EP3054356B1 - Isochronous clock resonator - Google Patents

Isochronous clock resonator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3054356B1
EP3054356B1 EP15153656.2A EP15153656A EP3054356B1 EP 3054356 B1 EP3054356 B1 EP 3054356B1 EP 15153656 A EP15153656 A EP 15153656A EP 3054356 B1 EP3054356 B1 EP 3054356B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crosspiece
oscillator mechanism
isochronous
mass
primary resonators
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15153656.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3054356A1 (en
Inventor
Pascal Winkler
Jean-Luc Helfer
Gianni Di Domenico
Thierry Conus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP17152205.5A priority Critical patent/EP3206091B1/en
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to CH00139/15A priority patent/CH710691A2/en
Priority to EP15153656.2A priority patent/EP3054356B1/en
Priority to CN201680001224.1A priority patent/CN106662839B/en
Priority to US15/309,094 priority patent/US9983549B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2016/051486 priority patent/WO2016124436A1/en
Priority to JP2017507084A priority patent/JP6326549B2/en
Priority to EP16701499.2A priority patent/EP3254158B1/en
Publication of EP3054356A1 publication Critical patent/EP3054356A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3054356B1 publication Critical patent/EP3054356B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B43/00—Protecting clockworks by shields or other means against external influences, e.g. magnetic fields
    • G04B43/002—Component shock protection arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/08—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/045—Oscillators acting by spring tension with oscillating blade springs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/066—Manufacture of the spiral spring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/10—Oscillators with torsion strips or springs acting in the same manner as torsion strips, e.g. weight oscillating in a horizontal plane
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/20—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/28—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency for the effect of imbalance of the weights, e.g. tourbillon
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B5/00—Automatic winding up
    • G04B5/02—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch
    • G04B5/04—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch by oscillating weights the movement of which is limited

