EP3792700A1 - Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot - Google Patents

Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3792700A1
EP3792700A1 EP19197512.7A EP19197512A EP3792700A1 EP 3792700 A1 EP3792700 A1 EP 3792700A1 EP 19197512 A EP19197512 A EP 19197512A EP 3792700 A1 EP3792700 A1 EP 3792700A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flexible
blades
elastic
oscillator
shaft
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Granted
Application number
EP19197512.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3792700B1 (en
Inventor
David Chabloz
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Priority to EP19197512.7A priority Critical patent/EP3792700B1/en
Publication of EP3792700A1 publication Critical patent/EP3792700A1/en
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Publication of EP3792700B1 publication Critical patent/EP3792700B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/06—Manufacture or mounting processes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch oscillator with a flexible pivot, that is to say a watch oscillator whose balance is guided in rotation by an arrangement of elastic parts and not by a physical axis of rotation rotating in bearings.
  • the flexible pivot exerts a return torque on the balance like the hairspring of a balance-spring oscillator.
  • a flexible pivot oscillator does not produce dry friction during operation. It therefore presents a better quality factor.
  • the performance of a flexible pivot oscillator is expressed in terms of quality factor, insensitivity to gravity and isochronism.
  • the present invention aims to provide a flexible pivot horological oscillator capable of having excellent performance with regard to at least one of the aforementioned three criteria, namely the quality factor, insensitivity to gravity and isochronism.
  • a horological oscillator 1 for a timepiece such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch, comprises a shaft 2, two balances 3, 4 integral with the shaft 2, a flexible pivot 5 and a support 6.
  • Two examples of flexible pivot 5 and support 6 are shown in the drawings, respectively in. figures 1 to 4 and at the figure 5 .
  • the support 6 is in one part.
  • the support 6 is intended to be fixed on a fixed or movable frame of the movement of the timepiece, typically on the plate of the movement.
  • the flexible pivot 5 is preferably made of coplanar elements.
  • the rockers 3, 4 are located axially on either side of the flexible pivot 5, preferably in mean planes P1, P2 which are symmetrical to one another with respect to the mean plane P of the flexible pivot 5.
  • the Balances 3, 4 constitute the inertial part of the oscillator 1 and the flexible pivot 5 its elastic part. Unlike a conventional flexible pivot oscillator and like a sprung balance oscillator, these inertial and elastic parts are separate in the present invention.
  • the flexible pivot 5 connects the shaft 2 to the support 6, guides the shaft 2 in rotation relative to the support 6 around the axis A of the shaft 2 and exerts an elastic return torque on the shaft 2 for the recall to a rest position, i.e. the rest position shown in figures 1 and 3 .
  • the shaft 2 and rockers 3, 4 assembly is only held to the support 6 by the flexible pivot 5. The rotation of the assembly 2, 3, 4 therefore does not generate dry friction.
  • the flexible pivot 5 comprises (cf. figures 4 and 5 ) a rigid hub 7 surrounding the shaft 2 and integral with the latter, and a number N of elastic members 8 each connecting the hub 7 to the support 6.
  • the number N is at least equal to three. It is equal to four in the example shown in figures 1 to 4 and three in the example of figure 5 .
  • Each elastic member 8 comprises, in series, a pair of elastic blades 9, an intermediate rigid body 10 and a flexible guide 11.
  • the pair of elastic blades 9 connects the intermediate rigid body 10 to the hub 7 and the flexible guide 11 connects the support. 6 to the intermediate rigid body 10.
  • each pair of resilient blades 9 extend in directions which intersect to form a pivot with an offset center of rotation also known as the RCC (Remote Center Compliance) pivot.
  • Each pair of elastic blades 9 defines in the plane P a pair of half-axes 12 having for origin the same point located on the axis A. These pairs of half-axes 12 are arranged around the axis A according to a symmetry d order N.
  • the blades of the N pairs of elastic blades 9 all have the same stiffness.
  • the blades of the N pairs of elastic blades 9 are identical and in particular have identical dimensions.
  • the present invention takes into account the isotropic or anisotropic nature of the material in which the flexible pivot 5 is made.
  • the flexible guide 11 is arranged to allow a guided movement of the intermediate rigid body 10 relative to the support 6 substantially in translation along the bisector B of the half-axes 12. This guided movement occurs during operation. regular oscillator 1 (and therefore even in the absence of shocks or accelerations received by the watch) where the assembly hub 7 - shaft 2 - balances 3, 4 rotates around axis A.
  • the flexible guide 11 typically comprises at least one elastic blade extending in a direction perpendicular to the bisector B, and preferably two parallel elastic blades extending in a direction perpendicular to the bisector B, as shown.
  • the flexible guides 11 have the same stiffness.
  • the pairs of elastic blades 9 guide the hub 7 and therefore the assembly hub 7 - shaft 2 - balances 3, 4 in rotation around the axis A and the flexible guides 11 provide degrees of freedom inside the flexible pivot 5 which prevent the latter from being hyperstatic.
  • the symmetry of order N of the pairs of half-axes 12 allows the hub 7 to rotate properly around an axis A which is fixed or almost fixed, all the more so if N is even, for example equal to four as in the figures 1 to 4 , since then the forces applied to the hub 7 cancel each other out.
  • the pairs of elastic blades 9 have a stiffness which is very insensitive to the direction of gravity. Indeed, in a given vertical position of oscillator 1, the force of gravity presents, for each pair of elastic blades 9, a first component parallel to the bisector B and a second component perpendicular to the bisector B. Thanks to the flexible guidance 11, the first component is not transmitted to the pair of elastic blades 9. As for the second component, it produces opposite effects on the elastic blades 9, since it stresses one of the blades in compression and the other blade in traction. The changes in stiffness of the two blades therefore compensate for each other.
  • the presence of the two balances 3, 4 on either side of the flexible pivot 5 in the direction of the axis A allows the inertial part that these balances 3, 4 constitute to have its center of mass in the mean plane P of the flexible pivot 5, that is to say halfway up the elastic blades 9, 11. This feature further improves the insensitivity of the oscillator 1 to gravity.
  • the center of mass of the inertial part 3, 4 is also on the axis A, to also promote insensitivity to gravity.
  • each elastic member 8 can be sized so that the flexible guide 11 compensates for the non-linearity of the torque produced by the pair of elastic blades 9 as a function of the angle of rotation and thus makes the oscillator 1 isochronous, that is, that is to say makes its frequency independent of the oscillation amplitude.
  • the diagram of the figure 6 shows by graph G1 the stiffness of a pair of RCC blades alone and by graph G2 the stiffness of an elastic member 8 with its pair of RCC blades 9, its intermediate rigid body 10 and its flexible guide 11, the stiffness being defined as the ratio of the force (here: torque) to the displacement (here: angle of rotation).
  • the graphs G1 and G2 were obtained with the following parameters: angle between the RCC blades 9: 30 °; outer diameter of hub 7: 1 mm; length of RCC blades 9: 3 mm; length of the blades of the flexible guide 11: 3 mm; spacing of the blades of the flexible guide 11: 0.8 mm; distance between the straight line joining the junction points of the RCC blades 9 to the intermediate rigid body 10 and the elastic blade of the closest flexible guide 11: 1.58 mm.
  • angle between the RCC blades 9 30 °
  • outer diameter of hub 7 1 mm
  • length of RCC blades 9 3 mm
  • length of the blades of the flexible guide 11 3 mm
  • spacing of the blades of the flexible guide 11 0.8 mm
  • distance between the straight line joining the junction points of the RCC blades 9 to the intermediate rigid body 10 and the elastic blade of the closest flexible guide 11 1.58 mm.
  • the balances 3, 4 can be of the same type as those of the traditional balance-spring oscillators, and can thus comprise a rim 3a, 4a, a hub 3b, 4b surrounding the shaft 2 and rigid arms 3c, 4c connecting the rim 3a , 4a at hub 3b, 4b.
  • the serge 3a, 4a may have the shape of a continuous ring, as shown, or interrupted.
  • the rockers 3, 4 can be fixed on the shaft 2 in a conventional manner by riveting. They are typically made from a dense material such as beryllium copper, gold, platinum or silicon bearing masses of dense metal. Balances 3, 4 can therefore have a small diameter for a given moment of inertia. In this way, friction with the air will be reduced, thus increasing the quality factor.
