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EP1921518B1 - Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component - Google Patents

Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1921518B1
EP1921518B1 EP06123784A EP06123784A EP1921518B1 EP 1921518 B1 EP1921518 B1 EP 1921518B1 EP 06123784 A EP06123784 A EP 06123784A EP 06123784 A EP06123784 A EP 06123784A EP 1921518 B1 EP1921518 B1 EP 1921518B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elastic
assembly element
support surface
elastic strip
arbour
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP06123784A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1921518A1 (en
Inventor
Roland Bitterli
Wilfried Noell
Fabien Blondeau
Lionel Paratte
Toralf Scharf
Pierre-André Meister
André Zanetta
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.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to EP06123784A priority Critical patent/EP1921518B1/en
Priority to DE602006014554T priority patent/DE602006014554D1/en
Priority to AT06123784T priority patent/ATE469377T1/en
Priority to SG200717475-8A priority patent/SG143144A1/en
Priority to KR1020070113448A priority patent/KR101245025B1/en
Priority to JP2007291851A priority patent/JP5117822B2/en
Priority to US11/937,738 priority patent/US7438465B2/en
Priority to CN2007101596214A priority patent/CN101196724B/en
Publication of EP1921518A1 publication Critical patent/EP1921518A1/en
Priority to HK08113169.0A priority patent/HK1121818A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1921518B1 publication Critical patent/EP1921518B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/04—Hands; Discs with a single mark or the like
    • G04B19/042—Construction and manufacture of the hands; arrangements for increasing reading accuracy
    • 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
    • G04B13/00—Gearwork
    • G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
    • G04B13/021—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots elastic fitting with a spindle, axis or shaft
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D3/00—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
    • G04D3/0002—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe
    • G04D3/0043—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components of the time-indicating mechanisms
    • G04D3/0046—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components of the time-indicating mechanisms for hands
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24273—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including aperture
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/19—Gearing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an assembly element and a timepiece comprising such an element.
  • the invention more particularly relates to an assembly element made in a plate of brittle material such as silicon, in particular for a timepiece, having an opening provided for the axial insertion of a shaft, the inner wall of the opening comprising elastic structures which are etched in the plate and which each comprise at least one bearing surface for radially clamping the shaft in order to secure the fastening element with respect to the shaft, wherein each elastic structure comprises a first straight elastic blade which extends in a direction tangential to the shaft, the bearing surface being arranged on the inner face of the first elastic blade.
  • the assembly elements such as the watch hands and the gears are fixed on their rotary shaft by driving, that is to say that a hollow cylinder is forced on an axis. having a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the cylinder.
  • the elastic and plastic properties of the material used generally a metal, are used for this hunting.
  • a hollow cylinder on a conventional rotating shaft such as those used in mechanical watchmaking , with a diameter tolerance of the order of +/- 5 microns.
  • the fixing solution of the connecting element such as a needle must provide sufficient force to hold the element in place during shocks.
  • the force required for a conventional watchmaking needle is for example of the order of a Newton.
  • the document EP 1 708 045 discloses a silicon clock wheel which comprises an elastic portion adapted to receive and tighten an axis to maintain said wheel.
  • the invention aims to provide improvements to this solution, in particular to allow the use of this assembly element as a rotary element in a clockwork mechanism, in particular as a watchmaking needle.
  • each elastic structure is constituted by a radial stack of several parallel elastic blades, each blade.
  • resilient member being spaced radially from the adjacent resilient blade by a two-part straight rectilinear lumen, the two portions of the intermediate lumen being separated by a material bridge which connects the two adjacent resilient blades and which is substantially radially aligned with the surface of support, wherein the last elastic blade of the stack, which is located on the opposite side to the first blade, is radially spaced from the rest of the plate by a single-piece light, called displacement light, which defines a space of radial clearance for the elastic structure.
  • the assembly element according to the invention makes it possible to improve the clamping force against the shaft, to allow a better distribution of the forces related to the elastic deformation in the material constituting the connecting element, and to allow a better control of the clamping force obtained on the shaft.
  • the restoring forces of each elastic blade of a stack add up while maintaining a stiffness of each elastic blade as low as possible.
  • a significant bending of the elastic structure is obtained, in particular at the level of the bearing surface, without leaving the elastic domain of the material.
  • the elastic structures according to the invention offer a radial displacement, following their elastic deformation, which is large enough to compensate for manufacturing tolerances applied to the diameter of a shaft such as those used in timepieces for the training of the needles.
  • the elastic structures according to the invention make it possible to optimize the volume available on the assembly element to perform the clamping and fixing function.
  • the invention also proposes a timepiece characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting element according to one of the preceding characteristics.
  • FIG 1 schematically shows a timepiece 10 which is made in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
  • the timepiece 10 comprises a movement 12 mounted inside a casing 14 closed by a lens 16.
  • the movement 12 drives in rotation, about an axis A1, analog display means constituted here by a hour hand 18, a minute hand 20, and a second hand 22, these hands extending above a dial 24.
  • the needles 18, 20, 22 are fixed on shafts 26, 28, 30 of cylindrical rotation coaxial elastic clamping, like a hunting, as will be seen later.
  • the shafts 26, 28, 30 are conventional shafts commonly used in watch movements, for example shafts made of metal or plastic material.
  • the needles 18, 20, 22 constitute connecting elements, each needle 18, 20, 22 being made in a plate of brittle material, preferably of crystalline material based on silicon.
  • Each needle 18, 20, 22 here comprises a fixing ring 31 which delimits an opening 32 provided to allow the fixing of the needle 18, 20, 22 on the shaft 26, 28, 30 associated by axial insertion in the opening 32.
  • the inner wall 33 of the opening 32 comprises structures elastic members 34 which are etched in the plate forming the fixing ring 31 and which each comprise at least one bearing surface 36 for radially clamping the associated shaft 26, 28, 30 in order to retain the needle 18 radially and axially, 20, 22 on the shaft 26, 28, 30, and in order to make the shaft and the associated needle integral with rotation.
  • Each elastic structure 34 is constituted by a radial stack of several linear lamellae L n rectilinear and parallel, of substantially constant radial thickness, which each extend in a tangential direction relative to the associated shaft 26.
  • the bearing surface 36 of each elastic structure 34 is arranged on the inner face 38 of the first elastic blade L 1 of the stack, on the side of the shaft 26.
  • each elastic blade L n is radially of the elastic blade spaced L n + 1, L n-1 adjacent a separator hole I n rectilinear in two parts I na, I nb, both parts I na, I nb of the separator hole I n being separated by a material bridge P n which connects the two adjacent elastic strips L n and which is substantially radially aligned with the bearing surface 36.
  • the continuous sequence of material bridges P n between the elastic strips L n thus forms a radial connecting beam 40.
  • each intermediate light I n has a rounded profile, for example in a semicircle, so as to avoid an accumulation of mechanical stresses at the ends which could lead to breakouts during the bending of the elastic blades L n .
  • the stack forming the elastic structure 34 comprises three resilient blades L 1 , L 2 , L 3 and two intermediate lights I 1 , I 2 .
  • the radial thicknesses of the intermediate lights I n are here substantially constant and identical.
  • the last elastic blade L 3 of the stack which is located on the opposite side to the first blade L 1 , is spaced radially from the rest of the plate forming the needle 18 by a light 42 in a single part, called deflection light 42, which defines a radial clearance space for the associated elastic structure 34.
  • the minimum radial thickness of the deflection lumen 42 is determined, firstly, by the minimum radial slot thickness allowed by the process used to etch the plate of brittle material and, secondly, by the maximum radial displacement of the elastic structure 34. The largest of these two parameters will be chosen for the minimum radial thickness of the deflection lumen 42.
  • the radial thickness of the deflection lumen 42 is substantially constant and superior. to the radial thickness of the intermediate lights I n .
  • the connecting beam 40 makes it possible to bind all the elastic strips L n between them, so that they can all be deformed simultaneously when a radial force is applied to the bearing surface 36, and in such a way as to distribute mechanical stresses in several places to minimize the risk of breakage.
  • the length of the elastic blades L n decreases progressively from the first elastic blade L 1 to the last elastic blade L 3 of the stack, which makes it possible to follow globally the curvature of the wall outer cylindrical 44 of the fixing ring 31.
  • each intermediate light I n is substantially constant over its entire length and the radial thickness of all the intermediate lights I n is substantially equal.
  • the number of elastic structures 34 arranged around the opening 32 is chosen as a function of the diameter of the associated shaft 26, 28, 30 and as a function of the available radial space between the inner wall 33 of the opening 32 and the outer wall 44 of the fixing ring 31 of the needle 18, 20, 22.
  • the diameter of the shaft 26 associated with the hour hand 18 is much larger than the diameter of the shaft 30 associated with the second hand 22, and as the diameter outside the fixing ring 31 does not evolve proportionally, it was selected a number of elastic structures 34 equal to four for the hour hand 18 while the number of elastic structures 34 is equal to two for the needle Secondly, the number of elastic structures 34 in the minute hand 20 is here equal to three.
  • the elastic structures 34 are evenly distributed around the axis A1, so that the inner contour of the aperture 32 generally has a square shape and a triangular shape respectively.
  • the first elastic blades L 1 of the two elastic structures 34 define between they have an acute angle ⁇ and they are substantially joined to one of their fixed ends.
  • the angle ⁇ for example has a value of about thirty degrees.
  • the fixed bearing surface 46 extends in a tangential direction, relative to the associated shaft 30, and forms the base of an isosceles triangle whose two other sides are formed by the inner face 38 of the first elastic blades. L 1 of the two elastic structures 34.
  • the fixed bearing surface 46 is here arranged at the free end of a cutout 48, generally trapezium-shaped, projecting inside the opening 32.
  • the cut 48 is engraved in the plate forming the needle 22 and here it comprises two side walls 50, 52 which each extend parallel to the first blade L 1 of the elastic structure 34 vis-à-vis.
  • the shaft 30 associated with the seconds hand 22 is designed to bear against the fixed bearing surface 46 and against the bearing surfaces 36 of the elastic structures 34.
  • contour of the inner wall 33 of the opening 32 has the overall shape of an isosceles triangle.
  • each elastic structure 34 the radial thickness of each elastic blade L n is substantially constant over its entire length, and the radial thickness of the elastic blades L n decreases progressively from the first elastic blade L 1 to the last blade elastic L9 of the stack, each elastic structure 34 having here nine elastic blades L n of decreasing lengths, from the inside to the outside.
  • the radial thickness of the elastic blades L 1 is adapted to their length, which allows a substantially homogeneous flexibility of all the elastic blades L n , despite their differences in length.
  • the invention thus makes it possible to homogenize the mechanical stresses throughout the volume of material used for fixing, that is to say here in the entire fixing ring 31.
  • the number of elastic blades L n forming each stack can be adapted according to various parameters, in particular according to the available radial space, depending on the desired clamping force on the shaft associated, depending on the type of material used to manufacture the needle 18, 20, 22 associated.
  • each bearing surface 36, 46 is provided with discrete elements in relief 54 which increase the friction between the shaft 30 and the bearing surfaces 36, 46 so as to improve the rotational connection between the shaft 30 and the needle 22.
  • These discrete elements in relief 54 are constituted here by teeth of triangular profile.
  • this variant embodiment is applicable to the bearing surfaces 36 arranged in the openings 32 of the hours 18 and minute hands 20 described in connection with the Figures 2 and 3 .
  • the connecting element may be constituted by another type of rotary element, for example by a toothed wheel used in a clockwork movement.
  • the connecting element may also be constituted by a non-rotating element, for example a plate of brittle material intended to be assembled on another element comprising a fixing shaft, or tenon, of metal.
  • the present invention is applicable to a needle 18, 20, 22 made in a silicon wafer comprising a single layer of silicon, as well as in a Silicon On Insulator (SOI) type wafer which comprises an upper layer and a lower layer of silicon separated by an intermediate layer of silicon oxide.
  • SOI Silicon On Insulator

