Device for assembly and alignment, in particular for a timepiece resonator mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly and alignment device (1) on a first bridge (2), in particular a clockwork movement plate, arranged in a first plane, the device (1) comprising a second bridge (3) arranged in a second plane, the second bridge (3) being intended to support a component, in particular a moving component of a clockwork resonator mechanism, the device comprising means for aligning the second bridge (3) with the first bridge (2), the alignment means having at least two bearing faces (5, 6, 7) of the second bridge (3) arranged orthogonally to the second plane in two different directions, the alignment means further comprising at least two movable adjusting pieces (21, 22, 23) mechanically linked to the first bridge (2), the movable pieces (21, 22, 23) each being configured to come into contact with one of said bearing faces (5, 6, 7) to position the second bridge (3) in a position determined on the first bridge,the movable parts (21, 22, 23) allowing a plurality of positions of the second bridge (3) on the first (2).

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly and alignment device, particularly for a resonator mechanism in watchmaking. The invention also relates to a resonator mechanism for a watch movement equipped with such a device. Background of the invention

[0002] Watch movements typically include a mainspring barrel, an escapement mechanism, and a mechanical resonator. The resonator mechanism consists of a mainspring connected to an oscillating weight called a balance wheel. Today, flexible guides are used as the mainspring.

[0003] Virtual pivot flexible guides significantly improve watch resonators. The simplest are crossed-leaf pivots, composed of two straight-leaf guide devices that intersect, generally perpendicularly. These two leaves can be either three-dimensional in two different planes or two-dimensional in the same plane, in which case they are essentially welded together at their point of intersection.

[0004] It is possible to optimize a three-dimensional crossed-leaf pivot for a resonator, to try to make it isochronous with a step independent of its orientation in the gravity field, in particular in two ways (independently, or both together): choose the position of the crossing of the blades relative to their embedding to have a step independent of the positions; choose the angle between the blades to be isochronous, and have a step independent of the amplitude.

[0005] However, flexible guides require specific configurations of the other elements of the resonator mechanism. For example, commonly used anchors are unsuitable because their angular travel is too large for flexible guides. Therefore, to adapt the anchor, materials and shapes compatible with such flexible guides are used. But these configurations require that the position of the flexible guide be precise and that it can be controlled with high accuracy for the mechanism to function.

[0006] Document EP 3 144 741 A1 describes an adjustable bridge for a watch part. Summary of the invention

[0007] One aim of the invention is, therefore, to provide a fixing and alignment device, particularly for clockwork resonator mechanisms, which avoids the aforementioned problems.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an assembly and alignment device on a first bridge, in particular a clock movement plate, arranged in a first plane, the device comprising a second bridge arranged in a second plane, the second bridge being intended to support a component, in particular a moving component of a clock resonator mechanism.

[0009] The device is remarkable in that it comprises alignment means having at least two support faces of the second bridge arranged orthogonally to the second plane in two different directions. The alignment means further comprise at least two movable adjusting pieces mechanically linked to the first bridge. Each adjusting piece is configured to contact one of the support faces to position the second bridge in a predetermined position on the first bridge. The movable pieces allow for the definition of a plurality of positions of the second bridge on the first.

[0010] This device allows for the precise assembly of two bridges, enabling the exact alignment of watch components, particularly in resonator mechanisms with flexible blades. The bearing surfaces and adjustment pieces create centers of rotation around which the second bridge can partially rotate. These centers of rotation provide the second bridge with degrees of freedom to be positioned optimally, ensuring that components mounted on the first and second bridges are properly aligned, for example, between an anchor and balance wheel in a resonator with flexible blades. The device also allows for precise positioning of the second bridge relative to the first, with the second bridge in contact with the first.

[0011] The device comprises three support faces and three adjustment pieces, the three support faces being orthogonal to the second plane in three different directions, the two support faces being substantially perpendicular.

