ENTRY OF FLEXIBLE GUIDES FOR ROTATING RESONATOR MECHANISM, ESPECIALLY FOR CLOCKWORK

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of flexible guides for a rotary resonator mechanism. The invention also relates to a clockwork movement equipped with such a set of flexible guides. Background of the invention

[0002] Most modern mechanical watches feature a balance wheel and hairspring, and a Swiss lever escapement mechanism. The balance wheel and hairspring form the watch's timekeeping base. It is also called a resonator.

[0003] The exhaust system, for its part, fulfills two main functions: to maintain the back-and-forth movement of the resonator; to count these back-and-forth movements.

[0004] The Swiss lever escapement mechanism has a low energy efficiency (approximately 30%). This low efficiency stems from the fact that the escapement's movements are jerky, that there are drops or wasted paths to accommodate machining errors, and also from the fact that several components transmit their movement via inclined planes that rub against each other.

[0005] To construct a mechanical resonator, one needs an inertial element, a guide, and an elastic return element. Traditionally, a spiral spring acts as the elastic return element for the inertial element, which is a balance wheel. This balance wheel is guided in rotation by pivots that rotate in ruby ​​bearings. This results in friction, and therefore energy losses and rate disturbances, which depend on the positions and which we seek to eliminate.

[0006] Resonator designs incorporating flexible leaf guides as elastic means of restoring the inertial element(s) are also known. Virtual pivot flexible guides significantly improve the efficiency of clockwork resonators. The simplest are crossed leaf guides, composed of two straight leaves that intersect. However, there are also uncrossed leaf guides of the RCC (Remote Center Compliance) type, which have straight leaves that do not intersect. Such a resonator is described in document EP 2911012, or in documents EP14199039, EP16155039, or EP3035126.

[0007] The use of a flexible guide allows for the replacement of a balance wheel's pivot and its balance spring. This has the advantage of eliminating pivot friction and thus increasing the quality factor of the resonator. However, flexible guides are known for their limited angular travel (on the order of 10° to 20°, compared to the 300° of a balance wheel and balance spring). A large angular travel is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of many mechanical escapements.

[0008] To address this problem, it was considered to connect several flexible blade guides in series, for example in documents US2018319517, US2019120287, or EP3451072. This results in a significantly larger angular stroke. The advantage of connecting several guides in series is that each guide has a small amplitude of rotation, which allows for good isochronism and precise guidance.

[0009] Nevertheless, some disadvantages remain, notably the lack of control over parasitic movements of the guidance system or the effect of gravity on the flexible guidance system, which remains significant. Summary of the invention

[0010] One aim of the invention is, therefore, to provide flexible guidance for a rotary resonator mechanism, which avoids the aforementioned problems.

[0011] For this purpose, the invention relates to a set of flexible guides for a rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for a clockwork movement, according to the sole independent claim 1.

[0012] The set of flexible guides is remarkable in that the first center of rotation and the second center of rotation are offset by a first predefined distance belonging to a plane of the set.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, a set of flexible blade guides with sufficient angular stroke is obtained, more precise control of parasitic movements, and minimization of the effect of gravity on the operation of the resonator.

[0014] Indeed, by adjusting the offset between the flexible guides, unwanted movements of the entire flexible guide system can be more easily controlled. Furthermore, this offset minimizes the effect of gravity because the flexible guides are not arranged in the same position.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the first pair of blades are crossed.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the first pair of blades are uncrossed.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the second pair of blades are crossed.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the second pair of blades are uncrossed.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide, the third flexible guide having a third movable element and a third pair of flexible blades connecting the third movable element to the second movable element, so that the third movable element can move relative to the second movable element by bending the blades of the third pair in a circular motion around a third center of rotation.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third center of rotation is offset from the second center of rotation by a second predefined distance belonging to a plane of the set.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the third pair of blades are crossed.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the third pair of blades are uncrossed.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, includes a fourth flexible guide arranged in series, the fourth flexible guide having a fourth moving element and a fourth pair of flexible blades connecting the fourth moving element to the third moving element or to the support, so that the fourth moving element can move relative to the third moving element or to the support by bending the blades of the fourth pair of blades in a circular motion around a fourth center of rotation.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the fourth center of rotation is offset from the third center of rotation by a third predefined distance belonging to a plane of the set.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the fourth pair of blades are crossed.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades of the fourth pair of blades are uncrossed.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and / or with respect to a transverse line in the rest position of the assembly.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first pair of flexible blades is connected to the fixed support.

