EP1445670A1 - Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication - Google Patents

Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1445670A1
EP1445670A1 EP03075362A EP03075362A EP1445670A1 EP 1445670 A1 EP1445670 A1 EP 1445670A1 EP 03075362 A EP03075362 A EP 03075362A EP 03075362 A EP03075362 A EP 03075362A EP 1445670 A1 EP1445670 A1 EP 1445670A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
curve
spiral
turns
outside
hairspring
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03075362A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Conus Thierry
Kaspar Trümpy
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 Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
Original Assignee
ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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 Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA filed Critical ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
Priority to EP03075362A priority Critical patent/EP1445670A1/en
Priority to JP2005518308A priority patent/JP5122073B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2004/000931 priority patent/WO2004070476A2/en
Priority to AT04707219T priority patent/ATE486304T1/en
Priority to US10/544,644 priority patent/US20060055097A1/en
Priority to DE602004029762T priority patent/DE602004029762D1/en
Priority to EP06003086A priority patent/EP1655642B1/en
Priority to KR1020057014243A priority patent/KR20050098881A/en
Priority to DE602004023518T priority patent/DE602004023518D1/en
Priority to EP04707219A priority patent/EP1593004B1/en
Priority to EP10151818.1A priority patent/EP2175328B1/en
Priority to CNB2004800033870A priority patent/CN100435044C/en
Priority to TW093102542A priority patent/TW200426547A/en
Publication of EP1445670A1 publication Critical patent/EP1445670A1/en
Priority to HK06104914A priority patent/HK1084737A1/en
Priority to JP2012202260A priority patent/JP5389999B2/en
Priority to US14/681,535 priority patent/US20150277382A1/en
Priority to US16/210,811 priority patent/US10444706B2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/32Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • G04B17/34Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton for fastening the hairspring onto the balance
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04DAPPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D3/00Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
    • G04D3/0002Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe
    • G04D3/0035Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components of the regulating mechanism
    • G04D3/0041Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components of the regulating mechanism for coil-springs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/066Manufacture of the spiral spring
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/32Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • G04B17/34Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton for fastening the hairspring onto the balance
    • G04B17/345Details of the spiral roll
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04DAPPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D3/00Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
    • G04D3/0069Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for working with non-mechanical means, e.g. chemical, electrochemical, metallising, vapourising; with electron beams, laser beams

Definitions

  • the subject of the present invention is a flat balance spring of a balance spring obtained by a manufacturing process which improves isochronism by acting on the one hand on parameters of construction of the hairspring as such, on the other hand, on a method of attachment to the pendulum axis enabling the gap to be reduced geometric inherent in the usual methods of attachment between the point of origin of the Archimedes spiral and the axis of rotation of the pendulum.
  • isochronism we by isochronism is understood the gait deviations as a function of variations in amplitude pendulum swing, as well as the deviations from the horizontal position and the vertical positions of the watch.
  • a hairspring having turns of uniform section and pitch, allows, by a particular conformation of the curve inside and the curve to outside in the spiral plane or more often in different planes, to get a concentric development of the balance spring and to have a displacement of the center of mass of the balance spring and a variation in the inertia of the balance spring during development minimizing walking disturbances as a function of the amplitude and positions of the spiral with respect to the gravity vector.
  • the overall height is a definite drawback for its use in wristwatches which must have, for reasons obvious aesthetics, the thickness as small as possible.
  • a flat hairspring such as that represented in FIG. 1.
  • Such a hairspring is manufactured in a known manner by backbanding to from a wire or a metal strip of constant section over its entire length, and has at rest a constant step between the turns.
  • the inside curve is fixed, for example by laser welding, to a ferrule 20, driven on axis 9 of a pendulum 8.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a flat hairspring and methods of manufacture by micro-machining or galvanic growth, allowing convenient choice of most favorable construction parameters in order to improve isochronism by the shape of the hairspring as well as by the fixing means.
  • the invention relates to a flat hairspring, formed of a blade composed of a succession of turns having between them a pitch "p", for a mechanism regulating pendulum, said hairspring being obtained by a manufacturing process which makes it possible to approximate a perfect isochronism.
  • the turns of rectangular section are formed from a single continuous material from the inside curve to the outside, but have, on certain portions between the fastener in the center and attaches to the outside, a non-uniform section "s" and / or have one or more several portions shaped outside the layout of a perfect spiral.
  • Expression “non-uniform section” means that, for a blade having a constant height "h", the thickness "e” of a chosen portion can be either greater or less than the thickness of the rest of the blade constituting the hairspring.
  • the method of manufacturing uses micro-techniques, such as photolithography and the electrodeposition of a metal or an alloy, or the micro-machining of a wafer of thickness "h" made of an amorphous or crystalline material such as silicon under monocrystalline or polycrystalline form.
  • the section "s" of the turns increases gradually from the outside curve to the inside curve.
  • the pitch "p" between the turns decreases regularly from the curve outside to the curve inside.
  • the invention also offers the advantage of being able, at the same time as the hairspring as such, manufacture the means of attachment to the balance axle, this means of fixing being formed by a self-locking washer having in the center, for example, a star outline and having recesses in its periphery to give it sufficient elasticity during assembly and avoid a gap between the point of origin of the Archimedes spiral and the axis of rotation of the pendulum.
  • the manufacturing process consists basically to apply the LIGA technique to form a mold corresponding to the profile desired by the hairspring. Given the properties of photoresists currently available on the market, it is possible to adjust the thickness of the photoresist layer to obtain the whole range of hairsprings with blade heights up to a few tenths of a millimeter.
  • the method consists basically to etch a wafer of said material through masks.
  • FIG. 1 shows a balance spring of the prior art mentioned in the preamble. Its characteristics will serve as a reference to show the significant progress made by the invention in isochronism.
  • the hairspring 10 has the end of its curve at the center 11 fixed in a conventional manner on a ferrule 20 driven out on the axis 9 of the pendulum 8 pivoted between the plate 7 and the cock 6.
  • the regulating device further comprises in known manner a piton holder 5 for fixing the curve outside 14 of the hairspring 10 and possibly a racket 4 provided with pins 3 and a racket tail 2 opposite a graduation 1.
  • a piton holder 5 for fixing the curve outside 14 of the hairspring 10 and possibly a racket 4 provided with pins 3 and a racket tail 2 opposite a graduation 1.
  • said hairspring is formed of 14 turns having a uniform rectangular section, for example 0.05 x 0.30 mm from the curve in the center 11 to the curve outside 14 , and that the turns have a constant pitch between them p .
  • the attachment point of the curve at the center 11 is located at a distance r from the pivot center of the balance spring, and that of the curve at the outside 14, at a distance R, before the bend 16.
  • r and R are 0.57 mm and 2.46 mm respectively.
  • FIG. 3A the diagram is shown. of isochronism of a hairspring having the above-mentioned characteristics.
  • abscissa the amplitude of oscillation of the balance wheel expressed in degrees relative to its equilibrium position.
  • the walking distance expressed in seconds has been reported. per day.
  • This diagram has five curves corresponding to the usual positions of measurements with the balance spring, horizontal (curve 1), then vertical (curves 2 to 5, by 90 ° rotation from one curve to another).
  • the dotted line corresponds to the envelope of all the most unfavorable positions.
  • this maximum deviation with this reference hairspring of art anterior, is 4.7 s / d for an amplitude of 236 °.
  • FIG 3B there is shown the diagram obtained with a hairspring (not shown) having the characteristics mentioned in US Patent 209,642 cited in preamble, namely with a blade thickness varying between 0.046 mm for the outside curve 14 and 0.036 mm for inside curve 11. Unlike this that we can wait according to the teaching of said patent we will observe that the difference maximum increased to 7.7 s / d for an amplitude of 230 °.
  • a hairspring is described below, the manufacture of which by micromachining (photolithography and galvanic growth, or etching of an amorphous or crystalline material makes it possible to obtain a geometry favorable to isochronism.
  • the step p between one turn and the next decreases as we get closer to the center of the balance spring.
  • the section increases from the curve outside 14 to the inside curve 11. Since the manufacturing processes give the blade a constant height, the variation in section corresponds in fact to a variation of the thickness which goes from 0.036 mm for the curve to outside 14 to 0.046 mm for the inside curve 11.
  • Figures 8 and 9 correspond to a third embodiment in which the curve inside 11 is of Grossmann type 13, that is to say having a geometry such as that described in the book "General theory of watchmaking" by L. Defossez. Such geometry is very difficult to obtain by deformation of a metal blade. The manufacturing process according to the invention, however, allows very easily obtain such a configuration without the intervention of personnel highly qualified.
  • the diagram shown in Figure 9 shows that the difference maximum at 300 ° is only 2.1 s / d.
  • FIG. 10 shows a hairspring corresponding to the first mode of embodiment ( Figure 4) in which the ferrule 20 is replaced by a washer self-locking 17 formed at the same time as the hairspring 10.
  • This washer 17 has in its center a contour 19 such that it allows to block without play the axis 9 of the pendulum 8 by having a certain elasticity provided by lights 18 distributed around the locking contour 19 shown in a star in FIG. 10.
  • FIGS. 10A to 10E show other possible conformations of the self-locking washer 17 with a locking contour 19 in triangle, square, hexagonal, circular or ogive shape.
  • a hairspring according to the invention in metal or alloy, use is made of the LIGA technique known since the mid-70s.
  • the process basically consists of spreading on a previously coated substrate a sacrificial layer a positive or negative photoresist over a thickness corresponding to the desired height "h" of the blade and form by means of a mask by photolithography and chemical attack a hollow structure corresponding to the desired outline for the hairspring.
  • said structure is filled in hollow of a metal or metal alloy either by electrodeposition as shown for example in US Patent 4,661,212, either by compression and sintering of nanoparticles, as indicated for example in the US patent application 2001/0038803.

