheel and a spring 40. The balance wheel is therefore mounted to rotate freely in bearings attached to the frame 99 of the clock movement.

[0017] By "balance wheel", we mean here an assembled balance wheel, that is to say an assembly comprising at least one flywheel 30 and a balance shaft 20.

[0018] The balance wheel or assembled balance wheel here comprises a first component in the form of a plate 10, and a second component in the form of a balance shaft 20.

[0019] The balance shaft 20 has, as its geometric axis, the axis A2. This axis A2 is the axis of revolution of the balance shaft, in particular of the surface 24 of the balance shaft 20.

[0020] The balance wheel or assembled balance wheel here has the specificity of including the plate 10 which is fixed on the balance axis 20 not by pressing as is known from the prior art, but by crimping, namely by plastic deformation of at least a portion 12a, 12b of the plate 10 against the balance axis 20, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the balance axis 20, in particular to the axis A2 of revolution of the balance axis 20, in particular of the surface 24 of the balance axis 20.

[0021] The balance wheel 100 includes a plate 10 which covers or encases the balance staff 20 over almost its entire height. For example, the plate 10 covers the staff 20 along its entire length except for the pivots, and possibly except for the pivot points. Alternatively, the plate may cover or encase a smaller portion of the staff. Preferably, the plate covers or encases a portion of at least 50%, or even at least 70%, of the total length of the staff 20.

[0022] The plate 10 has a tubular structure comprising a through opening 11 with axis A1 in which the balance staff 20 is designed to fit. This plate 10 further comprises at least one portion 12a, 12b of lower mechanical resistance which is capable of being plastically deformed by a suitable tool, for example, pliers. On the figure 2 The plate is shown before its plastic deformation allowing its attachment to axis 20.

[0023] Once the platform 10 is assembled, in particular fixed, on the balance shaft 20, the axis A1 is parallel to the axis A2, in particular coinciding with the axis A2.

[0024] The platform 10 may also include a portion 13 for receiving the flywheel 30.

[0025] The plate 10 may also include a portion 14 for receiving a ferrule 40 of a spiral spring (not shown).

[0026] The plate 10 may also include a portion 15 in the form of a disc comprising a peg 16.

[0027] Preferably, the flywheel 30 is assembled by pressing onto the receiving portion 13.

[0028] Preferably, the ferrule 40 is assembled by pressing onto the receiving portion 14.

[0029] Preferably, portion 15 is formed from the material of plate 10, meaning that the plate and portion 15 are one piece. Alternatively, portion 15 could be attached to the plate, for example by pressing.

[0030] The wall thickness e12 of the platform 10 at the level of at least one portion 12a, 12b is significantly less than the wall thickness e13 at the level of the receiving portion 13. In particular: e 12 < e 13 / 2 ; and / or e12 < 0.2 mm, or even e12 < 0.15 mm, or even e12 < 0.12 mm.

[0031] Preferably, the plate 10 comprises two portions 12a, 12b of lesser mechanical resistance, which are arranged on either side of the portion 13 receiving the flywheel 30 along the axis A1.

[0032] All or part of these portions 12a, 12b is capable of being plastically deformed against the axis 20, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 or to the axis A2.

[0033] Each of the portions 12a, 12b can, for example, be plastically deformed at specific points. More specifically, the portion 12a, 12b can include, in the opening 11, projections or bumps induced by localized plastic deformations of the material constituting the portion 12a, 12b around the axis A1 or the axis A2.

[0034] Preferably, the material of portion 12a, 12b can be plastically deformed over the entire surface of portion 12a, 12b, in particular over the entire surface of revolution of portion 12a, 12b. In other words, portion 12a, 12b can be subjected to annular crimping, which allows portion 12a, 12b to be plastically deformed through 360 degrees around axis A1 or axis A2 as shown in the figure 3 .

[0035] The wall thicknesses e12 of portions 12a and 12b may be identical. Alternatively, the wall thicknesses e12 of portions 12a and 12b may be different.