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an isochronous clock oscillator mechanism of the tuning fork type, comprising a fixed support and a carrying beam of a plurality of primary resonators each comprising at least one mass carried by an elastic flexible blade constituting an elastic return means and which is arranged to work in bending and which is embedded in said cross.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such isochronous oscillator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such movement.
  • the invention relates to the field of clock oscillator mechanisms and regulators, in particular for mechanical movements.
  • the isochronism of the movement must be optimal in all positions in space, which implies the design of movements able to compensate for the effects of gravitation on their constituents.
  • oscillators comprising a plurality of primary resonators having flexible branches, arranged relative to each other so as to average their errors.
  • a first type of oscillator with coupled primary resonators is known as a tuning fork whose each branch is formed by a primary resonator; however, such a system is very sensitive to variations in position in space.
  • the patent CH 451021 in the name of Ebauches SA and describes a symmetrical oscillator in U whose two flexible branches vibrate in tuning fork mode, each being connected to a rigid arm forming a counterweight, and each resonator
  • the primary component thus formed is arranged so that the instantaneous center of rotation coincides with the center of gravity, so that the frequency of the oscillator does not vary substantially during changes in position of the center of gravity.
  • the transition to a U-shaped architecture with extended branches is better than the U-shape of the prior art.
  • the patent CH 466 993 also in the name of Ebauches SA is a variant of the above, comprising a counting device transforming the oscillating movements of one of the two resonators into rotating movements of a counting wheel, this counting device being attached to one of these arms rigid, so that the counting device is insensitive to accelerations and in particular to shocks.
  • the patent GB 1293159 in the name of SEIKO also describes a U-shaped oscillator with extended branches and minimizes the position error for all of the vertical positions empirically, by moving the center of rotation of each primary resonator from its theoretically ideal position .
  • the invention proposes to jointly solve the problem of isochronism and that of obtaining the best possible quality factor. It is, in a way, to combine the respective advantages of known mechanisms using as resonator, or a balance-spiral assembly relatively insensitive to differences in position in space in its developments and most advanced montages but whose quality factor is strongly limited by the pivoting and the different losses, or a tuning fork with parallel blades which, free of pivoting, has a quality factor better than a sprung balance but is very sensitive to the position in space.
  • the invention relates to an isochronous pendulum clock oscillator mechanism according to claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such isochronous oscillator mechanism.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such movement.
  • the invention proposes to realize a resonator mechanism with the least possible loss, and which is the least sensitive chronometrically to its orientation in the gravitational field.
  • the invention seeks to reduce losses, in particular due to friction of pivots, and displacements of the recess.
  • the inventive step is to remove the traditional pivots, while minimizing the movements of the center of mass and the reactions of the support.
  • a mechanical resonator necessarily comprises at least one elastic element and an inertial element.
  • the search for a high quality factor encourages the use of a tuning fork structure.
  • the inventive step consists in producing a tuning fork isochronous resonator, with a plurality of primary resonators arranged in a symmetry geometry with respect to an axis, and together constituting a tuning fork.
  • the invention is more particularly described below, in a nonlimiting manner, in the preferred form of a tuning fork with two primary resonators symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry, which constitutes a particular advantageous case because of its simplicity.
  • the invention is applicable to any number of resonators: three, four, or more, provided that the symmetry of their relative arrangement and their relative temporal phase shift make it possible to compensate for the effects of the reaction torques on the embedding.
  • the invention relates to an equilibrium tuning clock-type isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 comprising a fixed support 2 and a crossbar 4 carrying a plurality of primary resonators 10.
  • the primary resonators 10 constitute the equivalent of the arms that comprises a conventional fork fork, and crosses 4 the equivalent of the common part of the tuning fork which these arms.
  • Each primary resonator 10 each comprises at least one mass 5 carried by an elastic flexible blade 6 arranged to work in bending and embedded in the crossbar 4.
  • these primary resonators 10 have at least one identical resonance mode, they are arranged to vibrate in a phase shift between them of the value 2 ⁇ / n, where n is their number, and are arranged according to a symmetry in the space such that the resultant forces and torques applied by the primary resonators 10 on the crossbar 4 is zero.
  • the Figures 1 to 17 illustrate examples with two primary resonators
  • the figure 19 illustrates an example with four primary resonators.
  • this crosspiece 4 is fixed to the fixed support 2 by a main elastic connection 3, whose rigidity is greater than the rigidity of each elastic flexible blade 6. This characteristic provides a coupling between the primary resonators 10.
  • the rigidity of the main elastic connection 3 is greater than the total of the rigidities of all the flexible flexible strips 6 that comprise the primary resonators 10.
  • the damping of the main elastic connection 3 is greater than the damping of each elastic flexible blade 6, and, more particularly, the damping of the main elastic connection 3 is greater than the total of the damping of all the blades.
  • the primary resonators 10 are arranged in space so that the resultant of their operating errors due to gravitation is zero.
  • the primary resonators 10 are rotatable, which makes the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention insensitive to gravitation.
  • each primary resonator 10 forms a rotary resonator, whose center of mass is on the place whose translations are minimal during rotation. This is to minimize movements of the center of mass in the gravity field or under the effect of shocks, and thus improve the chronometry of the system.
  • This main elastic connection 3 is preferably constituted by an elastic blade, it does not move substantially when the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 oscillates in tuning fork mode. Indeed, the branches of the tuning fork constituted by the primary resonators 10 exchange energy movement through the cross 4, but the movements of the cross 4 are minimal.
  • the direction in which the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are moved is called the longitudinal direction X.
  • a transverse direction Y is substantially perpendicular to this longitudinal direction X.
  • a direction Z completes the direct trihedron.
  • crossbar 4 is straight and extends in the longitudinal direction X.
  • all or part of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry PS which extends parallel to the transverse direction Y.
  • the main elastic connection 3 extends between the cross member 4 and the fixed support 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, this main elastic connection 3 extends along the main direction Y, as can be seen in the examples of the figures.
  • the primary direction which connects the point of embedding on the crosspiece 4 of an elastic flexible blade 6 to the center of mass CM of the corresponding primary resonator 10, when the latter is at rest is parallel to the longitudinal direction X.
  • the figure 1 illustrates a simplified embodiment of an isochronous clock oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention, of tuning fork type, comprising a fixed support 2 which carries, by a main elastic connection 3, made in the form of a flexible blade, a crossbar 4 carrier of two primary planar resonators 10A, 10B, symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry PS, and each having a mass, respectively 5A, 5B, carried by an elastic flexible blade, respectively 6A, 6B, arranged to work in bending and recessed in the crossbar 4, symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry PS.
  • the primary directions of the different primary resonators 10 which constitute this isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 are parallel to the longitudinal direction X, or merged.
  • the resilient flexible blades 6 are arranged so that the displacement of each center of mass CM of the given primary resonator 10 is minimal in the transverse direction Y where compensation is not provided, and so the displacements of the different mass centers CM of the given primary resonators 10 are compensated with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction X: if, as in the case of the figures, the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 comprises two primary resonators 10A and 10B arranged back to back on either side of the crosspiece 4, their respective centers of mass CMA and CMB move essentially in the longitudinal direction X, but with displacements of the same value but in opposite directions.
  • the advantage of an arrangement according to the invention is to have elastic blades working in almost pure bending, which makes it possible to obtain an isochronous resonator.
  • the torque is proportional to the angle a whose corresponding mass pivots.
  • the frequency is therefore independent of the amplitude of the oscillation.
  • the distance between the embedding of the resilient flexible blade 6 in the crossbar 4 and the center of mass CM is equal to the distance between the center of mass CM and the embedding of the elastic flexible blade 6 in the associated mass 5, as visible on the figure 1 .
  • the center of mass CM thus remains on the X axis, or in the immediate vicinity of the X axis, that is to say at a distance of a few micrometers.
  • each primary resonator 10 is arranged to oscillate in a plane.
  • each primary resonator 10 is monolithic.
  • the cross member 4 and the flexible flexible blades 6 of the primary resonators 10 form a monolithic assembly.
  • the fixed support 2, the main elastic connection 3, the crosspiece 4, and the flexible flexible blades 6 of the primary resonators 10, form a monolithic assembly.
  • the fixed support 2, the main elastic connection 3, the crosspiece 4, and the flexible flexible blades 6 of the primary resonators 10, form a monolithic assembly.
  • Such an embodiment makes it possible to obtain elastic blades 6 called “high leaf”, which have a height very large relative to their thickness, in particular at least five times higher than thick, and more particularly at least ten times higher than thick.
  • Such blades in high sheet make it possible to ensure the guiding function, and to overcome traditional pivots, which allows a significant increase in the quality factor.
  • the architecture in the form of a tuning fork, according to the invention makes it possible to compensate for all the reactions to the recesses, which still considerably increases the quality factor.
  • the masses 5, 51, 52, primary resonators 10 are essentially subjected to a pivoting movement.
  • the corresponding resilient flexible blade 6 provides the pivotal guiding function.
  • the invention is illustrated here in variants where, each time, a single elastic flexible blade 6 maintains the respective mass 5 with respect to the crossbar 4. It is possible to imagine other variants where these blades 6 would be doubled or multiplied to ensure even better guidance.
  • the advantage of the single blade is to work in pure bending, which eliminates shear stresses, or transverse forces, which are unfavorable for isochronism, which explains the preference for a single flexible blade 6, which ensures therefore a better chronometry of a watch incorporating an oscillator 1 according to the invention.
  • each primary resonator 10 is arranged to oscillate in a plane
  • all the primary resonators 10 are arranged to oscillate in planes parallel to each other, or in the same plane.
  • all these primary resonators 10 are arranged to oscillate in the same plane, for example on the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 12 .
  • these primary resonators 10 each extend in a separate plane.
  • FIGS. 1 to 12 illustrate an isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, all primary resonators 10 are identical, even in number, and arranged in symmetry with respect to a plane of symmetry PS extending parallel to a transverse direction Y which is that of the main elastic link 3 and perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction X in which the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are movable.
  • the primary resonators 10 then oscillate in phase opposition, which guarantees the compensation of the movements of the centers of mass CM in the longitudinal direction X.
  • the main elastic connection 3 is straight.
  • the resilient flexible blades 6 are straight in the longitudinal direction X.
  • the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are considered in their alignment at rest. This arrangement guarantees the insensitivity to the positions of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention, unlike a tuning fork of the conventional type with parallel branches which is much too sensitive to the positions in space if it is incorporated in a watch, and which can only be suitable for a piece of clock.
  • the residual defect after compensation of the displacements of the centers of mass in X is of very small value, of the same order of magnitude as the defect due to displacements of the centers of mass in Y, which is limited to 3 or 4 micrometers, for a blade of 1 mm long, the cumulative defect thus remains less than 6 seconds per day.
  • the symmetry thus compensates for any error in residual market.
  • the resilient flexible blades 6 that comprise the primary resonators 10 are straight and aligned in pairs.
  • the elastic flexible blades 6 are spiral wound around the centers of mass CM primary resonators 10 considered.