  • the flexible pivot 5 is preferably monolithic, and preferably monolithic with the support 6 as in the examples illustrated.
  • Its material is chosen for the manufacturing precision that it allows and for its elastic properties. It can be for example silicon, silicon covered with silicon dioxide, glass, sapphire, quartz, metallic glass, a metal or alloy.
  • the flexible pivot 5 can be obtained by etching (in particular deep reactive ionic etching known as DRIE), LIGA, milling, electroerosion, molding or the like.
  • the hub 7 can be fixed to the shaft 2 by gluing, welding, brazing, driving or clamping by means of elastic arms, for example.
  • the separation of the inertial part 3, 4 and of the flexible pivot 5 implemented by the invention facilitates the adjustment of the frequency of oscillator 1.
  • the moment of inertia and the unbalance of the balances 3, 4 can in fact be easily measured and corrected, while the torque of the flexible pivot 5 can be measured without prior assembly with the balances 3, 4 and modified independently of the balances 3, 4.
  • the oscillator 1 is relatively easy to manufacture since the flexible pivot 5 is a single level structure and that the rockers 3, 4 can be conventional and assembled in a conventional manner to the shaft 2.
  • the ease of manufacture is all the more obvious if we compare oscillator 1 to the oscillators with separate crossed blades described in the documents EP 2911012 and WO 2016/096677 , for example, which require the use of special techniques to produce the blades and separate them.
  • the present invention does not exclude however not that the blades of each pair of elastic blades 9 are non-coplanar nor that the pairs of elastic blades 9 are non-coplanar.
  • the flexible pivot 5 can be produced either in an isotropic material or in an anisotropic material having, as regards the modulus of elasticity, a quaternary symmetry, without it being necessary to give the elastic strips 9, in the same way than the elastic blades 11, of different dimensions.
  • the isotropic material may for example be monocrystalline silicon cut along a plane of the ⁇ 111 ⁇ family or polycrystalline silicon.
  • the anisotropic material may for example be monocrystalline silicon cut along a plane of the ⁇ 100 ⁇ family.
  • the flexible pivot 5 is made of an anisotropic material with quaternary symmetry, it will be oriented with respect to the crystalline structure of the material so that the quaternary symmetry of the material and that of the flexible pivot 5 correspond.
  • the flexible pivot 5 can be oriented with respect to the crystalline structure of the material such that two pairs of opposed elastic blades 9 are arranged on the same side.
  • the flexible pivot 5 will be made of an isotropic material such as ⁇ 111 ⁇ silicon or polycrystalline silicon if it is desired that all the elastic blades 9 are identical and that all the elastic blades 11 are identical.
  • an anisotropic material such as ⁇ 100 ⁇ silicon, which is more available on the market, is chosen, the elastic strips 9 will be given different dimensions so that they have the same stiffness.
  • the flexible pivot 5 can be oriented relative to the crystalline structure of silicon ⁇ 100 ⁇ so that the blades designated by 9a have identical dimensions, that the blades designated by 9b have identical dimensions, that the blades 9a and 9b have different dimensions, for example different lengths and / or thicknesses, that the blades designated by 11a have identical dimensions, that the blades designated by 11b have identical dimensions and that the blades 11a and 11b have different dimensions, for example different lengths and / or thicknesses.
  • the blades of the pairs of elastic blades 9 and of the flexible guides 11 all have the same section (same quadratic moment) in order to limit the effect of the manufacturing tolerances on isochronism and on the insensitivity to gravity.
  • the flexible pivot 5 is made of silicon by a DRIE etching process, the etching defects such as the relief angle will modify the stiffness of all the blades in the same way.
  • any layer of silicon dioxide formed on the flexible silicon pivot 5 for example to make the frequency of the oscillator 1 independent of the temperature and / or to increase the mechanical resistance, will modify the stiffness of all the blades. the same way.
  • the figure 7 shows an oscillator 1 'according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the oscillator 1 'according to this second embodiment comprises a single balance 3 integral with a shaft 2 and two flexible pivots 5 located on either side of the balance 3, preferably in mean planes which are symmetrical to one another. on the other in relation to the mean plane of the balance.
  • the flexible pivots 5 hold the shaft 2 - balance 3 assembly relative to the support 6 which is here in two separate parts.
  • the oscillator 1 "comprises a single balance 3 and a single flexible pivot 5, in other words the balance 4 of the figure 1 or one of the two flexible pivots 5 of the figure 7 is deleted.
  • stops 14 are provided to protect the flexible pivot (s) 5 in the event of significant acceleration or impact.
  • the stops 14 are fixed relative to the support 6 and each have a bore which receives one end of the shaft 2, but they remain out of contact with the moving elements (shaft 2, balance (s) 3, 4, pivot (s) ) flexible (s) 5) of oscillator 1, 1 ', 1 "during regular operation of the latter in order to avoid any friction.
  • the ends of the shaft 2 can come into contact with the wall of the bore of the stops 14 in order to limit the deformation of the elastic blades 9, 11 of the flexible pivot (s) 5 in the plane of this or these latter (s).
  • the hub assembly (s) 7 - shaft 2 - rocker (s) 3, 4 or a part integral with this assembly can come into contact with one of the stops 14, thus limiting the deformation of the elastic blades 9, 11 of the flexible pivot (s) 5 out of the plane of this (or these).
  • the oscillator 1, 1 ', 1 "according to the invention can be maintained by a conventional escapement, in particular a Swiss lever escapement.
  • the anchor 15 of such an escapement can cooperate with a pin 16 integral with the hub 7 of the flexible pivot 5 or of one of the flexible pivots 5.
  • the shaft or rod 17 of the anchor 15 passes through the central opening defined by the rim 3a, 4a of the rocker (s) 3, 4, in other words is surrounded by the rim (s) 3a, 4a.
  • the arrangement of the flexible guides 11 as shown in figures 3 to 5 leaves room for the anchor 15, the height of which can thus overlap with the height of the or one of the flexible pivots 5.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un oscillateur horloger (1) comprenant un balancier (3), un arbre (2) dont le balancier (3) est solidaire, l'arbre (2) définissant un axe (A), un support (6) et un pivot flexible (5) agencé pour guider l'arbre (2) en rotation par rapport au support (6) autour de l'axe (A) et exercer sur l'arbre (2) un couple de rappel. Le pivot flexible (5) comprend un moyeu (7) solidaire de l'arbre (2) et, en parallèle entre le moyeu (7) et le support (6), au moins trois organes élastiques (8). Chaque organe élastique (8) comprend, en série, une paire de lames élastiques (9), un corps rigide intermédiaire (10) et un guidage flexible (11). Les lames des paires de lames élastiques (9) ont la même raideur et s'étendent le long de demi-axes (12) qui partent de l'axe (A). Les paires de demi-axes (12) correspondant respectivement aux paires de lames élastiques (9) sont agencées autour de l'axe (A) selon une symétrie d'ordre N, où N est le nombre d'organes élastiques (8). Dans chaque organe élastique (8), le guidage flexible (11) est agencé pour permettre un déplacement guidé du corps rigide intermédiaire (10) par rapport au support (6) sensiblement en translation le long de la bissectrice (B) de la paire de demi-axes (12).The invention relates to a horological oscillator (1) comprising a balance (3), a shaft (2) of which the balance (3) is integral, the shaft (2) defining an axis (A), a support (6) and a flexible pivot (5) arranged to guide the shaft (2) in rotation relative to the support (6) about the axis (A) and to exert a return torque on the shaft (2). The flexible pivot (5) comprises a hub (7) integral with the shaft (2) and, in parallel between the hub (7) and the support (6), at least three elastic members (8). Each elastic member (8) comprises, in series, a pair of elastic blades (9), an intermediate rigid body (10) and a flexible guide (11). The blades of the pairs of elastic blades (9) have the same stiffness and extend along half-axes (12) which start from the axis (A). The pairs of half-axes (12) corresponding respectively to the pairs of elastic blades (9) are arranged around the axis (A) according to an order N symmetry, where N is the number of elastic members (8). In each elastic member (8), the flexible guide (11) is arranged to allow a guided movement of the intermediate rigid body (10) relative to the support (6) substantially in translation along the bisector (B) of the pair of half-axes (12).

