RING FOR THE MECHANICAL CONNECTION OF TWO WATCH COMPONENTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a watch assembly, in particular a watch movement, comprising a mechanical connecting ring between a first watch component and a second watch component. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch assembly.

[0002] The vast majority of known watch dials from the earlier period feature feet. These feet are usually attached to the lower surface of the dial and are designed to fit into bores formed on the upper face of the watch case's frame. Screws located within the frame are used to press against and lock the feet, preventing the dial from separating from the frame. The first drawback of this fastening method is its impracticality, as it requires manipulating several small screws. The second drawback is its bulkiness, making it difficult to implement on watches with multiple functions that require occupying a large portion of the available surface area, such as a calendar watch.The use of a skirted dial such as that which is the subject of patent application EP2743783 is, on the other hand, hardly compatible with the implementation of correction levers and / or actuation of one or more functions on the periphery of a watch movement.

[0003] As an alternative to securing dial feet with screws, document CH368750 discloses a connecting ring in the form of a hollow cylindrical sleeve made of synthetic material, particularly polyamide or rubber. The outer edge of the sleeve is pressed into a recess formed within a watch movement blank, while a dial foot is held with slight friction within the cylindrical opening of the sleeve. To achieve this, the respective diameters of the opening and the foot are adjusted to obtain a slight clamping of the foot within the opening. The choice of a sleeve made of synthetic material prevents any sticking problems between the sleeve and the dial foot.

[0004] Document US4150538 also relates to such a sleeve made of synthetic material. This document specifically discloses a particular sleeve geometry, which features an opening with angled sides designed to optimally accommodate a dial foot.

[0005] Document CH590508 discloses a connecting ring made of a plastic material such as nylon, shaped like a clamp. This clamp has a horseshoe-shaped geometry and features two symmetrically arranged elastic sections designed to clamp a dial foot. The outer portion of the ring is designed to be held by friction within a recess in a watch movement plate. The ring is secured within the movement by adjusting the diameter of the partially cylindrical outer portion of the ring to match the diameter of the recess designed to receive it.

[0006] Due to their design, the rings in the aforementioned documents produce holding forces within a blank and / or clamping forces on a dial foot that may prove insufficient and / or vary significantly depending on tolerance variations in the components involved in the assembly. Furthermore, the synthetic materials mentioned are particularly susceptible to aging, especially creep.

[0007] Document CH622661 proposes a solution for a connecting ring between a dial shank and a mounting plate. This ring takes the form of a hollow metal sleeve, which can be machined. The sleeve incorporates elastic sections formed by slots cut around its circumference. These sections extend perpendicularly to the surface of the mounting plate designed to receive the sleeve. In other words, these elastic sections extend parallel to the direction of the dial shank intended to interact with the sleeve. When the sleeve is inserted into the mounting plate, the elastic sections are subjected to bending forces to insert the sleeve into a bore in the mounting plate, thus securing it in position.During the installation of the dial, the foot is inserted into the sleeve, thus applying flexural stress to the elastic sections, which ensures proper retention of the dial relative to the base plate. On the one hand, such a sleeve is particularly bulky along the axial direction of the dial foot. On the other hand, the elastic sections are designed to accommodate both the assembly of the sleeve into the base plate and the assembly of the foot into the sleeve. The holding force of the dial foot is therefore dictated, at least partially, by the assembly requirements of the sleeve within the base plate.

[0008] Also, document CH38943 proposes a solution for a connecting ring from a dial foot to a plate.

[0009] A braking element, for example, is disclosed in document EP3396470. This element comprises first elastic portions designed to bear against a first component, specifically a shaft of a second moving part. It also includes a solid portion to allow its integration into a movement, particularly a blank. This solid portion may include a fork that allows its axial retention relative to a blank and a locking mechanism. Assembling such a portion, especially attaching it to a blank, can be a complex process. This is especially true if the component is made of a fragile or micromachinable material.

[0010] The aim of the invention is to provide a watch assembly comprising a ring that improves upon known prior art devices and overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes a simple ring that enables a controlled and reliable mechanical connection between two watch components.

[0011] According to the invention, a watch assembly is defined by claim 1.

[0012] Assembly embodiments are defined by claims 2 to 12.

[0013] According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 13.

