Electrode-enhanced cell culture monitoring

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece assembly (10) comprising: - a first flexible component (20) defining, in a rest state, a first rest plane (P1); and - a second flexible component (30) defining, in a rest state, a second rest plane (P2), characterised in that the timepiece assembly (10) comprises a fastening connection which is formed between the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30) so as to impose a deformation force that results in deforming the first flexible component (20) and / or the second flexible component (30) in a normal or substantially normal direction with respect to the first rest plane (P1) and / or to the second rest plane (P2).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Watch assembly and manufacturing process of a watch assembly Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a watch component obtained by assembling at least two unitary parts together, and the invention relates more particularly to a watch component obtained by assembling at least two unitary parts which are completely flat or each having at least one part to be assembled which is flat. State of the art

[0002] For several years, the watchmaking industry has been using manufacturing and micro-manufacturing techniques (UV LIGA, silicon wafer etching, etc.) that allow the production of flat unit parts. These techniques make it possible to manufacture parts with complex shapes, in various materials, and with great precision. However, the parts produced are essentially flat, which can generate limits or constraints for their integration and assembly in particular watchmaking organs.

[0003] In the prior art of watch assemblies, document WO2018146639A1 is known, which discloses an elastic member formed by an assembly of flat unit parts stacked and coupled to each other, two by two. It is therefore necessary to provide intermediate components for the coupling, and also a particular stacking because the directions of rotation of the flat unit parts are opposite. As a result, the final component comprises many parts and its manufacture is complex. Statement of the invention

[0004] An aim of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a watch assembly comprising unitary parts which can be initially flat, the final assembly remaining simple, comprising a limited number of parts, and capable of being manufactured in a simple manner. An aim of the invention is also to propose a method for manufacturing such a watch assembly.

[0005] For this, a first aspect of the invention concerns a watch assembly comprising: - a first flexible component, defining, in a state of rest, a first rest plane, - a second flexible component, defining, in a rest state, a second rest plane, characterized in that the watch assembly comprises an attachment connection formed between the first flexible component and the second flexible component so as to deform the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component in a direction normal or substantially normal respectively to the first rest plane and / or to the second rest plane.

[0006] According to the above implementation, the first flexible component and the second flexible component are planar components before their assembly, and once assembled at the attachment connection, at least one of the two components is deformed by the attachment connection in a direction normal to its rest plane. Consequently, once the assembly is carried out, at least one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component is elastically deformed in a direction normal to its rest plane to join the other of the first flexible component and the second flexible component. Such an implementation makes it possible to simplify the watch assembly, since no additional or separate component is necessary to couple the two flexible components together: the first flexible component and the second flexible component are directly assembled together thanks to the deformation normal to the rest plane of at least one of them.In other words, the watch assembly includes an attachment link causing deformation of the. first flexible component and / or the second flexible component outside the first rest plane and / or the second rest plane, respectively. In particular, the attachment connection causes residual elastic deformation of the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component. In particular, the attachment connection is arranged to impose a deformation force (preferably permanent) leading to deformation of the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component, even with the watch assembly free or at rest, i.e. when the watch assembly is perfectly free, a permanent deformation force is still imposed on the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component due to the attachment connection.In particular, the attachment connection is arranged to impose a permanent tension (for example bending, shearing, torsion, traction or even compression) on the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component. In particular, the watch assembly comprises a bearing portion (formed for example on the first flexible component or on the second flexible component, or even another component) and the attachment connection is arranged to impose on the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component a bearing on the bearing portion and / or a residual and / or permanent deformation or displacement relative to the bearing portion of at least a part of the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component, respectively.

[0007] In particular, it may be noted that the attachment connection is a connection formed between the two flexible components themselves; it is an attachment connection internal to the watch assembly. It is not an attachment connection of one of the components of the watch assembly to any external frame or chassis that could impose deformation within the watch assembly. In more detail, it may be noted that the attachment connection may be a connection formed between the two flexible components after their own manufacture and / or that the attachment connection is formed directly between the two flexible components.

[0008] In other words, the invention may relate to a watch assembly comprising: - a first flexible component, comprising a first attachment element, - a second flexible component, stacked on the first flexible component and comprising a second attachment element, characterized in that the watch assembly comprises an attachment connection formed between the first attachment element and the second attachment element and in which the first attachment element and / or the second attachment element has a longitudinal direction oriented at least partially in a stacking direction of the second flexible component on the first flexible component.