  • FIG. 13 and 14 An illustrated variant on Figures 13 and 14 represents a torsion tuning fork which comprises arms 51 and 52, each provided with a mass at its distal end, and oscillating in parallel planes P1 and P2 and symmetrically with respect to an axis A parallel to these two planes P1 and P2.
  • tuning fork illustrated by the figure 15 comprises two resonators, each comprising a spiral spring recessed at a first end on a common cross-member and having a mass at a second distal end, these two resonators extending in two parallel planes and being, in projection on one of these planes, symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry PS which is perpendicular to these two planes.
  • the resulting torque is zero at the embedding at the crossbar 4.
  • the mechanisms must be usable in a watch, and incorporate security, including shockproof.
  • the preferred mode of tuning fork in H is represented on the Figures 1 to 7 .
  • This crosspiece 4 carries a pair of marked masses 51 and 52, mounted symmetrically on either side of the fixed support 2 and the first elastic connection 3.
  • each of them comprises an arm connected in its middle to the corresponding flexible blade 6, this arm extending substantially parallel in the transverse direction Y, and being either a solid arm as on the figure 3 , either an arm with inertial flyweights at its opposite ends, or substantially punctual as on the figure 1 , in the form of annular sectors, as visible on the figures 2 , and 4 to 7 .
  • Each of these masses 51, 52 is mounted oscillating about a virtual pivoting axis of position determined relative to the crossbar 4, and recalled by an elastic flexible blade 6, respectively marked 61, 62, which constitutes means of resilient return and which is secured to one end 41, 42 of the cross member 4, the two ends 41 and 42 being opposite and on either side of the crossbar 4.
  • These flexible blades 61, 62 extend from preferably linearly in the extension and on both sides of the crossbar 4.
  • Each virtual pivoting axis is, in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, coinciding with the center of mass CM1, CM2, of the respective mass 51, 52.
  • These resilient flexible blades 61, 62 are arranged to limit the displacement of the centers of mass CM1, CM2, to a transverse stroke relative to the crossbar 4, as small as possible in the transverse direction Y, and to a longitudinal stroke according to the longitudinal direction X greater than this transverse stroke.
  • the longitudinal arrangement of the resilient flexible blades 61, 62 makes it possible to compensate for the direction of greater displacement of the centers of mass CM1 and CM2, which move symmetrically relative to the plane symmetry PS.
  • the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 advantageously comprises rotational stops, and / or translational limit stops in the X and Y directions, and / or translation Z limit stops. These stroke limiting means can be integrated, part of a one-piece construction, and / or be reported.
  • the masses 51, 52 advantageously comprise abutment means 7, labeled 71, 72, which are arranged to cooperate with complementary abutment means 73, 74, which the crosspiece 4 comprises, and to limit the displacement of the elastic flexible blades. 61, 62, with respect to the crossbar 4, in the event of shocks or similar accelerations.
  • a mass 5 is not directly carried by the flexible blade 6, the latter comprises, on the other side relative to the main body of the crosspiece 4, an end plate 45, which is arranged to receive, directly or indirectly, this mass 6.
  • the execution of figures 4 and 5 of the invention as the variant of the second type of figures 11 and 12 adjacent to the invention, comprises end pieces 53, 54, arranged to be attached to such an end plate 45 and to receive a mass 51 or 52.
  • the variant of the preferred embodiment of figures 6 and 7 comprises a socket 55 arranged to perform the same function.
  • the ends of the crosspiece 4 each comprise two abutment bearing surfaces 42, which are each arranged to stop an oblique surface 74 that comprises the end plate 45, so as to limit the angle of deformation ⁇ (defined in FIG. figure 1 ) that can take the flexible blade 6 relative to its installation in the crossbar 4, and thus constituting stops in rotation.
  • the corresponding end of the crosspiece 4 further comprises a housing 79, in this case a bore, arranged to act as a limit stop around the periphery 48 of the substantially circular end plate 45, to limit X and Y translations. at these different stops, which limit translations in X and Y, it limits the possible influence of shocks, protects the flexible blade 6, and preserves this flexible blade 6 against excessive deformation. And of course the possible movement of the CM centers of mass is limited.
  • Z stops are provided mainly when using end caps 53, 54, sockets 55, or the like; for example the figure 5 illustrates tips 53, 54, which either have bores aligned with pins 56 carried by a plate, or comprise aligned bearings with bores of a plate, the bearings thus formed being non-contact in normal operating conditions, and being arranged to take the forces, especially Z, in case of impact.
  • the detail of the figure 6 shows, with regard to the variant with the receipt of a bush 55, a similar arrangement with respect to the stops.
  • the end plate 45 further comprises a lug with stop surfaces 76 arranged to cooperate abutting abutment with complementary surfaces 78 of the cross member 4, to limit the translations.
  • the bushing 55 has a skirt 57 driven on the end plate 45, but the periphery 59 of this bushing 55 remains at a distance from the bore 79 of the cross member 4, and thus ensures with it the safety in translation in X and in Y .
  • Z-shaped shoulders may also be provided on certain surfaces to form Z-limiting abutment surfaces.
  • the complementary surfaces of the stops In the absence of unexpected accelerations such as shocks, the complementary surfaces of the stops must not be in contact with each other, so as to avoid any unnecessary friction detrimental to the quality factor.
  • Some stroke limiting means may be used to perform damping functions of unwanted vibration modes.
  • FIG. 1 The illustrations of the preferred embodiment of the invention, and the second type of neighbor of the invention, thus show the fixed support 2 and the crossbar 4 which are separated only by a narrow groove 30, here called “honey groove” , around the main elastic link 3, which is designed to allow tuning fork coupling.
  • the groove 30 limits the angular movement of the crossbar 4, which is insignificant in normal operation, but can occur in case of impact.
  • this groove is filled with a viscous or pasty product, which allows the dissipation of energy in the event of excessive travel.
  • cooperating Z surfaces with a solid friction, or viscous, or pasty, and preferably increasing with the speed and / or with the amplitude, for example with conical surfaces corner, as shown on the sketches of the Figures 17 and 18 .
  • the resilient flexible blades 61, 62 which extend substantially in the longitudinal direction X, are short blades, that is to say of a length less than the smallest value between four times their height or thirty times their thickness. It is this short blade characteristic that makes it possible to limit the movements of the center of mass CM concerned.
  • each primary resonator 10 does not move substantially in the transverse direction Y: it performs a crawling movement, on either side of an average axis parallel to the longitudinal direction X, around from a point on this mean axis.
  • the resilient flexible blades 61 and 62 are preferably aligned, these blades being preferably straight.
  • the second type of goat horn tuning fork which is a neighbor of the invention, is represented on the Figures 8 to 12 .
  • this crosspiece 4 carries a pair of masses 5 marked 51 and 52, mounted symmetrically on both sides of the fixed support 2 and the first elastic connection 3.
  • Each of these masses 51, 52 is mounted oscillatingly and recalled by an elastic flexible blade 6 respectively marked 61, 62, which is a spiral 8, respectively 81, 82, or an assembly of spirals.
  • a first hairspring 81 and a second hairspring 82 are each bonded at its inner turn to an end plate 45 for receiving a mass 51, 52, and attached to the respective end 41, 42 of the sleeper 4. by its external turn.
  • the masses 51 and 52 each pivot about a virtual pivot axis of position determined relative to the crossbar 4.
  • Each virtual pivoting axis is, in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, coinciding with the center of mass CM1, CM2, of the respective mass 51, 52.
  • the masses 51, 52 extend substantially in the transverse direction Y.
  • each of them comprises an arm connected in the middle to the corresponding flexible blade 6, this arm s' extending substantially parallel in the transverse direction Y, and being either a solid arm as on the figure 3 , either an arm with inertial flyweights at its opposite ends, or substantially punctual as on the figure 8 , in the form of annular sectors, as visible on the Figures 9 to 12 adjacent to the invention.
  • each spiral 81, 82 is section or variable curvature along its development.
  • the version illustrated by the figures is a variation of variable thickness, optimized to limit the movements of the center of mass CM.
  • the pendulum mass 5 is preferably suspended by a coil thicker than the rest of the spiral.
  • the development of the hairspring is greater than one turn, and in particular greater than 1.5 turns, which is easier to minimize the displacement of the center of mass.
  • a regular decrease in thickness over 270 °, followed by a thickness increase can make it possible to limit the displacement of the center of mass CM to 3 micrometers in Y and 4 micrometers in X.
  • the polar elemental stiffness advantageously passes through an extremum, for example a mini between two maxi, or vice versa.
  • a satisfactory simulation consists, again, in giving the hairspring an upper stiffness in its portion 89 which is beyond the center of mass towards the outside, than in its portion 88 which lies between the two centers of mass CM1 and CM2.
  • variable thickness corresponds to an elaboration MEMS easier.
  • the modes of oscillation in translation and the displacements in the event of shocks are preferably mechanically limited by axes, or by end pieces 53, 54, or sockets 55.
  • the first hairspring 81 and the second hairspring 82 are attached to the ends 41, 42, in alignment with their respective virtual pivoting axis, in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1.
  • the figure 16 illustrates another embodiment close to the invention, where this diagram of the second type of figure is extrapolated by suspending each mass, not to a single spiral, but pairs of spirals 81, 810, respectively 82, 820, attached to the cross 4, on either side of the centers of mass in the Y direction.
  • This very robust embodiment is however closer to a system with crossed flexible blades than the principle of the present invention.
  • the figure 19 illustrates a variant where the crossbar 4 constitutes a frame surrounding the primary resonators 10, in an example of application to four resonators 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D. It will be understood that this inverse architecture of the preceding examples can also be used for the implementation of the invention, in all its variants exposed above, and which are therefore not detailed further here.
  • the figure 20 illustrates, in this variant of crossbar 4 formed by a frame, the pendulum of the H tuning fork.
  • the crossbar 4 carries a pair 51, 52, masses 5, mounted symmetrically inside the crossbar 4 which forms a frame suspended by the first elastic connection 3 to the fixed structure 2, the masses 51, 52 extending substantially in the transverse direction Y.
  • Each of the masses 51, 52 is oscillatingly mounted around a virtual pivot axis of position determined relative to the crossbar 4, and recalled by an elastic flexible blade 6, respectively 61, 62, which is secured to one side of the frame forming the crossbar 4, the flexible blades 61, 62, extending linearly to the inside the frame.
  • FIG 21 illustrates, in this variant of crossbar 4 formed by a frame, adjacent to the invention, the pendulum fork horns goat.
  • the crossbar 4 carries a pair 51, 52, masses 5, mounted symmetrically inside the crossbar 4 which forms a frame suspended by the first elastic connection 3 to the fixed structure 2, and substantially in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X in which the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are movable.
  • Each of the masses 51, 52 is oscillatingly mounted about a virtual pivot axis of position determined with respect to the crossbar 4, and recalled by a spiral 8, respectively 81, 82, which is integral with one side of the frame forming the crossbar 4, these spirals 81, 82, extending inside the frame.
  • the masses 5, 5A, 5B, 51, 52, form rockers.
  • the masses 51, 52 comprise, for balancing adjustment, inertia and adjustment of oscillation frequency, flyweights 91, 92, and / or housing 93 for receive such flyweights, preferably in the areas farthest from the ends 41, 42 of the crossbar 4.
  • flyweights advantageously comprise an eccentric insert, for example platinum, to facilitate adjustment by pivoting the insert.
  • particular areas of these masses may be assigned to laser ablation, or, conversely, to plasma, ink jet or the like, to provide these settings.
  • the invention also relates to a clockwork movement 100, in particular a mechanical movement, comprising such an isochronous oscillator mechanism 1.
  • the invention also relates to a watch 200 comprising such a mechanical movement 100.
  • the oscillator according to the invention constitutes a tuning fork consisting of two resonators, preferably rotating, with flexion blades, mounted on a cross member connected, preferably viscoelastically, to the plate.
  • each primary resonator 10 is designed to minimize the displacement of the center of mass CM in the transverse direction Y of the symmetry plane PS of the tuning fork.
  • the symmetry plane PS of the tuning fork is chosen so that the operating errors due to the positions in the longitudinal direction X perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, cancel out between the two branches of the tuning fork constituted by the primary resonators 10, both sides of the crossbar 4.
  • tuning fork type limits the effect of reactions to embedding.
  • the invention minimizes the displacement of the center of mass CM of each primary resonator 10.
  • the invention makes it possible to obtain a perfectly isochronous oscillator, very compact, requiring no adjustment other than the inertia of the masses, and very easy assembly.

