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EP2987035B1 - Mechanical oscillator for a timepiece movement - Google Patents

Mechanical oscillator for a timepiece movement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2987035B1
EP2987035B1 EP14718023.6A EP14718023A EP2987035B1 EP 2987035 B1 EP2987035 B1 EP 2987035B1 EP 14718023 A EP14718023 A EP 14718023A EP 2987035 B1 EP2987035 B1 EP 2987035B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balance
mechanical oscillator
spring
cock
protective frame
Prior art date
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Application number
EP14718023.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2987035A2 (en
Inventor
Philippe Antille
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ball Watch Co SA
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Ball Watch Co SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Ball Watch Co SA filed Critical Ball Watch Co SA
Publication of EP2987035A2 publication Critical patent/EP2987035A2/en
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Publication of EP2987035B1 publication Critical patent/EP2987035B1/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
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • 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
    • G04B17/32—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • 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
    • G04B43/00—Protecting clockworks by shields or other means against external influences, e.g. magnetic fields
    • G04B43/007—Antimagnetic alloys

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mechanical oscillator, for watch movement, comprising a balance associated with a spiral spring, and a balance bridge carrying a bearing in which is pivoted an end of a balance shaft, whose balance and a first end of the spiral spring are integral, and a support for retaining the second end of the spiral spring.
  • the present invention relates to such a mechanical oscillator in which a spiral spring protection cage is provided, comprising a first substantially planar face, integral with the balance bridge, and a substantially cylindrical wall arranged at the periphery of the spiral spring.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement provided with such a mechanical oscillator and a timepiece including such a watch movement.
  • the patent application DE 19651320 A1 discloses a protective shell, for mechanical oscillator sprung-balance type, arranged to completely enclose the balance and the spiral spring, particularly in order to prevent aerodynamic disturbances generated by the movements of the balance does not disturb other components of the watch movement.
  • the protective shell comprises two disc-shaped faces between which is a cylindrical wall carried by the first face.
  • the dimensions of the protective shell are relatively important since it must contain the balance and the spiral spring.
  • a main object of the present invention is to propose a mechanical oscillator construction for a watch movement in which the spiral spring can not strike another component of the movement in the event of impact suffered by the corresponding timepiece, with a risk of hooking, without the overall size of the mechanical oscillator becomes too large.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to a mechanical oscillator as mentioned above, characterized in that the cage is open on its second face, located opposite the balance, and has first and second openings in the first face to define respective passages for the balance shaft and for the support of the outer end of the spiral spring.
  • the cage according to the present invention has a reduced bulk while effectively isolating the spiral spring of the other components, on the one hand, in the radial directions by its cylindrical wall and, on the other hand, in the axial direction. on the side of the swing bridge by its first face.
  • the second face of the cage located on the side of the balance, is open does not pose a problem, even if it would allow the spiral spring to hit briefly the balance in case of shock.
  • the shape of the balance is such that it has no point of attachment possible for the spiral spring in case of deformation of the latter, which would then resume its normal place following a shock.
  • the mechanical oscillator comprises a racket and a bolt carrier, itself carrying a stud defining the support for the outer end of the spiral spring, the bolt carrier being pivotally mounted on the balance bridge so as to allow a circular displacement of the support with reference to the balance shaft.
  • the second opening has substantially the shape of a ring portion.
  • At least one recess is formed in the pendulum bridge to define a housing for a portion of the protective cage, to further limit the size of the mechanical oscillator according to the present invention.
  • the protective cage may be made in one part or, alternatively, it may comprise at least two parts, each of which is assembled independently of the other to the pendulum bridge so as to define, together, the protective cage, when they are assembled at the pendulum bridge.
  • the form and method of assembly of the protective cage to the balance bridge can thus be optimized by the manufacturer, according to the constraints imposed by the watch movement to which the invention is applied.
  • the protective cage is made of a material with high magnetic permeability to simultaneously provide protection of the spiral spring against the magnetic fields to which the corresponding timepiece could be exposed.