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
  • Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

The assembling element has an inner wall (33) with elastic structures, where each structure is constituted of a radial pile of parallel elastic blades (Ln). Each blade is spaced radially from the adjacent elastic blade (Ln) by a rectilinear insert opening (ln) in two parts, where the parts of the opening are separated by a material bridge (Pn). Final elastic blade of the pile is situated in a side opposite to an initial elastic blade and is spaced radially from rest of the plate by a displacement opening (42), which defines a radial space for an elastic structure (34).

Description

L'invention concerne un élément d'assemblage et une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un tel élément.The invention relates to an assembly element and a timepiece comprising such an element.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un élément d'assemblage réalisé dans une plaque en matériau cassant tel que du silicium, notamment pour une pièce d'horlogerie, comportant une ouverture prévue pour l'insertion axiale d'un arbre, la paroi intérieure de l'ouverture comportant des structures élastiques qui sont gravées dans la plaque et qui comportent chacune au moins une surface d'appui pour serrer radialement l'arbre en vue d'assurer la fixation de l'élément d'assemblage par rapport à l'arbre, dans lequel chaque structure élastique comporte une première lame élastique rectiligne qui s'étend suivant une direction tangentielle par rapport à l'arbre, la surface d'appui étant agencée sur la face interne de la première lame élastique.The invention more particularly relates to an assembly element made in a plate of brittle material such as silicon, in particular for a timepiece, having an opening provided for the axial insertion of a shaft, the inner wall of the opening comprising elastic structures which are etched in the plate and which each comprise at least one bearing surface for radially clamping the shaft in order to secure the fastening element with respect to the shaft, wherein each elastic structure comprises a first straight elastic blade which extends in a direction tangential to the shaft, the bearing surface being arranged on the inner face of the first elastic blade.