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Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un mécanisme oscillateur isochrone d'horlogerie de type diapason, comportant un support fixe et une traverse porteuse d'une pluralité de résonateurs primaires comportant chacun au moins une masse portée par une lame flexible élastique constituant un moyen de rappel élastique et qui est agencée pour travailler en flexion et qui est encastrée dans ladite traverse.The invention relates to an isochronous clock oscillator mechanism of the tuning fork type, comprising a fixed support and a carrying beam of a plurality of primary resonators each comprising at least one mass carried by an elastic flexible blade constituting an elastic return means and which is arranged to work in bending and which is embedded in said cross.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel mécanisme oscillateur isochrone.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such isochronous oscillator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant au moins un tel mouvement.The invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such movement.

L'invention concerne le domaine des mécanismes oscillateurs et régulateurs d'horlogerie, en particulier pour des mouvements mécaniques.The invention relates to the field of clock oscillator mechanisms and regulators, in particular for mechanical movements.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

Dans une montre mécanique classique, les frottements de l'air sur le balancier, les frottements des pivots dans leurs paliers et les réactions du piton, limitent le facteur de qualité du résonateur. On cherche à supprimer les frottements des pivots et les réactions de l'encastrement.In a classic mechanical watch, the friction of the air on the balance, the friction of the pivots in their bearings and the piton reactions, limit the quality factor of the resonator. We try to remove the friction of the pivots and the reactions of the embedding.

Pour une montre, l'isochronisme du mouvement doit être optimal dans toutes les positions dans l'espace, ce qui implique la conception de mouvements aptes à compenser les effets de la gravitation sur leurs constituants.For a watch, the isochronism of the movement must be optimal in all positions in space, which implies the design of movements able to compensate for the effects of gravitation on their constituents.

Des documents anciens décrivent des oscillateurs comportant plusieurs résonateurs primaires comportant des branches flexibles, agencés les uns par rapport aux autres de façon à moyenner leurs erreurs.Older documents describe oscillators comprising a plurality of primary resonators having flexible branches, arranged relative to each other so as to average their errors.

Un premier type d'oscillateur à résonateurs primaires couplés est connu sous la forme d'un diapason en U dont chaque branche est formée par un résonateur primaire ; toutefois, un tel système est très sensible aux variations de position dans l'espace.A first type of oscillator with coupled primary resonators is known as a tuning fork whose each branch is formed by a primary resonator; however, such a system is very sensitive to variations in position in space.

Le brevet CH 451021 au nom de Ebauches SA décrit ainsi un oscillateur symétrique en U dont les deux branches flexibles vibrent en mode diapason, chacune étant reliée à un bras rigide formant contrepoids, et chaque résonateur primaire ainsi constitué est agencé de façon à ce que le centre instantané de rotation coïncide avec le centre de gravité, de façon à ce que la fréquence de l'oscillateur ne varie pratiquement pas lors des changements de position du centre de gravité.
Le passage à une architecture en forme de U à branches prolongées se révèle meilleure que la forme en U de l'art antérieur.The patent CH 451021 in the name of Ebauches SA and describes a symmetrical oscillator in U whose two flexible branches vibrate in tuning fork mode, each being connected to a rigid arm forming a counterweight, and each resonator The primary component thus formed is arranged so that the instantaneous center of rotation coincides with the center of gravity, so that the frequency of the oscillator does not vary substantially during changes in position of the center of gravity.
The transition to a U-shaped architecture with extended branches is better than the U-shape of the prior art.

Le brevet CH 466 993 également au nom de Ebauches SA est une variante du précédent, comportant un dispositif de comptage transformant les mouvements oscillants d'un des deux résonateurs en mouvements rotatifs d'une roue de comptage, ce dispositif de comptage étant attaché à l'un de ces bras rigides, de manière à ce que le dispositif de comptage soit peu sensible aux accélérations et notamment aux chocs.The patent CH 466 993 also in the name of Ebauches SA is a variant of the above, comprising a counting device transforming the oscillating movements of one of the two resonators into rotating movements of a counting wheel, this counting device being attached to one of these arms rigid, so that the counting device is insensitive to accelerations and in particular to shocks.

Le brevet GB 1293159 au nom de SEIKO décrit également un oscillateur en forme de U à branches prolongées et minimise l'erreur de position pour l'ensemble de toutes les positions verticales de façon empirique, en déplaçant le centre de rotation de chaque résonateur primaire de sa position théoriquement idéale.The patent GB 1293159 in the name of SEIKO also describes a U-shaped oscillator with extended branches and minimizes the position error for all of the vertical positions empirically, by moving the center of rotation of each primary resonator from its theoretically ideal position .

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention se propose de résoudre conjointement le problème de l'isochronisme et celui de l'obtention du meilleur facteur de qualité possible. Il s'agit, en quelque sorte, de cumuler les avantages respectifs propres aux mécanismes connus utilisant comme résonateur, ou bien un ensemble balancier-spiral relativement peu sensible aux différences de position dans l'espace dans ses développements et ses montages les plus évolués mais dont le facteur de qualité est fortement limité par les pivotements et les différentes pertes, ou bien un diapason à lames parallèles qui, s'affranchissant des pivotements, a un facteur de qualité meilleur qu'un balancier-spiral mais est très sensible à la position dans l'espace.The invention proposes to jointly solve the problem of isochronism and that of obtaining the best possible quality factor. It is, in a way, to combine the respective advantages of known mechanisms using as resonator, or a balance-spiral assembly relatively insensitive to differences in position in space in its developments and most advanced montages but whose quality factor is strongly limited by the pivoting and the different losses, or a tuning fork with parallel blades which, free of pivoting, has a quality factor better than a sprung balance but is very sensitive to the position in space.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un mécanisme oscillateur isochrone d'horlogerie de type diapason, selon la revendication 1.To this end, the invention relates to an isochronous pendulum clock oscillator mechanism according to claim 1.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant au moins un tel mécanisme oscillateur isochrone.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such isochronous oscillator mechanism.

