Timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a translation frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotating resonator mechanism (1) comprising an oscillating mass (2), a flexible guide comprising at least two flexible blades (4) connecting a fixed support (3) to the oscillating mass (2), the resonator mechanism (1) extending substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating mass to rotate about a virtual pivot, the flexible guide (1) extending along a principal axis of symmetry (14). The mechanism (1) also comprises a translation table (5) arranged between the flexible guide and the oscillating mass (2), the translation table (5) being attached to the flexible blades (4) and / or to the oscillating mass (2). The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising such a resonator (1).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a clock resonator mechanism, the mechanism being provided with a translation table. Technological background

[0002] Most modern mechanical watches are equipped with a sprung balance and a Swiss lever escapement mechanism. The sprung balance is the watch's time base. It is also called a resonator.

[0003] The exhaust, meanwhile, fulfills two main functions: maintain the back and forth movements of the resonator; count these back and forth movements.

[0004] To create a mechanical resonator, you need an inertial element, a guide, and an elastic return element. Traditionally, a balance spring acts as an elastic return element for the inertial element, which is a balance wheel. This balance wheel is guided in rotation by pivots, which rotate in ruby ​​plain bearings.

[0005] Today, flexible guides are used as springs to form a virtual pivot. Flexible guides with a virtual pivot make it possible to significantly improve watch resonators. The simplest are crossed-reed pivots, composed of two guide devices with straight reeds that cross, generally perpendicularly. These two reeds can be either three-dimensional in two different planes, or two-dimensional in the same plane and are then welded together at their crossing point. But there are also uncrossed reed guides of the RCC (Remote Center Compliance) type, which have straight reeds that do not cross. Such a resonator is described in document EP 2911012, or in documents EP14199039, and EP16155039.

[0006] However, when using flexible blades to pivot a rotating annular balance wheel in a manner similar to the movement of a balance wheel with a hairspring, gravity has a significant impact on the rate of the watch movement. Indeed, the flexible guide is oriented along a main axis of symmetry when the mechanism is at rest. Thus, if gravity is directed along this axis, its impact is very different from the case where gravity is directed in a direction perpendicular to this axis. Thus, the center of mass of the mechanism is displaced by gravity, which causes differences in chronometric performance between different positions of the watch.

[0007] To address this problem, application US202003805 proposes adding an unbalance between the center of mass and the center of rotation along the main axis of symmetry. But the unbalance makes the balance wheel heavier, which leads to adjustment problems and energy loss.

[0008] We also know the document EP3561607A1 which discloses a clock resonator with crossed flexible blades in which there is also a translation table. Summary of the invention

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a clock resonator mechanism that is less sensitive to the direction of gravity.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a rotary resonator mechanism as defined in the appended independent claim 1.

[0011] The invention is remarkable in that the mechanism comprises a translation table arranged in series between the flexible guide and the oscillating mass, the translation table being joined to the flexible blades and the oscillating mass.

[0012] Thanks to the translation table, the connection between the flexible guide and the balance is more flexible. Depending on the orientation of the translation table, this flexibility will modify the rate of the resonator mechanism. Thus, the rate is increased in a particular direction of the mechanism with respect to gravity if the translation table adds flexibility in this direction, and the rate is decreased in a second direction perpendicular to the first. The translation table allows the center of mass to be moved closer to or further away from the center of rotation of the balance under the effect of gravity. Consequently, the effect of gravity on the movement of the balance is compensated, by correcting the rate of the resonator mechanism in a particular direction with respect to gravity.

[0013] In addition, the translation table can serve as shock protection. Thus, the translation table protects the flexible guide against the risk of breakage due to an impact.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the translation table is arranged to allow movement along the main axis of symmetry of the flexible guide in the rest position of the mechanism.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the translation table is arranged to allow movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry of the flexible guide in the rest position of the mechanism.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the translation table comprises at least two secondary flexible blades and a rigid part, the secondary flexible blades being joined by one end to the rigid part, and by another end to the rocker, the blades of the flexible guide being connected to the rigid part of the translation table.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the secondary flexible blades are substantially parallel and arranged in different directions.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the mechanism comprises a second translation table arranged in series between the first translation table and the flexible guide.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second translation table comprises at least two tertiary flexible blades and a second rigid part, the tertiary flexible blades being joined by one end to the rigid part of the first translation table, and by another end to the second rigid part, the two blades of the flexible guide being connected to the second rigid part of the second translation table.