Abstract

The spring (10) has windings that are made of a single band extending from an inside curve (11) to an outside curve (14). The inside curve is extended by a self blocking washer (17) that allows the spring to be fixed on axis (9) of a balance-wheel. A rectangular section having a non-uniform thickness (e) is presented between an attachment to a center and an attachment to outside. An independent claim is also included for a method of manufacturing a hair-spring from a board in an amorphous or crystalline material.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un spiral plat de résonateur balancier-spiral obtenu par un procédé de fabrication permettant d'améliorer l'isochronisme en agissant d'une part sur des paramètres de construction du spiral en tant que tel, d'autre part sur un mode de fixation sur l'axe de balancier permettant de réduire l'écart géométrique inhérent aux modes de fixation usuels entre le point d'origine de la spirale d'Archimède et l'axe de rotation du balancier. Dans la description qui suit, on entend par isochronisme, les écarts de marche en fonction des variations d'amplitude d'oscillation du balancier, ainsi que les écarts de marche entre la position horizontale et les positions verticales de la montre.The subject of the present invention is a flat balance spring of a balance spring obtained by a manufacturing process which improves isochronism by acting on the one hand on parameters of construction of the hairspring as such, on the other hand, on a method of attachment to the pendulum axis enabling the gap to be reduced geometric inherent in the usual methods of attachment between the point of origin of the Archimedes spiral and the axis of rotation of the pendulum. In the following description, we by isochronism is understood the gait deviations as a function of variations in amplitude pendulum swing, as well as the deviations from the horizontal position and the vertical positions of the watch.

De façon connue un spiral, ayant des spires de section et de pas uniformes, permet, par une conformation particulière de la courbe à l'intérieur et de la courbe à l'extérieur dans le plan du spiral ou le plus souvent dans des plans différents, d'obtenir un développement concentrique du spiral et d'avoir un déplacement du centre de masse du spiral et une variation de l'inertie du spiral au cours du développement minimisant les perturbations de marche en fonction de l'amplitude et des positions du spiral par rapport au vecteur gravité. Outre le fait que la réalisation d'un tel spiral exige une grande habilité, l'encombrement en hauteur constitue un inconvénient certain pour son utilisation dans des montres bracelets devant avoir, pour des raisons évidentes d'esthétique, une épaisseur la moins grande possible.In a known way a hairspring, having turns of uniform section and pitch, allows, by a particular conformation of the curve inside and the curve to outside in the spiral plane or more often in different planes, to get a concentric development of the balance spring and to have a displacement of the center of mass of the balance spring and a variation in the inertia of the balance spring during development minimizing walking disturbances as a function of the amplitude and positions of the spiral with respect to the gravity vector. Besides the fact that the realization of such a hairspring requires great ability, the overall height is a definite drawback for its use in wristwatches which must have, for reasons obvious aesthetics, the thickness as small as possible.

Pour cette raison on préfère encore utiliser un spiral plat, tel que celui représenté à la figure 1. Un tel spiral est fabriqué de façon connue par estrapadage à partir d'un fil ou d'une bande métallique de section constante sur toute sa longueur, et possède au repos un pas constant entre les spires. Comme on le voit sur la figure 1, la courbe à l'intérieur est fixée, par exemple par soudure laser, sur une virole 20, chassée sur l'axe 9 d'un balancier 8.For this reason we still prefer to use a flat hairspring, such as that represented in FIG. 1. Such a hairspring is manufactured in a known manner by backbanding to from a wire or a metal strip of constant section over its entire length, and has at rest a constant step between the turns. As seen in Figure 1, the inside curve is fixed, for example by laser welding, to a ferrule 20, driven on axis 9 of a pendulum 8.

Par rapport à cet état de la technique, en ce qui concerne le pas entre les spires, il convient toutefois de mentionner le brevet CH 465 537, déposé en 1966, dans lequel est décrit un procédé permettant de fabriquer à partir d'une bande ou d'un fil métallique de section constante, enroulé dans le sillon d'une matrice, puis recuit et trempé, des spiraux ayant une configuration quelconque, en particulier avec un pas variable. A la meilleure connaissance de la demanderesse, aucun produit de ce type n'a été mis sur le marché, ce qui permet de supposer que le procédé de fabrication n'était, techniquement ou économiquement, pas satisfaisant. Compared to this state of the art, as regards the pitch between the it is however advisable to mention the patent CH 465 537, filed in 1966, in which is described a method for manufacturing from a strip or a metal wire of constant section, wound in the groove of a matrix, then annealed and hardened, hairsprings having any configuration, in particular with a pitch variable. To the best knowledge of the applicant, no product of this type has not been placed on the market, which suggests that the manufacturing process was not technically or economically satisfactory.

En ce qui concerne la variation de l'épaisseur d'une bande métallique enroulée, on peut mentionner le brevet GB 1020 456 qui décrit la fabrication d'un ressort de barillet par soudures bout à bout de lames ayant des sections croissantes depuis le centre jusqu'à la périphérie. Un tel ressort est conçu, à encombrement égal, pour augmenter la réserve de marche, mais il est bien évident qu'en appliquant ce procédé de fabrication à un spiral, la présence de soudures ne permettrait pas d'avoir un développement concentrique et d'obtenir un isochronisme reproductible d'un spiral à l'autre.Regarding the variation of the thickness of a metal strip wound, we can mention the patent GB 1020 456 which describes the manufacture of a barrel spring by butt welds of blades having increasing sections from the center to the periphery. Such a spring is designed, with equal dimensions, to increase the power reserve, but it is quite obvious that by applying this manufacturing process with a hairspring, the presence of welds would not allow to have concentric development and to obtain a reproducible isochronism of a hairspring to the other.

Ce même principe avait d'ailleurs déjà été proposé dans un brevet US 209 642 de 1878 pour améliorer l'isochronisme d'un spiral construit avec une spire à l'intérieur de plus faible section. Comme on le verra dans la description détaillée, l'expérience contredit cette affirmation.This same principle had already been proposed in a US patent 209,642 from 1878 to improve the isochronism of a hairspring built with a whorl inside of lower section. As will be seen in the detailed description, the experience contradicts this claim.

L'invention a donc pour objet un spiral plat et des procédés de fabrication par micro-usinage ou croissance galvanique, permettant de choisir de façon commode les paramètres de construction les plus favorables en vue d'améliorer l'isochronisme par la forme du spiral ainsi que par les moyens de fixation.The subject of the invention is therefore a flat hairspring and methods of manufacture by micro-machining or galvanic growth, allowing convenient choice of most favorable construction parameters in order to improve isochronism by the shape of the hairspring as well as by the fixing means.

A cet effet l'invention concerne un spiral plat, formé d'une lame composée d'une succession de spires ayant entre elles un pas "p", pour un mécanisme réglant à balancier, ledit spiral étant obtenu par un procédé de fabrication qui permet de se rapprocher d'un isochronisme parfait. Les spires de section rectangulaire sont formées en un seul matériau continu depuis la courbe à l'intérieur jusqu'à la courbe à l'extérieur, mais présentent, sur certaines portions comprises entre l'attache au centre et l'attache à l'extérieur, une section "s" non uniforme et/ou possèdent une ou plusieurs portions conformées en dehors du tracé d'une spirale parfaite. L'expression "section non uniforme" signifie que, pour une lame ayant une hauteur "h" constante, l'épaisseur "e" d'une portion choisie peut être soit supérieure, soit inférieure à l'épaisseur du reste de la lame constituant le spiral.To this end, the invention relates to a flat hairspring, formed of a blade composed of a succession of turns having between them a pitch "p", for a mechanism regulating pendulum, said hairspring being obtained by a manufacturing process which makes it possible to approximate a perfect isochronism. The turns of rectangular section are formed from a single continuous material from the inside curve to the outside, but have, on certain portions between the fastener in the center and attaches to the outside, a non-uniform section "s" and / or have one or more several portions shaped outside the layout of a perfect spiral. Expression "non-uniform section" means that, for a blade having a constant height "h", the thickness "e" of a chosen portion can be either greater or less than the thickness of the rest of the blade constituting the hairspring.

Comme cela sera expliqué plus loin dans la description détaillée, le procédé de fabrication fait appel aux micro-techniques, tel que la photolithographie et l'électrodéposition d'un métal ou d'un alliage, ou le micro-usinage d'une plaquette d'épaisseur "h" réalisé en un matériau amorphe ou cristallin tel que du silicium sous forme monocristalline ou polycristalline.As will be explained later in the detailed description, the method of manufacturing uses micro-techniques, such as photolithography and the electrodeposition of a metal or an alloy, or the micro-machining of a wafer of thickness "h" made of an amorphous or crystalline material such as silicon under monocrystalline or polycrystalline form.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, la section "s" des spires augmente progressivement depuis la courbe à l'extérieur jusqu'à la courbe à l'intérieur.According to a first embodiment, the section "s" of the turns increases gradually from the outside curve to the inside curve.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, qui peut être combiné avec le premier mode de réalisation, le pas "p" entre les spires diminue régulièrement depuis la courbe à l'extérieur jusqu'à la courbe à l'intérieur. According to a second embodiment, which can be combined with the first embodiment, the pitch "p" between the turns decreases regularly from the curve outside to the curve inside.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, il est possible de sélectionner une portion de spire déterminée et de faire localement varier la largeur de lame pour agir sur d'autres paramètres favorables à l'isochronisme. Cette augmentation peut être réalisée par exemple sur la courbe à l'intérieur, sur la courbe à l'extérieur ou en même temps sur les deux courbes, ou en de multiples autres endroits sur d'autres portions du spiral.According to yet another embodiment, it is possible to select a determined portion of turn and locally vary the blade width to act on other parameters favorable to isochronism. This increase may be performed for example on the inside curve, on the outside curve or at the same time time on the two curves, or in multiple other places on other portions hairspring.

Il est également possible d'obtenir un spiral ayant une portion de spire s'écartant de la courbe d'une spirale parfaite, en ayant par exemple une courbe à l'intérieur de type Grossmann.It is also possible to obtain a hairspring having a turn portion deviating from the curve of a perfect spiral, for example by having a the Grossmann type interior.