[0009] In other words, the invention may relate to a watch assembly comprising: - a first flexible component, comprising a first attachment element, - a second flexible component, stacked on the first flexible component and comprising a second attachment element, characterized in that the watch assembly comprises an attachment connection formed between the first attachment element and / or the second attachment element in a stacking direction of the second flexible component on the first flexible component.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component, in a rest state, is an unassembled component, i.e. still independent of the second component. In this unassembled state, the first flexible component defines a first rest plane.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the second flexible component, in a rest state, is an unassembled component, i.e. still independent of the first component. In this unassembled state, the second flexible component defines a second rest plane.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component, once assembled, has at least one part which is no longer included in the first rest plane. In other words, during assembly, at least a portion of the first flexible component, initially in the first rest plane, is deformed and is no longer in the first rest plane once the attachment connection is formed between the first flexible component and the second flexible component.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the second flexible component, once assembled, has at least one portion which is no longer included in the second rest plane. In other words, during assembly, at least one portion of the second flexible component, initially in the second rest plane, is deformed and is no longer in the second rest plane once the attachment connection is formed between the first flexible component and the second flexible component.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the attachment connection, once formed, imposes an elastic deformation on the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component (respectively outside the first rest plane and / or outside the second rest plane), and in particular, the attachment connection, once formed, imposes a residual or permanent elastic deformation on the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component. Consequently, if the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component has an unsupported portion, this unsupported portion will be elastically and / or continuously deformed in the watch assembly. In other words, said unsupported portion of the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component, once the watch assembly is formed, will be deformed and will no longer be contained in the first rest plane and / or in the second rest plane, respectively.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component has a first thickness and / or the second flexible component has a second thickness, and the attachment connection, once formed, imposes a displacement on the first flexible component greater than or equal to 50%, preferably 100%, of the first thickness and / or a displacement on the second flexible component greater than or equal to 50%, preferably 100%, of the second thickness.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component and the second flexible component may be stacked, the first resting plane and the second resting plane being parallel. According to this implementation, the first flexible component and the second flexible component are placed on top of each other, to provide a compact assembly, and at least one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component is deformed according to the stacking direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first resting plane and the second resting plane may be distinct, and / or arranged at a distance from each other.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component may comprise a first attachment element and the second flexible component may comprise a second attachment element, the attachment connection being able to be formed between the first attachment element and the second attachment element. Each attachment element may be formed by a free end, or a free strand of the respective flexible component. Alternatively, each attachment element may be formed by a portion, not necessarily an extreme portion, of the respective flexible component. In any event, at least one attachment element is provided on a portion that is movable or displaceable or deformable in the direction normal or substantially normal to the rest plane of the flexible component in question.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the attachment connection may be arranged at least partially between the first resting plane and the second resting plane.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the attachment connection may be formed by interlocking complementary shapes or by welding between the first flexible component and the second flexible component, with or without filler material. It may be noted that the attachment connection may be reversible or removable, or on the contrary definitive or irreversible. The connection attachment may typically be formed from the first flexible component and the second flexible component or between the first flexible component and the second flexible component, i.e., the attachment connection is not a separate component for joining the first flexible component and the second flexible component.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the watch assembly may comprise at least one intermediate element arranged to form a space between the first flexible component and the second flexible component. Such an intermediate element may be provided to isolate the adjacent flexible components, so as to avoid friction, interference or overlapping detrimental to proper operation of the watch assembly. In other words, once the watch assembly is formed, the first flexible component and the second flexible component respectively comprise a first portion and a second portion facing each other, and the watch assembly comprises at least one intermediate element arranged between the first portion and the second portion facing each other. Without the intermediate element, the first portion and the second portion would contact each other.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the intermediate element may be a spacer formed by a blade, or by a flange, or by a plate, or by a rim or a tab provided on at least one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component.