[0014] The attached drawings represent, as examples, two ways of making a timepiece. There figure 1 This is a view of an early method of manufacturing a timepiece. figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an assembly. figures 3 to 5 These are partial top views of the first embodiment of the assembly. figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a variant of the first embodiment of the assembly. figures 7 and 8 These are views illustrating a second use of a first embodiment of a mechanical connecting ring. Figures 9 and 10 These are views illustrating a third use of the first embodiment of the mechanical connecting ring. figure 11 is a partial view of a second embodiment of a timepiece. The Figures 12 And 13 are partial top views of a second embodiment of the assembly.

[0015] A method for manufacturing a 200-piece timepiece is described in detail below with reference to figures 1 to 10 .

[0016] A timepiece 200 is, for example, a watch, specifically a wristwatch. A timepiece 200 comprises an assembly 100, specifically a watch movement 100, intended to be mounted in a watch case or box to protect it from the external environment. The watch movement 100 can be a mechanical movement, such as an automatic movement, an electronic movement, or a hybrid movement.

[0017] Assembly 100, in particular the watch movement 100, comprises: a first watch component 2; 4, a second watch component 3, and a mechanical linking ring 1 allowing the first and second components to be mechanically linked according to defined and controlled characteristics.

[0018] In other words, the ring allows for a mechanical connection between the first watch component and the second watch component, including a fixed connection of the embedment type or a sliding connection with controlled friction or a sliding pivot connection with controlled friction or a pivot connection with controlled friction.

[0019] The ring includes: at least one first elastic arm 11 arranged and / or configured so as to press against the first watch component 2; 4; and at least one second elastic arm 12 arranged and / or configured so as to press against the second watch component 3.

[0020] In the first embodiment, at least one first elastic arm 11 is deformable in bending so that it presses against the first component 2; 4 and / or at least one second elastic arm 12, different from the first, is deformable in bending so that it presses against the second component 3.

[0021] According to an advantageous implementation of ring 1 illustrated on the Figures 1 And 2 , the first component is a dial 2, in particular a dial foot 21, and the second component is a movement blank 3, in particular a mainplate or bridge.

[0022] According to another advantageous implementation of ring 1 illustrated on the figures 7 to 10 , the first component is a clockwork mobile 4, in particular an axis or shaft 41 of a mobile 4, and the second component is a blank 3 of the movement, in particular a plate or bridge.

[0023] There figure 1illustrates an exploded view of the watch assembly 100 comprising the dial 2 and the blank 3, with the dial feet 21 each connected to the blank 3 by a ring 1. Preferably, the rings may be identical. Each of these rings is designed to fit into a recess 31 formed in the blank 3, as is particularly visible in the partial cross-sectional view of the figure 2 .

[0024] According to the specific embodiment variant of ring 1 illustrated by the figure 3 , this one has a substantially annular geometry with axis A1, a plane P in which the ring extends being perpendicular to axis A1 (and parallel to the plane of the figure).

[0025] The ring 1 includes a central opening 14. This central opening 14 is intended to receive the first watch component. The ring 1 includes an outer periphery 141. This outer periphery 141 is intended to be housed in the second watch component 3, in particular in a conformation 31 of the second watch component 3, such as a recess 31.

[0026] The first and second elastic arms 11, 12 are deformable in bending in the plane P or in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane P. In other words, the first and second elastic arms 11, 12 extend preferably at least substantially in the plane P.

[0027] The ring 1 specifically illustrated includes, in particular, three first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c deformable in bending. These first arms are each defined by at least one oblong opening 13a, 13b, 13c.

[0028] The first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1 at the level of a first radius R1 measured from the axis A1, and define at least partially the opening 14 of axis A1, in which is intended to fit, for example, a foot 21 of the dial 2. In other words, these first elastic arms define at least partially an inner contour of the ring 1.

[0029] The first arms 11a, 11b, 11c are fixed at their respective first ends 111a, 111b, 111c from first rigid or substantially rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c. The first rigid or substantially rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c are advantageously in the form of annular or substantially annular portions relative to the axis A1.

[0030] Preferably, the first elastic arms are equally distributed around axis A1.

[0031] Thus, the first elastic arms are arranged and / or configured in such a way: to be stressed essentially in bending due to their support against the first watch component 2; 4, and / or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1.