[0012] According to the invention as claimed, the third support face forms an angle of 45° with each of the other two support faces.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, each adjusting piece is rounded to form a pivot around which one of the bearing faces can rotate when an adjusting piece is actuated.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, each support face borders a passage to the first bridge, the three movable adjusting pieces each being arranged in one of said passages.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting parts are rotationally movable.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment pieces are studs or screws arranged each in a passage orthogonally to the second plane, each screw being provided with a head and a shank, at least one of said screws being eccentric, preferably all three, the head being intended to be in contact with the bearing face.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting parts are screws arranged in the second plane, each screw having a head and a shank, the shank being intended to be in contact with the bearing face.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting parts are movable in translation.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the passages, preferably all three passages, has an oblong shape, the bearing face being defined by one side of said shape.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, each passage has a width substantially equal to the width of the screw heads.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device includes elastic prestressing means to hold the bearing faces against the adjustment means.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first bridge has graduations to indicate the position of the second bridge.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device includes means for locking the second bridge onto the first.

[0024] The invention also relates to a resonator mechanism, particularly for a watch movement, comprising a first bridge, notably a watch movement plate. The movement is notable in that it includes an assembly and alignment device according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] 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 perspective view of an assembly and alignment device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 schematically represents a top view of the device figure 1 , there figure 3 schematically represents the arrangement of the device and the centers of rotation around which the second bridge can rotate, the figure 4 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device at the level of a passage and an eccentric screw, the figure 5 schematically represents a top view of a device according to a first variant of the first embodiment at the level of a passage and an eccentric screw, the figure 6schematically represents a top view of a device according to a second variant of the first embodiment at the level of a passage and an eccentric screw, the figure 7 schematically represents a top view of a device according to a second embodiment, and the figure 8 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism comprising a fixing and alignment device according to the invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0026] In a watch movement, particularly in a resonator mechanism with flexible blades, the components must be precisely fixed and aligned. These components include, for example, a flexible blade pivot, a balance wheel assembled to the flexible blade pivot, an anchor whose back-and-forth motion is driven by the balance wheel, and an escape wheel whose rotation rate is controlled by the movement of the anchor.

[0027] There figure 1This shows a first embodiment of a device for assembling and aligning 1 a component on a first bridge 2 arranged in a first plane. The first bridge 2 is, for example, a watch movement plate, on which the components of a watch movement are intended to be arranged. The first bridge 2 has a flat upper surface 8 for arranging the components of a watch movement.

[0028] The device 1 includes a second bridge 3 onto which a component is intended to be fixed. The second bridge 3 is intended to be positioned on the first bridge 2 for assembly in a second plane, preferably parallel to the first. The second bridge 3 has at least a partially flat lower surface 9 for resting on the upper surface 8 of the first bridge 2 after assembly. The second bridge 3 has a boat anchor shape with an axial portion 14 and two slightly curved lateral arms 15, 16, which extend upwards on either side of the axial portion 14 from its end. The axial portion 14 includes fixing holes 17 for permanently fixing the second bridge 3 to the first 2, for example, by means of ordinary screws passing through the holes 17 to reach the first bridge 2. The fixing is carried out after the alignment step.The second bridge 3 still has at least one mounting hole 18 for fixing the component onto the second bridge 3.

[0029] Device 1 further includes means for aligning the second bridge 3 with the first bridge 2. The alignment means comprise at least three bearing faces 5, 6, 7 arranged on the second bridge 3. The bearing faces 5, 6, 7 advantageously form part of the second bridge 3. The second bridge 3 and the faces 5, 6, 7 are monolithic and preferably made of the same material. The bearing faces 5, 6, 7 are advantageously flat and each oriented in a different direction.

[0030] The bearing faces 5, 6, 7 each border a distinct passage 11, 12, 13 towards the first bridge. On the figure 1Passages 11, 12, and 13 are holes through the second bridge 3. Thus, passages 11, 12, and 13 provide access to the upper face 8 of the first bridge 2. The through holes are oblong in shape, having two sides and two rounded ends connecting the two sides. Preferably, the two sides are flat. The bearing face 5, 6, and 7 is defined by one of these sides of the oblong through hole. Preferably, the bearing face 5, 6, and 7 is formed by the side facing the axial portion 14.