L'invention offre en outre l'avantage de pouvoir, en même temps que le spiral en tant que tel, fabriquer le moyen de fixation sur l'axe de balancier, ce moyen de fixation étant formé par une rondelle autoblocante ayant au centre, par exemple, un contour en étoile et comportant des évidements dans son pourtour pour lui conférer une élasticité suffisante au montage et éviter un écart entre le point d'origine de la spirale d'Archimède et l'axe de rotation du balancier.The invention also offers the advantage of being able, at the same time as the hairspring as such, manufacture the means of attachment to the balance axle, this means of fixing being formed by a self-locking washer having in the center, for example, a star outline and having recesses in its periphery to give it sufficient elasticity during assembly and avoid a gap between the point of origin of the Archimedes spiral and the axis of rotation of the pendulum.

Pour un spiral en métal ou alliage, le procédé de fabrication consiste fondamentalement à appliquer la technique LIGA pour former un moule correspondant au profil souhaité par le spiral. Compte-tenu des propriétés des photorésists actuellement disponibles sur le marché, il est possible d'ajuster l'épaisseur de la couche de photorésist pour obtenir toute la gamme des spiraux avec des hauteurs de lame allant jusqu'à quelques dixièmes de millimètre.For a metal or alloy hairspring, the manufacturing process consists basically to apply the LIGA technique to form a mold corresponding to the profile desired by the hairspring. Given the properties of photoresists currently available on the market, it is possible to adjust the thickness of the photoresist layer to obtain the whole range of hairsprings with blade heights up to a few tenths of a millimeter.

Pour un spiral en un matériau amorphe ou cristallin, le procédé consiste fondamentalement à effectuer une gravure d'une plaquette dudit matériau à travers des masques.For a hairspring made of an amorphous or crystalline material, the method consists basically to etch a wafer of said material through masks.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront dans la description de différents exemples de réalisation donnés à titre illustratif et non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 représente un balancier-spiral de l'art antérieur;
  • la figure 2 est une représentation agrandie du spiral de la figure 1;
  • la figure 3A correspond à un diagramme d'isochronisme obtenu avec le spiral représenté à la figure 2;
  • la figure 3B correspond à un diagramme d'isochronisme obtenu avec un autre spiral de l'art antérieur;
  • la figure 4 représente un premier mode de réalisation d'un spiral selon l'invention;
  • la figure 5 correspond à un diagramme d'isochronisme obtenu avec le spiral de la figure 4;
       la figure 6 représente un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un spiral selon l'invention;
  • la figure 7 correspond à un diagramme d'isochronisme obtenu avec le spiral de la figure 6;
  • la figure 8 représente un troisième mode de réalisation d'un spiral selon l'invention;
  • la figure 9 correspond à un diagramme d'isochronisme obtenu avec le spiral de la figure 8;
  • la figure 10 représente un mode de fixation d'un spiral selon l'invention, et
  • les figures 10A à 10E représentent d'autres formes de fixation au centre.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear in the description of various embodiments given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a balance spring of the prior art;
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged representation of the hairspring of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 3A corresponds to an isochronism diagram obtained with the hairspring shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 3B corresponds to an isochronism diagram obtained with another hairspring of the prior art;
  • FIG. 4 represents a first embodiment of a hairspring according to the invention;
  • FIG. 5 corresponds to an isochronism diagram obtained with the hairspring of FIG. 4;
    FIG. 6 represents a second embodiment of a hairspring according to the invention;
  • FIG. 7 corresponds to an isochronism diagram obtained with the hairspring of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 represents a third embodiment of a hairspring according to the invention;
  • FIG. 9 corresponds to an isochronism diagram obtained with the hairspring of FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 represents a method of fixing a hairspring according to the invention, and
  • Figures 10A to 10E show other forms of attachment to the center.

La figure 1, partiellement arrachée, représente un balancier-spiral de l'art antérieur évoqué en préambule. Ses caractéristiques serviront de référence pour montrer les progrès significatifs apportés par l'invention au niveau de l'isochronisme. Le spiral 10 a l'extrémité de sa courbe au centre 11 fixée de façon classique sur une virole 20 chassée sur l'axe 9 du balancier 8 pivoté entre la platine 7 et le coq 6. Le dispositif réglant comporte en outre de façon connue un porte-piton 5 permettant de fixer la courbe à l'extérieur 14 du spiral 10 et éventuellement une raquette 4 pourvue de goupilles 3 et d'une queue de raquette 2 en regard d'une graduation 1. Sur la figure 2, qui est une représentation agrandie du spiral 10 seul, on voit que ledit spiral est formé de 14 spires ayant une section rectangulaire uniforme, par exemple de 0,05 x 0,30 mm depuis la courbe au centre 11 jusqu'à la courbe à l'extérieur 14, et que les spires présentent entre elles un pas constant p. Le point de fixation de la courbe au centre 11 est situé à une distance r du centre de pivotement du spiral, et celui de la courbe à l'extérieur 14, à une distance R, avant le coude 16. Dans cet exemple, r et R ont respectivement pour valeurs 0,57 mm et 2,46 mm. Ces valeurs de r et R, ainsi que nombre de spires, seront les mêmes dans la suite de la description, sauf indications contraires.Figure 1, partially broken away, shows a balance spring of the prior art mentioned in the preamble. Its characteristics will serve as a reference to show the significant progress made by the invention in isochronism. The hairspring 10 has the end of its curve at the center 11 fixed in a conventional manner on a ferrule 20 driven out on the axis 9 of the pendulum 8 pivoted between the plate 7 and the cock 6. The regulating device further comprises in known manner a piton holder 5 for fixing the curve outside 14 of the hairspring 10 and possibly a racket 4 provided with pins 3 and a racket tail 2 opposite a graduation 1. In FIG. 2, which is a enlarged representation of the hairspring 10 alone, it can be seen that said hairspring is formed of 14 turns having a uniform rectangular section, for example 0.05 x 0.30 mm from the curve in the center 11 to the curve outside 14 , and that the turns have a constant pitch between them p . The attachment point of the curve at the center 11 is located at a distance r from the pivot center of the balance spring, and that of the curve at the outside 14, at a distance R, before the bend 16. In this example, r and R are 0.57 mm and 2.46 mm respectively. These values of r and R, as well as the number of turns, will be the same in the following description, unless indicated otherwise.

En se référant maintenant à la figure 3A on a représenté le diagramme d'isochronisme d'un spiral ayant les caractéristiques sus-indiquées. On a porté en abscisses l'amplitude d'oscillation du balancier exprimée en degrés par rapport à sa position d'équilibre. En ordonnées on a reporté l'écart de marche exprimé en seconde par jour. Ce diagramme comporte cinq courbes correspondant aux positions usuelles de mesures avec le balancier-spiral, horizontal (courbe 1), puis vertical (courbes 2 à 5, par rotation de 90° d'une courbe à l'autre). Le tracé en pointillés correspond à l'enveloppe de toutes les positions les plus défavorables. L'appréciation de l'écart de marche s'effectue traditionnellement en prenant en considération l'écart maximum de l'enveloppe pour une amplitude comprise entre 200° et 300°. Sur le diagramme de la figure 3A, on observe que cet écart maximum, avec ce spiral de référence de l'art antérieur, est de 4,7 s/j pour une amplitude de 236°.Referring now to FIG. 3A, the diagram is shown. of isochronism of a hairspring having the above-mentioned characteristics. We carried in abscissa the amplitude of oscillation of the balance wheel expressed in degrees relative to its equilibrium position. On the ordinate, the walking distance expressed in seconds has been reported. per day. This diagram has five curves corresponding to the usual positions of measurements with the balance spring, horizontal (curve 1), then vertical (curves 2 to 5, by 90 ° rotation from one curve to another). The dotted line corresponds to the envelope of all the most unfavorable positions. The appreciation of the difference of traditionally, the maximum deviation of the envelope for an amplitude between 200 ° and 300 °. On the diagram of the FIG. 3A, it is observed that this maximum deviation, with this reference hairspring of art anterior, is 4.7 s / d for an amplitude of 236 °.

A la figure 3B on a représenté le diagramme obtenu avec un spiral (non représenté) ayant les caractéristiques mentionnées dans le brevet US 209 642 cité en préambule, à savoir avec une épaisseur de lame variant entre 0,046 mm pour la courbe à l'extérieur 14 et 0,036 mm pour la courbe à l'intérieur 11. Contrairement à ce qu'on peut attendre d'après l'enseignement dudit brevet on observera que l'écart maximum a augmenté jusqu'à 7,7 s/j pour une amplitude de 230°.In Figure 3B there is shown the diagram obtained with a hairspring (not shown) having the characteristics mentioned in US Patent 209,642 cited in preamble, namely with a blade thickness varying between 0.046 mm for the outside curve 14 and 0.036 mm for inside curve 11. Unlike this that we can wait according to the teaching of said patent we will observe that the difference maximum increased to 7.7 s / d for an amplitude of 230 °.

En se référant maintenant aux figures 4 et 5 on décrit ci-après un premier mode de réalisation d'un spiral dont la fabrication par micro-usinage (photolithographie et croissance galvanique, ou gravure d'un matériau amorphe ou cristallin permet d'obtenir une géométrie favorable à l'isochronisme. Comme on peut le voir, le pas p entre une spire et la suivante diminue au fur et à mesure qu'on se rapproche du centre du spiral. Inversement, la section augmente depuis la courbe à l'extérieur 14 jusqu'à la courbe à l'intérieur 11. Etant donné que les procédés de fabrication confèrent à la lame une hauteur constante, la variation de section correspond en fait à une variante de l'épaisseur qui passe de 0,036 mm pour la courbe à l'extérieur 14 à 0,046 mm pour la courbe à l'intérieur 11.Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first embodiment of a hairspring is described below, the manufacture of which by micromachining (photolithography and galvanic growth, or etching of an amorphous or crystalline material makes it possible to obtain a geometry favorable to isochronism. As we can see, the step p between one turn and the next decreases as we get closer to the center of the balance spring. Conversely, the section increases from the curve outside 14 to the inside curve 11. Since the manufacturing processes give the blade a constant height, the variation in section corresponds in fact to a variation of the thickness which goes from 0.036 mm for the curve to outside 14 to 0.046 mm for the inside curve 11.