[0029] Advantageously, the centers of rotation of the flexible guides are arranged on a straight line in the rest position of the assembly, the center of mass of the assembly preferably also being arranged on said straight line.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rigidity of each flexible guide is chosen according to the following equation: ∑ i = 2 N + 1 r i 1 + k 1 ∑ j = 3 i 1 k j − 1 n = 0 Or n = 1, ... , N - 1, N being the number of flexible guides, kj And ki being the rigidity of the guide i and guidance j , And r i being the offset between the centers of rotation of the flexible guide i and flexible guidance i - 1.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible guides are identical and follow the following equation: ∑ i = 2 N + 1 r i i − 1 n = 0 Or n = 1, ... , N - 1, N being the number of flexible guides.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, flexible guides follow the following equation: r k + 1 r 1 = − 1 k N k Or k = 0.1, ... , N , N being the number of flexible guides. We choose the value of the number k according to the number of pivots and following Pascal's triangle rule.

[0033] The invention also relates to a rotary resonator mechanism of a clock movement, the mechanism comprising an oscillating mass and a set of flexible guides according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the reading of several embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 schematically represents a first arrangement of flexible guides within a set of flexible guides according to the invention, the figure 2 schematically represents a second arrangement of flexible guides in a set of flexible guides according to the invention, the figure 3 schematically represents a third arrangement of flexible guides in a set of flexible guides according to the invention, the figure 4 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a first embodiment, the figure 5 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a second embodiment of the invention, the figure 6 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a third embodiment of the invention, the figure 7 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the figure 8 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, the figure 9schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the Figure 10 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, the figure 11 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, the figure 12 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, the figure 13 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, and the figure 14 schematically represents a set of flexible guides according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0035] On the figure 1A theoretical arrangement of a plurality of rotation centers of flexible guides is shown, each flexible guide comprising a rotation center 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., N around which it rotates. The flexible guides are arranged in series in different positions, such that the rotation centers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., N of each flexible guide are offset from one another in the rest position of the assembly. The rest position corresponds to a complete absence of movement of the flexible guides, with all guides in an equilibrium position. In other words, no rotation center has the same position as any other rotation center. Each rotation center has a position defined relative to the rotation center of the preceding flexible guide in the series, except for the first flexible guide 1, which is determined relative to the origin of a coordinate system.Each center of rotation of a flexible guide is offset relative to the center of rotation of the preceding flexible guide. Thus, the center of rotation of the second flexible guide 2 is offset by a distance . r 2 relative to the center of rotation of the first flexible guide 1, and the center of rotation of the third flexible guide 3 is offset by a distance r 3 relative to the center of rotation of a second flexible guide 2, and so on up to the last flexible guide N. Depending on the arrangement of the flexible guides, the assembly has a center of mass M located at a distance r N +1 from the center of rotation of the last flexible guide N. In the figure, all centers of rotation are offset from each other, but according to different embodiments, some centers of rotation may be superimposed.

[0036] Preferably, the flexible guides are arranged so that the centers of rotation of all the flexible guides are arranged on the same straight line 6, as shown in the figure 2 Thus, the centers of rotation 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., N of each flexible guide are offset from each other by a predefined distance along the same line. This arrangement of the guides reduces the effect of gravity on the assembly. Indeed, the movement of the center of mass is less than in the general case of the figure 1 .

[0037] In a particular case, the flexible guides are arranged according to the following equation: ∑ i = 2 N + 1 r i 1 + k 1 ∑ j = 3 i 1 k j − 1 n = 0 For n = 1, ... , N - 1, N being the number of flexible guides belonging to the set, kj being the rigidity of the guide j , And r i being the distance of the offset between the centers of rotation of the flexible guide i and flexible guidancei - 1.

[0038] The distance r 1 is the distance between the center of rotation of the guide 1 and a fixed support 7 of the assembly. This arrangement of the guides of the assembly further reduces the effect of gravity on the assembly, because the movement of the center of gravity is even less.

[0039] In a specific case where all flexible guides are identical with the same rigidity k The equation becomes: ∑ i = 2 N + 1 r i i − 1 n = 0 For n = 1, ... , N - 1, N being the number of flexible guides belonging to the assembly. This arrangement of the guides in the assembly reduces the manufacturing cost of the assembly, because the guides are identical, and therefore easier to manufacture.

