Timepiece resonator mechanism with rotary flexible guide provided with retaining means

Abstract

A resonator mechanism (100) for a timepiece comprising a structure (1) and an anchoring block (30) from which is suspended at least one inertial element (2) arranged to oscillate according to a first rotational degree of freedom RZ about a pivot axis (D) extending in a first direction Z, said inertial element (2) being subjected to return forces exerted by a flexible guide (200) forming a virtual pivot, said anchoring block (30) being suspended from said structure (1) by a flexible suspension (300) arranged to allow the mobility of said anchoring block (30) according to a plurality of degrees of freedom, at least two of which are in an XY plane, in a second direction X and in a third direction Y orthogonal to said second direction X,the clockwork resonator mechanism (100) comprising means (10) for retaining the flexible suspension (300) configured to dampen the rotation of the inertial element (2) and of the flexible suspension (300) around the second direction X, and / or around the third direction Y.,

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a clock resonator mechanism with flexible rotating guidance provided with retaining means.

[0002] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of clock resonators, and in particular those which comprise elastic blades acting as return means for the operation of the oscillator. Background of the invention

[0004] The torsional rigidity of the suspension is a delicate point for most watch oscillators with at least one spiral spring or elastic blades constituting a flexible guide, and in particular for crossed blade resonators. And shock resistance also depends on this torsional rigidity; in fact, during impacts, the stress undergone by the blades quickly reaches very high values, which reduces the travel that the part can travel before giving way. Shock absorbers for watch parts are available in many variants. However, their main purpose is to protect the fragile pivots of the resonator axis, and not the elastic elements, such as the classically spiral spring.

[0005] New mechanism architectures make it possible to maximize the quality factor of a resonator, by using flexible guidance with the use of an anchor escapement with a very small lifting angle, according to application CH15442016 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse and its derivatives, the teachings of which are directly usable in the present invention, and the resonator of which can be further improved with regard to its sensitivity to shocks, in certain particular directions. It is therefore a question of protecting the blades from breaking in the event of shocks. We realize that the anti-shock systems proposed to date for resonators with flexible guidance, protect the blades from shocks in certain directions only, but not in all directions, or that they have the defect of allowing the embedding of the virtual pivot to move slightly according to its oscillation rotation, which is to be avoided as much as possible.

[0006] Application CH5182018 or application EP18168765 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse describes a watch resonator mechanism, comprising a structure supporting, by a flexible suspension, an anchor block from which is suspended an inertial element oscillating according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ, under the action of return forces exerted by a virtual pivot comprising first elastic blades each fixed to said inertial element and to said anchor block, the flexible suspension being arranged to allow a certain mobility of the anchor block according to all the degrees of freedom other than the first degree of freedom in rotation RZ according to which only the inertial element is mobile to avoid any disturbance of its oscillation, and the rigidity of the suspension according to the first degree of freedom in rotation RZ is very much greater than the rigidity of the virtual pivot according to this same first degree of freedom in rotation RZ.

[0007] Application CH715526 or application EP3561607 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse describes a watch resonator mechanism, comprising a structure and an anchoring block from which is suspended at least one inertial element arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around a pivot axis extending in a first direction Z, said inertial element being subjected to return forces exerted by a virtual pivot comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades, each fixed, at a first end to said anchoring block, and at a second end to said inertial element, each said elastic blade being deformable essentially in an XY plane perpendicular to said first direction Z.

[0008] However, there are other parasitic movements of the inertial element and the translation tables, in particular additional rotational movements, either around the second direction X or around the third direction Y. These parasitic movements are caused by sudden movements of the timepiece, or even because of the drive of the escapement mechanism by the inertial element. However, current devices do not allow them to be avoided. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention proposes to improve the resonator mechanism of application CH715526 or application EP3561607 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse to protect the flexible suspension from the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, comprising a structure and an anchoring block from which is suspended at least one inertial element arranged to oscillate according to a first rotational degree of freedom RZ around a pivot axis extending in a first direction Z, said inertial element being subjected to return forces exerted by a flexible guide forming a virtual pivot, said anchoring block being suspended from said structure by a flexible suspension arranged to allow the mobility of said anchoring block according to a plurality of degrees of freedom, at least two of which are in an XY plane, in a second direction X and in a third direction Y orthogonal to said second direction X.

[0011] The invention is remarkable in that the mechanism comprises flexible suspension retaining means configured to dampen the rotation of the inertial element and the flexible suspension around the X direction, and / or around the Y direction.