[0036] According to the invention, the second component, in particular the shaft 20, and especially the surface 24, comprises a receiving portion 22a, 22b disposed at the level of the portion 12a, 12b when the shaft is inserted into the opening 11 of the plate, into which the plastically deformed material at the level of the portion 12a, 12b is housed. The portion 22a, 22b may, for example, be in the form of a groove or a channel extending 360° around the axis A2, particularly when the portion 12a, 12b is plastically deformed 360 degrees around the axis A1 or the axis A2. Alternatively, the portion 22a, 22b may extend at an angle less than 360°. Each portion 22a, 22b, may comprise several parts, including four parts, equally distributed or not around the axis A2.

[0037] This groove or channel may have a U-shaped cross-section, as shown in the figures 1 And 3 Alternatively, it can have a V-shape, or a crenellated or rectangular shape.

[0038] Advantageously, the plastic deformation(s) of one or more portions 12a, 12b allow a torque holding of the plate 10 on the axis 20 which is greater than 3 mN.m, or even greater than 5 mN.m. Advantageously, the torque holding of the plate 10 on the axis 20 is sufficient to allow permanent fixing of the plate 10 on the axis 20, on which a flywheel 30 with inertia greater than 5 mg.cm 2< , or even greater than 10 mg.cm 2< , is attached.

[0039] Advantageously, the material of the axis 20 is chosen so that it can withstand the compressive force induced by the clamp during the plastic deformation step of a portion 12a, 12b of the plate 10. More particularly, the material of the axis 20 is chosen so that the plastic deformation step of a portion 12 of the plate 10 does not compromise the geometric integrity of said axis.

[0040] Advantageously, the material of the plate 10, particularly in at least one zone 12a, 12b, is chosen so as to be plastically deformable. Preferably, the material of the plate 10 is a copper alloy, such as a CuBe2 alloy or a CuNiSn alloy like CuNi15Sn8 or "ToughMet". Such an alloy has the advantage of exhibiting excellent deformation properties. Its hardness can be on the order of 250 Hv, and up to 400 Hv after heat treatment.

[0041] Preferably, the Vickers hardness of the material chosen for plate 10 is 2 to 6 times less than that of the material chosen for shaft 20.

[0042] The guiding and / or fixing element 23a, 23b preferably comprises pivots 23a, 23b, in particular pivots having a geometry of revolution with axis A2. These pivots preferably cooperate with bearings provided in the frame of the watch movement to guide the watch device relative to the frame of the movement with respect to the axis A2.

[0043] A second embodiment of a 100' timepiece is described below with reference to the figure 5 The timepiece can be a watch, in particular a bracelet watch.

[0044] The timepiece includes a 200' watch movement. The watch movement is an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

[0045] The 200' watch movement includes a 100' watch device mounted to rotate relative to a 99' movement frame.

[0046] The 100' watchmaking device includes: a first component 10' comprising at least a plastically deformable portion 12a', 12b', and a second component 20' having a surface 24', in particular a surface of revolution and / or guidance and / or fixing of the first component relative to the second component.

[0047] The first component is permanently fixed to the second component by plastic deformation of at least a portion against the second component, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axis A2' of said surface 24' of the second component.

[0048] Preferably, the second component 20' is also provided with a guiding element 23a', 23b' for the watchmaking device relative to the watch movement, in particular relative to the watch movement frame.

[0049] In this second embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the watchmaking device is a toothed mobile 100', for example a small average mobile 100' of a finishing chain of the watch movement.

[0050] The overall structure of the clockwork device remains the same as that described previously for the first embodiment.

[0051] The moving part 100' comprises, as its first component, a pinion 10' which covers or encloses the second component 20'. The second component is a pivot axis 20'. The pinion 10' covers the pivot axis 20' along almost its entire height. The axis 20' is primarily cylindrical and smooth. In this case, axis A2' is an axis of revolution of the second component.