[0040] Alternatively, the guides are identical but with different stiffnesses, or they are different but with the same stiffness. In these cases, flexible guides are chosen according to the following binomial equation: r k + 1 r 1 = − 1 k N k Or k = 0, 1, ... , N , N being the number of flexible guides, r k +1 being the distance of the offset between the centers of rotation of the flexible guide k + 1 and flexible guidance k. The value of the number k is chosen based on the number of guides and following Pascal's triangle rule. Pascal's triangle has the following shape: 1 1 − 1 1 − 2 1 1 − 3 3 − 1 1 − 4 6 − 4 1 1 − 5 10 − 5 1 …

[0041] Using a set of two flexible guides, the coefficients are selected. k of the third line. For a set of three guides, the coefficients are selected k of the fourth line. For a set of four guides, the coefficients are selectedk of the fifth line, and so on for the additional guides. The last number corresponds to the offset of the center of mass of the assembly. When a coefficient has a negative sign, the offset is in the opposite direction on line 6, compared to the offsets whose coefficient k is positive.

[0042] For example, on the figure 3For a set of four flexible guides, the first center of rotation 1 of the first guide is positioned at a distance X from the support 7 with a coefficient of 1 on line 6. The second center of rotation 2 of the second guide is offset by a distance -4X from the first center of rotation 1 on line 6. The third center of rotation 3 of the third guide is offset by a distance 6X from the second center of rotation 2 on line 6. The fourth center of rotation 4 of the fourth guide is offset by a distance -4X from the third center of rotation 3 on line 6. Finally, the assembly is configured so that the center of mass M of the assembly is positioned at a distance X from the fourth center of rotation 4 on line 6.

[0043] This arrangement of the guides of the assembly makes it possible to further reduce the effect of gravity on the assembly, because the movement of the center of gravity is less than the previous variant.

[0044] The methods of implementation of the sets of figures 4 to 14 include flexible guides whose centers of rotation are arranged on the same line.

[0045] THE figures 4 And 5 Figures 10 and 20 show a first embodiment of a set of two flexible guides assembled in series. The assembly 10, 20 comprises a support 11, 21 and two flexible guides, each arranged substantially in a plane. The support 11, 21 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally with respect to the assembly 10, 20.

[0046] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 13, 23 relative to the support 11, 21 and a first pair of flexible blades 12, 22 connecting the support 11, 21 to the first movable element 13, 23. Thus, the first movable element 13, 23 can move relative to the support 11, 21 by bending the blades of the first pair 12, 22 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 17, 27. The first movable element 13, 23 has a tubular shape describing a rectangle, one long side 14, 24 of the rectangle being raised relative to the other sides to lie in the plane of the second flexible guide. The rectangle is arranged laterally, substantially parallel to the support 11, 21 in the rest position of the assembly.

[0047] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 16, 26 relative to the first movable element 13, 23 and a second pair of flexible blades 15, 25 connecting the second movable element 16, 26 to the first movable element 13, 23. Thus, the second movable element 16, 26 can move relative to the first movable element 13, 23 by bending the blades of the second pair 15, 25 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 18, 28. The second movable element 16, 26 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally, substantially parallel to the support 11, 21 and to the first movable element 13, 23 in the rest position of the assembly 10, 20.

[0048] The flexible blades 12, 15, 22, 25 of each pair cross and are welded at their intersection. The blades of each pair are joined to the support 11, 21 or to the moving element 13, 16, 26, 23 on the same side. The blades of the second pair 15, 25 are joined on the same raised side 14, 24 of the first moving element 13, 23.

[0049] In the first embodiment of set 10 of the figure 4 , the two flexible guides extend one after the other, while in the second embodiment of assembly 20 of the figure 5 , the two flexible guides largely overlap, the second flexible guide being oriented in the opposite direction over the first guide relative to the first embodiment 10.

[0050] According to the invention, the first center of rotation 17, 27 and the second center of rotation 18, 28 are offset by a predefined distance for both embodiments. The centers of rotation are arranged approximately at the intersection of the pairs of blades 12, 15, 22, 25 of each flexible guide in the rest position of the assembly 10, 20. In the first embodiment 10, the distance is greater than in the second embodiment 20.

[0051] The third embodiment of the figure 6This is a variant of the second embodiment, in which the two pairs of crossed blades 32, 35 are not joined at their intersection. Furthermore, the first movable element 33 has a rectangular shape, provided with a raised portion 34 to lie in the plane of the second flexible guide. The two guides are essentially superimposed on one another, with an offset to shift the two centers of rotation 37, 38 by a predetermined distance. The support 31 and the second movable element 36 of the assembly 30 are almost superimposed.

[0052] There figure 7 This shows a fourth embodiment of an assembly 40 comprising a support 41 and four flexible guides arranged in series. The guides are arranged substantially in the same plane. The support 41 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally with respect to the assembly 40.