[0032] The illustrated ring 1 also includes six second elastic arms 12a, 12c, 12e, 12b, 12d, 12f deformable in bending, which are respectively defined by oblong slots 15a, 15b, 15c, 16a, 16b, 16c.

[0033] The second elastic arms extend essentially orthoradially relative to axis A1 at a second radius R2 measured from axis A1, and define at least partially the outer contour 141 of ring 1. The second arms 12a, 12c, 12e and the second arms 12b, 12d, 12f can exhibit two distinct conformations, as is particularly visible in the detail view of the figure 4 .

[0034] The second arms 12a, 12c, 12e are embedded at their respective first ends 121a, 121c, 121e from a first rigid or substantially rigid portion 17a, 17b, 17c.

[0035] The second arms 12a, 12c, 12e are angled and comprise a first portion 122a extending substantially radially relative to axis A1, and a second portion 123a extending substantially orthoradially relative to the same axis A1. The angled oblong lights 15a, 15b, 15c comprise a first portion 152a extending substantially radially relative to axis A1, and a second portion 153a extending substantially orthoradially relative to the same axis A1.

[0036] The second arms 12b, 12d, 12f are, for their part, embedded at their respective first extremities 121b, 121d, 121f by rigid or substantially rigid second portions 18a, 18b, 18c projecting respectively from the extremities 111a, 111b, 111c of the first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c. The second arms 12b, 12d, 12f extend essentially orthoradially. Oblong lumens 16a, 16b, 16c delimiting the second arms 12b, 12d, 12f also extend essentially orthoradially. The second rigid or substantially rigid portions 18a, 18b, 18c are preferably angled and preferably comprise first portions 181a, 181b, 181c extending substantially radially relative to the axis A1, as well as second portions 182a, 182b, 182c extending substantially orthoradially relative to this same axis A1 from which the second elastic arms 12b, 12d, 12f are embedded.

[0037] The first and second rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c, 18a, 18b, 18c are each essentially positioned at a third radius R3 located between the first radius R1 and the second radius R2. These portions allow the forces applied by the first elastic arms on the first watch component 2 to be independent or almost independent from those applied by the second elastic arms on the second watch component 3.

[0038] Preferably, the second arms 12a, 12c, 12e and the second arms 12b, 12d, 12f are equally distributed around the axis A1, as shown in the figure 3 The same applies to the first and second rigid or substantially rigid portions 17a, 17b, 17c, 18a, 18b, 18c, as shown on the figure 3 .

[0039] Thus, the second elastic arms are arranged and / or configured as follows: to be stressed mainly in bending due to their support against the second watch component 3, and / or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1.

[0040] The combination of the first and second rigid sections advantageously forms a serge or rim, that is, a rigid section from which the first and second elastic arms extend. The first elastic arms extend from an internal surface of the serge. The second elastic arms extend from an external surface of the serge.

[0041] An embodiment of a method for assembling a dial 2 onto a blank 3 using a ring 1 is described below.

[0042] By convention, we define a horizontal plane as a plane parallel to a plate 22 of the dial 2, and the vertical direction z as the direction perpendicular to it, oriented upwards, from the blank 3 towards the dial plate 22. With this convention, the feet 21 therefore extend vertically downwards from the dial plate, and the fixing of the dial 2 onto the blank 3 is achieved by a vertical approach of the feet 21 opposite the blank 3, specifically within the ring 1. The plane P in which the ring 1 extends corresponds to, is parallel to, or substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, and the axis A1 is parallel to the vertical axis.

[0043] A first step consists of assembling at least one ring 1 within a recess 31 of the blank 3. This is done by vertically bringing the ring 1 towards the recess 31 until the ring is seated within the recess. During this step, the second arms 12a, 12c, 12e, 12b, 12d, 12f are subjected to bending stress because the dimension of the recess, particularly its diameter, is slightly smaller than the dimension, particularly the diameter, of the outer contour 141 of the ring 1 defined by the second arms. More specifically, the radius R6 of the circular recess is slightly smaller than the radius R4 of the circle tangent to the second ends of the second arms, which at least partially define the outer contour 141 of the ring 1 (in an unstressed configuration of the second arms illustrated in the figure). figure 5). The bending stress on the second arms during the insertion of the ring 1 into the socket 31 can, for example, be facilitated by an entry chamfer 311 formed at the entrance of the socket 31, as illustrated in the figure 2 The axial holding force F2 of the ring 1 within the housing 31 is essentially determined by the elastic deformation of the second arms within the housing 31. This deformation determines the contact force of the elastic second arms with the housing 31, taking into account the stiffness of the elastic second arms. This further determines the axial holding force F2, taking into account the coefficient of friction at the interface of the second arms and the housing 31.