L'invention concerne encore une montre comportant au moins un tel mouvement.The invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such movement.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, un mécanisme oscillateur isochrone d'horlogerie selon l'invention, de type diapason, comportant un support fixe qui porte, par une liaison élastique principale, une traverse porteuse de deux résonateurs primaires plans, symétriques par rapport à un plan de symétrie, et comportant chacun une masse portée par une lame flexible élastique agencée pour travailler en flexion et encastrée dans la traverse ;
  • la figure 2 simule, de façon schématisée :
    • ∘ l'influence de la gravité sur une première masse suspendue vers le haut par l'intermédiaire d'une lame flexible, et le diagramme de marche correspondant à un retard d'une certaine valeur,
    • ∘ l'influence de la gravité sur une deuxième masse identique suspendue vers le bas par l'intermédiaire d'une lame flexible identique, et le diagramme de marche correspondant à une avance d'une certaine valeur,
    • ∘ l'influence de la gravité sur un mécanisme selon l'invention qui combine les deux précédents, et le diagramme de marche correspondant à un défaut quasiment nul ;
  • la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, un mode préféré de réalisation de diapason selon l'invention, dit « diapason en H » dans une version simplifiée ;
  • la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, une variante plus élaborée de diapason en H, représentée en figure 5 en éclaté ;
  • la figure 6 illustre en éclaté, et avec un détail local, un diapason en H dans une configuration voisine de celle des figures 4 et 5, sans axes, et les figures 7A à 7H représentent les composants et l'assemblage de ce diapason en H de la figure 6 ;
  • les figures 8 et 9 représentent, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, un deuxième type de réalisation voisin de l'invention, comportant un diapason, dit « diapason en cornes de bouc » dans des versions simplifiées;
  • la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, et avec un détail local, une variante plus élaborée de diapason en cornes de bouc, voisin de l'invention;
  • la figure 11 illustre en éclaté un diapason en cornes de bouc dans une configuration voisine de celle de la figure 10, sans axes, et les figures 12A à 12H représentent les composants et l'assemblage de ce diapason en H de la figure 11;
  • les figures 13 et 14 représentent, en perspective et en vue en plan, un diapason de torsion qui comporte des bras, chacun muni d'une masse à son extrémité distale, et oscillant dans des plans parallèles et de façon symétrique par rapport à un axe parallèle à ces deux plans ;
  • la figure 15 illustre une autre variante de diapason voisin de l'invention avec deux résonateurs, chacun comportant un ressort-spiral encastré à une première extrémité sur une traverse commune et comportant une masse à une deuxième extrémité distale, ces deux résonateurs s'étendant selon deux plans parallèles et étant, en projection sur l'un de ces plans, symétrique par rapport à un plan de symétrie lequel est perpendiculaire à ces deux plans ;
  • la figure 16 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, un mécanisme voisin du diapason en cornes de bouc de la figure 8, qui comporte, à chaque extrémité de la traverse, une paire de spiraux tous deux liés à la même masse respective au niveau de leur spire interne, et attachés à la traverse respective de part et d'autre de cette masse ;
  • les figures 17 et 18 sont des croquis illustrant des surfaces coopérant en frottement en cas de dérive, ce frottement augmentant avec l'amplitude dans le cas de la figure 18 ;
  • la figure 19 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, et avec un détail local, une variante où la traverse constitue un cadre entourant les résonateurs primaires, dans un exemple d'application à quatre résonateurs ;
  • la figure 20 représente, de façon schématisée et en plan, une autre variante de traverse formée par un cadre, dans un oscillateur à lames droites, constituant le pendant du diapason en H ;
  • la figure 21 représente, de façon schématisée et en plan, une autre variante de traverse formée par un cadre, voisine de l'invention, dans un oscillateur à spiraux, constituant le pendant du diapason en cornes de bouc ;
  • la figure 22 est un schéma-blocs représentant une montre comportant un mouvement incorporant un mécanisme oscillateur isochrone selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 represents, schematically and in plan view, an isochronous clock oscillator mechanism according to the invention, of the tuning fork type, comprising a fixed support which carries, by a main elastic connection, a carrier cross-section of two plane symmetrical primary resonators; relative to a plane of symmetry, and each having a mass carried by an elastic flexible blade arranged to work in bending and embedded in the cross;
  • the figure 2 simulates, schematically:
    • ∘ the influence of gravity on a first mass suspended upwards by means of a flexible blade, and the gait diagram corresponding to a delay of a certain value,
    • ∘ the influence of gravity on a second identical mass suspended downwards by means of an identical flexible blade, and the gait diagram corresponding to an advance of a certain value,
    • The influence of gravity on a mechanism according to the invention which combines the two preceding ones, and the gait diagram corresponding to a virtually zero defect;
  • the figure 3 shows schematically and in plan view, a preferred embodiment of tuning fork according to the invention, called "tuning fork H" in a simplified version;
  • the figure 4 represents, schematically and in perspective, a more elaborate variant of H tuning fork, represented in figure 5 exploded;
  • the figure 6 illustrates in exploded, and with a local detail, a tuning fork in H in a configuration close to that of figures 4 and 5 , without axes, and the Figures 7A to 7H represent the components and assembly of this tuning fork in H of the figure 6 ;
  • the Figures 8 and 9 represent schematically and in plan view, a second embodiment similar to the invention, comprising a tuning fork, called "tuning fork horns" in simplified versions;
  • the figure 10 represents, schematically and in perspective, and with a local detail, a more elaborate variant of goat horn tuning fork, neighbor of the invention;
  • the figure 11 illustrates a burst of goat horn in a configuration similar to that of the figure 10 , without axes, and the Figures 12A to 12H represent the components and assembly of this tuning fork in H of the figure 11 ;
  • the Figures 13 and 14 represent, in perspective and in plan view, a torsion tuning fork which comprises arms, each provided with a mass at its distal end, and oscillating in parallel planes and symmetrically with respect to an axis parallel to these two planes ;
  • the figure 15 illustrates another variant of tuning fork neighbor of the invention with two resonators, each having a spiral spring recessed at a first end on a common cross and having a mass at a second distal end, these two resonators extending in two parallel planes and being, in projection on one of these planes, symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which is perpendicular to these two planes;
  • the figure 16 represents schematically and in plan view, a mechanism close to the tuning fork horns of the goat horn figure 8 , which comprises, at each end of the crossbar, a pair of spirals, both of which are connected to the same respective mass at their inner turn, and attached to the respective cross-piece on either side of this mass;
  • the Figures 17 and 18 are sketches illustrating surfaces cooperating in friction in case of drift, this friction increasing with the amplitude in the case of the figure 18 ;
  • the figure 19 represents, schematically and in perspective, and with a local detail, a variant where the cross member constitutes a frame surrounding the primary resonators, in an example of application to four resonators;
  • the figure 20 represents, schematically and in plan, another variant of cross-member formed by a frame, in a straight-blade oscillator constituting the counterpart of the H-tuning fork;
  • the figure 21 is schematically and in plan, another variant of cross-member formed by a frame, adjacent to the invention, in a spiral oscillator, constituting the pendulum of tuning fork goat horns;
  • the figure 22 is a block diagram showing a watch having a movement incorporating an isochronous oscillator mechanism according to the invention.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation référésDetailed description of the embodiments referred

L'invention se propose de réaliser un mécanisme résonateur avec le moins possible de pertes, et qui soit le moins sensible chronométriquement à son orientation dans le champ de gravité.The invention proposes to realize a resonator mechanism with the least possible loss, and which is the least sensitive chronometrically to its orientation in the gravitational field.

L'invention s'attache à réduire les pertes, notamment dues à des frottements de pivots, et aux déplacements de l'encastrement.The invention seeks to reduce losses, in particular due to friction of pivots, and displacements of the recess.

La démarche inventive consiste à supprimer les pivots traditionnels, tout en minimisant les déplacements du centre de masse et les réactions du support.The inventive step is to remove the traditional pivots, while minimizing the movements of the center of mass and the reactions of the support.

Un résonateur mécanique comporte nécessairement au moins un élément élastique et un élément inertiel.A mechanical resonator necessarily comprises at least one elastic element and an inertial element.

Il est avantageux d'utiliser alors un élément élastique pour assurer la fonction de guidage. Cet élément élastique est alors avantageusement plus haut, plus épais, et plus rigide qu'un élément élastique usuel tel qu'un ressort spiral ou similaire, ce qui conduit à privilégier l'utilisation de lames flexibles.It is advantageous then to use an elastic element to provide the guiding function. This elastic element is then advantageously higher, thicker and more rigid than a conventional elastic element such as a spiral spring or the like, which leads to favor the use of flexible blades.

Il est avantageux d'utiliser des résonateurs rotatifs, dont le centre de masse est confondu avec le centre de rotation, ce qui réduit l'influence de la gravité, et des chocs en translation, sur la précision du résonateur.It is advantageous to use rotary resonators whose center of mass coincides with the center of rotation, which reduces the influence of gravity and shocks in translation on the accuracy of the resonator.

La recherche d'un facteur de qualité élevé incite à mettre en oeuvre une structure de type diapason.The search for a high quality factor encourages the use of a tuning fork structure.

Il convient toutefois de minimiser les pertes : en effet, quand un résonateur à lame flexible fonctionne, le facteur de qualité est bon lors du mouvement de va-et-vient, mais le couple de réaction à l'encastrement se traduit par des pertes.However, the losses must be minimized: indeed, when a flexible blade resonator operates, the quality factor is good during the reciprocating movement, but the reaction torque to the embedding results in losses.

Aussi, la démarche inventive consiste à réaliser un résonateur isochrone de type diapason, avec une pluralité de résonateurs primaires disposés selon une géométrie en symétrie par rapport à un axe, et constituant ensemble un diapason.Also, the inventive step consists in producing a tuning fork isochronous resonator, with a plurality of primary resonators arranged in a symmetry geometry with respect to an axis, and together constituting a tuning fork.

L'invention est plus particulièrement décrite ci-après, de façon non limitative, sous la forme préférée d'un diapason avec deux résonateurs primaires symétriques par rapport à un plan de symétrie, ce qui constitue un cas particulier avantageux en raison de sa simplicité. Mais l'invention est applicable à tout nombre de résonateurs : trois, quatre, ou davantage, pourvu que la symétrie de leur disposition relative et leur déphasage temporel relatif permettent de compenser les effets des couples de réaction à l'encastrement.The invention is more particularly described below, in a nonlimiting manner, in the preferred form of a tuning fork with two primary resonators symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry, which constitutes a particular advantageous case because of its simplicity. However, the invention is applicable to any number of resonators: three, four, or more, provided that the symmetry of their relative arrangement and their relative temporal phase shift make it possible to compensate for the effects of the reaction torques on the embedding.