[0023] According to one embodiment, before forming the attachment connection, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may be formed respectively according to a first resting plane or according to a second resting plane. In other words, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may be a planar component, typically with a planar upper face and a planar lower face.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may be a flexible component formed from of silicon, for example from a silicon wafer, or of nickel for example electrodeposited, or of nickel-phosphorus alloy for example electrodeposited, or of silicon carbide. These manufacturing or micro-manufacturing methods typically lead to the formation of planar flexible components. In particular, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component comprises silicon or nickel or a nickel alloy such as nickel-phosphorus or silicon carbide.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may have a first end, a second end and an active elastic portion arranged between the first end and the second end. The active elastic portion may be designed to deform elastically so as to allow relative elastic displacement between the first end and the second end. In the case of relative rotational movement, the relative elastic displacement may be greater than 5°, or 10°, or 30°, or 90°, or 180°, or 280°, or 300°, or even greater than one or more complete turns. In the case of relative bending movement, the relative elastic displacement may be greater than 5%, or 10%, or 30%, or 50% of the length of the active elastic portion.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may have a spiral structure. In particular, the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component may have or comprise an active part (designed to deform elastically) in a spiral.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the attachment connection may be arranged at the periphery of the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component, and / or at one end of the first flexible component and / or one end of the second flexible component. It may be noted that the end mentioned above may be the end of the elastically deformable active length of the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component, it is not necessarily the physical end, or the tip of the flexible component considered.

[0028] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component may have a variation in thickness and / or stiffness in order to compensate for a stress caused by the deformation in the normal plane caused by the attachment connection. A local recess or narrowing may be provided.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component and the second flexible component may be attached together to form a single helix component.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the watch assembly may form an elastic member for storing energy in a timepiece or an elastic member for maintaining oscillations in an oscillator of a timepiece. It is typically possible to provide for forming a barrel spring to provide energy to a movement of a timepiece. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for forming an oscillator spring intended to be coupled to a balance wheel to produce or maintain oscillations in a timepiece. According to another alternative, it is possible to provide for forming a spring for a barrel driving an additional or complication mechanism such as a chime or an alarm, or for driving a specific mechanism such as a date or month or year or moon phase indication (instantaneous jump within a perpetual calendar, for example).The structure can also be designed to partially rotate a shaft or rake, or to perform a linear movement.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a watch assembly comprising the steps of: - provide a first flexible component, defining, in a rest state, a first rest plane, - provide a second flexible component, defining, in a resting state, a second rest plan, - deforming and / or moving at least a portion of one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component in a direction normal or substantially normal to the first plane of rest and / or the second plane of rest, respectively, - forming, at said at least one deformed and / or displaced portion, an attachment connection between the first flexible component and the second flexible component. It may be noted that the above method comprises a step of deforming and / or displacing at least a portion of one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component, and this deformation and / or this displacement is at least partially permanent or definitive once the attachment connection has been formed. Consequently, elastic stress may remain within the formed watch assembly.

[0032] According to one embodiment: - the step of providing the first flexible component may comprise at least one step of manufacturing a first component which is planar or has at least one planar main surface, and / or - the step of providing the second flexible component may comprise at least one step of manufacturing a second component that is planar or has at least one planar main surface.

[0033] According to one embodiment: - the step of providing the first flexible component may comprise at least one step of micro-manufacturing and / or additive manufacturing, and / or subtractive manufacturing, and / or etching of a planar substrate, and / or - the step of providing the second flexible component may comprise at least one step of micro-manufacturing and / or additive manufacturing, and / or subtractive manufacturing, and / or etching of a planar substrate.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing method may comprise a step of stacking the second flexible component on the first flexible component, before the step of deforming and / or moving at least a portion of one of the first flexible component and the second flexible component.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first flexible component may comprise a first attachment element, the second flexible component may comprise a second attachment element, and the step of forming the attachment connection may comprise a step of aligning or abutting the first attachment element with the second attachment element. Description of figures

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0037] [fig. 1] represents in top view an example of a first flexible component and a second flexible component to be assembled together;

[0038] [fig. 2] represents a side view of the first flexible component and the second flexible component of figure 1;

[0039] [fig. 3] represents a side view of a watch assembly formed by the first flexible component and the second flexible component of figure 1 assembled together;

[0040] [fig. 4] represents a side view of an alternative of the clock assembly of figure 3;

[0041] [fig. 5] represents a top view of the watch assembly of figure 3 or figure 4;

[0042] [fig. 6a] represents a partial view of a zone VI of figure 5 to show a first alternative of an attachment connection between the first flexible component and the second flexible component;