[0044] A second step consists of bringing at least one foot 21 vertically towards the ring 1, until this foot fits into the opening 14 of the ring 1. During this step, the first arms 11a, 11b, 11c are subjected to bending because the opening 14 is slightly smaller than the foot 21. More specifically, the radius R5 of the opening 14 is slightly smaller than the radius R7 of the foot when the ring 1 is not yet under load (as shown in the diagram). figure 5The bending stress on the first elastic arms during the insertion of the foot 21 into the ring 1 can, for example, be facilitated by an entry chamfer 211 formed at the end of the foot 21. A second chamfer 212, called the "exit" chamfer, can also be provided to axially lock the foot relative to the ring once it has at least partially passed through it. The axial holding force F1 of the foot 21 within the opening 14 is essentially determined here by the elastic deformation of the first arms under the effect of the foot 21. This deformation determines the contact force of the first elastic arms with the foot 21, taking into account the rigidity of the first elastic arms. This further determines the axial holding force F1, taking into account: of the geometry of the interface of the first arms and foot 21, and of the coefficient of friction at the interface of the first arms and foot 21.

[0045] Advantageously, this axial holding force F1 of the foot 21 is less than, or even much less than, the axial holding force F2 of the ring 1 within the core 31.

[0046] Preferably, at least one foot 21 is also housed within an opening 32 in the blank 3, which is at least partially superimposed on the bore 31. This could, for example, be a bore 32 arranged coaxially with the bore 31. Advantageously, such an opening 32 allows the foot 21 to be guided within the blank 3. Thus, preferably, the foot 21 is held on the blank 3 by means of a ring 1, and it is guided on the blank 3 by means of an opening 32, in particular a bore 32.

[0047] The dial feet illustrated on the Figures 1 And 2They are shown here in a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, their shape could be quite different. For example, feet 21 could be in the form of balls, as illustrated on the figure 6 This solution has the particular advantage of overcoming the problem of the feet not being perpendicular to the dial plate. These balls can be attached to the dial plate 22 in various ways, for example by gluing or welding. Advantageously, recesses 23 can be provided to receive the balls 21 within the plate 22 and allow for precise positioning of the balls on the plate.

[0048] For example, the magnitude of force F1 is approximately 3 N, and the magnitude of force F2 is approximately 10 N. More generally, the ratio F1 / F2 is advantageously less than 0.8, or even less than 0.6, or even less than 0.4. A parametric optimization of the geometry of ring 1 makes it possible to obtain precisely the expected forces.

[0049] Ring 1 thus acts here as a retaining ring for the dial 2, in particular for a foot 21, on the blank 3, in particular a bridge or a plate. Preferably, the dial 2 is held on the blank 3 by means of two feet 21 respectively housed in two rings 1. Preferably, the dial 2 is guided on the blank 3 by means of two feet 21 respectively housed in two openings 32, in particular housed with less play in two openings 32. In order to limit the risk of over-constraint, the openings 32 provided to accommodate each of these feet may have different geometries or formats. For example, a first opening 32 may be circular or triangular, while a second opening 32 may have an oblong geometry, in particular an oblong geometry oriented at least substantially in the direction of the first opening 32.The two rings 1 may be identical or not, and the feet 21 may be identical or not, this in order to optimize the positioning and / or holding of the dial 2 on the blank 3 while minimizing the stresses within the rings 1.

[0050] According to another advantageous embodiment, ring 1 can alternatively act as a braking ring as illustrated by the figures 7 to 10 . In such an implementation, the first watch component 4 is mounted movable relative to the second watch component 3 along an axis A1, and the first watch component 4 and the second watch component 3 are braked relative to each other via the ring 1, in particular braked in translation and / or in rotation along the axis A1.