Généralement, dans les pièces d'horlogerie, les éléments d'assemblage tels que les aiguilles horlogères et les roues dentées sont fixées sur leur arbre de rotation par chassage, c'est-à-dire qu'un cylindre creux est forcé sur un axe possédant un diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre intérieur du cylindre. Les propriétés élastiques et plastiques du matériau employé, généralement un métal, sont utilisées pour ce chassage. Pour des composants réalisés en matériau cassant tel que du silicium, matériau qui ne possède pas de domaine plastique utilisable, il n'est pas possible de chasser un cylindre creux sur un arbre de rotation conventionnel tels que ceux qui sont utilisés dans l'horlogerie mécanique, avec une tolérance de diamètre de l'ordre de +/- 5 microns.Generally, in timepieces, the assembly elements such as the watch hands and the gears are fixed on their rotary shaft by driving, that is to say that a hollow cylinder is forced on an axis. having a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the cylinder. The elastic and plastic properties of the material used, generally a metal, are used for this hunting. For components made of brittle material such as silicon, which material does not have a usable plastic field, it is not possible to drive a hollow cylinder on a conventional rotating shaft such as those used in mechanical watchmaking , with a diameter tolerance of the order of +/- 5 microns.

De plus, la solution de fixation de l'élément d'assemblage tel qu'une aiguille doit fournir une force suffisante pour maintenir en place l'élément lors de chocs. La force nécessaire pour une aiguille horlogère conventionnelle est par exemple de l'ordre de un Newton.In addition, the fixing solution of the connecting element such as a needle must provide sufficient force to hold the element in place during shocks. The force required for a conventional watchmaking needle is for example of the order of a Newton.

Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il a déjà été proposé de réaliser, dans un élément d'assemblage tel qu'une virole de ressort à spiral en silicium, des structures élastiques en forme de lames flexibles agencées sur le pourtour de l'ouverture, de manière à permettre la fixation de la virole sur un arbre à la manière d'un chassage, en utilisant la déformation élastique des lames pour serrer l'arbre et retenir la virole sur l'arbre. Un tel exemple de fixation est décrit notamment dans le document EP 1 655 642 .To solve these problems, it has already been proposed to produce, in an assembly element such as a silicon spiral spring ferrule, elastic structures in the form of flexible blades arranged around the periphery of the opening, in such a way that to allow the attachment of the ferrule on a shaft in the manner of a hunting, using the elastic deformation of the blades to tighten the shaft and retain the ferrule on the shaft. Such an example of attachment is described in particular in the document EP 1 655 642 .

Le document EP 1 708 045 divulgue une roue d'horlogerie en silicium qui comporte une partie élastique apte à recevoir et serrer un axe pour y maintenir ladite roue.The document EP 1 708 045 discloses a silicon clock wheel which comprises an elastic portion adapted to receive and tighten an axis to maintain said wheel.

L'invention vise à apporter des perfectionnements à cette solution, notamment pour permettre l'utilisation de cet élément d'assemblage comme élément rotatif dans un mécanisme d'horlogerie, en particulier comme aiguille horlogère.The invention aims to provide improvements to this solution, in particular to allow the use of this assembly element as a rotary element in a clockwork mechanism, in particular as a watchmaking needle.

Dans ce but, l'invention, qui est définie par l'objet de la revendication 1, propose un élément d'assemblage du type décrit précédemment, dans lequel chaque structure élastique est constituée par un empilement radial de plusieurs lames élastiques parallèles, chaque lame élastique étant espacée radialement de la lame élastique adjacente par une lumière intercalaire rectiligne en deux parties, les deux parties de la lumière intercalaire étant séparées par un pont de matière qui relie les deux lames élastiques adjacentes et qui est sensiblement aligné radialement avec la surface d'appui, dans lequel la dernière lame élastique de l'empilement, qui est située du côté opposé à la première lame, est espacée radialement du reste de la plaque par une lumière en une seule partie, dite lumière de débattement, qui définit un espace de débattement radial pour la structure élastique.For this purpose, the invention, which is defined by the subject of claim 1, proposes an assembly element of the type described above, in which each elastic structure is constituted by a radial stack of several parallel elastic blades, each blade. resilient member being spaced radially from the adjacent resilient blade by a two-part straight rectilinear lumen, the two portions of the intermediate lumen being separated by a material bridge which connects the two adjacent resilient blades and which is substantially radially aligned with the surface of support, wherein the last elastic blade of the stack, which is located on the opposite side to the first blade, is radially spaced from the rest of the plate by a single-piece light, called displacement light, which defines a space of radial clearance for the elastic structure.

L'élément d'assemblage selon l'invention permet d'améliorer la force de serrage contre l'arbre, pour permettre une meilleure répartition des efforts liés à la déformation élastique dans le matériau constituant l'élément d'assemblage, et pour permettre un meilleur contrôle de la force de serrage obtenue sur l'arbre. En particulier, les forces de rappel de chaque lame élastique d'un empilement s'additionnent tout en conservant une raideur de chaque lame élastique aussi basse que possible. On obtient une flexion importante de la structure élastique, en particulier au niveau de la surface d'appui, sans quitter le domaine élastique du matériau. Ainsi, les structures élastiques selon l'invention offrent un débattement radial, suite à leur déformation élastique, qui est suffisamment important pour compenser les tolérances de fabrication appliquées au diamètre d'un arbre tel que ceux qui sont utilisés dans des pièces d'horlogerie pour l'entraînement des aiguilles.The assembly element according to the invention makes it possible to improve the clamping force against the shaft, to allow a better distribution of the forces related to the elastic deformation in the material constituting the connecting element, and to allow a better control of the clamping force obtained on the shaft. In particular, the restoring forces of each elastic blade of a stack add up while maintaining a stiffness of each elastic blade as low as possible. A significant bending of the elastic structure is obtained, in particular at the level of the bearing surface, without leaving the elastic domain of the material. Thus, the elastic structures according to the invention offer a radial displacement, following their elastic deformation, which is large enough to compensate for manufacturing tolerances applied to the diameter of a shaft such as those used in timepieces for the training of the needles.