[0020] The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a resonator mechanism. Brief description of the figures

[0021] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear on reading several embodiments given solely as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which: there figure 1schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 schematically represents a top view of the resonator mechanism of the first embodiment in operation, the figure 3 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention, the figure 4 schematically represents a top view of the resonator mechanism of the second embodiment in operation, the Figure 5 schematically represents a top view of a flexible guide according to a third embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] THE Figures 1 and 2show a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a rotary resonator mechanism 1 for a watch movement. The resonator mechanism 1 extends substantially in a plane and comprises an oscillating mass 2. The oscillating mass 2 is, for example, an annular balance wheel commonly used in watchmaking.

[0023] The resonator mechanism 1 further comprises a flexible guide to enable the oscillating mass 2 to perform a rotary movement around a center of rotation 12. The flexible guide comprises at least two flexible strips 4 connected to the stationary support 3. The flexible guide extends along a main axis of symmetry 14 along which the flexible guide is in an equilibrium position when it is in the rest position. The two strips 4 are crossed, one end of each strip 4 being joined to the stationary support 3. The strips 4 cross on the main axis 14 of symmetry when the mechanism is in the rest position. The flexible guide enables the oscillating mass 2 to perform a reciprocating rotary movement in the plane of the oscillator mechanism. The figure 2 shows the mechanism in operation, the blades 4 of the flexible guide being curved so that the balance 2 can move.

[0024] According to the invention, the mechanism comprises a translation table 5 arranged in series between the flexible guide and the oscillating mass 2, the translation table 5 being joined on the one hand to the two flexible blades 4 of the guide, and on the other hand to the oscillating mass 2, here to the balance. The translation table 5 comprises at least one, here two, secondary flexible blades 7 and a rigid part 6, the secondary flexible blades 7 being joined by one end to the rigid part 6, and by another end to the balance 2, the blades 4 of the flexible guide being connected to the rigid part 6 of the translation table 5. The secondary flexible blades 7 are substantially parallel and arranged in different directions.

[0025] The rigid part 6 comprises an elbow-shaped body, the rigid part 6 comprising a segment 11 substantially parallel to the main axis of symmetry 14 in the rest position of the mechanism, as well as a segment 9 substantially perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry 14 in the rest position of the mechanism 1. The secondary blades 7 are joined to the segment 11 substantially parallel to the inside of the elbow, and the blades 4 of the flexible guide 1 are joined to the segment 9 substantially perpendicular to the outside of the elbow.

[0026] The balance comprises a lug 8 extending towards the inside of the ring in the plane of the balance. The lug 8 allows the attachment of the secondary flexible blades 7 on the ring in a position substantially perpendicular to the flexible guide in the rest position of the mechanism 1. In this embodiment, the two secondary blades 7 are substantially perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry 14 in the rest position of the mechanism 1.

[0027] The translation table 5 is arranged to allow additional movement along the main axis of symmetry 14 of the flexible guide to move the center of mass 13 of the balance closer to or further away from the center of rotation 12. As seen in the figure 2 , when the balance is in motion, it makes an angle θ with the initial main axis of symmetry 14 of the flexible guide at rest. Thus, when gravity is oriented along the main axis of symmetry 14, the translation table makes it possible to move the center of mass 13 of the balance closer to or further away from the center of rotation 12, to increase the rate of the mechanism and compensate for the effect of gravity on the movement of the balance. The movement is carried out according to the direction of gravity.

[0028] THE Figures 3 and 4show a second embodiment of a resonator mechanism 10 according to the invention. The flexible guide and the oscillating mass 2 are identical to the first embodiment.

[0029] The resonator mechanism further comprises a translation table 15 arranged to allow movement in a direction perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry 14 of the flexible guide. In other words, the translation table 15 is arranged perpendicular to that of the first embodiment, and allows movement of the flexible guide perpendicular to the movement of the first embodiment.

[0030] The translation table 15 comprises at least one, preferably two, secondary flexible blades 17 and a rigid part 16, the secondary flexible blades 17 being joined by one end to the rigid part 16, and by another end to the rocker 2. The blades 4 of the flexible guide are connected to the rigid part 16 of the translation table 15. The secondary flexible blades 17 are substantially parallel and arranged in different directions. The secondary flexible blades 17 are directly joined to the ring so as to be substantially parallel to the flexible guide.