Description

La présente invention concerne un oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible, c'est-à-dire un oscillateur horloger dont le balancier est guidé en rotation par un agencement de parties élastiques et non pas par un axe de rotation physique tournant dans des paliers. En plus de sa fonction de guidage en rotation, le pivot flexible exerce un couple de rappel sur le balancier à l'instar du spiral d'un oscillateur balancier-spiral.The present invention relates to a watch oscillator with a flexible pivot, that is to say a watch oscillator whose balance is guided in rotation by an arrangement of elastic parts and not by a physical axis of rotation rotating in bearings. In addition to its function of guiding in rotation, the flexible pivot exerts a return torque on the balance like the hairspring of a balance-spring oscillator.

Contrairement aux oscillateurs balancier-spiral, un oscillateur à pivot flexible ne produit pas de frottements secs pendant son fonctionnement. Il présente donc un meilleur facteur de qualité.Unlike hairspring oscillators, a flexible pivot oscillator does not produce dry friction during operation. It therefore presents a better quality factor.

Des oscillateurs horlogers à pivot flexible sont décrits par exemple dans les documents EP 2911012 et WO 2016/096677 .Flexible pivot horological oscillators are described, for example, in the documents EP 2911012 and WO 2016/096677 .

Comme pour tout oscillateur horloger, les performances d'un oscillateur à pivot flexible s'expriment notamment en termes de facteur de qualité, d'insensibilité à la gravité et d'isochronisme.As with any horological oscillator, the performance of a flexible pivot oscillator is expressed in terms of quality factor, insensitivity to gravity and isochronism.

La présente invention vise à proposer un oscillateur horloger à pivot flexible pouvant avoir des performances excellentes en ce qui concerne l'un au moins des trois critères précités que sont le facteur de qualité, l'insensibilité à la gravité et l'isochronisme.The present invention aims to provide a flexible pivot horological oscillator capable of having excellent performance with regard to at least one of the aforementioned three criteria, namely the quality factor, insensitivity to gravity and isochronism.

A cette fin, il est prévu un oscillateur horloger comprenant

  • un balancier,
  • un arbre dont le balancier est solidaire, l'arbre définissant un axe,
  • un support, et
  • un pivot flexible agencé pour guider l'arbre en rotation par rapport au support autour de l'axe et exercer sur l'arbre un couple de rappel,
    et dans lequel
  • le pivot flexible comprend un moyeu solidaire de l'arbre et, en parallèle entre le moyeu et le support, au moins trois organes élastiques,
  • chaque organe élastique comprend, en série, une paire de lames élastiques, un corps rigide intermédiaire et un guidage flexible,
  • les lames des paires de lames élastiques ont la même raideur et s'étendent le long de demi-axes qui partent de l'axe,
  • les paires de demi-axes correspondant respectivement aux paires de lames élastiques sont agencées autour de l'axe selon une symétrie d'ordre N, où N est le nombre d'organes élastiques, en projection orthogonale dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe, et
  • dans chaque organe élastique, le guidage flexible est agencé pour permettre un déplacement guidé du corps rigide intermédiaire par rapport au support sensiblement en translation le long de la bissectrice de la paire de demi-axes, en projection orthogonale dans ledit plan perpendiculaire à l'axe, pendant le fonctionnement régulier de l'oscillateur.
To this end, a horological oscillator is provided comprising
  • a pendulum,
  • a shaft whose balance is integral, the shaft defining an axis,
  • a support, and
  • a flexible pivot arranged to guide the shaft in rotation relative to the support around the axis and to exert a return torque on the shaft,
    and in which
  • the flexible pivot comprises a hub integral with the shaft and, in parallel between the hub and the support, at least three elastic members,
  • each elastic member comprises, in series, a pair of elastic blades, an intermediate rigid body and a flexible guide,
  • the blades of the pairs of elastic blades have the same stiffness and extend along half-axes which start from the axis,
  • the pairs of semi-axes corresponding respectively to the pairs of elastic leaves are arranged around the axis according to a symmetry of order N, where N is the number of elastic members, in orthogonal projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and
  • in each elastic member, the flexible guide is arranged to allow a guided movement of the intermediate rigid body relative to the support substantially in translation along the bisector of the pair of half-axes, in orthogonal projection in said plane perpendicular to the axis , during regular operation of the oscillator.

Des modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention sont définis dans les revendications dépendantes annexées.Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in the appended dependent claims.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • les figures 1 à 3 sont respectivement des vues en perspective, en coupe et de dessus d'un oscillateur horloger selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessus d'un pivot flexible et d'un support faisant partie de l'oscillateur illustré aux figures 1 à 3 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus d'une variante du pivot flexible et du support faisant partie de l'oscillateur illustré aux figures 1 à 3 ;
  • la figure 6 est un diagramme montrant la raideur d'un pivot à centre de rotation déporté et la raideur d'un organe élastique faisant partie du pivot flexible illustré à la figure 4 ou 5 ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'un oscillateur horloger selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
  • la figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'un oscillateur horloger selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description given with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figures 1 to 3 are respectively perspective, sectional and top views of a watch oscillator according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 4 is a top view of a flexible pivot and a support forming part of the oscillator shown in figures 1 to 3 ;
  • the figure 5 is a top view of a variant of the flexible pivot and of the support forming part of the oscillator illustrated in figures 1 to 3 ;
  • the figure 6 is a diagram showing the stiffness of a pivot with an offset center of rotation and the stiffness of an elastic member forming part of the flexible pivot shown in figure 4 or 5 ;
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view of a horological oscillator according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
  • the figure 8 is a perspective view of a horological oscillator according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Dans tout ce qui suit, les caractéristiques géométriques et dimensionnelles de l'oscillateur horloger sont définies en référence à sa position de repos.In what follows, the geometric and dimensional characteristics of the clock oscillator are defined with reference to its rest position.

En référence aux figures 1 à 5, un oscillateur horloger 1 selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, pour une pièce d'horlogerie telle qu'une montre-bracelet ou une montre de poche, comprend un arbre 2, deux balanciers 3, 4 solidaires de l'arbre 2, un pivot flexible 5 et un support 6. Deux exemples de pivot flexible 5 et de support 6 sont représentés dans les dessins, respectivement aux figures 1 à 4 et à la figure 5. Aux figures 1 à 4, le support 6 est en une seule partie. A la figure 5, il est en deux parties séparées. Le support 6 est destiné à être fixé sur un bâti fixe ou mobile du mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie, typiquement sur la platine du mouvement.With reference to figures 1 to 5 , a horological oscillator 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, for a timepiece such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch, comprises a shaft 2, two balances 3, 4 integral with the shaft 2, a flexible pivot 5 and a support 6. Two examples of flexible pivot 5 and support 6 are shown in the drawings, respectively in. figures 1 to 4 and at the figure 5 . To the figures 1 to 4 , the support 6 is in one part. To the figure 5 , it is in two separate parts. The support 6 is intended to be fixed on a fixed or movable frame of the movement of the timepiece, typically on the plate of the movement.