De plus, les structures élastiques selon l'invention permettent d'optimiser le volume disponible sur l'élément d'assemblage pour réaliser la fonction de serrage et de fixation.In addition, the elastic structures according to the invention make it possible to optimize the volume available on the assembly element to perform the clamping and fixing function.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • dans chaque structure élastique, la longueur des lames élastiques diminue progressivement depuis la première lame élastique jusqu'à la dernière lame élastique de l'empilement;
  • l'épaisseur radiale de chaque lame élastique est sensiblement constante sur toute sa longueur, et, dans chaque structure élastique, l'épaisseur radiale des lames élastiques diminue progressivement depuis la première lame élastique jusqu'à la dernière lame élastique de l'empilement;
  • l'épaisseur radiale des lumières intercalaires est sensiblement constante pour chaque lumière intercalaire et sensiblement constante d'une lumière intercalaire à l'autre;
  • l'épaisseur radiale minimale de la lumière de débattement est supérieure ou égale à l'épaisseur radiale des lumières intercalaires;
  • le profil de chacune des extrémités de chaque lumière intercalaire est arrondi;
  • la surface d'appui de la première lame élastique comporte des éléments discrets en relief qui augmentent la friction entre l'arbre et la surface d'appui;
  • la paroi intérieure de l'ouverture comporte au moins trois structures élastiques qui sont réparties régulièrement autour de l'arbre;
  • la paroi intérieure de l'ouverture est constituée par deux structures élastiques et par une surface d'appui fixe, les premières lames élastiques des deux structures élastiques définissent entre elles un angle déterminé, et la première lame élastique des deux structures élastiques se rejoignent à l'une de leurs extrémités fixes;
  • le contour de la paroi intérieure de l'ouverture a globalement la forme d'un triangle isocèle, et la surface d'appui fixe constitue la base du triangle isocèle;
  • la surface d'appui fixe est agencée à l'extrémité libre d'une découpe en saillie à l'intérieur de l'ouverture;
  • l'élément d'assemblage est constitué par un élément rotatif prévu pour être monté solidaire à rotation sur l'arbre;
  • l'élément d'assemblage est constitué par une aiguille horlogère.
According to other features of the invention:
  • in each elastic structure, the length of the elastic blades gradually decreases from the first elastic blade to the last elastic blade of the stack;
  • the radial thickness of each elastic blade is substantially constant over its entire length, and in each elastic structure, the radial thickness of the elastic blades gradually decreases from the first elastic blade to the last elastic blade of the stack;
  • the radial thickness of the intermediate lights is substantially constant for each intermediate light and substantially constant from one intermediate light to the other;
  • the minimum radial thickness of the deflection light is greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the intermediate lights;
  • the profile of each of the ends of each intermediate light is rounded;
  • the bearing surface of the first elastic blade comprises discrete elements in relief which increase the friction between the shaft and the bearing surface;
  • the inner wall of the opening comprises at least three elastic structures which are evenly distributed around the shaft;
  • the inner wall of the opening is constituted by two elastic structures and a fixed support surface, the first elastic blades of the two elastic structures define between them a determined angle, and the first elastic blade of the two elastic structures meet at the same time. one of their fixed ends;
  • the outline of the inner wall of the opening has generally the shape of an isosceles triangle, and the fixed bearing surface is the base of the isosceles triangle;
  • the fixed bearing surface is arranged at the free end of a protruding cutout inside the opening;
  • the connecting element is constituted by a rotary member adapted to be mounted to rotate with the shaft;
  • the assembly element is constituted by a watchmaker's needle.

L'invention propose aussi une pièce d'horlogerie caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte au moins un élément d'assemblage selon l'une des caractéristiques précédentes.The invention also proposes a timepiece characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting element according to one of the preceding characteristics.

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

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe axiale qui représente schématiquement une pièce d'horlogerie équipée d'éléments d'assemblage constitués par des aiguilles horlogères réalisées conformément aux enseignements de l'invention;
  • les figures 2 à 4 sont des vues de dessus qui représentent schématiquement respectivement l'aiguille des heures, l'aiguille des minutes, et l'aiguille des secondes équipant la pièce d'horlogerie de la figure 1 et qui sont pourvues de structures élastiques à lames superposées;
  • la figure 5 est une vue agrandie d'une partie de la figure 2 qui représente la bague de fixation de l'aiguille des heures;
  • la figure 6 est une vue agrandie d'une partie de la figure 4 qui représente la bague de fixation de l'aiguille des secondes;
  • la figure 7 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 6 qui représente une variante de réalisation des structures élastiques comportant des éléments discrets en relief sur la surface d'appui.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting example and in which:
  • the figure 1 is an axial sectional view which schematically shows a timepiece equipped with assembly elements constituted by watch hands made in accordance with the teachings of the invention;
  • the Figures 2 to 4 are views from above which schematically represent respectively the hour hand, the minute hand, and the second hand equipping the timepiece of the figure 1 and which are provided with elastic structures with superposed blades;
  • the figure 5 is an enlarged view of some of the figure 2 which represents the fixing ring of the hour hand;
  • the figure 6 is an enlarged view of some of the figure 4 which represents the fixing ring of the seconds hand;
  • the figure 7 is a view similar to that of the figure 6 which represents an alternative embodiment of the elastic structures comprising discrete elements in relief on the bearing surface.

Dans la suite de la description, des éléments identiques ou similaires seront désignés par les mêmes références.In the remainder of the description, identical or similar elements will be designated by the same references.

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté schématiquement une pièce d'horlogerie 10 qui est réalisée conformément aux enseignements de l'invention.On the figure 1 schematically shows a timepiece 10 which is made in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

La pièce d'horlogerie 10 comporte un mouvement 12 monté à l'intérieur d'un boîtier 14 fermé par une glace 16. Le mouvement 12 entraîne en rotation, autour d'un axe A1, des moyens d'affichage analogique constitués ici par une aiguille des heures 18, une aiguille des minutes 20, et une aiguille des secondes 22, ces aiguilles s'étendant au-dessus d'un cadran 24. Les aiguilles 18, 20, 22 sont fixées sur des arbres 26, 28, 30 de rotation cylindriques coaxiaux par serrage élastique, à la manière d'un chassage, comme on le verra par la suite.The timepiece 10 comprises a movement 12 mounted inside a casing 14 closed by a lens 16. The movement 12 drives in rotation, about an axis A1, analog display means constituted here by a hour hand 18, a minute hand 20, and a second hand 22, these hands extending above a dial 24. The needles 18, 20, 22 are fixed on shafts 26, 28, 30 of cylindrical rotation coaxial elastic clamping, like a hunting, as will be seen later.

De préférence, les arbres 26, 28, 30 sont des arbres conventionnels couramment utilisés dans les mouvements d'horlogerie, par exemple des arbres en métal ou en matériau plastique.Preferably, the shafts 26, 28, 30 are conventional shafts commonly used in watch movements, for example shafts made of metal or plastic material.

Dans la suite de la description, on utilisera à titre non limitatif une orientation axiale suivant l'axe de rotation A1 des aiguilles 18, 20, 22 et une orientation radiale relativement à cet axe A1. De plus, des éléments seront qualifiés d'intérieur ou d'extérieur, suivant l'orientation radiale, par rapport à l'axe A1.In the remainder of the description, non-limiting use will be made of an axial orientation along the axis of rotation A1 of the needles 18, 20, 22 and a radial orientation relative to this axis A1. In addition, elements will be qualified interior or exterior, in the radial orientation, with respect to the axis A1.