[0052] In this second embodiment, the pinion 10' comprises an axis A1', and two portions 12a', 12b' of lesser mechanical resistance, which are arranged on either side of a toothed portion 13' along the axis A1'.

[0053] Preferably, the 10' pinion includes a 14' receiving portion of a small to medium 30' wheel.

[0054] Advantageously, the plastic deformation(s) of a portion 12a', 12b' allow a torque holding of the pinion 10' on the axis 20' which is sufficient to allow a transmission of torque between the pinion 10' and the axis 20', and therefore to allow a transmission of torque between the wheel 30' and the axis 20'.

[0055] Advantageously, the plastic deformation(s) of a portion 12a', 12b' allow a torque holding of the pinion 10' on the axis 20' which is greater than 3 mN.m, or even greater than 5 mN.m.

[0056] Preferably, the axis 20', in particular the surface 24', may include a receiving portion 22a', 22b' disposed at the level of the portion 12a', 12b' when the axis is inserted within an opening 11' of the first component, in which the plastically deformed material at the level of the portion 12a', 12b' can come to rest.

[0057] The 10' pinion material can be steel, particularly lead-free steel such as Finemac steel. The pinion material's hardness after heat treatment is in the range of 500 to 700 Hv. The pinion may undergo heat treatment after it has been mounted on the 20' shaft. In this case, the 20' shaft material is selected to withstand the heat treatment of the 10' pinion. More specifically, the 20' shaft material is chosen so that the heat treatment of the 10' pinion does not compromise its properties or geometric integrity.

[0058] The guiding and / or fixing element 23a', 23b' preferably comprises pivots 23a', 23b', in particular pivots having a geometry of revolution with axis A2'. These pivots preferably cooperate with bearings provided in the watch movement frame to guide the watchmaking device relative to the movement frame with respect to axis A2'.

[0059] A third embodiment of a 100" timepiece is described below with reference to the figure 6 The timepiece can be a watch, in particular a bracelet watch.

[0060] The timepiece includes a 200" watch movement. The watch movement is an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

[0061] The 200" watch movement includes a 100" watch device mounted to rotate and translate relative to a 99" movement frame.

[0062] The 100" watchmaking device includes: a first 10" component comprising at least a plastically deformable 12a" portion, and a second 20" component having a 24" surface, including a surface of revolution and / or guidance and / or fixing of the first component relative to the second component.

[0063] The first component is permanently fixed to the second component by plastic deformation of at least a portion against the second component, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axis A2" of said surface 24" of the second component.

[0064] Preferably, the second component 20" is also provided with a guiding element 23a", 23b" for the clockwork device relative to the clockwork movement, in particular relative to the clockwork movement frame.

[0065] In this second embodiment, the clockwork device is a vertical clutch mobile 100", for example a vertical clutch toothed mobile 100".

[0066] The overall structure of the clockwork device remains the same as that described previously for the first and second embodiments.

[0067] The 100" moving part comprises, as its first component, a 10" wheel that partially encases the second component 20". The 10" wheel may, for example, include a 13" edge tooth. The second component is a 20" pivoting and translational shaft. The 20" shaft is primarily cylindrical and smooth. The 20" shaft, particularly the guiding and / or fixing element, preferably comprises a body 23a" designed to be guided, in particular pivoted, in a bearing of the frame 99", and an end 23b" acting as a pivot and cooperating with a cam or rod of the movement 200", to guide the 20" shaft in rotation and translation relative to the respective axes A1" and A2" of the 10" wheel and the 20" shaft.

[0068] In this third embodiment, the 10" wheel comprises a single portion 12a" of lesser mechanical resistance, which is, for example, disposed at one end of the 10" wheel along the axis A1". The axis 20", in particular the surface 24", may comprise a receiving portion 22a" disposed at the level of the portion 12a" when the axis 20" is inserted within an opening 11" of the 10" wheel", into which the plastically deformed material can be housed.