Le pivot flexible 5 est de préférence constitué d'éléments coplanaires. Les balanciers 3, 4 sont situés axialement de part et d'autre du pivot flexible 5, de préférence dans des plans moyens P1, P2 qui sont symétriques l'un de l'autre par rapport au plan moyen P du pivot flexible 5. Les balanciers 3, 4 constituent la partie inertielle de l'oscillateur 1 et le pivot flexible 5 sa partie élastique. A la différence d'un oscillateur à pivot flexible classique et à l'instar d'un oscillateur balancier-spiral, ces parties inertielle et élastique sont séparées dans la présente invention.The flexible pivot 5 is preferably made of coplanar elements. The rockers 3, 4 are located axially on either side of the flexible pivot 5, preferably in mean planes P1, P2 which are symmetrical to one another with respect to the mean plane P of the flexible pivot 5. The Balances 3, 4 constitute the inertial part of the oscillator 1 and the flexible pivot 5 its elastic part. Unlike a conventional flexible pivot oscillator and like a sprung balance oscillator, these inertial and elastic parts are separate in the present invention.

Le pivot flexible 5 relie l'arbre 2 au support 6, guide l'arbre 2 en rotation par rapport au support 6 autour de l'axe A de l'arbre 2 et exerce un couple de rappel élastique sur l'arbre 2 pour le rappeler dans une position de repos, à savoir la position de repos illustrée aux figures 1 et 3. L'ensemble arbre 2 et balanciers 3, 4 n'est tenu au support 6 que par le pivot flexible 5. La rotation de l'ensemble 2, 3, 4 ne génère donc pas de frottements secs.The flexible pivot 5 connects the shaft 2 to the support 6, guides the shaft 2 in rotation relative to the support 6 around the axis A of the shaft 2 and exerts an elastic return torque on the shaft 2 for the recall to a rest position, i.e. the rest position shown in figures 1 and 3 . The shaft 2 and rockers 3, 4 assembly is only held to the support 6 by the flexible pivot 5. The rotation of the assembly 2, 3, 4 therefore does not generate dry friction.

Le pivot flexible 5 comprend (cf. figures 4 et 5) un moyeu 7 rigide entourant l'arbre 2 et solidaire de celui-ci, et un nombre N d'organes élastiques 8 reliant chacun le moyeu 7 au support 6. Le nombre N est au moins égal à trois. Il est égal à quatre dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 1 à 4 et à trois dans l'exemple de la figure 5. Chaque organe élastique 8 comprend, en série, une paire de lames élastiques 9, un corps rigide intermédiaire 10 et un guidage flexible 11. La paire de lames élastiques 9 relie le corps rigide intermédiaire 10 au moyeu 7 et le guidage flexible 11 relie le support 6 au corps rigide intermédiaire 10.The flexible pivot 5 comprises (cf. figures 4 and 5 ) a rigid hub 7 surrounding the shaft 2 and integral with the latter, and a number N of elastic members 8 each connecting the hub 7 to the support 6. The number N is at least equal to three. It is equal to four in the example shown in figures 1 to 4 and three in the example of figure 5 . Each elastic member 8 comprises, in series, a pair of elastic blades 9, an intermediate rigid body 10 and a flexible guide 11. The pair of elastic blades 9 connects the intermediate rigid body 10 to the hub 7 and the flexible guide 11 connects the support. 6 to the intermediate rigid body 10.

Les lames de chaque paire de lames élastiques 9 s'étendent dans des directions qui se croisent pour former un pivot à centre de rotation déporté dit également pivot RCC (Remote Center Compliance). Chaque paire de lames élastiques 9 définit dans le plan P une paire de demi-axes 12 ayant pour origine un même point situé sur l'axe A. Ces paires de demi-axes 12 sont agencées autour de l'axe A selon une symétrie d'ordre N. Les lames des N paires de lames élastiques 9 ont toutes la même raideur. Dans les exemples illustrés aux figures 1 à 5, en plus d'avoir la même raideur, les lames des N paires de lames élastiques 9 sont identiques et ont en particulier des dimensions identiques. Comme il sera expliqué plus loin, la présente invention tient compte du caractère isotrope ou anisotrope du matériau dans lequel est fabriqué le pivot flexible 5.The blades of each pair of resilient blades 9 extend in directions which intersect to form a pivot with an offset center of rotation also known as the RCC (Remote Center Compliance) pivot. Each pair of elastic blades 9 defines in the plane P a pair of half-axes 12 having for origin the same point located on the axis A. These pairs of half-axes 12 are arranged around the axis A according to a symmetry d order N. The blades of the N pairs of elastic blades 9 all have the same stiffness. In the examples shown in figures 1 to 5 , in addition to having the same stiffness, the blades of the N pairs of elastic blades 9 are identical and in particular have identical dimensions. As will be explained below, the present invention takes into account the isotropic or anisotropic nature of the material in which the flexible pivot 5 is made.

Dans chaque organe élastique 8, le guidage flexible 11 est agencé pour permettre un déplacement guidé du corps rigide intermédiaire 10 par rapport au support 6 sensiblement en translation le long de la bissectrice B des demi-axes 12. Ce déplacement guidé se produit pendant le fonctionnement régulier de l'oscillateur 1 (et donc même en l'absence de chocs ou d'accélérations reçus par la montre) où l'ensemble moyeu 7 - arbre 2 - balanciers 3, 4 tourne autour de l'axe A. Le guidage flexible 11 comprend typiquement au moins une lame élastique s'étendant dans une direction perpendiculaire à la bissectrice B, et de préférence deux lames élastiques parallèles s'étendant dans une direction perpendiculaire à la bissectrice B, comme représenté. De préférence, les guidages flexibles 11 ont la même raideur.In each elastic member 8, the flexible guide 11 is arranged to allow a guided movement of the intermediate rigid body 10 relative to the support 6 substantially in translation along the bisector B of the half-axes 12. This guided movement occurs during operation. regular oscillator 1 (and therefore even in the absence of shocks or accelerations received by the watch) where the assembly hub 7 - shaft 2 - balances 3, 4 rotates around axis A. The flexible guide 11 typically comprises at least one elastic blade extending in a direction perpendicular to the bisector B, and preferably two parallel elastic blades extending in a direction perpendicular to the bisector B, as shown. Preferably, the flexible guides 11 have the same stiffness.

Ainsi, les paires de lames élastiques 9 guident le moyeu 7 et donc l'ensemble moyeu 7 - arbre 2 - balanciers 3, 4 en rotation autour de l'axe A et les guidages flexibles 11 apportent des degrés de liberté à l'intérieur du pivot flexible 5 qui évitent à ce dernier d'être hyperstatique. La symétrie d'ordre N des paires de demi-axes 12 permet au moyeu 7 de tourner proprement autour d'un axe A qui est fixe ou quasiment fixe, ceci d'autant plus si N est pair, par exemple égal à quatre comme dans les figures 1 à 4, puisqu'alors les forces appliquées au moyeu 7 s'annulent. En faisant en sorte que le ou les points 13 de jonction du guidage flexible 11 au corps rigide intermédiaire 10 soient sur la bissectrice B ou soient proches de celle-ci, on améliore encore la qualité de la rotation.Thus, the pairs of elastic blades 9 guide the hub 7 and therefore the assembly hub 7 - shaft 2 - balances 3, 4 in rotation around the axis A and the flexible guides 11 provide degrees of freedom inside the flexible pivot 5 which prevent the latter from being hyperstatic. The symmetry of order N of the pairs of half-axes 12 allows the hub 7 to rotate properly around an axis A which is fixed or almost fixed, all the more so if N is even, for example equal to four as in the figures 1 to 4 , since then the forces applied to the hub 7 cancel each other out. By ensuring that the point or points 13 of junction of the flexible guide 11 to the intermediate rigid body 10 are on the bisector B or are close to the latter, the quality of the rotation is further improved.