Sur le diagramme représenté à la figure 5, on voit que l'écart maximum est abaissé à 2,8 s/j pour une amplitude de 242°. On obtiendrait encore un résultat favorable sur cet écart maximum en agissant uniquement, soit sur le pas p, soit sur l'épaisseur e de la lame.On the diagram shown in Figure 5, we see that the maximum deviation is lowered to 2.8 s / d for an amplitude of 242 °. One would still obtain a favorable result on this maximum deviation by acting only, either on the pitch p , or on the thickness e of the blade.

Les figures 6 et 7 correspondent à une deuxième mode de réalisation de type "Michel" pour la courbe à l'extérieur 14 et pour la courbe à l'intérieur 11. Les spires ont entre elles un pas constant et une section constante correspondant à une épaisseur constante de 0,042 mm, à l'exception de deux portions de spires pour lesquelles l'épaisseur est portée à 0,056 mm :

  • une portion 12 de la courbe à l'intérieur 11 sur un secteur angulaire d'environ 80° dont la partie médiane se trouve sensiblement à - 110° d'un axe de référence Ox, et
  • une portion 15 de la courbe à l'extérieur 14 sur un secteur angulaire d'environ 20° dont la partie médiane se trouve sensiblement à + 115° de l'axe de référence Ox.
Figures 6 and 7 correspond to a second embodiment of the "Michel" type for the curve outside 14 and for the curve inside 11. The turns have between them a constant pitch and a constant section corresponding to a constant thickness of 0.042 mm, with the exception of two portions of turns for which the thickness is increased to 0.056 mm:
  • a portion 12 of the curve inside 11 over an angular sector of approximately 80 °, the middle part of which is substantially at −110 ° from a reference axis Ox, and
  • a portion 15 of the outside curve 14 over an angular sector of approximately 20 °, the middle part of which is substantially at + 115 ° from the reference axis Ox.

Sur le diagramme représenté à la figure 7 on voit que l'écart maximum n'est plus que de 1,8 s/j. La valeur de la surépaisseur et les positionnements sur les spires ne sont donnés ci-dessus qu'à titre illustratif, et il est bien évident que l'homme de métier peut choisir d'avoir un plus grand nombre de zones de surépaisseur en différents endroits. On the diagram shown in Figure 7 we see that the maximum deviation is more than 1.8 s / d. The value of the allowance and the positions on the turns are given above for illustration only, and it is obvious that the man of trade may choose to have a greater number of allowance zones in different places.

Les figures 8 et 9 correspondent à un troisième mode de réalisation dans lequel la courbe à l'intérieur 11 est de type Grossmann 13, c'est-à-dire en ayant une géométrie telle que celle décrite dans l'ouvrage "Théorie générale de l'horlogerie" de L. Defossez. Une telle géométrie est très délicate à obtenir par déformation d'une lame métallique. Le procédé de fabrication selon l'invention permet par contre d'obtenir très facilement une telle configuration sans l'intervention d'un personnel hautement qualifié. Le diagramme représenté à la figure 9 montre que l'écart maximum à 300° n'est que de 2,1 s/j.Figures 8 and 9 correspond to a third embodiment in which the curve inside 11 is of Grossmann type 13, that is to say having a geometry such as that described in the book "General theory of watchmaking" by L. Defossez. Such geometry is very difficult to obtain by deformation of a metal blade. The manufacturing process according to the invention, however, allows very easily obtain such a configuration without the intervention of personnel highly qualified. The diagram shown in Figure 9 shows that the difference maximum at 300 ° is only 2.1 s / d.

Bien évidemment, compte tenu de la liberté de configuration que donnent les procédés de fabrication selon l'invention, il est possible de combiner les modes de réalisations précédemment décrits pour obtenir un spiral selon l'invention ayant un isochronisme amélioré.Obviously, given the freedom of configuration given by manufacturing methods according to the invention, it is possible to combine the modes of previously described embodiments for obtaining a hairspring according to the invention having a improved isochronism.

A la figure 10 on a représenté un spiral correspondant au premier mode de réalisation (figure 4) dans lequel la virole 20 est remplacée par une rondelle autobloquante 17 formée en même temps que le spiral 10. Cette rondelle 17 présente en son centre un contour 19 tel qu'il permet de bloquer sans jeu l'axe 9 du balancier 8 en ayant une certaine élasticité procurée par des lumières 18 réparties autour du contour de blocage 19 représenté en étoile à la figure 10. Les figures 10A à 10E montrent d'autres conformations possibles de la rondelle autobloquante 17 avec un contour de blocage 19 en triangle, en carré, hexagonal, circulaire ou en ogive. Lorsqu'on réalise l'ensemble spiral-rondelle autobloquante par photolithographie et croissance galvanique on peut avantageusement, au moyen d'une étape supplémentaire, réaliser ladite rondelle autobloquante 17 avec une épaisseur supérieure à la hauteur de la lame pour obtenir une meilleure tenue du spiral 10 sur l'axe 9 du balancier.FIG. 10 shows a hairspring corresponding to the first mode of embodiment (Figure 4) in which the ferrule 20 is replaced by a washer self-locking 17 formed at the same time as the hairspring 10. This washer 17 has in its center a contour 19 such that it allows to block without play the axis 9 of the pendulum 8 by having a certain elasticity provided by lights 18 distributed around the locking contour 19 shown in a star in FIG. 10. FIGS. 10A to 10E show other possible conformations of the self-locking washer 17 with a locking contour 19 in triangle, square, hexagonal, circular or ogive shape. When the self-locking spiral-washer assembly is produced by photolithography and galvanic growth it is advantageously possible, by means of a step additional, make said self-locking washer 17 with a thickness greater than the height of the blade to obtain better hold of the hairspring 10 on axis 9 of the pendulum.

Un spiral selon l'invention en un matériau amorphe ou cristallin tel que du silicium peut être fabriqué en adaptant les procédés de micro-usinage déjà utilisés par exemple pour la fabrication de circuits intégrés ou d'accéléromètres à partir d'une plaquette de silicium. On peut notamment se référer aux procédés décrits dans les brevets US 4 571 661 et US 5 576 250 concernant des accéléromètres. Le procédé consiste fondamentalement en les étapes suivantes :

  • appliquer une plaquette de silicium sur un substrat en créant une interface en SiO2 isolante;
  • amincir la plaquette jusqu'à la hauteur "h" de lame désirée selon la méthode décrite par C. Harendt et al. ("Wafer bonding and its application to silicon-on-insulator fabrication" Technical Digest MNE'90, 2nd Workshop, Berlin, November 90, p. 81-86);
  • former par photolithographie un masquage correspondant au contour de spiral désiré;
  • effectuer la gravure de la plaquette de silicium jusqu'au substrat, selon des procédés connus, telle qu'une attaque chimique par voie humide, un usinage à sec par plasma, ou une combinaison des deux; et
  • séparer le spiral du substrat.
A hairspring according to the invention in an amorphous or crystalline material such as silicon can be manufactured by adapting the micromachining methods already used for example for the manufacture of integrated circuits or accelerometers from a silicon wafer. Reference may in particular be made to the methods described in US Pat. Nos. 4,571,661 and US Pat. No. 5,576,250 concerning accelerometers. The process basically consists of the following steps:
  • applying a silicon wafer to a substrate by creating an insulating SiO 2 interface;
  • thin the wafer to the desired height "h" of the blade according to the method described by C. Harendt et al. ("Wafer bonding and its application to silicon-on-insulator fabrication" Technical Digest MNE'90, 2nd Workshop, Berlin, November 90, p. 81-86);
  • forming a photolithography mask corresponding to the desired hairspring contour;
  • etching the silicon wafer to the substrate, according to known methods, such as wet chemical etching, dry plasma machining, or a combination of the two; and
  • separate the hairspring from the substrate.

Compte-tenu des très petites dimensions d'un spiral, il est évidemment possible et avantageux de les fabriquer par lot à partir d'une unique plaquette de silicium.Given the very small dimensions of a hairspring, it is obviously possible and advantageous to manufacture them in batches from a single plate of silicon.

Pour fabriquer un spiral selon l'invention en métal ou en alliage, on fait appel à la technique LIGA connue depuis le milieu des années 70. Dans une première étape le procédé consiste fondamentalement à étaler sur un substrat préalablement revêtu d'une couche sacrificielle un photorésist positif ou négatif sur une épaisseur correspondant à la hauteur "h" de lame désirée et former au moyen d'un masque par photolithographie et attaque chimique une structure en creux correspondant au contour désiré pour le spiral. Dans une deuxième étape , on remplit ladite structure en creux d'un métal ou d'un alliage métallique soit par électrodéposition comme indiqué par exemple dans le brevet US 4 661 212, soit par compression et frittage de nanoparticules, comme indiqué par exemple dans la demande de brevet US 2001/0038803.To manufacture a hairspring according to the invention in metal or alloy, use is made of the LIGA technique known since the mid-70s. In a first step the process basically consists of spreading on a previously coated substrate a sacrificial layer a positive or negative photoresist over a thickness corresponding to the desired height "h" of the blade and form by means of a mask by photolithography and chemical attack a hollow structure corresponding to the desired outline for the hairspring. In a second step, said structure is filled in hollow of a metal or metal alloy either by electrodeposition as shown for example in US Patent 4,661,212, either by compression and sintering of nanoparticles, as indicated for example in the US patent application 2001/0038803.

Dans une dernière étape on libère le spiral du substrat par élimination de la couche sacrificielle.In a last step, we release the balance spring from the substrate by eliminating the sacrificial layer.