[0069] An embodiment of a method for manufacturing a horological device 100, 100', 100" as previously mentioned is described below, specifically applied to the first embodiment. This method is similarly applicable for manufacturing the second and third embodiments of the horological device.

[0070] The process according to the invention comprises the following steps: a step of supplying the first component 10, 10', 10" comprising at least the plastically deformable portion 12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a", in particular a step of making available the first component previously positioned and held in a fixture 5, notably by means of the portion 15 which is guided and held against a stop within the fixture 5, as illustrated in the figure 4 (with regard to the first embodiment), a step of supplying the second component 20, 20', 20" having a surface 24; 24'; 24" in particular a surface of revolution and / or a surface for guiding and / or fixing the first component relative to the second component, and preferably an element 23a, 23b; 23a', 23b'; 23a", 23b" for guiding and / or fixing the watchmaking device relative to the movement, the second component comprising at least one recessed portion (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a"), a step of positioning the first component relative to the second component. In this step, the second component is inserted, for example, into the through opening 11; 11'; 11" of the first component, until a first pivot 23a is positioned against a first bearing 6a reproducing a bearing of a watch movement, in particular a bearing of a mainplate of a watch movement.The diameters d11 of the opening of the first component and d20 of the main body or surface 24; 24'; 24" of the second component are chosen such that the radial clearance between the first component and the second component allows centering within the required tolerances, particularly for a balance wheel and balance spring, especially with regard to pivots 23a, 23b (with regard to the first embodiment). a step of fixing the first component onto the second component by plastic deformation of at least a portion 12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a" of the first component against the second component, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A2, A2', A2" of said surface 24; 24'; 24" of the second component, the at least one recessed portion of the second component receiving at least partially the at least one deformed portion (12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a") of the first component.

[0071] Advantageously, in the positioning step, a second bearing 6b is used, reproducing a bearing of a watch movement, specifically a bearing of a bridge of the watch movement, opposite a second pivot 23b. In this configuration, zones 12a and 12b are located respectively opposite zones 22a and 22b (not visible on the figure 4 ) of axis 20, within axial play.

[0072] Advantageously, the fixation step includes the use of at least one clamp to plastically deform at least one plastically deformable portion. Alternatively or complementaryly, the fixation step may include the simultaneous deformation of several plastically deformable portions. Alternatively, the clamping of the different areas may be carried out sequentially.

[0073] The deformation can be achieved by pinching the zones 12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a" against the zones 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a" by means of a tool 7 equipped with at least one clamp 7a, 7b.

[0074] Optionally, the process may include a heat treatment step of the first component after the fixing step.

[0075] Following the steps mentioned above, zones 12a, 12b, 12a', 12b', and 12a" of the first component are respectively in contact with zones 22a, 22b, 22a', 22b', and 22a" of the second component. In the case of the first embodiment, this results in a torque resistance of the plate 10 on the axis 20 greater than 3 mN.m, or even greater than 5 mN.m, sufficient to allow the plate 10 to be permanently fixed to the axis 20 during conventional operation of the timepiece and during shocks to which the timepiece may be subjected.

[0076] In the case of the first embodiment, in the interest of simplifying the figure 4 Elements 30 and 40 are not shown. Preferably, these elements are assembled onto the first component 10 before the latter is assembled onto the axis 20. Thus, the pivot 23a does not experience the forces induced by the assembly of elements 30 and 40 onto the first component 10. Alternatively, the assembly of the first component 10 onto the second component 20 can be carried out upstream.

[0077] Advantageously, such an assembly method does not subject the balance staff to axial or near-axial forces that could prove too great for a staff of horological dimensions, particularly if these forces are intended to be absorbed by a pivot bearing whose dimensions are significantly smaller than those of the staff body. Furthermore, such an assembly method does not require a staff made of a material containing a plastic component. In this respect, such an assembly method constitutes a particularly attractive alternative to traditional methods of assembling a component onto a staff by pressing or riveting.