[0053] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 43 relative to the support 41, and a first pair 42 of flexible blades connecting the support 41 to the first movable element 43. Thus, the first movable element 43 can move relative to the support 41 by bending the blades of the first pair 42 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 47. The first movable element 43 has the shape of a circular arc whose curvature is oriented towards the support 41.

[0054] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 46 relative to the first movable element 43, and a second pair 45 of flexible blades connecting the second movable element 46 to the first movable element 43. Thus, the second movable element 46 can move relative to the first movable element 43 by bending the blades of the second pair 45 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 48. The second movable element 46 has an H shape with an elongated central section 39.

[0055] According to the invention, the first center of rotation 47 and the second center of rotation 48 are offset by a predefined distance. The centers of rotation 47 and 48 are arranged approximately at the intersection of a collinear line of the blades of each flexible guide in its rest position.

[0056] The assembly 40 includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third movable element 51 and a third pair of flexible blades 49 connecting the third movable element 51 to the second movable element 46. Thus, the third movable element 51 can move relative to the second movable element 46 by bending the blades of the third pair 49 in a circular motion around a third center of rotation. The third center of rotation is substantially at the same location as the second center of rotation 48. The third movable element 51 is in the form of a circular arc arranged symmetrically to the other circular arc of the first movable element 43 with respect to the section 39 of the H-shaped body, which is in the middle of the assembly 40. The two arcs are arranged in the H, on either side of the section 39.

[0057] The assembly includes a fourth flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the third flexible guide. This fourth flexible guide comprises a fourth movable element 53 and a fourth pair 52 of flexible blades connecting the fourth movable element 53 to the third movable element 51. Thus, the fourth movable element 53 can move relative to the third movable element 51 by bending the blades of the fourth pair 52 in a circular motion around a fourth center of rotation 44. The fourth center of rotation 44 is offset from the second and third centers of rotation 48 by a second predefined distance, which is substantially equal to the first distance. The fourth movable element 53 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged parallel to the support 41 in the rest position of the assembly 40. The curvature of the arc of the third movable element 51 is oriented towards the fourth movable element 53.The support 41 and the fourth movable element 53 are arranged outside the H behind each arc.

[0058] The four flexible guides have staggered blades. The blades of each pair 42, 45, 49, 52 are arranged on the same side of the support 41 and / or the corresponding moving element 43, 46, 51, 53. Two flexible guides are arranged symmetrically in pairs. Thus, the assembly 40 of flexible guides is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and a transverse line in the rest position, the two lines being substantially perpendicular.

[0059] In the fifth embodiment of the figure 8 An assembly 50 comprises a support 61 and three flexible guides arranged in series, each guide being arranged substantially in the same plane. The support 61 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate provided with a protrusion on which the blades are joined.

[0060] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 63 relative to the support 61, and a first pair of flexible blades 62 connecting the support 61 to the first movable element 63. Thus, the first movable element 63 can move relative to the support 61 by bending the blades of the first pair 62 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 57. The first movable element 63 has a U-shaped form.

[0061] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 66 relative to the first movable element 63, and a second pair of flexible blades 65 connecting the second movable element 66 to the first movable element 63. Thus, the second movable element 66 can move relative to the first movable element 63 by bending the blades of the second pair 65 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 58. The second movable element 66 has a U-shaped form.

[0062] The assembly includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide has a third movable element 67 relative to the second movable element 66, and a third pair of flexible blades 59 connecting the third movable element 67 to the second movable element 66. Thus, the third movable element 67 can move relative to the second movable element 66 by bending the blades of the third pair 59 in a circular motion around a third center of rotation 54. The third movable element 67 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate with a protrusion on which the blades are joined. The third center of rotation 54 is offset from the second center of rotation 58 by a second predefined distance substantially equal to the first distance.

[0063] The first and third flexible guides have uncrossed flexible blades. The second flexible guide has crossed flexible blades, the blades being joined at their intersection. The two U-shaped sections face each other, so that the interiors of the U-shaped sections are opposite. The two U-shaped sections are joined to each other by the second pair of blades 65, forming an X, the ends of the blades being assembled inside the U-shaped sections. The support 61 and the third movable element 67 are each arranged inside the U-shaped sections, with their protrusions facing outwards from the U-shaped sections. The first 62 and the third pair 59 of blades are joined inside the U-shaped sections after the blades of the second pair 58.

[0064] The set of flexible guides is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and with respect to a transverse line in the rest position, the two lines being substantially perpendicular.