  • the present invention also relates to a watch movement and a timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator meeting the above characteristics.
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical oscillator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, while the figure 2 illustrates the same mechanical oscillator 1 in an exploded perspective view.
  • the mechanical oscillator 1 comprises a pendulum bridge 2 intended to be assembled to the frame of a watch movement, typically a plate (not visible), in a conventional manner.
  • a hole 4 for receiving a screw (not shown) for assembling the bridge to the frame and a stud intended to be housed in a corresponding hole of the frame, to ensure the correct angular positioning of the bridge.
  • the pendulum bridge 2 carries a bearing 8, provided with a bumper 10 and intended to receive a first end of a balance shaft 12 carrying a rocker 14 and a first end (not visible) of a spring spiral 16 is secured in a conventional manner.
  • a bolt carrier 18 is rotatably mounted on the rocker bridge 2, to maintain the outer end of the spiral spring 16, also in a conventional manner and, being associated with a racket 20, assembled to the pendulum bridge 2 so that its angular position can be adjusted.
  • the racket 20 has a shank 22 arranged to cooperate with the head of an eccentric screw 24, screwed into a hole of the balance bridge 2, to allow a fine adjustment of the angular position of the racket 20.
  • the mechanical oscillator according to the present invention further comprises a protective cage 26 of the spiral spring 16.
  • the protective cage 26 can be made in one piece, as illustrated in the figures 1 and 2 , or in several pieces, as illustrated on the figure 3 . It generally has a cylindrical shape with first and second faces 28 and 30, substantially planar, between which is arranged a substantially cylindrical wall 32.
  • the protective cage 26 is dimensioned so as to envelop the spiral spring 16, that is to say that its cylindrical wall 32 has a radius slightly larger than that of the spiral spring 16.
  • first face 28 has a first opening 34, central, defining a passage for the balance shaft once the components are assembled to each other.
  • first face 28 comprises a second opening 36, in the general shape of a ring portion, defining an extended passage for the stud holder 18, so that the latter can be moved to adjust the gait of the mechanical oscillator, in a conventional manner.
  • the first face 28 also comprises two holes 38 defining passages for screws 40 for fixing the protection cage 26 to the balance bridge 2.
  • the second face 30 of the protective cage 26 is open.
  • a recess 42 is advantageously formed in the balance bridge 2 to accommodate a portion of the protective cage 26 and thus limit the size, in the direction of the thickness of the watch movement.
  • the figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the mechanical oscillator which has been described in connection with the preceding figures.
  • the mechanical oscillator 1 here comprises a protective cage 126 made in two parts 128, 130, instead of one, by way of nonlimiting illustration.
  • a watchmaker has to access the spiral spring 16
  • he can remove the protective cage 126 without necessarily disassembling the balance bridge 2.
  • Each of the parts 128 and 130 has a hole 132 to accommodate a fixing screw 40 to the bridge. pendulum 2.
  • the protective cage is made of a material with high magnetic permeability so as simultaneously to ensure protection of the spiral spring against the magnetic fields to which the corresponding timepiece could be exposed.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un oscillateur mécanique, pour mouvement horloger, comportant un balancier associé à un ressort spiral, ainsi qu'un pont de balancier portant
un palier dans lequel est pivotée une extrémité d'un arbre de balancier, dont le balancier et une première extrémité du ressort spiral sont solidaires, et
un support pour retenir la seconde extrémité du ressort spiral.The present invention relates to a mechanical oscillator, for watch movement, comprising a balance associated with a spiral spring, and a balance bridge carrying
a bearing in which is pivoted an end of a balance shaft, whose balance and a first end of the spiral spring are integral, and
a support for retaining the second end of the spiral spring.

Plus précisément, la présente invention concerne un tel oscillateur mécanique dans lequel une cage de protection du ressort spiral est prévue, comprenant une première face sensiblement plane, solidaire du pont de balancier, et une paroi sensiblement cylindrique agencée à la périphérie du ressort spiral.More specifically, the present invention relates to such a mechanical oscillator in which a spiral spring protection cage is provided, comprising a first substantially planar face, integral with the balance bridge, and a substantially cylindrical wall arranged at the periphery of the spiral spring.

L'invention concerne également un mouvement horloger muni d'un tel oscillateur mécanique ainsi qu'une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un tel mouvement horloger.The invention also relates to a watch movement provided with such a mechanical oscillator and a timepiece including such a watch movement.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Des pièces d'horlogerie munies d'un oscillateur mécanique répondant aux caractéristiques ci-dessus ont déjà été décrites.Timepieces equipped with a mechanical oscillator meeting the above characteristics have already been described.