[0051] THE figures 7 and 8illustrate such an application, in which the ring 1, previously housed within the bore 31 of the blank 3, cooperates with an axis 41 of a clockwork mechanism 4. This mechanism 4, in particular the axis 41, passes through the opening 14 formed by the ring 1. More specifically, the axis 41 is pivoted between two bearings, in particular between two jewels 5, 6, which allow it to be arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with the axis A1. For example, jewel 5 is pressed into the blank 3. For another example, jewel 6 is supported by a wheel 7 arranged coaxially with the mechanism 4, in particular with the axis 41.

[0052] Advantageously, the moving part 4 is a display moving part, in particular a display moving part for an untensioned gear, namely a display moving part mounted in parallel with a finishing chain. It could be, for example, a seconds display moving part. Thus, such a ring 1 makes it possible to overcome the problem of wobble by generating a friction torque C1 against the axis 41 due to the elastic deformation of the first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c in contact with the axis 41. Preferably, this friction torque C1 is on the order of 0.5 to 5 µNm and preferably less than 10 µNm. This torque C1 is therefore extremely low compared to the torque C2 required to rotate the ring 1 around its axis A1 within the housing 31, which is preferably greater than 10 mNm. Preferably, the C1 / C2 ratio is less than 10⁻³, or even less than 5×10⁻⁴.

[0053] According to another specific implementation of the braking ring 1, it can also act as a pivoting ring and thus replace at least one bearing. For example, the Figures 9 and 10 illustrate such an implementation, in which the axis 41 of the mobile 4 is pivoted in the blank 3 directly by the ring 1. The latter thus replaces the bearing 5 of the figures 7 and 8 Such an implementation can be particularly advantageous for the pivoting of an oscillator, especially a balance wheel-hairspring assembly, as described in application EP3382472. In this particular case, the first elastic arms 11a, 11b, 11c would minimize the difference between the torques resisting the oscillation of an oscillator in the different horological positions.

[0054] A second embodiment of a 200' timepiece is described in detail below with reference to figures 11 to 13 .

[0055] A timepiece (200') is, for example, a watch, specifically a wristwatch. A timepiece (200') comprises an assembly (100'), specifically a watch movement (100'), intended to be mounted in a case or box to protect it from the external environment. The watch movement (100') can be a mechanical movement, such as an automatic movement, an electronic movement, or a hybrid movement.

[0056] The 100' assembly, in particular the 100' watch movement, comprises: a first watch component 2, a second watch component 3, and a mechanical linking ring 1' allowing the first and second components to be mechanically linked, in particular according to defined and controlled characteristics.

[0057] In other words, the ring 1' allows a connection to be made from the first watch component 2 to the second watch component 3.

[0058] Ring 1' includes: at least one first elastic arm 11' arranged and / or configured so as to press against the first watch component 2; 4; and at least one second elastic arm 12' arranged and / or configured so as to press against the second watch component 3.

[0059] There figure 11 illustrates a partial exploded view of the assembly 100' comprising a dial 2 and a blank 3, at least one foot 21 of the dial being connected to the blank 3 by the ring 1' extending in a plane P'.

[0060] Ring 1', most notably visible on the Figures 12 And 13 , differs from ring 1 in that it includes at least one second elastic arm 12' deformable in compression so that it presses against the blank 3. This at least one elastic arm is included within a band 19' defining the outer perimeter of ring 1'.

[0061] More specifically, this serge 19' comprises two thinned portions which respectively constitute two elastic arms 12a', 12b'. In order to promote their deformation in compression, these two arms each comprise an arc-shaped portion 121a', 121b' whose curvature is likely to be modified by elastic deformation during the assembly of the ring 1' within a recess 31 of the blank 3.

[0062] The serge 19' also includes two rigid portions 19a', 19b' which respectively support a pair of first elastic arms 11a', 11b' and 11c', 11d' arranged orthoradially relative to an axis A1' of the ring 1' so as to define an opening 14', and thus define, at least partially, an inner contour of the ring 1'. Preferably, these rigid portions 19a', 19b' have an arc shape.

[0063] More specifically, these pairs of first elastic arms are supported by connecting elements 13a', 13b' oriented radially relative to the axis A1'. Preferably, these connecting elements 13a', 13b' extend from the middle of the rigid portions 19a', 19b'.