Les aiguilles 18, 20, 22 constituent des éléments d'assemblage, chaque aiguille 18, 20, 22 étant réalisée dans une plaque en matériau cassant, de préférence en matériau cristallin à base de silicium.The needles 18, 20, 22 constitute connecting elements, each needle 18, 20, 22 being made in a plate of brittle material, preferably of crystalline material based on silicon.

Les figures 2, 3 et 4 représentent un mode de réalisation avantageux pour chacune des trois aiguilles, respectivement pour l'aiguille des heures 18, l'aiguille des minutes 20, et l'aiguille des secondes 22. Chaque aiguille 18, 20, 22 comporte ici une bague de fixation 31 qui délimite une ouverture 32 prévue pour permettre la fixation de l'aiguille 18, 20, 22 sur l'arbre 26, 28, 30 associé par insertion axiale dans l'ouverture 32. La paroi intérieure 33 de l'ouverture 32 comporte des structures élastiques 34 qui sont gravées dans la plaque formant la bague de fixation 31 et qui comportent chacune au moins une surface d'appui 36 pour serrer radialement l'arbre 26, 28, 30 associé en vue de retenir axialement et radialement l'aiguille 18, 20, 22 sur l'arbre 26, 28, 30, et en vue de rendre l'arbre et l'aiguille associée solidaires à rotation.The Figures 2, 3 and 4 represent an advantageous embodiment for each of the three needles, respectively for the hour hand 18, the minute hand 20, and the second hand 22. Each needle 18, 20, 22 here comprises a fixing ring 31 which delimits an opening 32 provided to allow the fixing of the needle 18, 20, 22 on the shaft 26, 28, 30 associated by axial insertion in the opening 32. The inner wall 33 of the opening 32 comprises structures elastic members 34 which are etched in the plate forming the fixing ring 31 and which each comprise at least one bearing surface 36 for radially clamping the associated shaft 26, 28, 30 in order to retain the needle 18 radially and axially, 20, 22 on the shaft 26, 28, 30, and in order to make the shaft and the associated needle integral with rotation.

On décrit maintenant un premier mode de réalisation avantageux des structures élastiques 34 selon l'invention en considérant l'aiguille des heures 18 telle que représentée sur la figure 2 et telle que représentée de manière agrandie sur la figure 5. On note que les structures élastiques 34 sont ici représentées au repos, c'est-à-dire avant d'être déformées par l'insertion de l'arbre 26, 28, 30 associé.We now describe a first advantageous embodiment of the elastic structures 34 according to the invention by considering the hour hand 18 such that represented on the figure 2 and as shown enlarged on the figure 5 . Note that the elastic structures 34 are here represented at rest, that is to say before being deformed by the insertion of the shaft 26, 28, 30 associated.

Chaque structure élastique 34 est constituée par un empilement radial de plusieurs lames élastiques Ln rectilignes et parallèles, d'épaisseur radiale sensiblement constante, qui s'étendent chacune suivant une direction tangentielle par rapport à l'arbre 26 associé. La surface d'appui 36 de chaque structure élastique 34 est agencée sur la face interne 38 de la première lame élastique L1 de l'empilement, du côté de l'arbre 26. Dans chaque structure élastique 34, chaque lame élastique Ln est espacée radialement de la lame élastique Ln+1 , Ln-1 adjacente par une lumière intercalaire In rectiligne en deux parties Ina, Inb, les deux parties Ina, Inb de la lumière intercalaire In étant séparées par un pont de matière Pn qui relie les deux lames élastiques Ln adjacentes et qui est sensiblement aligné radialement avec la surface d'appui 36. La suite continue de ponts de matière Pn entre les lames élastiques Ln forme ainsi une poutre radiale de liaison 40.Each elastic structure 34 is constituted by a radial stack of several linear lamellae L n rectilinear and parallel, of substantially constant radial thickness, which each extend in a tangential direction relative to the associated shaft 26. The bearing surface 36 of each elastic structure 34 is arranged on the inner face 38 of the first elastic blade L 1 of the stack, on the side of the shaft 26. In each elastic structure 34, each elastic blade L n is radially of the elastic blade spaced L n + 1, L n-1 adjacent a separator hole I n rectilinear in two parts I na, I nb, both parts I na, I nb of the separator hole I n being separated by a material bridge P n which connects the two adjacent elastic strips L n and which is substantially radially aligned with the bearing surface 36. The continuous sequence of material bridges P n between the elastic strips L n thus forms a radial connecting beam 40.

Avantageusement, l'extrémité de chaque lumière intercalaire In présente un profil arrondi, par exemple en demi-cercle, de manière à éviter une accumulation des contraintes mécaniques aux extrémités ce qui pourrait conduire à des amorces de ruptures lors de la flexion des lames élastiques Ln.Advantageously, the end of each intermediate light I n has a rounded profile, for example in a semicircle, so as to avoid an accumulation of mechanical stresses at the ends which could lead to breakouts during the bending of the elastic blades L n .

Dans l'exemple représenté, l'empilement formant la structure élastique 34 comporte trois lames élastiques L1, L2, L3 et deux lumières intercalaires I1, I2. Les épaisseurs radiales des lumières intercalaires In sont ici sensiblement constantes et identiques.In the example shown, the stack forming the elastic structure 34 comprises three resilient blades L 1 , L 2 , L 3 and two intermediate lights I 1 , I 2 . The radial thicknesses of the intermediate lights I n are here substantially constant and identical.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la dernière lame élastique L3 de l'empilement, qui est située du côté opposé à la première lame L1, est espacée radialement du reste de la plaque formant l'aiguille 18 par une lumière 42 en une seule partie, dite lumière de débattement 42, qui définit un espace de débattement radial pour la structure élastique 34 associée. On note que l'épaisseur radiale minimale de la lumière de débattement 42 est déterminée, d'une part, par l'épaisseur radiale minimale de fente permise par le procédé utilisé pour graver la plaque en matériau cassant et, d'autre part, par le débattement radial maximal de la structure élastique 34. On choisira le plus grand de ces deux paramètres pour l'épaisseur radiale minimale de la lumière de débattement 42. De préférence, l'épaisseur radiale de la lumière de débattement 42 est sensiblement constante et supérieure à l'épaisseur radiale des lumières intercalaires In.According to another characteristic of the invention, the last elastic blade L 3 of the stack, which is located on the opposite side to the first blade L 1 , is spaced radially from the rest of the plate forming the needle 18 by a light 42 in a single part, called deflection light 42, which defines a radial clearance space for the associated elastic structure 34. It should be noted that the minimum radial thickness of the deflection lumen 42 is determined, firstly, by the minimum radial slot thickness allowed by the process used to etch the plate of brittle material and, secondly, by the maximum radial displacement of the elastic structure 34. The largest of these two parameters will be chosen for the minimum radial thickness of the deflection lumen 42. Preferably, the radial thickness of the deflection lumen 42 is substantially constant and superior. to the radial thickness of the intermediate lights I n .