A titre d'exemple, la demande de brevet DE 19651320 A1 décrit une coque de protection, pour oscillateur mécanique de type balancier-spiral, agencée pour enfermer intégralement le balancier et le ressort spiral, notamment dans le but d'éviter que des perturbations aérodynamiques générées par les mouvements du balancier ne perturbent pas d'autres composants du mouvement horloger. La coque de protection comprend deux faces en forme de disques entre lesquelles se trouve par une paroi cylindrique, portée par la première face.For example, the patent application DE 19651320 A1 discloses a protective shell, for mechanical oscillator sprung-balance type, arranged to completely enclose the balance and the spiral spring, particularly in order to prevent aerodynamic disturbances generated by the movements of the balance does not disturb other components of the watch movement. The protective shell comprises two disc-shaped faces between which is a cylindrical wall carried by the first face.

Toutefois, cette demande de brevet reste relativement schématique dans son mode de divulgation. Aussi, il n'y est fait mention que d'une seule ouverture dans la coque de protection, plus précisément dans sa paroi cylindrique, pour définir un passage pour une ancre d'échappement agencée pour coopérer avec l'arbre de balancier. En outre, le mode d'assemblage de la coque de protection au mouvement horloger n'est pas clairement visible.However, this patent application remains relatively schematic in its mode of disclosure. Also, there is only mention of a single opening in the protective shell, specifically in its cylindrical wall, to define a passage for an exhaust anchor arranged to cooperate with the balance shaft. In addition, the method of assembly of the protective shell to the watch movement is not clearly visible.

Par ailleurs, les dimensions de la coque de protection sont relativement importantes étant donné qu'elle doit contenir le balancier et le ressort spiral.In addition, the dimensions of the protective shell are relatively important since it must contain the balance and the spiral spring.

De plus, un problème particulier peut survenir auquel l'invention de cette demande antérieure ne peut pas forcément répondre: en cas de choc subi par la pièce d'horlogerie, il peut arriver que le ressort spiral se déforme au point de heurter d'autres parties du mouvement situées à proximité, voire de se coincer sur l'une d'elles.In addition, a particular problem may arise which the invention of this earlier application can not necessarily answer: in the event of shock suffered by the timepiece, it may happen that the spiral spring deforms to the point of hitting other parts of the movement located nearby, or even get stuck on one of them.

Aussi les demandes de brevet US 252,062 A et CH 348367 A divulguent des cages de protection.Also patent applications US 252,062A and CH 348367 A disclose protective cages.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

Un but principal de la présente invention est de proposer une construction d'oscillateur mécanique pour mouvement horloger dans lequel le ressort spiral ne peut pas heurter un autre composant du mouvement en cas de choc subi par la pièce d'horlogerie correspondante, avec un risque d'accrochage, sans que l'encombrement global de l'oscillateur mécanique ne devienne trop important.A main object of the present invention is to propose a mechanical oscillator construction for a watch movement in which the spiral spring can not strike another component of the movement in the event of impact suffered by the corresponding timepiece, with a risk of hooking, without the overall size of the mechanical oscillator becomes too large.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un oscillateur mécanique tel que mentionné plus haut, caractérisé par le fait que la cage est ouverte sur sa seconde face, située en regard du balancier, et présente des première et seconde ouvertures ménagées dans la première face pour définir des passages respectifs pour l'arbre de balancier et pour le support de l'extrémité externe du ressort spiral.For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a mechanical oscillator as mentioned above, characterized in that the cage is open on its second face, located opposite the balance, and has first and second openings in the first face to define respective passages for the balance shaft and for the support of the outer end of the spiral spring.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la cage selon la présente invention présente un encombrement réduit tout en isolant efficacement le ressort spiral des autres composants, d'une part, dans les directions radiales par sa paroi cylindrique et, d'autre part, dans la direction axiale du côté du pont de balancier par sa première face.Thanks to these characteristics, the cage according to the present invention has a reduced bulk while effectively isolating the spiral spring of the other components, on the one hand, in the radial directions by its cylindrical wall and, on the other hand, in the axial direction. on the side of the swing bridge by its first face.