Cette rotation propre autour de l'axe A favorise le facteur de qualité et l'indépendance de la fréquence de l'oscillateur 1 vis-à-vis de la direction de la gravité. De plus, les paires de lames élastiques 9 ont une raideur qui est très peu sensible à la direction de la gravité. En effet, dans une position verticale donnée de l'oscillateur 1, la force de gravité présente, pour chaque paire de lames élastiques 9, une première composante parallèle à la bissectrice B et une seconde composante perpendiculaire à la bissectrice B. Grâce au guidage flexible 11, la première composante n'est pas transmise à la paire de lames élastiques 9. Quant à la deuxième composante, elle produit des effets opposés sur les lames élastiques 9, puisqu'elle sollicite l'une des lames en compression et l'autre lame en traction. Les changements de raideur des deux lames se compensent donc.This proper rotation around the axis A favors the quality factor and the independence of the frequency of oscillator 1 with respect to the direction of gravity. In addition, the pairs of elastic blades 9 have a stiffness which is very insensitive to the direction of gravity. Indeed, in a given vertical position of oscillator 1, the force of gravity presents, for each pair of elastic blades 9, a first component parallel to the bisector B and a second component perpendicular to the bisector B. Thanks to the flexible guidance 11, the first component is not transmitted to the pair of elastic blades 9. As for the second component, it produces opposite effects on the elastic blades 9, since it stresses one of the blades in compression and the other blade in traction. The changes in stiffness of the two blades therefore compensate for each other.

La présence des deux balanciers 3, 4 de part et d'autre du pivot flexible 5 dans la direction de l'axe A permet à la partie inertielle que constituent ces balanciers 3, 4 d'avoir son centre de masse dans le plan moyen P du pivot flexible 5, c'est-à-dire à mi-hauteur des lames élastiques 9, 11. Cette caractéristique améliore encore l'insensibilité de l'oscillateur 1 à la gravité. De préférence, le centre de masse de la partie inertielle 3, 4 est aussi sur l'axe A, pour favoriser également l'insensibilité à la gravité.The presence of the two balances 3, 4 on either side of the flexible pivot 5 in the direction of the axis A allows the inertial part that these balances 3, 4 constitute to have its center of mass in the mean plane P of the flexible pivot 5, that is to say halfway up the elastic blades 9, 11. This feature further improves the insensitivity of the oscillator 1 to gravity. Of preferably, the center of mass of the inertial part 3, 4 is also on the axis A, to also promote insensitivity to gravity.

En outre, chaque organe élastique 8 peut être dimensionné pour que le guidage flexible 11 compense la non linéarité du couple produit par la paire de lames élastiques 9 en fonction de l'angle de rotation et rende ainsi l'oscillateur 1 isochrone, c'est-à-dire rende sa fréquence indépendante de l'amplitude d'oscillation. Le diagramme de la figure 6 montre par le graphe G1 la raideur d'une paire de lames RCC seule et par le graphe G2 la raideur d'un organe élastique 8 avec sa paire de lames RCC 9, son corps rigide intermédiaire 10 et son guidage flexible 11, la raideur étant définie comme le rapport de l'effort (ici : couple) sur le déplacement (ici : angle de rotation). Les graphes G1 et G2 ont été obtenus avec les paramètres suivants : angle entre les lames RCC 9 : 30° ; diamètre externe du moyeu 7 : 1 mm ; longueur des lames RCC 9 : 3 mm ; longueur des lames du guidage flexible 11 : 3 mm ; écartement des lames du guidage flexible 11 : 0,8 mm ; distance entre la droite joignant les points de jonction des lames RCC 9 au corps rigide intermédiaire 10 et la lame élastique du guidage flexible 11 la plus proche : 1,58 mm. On constate à la figure 6 que la raideur d'un pivot RCC seul varie grandement, ce qui se traduit par une forte non linéarité du couple, et qu'en revanche la raideur d'un organe élastique 8 peut, elle, être rendue sensiblement constante.In addition, each elastic member 8 can be sized so that the flexible guide 11 compensates for the non-linearity of the torque produced by the pair of elastic blades 9 as a function of the angle of rotation and thus makes the oscillator 1 isochronous, that is, that is to say makes its frequency independent of the oscillation amplitude. The diagram of the figure 6 shows by graph G1 the stiffness of a pair of RCC blades alone and by graph G2 the stiffness of an elastic member 8 with its pair of RCC blades 9, its intermediate rigid body 10 and its flexible guide 11, the stiffness being defined as the ratio of the force (here: torque) to the displacement (here: angle of rotation). The graphs G1 and G2 were obtained with the following parameters: angle between the RCC blades 9: 30 °; outer diameter of hub 7: 1 mm; length of RCC blades 9: 3 mm; length of the blades of the flexible guide 11: 3 mm; spacing of the blades of the flexible guide 11: 0.8 mm; distance between the straight line joining the junction points of the RCC blades 9 to the intermediate rigid body 10 and the elastic blade of the closest flexible guide 11: 1.58 mm. We see at the figure 6 that the stiffness of a single RCC pivot varies greatly, which results in a strong non-linearity of the torque, and that, on the other hand, the stiffness of an elastic member 8 can itself be made substantially constant.

Les balanciers 3, 4 peuvent être du même type que ceux des oscillateurs balancier-spiral traditionnels, et peuvent comprendre ainsi une serge 3a, 4a, un moyeu 3b, 4b entourant l'arbre 2 et des bras rigides 3c, 4c reliant la serge 3a, 4a au moyeu 3b, 4b. La serge 3a, 4a peut avoir la forme d'un anneau continu, comme représenté, ou interrompu. Les balanciers 3, 4 peuvent être fixés sur l'arbre 2 de manière classique par rivetage. Ils sont typiquement réalisés dans un matériau dense tel que le cuivre au béryllium, l'or, le platine ou du silicium portant des masses de métal dense. Les balanciers 3, 4 peuvent donc présenter un petit diamètre pour un moment d'inertie donné. De la sorte, les frottements avec l'air seront réduits, augmentant ainsi le facteur de qualité.The balances 3, 4 can be of the same type as those of the traditional balance-spring oscillators, and can thus comprise a rim 3a, 4a, a hub 3b, 4b surrounding the shaft 2 and rigid arms 3c, 4c connecting the rim 3a , 4a at hub 3b, 4b. The serge 3a, 4a may have the shape of a continuous ring, as shown, or interrupted. The rockers 3, 4 can be fixed on the shaft 2 in a conventional manner by riveting. They are typically made from a dense material such as beryllium copper, gold, platinum or silicon bearing masses of dense metal. Balances 3, 4 can therefore have a small diameter for a given moment of inertia. In this way, friction with the air will be reduced, thus increasing the quality factor.

Le pivot flexible 5 est de préférence monolithique, et de préférence monolithique avec le support 6 comme dans les exemples illustrés. Son matériau est choisi pour la précision de fabrication qu'il autorise et pour ses propriétés élastiques. Il peut être par exemple du silicium, du silicium recouvert de dioxyde de silicium, du verre, du saphir, du quartz, un verre métallique, un métal ou alliage. Selon le matériau choisi, le pivot flexible 5 peut être obtenu par gravure (notamment gravure ionique réactive profonde dite DRIE), LIGA, fraisage, électroérosion, moulage ou autre. Selon le matériau, également, le moyeu 7 peut être fixé à l'arbre 2 par collage, soudage, brasage, chassage ou serrage au moyen de bras élastiques, par exemple.The flexible pivot 5 is preferably monolithic, and preferably monolithic with the support 6 as in the examples illustrated. Its material is chosen for the manufacturing precision that it allows and for its elastic properties. It can be for example silicon, silicon covered with silicon dioxide, glass, sapphire, quartz, metallic glass, a metal or alloy. Depending on the material chosen, the flexible pivot 5 can be obtained by etching (in particular deep reactive ionic etching known as DRIE), LIGA, milling, electroerosion, molding or the like. Depending on the material, also, the hub 7 can be fixed to the shaft 2 by gluing, welding, brazing, driving or clamping by means of elastic arms, for example.