Lorsque l'arbre 26 est inséré dans l'ouverture 32, l'effort exercé sur la surface d'appui 36 provoque une déformation élastique de toutes les lames élastiques Ln de la structure élastique 34 de sorte que la partie centrale de ces lames Ln se déplace radialement vers l'extérieur, en réduisant l'épaisseur radiale de la lumière de débattement 42 au droit de la poutre 40. Cette déformation élastique produit un serrage radial sur l'arbre 26 à la manière d'un chassage.When the shaft 26 is inserted into the opening 32, the force exerted on the bearing surface 36 causes elastic deformation of all the elastic blades L n of the elastic structure 34 so that the central portion of these blades L n moves radially outward, reducing the radial thickness of the deflection lumen 42 to the right of the beam 40. This elastic deformation produces a radial clamping on the shaft 26 in the manner of a hunting.

On note que la poutre de liaison 40 permet de lier toutes les lames élastiques Ln entre elles, de manière qu'elles puissent toutes se déformer simultanément lorsqu'un effort radial est appliqué sur la surface d'appui 36, et de manière à répartir les contraintes mécaniques en plusieurs endroits pour minimiser les risques de rupture.It is noted that the connecting beam 40 makes it possible to bind all the elastic strips L n between them, so that they can all be deformed simultaneously when a radial force is applied to the bearing surface 36, and in such a way as to distribute mechanical stresses in several places to minimize the risk of breakage.

De préférence, dans chaque structure élastique 34, la longueur des lames élastiques Ln diminue progressivement depuis la première lame élastique L1 jusqu'à la dernière lame élastique L3 de l'empilement, ce qui permet de suivre globalement la courbure de la paroi extérieure cylindrique 44 de la bague de fixation 31.Preferably, in each elastic structure 34, the length of the elastic blades L n decreases progressively from the first elastic blade L 1 to the last elastic blade L 3 of the stack, which makes it possible to follow globally the curvature of the wall outer cylindrical 44 of the fixing ring 31.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 5, l'épaisseur radiale de chaque lumière intercalaire In est sensiblement constante sur toute sa longueur et l'épaisseur radiale de toutes les lumières intercalaires In est sensiblement égale.According to the embodiment shown on the figure 5 , the radial thickness of each intermediate light I n is substantially constant over its entire length and the radial thickness of all the intermediate lights I n is substantially equal.

Pour obtenir une force de serrage maximale sur l'arbre 26, dans un volume donné de matériau de la bague de fixation 31, l'épaisseur radiale de chaque lumière intercalaire In est minimisée.To obtain a maximum clamping force on the shaft 26, in a given volume of material of the fixing ring 31, the radial thickness of each intermediate light I n is minimized.

Avantageusement, pour chaque aiguille 18, 20, 22, le nombre de structures élastiques 34 agencées autour de l'ouverture 32 est choisi en fonction du diamètre de l'arbre 26, 28, 30 associé et en fonction de l'espace radial disponible entre la paroi intérieure 33 de l'ouverture 32 et la paroi extérieure 44 de la bague de fixation 31 de l'aiguille 18, 20, 22. Ainsi, plus le diamètre de l'arbre 26, 28, 30 est important et plus l'espace radial mentionné ci-dessus est faible, plus le nombre de structures élastiques 34 est important.Advantageously, for each needle 18, 20, 22, the number of elastic structures 34 arranged around the opening 32 is chosen as a function of the diameter of the associated shaft 26, 28, 30 and as a function of the available radial space between the inner wall 33 of the opening 32 and the outer wall 44 of the fixing ring 31 of the needle 18, 20, 22. Thus, the larger the diameter of the shaft 26, 28, 30 and the greater the radial space mentioned above is low, the greater the number of elastic structures 34 is important.

Ainsi, dans le présent mode de réalisation, comme le diamètre de l'arbre 26 associé à l'aiguille des heures 18 est beaucoup plus important que le diamètre de l'arbre 30 associé à l'aiguille des secondes 22, et comme le diamètre extérieur de la bague de fixation 31 n'évolue pas proportionnellement, il a été sélectionné un nombre de structures élastiques 34 égal à quatre pour l'aiguille des heures 18 alors que le nombre de structures élastiques 34 est égal à deux pour l'aiguille des secondes 22. De manière intermédiaire, le nombre de structures élastiques 34 dans l'aiguille des minutes 20 est ici égal à trois.Thus, in the present embodiment, as the diameter of the shaft 26 associated with the hour hand 18 is much larger than the diameter of the shaft 30 associated with the second hand 22, and as the diameter outside the fixing ring 31 does not evolve proportionally, it was selected a number of elastic structures 34 equal to four for the hour hand 18 while the number of elastic structures 34 is equal to two for the needle Secondly, the number of elastic structures 34 in the minute hand 20 is here equal to three.

On note que, pour l'aiguille des heures 18 et l'aiguille des minutes 20, les structures élastiques 34 sont réparties de manière régulière autour de l'axe A1, de sorte que le contour intérieur de l'ouverture 32 a globalement une forme carrée et une forme triangulaire respectivement.It is noted that, for the hour hand 18 and the minute hand 20, the elastic structures 34 are evenly distributed around the axis A1, so that the inner contour of the aperture 32 generally has a square shape and a triangular shape respectively.

On décrit maintenant, en considérant notamment la figure 6, la structure spécifique de l'aiguille des secondes 22 dont l'ouverture 32 comporte seulement deux structures élastiques 34 et une surface d'appui fixe 46. Selon ce mode de réalisation, les premières lames élastiques L1 des deux structures élastiques 34 définissent entre elles un angle aigu β et elles sont sensiblement jointes à l'une de leurs extrémités fixes. L'angle β a par exemple une valeur d'environ trente degrés.We now describe, considering in particular the figure 6 , the specific structure of the second hand 22 whose opening 32 comprises only two elastic structures 34 and a fixed bearing surface 46. According to this embodiment, the first elastic blades L 1 of the two elastic structures 34 define between they have an acute angle β and they are substantially joined to one of their fixed ends. The angle β for example has a value of about thirty degrees.

La surface d'appui fixe 46 s'étend suivant une direction tangentielle, par rapport à l'arbre 30 associé, et elle forme la base d'un triangle isocèle dont les deux autres côtés sont formés par la face interne 38 des premières lames élastiques L1 des deux structures élastiques 34. La surface d'appui fixe 46 est ici agencée à l'extrémité libre d'une découpe 48, globalement en forme de trapèze, en saillie à l'intérieur de l'ouverture 32. La découpe 48 est gravée dans la plaque formant l'aiguille 22 et elle comporte ici deux parois latérales 50, 52 qui s'étendent chacune parallèlement à la première lame L1 de la structure élastique 34 en vis-à-vis.The fixed bearing surface 46 extends in a tangential direction, relative to the associated shaft 30, and forms the base of an isosceles triangle whose two other sides are formed by the inner face 38 of the first elastic blades. L 1 of the two elastic structures 34. The fixed bearing surface 46 is here arranged at the free end of a cutout 48, generally trapezium-shaped, projecting inside the opening 32. The cut 48 is engraved in the plate forming the needle 22 and here it comprises two side walls 50, 52 which each extend parallel to the first blade L 1 of the elastic structure 34 vis-à-vis.