Le fait que la seconde face de la cage, située du côté du balancier, soit ouverte ne pose pas de problème, quand bien même cela permettrait au ressort spiral de heurter brièvement le balancier en cas de choc. En effet, la forme du balancier est telle qu'il ne présente aucun point d'accroche possible pour le ressort spiral en cas de déformation de ce dernier, qui reprendrait alors sa place normale suite à un choc.The fact that the second face of the cage, located on the side of the balance, is open does not pose a problem, even if it would allow the spiral spring to hit briefly the balance in case of shock. Indeed, the shape of the balance is such that it has no point of attachment possible for the spiral spring in case of deformation of the latter, which would then resume its normal place following a shock.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, l'oscillateur mécanique comporte une raquette et un porte-piton, lui-même portant un piton définissant le support pour l'extrémité externe du ressort spiral, le porte-piton étant monté pivotant sur le pont de balancier de manière à permettre un déplacement circulaire du support en référence à l'arbre de balancier. Dans ce cas, on prévoit avantageusement que la seconde ouverture présente sensiblement la forme d'une portion d'anneau.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical oscillator comprises a racket and a bolt carrier, itself carrying a stud defining the support for the outer end of the spiral spring, the bolt carrier being pivotally mounted on the balance bridge so as to allow a circular displacement of the support with reference to the balance shaft. In this case, it is advantageously provided that the second opening has substantially the shape of a ring portion.

Par ailleurs, on peut également prévoir qu'au moins une creusure est ménagée dans le pont de balancier pour définir un logement pour une portion de la cage de protection, pour en limiter davantage l'encombrement de l'oscillateur mécanique selon la présente invention.Moreover, it can also be provided that at least one recess is formed in the pendulum bridge to define a housing for a portion of the protective cage, to further limit the size of the mechanical oscillator according to the present invention.

La cage de protection peut être réalisée en une partie ou, en alternative, elle peut comprendre au moins deux parties, dont chacune est assemblée indépendamment de l'autre au pont de balancier de manière à définir, ensemble, la cage de protection, lorsqu'elles sont assemblées au pont de balancier.The protective cage may be made in one part or, alternatively, it may comprise at least two parts, each of which is assembled independently of the other to the pendulum bridge so as to define, together, the protective cage, when they are assembled at the pendulum bridge.

La forme et le mode d'assemblage de la cage de protection au pont de balancier peuvent ainsi être optimisés par le constructeur, en fonction des contraintes imposées par le mouvement horloger auquel l'invention est appliquée.The form and method of assembly of the protective cage to the balance bridge can thus be optimized by the manufacturer, according to the constraints imposed by the watch movement to which the invention is applied.

Il est possible de prévoir, de manière complémentaire, que la cage de protection est réalisée en un matériau à forte perméabilité magnétique pour assurer simultanément une protection du ressort spiral contre les champs magnétiques auxquels la pièce d'horlogerie correspondante pourrait être exposée.It is possible to provide, in a complementary manner, that the protective cage is made of a material with high magnetic permeability to simultaneously provide protection of the spiral spring against the magnetic fields to which the corresponding timepiece could be exposed.

La présente invention concerne également un mouvement horloger et une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un oscillateur mécanique répondant aux caractéristiques ci-dessus.The present invention also relates to a watch movement and a timepiece comprising a mechanical oscillator meeting the above characteristics.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préféré qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective simplifiée d'un oscillateur mécanique selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente l'invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée de l'oscillateur mécanique de la figure 1, et
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un oscillateur mécanique selon une variante de réalisation de la présente invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a simplified perspective view of a mechanical oscillator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical oscillator of the figure 1 , and
  • the figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a mechanical oscillator according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un oscillateur mécanique 1 selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, tandis que la figure 2 illustre ce même oscillateur mécanique 1 dans une vue en perspective éclatée.The figure 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical oscillator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, while the figure 2 illustrates the same mechanical oscillator 1 in an exploded perspective view.