[0064] The ring 1' exhibits a symmetrical conformation. More specifically, it includes at least one plane of symmetry. In this case, the pairs of first elastic arms 11a', 11b' and 11c', 11d' are symmetrical with respect to a first plane of symmetry P1' perpendicular to plane P', and the arms 12a', 12b', in particular the portions 121a', 121b', are symmetrical with respect to a second plane of symmetry P2' perpendicular to plane P'. Furthermore, the first elastic arms of each of the pairs 11a', 11b' and 11c', 11d' and / or the second elastic arms 12a', 12b' are also symmetrical with respect to plane P2'. Advantageously, planes P1' and P2' are perpendicular. Preferably, the first arms 11a', 11b', 11c', 11d' form arcs connected at their midpoints to the connecting elements. These arcs extend, for example, over 90° around the axis A1'.

[0065] Such a ring conformation makes it possible to make the forces produced by the first elastic arms perfectly independent of those produced by the second elastic arms.

[0066] An embodiment of a method for assembling the dial 2 onto a blank 3 using a ring 1' is described below.

[0067] The assembly range of a dial 2 on a blank 3 involving a ring 1' is similar or identical to that described above with respect to the ring 1 according to the first embodiment. Undeformed (as shown on the figure 13The ring 1', in particular the rim 19', is circumscribed by a radius R4' which is greater than the radius R6 of the bore 31. The opening 14', on the other hand, has a radius R5' which is less than the radius R7 of the foot 21. Thus, the shape of the bore 31, as well as that of the foot 21, allows the ring 1' to be deformed, in particular the first and second elastic arms, and thus allows the assembly of the dial 2 onto the blank 3. In this application, the force ratio F1' / F2' is less than 0.8, or even less than 0.6, or even less than 0.4, F1' being the magnitude of the force produced by the first elastic arms on the first component 2 and F2' being the magnitude of the force produced by the second elastic arms on the second component 3. A parametric optimization of the ring geometry 1' allows us to obtain precisely the expected forces.

[0068] Of course, like the ring 1 of the first embodiment, a ring 1' according to the second embodiment can also serve as a friction ring and possibly as a pivot for a watch movement. Such a ring 1' can also be particularly advantageous for assembling a bearing or stop, especially for a jewel, within a blank, that is to say, for mechanically fixing or linking a bearing or stop, especially a jewel, within a blank.

[0069] In all the embodiments mentioned above, the second component is a blank 3 of the movement, in particular a mainplate or a bridge. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the second watch component 3 can be: fixed relative to a frame 99, in particular being a blank, in particular a plate or a bridge, or movable relative to a frame 99, in particular being a rocker or a lever.

[0070] The same can also be true of the first component.

[0071] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the ring 1; 1' may be made of a nickel-based alloy, in particular an alloy comprising a nickel content by weight of between 91% and 99.8% inclusive and between 0.2% and 6% inclusive, or even between 0.2% and 4% inclusive, by weight of a second element selected from phosphorus, boron, bismuth, carbon, chlorine, calcium, indium, manganese, tin, or zirconium. The ring may, for example, be manufactured according to the process described in application WO2017102661.

[0072] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the 1;1' ring can be obtained by implementing a microfabrication step such as, for example, a deep reactive ion etching step (usually referred to by its English acronym "DRIE") for a component including silicon, or UV-Liga technology for a component based, for example, on nickel.

[0073] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the geometries of the first arms and those of the second arms are preferably different or distinct. Preferably, the first arms all have identical geometries. Alternatively, the first arms may have different geometries. Preferably, the second arms all have identical geometries. Alternatively, the second arms may have different geometries.

[0074] In the case where the ring 1; 1' is used to assemble a dial on a blank, it is quite possible to drive at least one ring 1; 1' into the dial, and to equip the blank with a foot, the latter being designed to fit into the opening 14; 14' formed by the ring 1; 1' of the dial.

[0075] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the ring preferably has the same cross-sectional geometry regardless of the vertical position of the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to axis A1; A1', within the thickness of the ring, along axis A1; A1'. Alternatively, the ring may have a cross-sectional geometry that varies according to the vertical position of the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to axis A1; A1', within the thickness of the ring, along axis A1; A1'. In particular, the variation may be: an evolution of the angular position relative to the axis A1; A1' of the geometry of the section, according to the vertical position of the section plane perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1', in the thickness of the ring, along the axis A1; A1', the geometry of the section being able to remain the same, and / or an evolution of the geometry of the section according to the vertical position of the section plane perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1', in the thickness of the ring, along the axis A1; A1'.