[0078] Regardless of the embodiment, at least one plastically deformable portion is made of a material exhibiting a plastic deformation range. Preferably, this at least one portion consists of a section whose geometry and / or material allows for the creation of a zone of least mechanical resistance. This lower mechanical resistance limits the mechanical stresses exerted on the portion during its plastic deformation.

[0079] Regardless of the embodiment, the second component preferably includes a 24', 24', 24" guide surface for the first component relative to the second component. This surface is preferably a cylinder of revolution or one or more portions of a cylinder of revolution. This surface thus allows the first component to be positioned relative to the second component, at least in certain directions. This surface preferably cooperates with the opening of the first component to perform this function.

[0080] Regardless of the embodiment, the second component preferably includes a mounting surface 24; 24'; 24" for attaching the first component to the second component. During plastic deformation of the first component, a bulge forms in the opening, specifically a bead of material that presses against the mounting surface of the second component. Even after the deformation of the first component has been applied, the bulge remains in contact with the mounting surface of the second component due to the plastic nature of the deformation of the first component. Due to friction at the mounting surface at the interface between the first and second components and / or due to an obstruction at the mounting surface, tangential forces about the axes A1; A1'; A1" or A2; A2'; A2" can be transmitted from one component to the other.Furthermore, due to friction at the mounting surface 24; 24'; 24" at the interface between the first and second components, and / or due to an obstruction at the mounting surface, axial forces relative to axes A1; A1'; A1" or A2; A2'; A2" can be transmitted from one component to the other. Thus, the first and second components are fixed to each other, and more specifically, permanently fixed.

[0081] Advantageously, the guiding surface 24; 24'; 24" is a surface of revolution and / or the fixing surface 24; 24'; 24" is a surface of revolution.

[0082] Regardless of the embodiment, the axes A1; A1'; A1" and A2; A2'; A2" are advantageously coincident once the first component is assembled on the second component, in particular fixed on the second component.

[0083] Regardless of the embodiment, plastic deformation is advantageously carried out in a plane perpendicular to the axes A1; A1'; A1" and A2; A2'; A2". Thus, the mechanical forces applied to achieve the deformation are primarily and / or substantially applied along directions contained within this plane. As a result, the material is primarily deformed in these directions, and the height of the dent(s) is determined along these directions.

[0084] Regardless of the embodiment, the second component may be an axis 20; 20'; 20" and / or the guiding and / or fixing element of the watchmaking device may include one or more pivots 23a, 23b; 23a', 23b'; 23a", 23b", in particular one or more pivots with a diameter of less than 0.1 mm, or even less than 0.08 mm, especially for the first embodiment.

[0085] Regardless of the method of implementation: the second component may be made of a material not exhibiting a plastic deformation range and / or the second component is made of a ceramic, in particular: zirconia, in particular yttria zirconia, in particular 3% yttria zirconia, or single-crystal alumina, or an alumina-zirconia combination, and / or the second component may have a hardness greater than 1000 Hv, or even greater than 1100 Hv, and / or the second component may have a Vickers hardness 2 to 6 times greater than that of the first component.

[0086] The material of the second component 20; 20'; 20" is preferably chosen such that the plastic deformation step of a portion 12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a" of the first component 10, 10', 10" does not compromise the geometric integrity of the second component. Advantageously, the material of the second component can be chosen such that a heat treatment step of the first component does not compromise either the properties or the geometric integrity of the second component.