L'oscillateur mécanique 1 comprend un pont de balancier 2 destiné à être assemblé au bâti d'un mouvement horloger, typiquement une platine (non visible), de manière conventionnelle. En particulier, on a représenté ici de manière illustrative non limitative un trou 4 destiné à recevoir une vis (non représentée) d'assemblage du pont au bâti, ainsi qu'un plot destiné à être logé dans un trou correspondant du bâti, pour assurer le bon positionnement angulaire du pont.The mechanical oscillator 1 comprises a pendulum bridge 2 intended to be assembled to the frame of a watch movement, typically a plate (not visible), in a conventional manner. In particular, there is shown in a nonlimiting illustrative manner a hole 4 for receiving a screw (not shown) for assembling the bridge to the frame, and a stud intended to be housed in a corresponding hole of the frame, to ensure the correct angular positioning of the bridge.

Le pont de balancier 2 porte un palier 8, muni d'un pare-choc 10 et, destiné à recevoir une première extrémité d'un arbre de balancier 12 portant un balancier 14 et dont une première extrémité (non visible) d'un ressort spiral 16 est solidaire, de manière conventionnelle.The pendulum bridge 2 carries a bearing 8, provided with a bumper 10 and intended to receive a first end of a balance shaft 12 carrying a rocker 14 and a first end (not visible) of a spring spiral 16 is secured in a conventional manner.

Un porte-piton 18 est monté mobile en rotation sur le pont de balancier 2, pour assurer le maintien de l'extrémité externe du ressort spiral 16, également de manière conventionnelle et, en étant associé à une raquette 20, assemblée au pont de balancier 2 de telle manière que sa position angulaire peut être ajustée. La raquette 20 présente une queue 22 agencée pour coopérer avec la tête d'une vis excentrique 24, vissée dans un trou du pont de balancier 2, pour permettre un réglage fin de la position angulaire de la raquette 20.A bolt carrier 18 is rotatably mounted on the rocker bridge 2, to maintain the outer end of the spiral spring 16, also in a conventional manner and, being associated with a racket 20, assembled to the pendulum bridge 2 so that its angular position can be adjusted. The racket 20 has a shank 22 arranged to cooperate with the head of an eccentric screw 24, screwed into a hole of the balance bridge 2, to allow a fine adjustment of the angular position of the racket 20.

L'oscillateur mécanique selon la présente invention comporte par ailleurs une cage de protection 26 du ressort spiral 16.The mechanical oscillator according to the present invention further comprises a protective cage 26 of the spiral spring 16.

La cage de protection 26 peut être réalisée en une seule pièce, comme illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, ou en plusieurs pièces, comme illustré sur la figure 3. Elle présente globalement une forme cylindrique avec des première et seconde faces 28 et 30, sensiblement planes, entre lesquelles est agencée une paroi 32 sensiblement cylindrique.The protective cage 26 can be made in one piece, as illustrated in the figures 1 and 2 , or in several pieces, as illustrated on the figure 3 . It generally has a cylindrical shape with first and second faces 28 and 30, substantially planar, between which is arranged a substantially cylindrical wall 32.

La cage de protection 26 est dimensionnée de manière à envelopper le ressort spiral 16, c'est-à-dire que sa paroi cylindrique 32 présente un rayon légèrement plus grand que celui du ressort spiral 16.The protective cage 26 is dimensioned so as to envelop the spiral spring 16, that is to say that its cylindrical wall 32 has a radius slightly larger than that of the spiral spring 16.

Sa première face 28 présente une première ouverture 34, centrale, définissant un passage pour l'arbre de balancier une fois que les composant sont assemblés les uns aux autres. En outre, la première face 28 comprend une seconde ouverture 36, en forme générale de portion d'anneau, définissant un passage étendu pour le porte-piton 18, de telle manière que ce dernier puisse être déplacé pour effectuer le réglage de la marche de l'oscillateur mécanique, de manière conventionnelle.Its first face 28 has a first opening 34, central, defining a passage for the balance shaft once the components are assembled to each other. In addition, the first face 28 comprises a second opening 36, in the general shape of a ring portion, defining an extended passage for the stud holder 18, so that the latter can be moved to adjust the gait of the mechanical oscillator, in a conventional manner.

La première face 28 comprend par ailleurs deux trous 38 définissant des passages pour des vis 40 de fixation de la cage de protection 26 au pont de balancier 2.The first face 28 also comprises two holes 38 defining passages for screws 40 for fixing the protection cage 26 to the balance bridge 2.