L'arbre 30 associé à l'aiguille des secondes 22 est prévu pour être en appui contre la surface d'appui fixe 46 et contre les surfaces d'appui 36 des structures élastiques 34.The shaft 30 associated with the seconds hand 22 is designed to bear against the fixed bearing surface 46 and against the bearing surfaces 36 of the elastic structures 34.

On note que le contour de la paroi intérieure 33 de l'ouverture 32 a globalement la forme d'un triangle isocèle.Note that the contour of the inner wall 33 of the opening 32 has the overall shape of an isosceles triangle.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux représenté sur la figure 6, dans chaque structure élastique 34, l'épaisseur radiale de chaque lame élastique Ln est sensiblement constante sur toute sa longueur, et l'épaisseur radiale des lames élastiques Ln diminue progressivement depuis la première lame élastique L1 jusqu'à la dernière lame élastique L9 de l'empilement, chaque structure élastique 34 comportant ici neuf lames élastiques Ln de longueurs décroissantes, de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur. Ainsi, l'épaisseur radiale des lames élastiques L1 est adaptée à leur longueur, ce qui permet d'obtenir une flexibilité sensiblement homogène de toutes les lames élastiques Ln, malgré leurs différences de longueur. L'invention permet ainsi d'homogénéiser les contraintes mécaniques dans tout le volume de matière servant à la fixation, c'est-à-dire ici dans toute la bague de fixation 31.According to an advantageous embodiment represented on the figure 6 in each elastic structure 34, the radial thickness of each elastic blade L n is substantially constant over its entire length, and the radial thickness of the elastic blades L n decreases progressively from the first elastic blade L 1 to the last blade elastic L9 of the stack, each elastic structure 34 having here nine elastic blades L n of decreasing lengths, from the inside to the outside. Thus, the radial thickness of the elastic blades L 1 is adapted to their length, which allows a substantially homogeneous flexibility of all the elastic blades L n , despite their differences in length. The invention thus makes it possible to homogenize the mechanical stresses throughout the volume of material used for fixing, that is to say here in the entire fixing ring 31.

Bien entendu, cette variation d'épaisseur entre les lames élastiques Ln peut être appliquée aux autres modes de réalisation d'aiguilles 18, 20, 22.Of course, this variation in thickness between the elastic blades L n can be applied to the other embodiments of needles 18, 20, 22.

On note que le nombre de lames élastiques Ln formant chaque empilement peut être adapté en fonction de divers paramètres, notamment en fonction de l'espace radial disponible, en fonction de la force de serrage désirée sur l'arbre associé, en fonction du type de matériau utilisé pour fabriquer l'aiguille 18, 20, 22 associée.Note that the number of elastic blades L n forming each stack can be adapted according to various parameters, in particular according to the available radial space, depending on the desired clamping force on the shaft associated, depending on the type of material used to manufacture the needle 18, 20, 22 associated.

Sur la figure 7, on a représenté une variante de réalisation de l'aiguille des secondes 22 qui se différencie du précédent mode de réalisation par le fait que chaque surface d'appui 36, 46 est pourvue d'éléments discrets en relief 54 qui augmentent les frottements entre l'arbre 30 et les surfaces d'appui 36, 46 de manière à améliorer la solidarisation en rotation entre l'arbre 30 et l'aiguille 22. Ces éléments discrets en relief 54 sont constitués ici par des dents de profil triangulaire.On the figure 7 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the second hand 22 which differs from the previous embodiment in that each bearing surface 36, 46 is provided with discrete elements in relief 54 which increase the friction between the shaft 30 and the bearing surfaces 36, 46 so as to improve the rotational connection between the shaft 30 and the needle 22. These discrete elements in relief 54 are constituted here by teeth of triangular profile.

Bien entendu, cette variante de réalisation est applicable aux surface d'appui 36 agencées dans les ouvertures 32 des aiguilles des heures 18 et des minutes 20 décrites en relation avec les figures 2 et 3.Of course, this variant embodiment is applicable to the bearing surfaces 36 arranged in the openings 32 of the hours 18 and minute hands 20 described in connection with the Figures 2 and 3 .

Bien que la présente invention ait été décrite en relation avec des éléments d'assemblage constitués par des aiguilles 18, 20, 22, elle ne se limite pas à ces modes de réalisation. Ainsi, l'élément d'assemblage peut être constitué par un autre type d'élément rotatif, par exemple par une roue dentée utilisée dans un mouvement d'horlogerie. L'élément d'assemblage peut aussi être constitué par un élément non rotatif, par exemple une plaque en matériau cassant prévue pour être assemblée sur un autre élément comportant un arbre de fixation, ou tenon, en métal.Although the present invention has been described in connection with assembly elements constituted by needles 18, 20, 22, it is not limited to these embodiments. Thus, the connecting element may be constituted by another type of rotary element, for example by a toothed wheel used in a clockwork movement. The connecting element may also be constituted by a non-rotating element, for example a plate of brittle material intended to be assembled on another element comprising a fixing shaft, or tenon, of metal.

La présente invention est applicable à une aiguille 18, 20, 22 réalisée dans une plaque de silicium comportant une seule couche de silicium, ainsi que dans une plaque de silicium du type SOI (Silicon On Insulator) qui comprend une couche supérieure et une couche inférieure de silicium séparées par une couche intermédiaire d'oxyde de silicium.The present invention is applicable to a needle 18, 20, 22 made in a silicon wafer comprising a single layer of silicon, as well as in a Silicon On Insulator (SOI) type wafer which comprises an upper layer and a lower layer of silicon separated by an intermediate layer of silicon oxide.