[0076] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the ring preferably has a thickness (measured parallel to axis A1 or A1') between 0.05 times and 0.3 times or between 0.08 times and 0.2 times the external diameter of the smallest circle circumscribed about the ring (when the ring is not under stress).

[0077] In the embodiments or variants described above, the first elastic arms 11; 11' are arranged or configured so as to be subjected primarily to bending stress due to their support against the first watch component 2; 4 and / or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1; A1'. However, alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the first elastic arms 11; 11' may be arranged or configured so as to be subjected primarily to compression stress due to their support against the first watch component 2; 4 and / or to extend substantially radially relative to the axis A1; A1'.

[0078] In the embodiments or variants described above, the first elastic arms 11; 11' define at least partially an inner contour of the ring 1; 1' and the second elastic arms 12; 12' define at least partially an outer contour of the ring 1; 1'. However, alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the first elastic arms 11; 11' may define at least partially an outer contour of the ring 1; 1' and the second elastic arms 12; 12' may define at least partially an inner contour of the ring 1; 1'.

[0079] In the first embodiment described above, the second elastic arms 12 are arranged or configured so as to be subjected primarily to bending due to their support against the second watch component 3 and / or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1. However, alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the second elastic arms can be arranged or configured so as to be subjected primarily to compression due to their support against the second watch component 3 (as in the second embodiment) and / or to extend substantially radially relative to the axis A1.

[0080] In the first embodiment, preferably, The ring 1 includes the axis A1, at least one first elastic arm 11 is arranged and / or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1, at least one second elastic arm 12 is arranged and / or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis A1, and at least one first elastic arm 11 and at least one second elastic arm 12 extend substantially in the same direction S1 (as represented by the arrow S1 on the figure 3 ).

[0081] However, as an alternative, the ring could be such that: It includes axis A1, at least one first elastic arm 11 is arranged and / or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to axis A1, at least one second elastic arm is arranged and / or configured so as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to axis A1, at least one first elastic arm 11 and at least one second elastic arm 12 extend substantially in opposite directions, that is to say: at least one first arm extends in direction S1 (as represented by arrow S1 on the figure 3 ) and at least a second arm extends in the S2 direction (as represented by arrow S2 on the figure 3 ), or at least one first arm extends in the direction S2 and at least one second arm extends in the direction S1.

[0082] Preferably, throughout this document, by "arm" we mean a conformation whose section geometries along planes perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1; A1' are elongated with a length-to-width ratio greater than 2, greater than 3, or greater than 4, or have a ratio of: length Lo (measured along a curve C of extension of a geometry along a given section), over average width La along the section (measured perpendicular to the curve C of extension of a geometry of a given section), which is greater than 2 or greater than 3 or greater than 4.

[0083] Preferably, the length Lo is measured from a point A shown on the figure 3(at the non-free end of the section geometry), which lies on a fixed line E. During elastic deformation of the arm (between an unstressed configuration of the arm and a typical or usual loaded configuration), point A or line E is preferably not displaced relative to the axis of the ring; for example, the displacement is less than 0.05 times or 0.03 times the outer radius of the smallest circle circumscribed about the ring (when the ring is unstressed; radius R4 on the figure 5 Preferably, line E is: perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to curve C, and / or radial to axis A1; A1' and tangent to the bottom of an oblong light 16a (as shown on the figure 3 ).

[0084] Preferably, point A can be placed on a circle of radius R2 (as shown on the figure 3 ).

[0085] Preferably, the contacts of the first arms with the first component are located at a distance from the fixed points A or lines E of the first arms. Even more preferably, the contacts of the first arms with the first component are located near the free ends of the first arms.

[0086] Preferably, the contacts of the second arms with the second component are located at a distance from the fixed points or lines of the second arms. Even more preferably, the contacts of the second arms with the second component are located near the free ends of the second arms.