En plus d'augmenter le facteur de qualité, la séparation de la partie inertielle 3, 4 et du pivot flexible 5 mise en œuvre par l'invention facilite le réglage de la fréquence de l'oscillateur 1. Le moment d'inertie et le balourd des balanciers 3, 4 peuvent en effet être mesurés et corrigés facilement tandis que le couple du pivot flexible 5 peut être mesuré sans assemblage préalable avec les balanciers 3, 4 et modifié indépendamment des balanciers 3, 4. De surcroît, il est possible d'appairer les balanciers 3, 4 et le pivot flexible 5, en d'autres termes d'associer des balanciers 3, 4 ayant un moment d'inertie choisi avec un pivot flexible 5 produisant un couple choisi afin d'obtenir une fréquence souhaitée.In addition to increasing the quality factor, the separation of the inertial part 3, 4 and of the flexible pivot 5 implemented by the invention facilitates the adjustment of the frequency of oscillator 1. The moment of inertia and the unbalance of the balances 3, 4 can in fact be easily measured and corrected, while the torque of the flexible pivot 5 can be measured without prior assembly with the balances 3, 4 and modified independently of the balances 3, 4. In addition, it is possible to 'pair the rockers 3, 4 and the flexible pivot 5, in other words to associate rockers 3, 4 having a chosen moment of inertia with a flexible pivot 5 producing a selected torque in order to obtain a desired frequency.

On notera que l'oscillateur 1 est relativement facile à fabriquer puisque le pivot flexible 5 est une structure à un seul niveau et que les balanciers 3, 4 peuvent être classiques et assemblés de manière classique à l'arbre 2. La facilité de fabrication est d'autant plus flagrante si l'on compare l'oscillateur 1 aux oscillateurs à lames croisées séparées décrits dans les documents EP 2911012 et WO 2016/096677 , par exemple, qui nécessitent l'emploi de techniques particulières pour réaliser les lames et les séparer. La présente invention n'exclut toutefois pas que les lames de chaque paire de lames élastiques 9 soient non coplanaires ni que les paires de lames élastiques 9 soient non coplanaires.It will be noted that the oscillator 1 is relatively easy to manufacture since the flexible pivot 5 is a single level structure and that the rockers 3, 4 can be conventional and assembled in a conventional manner to the shaft 2. The ease of manufacture is all the more obvious if we compare oscillator 1 to the oscillators with separate crossed blades described in the documents EP 2911012 and WO 2016/096677 , for example, which require the use of special techniques to produce the blades and separate them. The present invention does not exclude however not that the blades of each pair of elastic blades 9 are non-coplanar nor that the pairs of elastic blades 9 are non-coplanar.

Lorsque le nombre N d'organes élastiques 8 est égal à quatre (figures 1 à 4), le pivot flexible 5 peut être réalisé indifféremment dans un matériau isotrope ou dans un matériau anisotrope présentant, en ce qui concerne le module d'élasticité, une symétrie quaternaire, sans qu'il soit nécessaire de donner aux lames élastiques 9, de même qu'aux lames élastiques 11, des dimensions différentes. Le matériau isotrope peut être par exemple du silicium monocristallin découpé selon un plan de la famille {111} ou du silicium polycristallin. Le matériau anisotrope peut être par exemple du silicium monocristallin découpé selon un plan de la famille {100}. Si le pivot flexible 5 est réalisé dans un matériau anisotrope à symétrie quaternaire, on l'orientera par rapport à la structure cristalline du matériau de façon que la symétrie quaternaire du matériau et celle du pivot flexible 5 correspondent. Dans le cas par exemple d'un matériau tel que le silicium découpé dans le plan (100), le pivot flexible 5 peut être orienté par rapport à la structure cristalline du matériau de telle sorte que deux paires de lames élastiques 9 opposées soient disposées le long de l'axe cristallographique [-110] et que les deux autres paires de lames élastiques 9 opposées soient disposées le long de l'axe cristallographique [110], ou de telle sorte que deux paires de lames élastiques 9 opposées soient disposées le long de l'axe cristallographique [010] et que les deux autres paires de lames élastiques 9 opposées soient disposées le long de l'axe cristallographique [100].When the number N of elastic members 8 is equal to four ( figures 1 to 4 ), the flexible pivot 5 can be produced either in an isotropic material or in an anisotropic material having, as regards the modulus of elasticity, a quaternary symmetry, without it being necessary to give the elastic strips 9, in the same way than the elastic blades 11, of different dimensions. The isotropic material may for example be monocrystalline silicon cut along a plane of the {111} family or polycrystalline silicon. The anisotropic material may for example be monocrystalline silicon cut along a plane of the {100} family. If the flexible pivot 5 is made of an anisotropic material with quaternary symmetry, it will be oriented with respect to the crystalline structure of the material so that the quaternary symmetry of the material and that of the flexible pivot 5 correspond. In the case for example of a material such as silicon cut in the plane (100), the flexible pivot 5 can be oriented with respect to the crystalline structure of the material such that two pairs of opposed elastic blades 9 are arranged on the same side. along the crystallographic axis [-110] and that the other two pairs of opposing elastic plates 9 are arranged along the crystallographic axis [110], or so that two pairs of opposing elastic plates 9 are arranged along of the crystallographic axis [010] and that the other two pairs of opposing elastic plates 9 are arranged along the crystallographic axis [100].

Avec un nombre N d'organes élastiques 8 égal à trois (figure 5), le pivot flexible 5 sera réalisé dans un matériau isotrope tel que le silicium {111} ou le silicium polycristallin si l'on souhaite que toutes les lames élastiques 9 soient identiques et que toutes les lames élastiques 11 soient identiques. En revanche, dans le cas où un matériau anisotrope tel que le silicium {100}, qui est davantage disponible sur le marché, est choisi, on donnera aux lames élastiques 9 des dimensions différentes pour qu'elles aient la même raideur. De même, on donnera aux lames élastiques 11 des dimensions différentes pour qu'elles aient la même raideur. Par exemple, en référence à la figure 5, le pivot flexible 5 pourra être orienté par rapport à la structure cristalline du silicium {100} de telle sorte que les lames désignées par 9a aient des dimensions identiques, que les lames désignées par 9b aient des dimensions identiques, que les lames 9a et 9b aient des dimensions différentes, par exemple des longueurs et/ou épaisseurs différentes, que les lames désignées par 11a aient des dimensions identiques, que les lames désignées par 11b aient des dimensions identiques et que les lames 11a et 11b aient des dimensions différentes, par exemple des longueurs et/ou épaisseurs différentes.With a number N of elastic members 8 equal to three ( figure 5 ), the flexible pivot 5 will be made of an isotropic material such as {111} silicon or polycrystalline silicon if it is desired that all the elastic blades 9 are identical and that all the elastic blades 11 are identical. On the other hand, in the case where an anisotropic material such as {100} silicon, which is more available on the market, is chosen, the elastic strips 9 will be given different dimensions so that they have the same stiffness. Likewise, we will give with elastic blades 11 of different dimensions so that they have the same stiffness. For example, with reference to the figure 5 , the flexible pivot 5 can be oriented relative to the crystalline structure of silicon {100} so that the blades designated by 9a have identical dimensions, that the blades designated by 9b have identical dimensions, that the blades 9a and 9b have different dimensions, for example different lengths and / or thicknesses, that the blades designated by 11a have identical dimensions, that the blades designated by 11b have identical dimensions and that the blades 11a and 11b have different dimensions, for example different lengths and / or thicknesses.