[0012] Thus, by the elastic retaining means of the suspension, the parasitic rotary movement of the suspension is damped, at least in one direction, for example in the X direction or the Y direction. Thanks to this damping, the disturbances caused to the operation of the regulating organ are reduced.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible guide comprises a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades, each fixed, at a first end to said anchoring block, and at a second end to said inertial element, each said elastic blade being deformable essentially in the XY plane perpendicular to said first direction Z.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said retaining means comprise a connecting body secured to the flexible suspension, the connecting body being movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction, or respectively substantially perpendicular to the Y direction, i.e. in the Z direction.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the connecting body comprises an arm extending from the flexible suspension.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said retaining means comprise an elastically deformable damping element, arranged to attenuate the displacement of the connecting body.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the damping element is arranged on a first intermediate plate of the flexible suspension.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the connecting body extends substantially in the XY plane.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the damping element comprises a movable comb and a fixed comb, as well as a dissipating liquid arranged between the movable comb and the fixed comb.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the damping element comprises a spring in contact with the connecting body.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the spring is provided with a curved flexible blade.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the damping element comprises a stop, and preferably a viscous liquid.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the damping element comprises an elastic body, for example made of polymer material.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said flexible suspension comprises, between said anchoring block and a first intermediate plate, a transverse translation table comprising transverse blades extending in said second direction X.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said flexible suspension comprises a second intermediate mass and a longitudinal translation table, the longitudinal translation table being arranged between said anchoring block and the second intermediate mass, the longitudinal translation table comprising longitudinal blades extending in said third direction Y, and comprises said transverse translation table between said second intermediate mass and said first intermediate plate.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the mobility of said anchoring block is possible according to five degrees of freedom of the flexible suspension which are a first degree of freedom in translation according to said first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in translation according to the second direction X orthogonal to said first direction Z, a third degree of freedom in translation according to the third direction Y orthogonal to said second direction X and to said first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in rotation RX around an axis extending according to said second direction X, and a third degree of freedom in rotation RY around an axis extending according to said third direction Y.

[0027] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising a resonator mechanism according to the invention. Summary description of the drawings

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: there figure 1 represents, schematically and in perspective, a first embodiment of a resonator mechanism with elastic blades, comprising an inertial mass suspended from an anchoring block by a flexible guide; the figure 2 represents, in a schematic manner, the first embodiment of the resonator mechanism of the figure 1 , in which the retaining means according to the invention are seen; the figure 3 represents, schematically, a top view of a part of the first embodiment of the resonator mechanism of the figure 2 ; there figure 4 represents, schematically, a top view of a part of a second embodiment of resonator mechanism according to the invention; the Figure 5represents, schematically, a top view of a part of a third embodiment of resonator mechanism according to the invention; and the figure 6 represents, schematically, a top view of a part of a fourth embodiment of resonator mechanism according to the invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0029] The invention relates to a clockwork resonator mechanism, which constitutes a variant of the resonators described in application CH5182018 or application EP18168765 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, incorporated here by reference, and the characteristics of which will be known to those skilled in the art to combine with those specific to the present invention.

[0030] Represented on the figures 1 to 3, this resonator mechanism 100 of clockwork comprises a structure 1 and an anchoring block 30, from which is suspended at least one inertial element 2 arranged to oscillate according to a first degree of freedom in rotation RZ around a pivot axis D extending in a first direction Z. The inertial element 2 comprises a balance 20. The balance 20 has a bone shape, the balance comprising a straight segment 11 provided with a bulb 12 at each end. Each bulb 12 may comprise small weights 29 to adjust the inertia of the inertial element 2. This inertial element 2 is subjected to return forces exerted by a flexible guide 200 forming a virtual pivot.

[0031] The flexible guide 200 comprises a plurality of elastic blades 3, here two elastic blades 3, substantially longitudinal, each fixed, at a first end to the anchoring block 30, and at a second end to the inertial element 2. Each elastic blade 3 is deformable essentially in an XY plane perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0032] The anchor block 30 is suspended from the structure 1 by a flexible suspension 300, which is arranged to allow the mobility of the anchor block 30 according to five flexible degrees of freedom of the suspension which are: a first degree of freedom in translation along the first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in translation along a second direction X orthogonal to the first direction Z, a third degree of freedom in translation along a third direction Y orthogonal to the second direction X and to the first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in rotation RX around an axis extending along the second direction X, and a third degree of freedom in rotation RY around an axis extending along the third direction Y.

[0033] The anchor block 30 is mounted inside a first intermediate mass 304, in the shape of a U.

[0034] The principle is to use the torsional flexibility of a translation table to better manage the torsional rigidities of the suspension. To do this, the blades of the XY tables are oriented so that the direction of greatest torsional flexibility aims at the axis of rotation of the resonator.

[0035] Thus, the flexible suspension 300 comprises, between the anchoring block 30 and a first intermediate plate 303, which is fixed to the structure 1 in the first direction Z, a transverse translation table 32, and which comprises transverse blades 320, preferably rectilinear and extending in the second direction X.