Le montage de ces résonateurs primaires est réalisé de telle manière qu'ils aient au moins un mode de résonance identique, et que la résultante des efforts et des couples à l'encastrement soit nulle.The assembly of these primary resonators is performed in such a way that they have at least one identical resonance mode, and that the resultant of the forces and torques at the embedding is zero.

Ainsi, l'invention concerne un mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 d'horlogerie de type diapason, comportant un support fixe 2 et une traverse 4 porteuse d'une pluralité de résonateurs primaires 10.Thus, the invention relates to an equilibrium tuning clock-type isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 comprising a fixed support 2 and a crossbar 4 carrying a plurality of primary resonators 10.

Les résonateurs primaires 10 constituent l'équivalent des bras que comporte un diapason à fourche classique, et la traverse 4 l'équivalent de la partie commune du diapason dont saillent ces bras.The primary resonators 10 constitute the equivalent of the arms that comprises a conventional fork fork, and crosses 4 the equivalent of the common part of the tuning fork which these arms.

Chaque résonateur primaire 10 comporte chacun au moins une masse 5 portée par une lame flexible élastique 6 agencée pour travailler en flexion et encastrée dans la traverse 4.Each primary resonator 10 each comprises at least one mass 5 carried by an elastic flexible blade 6 arranged to work in bending and embedded in the crossbar 4.

Selon l'invention, ces résonateurs primaires 10 ont au moins un mode de résonance identique, ils sont agencés pour vibrer selon un déphasage entre eux de la valeur 2π/n, où n est leur nombre, et sont agencés selon une symétrie dans l'espace telle que la résultante des efforts et des couples appliqués par les résonateurs primaires 10 sur la traverse 4 est nulle.According to the invention, these primary resonators 10 have at least one identical resonance mode, they are arranged to vibrate in a phase shift between them of the value 2π / n, where n is their number, and are arranged according to a symmetry in the space such that the resultant forces and torques applied by the primary resonators 10 on the crossbar 4 is zero.

Les figures 1 à 17 illustrent des exemples à deux résonateurs primaires, la figure 19 illustre un exemple à quatre résonateurs primaires.The Figures 1 to 17 illustrate examples with two primary resonators, the figure 19 illustrates an example with four primary resonators.

Et cette traverse 4 est fixée au support fixe 2 par une liaison élastique principale 3, dont la rigidité est supérieure à la rigidité de chaque lame flexible élastique 6. Cette caractéristique assure un couplage entre les résonateurs primaires 10.And this crosspiece 4 is fixed to the fixed support 2 by a main elastic connection 3, whose rigidity is greater than the rigidity of each elastic flexible blade 6. This characteristic provides a coupling between the primary resonators 10.

Dans une réalisation particulière avantageuse, la rigidité de la liaison élastique principale 3 est supérieure au total des rigidités de toutes les lames flexibles élastiques 6 que comportent les résonateurs primaires 10.In a particular advantageous embodiment, the rigidity of the main elastic connection 3 is greater than the total of the rigidities of all the flexible flexible strips 6 that comprise the primary resonators 10.

De façon avantageuse, l'amortissement de la liaison élastique principale 3 est supérieur à l'amortissement de chaque lame flexible élastique 6, et, plus particulièrement, l'amortissement de la liaison élastique principale 3 est supérieur au total des amortissements de toutes les lames flexibles élastiques 6 que comportent les résonateurs primaires 10.Advantageously, the damping of the main elastic connection 3 is greater than the damping of each elastic flexible blade 6, and, more particularly, the damping of the main elastic connection 3 is greater than the total of the damping of all the blades. elastic hoses 6 that comprise the primary resonators 10.

Les résonateurs primaires 10 sont agencés dans l'espace de manière à ce que la résultante de leurs erreurs de marche dues à la gravitation soit nulle.The primary resonators 10 are arranged in space so that the resultant of their operating errors due to gravitation is zero.

De préférence, les résonateurs primaires 10 sont rotatifs, ce qui rend le mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 selon l'invention peu sensible à la gravitation.Preferably, the primary resonators 10 are rotatable, which makes the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention insensitive to gravitation.

Ainsi, chaque résonateur primaire 10 forme un résonateur rotatif, dont le centre de masse se trouve sur le lieu dont les translations sont minimales durant la rotation. Cela afin de minimiser les déplacements du centre de masse dans le champ de gravité ou sous l'effet de chocs, et, partant, d'améliorer la chronométrie du système.Thus, each primary resonator 10 forms a rotary resonator, whose center of mass is on the place whose translations are minimal during rotation. This is to minimize movements of the center of mass in the gravity field or under the effect of shocks, and thus improve the chronometry of the system.

Cette liaison élastique principale 3 est de préférence constituée par une lame élastique, elle ne bouge pratiquement pas quand le mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 oscille en mode diapason. En effet, les branches du diapason constituées par les résonateurs primaires 10 s'échangent de l'énergie du mouvement au travers de la traverse 4, mais les mouvements de la traverse 4 sont infimes.This main elastic connection 3 is preferably constituted by an elastic blade, it does not move substantially when the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 oscillates in tuning fork mode. Indeed, the branches of the tuning fork constituted by the primary resonators 10 exchange energy movement through the cross 4, but the movements of the cross 4 are minimal.

La direction selon laquelle sont mobiles les centres de masse CM des résonateurs primaires 10 est appelée direction longitudinale X. Une direction transversale Y est sensiblement perpendiculaire à cette direction longitudinale X. Une direction Z complète le trièdre direct.The direction in which the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are moved is called the longitudinal direction X. A transverse direction Y is substantially perpendicular to this longitudinal direction X. A direction Z completes the direct trihedron.

Dans les variantes illustrées aux figures 1 à 17, la traverse 4 est droite et s'étend selon la direction longitudinale X.In the variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 17 , crossbar 4 is straight and extends in the longitudinal direction X.

Dans une réalisation avantageuse, mais non limitative, qui correspond aux variantes illustrées par les figures, tout ou partie du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 est agencé de façon symétrique par rapport à un plan de symétrie PS qui s'étendant parallèlement à la direction transversale Y.In an advantageous embodiment, but not limiting, which corresponds to the variants illustrated in the figures, all or part of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry PS which extends parallel to the transverse direction Y.

La liaison élastique principale 3 s'étend entre la traverse 4 et le support fixe 2. De préférence, mais non obligatoirement, cette liaison élastique principale 3 s'étend selon la direction principale Y, tel que visible sur les exemples des figures.The main elastic connection 3 extends between the cross member 4 and the fixed support 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, this main elastic connection 3 extends along the main direction Y, as can be seen in the examples of the figures.

De préférence, la direction primaire qui relie le point d'encastrement sur la traverse 4 d'une lame flexible élastique 6 au centre de masse CM du résonateur primaire 10 correspondant, quand ce dernier est au repos est parallèle à la direction longitudinale X.Preferably, the primary direction which connects the point of embedding on the crosspiece 4 of an elastic flexible blade 6 to the center of mass CM of the corresponding primary resonator 10, when the latter is at rest is parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

La figure 1 illustre une réalisation simplifiée d'un mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 d'horlogerie selon l'invention, de type diapason, comportant un support fixe 2 qui porte, par une liaison élastique principale 3, réalisée sous forme d'une lame flexible, une traverse 4 porteuse de deux résonateurs primaires plans 10A, 10B, symétriques par rapport à un plan de symétrie PS, et comportant chacun une masse, respectivement 5A, 5B, portée par une lame flexible élastique, respectivement 6A, 6B, agencée pour travailler en flexion et encastrée dans la traverse 4, symétriquement par rapport au plan de symétrie PS.The figure 1 illustrates a simplified embodiment of an isochronous clock oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention, of tuning fork type, comprising a fixed support 2 which carries, by a main elastic connection 3, made in the form of a flexible blade, a crossbar 4 carrier of two primary planar resonators 10A, 10B, symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry PS, and each having a mass, respectively 5A, 5B, carried by an elastic flexible blade, respectively 6A, 6B, arranged to work in bending and recessed in the crossbar 4, symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry PS.

Le choix d'une symétrie géométrique de construction facilite la mise au point. Néanmoins un tel mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 peut aussi être réalisé avec des résonateurs primaires non symétriques, et fonctionner de façon correcte.The choice of a geometric symmetry of construction facilitates the development. However, such an isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 can also be realized with non-symmetrical primary resonators, and operate correctly.