Il est toutefois avantageux que les lames des paires de lames élastiques 9 et des guidages flexibles 11 aient toutes la même section (même moment quadratique) afin de limiter l'effet des tolérances de fabrication sur l'isochronisme et sur l'insensibilité à la gravité. En effet, si par exemple le pivot flexible 5 est réalisé en silicium par un procédé de gravure DRIE, les défauts de gravure tels que l'angle de dépouille modifieront la raideur de toutes les lames de la même manière. De façon analogue, toute couche de dioxyde de silicium formée sur le pivot flexible 5 en silicium, par exemple pour rendre la fréquence de l'oscillateur 1 indépendante de la température et/ou augmenter la résistance mécanique, modifiera la raideur de toutes les lames de la même manière.It is however advantageous that the blades of the pairs of elastic blades 9 and of the flexible guides 11 all have the same section (same quadratic moment) in order to limit the effect of the manufacturing tolerances on isochronism and on the insensitivity to gravity. . Indeed, if for example the flexible pivot 5 is made of silicon by a DRIE etching process, the etching defects such as the relief angle will modify the stiffness of all the blades in the same way. Similarly, any layer of silicon dioxide formed on the flexible silicon pivot 5, for example to make the frequency of the oscillator 1 independent of the temperature and / or to increase the mechanical resistance, will modify the stiffness of all the blades. the same way.

La figure 7 montre un oscillateur 1' selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention. Dans cette figure, les mêmes repères qu'aux figures 1 à 5 sont utilisés pour désigner les mêmes éléments ou des éléments similaires. L'oscillateur 1' selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation comprend un seul balancier 3 solidaire d'un arbre 2 et deux pivots flexibles 5 situés de part et d'autre du balancier 3, de préférence dans des plans moyens qui sont symétriques l'un de l'autre par rapport au plan moyen du balancier. Les pivots flexibles 5 tiennent l'ensemble arbre 2 - balancier 3 par rapport au support 6 qui est ici en deux parties séparées.The figure 7 shows an oscillator 1 'according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the same marks as figures 1 to 5 are used to refer to the same or similar items. The oscillator 1 'according to this second embodiment comprises a single balance 3 integral with a shaft 2 and two flexible pivots 5 located on either side of the balance 3, preferably in mean planes which are symmetrical to one another. on the other in relation to the mean plane of the balance. The flexible pivots 5 hold the shaft 2 - balance 3 assembly relative to the support 6 which is here in two separate parts.

Dans un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, représenté à la figure 8, l'oscillateur 1" comprend un seul balancier 3 et un seul pivot flexible 5, en d'autres termes le balancier 4 de la figure 1 ou l'un des deux pivots flexibles 5 de la figure 7 est supprimé.In a third embodiment of the invention, shown on figure 8 , the oscillator 1 "comprises a single balance 3 and a single flexible pivot 5, in other words the balance 4 of the figure 1 or one of the two flexible pivots 5 of the figure 7 is deleted.

Avantageusement, dans les différents modes de réalisation de l'invention, des butées 14 sont prévues pour protéger le ou les pivots flexibles 5 en cas d'accélération ou de choc important. Les butées 14 sont fixes par rapport au support 6 et présentent chacune un alésage qui reçoit une extrémité de l'arbre 2, mais elles restent hors de contact avec les éléments mobiles (arbre 2, balancier(s) 3, 4, pivot(s) flexible(s) 5) de l'oscillateur 1, 1', 1" pendant le fonctionnement régulier de celui-ci afin d'éviter tout frottement. Lors d'une accélération ou choc déplaçant l'arbre 2 radialement, les extrémités de l'arbre 2 peuvent venir en contact avec la paroi de l'alésage des butées 14 pour limiter la déformation des lames élastiques 9, 11 du ou des pivots flexibles 5 dans le plan de ce ou ces derniers. Lors d'une accélération ou choc déplaçant l'arbre 2 axialement, l'ensemble moyeu(x) 7 - arbre 2 - balancier(s) 3, 4 ou une pièce solidaire de cet ensemble peut venir en contact avec l'une des butées 14, limitant ainsi la déformation des lames élastiques 9, 11 du ou des pivots flexibles 5 hors du plan de ce ou ces derniers.Advantageously, in the various embodiments of the invention, stops 14 are provided to protect the flexible pivot (s) 5 in the event of significant acceleration or impact. The stops 14 are fixed relative to the support 6 and each have a bore which receives one end of the shaft 2, but they remain out of contact with the moving elements (shaft 2, balance (s) 3, 4, pivot (s) ) flexible (s) 5) of oscillator 1, 1 ', 1 "during regular operation of the latter in order to avoid any friction. During an acceleration or shock moving the shaft 2 radially, the ends of the shaft 2 can come into contact with the wall of the bore of the stops 14 in order to limit the deformation of the elastic blades 9, 11 of the flexible pivot (s) 5 in the plane of this or these latter (s). moving the shaft 2 axially, the hub assembly (s) 7 - shaft 2 - rocker (s) 3, 4 or a part integral with this assembly can come into contact with one of the stops 14, thus limiting the deformation of the elastic blades 9, 11 of the flexible pivot (s) 5 out of the plane of this (or these).

L'oscillateur 1, 1', 1" selon l'invention peut être entretenu par un échappement classique, en particulier un échappement à ancre suisse. Comme l'illustrent les figures 1 à 3 et 8, l'ancre 15 d'un tel échappement peut coopérer avec une cheville 16 solidaire du moyeu 7 du pivot flexible 5 ou de l'un des pivots flexibles 5. De préférence, afin d'obtenir un angle de levée adéquat, l'arbre ou tige 17 de l'ancre 15 traverse l'ouverture centrale que définit la serge 3a, 4a du ou des balanciers 3, 4, en d'autres termes est entouré par la ou les serges 3a, 4a. La disposition des guidages flexibles 11 telle que représentée aux figures 3 à 5 laisse de la place pour l'ancre 15 dont la hauteur peut ainsi se chevaucher avec la hauteur du ou d'un des pivots flexibles 5.The oscillator 1, 1 ', 1 "according to the invention can be maintained by a conventional escapement, in particular a Swiss lever escapement. figures 1 to 3 and 8 , the anchor 15 of such an escapement can cooperate with a pin 16 integral with the hub 7 of the flexible pivot 5 or of one of the flexible pivots 5. Preferably, in order to obtain an adequate angle of lift, the shaft or rod 17 of the anchor 15 passes through the central opening defined by the rim 3a, 4a of the rocker (s) 3, 4, in other words is surrounded by the rim (s) 3a, 4a. The arrangement of the flexible guides 11 as shown in figures 3 to 5 leaves room for the anchor 15, the height of which can thus overlap with the height of the or one of the flexible pivots 5.

Claims (19)

Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") comprenant - un balancier (3), - un arbre (2) dont le balancier (3) est solidaire, l'arbre (2) définissant un axe (A), - un support (6), et - un pivot flexible (5) agencé pour guider l'arbre (2) en rotation par rapport au support (6) autour de l'axe (A) et exercer sur l'arbre (2) un couple de rappel,
et dans lequel - le pivot flexible (5) comprend un moyeu (7) solidaire de l'arbre (2) et, en parallèle entre le moyeu (7) et le support (6), au moins trois organes élastiques (8), - chaque organe élastique (8) comprend, en série, une paire de lames élastiques (9), un corps rigide intermédiaire (10) et un guidage flexible (11), - les lames des paires de lames élastiques (9) ont la même raideur et s'étendent le long de demi-axes (12) qui partent de l'axe (A), - les paires de demi-axes (12) correspondant respectivement aux paires de lames élastiques (9) sont agencées autour de l'axe (A) selon une symétrie d'ordre N, où N est le nombre d'organes élastiques (8), en projection orthogonale dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe (A), et - dans chaque organe élastique (8), le guidage flexible (11) est agencé pour permettre un déplacement guidé du corps rigide intermédiaire (10) par rapport au support (6) sensiblement en translation le long de la bissectrice (B) de la paire de demi-axes (12), en projection orthogonale dans ledit plan perpendiculaire à l'axe (A), pendant le fonctionnement régulier de l'oscillateur (1). Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") comprising - a balance (3), - a shaft (2) whose balance (3) is integral, the shaft (2) defining an axis (A), - a support (6), and - a flexible pivot (5) arranged to guide the shaft (2) in rotation relative to the support (6) around the axis (A) and to exert a return torque on the shaft (2),
and in which - the flexible pivot (5) comprises a hub (7) integral with the shaft (2) and, in parallel between the hub (7) and the support (6), at least three elastic members (8), - each elastic member (8) comprises, in series, a pair of elastic blades (9), an intermediate rigid body (10) and a flexible guide (11), - the blades of the pairs of elastic blades (9) have the same stiffness and extend along half-axes (12) which start from the axis (A), - the pairs of half-axes (12) corresponding respectively to the pairs of elastic leaves (9) are arranged around the axis (A) according to an order N symmetry, where N is the number of elastic members (8) , in orthogonal projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis (A), and - in each elastic member (8), the flexible guide (11) is arranged to allow guided movement of the intermediate rigid body (10) relative to the support (6) substantially in translation along the bisector (B) of the pair semi-axes (12), in orthogonal projection in said plane perpendicular to the axis (A), during the regular operation of the oscillator (1). Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que dans chaque organe élastique (8) les lames de la paire de lames élastiques (9) sont coplanaires.Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 1, characterized in that in each elastic member (8) the blades of the pair of elastic blades (9) are coplanar. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le pivot flexible (5) est constitué d'éléments coplanaires.Horological oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible pivot (5) consists of coplanar elements. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le pivot flexible (5) est monolithique.Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible pivot (5) is monolithic. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le pivot flexible (5) est réalisé dans un matériau isotrope et en ce que les lames des paires de lames élastiques (9) sont identiques.Horological oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flexible pivot (5) is made of an isotropic material and in that the blades of the pairs of elastic blades ( 9) are identical. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le pivot flexible (5) est réalisé dans un matériau anisotrope présentant, en ce qui concerne le module d'élasticité, une symétrie d'ordre N, où N est le nombre d'organes élastiques (8), et en ce que les lames des paires de lames élastiques (9) sont identiques.Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flexible pivot (5) is made of an anisotropic material having, as regards the modulus of elasticity, a symmetry of order N, where N is the number of elastic members (8), and in that the blades of the pairs of elastic blades (9) are identical. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le pivot flexible (5) est réalisé dans un matériau anisotrope et en ce que les lames des paires de lames élastiques (9) ne sont pas toutes identiques.Horological oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flexible pivot (5) is made of an anisotropic material and in that the blades of the pairs of elastic blades ( 9) are not all the same. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le pivot flexible (5) comprend au moins quatre dits organes élastiques (8).Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flexible pivot (5) comprises at least four said elastic members (8). Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que le pivot flexible (5) comprenant un nombre pair de dits organes élastiques (8).Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the flexible pivot (5) comprising an even number of said elastic members (8). Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que les guidages flexibles (11) ont la même raideur.Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the flexible guides (11) have the same stiffness. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le guidage flexible (11) de chaque organe élastique (8) comprend au moins une lame élastique s'étendant dans une direction perpendiculaire à la bissectrice (B).Horological oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the flexible guide (11) of each elastic member (8) comprises at least one elastic blade extending in a direction perpendicular to the bisector (B). Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que le guidage flexible (11) de chaque organe élastique (8) comprend des lames élastiques parallèles s'étendant dans une direction perpendiculaire à la bissectrice (B).Horological oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flexible guide (11) of each elastic member (8) comprises parallel elastic blades extending in one direction perpendicular to the bisector (B). Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon la revendication 11 ou 12, caractérisé en ce que les lames des paires de lames élastiques (9) et des guidages flexibles (11) ont la même section.Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the blades of the pairs of elastic blades (9) and of the flexible guides (11) have the same section. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13, caractérisé en ce que dans chaque organe élastique (8) le ou les points (13) de jonction du guidage flexible (11) au corps rigide intermédiaire (10) sont sur la bissectrice (B) ou proches de la bissectrice (B) en projection orthogonale dans ledit plan perpendiculaire à l'axe (A).Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in each elastic member (8) the point or points (13) of junction of the flexible guide (11) to the body rigid intermediate (10) are on the bisector (B) or close to the bisector (B) in orthogonal projection in said plane perpendicular to the axis (A). Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, caractérisé en ce que les guidages flexibles (11) compensent la non linéarité du couple exercé par les paires de lames élastiques (9) sur l'arbre (2) en fonction de l'angle de rotation.Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the flexible guides (11) compensate for the non-linearity of the torque exerted by the pairs of elastic blades (9) on the 'shaft (2) as a function of the angle of rotation. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, caractérisé en ce que le balancier (3) et le pivot flexible (5) sont réalisés dans des matériaux différents.Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the balance (3) and the flexible pivot (5) are made of different materials. Oscillateur horloger (1 ; 1' ; 1") selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 16, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre au moins une butée (14) fixe par rapport au support (6) et recevant une extrémité de l'arbre (2), cette butée (14) ne touchant aucun élément mobile de l'oscillateur (1) pendant le fonctionnement régulier de ce dernier mais pouvant servir d'appui à un tel élément mobile (2, 3, 4, 7) en cas de choc ou accélération reçu par l'oscillateur (1 ; 1' ; 1") afin de limiter la déformation du pivot flexible (5).Clock oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it further comprises at least one stop (14) fixed relative to the support (6) and receiving one end. of the shaft (2), this stop (14) not touching any movable element of the oscillator (1) during regular operation of the latter but being able to act as a support for such a movable element (2, 3, 4, 7) in the event of impact or acceleration received by the oscillator (1; 1 '; 1 ") in order to limit the deformation of the flexible pivot (5). Oscillateur horloger (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 17, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un deuxième balancier (4) situé de l'autre côté du pivot flexible (5) par rapport audit balancier (3).Horological oscillator (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a second balance (4) located on the other side of the flexible pivot (5) with respect to said balance (3). Oscillateur horloger (1') selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 17, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un deuxième pivot flexible (5) situé de l'autre côté du balancier (3) par rapport audit pivot flexible (5).Horological oscillator (1 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a second flexible pivot (5) located on the other side of the balance (3) relative to said flexible pivot (5) .
EP19197512.7A 2019-09-16 2019-09-16 Timepiece oscillator with flexible pivot Active EP3792700B1 (en)

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4163735A1 (en) 2021-10-05 2023-04-12 Patek Philippe SA Genève Methods for producing and adjusting an oscillator with flexible guide and timepiece movement comprising such an oscillator
EP4250019A1 (en) 2022-03-21 2023-09-27 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece oscillator for extra-flat movement
EP4310603A1 (en) 2022-07-18 2024-01-24 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece movement

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2911012A1 (en) 2014-02-20 2015-08-26 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Timepiece oscillator
EP2975469A1 (en) * 2014-07-14 2016-01-20 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Flexible clock guide
WO2016096677A1 (en) 2014-12-18 2016-06-23 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Timepiece resonator with crossed blades
WO2018100122A1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2018-06-07 Lvmh Swiss Manufactures Sa Device for a timepiece, timepiece movement and timepiece comprising such a device
EP3476748A1 (en) * 2017-10-24 2019-05-01 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Pivot mechanism with flexible elements

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2911012A1 (en) 2014-02-20 2015-08-26 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Timepiece oscillator
EP2975469A1 (en) * 2014-07-14 2016-01-20 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Flexible clock guide
WO2016096677A1 (en) 2014-12-18 2016-06-23 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Timepiece resonator with crossed blades
WO2018100122A1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2018-06-07 Lvmh Swiss Manufactures Sa Device for a timepiece, timepiece movement and timepiece comprising such a device
EP3476748A1 (en) * 2017-10-24 2019-05-01 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Pivot mechanism with flexible elements

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4163735A1 (en) 2021-10-05 2023-04-12 Patek Philippe SA Genève Methods for producing and adjusting an oscillator with flexible guide and timepiece movement comprising such an oscillator
EP4250019A1 (en) 2022-03-21 2023-09-27 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece oscillator for extra-flat movement
EP4310603A1 (en) 2022-07-18 2024-01-24 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece movement

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