[0036] As illustrated by the figures, the flexible suspension 300 also comprises, between the anchoring block 30 and a second intermediate mass 305, a longitudinal translation table 31, and which comprises two longitudinal blades 310, preferably rectilinear and extending in the third direction Y. The longitudinal blades 310 connect the ends of the U to the second intermediate mass 305, along the sides of the U.

[0037] The second intermediate mass 305 has an elbow shape, preferably substantially perpendicular, the two longitudinal blades 310 being mounted on the same inner side of a first arm of the elbow.

[0038] And, between the second intermediate mass 305 and the first intermediate plate 303, the transverse translation table 32 comprises two transverse blades 320, preferably rectilinear and extending in the second direction X. Thus, the transverse blades 320 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal blades 310.

[0039] The two transverse blades 320 connect the same outer side of a second arm of the elbow to the first intermediate plate 303.

[0040] The first intermediate plate 303 is intended to be mounted on the structure 1.

[0041] The first intermediate plate 303 also includes an opening 33 allowing the passage of a stud 28 provided for a screw.

[0042] According to the invention, the resonator mechanism 100 comprises means 10 for retaining the flexible suspension 300 configured to dampen the rotation of the inertial element 2 and of the flexible suspension 300 around the second direction X, and / or around the third direction Y.

[0043] In the figures, the retaining means 10 of the flexible suspension 300 are configured to dampen the rotation of the flexible suspension 300 around the second direction Y.

[0044] Alternatively, the retaining means 10 of the flexible suspension 300 could be configured to dampen the rotation of the flexible suspension 300 around the second direction X, by modifying the direction of movement of the retaining means 10.

[0045] The retaining means 10 comprise a connecting body 13 of the flexible suspension 300 to the first intermediate plate 303. The connecting body 13 is integral with the flexible suspension 300, and is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third direction Y or, respectively, to the second direction X. Thus, the connecting body 13 moves in the first direction Z in the embodiment of the figures.

[0046] The connecting body 13 here has the shape of an arm extending from the flexible suspension 300 towards the first intermediate plate 303. The connecting body 13 connects the second intermediate mass 305 towards one side of the first intermediate plate 303. The arm is substantially curved to run along the side of the first intermediate plate 303 from the end of the second intermediate mass 305.

[0047] Preferably, the connecting body 13 extends in the same plane as that of the flexible suspension 300.

[0048] Said retaining means 10 further comprise an elastically deformable damping element 15 arranged to attenuate and dampen the displacement of the connecting body 13.

[0049] The damping element 15 is arranged between the connecting body 13 and the first intermediate plate 303. For example, the damping element 15 is arranged partly at the end of the arm of the connecting body 13, and on the first intermediate plate 303.

[0050] In a first embodiment, shown in the figures 2 And 3, said damping element 15 comprises a movable comb 16 arranged on the connecting body 13 and a fixed comb 17 mounted on the structure 1. The movable comb 16 and the fixed comb 17 are arranged opposite each other in the same plane, and are nested within each other. Each comb 16, 17 comprises a plurality of teeth 18, 19. Each tooth 18 of the movable comb 16 is arranged between two teeth 19 of the fixed comb 17, and vice versa.

[0051] The movable comb 16 extends laterally, from the arm towards the first intermediate plate 303. The fixed comb 17 is formed in the first intermediate plate 303. The combs 16, 17 also extend in the plane of the first intermediate plate 303. Thus, the movable comb 16 moves in the first direction Z.

[0052] Preferably, the damping element 15 further comprises a dissipating liquid 14 arranged between the teeth 18 of the movable comb 16 and the teeth 19 of the fixed comb 17. Thus, when the movable comb 16 moves relative to the fixed comb 17, the movement is partly attenuated by the dissipating liquid 14. The dissipating liquid is for example glycerin.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the damping element 15 comprises a spring 21 mounted on the first intermediate plate 303, the connecting body 13 bearing against the spring 21, when the latter is actuated according to the additional rotation modes. The end 24 of the arm of the connecting body 13 is curved to bear against the spring, which extends perpendicular to the first intermediate plate 303. The spring 21 is provided with a flexible blade curved at its end 22 in the form of a hook, and which extends from the structure 1. The spring 21 prevents or reduces the rotation of the inertial element 2 by friction against the end 24 of the arm of the connecting body 13. Indeed, as the end 24 of the arm is in contact with the spring 21, the end 24 is hindered in its movement along Z.

[0054] Preferably, an eccentric 23 is further arranged against the spring to hold it in position, and to prevent it from moving under the effect of the movement of the connecting body 13. Thus, only the curved end 22 of the spring 21 serves to dampen the movement of the connecting body 13.