La seconde face 30 de la cage de protection 26 est ouverte.The second face 30 of the protective cage 26 is open.

Il ressort de la figure 1 que le ressort spiral 16 est enfermé dans la cage de protection 26 et qu'en cas de choc subi par la pièce d'horlogerie correspondante, il ne peut heurter que la paroi cylindrique 32, la première face 28, ou encore le balancier 14. Toutefois, aucun de ces composants n'offre de point d'accrochage susceptible de retenir le ressort spiral après le choc et donc de conduire à l'arrêt des oscillations de l'oscillateur mécanique selon la présente invention. En effet, avec un oscillateur mécanique selon l'art antérieur, il est possible pour le ressort spiral d'accrocher au moins l'une de ses spires autour du piton en cas de choc violent, un tel risque étant écarté par la mise en oeuvre de la présente invention.It appears from figure 1 that the spiral spring 16 is enclosed in the protective cage 26 and that in case of shock suffered by the corresponding timepiece, it can hit only the cylindrical wall 32, the first face 28, or the rocker 14. However, none of these components offers a hooking point likely to retain the spiral spring after the shock and thus lead to stopping oscillations of the mechanical oscillator according to the present invention. Indeed, with a mechanical oscillator according to the prior art, it is possible for the spiral spring to hang at least one of its turns around the peak in case of violent impact, such a risk being removed by the implementation of the present invention.

On note, sur la représentation de la figure 2, qu'une creusure 42 est avantageusement ménagée dans le pont de balancier 2 pour loger une portion de la cage de protection 26 et en limiter ainsi l'encombrement, suivant la direction de l'épaisseur du mouvement horloger.We note, on the representation of the figure 2 , that a recess 42 is advantageously formed in the balance bridge 2 to accommodate a portion of the protective cage 26 and thus limit the size, in the direction of the thickness of the watch movement.

La figure 3 illustre une variante de réalisation de l'oscillateur mécanique qui a été décrit en relation avec les figures précédentes.The figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the mechanical oscillator which has been described in connection with the preceding figures.

Selon cette variante, l'oscillateur mécanique 1 comporte ici une cage de protection 126 réalisée en deux pièces 128, 130, au lieu d'une, à titre illustratif non limitatif. Ainsi, lorsqu'un horloger doit accéder au ressort spiral 16, il peut retirer la cage de protection 126 sans nécessairement démonter le pont de balancier 2. Chacune des pièces 128 et 130 comporte un trou 132 pour loger une vis de fixation 40 au pont de balancier 2.According to this variant, the mechanical oscillator 1 here comprises a protective cage 126 made in two parts 128, 130, instead of one, by way of nonlimiting illustration. Thus, when a watchmaker has to access the spiral spring 16, he can remove the protective cage 126 without necessarily disassembling the balance bridge 2. Each of the parts 128 and 130 has a hole 132 to accommodate a fixing screw 40 to the bridge. pendulum 2.

Les autres aspects de la variante de réalisation de la figure 3 sont identiques à ce qui a été décrit plus haut et ne seront pas abordés en détail.The other aspects of the variant embodiment of the figure 3 are identical to what has been described above and will not be discussed in detail.

La description qui précède s'attache à décrire un mode de réalisation particulier à titre d'illustration non limitative et, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la mise en oeuvre de certaines caractéristiques particulières qui viennent d'être décrites, comme par exemple la forme spécifiquement illustrée et décrite pour la cage de protection ou pour les composants standards d'un oscillateur mécanique.The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, for example the form specifically illustrated and described for the protective cage or for the standard components of a mechanical oscillator.

L'homme du métier ne rencontrera pas de difficulté particulière pour adapter le contenu de la présente divulgation à ses propres besoins et mettre en oeuvre un oscillateur mécanique répondant en partie aux caractéristiques qui viennent d'être présentées, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.The person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and use a mechanical oscillator that partly meets the characteristics that have just been presented, without departing from the scope of the present invention. .

Ainsi, on mentionnera par exemple la possibilité de prévoir que la cage de protection est réalisée en un matériau à forte perméabilité magnétique pour assurer simultanément une protection du ressort spiral contre les champs magnétiques auxquels la pièce d'horlogerie correspondante pourrait être exposée.Thus, mention may be made, for example, of the possibility of providing that the protective cage is made of a material with high magnetic permeability so as simultaneously to ensure protection of the spiral spring against the magnetic fields to which the corresponding timepiece could be exposed.