Dans les variantes illustrées par les figures 1, 3, 6, 8 à 11, non limitatives de l'invention, les directions primaires des différents résonateurs primaires 10 qui constituent ce mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 sont parallèles à la direction longitudinale X, ou confondues.In the variants illustrated by the figures 1 , 3 , 6 , 8 to 11 Non-limiting of the invention, the primary directions of the different primary resonators 10 which constitute this isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 are parallel to the longitudinal direction X, or merged.

Pour une efficacité maximale, les lames flexibles élastiques 6 sont agencées de façon à ce que le déplacement de chaque centre de masse CM de résonateur primaire 10 donné soit minimal selon la direction transversale Y où il n'est pas prévu de compensation, et de façon à ce que les déplacements des différents centres de masses CM des résonateurs primaires 10 donnés soit compensés les uns par rapport aux autres dans la direction longitudinale X : si, comme dans le cas des figures, le mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 comporte deux résonateurs primaires 10A et 10B disposés dos à dos de part et d'autre de la traverse 4, leurs centres de masse respectifs CMA et CMB se déplacent essentiellement selon la direction longitudinale X, mais avec des déplacements de même valeur mais de sens opposés.For maximum efficiency, the resilient flexible blades 6 are arranged so that the displacement of each center of mass CM of the given primary resonator 10 is minimal in the transverse direction Y where compensation is not provided, and so the displacements of the different mass centers CM of the given primary resonators 10 are compensated with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction X: if, as in the case of the figures, the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 comprises two primary resonators 10A and 10B arranged back to back on either side of the crosspiece 4, their respective centers of mass CMA and CMB move essentially in the longitudinal direction X, but with displacements of the same value but in opposite directions.

L'avantage d'un agencement selon l'invention est d'avoir des lames élastiques travaillant en flexion quasi-pure, ce qui permet l'obtention d'un résonateur isochrone. Le couple est proportionnel à l'angle a dont la masse 5 correspondante pivote. La fréquence est donc indépendante de l'amplitude de l'oscillation.The advantage of an arrangement according to the invention is to have elastic blades working in almost pure bending, which makes it possible to obtain an isochronous resonator. The torque is proportional to the angle a whose corresponding mass pivots. The frequency is therefore independent of the amplitude of the oscillation.

De façon préférée, la distance entre l'encastrement de la lame flexible élastique 6 dans la traverse 4 et le centre de masse CM, est égale à la distance entre le centre de masse CM et l'encastrement de la lame flexible élastique 6 dans la masse 5 associée, tel que visible sur la figure 1. Le centre de masse CM reste ainsi sur l'axe X, ou au voisinage immédiat de l'axe X, c'est-à-dire à une distance de quelques micromètres.Preferably, the distance between the embedding of the resilient flexible blade 6 in the crossbar 4 and the center of mass CM is equal to the distance between the center of mass CM and the embedding of the elastic flexible blade 6 in the associated mass 5, as visible on the figure 1 . The center of mass CM thus remains on the X axis, or in the immediate vicinity of the X axis, that is to say at a distance of a few micrometers.

Dans une réalisation particulière, qui autorise une fabrication économique, notamment par la mise en oeuvre de matériaux micro-usinables selon les procédés « MEMS, « LIGA », ou similaires, chaque résonateur primaire 10 est agencé pour osciller dans un plan.In a particular embodiment, which allows economical manufacture, in particular by the use of micro-machinable materials according to the "MEMS," LIGA "or similar methods, each primary resonator 10 is arranged to oscillate in a plane.

Dans une réalisation particulière, chaque résonateur primaire 10 est monolithique.In a particular embodiment, each primary resonator 10 is monolithic.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la traverse 4 et les lames flexibles élastiques 6 des résonateurs primaires 10 forment un ensemble monolithique.In a particular embodiment, the cross member 4 and the flexible flexible blades 6 of the primary resonators 10 form a monolithic assembly.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le support fixe 2, la liaison élastique principale 3, la traverse 4, et les lames flexibles élastiques 6 des résonateurs primaires 10, forment un ensemble monolithique.In a particular embodiment, the fixed support 2, the main elastic connection 3, the crosspiece 4, and the flexible flexible blades 6 of the primary resonators 10, form a monolithic assembly.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le support fixe 2, la liaison élastique principale 3, la traverse 4, et les lames flexibles élastiques 6 des résonateurs primaires 10, forment un ensemble monolithique.In a particular embodiment, the fixed support 2, the main elastic connection 3, the crosspiece 4, and the flexible flexible blades 6 of the primary resonators 10, form a monolithic assembly.

Un tel mode de réalisation permet d'obtenir des lames élastiques 6 dites « en feuille haute », qui ont une hauteur très grande par rapport à leur épaisseur, notamment au moins cinq fois plus hautes qu'épaisses, et plus particulièrement au moins dix fois plus hautes qu'épaisses. De telles lames en feuille haute permettent d'assurer la fonction de guidage, et de s'affranchir de pivots traditionnels, ce qui permet une augmentation importante du facteur de qualité.Such an embodiment makes it possible to obtain elastic blades 6 called "high leaf", which have a height very large relative to their thickness, in particular at least five times higher than thick, and more particularly at least ten times higher than thick. Such blades in high sheet make it possible to ensure the guiding function, and to overcome traditional pivots, which allows a significant increase in the quality factor.

L'architecture en forme de diapason, selon l'invention, permet de compenser toutes les réactions aux encastrements, ce qui augmente encore très sensiblement le facteur de qualité.The architecture in the form of a tuning fork, according to the invention, makes it possible to compensate for all the reactions to the recesses, which still considerably increases the quality factor.

Dans les modes de réalisation illustrés par les figures, les masses 5, 51, 52, des résonateurs primaires 10 sont soumises essentiellement à un mouvement de pivotement. La lame flexible élastique 6 correspondante assure la fonction de guidage en pivotement.In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the masses 5, 51, 52, primary resonators 10 are essentially subjected to a pivoting movement. The corresponding resilient flexible blade 6 provides the pivotal guiding function.

L'invention est illustrée ici dans des variantes où, à chaque fois, une seule lame flexible élastique 6 maintient la masse 5 respective par rapport à la traverse 4. On peut imaginer d'autres variantes où ces lames 6 seraient doublées ou multipliées pour assurer un guidage encore meilleur. Toutefois l'avantage de la lame unique est de travailler en flexion pure, ce qui élimine les contraintes de cisaillement, ou de forces transverses, qui sont défavorables pour l'isochronisme, ce qui explique la préférence pour une lame flexible 6 unique, qui assure donc une meilleure chronométrie d'une montre incorporant un oscillateur 1 selon l'invention.The invention is illustrated here in variants where, each time, a single elastic flexible blade 6 maintains the respective mass 5 with respect to the crossbar 4. It is possible to imagine other variants where these blades 6 would be doubled or multiplied to ensure even better guidance. However the advantage of the single blade is to work in pure bending, which eliminates shear stresses, or transverse forces, which are unfavorable for isochronism, which explains the preference for a single flexible blade 6, which ensures therefore a better chronometry of a watch incorporating an oscillator 1 according to the invention.

Dans le cas de variantes, telles qu'illustrées par les figures, où chaque résonateur primaire 10 est agencé pour osciller dans un plan, tous les résonateurs primaires 10 sont agencés pour osciller dans des plans parallèles entre eux, ou bien dans un même plan.In the case of variants, as illustrated by the figures, wherein each primary resonator 10 is arranged to oscillate in a plane, all the primary resonators 10 are arranged to oscillate in planes parallel to each other, or in the same plane.

Plus particulièrement, tous ces résonateurs primaires 10 sont agencés pour osciller dans un même plan, par exemple sur les réalisations illustrées aux figures 1 à 12.More particularly, all these primary resonators 10 are arranged to oscillate in the same plane, for example on the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 12 .

Dans des réalisations particulières voisines de l'invention, tel que visible sur les figures 13 à 16, ces résonateurs primaires 10 s'étendent chacun dans un plan distinct.In particular embodiments of the invention, as visible on the Figures 13 to 16 these primary resonators 10 each extend in a separate plane.

Il est néanmoins possible de mettre en oeuvre l'invention avec des résonateurs primaires 10 disposés différemment dans l'espace.It is nonetheless possible to implement the invention with primary resonators arranged differently in space.