[0043] [fig. 6b] represents the partial view of zone VI of figure 5 to show a second alternative of the attachment connection between the first flexible component and the second flexible component;

[0044] [fig. 6c] represents the partial view of zone VI of figure 5 to show a third alternative of the attachment connection between the first flexible component and the second flexible component;

[0045] [fig. 6d] represents the partial view of zone VI of figure 5 to show a fourth alternative of the attachment connection between the first flexible component and the second flexible component;

[0046] [fig. 6e] represents the partial view of zone VI of figure 5 to show a fifth alternative of the attachment connection between the first flexible component and the second flexible component. Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0047] Figure 1 shows in top view an example of a first flexible component 20 and a second flexible component 30 to be assembled together. According to this example, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are identical and each form a spiral spring comprising respectively a fixing element 21, 31, a free end 22, 32 and an active part 23, 33. The first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are planar components, that is to say that at least one of their upper or lower faces is planar. In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are fully planar components, that is to say that the entirety of their upper and lower faces is planar. As shown in Figure 2, the first flexible component 20 defines a first rest plane P1, and the second flexible component 30 defines a second rest plane P2.

[0048] In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 each have an element at their center fixing 21, 31 forming a ferrule and a stud, respectively, but it is possible to provide that only one of the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 has such a fixing element. It is also possible to envisage not providing a ferrule directly integrated into the first flexible component 20 nor a stud integrated into the second flexible component 30. In other words, it is possible to provide that the first flexible component 20 and / or the second flexible component 30 simply has in the center a free end of the bar forming the active part 23 or 33. In such a case, a first free end of the first flexible component 20 can be directly coupled to a balance staff (via a conventional ferrule for example), and / or a second free end of the second flexible component 30 can be directly coupled or studded to a balance bridge of a timepiece.In the case of fragile silicon parts, the first flexible component 20 may comprise a fixing element 21 (to form a ferrule as in FIG. 1) to be coupled to a balance shaft, and the second flexible component 30 may have a fixing element 31 forming a stud element.

[0049] In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are parts resulting from micro-fabrication, and in particular the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 of FIG. 1 are parts manufactured by etching a silicon wafer according to, for example, deep reactive ion etching.

[0050] In the view of Figure 1, the first flexible component 20 is turned upside down relative to the second flexible component 30, which is why its winding direction is opposite to that of the second flexible component 30. This arrangement makes it possible to show that if the first flexible component 20 is stacked upside down relative to the second flexible component 30, then the ends 22 and 33 respectively of the first flexible component 20 and of the second flexible component 30 will be opposite each other.

[0051] Indeed, and as shown in the side view of figure 2 where the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are superimposed, the end 22 of the first flexible component 20 is above the end 32 of the second flexible component 30, along the z axis (the direction normal to the rest planes P1 and P2).

[0052] Thus, if the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 of FIG. 1 are stacked, the end 22 of the first flexible component 20 will be just above and perfectly opposite the end 32 of the second flexible component 30.

[0053] It is then possible to form an attachment connection between the end 22 of the first flexible component 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible component 30, by deforming / moving them along the z axis of figure 2.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, a watch assembly 10 is formed by stacking and coupling the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 at the end 22 of the first flexible component 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible component 30.

[0055] In detail, an attachment connection is formed directly between the end 22 of the first flexible component 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible component 30, so that the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 bear against each other and are each deformed along the z axis to join at the attachment connection. For example, provision may be made to take the end 22 of the first flexible component 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible component 30 between one or more clamps to align and attach them.

[0056] Consequently and as can be seen in the side view of Figure 3, each terminal end of the first flexible component 20 and of the second flexible component 30 has a longitudinal direction oriented along the horizontal axis x and along the vertical axis z.

[0057] In other words, the end 22 of the first flexible component 20 and the end 32 of the second flexible component 30 are joined and to do this, starting from initially planar components, the watch assembly has a portion (the attachment connection) sloping along the z axis and along the first and second rest planes P1 and P2, this sloping portion being constituted by an end portion of the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30. Apart from these inclined end portions not parallel to the first and second rest planes P1 and P2, the remainder of the watch assembly (the remainder of the first flexible component 20 and the remainder of the second flexible component 30) is contained in the first and second rest planes P1 and P2, or parallel to them. It may be noted that the unsupported portions of the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are deformed along the z axis.It may also be noted that the attachment connection generates or imposes a permanent deformation force on the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30. In this example, the imposed deformation is essentially bending (and also torsion to a certain extent at the point of support of the first flexible component 20 on the second flexible component 30), due to a bending-shear deformation force imposed by the attachment connection. Other geometries could involve torsion, compression or tension.