[0065] The sixth embodiment of the figure 9shows an assembly 60 comprising a support 71 and two flexible guides arranged in series in a plane. The support 71 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally with respect to the assembly 60.

[0066] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 73 relative to the support 71, and a first pair of flexible blades 72 connecting the support 71 to the first movable element 73. Thus, the first movable element 73 can move relative to the support 71 by bending the blades of the first pair 72 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 77. The first movable element 73 has a U-shape, with the inside of the U oriented laterally towards the support.

[0067] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 76 relative to the first movable element 73, and a second pair of flexible blades 75 connecting the second movable element 76 to the first movable element 76. Thus, the second movable element 76 can move relative to the first movable element 73 by bending the blades of the second pair 75 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 78. The second movable element 76 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate provided with a protrusion on which the blades are joined.

[0068] According to the invention, the first center of rotation 77 and the second center of rotation 78 are offset by a predefined distance. The centers of rotation 77 and 78 are arranged approximately at the intersection of a collinear line of the blades of each flexible guide in its rest position. Thus, the first center of rotation 77 is formed at the intersection, while the second center of rotation is formed at the protrusion of the second movable element 76.

[0069] The first flexible guide has crossed flexible blades, the blades being joined at their intersection. The second flexible guide has uncrossed flexible blades.

[0070] The support and the U are joined to each other by the second pair of blades 75, forming an X. The ends of the blades are assembled inside the U on one side and on the side of the rectangular plate on the other. The second movable element 76 is arranged inside the U, with its protrusion facing outwards. The first and second pairs of blades 72, 75 are joined inside the U.

[0071] In the seventh embodiment of the Figure 10 , set 70 is a variant of the fifth embodiment of the figure 9 , in which the flexible blades of the second pair 85 are crossed, the second moving element 86 being arranged perpendicularly to the support 81 inside the U of the first moving element 83. The first center of rotation 87 of the first pair of blades 82 is offset with respect to the second center of rotation 88.

[0072] On the figure 11The eighth embodiment of an assembly 80 comprises a support 91 and three flexible guides arranged in series substantially in the same plane. The support 91 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally with respect to the assembly 80.

[0073] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 93 relative to the support 91, and a first pair of flexible blades 92 connecting the support 91 to the first movable element 93. Thus, the first movable element 93 can move relative to the support 91 by bending the blades of the first pair 92 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 97. The first movable element 93 has a W shape with curved ends.

[0074] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 96 relative to the first movable element 93, and a second pair of flexible blades 95 connecting the second movable element 96 to the first movable element 93. Thus, the second movable element 96 can move relative to the first movable element 93 by bending the blades of the second pair 95 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 98. The second movable element 96 also has a W shape with curved ends, the W being arranged substantially parallel to the first movable element 93 in an inverted position.

[0075] The bases of the Ws face each other. The two Ws are joined to each other by the second pair of blades forming an X, the ends of the blades being assembled to the curved ends of the Ws. The first and third pairs of blades are joined on the inner apex of the W.

[0076] The assembly includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide has a third movable element 89 relative to the second movable element 96, and a third pair of flexible blades 99 connecting the third movable element 89 to the second movable element 96. Thus, the third movable element 89 can move relative to the second movable element 96 by bending the blades of the third pair 99 in a circular motion around a third center of rotation 94. The third movable element 89 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged substantially parallel to the first movable element 93 and to the W.

[0077] The first and third flexible guides have pairs 92 and 99 of uncrossed flexible blades. The second flexible guide has a pair of crossed flexible blades 95, the blades being joined at their intersection. The blades of each pair are arranged on the same side of the support and / or the moving element. The blades of the second pair of blades 95 are joined at the curved ends of each W.

[0078] According to the invention, the first center of rotation 97 and the second center of rotation 98 are offset by a first predefined distance. The third center of rotation 94 is also offset relative to the second center of rotation 98 by a second predefined distance. The centers of rotation 97 and 98 are arranged substantially at the intersection of a collinear line of the blades of each pair 92, 95, and 99 of each flexible guide in its rest position. Thus, the second center of rotation 97 is formed at the intersection, while the first 98 and third 94 centers of rotation are formed at the inner apex of the W.

[0079] The set of 80 flexible guides is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and with respect to a transverse line in the rest position, the two lines being substantially perpendicular.

[0080] In the ninth embodiment of the figure 12The assembly 90 comprises a support 101 and three flexible guides arranged in series substantially in the same plane. The support 101 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate, arranged laterally with respect to the assembly 90.