[0087] Due to the intrinsic properties of ceramics, which are extremely hard (Vickers hardness greater than 1000 Hv or between 1100 Hv and 1600 Hv), the second component 20 undergoes no alteration during the plastic deformation of a portion of the first component. Furthermore, such a material is particularly advantageous for use as an axle, especially a balance staff axle. Indeed, the axle can advantageously include pivots 23a, 23b at its ends, designed to cooperate, particularly through contact, with bearings of the watch movement. These pivots can have a diameter d23, different from the diameter d20 of the body or the surface 24 of the axle 20, of less than 0.1 mm, or even less than 0.08 mm.Due to the intrinsic properties of the ceramics mentioned above, the pivots do not show signs of wear upon impact, and the chronometric performance of a balance-spring type oscillator comprising a balance wheel according to the invention is thus maintained over time. Advantageously, in the event of a significant shock, these pivots will not deform. a contrario Steel pivots can bend and thus compromise the chronometry of the watch movement. Furthermore, ceramics offer the additional advantage of being particularly insensitive to magnetic fields, and do not affect the timekeeping of the watch when subjected to a magnetic field, especially one exceeding 80 kA / m (1000G).

[0088] Regardless of the embodiment, the second component, in particular the surface 24; 24'; 24", may include at least one recessed portion 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a", in particular a groove or channel extending around the entire circumference of the second component or extending partially around the second component, in particular a groove or channel having a U-shaped, V-shaped, or rectangular cross-section, the at least one recessed portion receiving at least part of the at least one deformed portion 12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a" of the first component.

[0089] Regardless of the embodiment, at least one plastically deformable portion may have a first wall thickness e12 that is less than a second wall thickness e13 of at least another portion of the first component or of the remainder of the first component, for example the first thickness is less than half of the second thickness and / or the first thickness is less than 0.2 mm, or even less than 0.15 mm, or even less than 0.12 mm.

[0090] Regardless of the embodiment, the holding torque of the first component on the second component around the axis A2; A2'; A2" can be greater than 3 mN.m, or even greater than 5 mN.m.

[0091] Regardless of the embodiment, the 11; 11'; 11" opening can be through-hole, meaning it can pass completely through the first component. Alternatively, this opening could be non-through-hole.

[0092] Regardless of the embodiment, the material of the first component is advantageously chosen so as to be plastically deformable. The material of the first component 10, 10', 10" is, for example, a copper alloy, such as a CuBe2 alloy or a CuNiSn alloy like CuNi15Sn8 or "ToughMet". The material of the first component 10, 10', 10" can also be a lead-free steel such as Finemac steel.

[0093] In the described embodiments, the second component 20; 20'; 20" is a rotational guide axis using the guide element 23a, 23b; 23a', 23b'; 23a" of the first component, which is attached to and fixed onto the second component. Additionally, in the third described embodiment, the second component is also a translational guide axis using the guide element 23b" of the first component, which is attached to and fixed onto the second component. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the second component could be solely a translational guide axis of the first component, attached to and fixed onto the second component.

[0094] Alternatively, the second component could include a fastening element, in particular a mounting surface, for the timekeeping device. For example, the second component could be designed to be fixed, via the fastening element or surface, to a movement, specifically to a movement blank. In such an embodiment, the timekeeping device could be completely fixed relative to a movement frame.

[0095] Regardless of the embodiment, the first component may at least partially encase or cover the second component over virtually its entire length measured along axes A1, A1', A1" or A2, A2', A2". For example, the first component may encase or cover the second component along its entire length except for pivots, and possibly except for tenons. Alternatively, the first component may encase or cover a smaller portion of the second component. Preferably, the first component may encase or cover at least 50%, or even at least 70%, of the length of the second component.

[0096] The invention also relates to a first component as such which is intended for the realization of a watchmaking device according to the invention.

[0097] The invention also relates to a second component as such which is intended for the realization of a watchmaking device according to the invention.

[0098] Throughout this document, "permanent fixing" refers to a fixing that ensures a torque resistance between the first component and the second component, preventing any movement of the first component relative to the second component during normal operation of the timepiece. For example, the torque resistance is greater than 3 mN.m, or even greater than 5 mN.m.

[0099] Throughout this document, by "plastic deformation" we mean indiscriminately the action or the result of such an action.