[0058] Alternatively and as shown in Figure 4, all or part of the watch assembly, namely the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30, may be inclined and not parallel to the first and second rest planes P1 and P2. In this variant of Figure 4, the attachment connection is formed by way of example by attaching the ends 22 and 32 end to end, with an intermediate layer 11 (or a filler material 11). In this example also, the imposed deformation is essentially bending due to a bending-shear deformation force. Other geometries could involve torsion, compression or traction.

[0059] The assembly manufacturing process therefore includes the steps of: - correctly position the first flexible component 20 relative to the second flexible component 30 (here, the parts are stacked), - deform and / or move one or other of the ends 22, 32 (or both), in the direction z, normal to the first and second rest planes P1, P2, - attach the ends 22 and 32 together to couple the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30.

[0060] Figure 5 shows the watch assembly of the figure in top view, where the fixing elements 21 and 31 are one above the other, as well as the active parts 23 and 33 which end at the ends 22 and 32 attached to each other. The watch assembly 10 obtained therefore comprises: - a first spiral-shaped part going from the fixing element 21 towards the periphery of the watch assembly 10 and coming from the first flexible component 20 and - a second spiral-shaped part going from the periphery of the watch assembly 10 towards the fixing element 31 and coming from the second flexible component 30.

[0061] With regard to the attachment connection formed between the ends 22 and 32 and located in zone VI of figure 5, different embodiment alternatives can be provided, as shown in figures 6a to 6e.

[0062] Figure 6a represents the partial view VI of Figure 5 to show from above a first alternative of an attachment connection between the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30, in which the attachment connection is formed by attaching the ends 22 and 32 end to end, without an intermediate layer or filler material. For example, it is possible to provide a weld without filler for metal parts, or an anodic bonding, in particular if one of the parts is made of glass, or any other suitable technique.

[0063] Figure 6b represents the partial view VI of Figure 5 to show from above (or also from the side) a second alternative of an attachment connection between the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30, in which the attachment connection is formed by attaching the ends 22 and 32 end to end, with an intermediate layer 11 (or a filler material 11). It is possible, for example, to provide welding with filler material for metal parts, eutectic bonding in particular if one of the parts is made of glass or silicon, bonding with a suitable glue, for any other type of part, deposition of a layer in particular of oxide, or any other suitable technique.

[0064] Figure 6c represents the partial view VI of Figure 5 to show from above (or also from the side) a third alternative of an attachment connection between the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30, in which the attachment connection is formed by attaching the ends 22 and 32 end to end, with a fitting of counterforms. Here, a dovetail has been shown, but other geometries can be envisaged. Ends 22 and 32 have also been shown with a width greater than the width of the rest of the first flexible component and / or of the second flexible component 30, but the width of the ends may be identical or comparable to that of the rest of the components, or even less than that of the rest of the components.It is also possible to plan to leave the assembly reversible or removable, or on the contrary to make it irreversible with gluing, welding, or locking by an additional part or locking by irreversible plastic deformation of material.

[0065] Figure 6d represents the partial view VI of Figure 5 to show from above (or also from the side) a fourth alternative of a fastening connection between the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30, in which the fastening connection is formed by partially covering the ends 22 and 32 with each other. The fastening connection is formed without an intermediate layer or filler material. It is possible to provide a welding without filler for metal parts, anodic bonding if one of the parts is made of glass...

[0066] Figure 6e represents the partial view VI of Figure 5 to show from above (or also from the side) a fifth alternative of a fastening connection between the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30, in which the fastening connection is formed by partially covering the ends 22 and 32 with each other. The fastening connection is formed with an intermediate layer 11 (or a filler material 11). Welding with filler material can be provided for metal parts, eutectic bonding if one of the parts is made of glass or silicon, bonding with a suitable glue, for any type of part... Industrial application

[0067] A watch assembly according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0068] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0069] In particular, it can be noted that in the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are made of silicon. However, any other material can be provided for manufacturing the first flexible component and the second flexible component, such as for example metal alloys, or nickel, or a nickel-phosphorus alloy, or silicon carbide. In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are manufactured by etching from a wafer, but it is possible to provide for manufacturing the first flexible component and / or the second flexible component by electrodeposition, by conventional forming of a metal wire (drawing, cold working, rolling, etc.).