[0031] Two passages 11, 12 are arranged each at a free end of one of the arms 15, 16 of the second bridge 3. The third passage 13 is arranged at the junction of the two arms and the central portion of the second bridge 3.

[0032] The alignment means comprise at least three movable adjusting pieces 21, 22, 23, each disposed in one of the passages 11, 12, 13. The adjusting pieces 21, 22, 23 are mechanically linked to the first bridge, while also being free to move. The adjusting pieces 21, 22, 23 are configured to come into contact with one of the bearing faces 5, 6, 7. Each piece 21, 22, 23 resists the translational movement of the bearing face 5, 6, 7 in a predetermined direction. Thus, the position of the second bridge 3 on the first bridge 2 can be precisely adjusted. The adjustment pieces 21, 22, 23 allow the second bridge 3 to be held laterally on the first bridge 2 in a determined position in the second plane, in particular to align the component supported by the second bridge 2 with the component(s) supported by the first bridge 3. The passages 11, 12, 13 are dimensioned laterally to correspond to the diameter of the support piece.

[0033] Preferably, parts 21, 22, 23 have a rounded shape to form a pivot against which the bearing face 5, 6, 7 can rotate slightly when an adjusting part is actuated.

[0034] The first bridge 2 also has graduations to indicate positions of the second bridge 3 relative to the first 2. The graduations are arranged at the passages 11, 12, 13, here around the through holes arranged on the free arms 15, 16. The graduations indicate in particular the position of each adjusting piece 21, 22, 23 on the second bridge 3, which allows the position of the second bridge 3 on the first 2 to be deduced.

[0035] On the figure 3 We observe that the bearing faces 5 and 6 of the first two passages 11 and 12 are approximately perpendicular. The bearing face 7 of the third passage 13 is oriented to form an angle of 45° with each of the other two bearing faces 5 and 6.

[0036] The bearing faces 5, 6, 7 and the adjusting pieces 21, 22, 23 are arranged in three distinct positions of the second bridge 3, each movable piece being able to exert a force on the corresponding bearing face 5, 6, 7 when one or the other movable piece 21, 22, 23 is acted upon. Thus, the second bridge 3 can be moved on the first bridge 2 by the mobility of each adjusting piece 21, 22, 23.

[0037] As shown in the diagram of the figure 3 The three passages 11, 12, and 13 are arranged at the vertices of an isosceles triangle. The passages 11, 12, and 13 are positioned so that two passages 11 and 12 lie on the same line. The third passage 13 is positioned outside this line, so that its orthogonal projection onto the line passes between the other two passages 11 and 12. The passages are advantageously arranged so that the orthogonal projection onto the line is equidistant from the other two passages 11 and 12.

[0038] The alignment means define three centers of rotation 24, 25, 26 around which the second bridge 3 can partially rotate. By actuating the adjusting parts 21, 22, 23, the first bridge can be oriented relative to the second. If an adjusting part 21, 22, or 23 is actuated, the second bridge rotates around one of the corresponding centers of rotation and also causes the other passages to move around the other adjusting parts 21, 22, 23. Actuating the first adjusting part 21 causes the second bridge 3 to rotate around the first center of rotation 24. Actuating the second adjusting part 22 causes a rotation around the second center of rotation 25. Actuating the third adjusting part 23 causes a rotation around the third center of rotation 26.

[0039] In addition, the distances between the passages are chosen so that the distance between the third adjustment means 23 and the third center of rotation 26 is greater than the respective distances between the first adjustment means 21 and the first center of rotation 24, and between the second adjustment means 22 and the second center of rotation 25.

[0040] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the adjusting parts 21, 22, 23 are screws. The screws are arranged in holes in the first bridge through passages 11, 12, 13 of the second bridge 3, so that they can rotate in said holes while being mechanically linked to the second bridge 3. The screws can rotate, but they remain in the holes of the first bridge 2.

[0041] As depicted on the figure 4A screw 27 has a head 28 and a shank 29, the head 28 being in contact with the bearing surfaces 5, 6, 7. The screws are eccentric so that the head 28 can move the bearing surfaces 5, 6, 7 according to its angular position. The shank 29 is not centered on the head 28, but is offset from the center of the head 28. Thus, when the screw 27 is arranged in the hole 31, the bearing surface can be moved by rotating the screw 27. Preferably, the screw 27 has no threads, but is fitted into the first bridge 2.