Claims (14)

Spiral de résonateur balancier-spiral ayant son axe (9) pivoté entre une platine (7) et le coq (6), ledit spiral (10) étant formé d'une lame composée d'une succession de spires ayant entre elles un pas "p", l'extrémité de la courbe à l'intérieur (11) étant rendue solidaire de l'axe (9) de balancier (8) et l'extrémité de la courbe à l'extérieur (14) étant fixée au coq (6) ou à une pièce solidaire de celui-ci, caractérisé en ce que les spires sont formées d'une seule bande depuis la courbe à l'intérieur (11) jusqu'à la courbe à l'extérieur (14) et présentent sur certaines portions comprises entre l'attache au centre et l'attache à l'extérieur une section "s" rectangulaire, de hauteur h et d'épaisseur e non uniforme, et/ou comportent une ou plusieurs portions conformées en dehors du tracé d'une spirale parfaite.Balance-spring balance spring with its axis (9) pivoted between a plate (7) and the cock (6), said spring (10) being formed of a blade composed of a succession of turns having a pitch between them " p ", the end of the curve inside (11) being made integral with the axis (9) of the pendulum (8) and the end of the curve outside (14) being fixed to the cock ( 6) or to a part secured thereto, characterized in that the turns are formed in a single strip from the inside curve (11) to the outside curve (14) and have on certain portions comprised between the central fastener and the external fastener a section "s" rectangular, of height h and of thickness e not uniform, and / or comprise one or more shaped portions outside the layout of a perfect spiral. Spiral selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la section "s" des spires augmente régulièrement depuis la courbe à l'extérieur (14) jusqu'à la courbe à l'intérieur (11).Spiral according to claim 1, characterized in that the section "s" of the turns increases regularly from the outside curve (14) to the inside curve (11). Spiral selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le pas "p" entre les spires diminue régulièrement depuis la courbe à l'extérieur (14) jusqu'à la courbe à l'intérieur (11).Spiral according to claim 1, characterized in that the pitch "p" between the turns decreases regularly from the outside curve (14) to the inside curve (11). Spiral selon les revendications 2 et 3, caractérisé en ce que la section "s" des spires augmente et le pas "p" entre chaque spire diminue depuis la courbe à l'extérieur (14) jusqu'à la courbe à l'intérieur (11).Spiral according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the section "s" of the turns increases and the pitch "p" between each turn decreases from the outside curve (14) to the inside curve ( 11). Spiral selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'une portion de la courbe à l'intérieur (11) présente une section plus grande que celle de la lame formant toutes les autres spires.Spiral according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the inside curve (11) has a larger section than that of the blade forming all the other turns. Spiral selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'une portion de la courbe à l'extérieur (14) présente une section plus grande que celle de la lame formant toutes les autres spires.Spiral according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the outside curve (14) has a larger section than that of the blade forming all the other turns. Spiral selon les revendications 5 et 6, caractérisé en ce qu'une portion (12) de la courbe à l'intérieur (11) et une portion (15) de la courbe à l'extérieur (14) présentent une section plus grande que celle de la lame formant toutes les autres spires.Spiral according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that a portion (12) of the curve inside (11) and a portion (15) of the curve outside (14) have a section larger than that of the blade forming all the other turns. Spiral selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la courbe à l'intérieur a une conformation de type Grossmann.Spiral according to claim 1, characterized in that the inside curve has a Grossmann type conformation. Spiral selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la courbe à l'intérieur (11) est prolongée par une rondelle autobloquante (17) formée en même temps que la lame et agissant comme une virole pour positionner ledit spiral sur l'axe (9) du balancier (8), permettant ainsi de maítriser la distance et l'orientation du point d'origine de la spirale d'Archimède par rapport à l'axe de rotation du balancier (8)Spiral according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inside curve (11) is extended by a self-locking washer (17) formed at the same time as the blade and acting as a ferrule to position said spiral on the axis (9) of the pendulum (8), thus making it possible to control the distance and the orientation of the point of origin of the Archimedes spiral relative to the axis of rotation of the pendulum (8) Spiral selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que la rondelle autobloquante (17) a une épaisseur supérieure à la hauteur "h" de la lame.Spiral according to claim 9, characterized in that the self-locking washer (17) has a thickness greater than the height "h" of the blade. Procédé de fabrication d'un spiral à partir d'une plaquette en un matériau amorphe ou cristallin, ledit spiral étant formé d'une seule lame de section rectangulaire ayant une épaisseur e non uniforme et/ou comportant une ou plusieurs portions de spires conformées en dehors du tracé d'une spirale parfaite caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à effectuer au moyen d'un masque la gravure de ladite plaquette selon le contour désiré pour le spiral.Method for manufacturing a hairspring from a plate made of an amorphous or crystalline material, said hairspring being formed of a single blade of rectangular section having a non-uniform thickness e and / or comprising one or more portions of turns shaped as outside the tracing of a perfect spiral, characterized in that it consists in effecting, by means of a mask, the etching of said plate according to the desired contour for the hairspring. Procédé de fabrication d'un spiral en métal ou en alliage formé d'une seule lame de section rectangulaire ayant une épaisseur e non uniforme et/ou comportant une ou plusieurs portions de spires conformées en dehors du tracé d'une spirale parfaite, caractérisé en ce qu'on forme par le procédé LIGA un moule correspondant au contour désiré pour le spiral, et qu'on apporte dans ledit moule le métal ou l'alliage.Method of manufacturing a metal or alloy hairspring formed of a single blade of rectangular section having a non-uniform thickness e and / or comprising one or more portions of turns formed outside the layout of a perfect spiral, characterized in which is formed by the LIGA process a mold corresponding to the desired outline for the hairspring, and that the metal or alloy is brought into said mold. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que le métal ou l'alliage est apporté par électrodéposition.Manufacturing method according to claim 12, characterized in that the metal or the alloy is supplied by electrodeposition. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que le métal ou l'alliage est apporté sous forme de poudre nanoparticulaire comprimée puis frittée.Manufacturing method according to claim 12, characterized in that the metal or the alloy is supplied in the form of nanoparticulate powder compressed then sintered.
EP03075362A 2003-02-06 2003-02-06 Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication Withdrawn EP1445670A1 (en)

Priority Applications (17)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03075362A EP1445670A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2003-02-06 Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
EP04707219A EP1593004B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
EP10151818.1A EP2175328B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Horological movement comprising a flat hairspring
AT04707219T ATE486304T1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 HAIR SPRING OF THE RESONATOR BALANCE AND FABRICATION METHOD
US10/544,644 US20060055097A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Hairspring for balance wheel hairspring resonator and production method thereof
DE602004029762T DE602004029762D1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 SPIRAL SPRING OF THE RESONATOR UNRUH AND FABRICATION METHOD
EP06003086A EP1655642B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Balance-spring resonator spiral
KR1020057014243A KR20050098881A (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Srpung balance spiral resonator and method for manufacturing the same
DE602004023518T DE602004023518D1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Spiral spring of the resonator balance
JP2005518308A JP5122073B2 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Speed governor with balance spring and method for manufacturing the same
PCT/EP2004/000931 WO2004070476A2 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Hairspring for balance wheel/hairspring resonator and production method thereof
CNB2004800033870A CN100435044C (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Balance-spring for balance wheel and resonator and its method of fabrication
TW093102542A TW200426547A (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-04 Sprung balance spiral resonator and method for manufacturing the same
HK06104914A HK1084737A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2006-04-25 Hairspring for balance wheel/hairspring resonator and production method thereof
JP2012202260A JP5389999B2 (en) 2003-02-06 2012-09-14 Speed governor with balance spring and method for manufacturing the same
US14/681,535 US20150277382A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2015-04-08 Spiral spring for a sprung balance spiral resonator and method for manufacturing the same
US16/210,811 US10444706B2 (en) 2003-02-06 2018-12-05 Spiral spring for a sprung balance spiral resonator and method for manufacturing the same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03075362A EP1445670A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2003-02-06 Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1445670A1 true EP1445670A1 (en) 2004-08-11

Family

ID=32605375

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03075362A Withdrawn EP1445670A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2003-02-06 Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
EP04707219A Expired - Lifetime EP1593004B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
EP10151818.1A Expired - Lifetime EP2175328B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Horological movement comprising a flat hairspring
EP06003086A Expired - Lifetime EP1655642B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Balance-spring resonator spiral

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04707219A Expired - Lifetime EP1593004B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
EP10151818.1A Expired - Lifetime EP2175328B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Horological movement comprising a flat hairspring
EP06003086A Expired - Lifetime EP1655642B1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-02-02 Balance-spring resonator spiral

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (3) US20060055097A1 (en)
EP (4) EP1445670A1 (en)
JP (2) JP5122073B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20050098881A (en)
CN (1) CN100435044C (en)
AT (1) ATE486304T1 (en)
DE (2) DE602004029762D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1084737A1 (en)
TW (1) TW200426547A (en)
WO (1) WO2004070476A2 (en)