Claims

1. A horology device (100; 100'; 100") comprising: - a first component (10; 10'; 10") comprising at least one plastically deformable portion (12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a"), and - a second component (20; 20'; 20") provided with a surface (24; 24'; 24"), notably a surface of revolution and / or of guidance and / or of attachment of the first component relative to the second component, the first component being fixed permanently to the second component by plastic deformation of the at least one portion (12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a") against the second component, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axis (A2; A2'; A2") of said surface (24; 24'; 24") of the second component, wherein the second component, notably the surface (24; 24'; 24"), comprises at least one recessed portion (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a"), notably a groove extending all the way around the second component or extending part of the way around the second component, particularly a groove having a U-shaped or V-shaped or rectangular cross section, the at least one recessed portion accepting at least in part the at least one deformed portion (12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a") of the first component.

2. The horology device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the second component is a staff (20; 20'; 20") and / or wherein the second component comprises an element (23a, 23b; 23a', 23b'; 23a", 23b") for guidance and / or for fixing of the horology device, particularly one or more pivots (23a, 23b; 23a', 23b'; 23a", 23b"), notably one or more pivots of a diameter smaller than 0.1 mm, or even smaller than 0.08 mm.

3. The horology device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component is made from a material that does not have a plastic deformation domain and / or wherein the second component is made of ceramic, notably: - a zirconia, particularly an yttrium-doped zirconia, notably a 3% yttrium-doped zirconia, or - a monocrystalline alumina, or - an alumina-zirconia combination, and / or wherein the second component has a hardness greater than 1000 Hv, or even greater than 1100 Hv, or the second component has a Vickers hardness 2 to 6 times higher than that of the first component.

4. The horology device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one plastically deformable portion has a first wall thickness (e12) smaller than a second wall thickness (e13) of at least one other portion of the first component, for example the first thickness is less than half the second thickness and / or the first thickness is less than 0.2 mm, or even less than 0.15 mm, or even less than 0.12 mm.

5. The horology device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component is a balance wheel plate, notably a plate at least partially jacketing or covering the second component.

6. The horology device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the plane comprises a portion (13) for accepting a flywheel (30) and / or a portion (14) for accepting a collet (40) of a hairspring and / or a portion (15) forming a disk comprising a pin (16).

7. The horology device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first component is a pinion (10'), notably a pinion at least partially jacketing or covering the second component.

8. The horology device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the pinion comprises a portion (14') accepting a gearwheel (30').

9. The horology device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the torque resistance of the first component on the second component about the axis (A2; A2'; A2") is greater than 3 mN.m, or even greater than 5 mN.m.

10. A method for producing a horology device (100; 100'; 100") as claimed in one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - a step of supplying a first component (10; 10'; 10") comprising at least one plastically deformable portion (12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a"), - a step of supplying a second component (20; 20'; 20") provided with a surface (24; 24'; 24"), notably a surface of revolution and / or a surface of guidance and / or of attachment of the first component relative to the second component, and possibly provided with an element (23a, 23b; 23a', 23b'; 23a", 23b") for guidance and / or attachment of the horology device, the second component comprising at least one recessed portion (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a"), - a step of positioning the first component relative to the second component, - a step of fixing the first component to the second component by plastic deformation of the at least one portion (12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a") of the first component against the second component, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis (A2; A2'; A2") of said surface (24; 24'; 24") of the second component, the at least one recessed portion of the second component accepting at least in part the at least one deformed portion (12a, 12b; 12a', 12b'; 12a") of the first component.

11. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the fixing step comprises the use of at least one set of pliers to plastically deform the at least one portion and / or wherein the fixing step comprises the simultaneous plastic deformation of several deformable portions.

12. A horology movement (200; 200'; 200") comprising a horology device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, the horology device being mounted with the ability to rotate and / or to translate relative to a frame (99; 99'; 99") of the movement or being fixed to the frame (99; 99'; 99") of the movement.

13. A timepiece (300; 300'; 300"), notably a wristwatch, comprising a horology device (100; 100'; 100") as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a horology movement (200; 200'; 200") as claimed in the preceding claim.