[0042] In a first variant of the implementation of the figure 5The passage 34 in the second bridge 33 has an arbitrary shape, which is notably wider than that of the eccentric screw 35. To maintain contact between the screw 35 and the bearing face 36, the device includes elastic preload means 37. The preload means are a spring assembled to the first bridge 32 by one end 38 and to the second bridge 33 by a second end 39. The spring 37 is preferably stretched in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bearing face 36 to hold the bearing face 36 against the screw 35. Furthermore, the spring 37 is arranged so that the screw 35 is positioned between the bearing face 36 and the spring 37.

[0043] The second variant of the device's implementation figure 6The diagram shows a passage 44 of arbitrary shape. The passage 44 is provided with an elastic wall 47 extending through said passage. The elastic wall 47 is configured to surround the eccentric screw 45 on the other side of the bearing face 46. Thus, the elastic wall 47 applies pressure to the screw 45 to hold it against the bearing face 46. The elastic wall 47 ensures that the screw remains in contact with the bearing face 46, regardless of the angular position of the screw 45.

[0044] On the figure 7A second embodiment of an assembly and alignment device 10 on a first bridge 20, such as a watch movement plate, is shown. The device 10 comprises a second T-shaped bridge 30 whose upper arm is curved in a concave shape. The bearing surfaces 48, 49, 50 of the device 10 are formed by external walls of the second bridge 30. Two bearing surfaces 48, 50 are external curved walls arranged at the ends of the curved arm, while the third bearing surface 49 is on a lateral wall of the straight arm of the T.

[0045] The adjustment means are screws 51, 52, 53 arranged in the second plane. The screws 51, 52, 53 are not necessarily eccentric, their stem having the function of coming into contact with the bearing face 48, 49, 50 to modify the position of the second bridge 30, when the screw 51, 52, 53 is actuated.

[0046] To hold the bearing surfaces 48, 49, 50 against the screws 51, 52, 53, the adjustment means include preload means 54, 55, 56 arranged opposite each screw 51, 52, 53, on the other side of each arm of the second bridge 30. The preload means 54, 55, 56 are springs formed of a curved blade bearing against each arm. The springs are fixed to the first bridge 20. The springs are configured to exert pressure on each arm of the second bridge 30, so as to press each bearing surface 48, 49, 50 against the screws 51, 52, 53. By turning a screw in one direction, the bearing surface 48, 49, 50 is pushed forward by compressing the spring. In the opposite direction, the bearing face 48, 49, 50 is pushed against the screw by the springs.

[0047] Two screws 51, 53 are oriented in perpendicular directions, while the third screw 52 is oriented in a direction making an angle of 45° with the directions of the other screws 51, 53. Thanks to these adjustment means, the same centers of rotation are obtained as for the first embodiment of the device.

[0048] The device 10 includes locking means 57 for the second bridge 30 on the first. The locking means 57 are, for example, standard screws arranged perpendicular to the planes of the two bridges 20, 30. The screws pass through the second bridge 30 and are fixed to the first bridge 20.

[0049] The invention also relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism 80 equipped with a device 70 according to the invention. The resonator mechanism 80 of the figure 8The device comprises a plate as the first bridge 40, a second bridge 50, a flexible pivot 60, a balance wheel 61, an anchor 62, and an escape wheel 63. The second bridge 50 and the adjusting means constitute a third embodiment of the device according to the invention. The second bridge 50 has a curved T-shape like that of the second embodiment, but the adjusting means are those of the first embodiment. The second bridge 50 has three oblong passages 64, 65, 66 in which eccentric screws 67, 68, 69 are arranged. The passages 64, 65, 66 are arranged at the ends of each arm of the T, each along an axis of its arm. The flexible pivot 60 comprises two flexible blades connecting each curved end of the T to the midpoint 78 of the balance wheel 61. The flexible blades allow the balance wheel 61 to oscillate. The balance wheel 61 includes an axial arm 71 equipped with a counterweight 72 at each end.The arm 72 also includes a lug 73 extending from the middle 78 of the balance wheel 61. When the balance wheel oscillates, the lug 73 periodically displaces the anchor 62 in one direction and then the other. The anchor 62 controls the rotation of the escape wheel 63 by periodically engaging in the slots of the wheel 60, which is driven by a mainspring.