Cited By (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005106819A (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-04-21 Asulab Sa Thermoregulated spring balance resonator
EP1596259A1 (en) * 2004-05-10 2005-11-16 Precision Engineering AG Method of manufacture of thin metallic bodies, particularly watch parts
EP1612627A1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-01-04 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Bi-material autocompensating hairspring
EP1705533A1 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-27 Patek Philippe S.A. Assembly of a mechanical part onto an axle
EP1708045A2 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-10-04 Patek Philippe S.A. Attachment of a clock wheel to an axis
EP1818736A1 (en) 2006-02-09 2007-08-15 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Shockproof collet
EP1826635A1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-08-29 Patek Philippe S.A. Resilient fastening device for horology
EP1826634A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-08-29 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Micromechanical element provided with form-locking opening for axle assembly
EP1850193A1 (en) * 2006-04-28 2007-10-31 Patek Philippe Sa Method of force fitting one piece in another piece
EP1857891A1 (en) * 2006-05-17 2007-11-21 Patek Philippe Sa Hairspring-collet assembly for a timepiece movement
EP1868045A1 (en) * 2006-06-12 2007-12-19 Patek Philippe S.A. Horological collet
EP1870784A2 (en) * 2006-06-23 2007-12-26 Omega SA Micro-engineered mobile with impact controlled rotation
JP2008501967A (en) * 2004-06-08 2008-01-24 セーエスエーエム サントル スイス ドュレクトロニック エ ドゥ ミクロテクニック エスアー ルシェルシュ エ デヴロプマン Temperature-compensated roof / spring spring oscillator
WO2009049591A1 (en) * 2007-10-18 2009-04-23 Konrad Damasko Method for producing functional elements for clockworks and functional element produced according to said method
EP2138912A1 (en) 2008-06-24 2009-12-30 Belot, Michel Horological hairspring with concentric development
US7641381B2 (en) 2002-07-12 2010-01-05 Gideon Levingston Mechanical oscillator system
US7708454B2 (en) 2006-06-23 2010-05-04 Omega S.A. Mobile micromechanical element with shock controlled rotation
US7726872B2 (en) 2003-10-20 2010-06-01 Gideon Levingston Balance wheel, balance spring and other components and assemblies for a mechanical oscillator system and methods of manufacture
EP1637940A3 (en) * 2004-08-31 2010-08-04 Patek Philippe SA Genève Collet for timepieces
EP2230572A1 (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-22 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Radial gripping system for a timepiece component
EP2230571A1 (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-22 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Radial gripping system for a timepiece component
CH701846A1 (en) * 2009-09-21 2011-03-31 Rolex Sa Spiral for flat stick together of watches and stick-spiral.
EP2442190A1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2012-04-18 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2469351A1 (en) 2010-12-22 2012-06-27 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2469352A1 (en) 2010-12-22 2012-06-27 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
CN101978326B (en) * 2008-03-20 2013-01-02 尼瓦洛克斯-法尔股份有限公司 Single-body regulating organ and method for manufacturing same
CH707288A1 (en) * 2012-11-22 2014-05-30 Manuf Et Fabrique De Montres Et De Chronomètres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A Device for use in clock industry for assembly for holding of clock spring on rocker axis and/or piton, has tightening loop adapted to shape of part, where loop is provided with diameter that is smaller than diameter of part
WO2014072781A3 (en) * 2012-11-07 2014-06-26 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Clock movement having a balance and a hairspring
EP2795411A2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2014-10-29 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Method for manufacturing a resonator
CN104345628A (en) * 2013-07-29 2015-02-11 动力专家有限公司 Balance spring of silicon end-coil hairspring
CN104714393A (en) * 2013-12-16 2015-06-17 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 Polygonal balance spring for a resonator for a timepiece
DE202010018420U1 (en) 2009-02-06 2016-06-22 Damasko Gmbh Mechanical oscillating system for a watch and balance spring for one watch
WO2016192957A1 (en) * 2015-06-03 2016-12-08 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Resonator with fine adjustment by index-assembly
WO2016207851A1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-12-29 Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (Epfl) Ultrasonic driving method
EP3115852A1 (en) * 2015-06-16 2017-01-11 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Timepiece component having a part with improved welding surface
EP3214506A1 (en) * 2016-03-04 2017-09-06 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Compact hairspring with constant double cross-section
WO2017163148A1 (en) 2016-03-23 2017-09-28 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Balance wheel oscillator for timepiece
US10324419B2 (en) 2009-02-06 2019-06-18 Domasko GmbH Mechanical oscillating system for a clock and functional element for a clock
US10444706B2 (en) 2003-02-06 2019-10-15 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Spiral spring for a sprung balance spiral resonator and method for manufacturing the same
WO2021053454A1 (en) * 2019-09-20 2021-03-25 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Method for producing a timepiece spring made of monocrystalline material and timepiece spring obtained by said method
EP3913441A1 (en) 2020-05-22 2021-11-24 Patek Philippe SA Genève Oscillator for a timepiece

Families Citing this family (55)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1886194A2 (en) * 2005-05-14 2008-02-13 Gideon Levingston Balance spring, regulated balance wheel assembly and methods of manufacture thereof
US8339904B2 (en) * 2005-06-28 2012-12-25 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Reinforced micro-mechanical part
EP1791039A1 (en) * 2005-11-25 2007-05-30 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Hairspring made from athermic glass for a timepiece movement and its method of manufacture
WO2008029158A2 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-13 Gideon Levingston Thermally compensating balance wheel
ATE467860T1 (en) * 2006-11-09 2010-05-15 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse MOUNTING ELEMENT COMPRISING EXTENSIBLE STRUCTURES IN THE FORM OF FORKS, AND CLOCK COMPRISING THIS ELEMENT
ATE455319T1 (en) * 2006-11-09 2010-01-15 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse MOUNTING ELEMENT COMPRISING TWO ROWS OF EXTENSIBLE STRUCTURES AND CLOCK COMPRISING THIS ELEMENT
EP1921518B1 (en) * 2006-11-09 2010-05-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component
EP2102717B1 (en) * 2006-12-21 2013-06-26 CompliTime S.A. Mechanical oscillator for timepiece
CH714952B1 (en) 2007-05-08 2019-10-31 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Watchmaking component, its method of manufacture and application of this method.
DE602008001778D1 (en) * 2008-03-20 2010-08-26 Nivarox Sa Monoblock double spiral and its manufacturing process
EP2104005A1 (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-23 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Composite balance and method of manufacturing thereof
EP2104007A1 (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-23 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Single-body spiral made from a silicon-based material and manufacturing method
EP2105807B1 (en) 2008-03-28 2015-12-02 Montres Breguet SA Monobloc elevated curve spiral and method for manufacturing same
EP2145857B1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2014-03-19 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Method of manufacturing a micromechanical part
EP2151722B8 (en) * 2008-07-29 2021-03-31 Rolex Sa Hairspring for balance-spring resonator
CH699882A2 (en) * 2008-11-06 2010-05-14 Montres Breguet Sa Elevated curve hairspring e.g. breguet hairspring, for use in timepiece, has lifting device arranged between external layer of spring and terminal curve so as to increase concentric development of hairspring
CH700059A2 (en) * 2008-12-15 2010-06-15 Montres Breguet Sa Curve elevation hairspring i.e. Breguet hairspring, for movement of timepiece, has elevation device placed between external spire and terminal curve, and two unique parts integrated for increasing precision of development of hairspring
EP2264553B1 (en) * 2009-06-19 2016-10-26 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Thermocompensated spring and manufacturing method thereof
CH701783B1 (en) * 2009-09-07 2015-01-30 Manuf Et Fabrique De Montres Et Chronomètres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A spiral spring watch movement.
CH702156B1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2017-08-31 Nivarox Far Sa Spiral balance resonator for a timepiece.
EP2550566B1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2019-11-06 Rolex S.A. Split collet with a non-circular opening
EP2390732A1 (en) * 2010-05-27 2011-11-30 Association Suisse pour la Recherche Horlogère Barrel spring
EP2400351B1 (en) 2010-06-22 2013-09-25 Omega SA Single-piece mobile element for a clock piece
EP2434353B1 (en) * 2010-09-28 2018-01-10 Montres Breguet SA Anti-tripping hairspring for timepiece escapement
EP2469353A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2012-06-27 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
CH705471B1 (en) * 2011-09-07 2016-03-31 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve clockwork spring balance.
CN103930837B (en) * 2011-09-29 2017-05-03 劳力士有限公司 Integral assembly of a hairspring and a collet
EP2595005A1 (en) 2011-11-16 2013-05-22 Omega SA Single-block mobile for a timepiece
CH705944A2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-28 Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd Method for manufacturing component e.g. anchor pallet, of timepiece, involves modifying structure of zone of substrate by laser so as to make zone more selective, and chemically engraving zone to selectively manufacture component
WO2014146842A1 (en) 2013-03-22 2014-09-25 Omega Sa Unitary coaxial escapement anchor
EP2804055B1 (en) * 2013-05-16 2016-03-09 Blancpain SA. Assembly consisting of a stud and a stud support
EP2804054B1 (en) * 2013-05-17 2020-09-23 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Anti-adhesion device of a spiral on a bridge
EP2908183B1 (en) * 2014-02-14 2018-04-18 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Clock hairspring
EP3098669A1 (en) * 2014-03-05 2016-11-30 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Hairspring intended for being clamped by a spring washer
EP2952977A1 (en) * 2014-06-03 2015-12-09 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Timepiece component made of welded materials
EP2957963B1 (en) * 2014-06-18 2017-10-25 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Timepiece wheel
US9678477B2 (en) * 2014-09-12 2017-06-13 Seiko Instruments Inc. Mechanical component, mechanical component manufacturing method, movement, and timepiece
US9753433B2 (en) * 2014-09-12 2017-09-05 Seiko Instruments Inc. Mechanical component, movement, and timepiece
EP3106931A1 (en) * 2015-06-16 2016-12-21 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Part with uncoupled welding surface
EP3106935A1 (en) * 2015-06-16 2016-12-21 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Method for manufacturing a part comprising a modified browning step
EP3141522B1 (en) * 2015-09-08 2018-05-02 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Micromechanical timepiece part comprising a lubricated surface and method for manufacturing such a micromechanical timepiece part
EP3141520B1 (en) * 2015-09-08 2018-03-14 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Method for manufacturing a micromechanical timepiece part and said micromechanical timepiece part
EP3141966B1 (en) * 2015-09-08 2018-05-09 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Method for forming a decorative surface on a micromechanical timepiece part and said micromechanical timepiece part
EP3159747A1 (en) * 2015-10-22 2017-04-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Compact hairspring with constant cross-section
CN105299113A (en) * 2015-11-07 2016-02-03 王太省 Intelligent vortex roll steel belt variable-force spring
EP3182211A1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2017-06-21 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Composite part with resilient means under stress
EP3181939B1 (en) 2015-12-18 2019-02-20 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Method for manufacturing a hairspring with predetermined stiffness by adding material
CH711962B1 (en) 2015-12-18 2017-10-31 Csem Centre Suisse D'electronique Et De Microtechnique Sa – Rech Et Développement A method of manufacturing a hairspring of predetermined stiffness with localized removal of material
EP3181938B1 (en) 2015-12-18 2019-02-20 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Method for manufacturing a hairspring with a predetermined stiffness by removing material
US20180088530A1 (en) * 2016-11-30 2018-03-29 Firehouse Horology Inc. Geometries for Hairsprings for Mechanical Watches Enabled By Nanofabrication
FR3064281B1 (en) * 2017-03-24 2022-11-11 Univ De Lorraine METASTABLE BETA TITANIUM ALLOY, CLOCK SPRING BASED ON SUCH AN ALLOY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING IT
EP3502785B1 (en) * 2017-12-21 2020-08-12 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Hairspring for clock movement and method for manufacturing same
JP6548240B1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2019-07-24 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Hairspring, governor, watch movement and watch
EP3722889A1 (en) * 2019-04-08 2020-10-14 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements
CN112032230B (en) * 2020-09-10 2021-10-22 中国航空工业集团公司沈阳飞机设计研究所 Method for determining performance of torsion spring with rectangular section