Claims (7)

  1. A mechanical oscillator (1) for a clockwork movement, including a balance (14) associated with a balance-spring (16), as well as a balance-cock (2) carrying a bearing (8) in which one end of a balance-staff (12) is pivoted, whereof said balance (14) and a first end of said balance-spring (16) are secured,
    a support (18) to hold the second end of said balance-spring (16), and
    a protective frame (26, 126) of said balance-spring (16) comprising a first substantially planar face (28), secured to said balance-cock (2), and a substantially cylindrical wall (32) arranged at the periphery of said balance-spring (16),
    characterized in that said protective frame (26, 126) is open on its second face (30), facing said balance (14), and has first and second openings (34, 36) arranged in said first face (28) to define respective passages for said balance-staff (12) and for said support (18).
  2. The mechanical oscillator (1) according to claim 1, including an index (20) and a balance-spring stud holder (18), in turn carrying a balance-spring stud defining said support, said balance-spring stud (18) being mounted pivoting on said balance-cock (2) so as to allow a circular movement of said support (18) in reference to said balance-staff (12), characterized in that said second opening (36) is substantially in the shape of a ring portion.
  3. The mechanical oscillator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one recess (42) is arranged in said balance-cock (2) in order to define a housing for a portion of said protective frame (26).
  4. The mechanical oscillator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protective frame (26) comprises at least two parts (128, 130), each of which is assembled independently of the other to said balance-cock (2) so as to define the protective frame (126) together, when they are assembled to said balance-cock (2).
  5. The mechanical oscillator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protective frame (26, 126) is made from a material with a high magnetic permeability.
  6. A clockwork movement including a mechanical oscillator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  7. A timepiece including a case housing a clockwork movement according to claim 6.
EP14718023.6A 2013-04-17 2014-04-04 Mechanical oscillator for a timepiece movement Active EP2987035B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH00786/13A CH707925A1 (en) 2013-04-17 2013-04-17 mechanical oscillator for clock movement.
PCT/EP2014/056883 WO2014170147A2 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-04 Mechanical oscillator for a timepiece movement

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2987035A2 EP2987035A2 (en) 2016-02-24
EP2987035B1 true EP2987035B1 (en) 2017-03-22

Family

ID=50513218

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14718023.6A Active EP2987035B1 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-04 Mechanical oscillator for a timepiece movement

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2987035B1 (en)
CH (1) CH707925A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014170147A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2799937B1 (en) * 2013-05-01 2020-09-16 Rolex Sa Shock-proof bearing for an horological balance
CN106950812B (en) * 2017-05-11 2022-04-29 李国强 Tight speed and slow pin fine adjustment mechanism with clamping balance wheel and locking function

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US252062A (en) * 1882-01-10 Staff and j ewel protector for watches
US406364A (en) * 1889-07-02 Anti-magnetic watch
CH156808A (en) * 1931-07-11 1932-08-31 Societe Anonyme Fabriqu Aegler Clockwork movement.
CH193396A (en) * 1936-10-21 1937-10-15 D Ebauches De Fleurier S A Fab Safety device for the hairspring of a watch.
CH269232A (en) * 1947-06-05 1950-06-30 Le Coultre & Cie Balance protector.
CH348367A (en) * 1958-07-18 1960-08-15 Junghans Geb Ag Antimagnetic watch
DE1206811B (en) * 1962-04-11 1965-12-09 Lars Aadnesen Loege Safety device to prevent the Breguet hairspring from jumping over on balance watches
CH388197A (en) * 1962-04-11 1965-06-15 A Loge Lars Safety device on the balance cock of watches
DE19651320B4 (en) * 1996-12-11 2004-06-03 Schmidt, Lothar oscillating system
CH692532A5 (en) * 1997-10-21 2002-07-15 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag A method of making a balance spring for a horological movement.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2987035A2 (en) 2016-02-24
WO2014170147A2 (en) 2014-10-23
CH707925A1 (en) 2014-10-31
WO2014170147A3 (en) 2014-12-24

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