[0081] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 103 relative to the support 101, and a first pair of flexible blades 102 connecting the support 101 to the first movable element 103. Thus, the first movable element 103 can move relative to the support 101 by bending the blades of the first pair 102 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 107. The first movable element 103 has a triangular shape with a rounded protrusion at one vertex.

[0082] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 106 relative to the first movable element 103, and a second pair of flexible blades 105 connecting the second movable element 106 to the first movable element 103. Thus, the second movable element 106 can move relative to the first movable element 103 by bending the blades of the second pair 105 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 108. The second movable element 106 has a triangular shape with a rounded protrusion at one vertex. The protrusions serve to allow the uncrossed blades to be hooked.

[0083] The assembly 90 includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide has a third movable element 110 relative to the second movable element 106, and a third pair of flexible blades 109 connecting the third movable element 110 to the second movable element 106. Thus, the third movable element 110 can move relative to the second movable element 106 by bending the blades of the third pair 109 in a circular motion around a third center of rotation 104. The third movable element 110 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate, substantially parallel to the support 101.

[0084] The blades of the same pair of blades are arranged on the same side of the support and / or the moving element. The flexible blades of the first 102 and the third pair 109 of blades are uncrossed. The flexible blades of the second pair 105 of blades are crossed.

[0085] The two triangles are arranged between the support 101 and the third moving element 110, with the projections oriented towards the second moving element 103 and the third moving element 106. The first 102 and the third pair 109 of blades are joined to the projections, while the blades of the second pair 105 are joined to the base of the triangles.

[0086] The set of 90 flexible guides is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and with respect to a transverse line in the rest position, the two lines being substantially perpendicular.

[0087] According to the invention, the first center of rotation 107 and the second center of rotation 108 are offset by a first predefined distance. The centers of rotation are arranged substantially at the intersection of a collinear line of the blades of each pair 102, 105, 109 of each flexible guide in the rest position. Furthermore, the third center of rotation 104 is also offset relative to the second center of rotation 108 by a second predefined distance.

[0088] On the figure 13 The tenth embodiment of an assembly 100 according to the invention comprises a support 111 and four flexible guides arranged in series. The first and second guides are arranged in a first plane, while the third and fourth guides are arranged in a second plane substantially parallel to the first. The support has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally with respect to the guide 100.

[0089] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 113 relative to the support 111, and a first pair of flexible blades 112 connecting the support 111 to the first movable element 113. Thus, the first movable element 113 can move relative to the support 111 by bending the blades of the first pair 112 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 117. The first movable element 113 has a substantially square plate shape.

[0090] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 116 relative to the first movable element 113, and a second pair of flexible blades 115 connecting the second movable element 116 to the first movable element 113. Thus, the second movable element 116 can move relative to the first movable element 113 by bending the blades of the second pair 115 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 118. The second movable element 116 has a rectangular tubular structure defining the length and width of the assembly 100 in the rest position of the assembly 100.

[0091] The assembly 100 includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide has a third movable element 120 relative to the second movable element 116, and a third pair of flexible blades 119 connecting the third movable element 120 to the second movable element 116. Thus, the third movable element 120 can move relative to the second movable element 116 by bending the blades of the third pair 119 in a circular motion around a third center of rotation 123. The third movable element 120 has a square tubular structure whose dimensions are smaller than the rectangle of the second movable element 116.

[0092] The assembly includes a fourth flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the third flexible guide, the fourth flexible guide having a fourth movable element 122 and a fourth pair of flexible blades 121 connecting the fourth movable element 122 to the third movable element 120. Thus, the fourth movable element 122 can move relative to the third movable element 120 by bending the blades of the fourth pair 121 in a circular motion around a fourth center of rotation 124. The fourth movable element 122 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally relative to the assembly 100 in the rest position of the assembly 100.

[0093] According to the invention, the first center of rotation 117 and the second center of rotation 118 are offset by a first predefined distance in the first plane. The third center of rotation 123 is offset relative to the second center of rotation 118 by a second predefined distance in the second plane. The fourth center of rotation 124 is offset relative to the third center of rotation 123 by a third predefined distance in the second plane. The centers of rotation 117, 118, 123, and 124 are arranged substantially at the intersection of a collinear line of the blades of each pair of flexible blades in the rest position of the assembly 100.

[0094] The blades of a pair of blades are arranged on the same side of the support and / or the moving element. Two flexible guides are arranged symmetrically in pairs. Thus, the assembly of 100 flexible guides is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and a transverse line in the rest position, the two lines being substantially perpendicular.