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE526689A (en) *
US209642A (en) * 1878-11-05 Improvement in balance-springs for time-keepers
US3186157A (en) * 1961-08-24 1965-06-01 United States Time Corp Balance wheel assembly for an electric timepiece
DE7112828U (en) * 1973-12-06 Belton A/S
US20020115016A1 (en) * 2001-02-16 2002-08-22 Warren John B. Method of fabricating a high aspect ratio microstructure
EP1256854A2 (en) * 2001-05-11 2002-11-13 Seiko Instruments Inc. Hairspring structure and speed control mechanism for timepiece

Family Cites Families (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US570394A (en) * 1896-10-27 Hair-spring for watches
US345840A (en) * 1886-07-20 Ieans for poising the hasr-springs of watches
US2649684A (en) * 1949-02-10 1953-08-25 Instr Springs Mfg Company Hairspring assembly
CH327796A (en) * 1954-02-22 1958-02-15 Horlogerie Suisse S A Asuag Flat hairspring
US2842935A (en) * 1956-03-15 1958-07-15 Robert I Bradley Spring and collet assemblies
FR1271100A (en) 1960-07-18 1961-09-08 Etablissements Parrenin Soc D Device for fixing the inner end of a spiral spring to the balance axis of a clockwork movement
CH376432A (en) 1961-11-01 1963-12-14 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag Clockspring
GB1109177A (en) * 1964-09-01 1968-04-10 Anglo Celtic Watch Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to hairspring supporting collets
DE1523861A1 (en) 1965-03-19 1969-09-25 Virola Sa Process for the manufacture of a unit consisting of a clock spring and spiral roller and arrangement for fastening this unit on the balance shaft
CH436134A (en) * 1965-03-19 1967-11-15 Virola Sa Method of fixing a watch balance spring to the balance axis
CH465537A (en) 1966-08-19 1969-01-15 William Berthoud Louis Device for the manufacture of watch springs and method for actuating this device
CH468662A (en) 1966-08-29 1969-03-31 Jean Claude Kullmann Ferrule and hairspring assembly
CH473416A (en) * 1966-10-14 1969-07-15 Virola Sa Slitless ferrule and method of manufacturing this ferrule
CH483046A (en) 1966-12-12 1970-01-30 Holding Favre Leuba S A Device for fixing the inner end of a hairspring to the balance shaft of a clockwork movement
FR1519639A (en) * 1966-12-29 1968-04-05 Lip Sa Spring fixing ferrule
US3686081A (en) * 1969-01-31 1972-08-22 Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm Method for incorporating strength increasing filler materials in a matrix
DE7112818U (en) * 1971-04-02 1973-04-19 Haas C Coil spring
DE2417777A1 (en) 1974-04-11 1975-10-30 Timex Corp Double spiral conductor esp. for electric watch - made by coating narrow side of spiral spring by etching
US4084764A (en) * 1976-04-28 1978-04-18 Fa. J. N. Eberle & Cie. Gmbh Device for winding up a belt or web
CH613833GA3 (en) * 1977-04-04 1979-10-31 Elastic collet for timepiece balance
EP0045814B1 (en) * 1980-08-05 1983-12-14 Közuti Közlekedési Tudományos Kutato Intézet Adjustable spiral spring for measuring instruments
JPS6055655A (en) 1983-09-07 1985-03-30 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Semiconductor device having beam structure
DE3537483C1 (en) * 1985-10-22 1986-12-04 Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh, 7500 Karlsruhe Process for producing a large number of plate-shaped microstructure bodies made of metal
DE3709298A1 (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-29 Kernforschungsz Karlsruhe MICRO SECONDARY ELECTRONIC MULTIPLIER AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
JPH01116328A (en) * 1987-10-29 1989-05-09 Daido Steel Co Ltd S-shaped spiral spring
JP2724466B2 (en) 1988-06-01 1998-03-09 中央発條株式会社 Method of forming eccentric spiral spring with unequal pitch
FR2700065B1 (en) 1992-12-28 1995-02-10 Commissariat Energie Atomique Method of manufacturing accelerometers using silicon on insulator technology.
JP2790056B2 (en) * 1994-02-04 1998-08-27 株式会社デンソー Flexible printed wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
FR2731715B1 (en) * 1995-03-17 1997-05-16 Suisse Electronique Microtech MICRO-MECHANICAL PART AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME
JP3498315B2 (en) * 1997-08-28 2004-02-16 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Springs, springs, drive mechanisms and clocks using them
CH692532A5 (en) * 1997-10-21 2002-07-15 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag A method of making a balance spring for a horological movement.
US6245849B1 (en) * 1999-06-02 2001-06-12 Sandia Corporation Fabrication of ceramic microstructures from polymer compositions containing ceramic nanoparticles
DE60024972T2 (en) 1999-09-08 2006-08-17 Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. Rewritable CD and its method of preparation
TW497015B (en) * 2000-12-07 2002-08-01 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag Method for adjusting the oscillation frequency of a sprung balance for a mechanical timepiece
EP1302821A3 (en) * 2001-10-10 2010-05-05 Franck Muller-Watchland SA Balance-spring for time measuring apparatus
EP1422436B1 (en) * 2002-11-25 2005-10-26 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA Spiral watch spring and its method of production
EP1431844A1 (en) 2002-12-19 2004-06-23 SFT Services SA Assembly for the regulating organ of a watch movement
EP1445670A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-08-11 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
DE60333191D1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2010-08-12 Asulab Sa Spiral spring balance resonator with thermal compensation
ATE430953T1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2009-05-15 Nivarox Sa HAIR SPRING MADE OF TWO MATERIALS WITH SELF-COMPENSATION
EP1818736A1 (en) * 2006-02-09 2007-08-15 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Shockproof collet
EP1857891A1 (en) * 2006-05-17 2007-11-21 Patek Philippe Sa Hairspring-collet assembly for a timepiece movement
CN103930837B (en) * 2011-09-29 2017-05-03 劳力士有限公司 Integral assembly of a hairspring and a collet
EP2884346A1 (en) * 2013-12-16 2015-06-17 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Polygonal hairspring for a timepiece resonator
EP2908183B1 (en) * 2014-02-14 2018-04-18 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Clock hairspring
EP3159748B1 (en) * 2015-10-22 2018-12-12 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Compact hairspring with variable cross-section

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE526689A (en) *
US209642A (en) * 1878-11-05 Improvement in balance-springs for time-keepers
DE7112828U (en) * 1973-12-06 Belton A/S
US3186157A (en) * 1961-08-24 1965-06-01 United States Time Corp Balance wheel assembly for an electric timepiece
US20020115016A1 (en) * 2001-02-16 2002-08-22 Warren John B. Method of fabricating a high aspect ratio microstructure
EP1256854A2 (en) * 2001-05-11 2002-11-13 Seiko Instruments Inc. Hairspring structure and speed control mechanism for timepiece

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
H. JENDRITZKI: "Le régalage d'une montre à balancier spiral", 1961, EDITION SCRIPTAR S.A., LAUSANNE (CH), XP002266616 *