[0031] In this embodiment, the two secondary blades 17 are substantially parallel to the main axis of symmetry 14 in the rest position of the mechanism 10. The rigid part 16 comprises an elongated body arranged perpendicular to the secondary flexible blades 17 and to the main axis of symmetry 14 of the flexible guide.

[0032] The translation table 5 is arranged to allow additional displacement perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry 14 of the flexible guide to move the center of mass 13 of the balance relative to the center of rotation 12. As seen in the figure 4 , when the balance is in motion, it makes an angle θ with the initial main axis of symmetry 14 of the flexible guide at rest. Thus, when gravity is oriented perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry 14, the translation table makes it possible to move the center of mass 13 away from the center of rotation 12 of the balance, to increase the rate of the mechanism and compensate for the effect of gravity on the movement of the balance.

[0033] The third embodiment of the Figure 5shows a resonator mechanism 20 comprising two translation tables 5, 25 arranged in series between the flexible guide and the oscillating mass 2. The two tables 5, 25 are substantially perpendicular to each other to allow the effects of gravity to be compensated in both directions. The first translation table 5 is arranged as in the first embodiment, and the second translation table 25 is arranged between the flexible guide and the first translation table 5. The second translation table 25 is similar to that of the second embodiment and oriented in the same direction.

[0034] The balancer comprises an internal lug 8 on which the secondary blades 7 of the first translation table 5 are joined.

[0035] The second translation table 25 comprises a second rigid part 26 and a pair of tertiary blades 27 joined to the substantially perpendicular segment 9 of the first rigid part 6 bent of the first translation table 5. The crossed blades 4 of the flexible guide are joined on the one hand to a stationary support 3, and on the other hand to the second rigid part 26 of the second translation table 25. The secondary blades 7 of the first translation table 5 are joined on the one hand to the lug 8 and on the other hand to the substantially parallel segment of the rigid part 6 of the first translation table 5.

[0036] Such a combination of translation tables 5, 25 makes it possible to modify the rigidity of the flexible guide in both directions with respect to gravity as required.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the tables are inverted relative to each other. Thus, the first translation table is arranged between the flexible guide and the second translation table, the second translation table being joined to the balance.

[0038] In another embodiment, one of the translation tables is oriented in a direction different from the main axis of symmetry 14 of the pivot, and which may also be different from the axis perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry 14.

[0039] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement, not shown in the figures, the movement comprising a rotary resonator mechanism as described previously.

Claims

1. Rotary resonator mechanism (1, 10, 20) comprising an oscillating weight (2), a flexible guide comprising at least two crossing flexible blades (4) connecting a stationary support (3) to the oscillating weight (2), the resonator mechanism (1, 10, 20) extending substantially in one plane to allow the oscillating weight to rotate about a virtual pivot, the flexible guide (1, 10, 20) extending along a main axis of symmetry (14), the blades (4) crossing on the main axis of symmetry (14) when the mechanism is in the rest position, the mechanism (1, 10, 20) comprising a translation table (5, 15), characterised in that the translation table (5, 15) is arranged in series between the flexible guide and the oscillating weight (2), the translation table (5, 15) being joined to the flexible blades (4) and to the oscillating weight (2).

2. Resonator mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the translation table (5) is arranged to allow the flexible guide to move along the main axis of symmetry (14) when the mechanism (1, 10, 20) is in the rest position.

3. Resonator mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the translation table (15) is arranged to allow the flexible guide to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main axis of symmetry (14) when the mechanism (1, 10, 20) is in the rest position.

4. Resonator mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the translation table (5, 15) comprises at least two secondary flexible blades (7, 17) and a rigid part (6, 16), the secondary flexible blades (7, 17) being joined at one end to the rigid part (6, 16) and at another end to the balance (2), the blades (4) of the flexible guide being connected to the rigid part (6, 16) of the translation table.

5. Resonator mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the secondary flexible blades (7, 17) are substantially parallel and arranged in different directions from one another.

6. Resonator mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises a second translation table (25) arranged in series between the first translation table (5) and the flexible guide.

7. Resonator mechanism according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the second translation table (25) comprises at least two tertiary flexible blades (27) and a second rigid part (26), the tertiary flexible blades (27) being joined at one end to the rigid part (6) of the first translation table (5), and at another end to the second rigid part (26), the two blades (4) of the flexible guide being connected to the second rigid part (26) of the second translation table.

8. Horological movement comprising a resonator mechanism (1, 10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images