[0050] 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 claimed.

Claims

1. A device for assembly and alignment (1, 10, 70) on a first bar (2, 20, 32, 40, 42), particularly a horology movement plate, arranged in a first plane, the device (1, 10, 70) comprising a second bar (3, 30, 33, 43, 50) arranged in a second plane, the second bar (3, 30, 33, 43, 50) being intended to support a component (61), in particular a mobile component of a horology resonator mechanism, the device comprising means for aligning the second bar (3, 30, 33, 43, 50) on the first bar (2, 20, 32, 40, 42), device in which the alignment means comprise three support faces (5, 6, 7, 36, 46, 48, 49, 50) on the second bar (3, 30, 33, 43, 50) arranged orthogonally to the second plane in three different directions, the alignment means further comprising three mobile setting pieces (21, 22, 23, 51, 52, 53, 67, 68, 69) mechanically connected to the first bar (2, 20, 32, 40, 42), the mobile pieces (21, 22, 23, 35, 45, 51, 52, 53, 67, 68, 69) each being configured to come into contact with one of said support faces (5, 6, 7, 36, 46, 48, 49, 50) to position the second bar (3, 30, 33, 43, 50) in a determined position on the first bar, the mobile pieces (21, 22, 23, 51, 52, 53, 67, 68, 69) making it possible to define a plurality of positions of the second bar (3, 30, 33, 43, 50) on the first bar (2, 20, 32, 40, 42), two support faces (5, 6, 48, 50) being substantially perpendicular, characterised in that the third support face (7, 49), forms an angle of 45° with each of the other two support faces (5, 6, 48, 50).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that each setting piece (21, 22, 23, 51, 52, 53, 67, 68, 69) is rounded to form a pivot around which one of the support faces (5, 6, 7, 36, 46, 48, 49, 50) can turn when a setting piece is actuated.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each support face (5, 6, 7, 36, 46) borders a passage (11, 12, 13, 34, 44) to the first bar (2, 32, 40, 42), the three mobile setting pieces (21, 22, 23, 67, 68, 69) each being arranged in one of said passages (11, 12, 13, 34, 44).

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the setting pieces (21, 22, 23, 51, 52, 53, 67, 68, 69) are rotationally mobile.

5. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the setting pieces (21, 22, 23, 35, 45, 67, 68, 69) are screws (27) each arranged in a passage (11, 12, 13, 34, 44) orthogonally to the second plane, each screw being provided with a head (28) and with a shaft (29), at least one, preferably all three, of said screws being eccentric, the head (28) being intended to be in contact with the support face (5, 6, 7, 36, 46).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterised in that the setting pieces are screws (51, 52, 53) arranged in the second plane, each screw being provided with a head and with a shaft, the shaft being intended to be in contact with the support face (48, 49, 50).

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the setting pieces (51, 52, 53) are translationally mobile.

8. The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that at least one of the passages (11, 12, 13, 34, 44), preferably all three passages, has an oblong shape, the support face (5, 6, 7, 36, 46) being defined by one side of said shape.

9. The device according to claim 8 when it depends from claim 5, characterised in that each passage (11, 12, 13) has a width that is substantially equal to the width of the heads (28) of the screws (27).

10. The device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises resilient pre-tensioning means (37, 47) for holding the support faces (36, 46, 48, 49, 50) against the setting pieces (35, 45, 51, 52, 53).

11. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first bar (2) has graduations for indicating the position of the second bar (3).

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device comprises means (57) for locking the second bar (3) on the first bar (2).

13. A resonator mechanism (80), in particular for horology movements, comprising a first bar (40), particularly a horology movement plate, characterised in that the resonator mechanism comprises an assembly and alignment device (1, 10, 70) according to any of the preceding claims.

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