Claims (15)

  1. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) made in a plate of material which does not have a usable plastic range, particularly for a timepiece (10), including an aperture (32) provided for the axial insertion of a circular cross section arbour (26, 28, 30), the inner wall (33) of the aperture (32) including elastic structures (34) which are etched into the plate and which each include at least one support surface (36) for gripping the arbour (26, 28, 30) radially in order to secure the assembly element (18, 20, 22) relative to the arbour (26, 28, 30), wherein each elastic structure (34) includes a first rectilinear elastic strip (L1) which extends along a tangential direction relative to the associated arbour (26, 28, 30), the support surface (36) being arranged on the inner face (38) of the first elastic strip (L1), each elastic structure (34) being formed by a radial stack of several parallel elastic strips (Ln), the last elastic strip (Ln) of the stack, which is located on the opposite side to the first strip (L1), being separated radially from the rest of the plate by a hole in a single part, called the clearance hole (42), which defines a radial clearance space for the elastic structure (34), characterized in that each elastic strip (Ln) is separated radially from the adjacent elastic strip (Ln) by a rectilinear separator hole (In) in two parts, the two parts of the separator hole (In) being separated by a bridge of material (Pn) which connects the two adjacent elastic strips (Ln) and which is substantially aligned radially with the support surface (36).
  2. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in each elastic structure (34), the length of the elastic strips (Ln) decreases gradually from the first elastic strip (L1) to the last elastic strip (Ln) of the stack.
  3. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the radial thickness of each elastic strip (Ln) is substantially constant over the entire length thereof, and in that, in each elastic structure (34), the radial thickness of the elastic strips (Ln) decreases gradually from the first elastic strip (L1) to the last elastic strip (Ln) of the stack.
  4. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the radial thickness of the separator holes (In) is substantially constant for each separator hole (In) and substantially constant from one separator hole (In) to the next.
  5. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the minimum radial thickness of the clearance hole (42) is greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the separator holes (In).
  6. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile of each of the ends of the each separator hole (In) is rounded.
  7. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface (36) of the first elastic strip (L1) includes discrete raised elements (54) arranged for increasing the friction between the arbour (26, 28, 30) and the support surface (36).
  8. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner wall (33) of the aperture (32) includes at least three elastic structures (34) arranged to be regularly distributed around the arbour (26, 28).
  9. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner wall (33) of the aperture (32) is formed by two elastic structures (34) and by one fixed support surface (46), in that the first elastic strips (L1) of the two elastic structures (34) define between them a determined angle (β), and in that the first elastic strip (L1) of the two elastic structures (34) are joined at one of the fixed ends thereof.
  10. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the contour of the inner wall (33) of the aperture (32) has the overall shape of an isosceles triangle, and in that the fixed support surface (46) constitutes the base of the isosceles triangle.
  11. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixed support surface (46) is arranged at the free end of a cut out portion (48) projecting inside the aperture.
  12. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed by a rotating element (18, 20, 22) that is fixedly mounted in rotation to the arbour (26, 28, 30).
  13. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is formed by a timepiece hand (18, 20, 22).
  14. Assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plate is made of silicon.
  15. Timepiece (10) characterized in that it includes an assembly element (18, 20, 22) according to any of the preceding claims.
EP06123784A 2006-11-09 2006-11-09 Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component Active EP1921518B1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06123784A EP1921518B1 (en) 2006-11-09 2006-11-09 Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component
DE602006014554T DE602006014554D1 (en) 2006-11-09 2006-11-09 Mounting element comprising expandable structures in the form of stacked plates, and equipped with this element clock
AT06123784T ATE469377T1 (en) 2006-11-09 2006-11-09 MOUNTING ELEMENT COMPRISING EXTENSIBLE STRUCTURES IN THE FORM OF SUPPOSED PLACES, AND CLOCK EQUIPPED WITH THIS ELEMENT
SG200717475-8A SG143144A1 (en) 2006-11-09 2007-11-05 Assembly element including superposed strip shaped elastic structures and timepiece fitted with the same
KR1020070113448A KR101245025B1 (en) 2006-11-09 2007-11-08 Assembly element and timepiece including the same
JP2007291851A JP5117822B2 (en) 2006-11-09 2007-11-09 Assembly element having overlapping strip-shaped elastic structure and watch equipped with the assembly element
US11/937,738 US7438465B2 (en) 2006-11-09 2007-11-09 Assembly element including two superposed strip shaped elastic structures and timepiece fitted with the same
CN2007101596214A CN101196724B (en) 2006-11-09 2007-11-09 Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component
HK08113169.0A HK1121818A1 (en) 2006-11-09 2008-12-03 Assembly element including superposed strip shaped elastic structures and timepiece fitted with the same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06123784A EP1921518B1 (en) 2006-11-09 2006-11-09 Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1921518A1 EP1921518A1 (en) 2008-05-14
EP1921518B1 true EP1921518B1 (en) 2010-05-26

Family

ID=38290149

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06123784A Active EP1921518B1 (en) 2006-11-09 2006-11-09 Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US7438465B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1921518B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5117822B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101245025B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101196724B (en)
AT (1) ATE469377T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006014554D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1121818A1 (en)
SG (1) SG143144A1 (en)

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EP2230572B1 (en) 2009-03-17 2012-01-25 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Radial gripping system for a timepiece component
US8562206B2 (en) 2010-07-12 2013-10-22 Rolex S.A. Hairspring for timepiece hairspring-balance oscillator, and method of manufacture thereof
CH704016B1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2019-01-31 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Assembly of a part not having a plastic field.
JP5668203B2 (en) * 2011-03-08 2015-02-12 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Machine part, method for manufacturing machine part, watch
EP2765462B1 (en) * 2013-02-12 2018-04-04 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Anti-impact centre wheel
EP2796940A3 (en) * 2013-04-23 2016-05-04 Rolex Sa Clock component for receiving an organ by insertion
EP2988177A1 (en) * 2014-08-21 2016-02-24 Universo S.A. Hand of a watch
US9678477B2 (en) * 2014-09-12 2017-06-13 Seiko Instruments Inc. Mechanical component, mechanical component manufacturing method, movement, and timepiece
USD805942S1 (en) * 2016-03-23 2017-12-26 Robert W. Koelewyn Hub and hands of a watch
JP6772790B2 (en) * 2016-11-29 2020-10-21 セイコーエプソン株式会社 How to make watch parts and how to make watches
CH713265B1 (en) * 2016-12-20 2020-09-30 Montres Jaquet Droz Sa Watch face with three-dimensional decoration, and assembly tools.
FR3065542B1 (en) * 2017-04-25 2019-07-12 Lvmh Swiss Manufactures Sa METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MECHANISM
US10838366B2 (en) * 2017-09-14 2020-11-17 Timex Group Usa, Inc. Bidirectional MEMS driving arrangements with a force absorbing system
EP3671364A1 (en) 2018-12-17 2020-06-24 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on a support element
EP3719583B1 (en) * 2019-04-03 2021-11-10 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Mechanical braking device for a clock mobile
EP3722889A1 (en) * 2019-04-08 2020-10-14 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements
CH717950B1 (en) * 2020-10-13 2023-07-31 Hublot Sa Geneve Clockwork component, in particular a friction wheel.

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SG143144A1 (en) 2008-06-27
ATE469377T1 (en) 2010-06-15
US20080113154A1 (en) 2008-05-15
DE602006014554D1 (en) 2010-07-08
EP1921518A1 (en) 2008-05-14
US7438465B2 (en) 2008-10-21
JP2008122384A (en) 2008-05-29
CN101196724B (en) 2011-09-07
JP5117822B2 (en) 2013-01-16
CN101196724A (en) 2008-06-11
HK1121818A1 (en) 2009-04-30
KR20080042706A (en) 2008-05-15
KR101245025B1 (en) 2013-03-25

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