Cited By (74)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7641381B2 (en) 2002-07-12 2010-01-05 Gideon Levingston Mechanical oscillator system
US10444706B2 (en) 2003-02-06 2019-10-15 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Spiral spring for a sprung balance spiral resonator and method for manufacturing the same
JP2005106819A (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-04-21 Asulab Sa Thermoregulated spring balance resonator
US7726872B2 (en) 2003-10-20 2010-06-01 Gideon Levingston Balance wheel, balance spring and other components and assemblies for a mechanical oscillator system and methods of manufacture
EP1596259A1 (en) * 2004-05-10 2005-11-16 Precision Engineering AG Method of manufacture of thin metallic bodies, particularly watch parts
JP2008501967A (en) * 2004-06-08 2008-01-24 セーエスエーエム サントル スイス ドュレクトロニック エ ドゥ ミクロテクニック エスアー ルシェルシュ エ デヴロプマン Temperature-compensated roof / spring spring oscillator
EP1612627A1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-01-04 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Bi-material autocompensating hairspring
US7229208B2 (en) 2004-07-02 2007-06-12 Nivarox-Far S.A. Bi-material self-compensating balance-spring
EP1637940A3 (en) * 2004-08-31 2010-08-04 Patek Philippe SA Genève Collet for timepieces
EP1705533A1 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-27 Patek Philippe S.A. Assembly of a mechanical part onto an axle
EP1708045A2 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-10-04 Patek Philippe S.A. Attachment of a clock wheel to an axis
EP1708045A3 (en) * 2005-03-22 2009-01-07 Patek, Philippe SA Attachment of a clock wheel to an axis
CN101379445B (en) * 2006-02-09 2010-09-29 斯沃奇集团研究和开发有限公司 Anti-shock collet
WO2007090806A1 (en) * 2006-02-09 2007-08-16 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Anti-shock collet
EP1818736A1 (en) 2006-02-09 2007-08-15 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Shockproof collet
EP1826635A1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-08-29 Patek Philippe S.A. Resilient fastening device for horology
US8206029B2 (en) 2006-02-28 2012-06-26 Nivarox-Far S.A. Micro-mechanical part with a shaped aperture for assembly on a shaft
EP1826634A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-08-29 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Micromechanical element provided with form-locking opening for axle assembly
WO2007099068A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-09-07 Nivarox-Far S.A. Micromechanical piece with form opening for assembly on a spindle
EP1850193A1 (en) * 2006-04-28 2007-10-31 Patek Philippe Sa Method of force fitting one piece in another piece
US7758237B2 (en) 2006-05-17 2010-07-20 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Spiral/collet assembly for a horological movement
WO2007132306A3 (en) * 2006-05-17 2008-04-17 Patek Philippe Sa Spiral/collet assembly for a horological movement
JP2009537813A (en) * 2006-05-17 2009-10-29 パテック, フィリップ ソシエテ アノニム Watch movement hairspring-beard ball assembly
WO2007132306A2 (en) * 2006-05-17 2007-11-22 Patek, Philippe Sa Spiral/collet assembly for a horological movement
EP1857891A1 (en) * 2006-05-17 2007-11-21 Patek Philippe Sa Hairspring-collet assembly for a timepiece movement
EP1868045A1 (en) * 2006-06-12 2007-12-19 Patek Philippe S.A. Horological collet
US7708454B2 (en) 2006-06-23 2010-05-04 Omega S.A. Mobile micromechanical element with shock controlled rotation
EP1870784A2 (en) * 2006-06-23 2007-12-26 Omega SA Micro-engineered mobile with impact controlled rotation
EP1870784A3 (en) * 2006-06-23 2008-06-04 Omega SA Micro-engineered mobile with impact controlled rotation
WO2009049591A1 (en) * 2007-10-18 2009-04-23 Konrad Damasko Method for producing functional elements for clockworks and functional element produced according to said method
EP2741149A1 (en) * 2007-10-18 2014-06-11 DAMASKO GmbH Method for producing functional elements for clockworks and functional element produced according to said method
CN101978326B (en) * 2008-03-20 2013-01-02 尼瓦洛克斯-法尔股份有限公司 Single-body regulating organ and method for manufacturing same
EP2138912A1 (en) 2008-06-24 2009-12-30 Belot, Michel Horological hairspring with concentric development
EP2394202B1 (en) * 2009-02-06 2016-09-07 DAMASKO GmbH Mechanical oscillating system for watches and functional element for watches
US10324419B2 (en) 2009-02-06 2019-06-18 Domasko GmbH Mechanical oscillating system for a clock and functional element for a clock
EP3101484A1 (en) 2009-02-06 2016-12-07 DAMASKO GmbH Mechanical oscillation system for timepieces and method for manufacturing a mechanical oscillation system for watches
DE202010018420U1 (en) 2009-02-06 2016-06-22 Damasko Gmbh Mechanical oscillating system for a watch and balance spring for one watch
CN101840195A (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-22 尼瓦洛克斯-法尔股份有限公司 The radially clamping system that is used for timepiece
EP2230572A1 (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-22 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Radial gripping system for a timepiece component
EP2230571A1 (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-22 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Radial gripping system for a timepiece component
US8210740B2 (en) 2009-03-17 2012-07-03 Nivarox-Far S.A. Radial clamping system for a timepiece component
CN101840195B (en) * 2009-03-17 2012-09-05 尼瓦洛克斯-法尔股份有限公司 Radial clamping system for a timepiece component
US8277117B2 (en) 2009-03-17 2012-10-02 Nivarox-Far S.A. Radial clamping system for a timepiece component
US8348497B2 (en) 2009-09-21 2013-01-08 Rolex S.A. Flat balance spring for horological balance and balance wheel/balance spring assembly
CH701846A1 (en) * 2009-09-21 2011-03-31 Rolex Sa Spiral for flat stick together of watches and stick-spiral.
US8944676B2 (en) 2010-10-15 2015-02-03 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogére Suisse Assembly of a part that is brittle
EP2442190A1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2012-04-18 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2442189A1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2012-04-18 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2469355A2 (en) 2010-12-22 2012-06-27 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2469351A1 (en) 2010-12-22 2012-06-27 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2469352A1 (en) 2010-12-22 2012-06-27 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2469354A2 (en) 2010-12-22 2012-06-27 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Assembly of a part not comprising a plastic range
EP2795411B1 (en) * 2011-12-22 2021-11-03 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Method for manufacturing a resonator
EP2795411A2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2014-10-29 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Method for manufacturing a resonator
CN104756019A (en) * 2012-11-07 2015-07-01 百达翡丽日内瓦公司 Clock movement having a balance and a hairspring
US9323223B2 (en) 2012-11-07 2016-04-26 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Timepiece movement with a balance and hairspring
WO2014072781A3 (en) * 2012-11-07 2014-06-26 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Clock movement having a balance and a hairspring
CH707288A1 (en) * 2012-11-22 2014-05-30 Manuf Et Fabrique De Montres Et De Chronomètres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A Device for use in clock industry for assembly for holding of clock spring on rocker axis and/or piton, has tightening loop adapted to shape of part, where loop is provided with diameter that is smaller than diameter of part
CN104345628A (en) * 2013-07-29 2015-02-11 动力专家有限公司 Balance spring of silicon end-coil hairspring
CN104345628B (en) * 2013-07-29 2017-10-27 动力专家有限公司 Balance spring of silicon end-coil hairspring
CN104714393A (en) * 2013-12-16 2015-06-17 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 Polygonal balance spring for a resonator for a timepiece
CN104714393B (en) * 2013-12-16 2018-01-02 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 Polygon hairspring for clock and watch resonator
WO2016192957A1 (en) * 2015-06-03 2016-12-08 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Resonator with fine adjustment by index-assembly
US10474104B2 (en) 2015-06-03 2019-11-12 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Resonator with fine adjustment via an index-assembly
EP3115852A1 (en) * 2015-06-16 2017-01-11 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Timepiece component having a part with improved welding surface
WO2016207851A1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-12-29 Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (Epfl) Ultrasonic driving method
US10012954B2 (en) 2016-03-04 2018-07-03 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Reduced dimension balance spring of constant double section
CN107153348B (en) * 2016-03-04 2019-06-21 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 The balance spring that size with constant double sections reduces
CN107153348A (en) * 2016-03-04 2017-09-12 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 The hairspring that size with constant double sections reduces
EP3214506A1 (en) * 2016-03-04 2017-09-06 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Compact hairspring with constant double cross-section
WO2017163148A1 (en) 2016-03-23 2017-09-28 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Balance wheel oscillator for timepiece
US11249440B2 (en) 2016-03-23 2022-02-15 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Balance-hairspring oscillator for a timepiece
WO2021053454A1 (en) * 2019-09-20 2021-03-25 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Method for producing a timepiece spring made of monocrystalline material and timepiece spring obtained by said method
EP3913441A1 (en) 2020-05-22 2021-11-24 Patek Philippe SA Genève Oscillator for a timepiece

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE602004029762D1 (en) 2010-12-09
EP1593004B1 (en) 2010-10-27
JP5389999B2 (en) 2014-01-15
EP1655642A3 (en) 2006-09-27
EP2175328A3 (en) 2011-03-30
KR20050098881A (en) 2005-10-12
US20150277382A1 (en) 2015-10-01
EP1593004A2 (en) 2005-11-09
EP2175328A2 (en) 2010-04-14
JP2013015534A (en) 2013-01-24
US20060055097A1 (en) 2006-03-16
ATE486304T1 (en) 2010-11-15
JP5122073B2 (en) 2013-01-16
HK1084737A1 (en) 2006-08-04
WO2004070476A3 (en) 2004-12-23
EP2175328B1 (en) 2014-07-30
DE602004023518D1 (en) 2009-11-19
EP1655642A2 (en) 2006-05-10
CN100435044C (en) 2008-11-19
JP2006516718A (en) 2006-07-06
US20190107809A1 (en) 2019-04-11
WO2004070476A2 (en) 2004-08-19
EP1655642B1 (en) 2009-10-07
CN1745341A (en) 2006-03-08
US10444706B2 (en) 2019-10-15
TW200426547A (en) 2004-12-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1593004B1 (en) Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
EP2257856B1 (en) Integral adjusting member and method for making same
EP2104006B1 (en) Single-body double spiral and method for manufacturing same
EP2105807B1 (en) Monobloc elevated curve spiral and method for manufacturing same
EP2485095B1 (en) Composite balance
EP1612627B1 (en) Bi-material autocompensating hairspring
EP2196867A1 (en) Hairspring with curve elevation made from a silicon-based material
CH707630B1 (en) Balancer of temperature compensating type, movement of a timepiece, mechanical timepiece and method of manufacturing such a balance.
WO2009068091A1 (en) Mechanical oscillator having an optimized thermoelastic coefficient
WO2009115470A1 (en) Integral hairspring made of a silicon-based material and method for making same
EP2690506B1 (en) Anti-tripping clock hairspring
CH700260A2 (en) Regulating member for mechanical watch, has balance and hairspring forming balance-spiral assembly, where balance is machined using micro-fabrication process to allow machining dimensional tolerance in order of micron
CH698837B1 (en) Flat hairspring for balance wheel/hairspring resonator, has strip formed of turns that are formed with single band from interior curve to exterior curve, where portion of exterior curve has section larger than section of strip
EP3112951B1 (en) Manufacturing method comprising a modified machining step
WO2017157870A1 (en) Device for a timepiece, timepiece movement and timepiece comprising a device of said type
CH695395A5 (en) Hairspring for balance wheel-hairspring resonator of watch, has self-locking washer with triangular contour in its central opening to subject hairspring to pin of balance wheel, where contour has openings formed through washer
EP1654597A1 (en) Thermally-compensated balance wheel
CH714532B1 (en) Spiral of resonator balance-spiral.
CH713790B1 (en) Mechanism for a timepiece, timepiece movement and timepiece comprising such a mechanism.
CH717124A2 (en) A method of manufacturing a device with one-piece flexible silicon blades, in particular for watchmaking.
EP3865954A1 (en) Method for manufacturing a device with flexible single-piece silicon sheets, for timepieces
CH706252B1 (en) Method for manufacturing integral single-piece spiral of clock element, involves selectively engraving cavity in additional layer to define portion for spiral spring made of material containing silicon, and releasing spiral of substrate
EP4332686A1 (en) Hairspring for balance-hairspring assembly of a clock movement
CH707297B1 (en) Single-piece regulating element for timepiece, has balancer cooperating with spiral having hairspring mounted coaxially on ferrule, where axial extension portion of ferrule is connected to balancer as single-piece
CH714705B1 (en) Angular return spring for thermo-compensated oscillator.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO

AKX Designation fees paid
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8566

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20050212