[0087] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment or variant described above, the mechanical linking ring 1 allows, in normal or usual situations of use of the timepiece comprising the first and second components: to mechanically fix the first and second components, that is to say, to create a fixed joint (without degrees of freedom) between the first and second components. Preferably, this mechanical joint is a backlash-free mechanical joint between the first and second components, or to create a sliding joint with controlled friction between the first and second components, or to create a sliding pivot joint with controlled friction between the first and second components, or to create a pivot joint with controlled friction between the first and second components.

[0088] A connecting ring solution, such as those described above, can replace an assembly screw to allow the assembly of a dial with feet onto a movement. This solution simplifies and improves the reliability of assembling a dial with feet onto a watch movement. It is also less bulky, particularly in an axial or vertical direction. Furthermore, this solution allows for precise control of the forces exerted by the ring on the first and / or second watch component.

Claims

1. A horology assembly (100; 100'), particularly a timepiece movement (100; 100'), comprising: - a ring (1; 1') for mechanically connecting a first horology component (2; 4) to a second horology component (3), the ring comprising (i) at least one first elastic arm (11; 11') arranged and / or configured in such a way as to press against a first horology component (2; 4), and (ii) at least one second elastic arm (12; 12') arranged and / or configured in such a way as to press against a second horology component (3), - a first horology component (2; 4), and - a second horology component (3), the first horology component (2; 4) being: - a dial (2), notably at least one foot (21) of a dial (2), or - a wheel (4), notably a staff (41) of a wheel (4).

2. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the ring (1; 1') has an axis (A1; A1') and in that the at least one first elastic arm (11; 11') is arranged and / or configured in such a way as: - to be stressed essentially in bending as a result of its pressing against a first horology component (2; 4) and / or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1; A1'), or - to be stressed essentially in compression as a result of its pressing against a first horology component (2; 4) and / or to extend substantially radially relative to the axis (A1; A1').

3. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ring (1; 1') has an axis (A1; A1') and in that the at least one second elastic arm (12; 12') is arranged and / or configured in such a way as: - to be stressed essentially in bending as a result of its pressing against a second horology component (3) and / or to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1; A1'), or - to be stressed essentially in compression as a result of its pressing against a second horology component (3) and / or to extend substantially radially relative to the axis (A1; A1').

4. The horology assembly (100') as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (1') comprises a felloe (19'), the at least one first elastic arm (11') extending from the felloe (19') and / or the at least one second elastic arm (12') extending from the felloe (19') or being comprised in the felloe (19').

5. The horology assembly (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (1) has an axis (A1), in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) is arranged and / or configured in such a way as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1), in that the at least one second elastic arm (12) is arranged and / or configured in such a way as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1) and in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) and the at least one second elastic arm (12) extend substantially in the same direction.

6. The horology assembly (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ring (1) has an axis (A1), in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) is arranged and / or configured in such a way as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1), in that the at least one second elastic arm (12) is arranged and / or configured in such a way as to extend substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1) and in that the at least one first elastic arm (11) and the at least one second elastic arm (12) extend substantially in opposite directions.

7. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring is produced by implementing a micromanufacturing step such as, for example, a step of deep reactive ion etching or a UV-LIGA production step.

8. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second horology component (3) is: - fixed relative to a frame (99), and is notably a blank, particularly a plate or a bridge, or - mobile relative to a frame (99), and is notably a rocker or a lever.

9. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first horology component (2; 4) is fixed to the second horology component (3) by means of the ring (1; 1').

10. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first horology component (2; 4) is mounted with the ability to move relative to the second horology component (3) about an axis (A1; A1') and in that the first horology component (4) and the second horology component (3) are braked relative to one another by means of the ring (1; 1'), notably braked in translation along and / or in rotation about the axis (A1; A1').

11. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an axial force (F1) of retention of the first horology component (2; 4) in the connecting ring (1; 1') is less than 0.8 times or than 0.6 times or than 0.4 times an axial force (F2) of retention of the connecting ring (1; 1') in the second horology component (3).

12. The horology assembly (100; 100') as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a torque (C1) of retention of the first horology component (2; 4) in the connecting ring (1; 1') is less than 10-3 times or than 5 × 10-4 times a torque (C2) of retention of the connecting ring (1; 1') in the second horology component (3).

13. A timepiece (200; 200'), notably a wristwatch (200; 200'), comprising an assembly as claimed in one of the preceding claims.