[0055] The third embodiment of the Figure 5 describes a connecting body 13 comprising an arm whose bent end 24 forms a protrusion, here rounded in the shape of a disc. The end 24 of the connecting body 13 is inserted into a cavity 26 formed through the first intermediate plate 303. A stop 34 is arranged above the protrusion of the end 24 to prevent the end 24 from moving along Z, and therefore the inertial element 2 from rotating around the second direction Y. The end 24 and the stop 34 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0056] In a variant, the stop could be arranged below the end 24. The stop 34 has for example a disc shape also, the stop 34 is integral with the first intermediate plate 303, being assembled there directly or indirectly. The end 24 moves in the cavity 26 in the first direction Z.

[0057] Preferably, a viscous liquid is arranged between the end 24 of the connecting body 13 and the stop 34 by adhesion, to partially absorb the energy due to the displacement of the connecting body. Thus, in the event of displacement of the connecting body 13 and its end 24 in the cavity 26 in the first direction Z, the latter is damped by the viscous liquid and the stop 34. Glycerin can for example be used as viscous liquid for this embodiment, or a grease used in watchmaking.

[0058] In the example of the Figure 5, the viscous liquid is arranged and retained between the two discs, that of the stop 34 and that of the rounded end 24.

[0059] In the fourth embodiment of the figure 6 , the damping element 15 comprises an elastic body 27, for example made of polymer material, such as elastomer or polyoxymethylene. The elastic body 27 connects a curved end 24 of the arm of the connecting body 13 to the first intermediate plate 303. The elastic body 27 here has a bone shape, each widened end of which is embedded in the end 24 and in the first intermediate plate 303.

[0060] Thus, when the connecting body 13 moves relative to the first intermediate plate 303, the elastic body 27 deforms, here in the first direction Z, to partially absorb the energy and to retain the movement of the connecting body 13.

[0061] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising at least one such resonator mechanism 100.

Claims

1. A resonator mechanism (100) for a timepiece, comprising a structure (1) and an anchoring block (30) from which is suspended at least one inertial element (2) arranged to oscillate according to a first rotational degree of freedom RZ about a pivot axis extending in a first direction Z, said inertial element (2) being subjected to return forces exerted by a flexible guide (200) forming a virtual pivot, said anchoring block (30) being suspended from said structure (1) by a flexible suspension (300) arranged to allow the mobility of said anchoring block (30) according to a plurality of degrees of freedom, at least two of which are in an XY plane, in a second direction X and in a third direction Y orthogonal to said second direction X, characterized in thatthe clockwork resonator mechanism (100) comprises means (10) for retaining the flexible suspension (300) configured to dampen the rotation of the inertial element (2) and of the flexible suspension (300) around the second direction X, and / or around the third direction Y.

2. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible guide comprises a plurality of substantially longitudinal elastic blades (3), each fixed, at a first end to said anchoring block (30), and at a second end to said inertial element (2), each said elastic blade (3) being deformable essentially in the XY plane perpendicular to said first direction Z.

3. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said retaining means (10) comprise a connecting body (13) secured to the flexible suspension (300), the connecting body (13) being movable in the first direction Z.

4. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting body (13) comprises an arm extending from the flexible suspension (300).

5. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said retaining means (10) comprise an elastically deformable damping element (15), and arranged to attenuate the displacement of the connecting body (13).

6. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the damping element (15) is arranged on a first intermediate plate (303) of the flexible suspension (300).

7. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the damping element (15) comprises a movable comb (16) and a fixed comb (17), 8. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the damping element (15) comprises a dissipating liquid (14) arranged between the movable comb (16) and the fixed comb (17).

9. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the damping element (15) comprises a spring (21) in contact with the connecting body (13).

10. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the spring (21) is provided with a curved flexible blade (22).

11. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the damping element (15) comprises a stop (34), and preferably a viscous liquid.

12. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the damping element (15) comprises an elastic body (27), for example made of polymer material.

13. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting body (13) extends substantially in the XY plane.

14. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatsaid flexible suspension (300) comprises, between said anchoring block (30) and a first intermediate plate (303), a transverse translation table (32) comprising transverse blades extending in said second direction X.

15. Resonator mechanism (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that said flexible suspension (300) comprises a second intermediate mass (305) and a longitudinal translation table (31), the longitudinal translation table (31) being arranged between said anchoring block (30) and the second intermediate mass (305), the longitudinal translation table (31) comprising longitudinal blades extending in said third direction Y, and comprises said transverse translation table (32) between said second intermediate mass (305) and said first intermediate plate (303).

16. Resonator mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe mobility of said anchoring block (30) is possible according to five degrees of freedom of the flexible suspension which are a first degree of freedom in translation according to said first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in translation according to the second direction X orthogonal to said first direction Z, a third degree of freedom in translation according to the third direction Y orthogonal to said second direction X and to said first direction Z, a second degree of freedom in rotation RX around an axis extending according to said second direction X, and a third degree of freedom in rotation RY around an axis extending according to said third direction Y.

17. Clockwork movement comprising at least one resonator mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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