[0095] The invention also relates to a rotary resonator mechanism for clocks, not shown in the figures. The resonator mechanism is equipped with an oscillating weight and a set of flexible guides such as one of the embodiments described above. The oscillating weight is, for example, a balance wheel of annular shape or a bone-shaped component, which is mounted on the last moving element in series of the assembly.

[0096] There figure 14This shows a fourth embodiment of an assembly 110 comprising a support 131 and four flexible guides arranged in series. The guides are arranged substantially in the same plane. The support 131 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged laterally with respect to the assembly 110.

[0097] The first flexible guide comprises a first movable element 133 relative to the support 131, and a first pair 132 of flexible blades connected to the first movable element 133. Thus, the first movable element 133 can move by bending the blades of the first pair 132 in a circular motion around a first center of rotation 137. The first movable element 133 has an H shape with an elongated central section 139.

[0098] The second flexible guide comprises a second movable element 136 relative to the first movable element 133, and a second pair 135 of flexible blades connecting the second movable element 136 to the first movable element 133. Thus, the second movable element 136 can move relative to the first movable element 133 by bending the blades of the second pair 135 in a circular motion around a second center of rotation 138. The second movable element 136 has the shape of a circular arc whose curvature is not oriented towards the support 131.

[0099] According to the invention, the first center of rotation 137 and the second center of rotation 138 are offset by a predefined distance. The centers of rotation 137 and 138 are arranged approximately at the intersection of a collinear line of the blades of each flexible guide in its rest position.

[0100] The assembly 110 includes a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide. The third flexible guide comprises a third movable element 141 and a third pair of flexible blades 139 connecting the third movable element 141 to the second movable element 136. Thus, the third movable element 141 can move relative to the second movable element 136 by bending the blades of the third pair 139 in a circular motion around a third center of rotation. The third center of rotation is substantially in the same location as the second center of rotation 138. The third movable element 141 has the shape of an elongated rectangular plate arranged parallel to the support 131 in the rest position of the assembly 40. The curvature of the arc of the second movable element 136 is oriented towards the third movable element 141. The support 131 and the third movable element 141 are arranged outside the H-shaped section behind each arc.

[0101] The assembly includes a fourth flexible guide arranged in series upstream of the first flexible guide. This fourth flexible guide comprises a fourth movable element 143 and a fourth pair 142 of flexible blades connecting the fourth movable element 143 to the support 131. Thus, the fourth movable element 143 can move relative to the support 131 by bending the blades of the fourth pair 142 in a circular motion around a fourth center of rotation. The fourth center of rotation is substantially at the same location as the first center of rotation 137. The blades of the first pair of blades 132 connect the fourth movable element 143 to the first movable element 133, enabling the first movable element 133 to move relative to the fourth movable element 143 by bending the blades of the first pair of blades 132 in a circular motion around the first center of rotation 137.The fourth movable element 143 is in the form of a circular arc whose curvature is oriented towards the support 131. The fourth movable element 143 is arranged symmetrically to the other circular arc of the second movable element 136 with respect to the section 139 of the H-shaped body which is in the middle of the assembly 110. The two arcs are arranged in the H, on either side of the section 139.

[0102] The four flexible guides have staggered blades. The blades of each pair 132, 135, 139, 142 are arranged on the same side of the support 131 and / or the corresponding moving element 133, 136, 141, 143. Two flexible guides are arranged symmetrically in pairs. Thus, the assembly 110 of flexible guides is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line and a transverse line in the rest position, the two lines being substantially perpendicular.

[0103] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the annexed claims.

Claims

1. A flexible guide assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 80, 90, 100, 110) for a rotary resonator mechanism, particularly for a horology movement, the assembly comprising a fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131) and two flexible guides extending in substantially the same plane or in two different parallel planes, the two flexible guides being arranged in series, the first flexible guide comprising a first element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) that is mobile relative to the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131), a first pair of flexible blades (12, 22, 32, 42, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112, 132) connected to the first mobile element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133), such that the first mobile element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) can move by deflection of the blades in the first pair (12, 22, 32, 42, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112, 132) in a circular motion about a first centre of rotation (17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 87, 97, 107, 117, 137), the second flexible guide comprising a second element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136) that is mobile relative to the first mobile element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) and to the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131), a second pair of flexible blades (15, 25, 35, 45, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 135) connecting the second mobile element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136) to the first mobile element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133), such that the second mobile element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136) can move relative to the first mobile element (13, 23, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) and to the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131) by deflection of the blades in the second pair (15, 25, 35, 45, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 135) in a circular motion about a second centre of rotation (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 78, 88, 98, 108, 118, 138), in which the first centre of rotation (17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 87, 97, 107, 117, 137) and the second centre of rotation (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 78, 88, 98, 108, 118, 138) are offset by a first predefined distance belonging to a plane of the assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 80, 90, 100, 110), the centres of rotation (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, 17, 18, 27, 28, 37, 38, 44, 47, 48, 54, 57, 58, 78, 87, 88, 94, 97, 98, 104, 107, 108, 117, 118, 123, 124) of the flexible guides being arranged on a straight line (6) in the lock position of the assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 80, 90, 100), characterised in that the centre of mass (M) of the assembly is also arranged on said straight line (6).

2. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the blades in the first pair of blades (12, 22, 32, 72, 82, 112) are crossed.

3. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the blades in the first pair of blades (42, 62, 92, 102, 132) are uncrossed.

4. The flexible guide assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the blades in the second pair of blades (15, 25, 35, 45, 85, 95, 105, 115) are crossed.

5. The flexible guide assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the blades in the second pair of blades (45, 65, 75, 135) are uncrossed.

6. The flexible guide assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a third flexible guide arranged in series downstream of the second flexible guide, the third flexible guide comprising a third mobile element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141) and a third pair of flexible blades (49, 59, 99, 109, 119, 139) connecting the third mobile element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141)to the second mobile element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136), such that the third mobile element (51, 67, 89, 110, 120, 141) can move relative to the second mobile element (16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 136), to the first mobile element (13, 23, 43, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 133) and to the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131), by deflection of the blades in the third pair (49, 59, 99, 109, 119, 139) in a circular motion about a third centre of rotation (54, 94, 104, 123).

7. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 6, characterised in that the third centre of rotation (54, 94, 104, 123) is offset relative to the second centre of rotation (58, 98, 108, 118) by a second predefined distance belonging to a plane of the assembly.

8. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the blades in the third pair of blades (119) are crossed.

9. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the blades in the third pair of blades (49, 59, 99, 109, 139) are uncrossed.

10. The flexible guide assembly according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that it comprises a fourth flexible guide arranged in series, the fourth flexible guide comprising a fourth mobile element (53, 122, 143) and a fourth pair of flexible blades (52, 121, 142) connecting the fourth mobile element (53, 122, 143) to the third mobile element (51, 120) or to the support (131), such that the fourth mobile element (53, 122, 143) can move relative to the third mobile element (51, 120), to the second mobile element (46, 116, 136), to the first mobile element (43, 113, 133) and to the support (41, 111, 131), by deflection of the blades in the fourth pair of blades (52, 121, 142) in a circular motion about a fourth centre of rotation (44, 124).

11. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 10, characterised in that the fourth centre of rotation (44, 124) is offset relative to the third centre of rotation (123) by a third predefined distance belonging to a plane of the assembly.

12. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the blades in the fourth pair of blades (121) are crossed.

13. The flexible guide assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the blades in the fourth pair of blades (52, 142) are uncrossed.

14. The flexible guide assembly according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterised in it is symmetrical relative to a longitudinal line and / or relative to a transverse line when the assembly is in a locked position.

15. The flexible guide assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first pair of flexible blades (12, 22, 32, 42, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112) is connected to the fixed support (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111).

16. The flexible guide assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rigidity of each flexible guide is chosen according to the following equation: ∑ i = 2 N + 1 r i 1 + k 1 ∑ j = 3 i 1 k j − 1 n = 0 where n = 1, ... , N - 1, N being the number of flexible guides, N being 2, 3 or 4, kj and ki being the rigidity of guide i and of guide j, and ri being the offset between the centres of rotation of flexible guide i and of flexible guide i - 1.

17. The flexible guide assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flexible guides are identical and follow the following equation: ∑ i = 2 N + 1 r i i − 1 n = 0 where n = 1, ... , N - 1, N being the number of flexible guides, N being 2, 3 or 4 and where rN+1 is the distance between the last centre of rotation of the last flexible guide and the centre of mass (M).

18. The flexible guide assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flexible guides follow the following equation: r k + 1 r 1 = − 1 k N k where k = 0,1, ... , N, N being the number of flexible guides, N being 2, 3 or 4 and the value of the number k being chosen according to the number of pivots and according to Pascal's Triangle Law.

19. A rotary resonator mechanism, in particular for a horology movement, comprising an oscillating weight, characterised in that it comprises a flexible guide assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 80, 90, 100) according to any of the preceding claims, the centre of mass of the resonator being also arranged on said straight line (6).