[0070] In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are fully planar components, i.e. their entire upper and lower faces are planar, but partially planar flexible components can be considered.

[0071] In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are identical from one flexible component to another, but it is possible to provide structures that are simply similar from one flexible component to another, but which can also vary significantly from one flexible component to another, for example to optimize the torque profile as a function of the mechanical stress.

[0072] In the example shown, the first flexible component 20 and the second flexible component 30 are spiral springs intended to be part of an oscillator of a timepiece, but it is possible to provide for forming a watch assembly for any other function: forming a barrel spring to store and restore energy, for example for a barrel used to drive a going train and maintain an oscillator, or for a barrel driving an additional or complication mechanism such as a chime or an alarm, or for driving a specific mechanism such as a date or month or year or moon phase indication (instantaneous jump within a perpetual calendar, for example). The watch assembly can also drive a shaft or a rack in partial rotation, or perform a linear movement.In particular, shapes other than a spiral can be provided to produce a flexible active part, such as, for example and without limitation, flexible legs which can deform in bending, corrugated or accordion-shaped portions which bend or unfold elastically, or even beam portions which deform in bending.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Watch assembly (10) comprising: - a first flexible component (20), defining, in a rest state, a first rest plane (P1), - a second flexible component (30), defining, in a rest state, a second rest plane (P2), characterized in that the watch assembly (10) comprises an attachment connection formed between the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30) so as to impose a deformation force leading to deformation of the first flexible component (20) and / or the second flexible component (30) in a direction normal or substantially normal respectively to the first rest plane (P1) and / or to the second rest plane (P2).

2. A watch assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the deformation force imposed by the attachment link is a permanent deformation force.

3. Watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30) are stacked, the first rest plane (P1) and the second rest plane (P2) being parallel.

4. A watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first flexible component (20) comprises a first attachment element and the second flexible component (30) comprises a second attachment element, the attachment connection being formed between the first attachment element and the second attachment element.

5. A watch assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the attachment connection is arranged at least partially between the first resting plane (P1) and the second resting plane (P2).

6. Watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the attachment connection is formed by interlocking complementary shapes or by welding between the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30), with or without filler material.

7. Watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one intermediate element arranged to form a space between the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30).

8. A watch assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate element is a spacer formed by a blade, or by a flange, or by a plate, or by a rim or a tab provided on at least one of the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30).

9. Watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the first flexible component (20) and / or the second flexible component (30) is a flexible component formed from silicon, for example from a silicon wafer, or from nickel for example electrodeposited, or from nickel-phosphorus alloy for example electrodeposited, or from silicon carbide.

10. Watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the first flexible component (20) and / or the second flexible component (30) has a spiral structure.

11. Watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the attachment connection is arranged at the periphery of the first flexible component (20) and / or of the second flexible component (30), and / or at one end (31) of the first flexible component (20) and / or one end (32) of the second flexible component (30).

12. A watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30) has a variation in thickness and / or stiffness in order to compensate for a stress caused by the deformation in the normal plane caused by the attachment connection.

13. A watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30) are attached together to form a single helix component.

14. Watch assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, forming an elastic member for storing energy in a timepiece or an elastic member for maintaining oscillations in an oscillator of a timepiece.

15. A method of manufacturing a watch assembly (10) comprising the steps of: - providing a first flexible component (20), defining, in a rest state, a first rest plane (P1), - providing a second flexible component (30), defining, in a rest state, a second rest plane (P2), - deforming and / or moving at least a portion of one of the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30) in a direction normal or substantially normal to the first rest plane (P1) and / or the second rest plane (P2), respectively, - forming, at the level of said at least one deformed and / or displaced part, an attachment connection between the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30).

16. A manufacturing method according to claim 15, comprising a step of stacking the second flexible component (30) on the first flexible component (20), prior to the step of deforming and / or moving at least a portion of one of the first flexible component (20) and the second flexible component (30).

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