Les figures 1 à 12 illustrent un mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1, dont tous les résonateurs primaires 10 sont identiques, en nombre pair, et agencés en symétrie par rapport à un plan de symétrie PS s'étendant parallèlement à une direction transversale Y qui est celle de la liaison élastique principale 3 et perpendiculairement à une direction longitudinale X selon laquelle sont mobiles les centres de masse CM des résonateurs primaires 10.The Figures 1 to 12 illustrate an isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, all primary resonators 10 are identical, even in number, and arranged in symmetry with respect to a plane of symmetry PS extending parallel to a transverse direction Y which is that of the main elastic link 3 and perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction X in which the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are movable.

Au sein de chaque paire, les résonateurs primaires 10 oscillent alors en opposition de phase, ce qui garantit la compensation des mouvements des centres de masse CM selon la direction longitudinale X.Within each pair, the primary resonators 10 then oscillate in phase opposition, which guarantees the compensation of the movements of the centers of mass CM in the longitudinal direction X.

De préférence, la liaison élastique principale 3 est droite.Preferably, the main elastic connection 3 is straight.

Sur les variantes des figures 1 à 8, selon l'invention, et un mode préféré de réalisation détaillé ci-après, les lames flexibles élastiques 6 sont droites, selon la direction longitudinale X. Les centres de masse CM des résonateurs primaires 10 considérés sont dans leur alignement au repos. Cette disposition garantit l'insensibilité aux positions du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 selon l'invention, contrairement à un diapason de type classique à branches parallèles qui est beaucoup trop sensibles aux positions dans l'espace s'il est incorporé dans une montre, et qui ne peut convenir qu'à une pièce de pendulerie.On variants of Figures 1 to 8 according to the invention, and a preferred embodiment detailed below, the resilient flexible blades 6 are straight in the longitudinal direction X. The centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are considered in their alignment at rest. This arrangement guarantees the insensitivity to the positions of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention, unlike a tuning fork of the conventional type with parallel branches which is much too sensitive to the positions in space if it is incorporated in a watch, and which can only be suitable for a piece of clock.

Les croquis de la figure 2 permettent de comprendre l'influence de la gravité g :

  • sur le croquis supérieur, sur une première masse suspendue vers le haut par l'intermédiaire d'une lame flexible, le diagramme de marche montre un retard d'une certaine valeur R,
  • sur le croquis médian, sur une deuxième masse identique suspendue vers le bas par l'intermédiaire d'une lame flexible identique, et le diagramme de marche correspondant à une avance de la même valeur R,
  • sur le croquis inférieur, sur un mécanisme selon l'invention qui combine les deux précédents, et le diagramme de marche correspondant qui montre une avance ou un retard proche de zéro, grâce à l'alignement en sens contraire, ce qui permet un équilibrage, par le moyennage des avance/retard des deux résonateurs qui le composent, rendant ainsi le mécanisme insensible aux positions dans l'espace.
The sketches of the figure 2 to understand the influence of gravity boy Wut :
  • on the upper sketch, on a first mass suspended upwards by means of a flexible blade, the gait diagram shows a delay of a certain value R,
  • on the median sketch, on a second identical mass suspended downwards by means of an identical flexible blade, and the gait diagram corresponding to an advance of the same value R,
  • on the lower sketch, on a mechanism according to the invention which combines the two previous ones, and the corresponding step diagram which shows an advance or a delay close to zero, thanks to the alignment in the opposite direction, which allows a balancing, by averaging the advance / delay of the two resonators that compose it, thus making the mechanism insensitive to positions in space.

Le défaut résiduel après compensation des déplacements des centre de masse en X est de très faible valeur, du même ordre de grandeur que le défaut dû aux déplacements des centres de masse en Y, lequel est limité à 3 ou 4 micromètres, pour une lame de de longueur 1 millimètre, le défaut cumulé reste ainsi inférieur à 6 secondes par jour.The residual defect after compensation of the displacements of the centers of mass in X is of very small value, of the same order of magnitude as the defect due to displacements of the centers of mass in Y, which is limited to 3 or 4 micrometers, for a blade of 1 mm long, the cumulative defect thus remains less than 6 seconds per day.

La compensation due à la géométrie du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 selon l'invention, en particulier dans une exécution entièrement symétrique, renforce donc le caractère d'insensibilité à la gravitation dû au fonctionnement rotatif des résonateurs primaires 10. La symétrie compense ainsi toute erreur de marche résiduelle.The compensation due to the geometry of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention, in particular in a fully symmetrical execution, thus reinforces the character of insensitivity to gravitation due to the rotary operation of the primary resonators 10. The symmetry thus compensates for any error in residual market.

De plus, la compensation des efforts et des couples à l'encastrement permet aux résonateurs primaires 10 d'osciller très longtemps sans s'amortir.In addition, the compensation of forces and torques to the recess allows the primary resonators 10 to oscillate very long without amortizing.

Dans une variante particulière de ce mode préféré, les lames flexibles élastiques 6 que comportent les résonateurs primaires 10 sont droites et alignées deux à deux.In a particular variant of this preferred embodiment, the resilient flexible blades 6 that comprise the primary resonators 10 are straight and aligned in pairs.

Sur les variantes des figures 9 à 12, selon un deuxième type de réalisation voisine de l'invention, détaillée ci-après, les lames flexibles élastiques 6 sont en spirales, enroulées autour des centres de masse CM des résonateurs primaires 10 considérés.On variants of Figures 9 to 12 , according to a second embodiment similar to the invention, detailed below, the elastic flexible blades 6 are spiral wound around the centers of mass CM primary resonators 10 considered.

Une variante illustrée sur les figures 13 et 14 représente un diapason de torsion qui comporte des bras 51 et 52, chacun muni d'une masse à son extrémité distale, et oscillant dans des plans parallèles P1 et P2 et de façon symétrique par rapport à un axe A parallèle à ces deux plans P1 et P2.An illustrated variant on Figures 13 and 14 represents a torsion tuning fork which comprises arms 51 and 52, each provided with a mass at its distal end, and oscillating in parallel planes P1 and P2 and symmetrically with respect to an axis A parallel to these two planes P1 and P2.

Une autre variante de diapason illustrée par la figure 15 comporte deux résonateurs, chacun comportant un ressort-spiral encastré à une première extrémité sur une traverse commune et comportant une masse à une deuxième extrémité distale, ces deux résonateurs s'étendant selon deux plans parallèles et étant, en projection sur l'un de ces plans, symétrique par rapport à un plan de symétrie PS lequel est perpendiculaire à ces deux plans. Le couple résultant est bien nul à l'encastrement au niveau de la traverse 4.Another variation of tuning fork illustrated by the figure 15 comprises two resonators, each comprising a spiral spring recessed at a first end on a common cross-member and having a mass at a second distal end, these two resonators extending in two parallel planes and being, in projection on one of these planes, symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry PS which is perpendicular to these two planes. The resulting torque is zero at the embedding at the crossbar 4.

On comprend que l'invention autorise aussi une grande variété d'architectures géométriques.It is understood that the invention also allows a wide variety of geometric architectures.

Les difficultés pratiques ne manquent pas, car il est difficile d'assurer la limitation en déplacement des centres de masse CM des résonateurs primaires 10 selon la direction transversale Y.The practical difficulties are not lacking, because it is difficult to ensure the limitation in displacement of the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 in the transverse direction Y.

De plus, les mécanismes doivent être utilisables dans une montre, et incorporer des sécurités, notamment antichoc.In addition, the mechanisms must be usable in a watch, and incorporate security, including shockproof.

Deux réalisations particulières, géométriquement assez différentes, sont présentées ci-après : un mode préféré de diapason « en H » selon l'invention, et un deuxième type de diapason « cornes de bouc » voisin de l'invention.Two particular embodiments, geometrically quite different, are presented below: a preferred mode of tuning fork "in H" according to the invention, and a second type of tuning fork "goat horns" of the invention.

Le mode préféré de diapason en H, est représenté sur les figures 1 à 7. Le support fixe 2, la liaison élastique principale 3, la traverse 4, et les lames flexibles élastiques 6 des résonateurs primaires 10, forment ensemble une structure monolithique plane, en silicium, ou silicium oxydé, ou quartz, ou DLC, ou similaire, qui, dans la position de repos du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1, est symétrique par rapport à un plan de symétrie PS, et comporte une traverse 4 longiligne qui s'étend selon la direction longitudinale X, perpendiculairement à la liaison élastique principale 3, qui s'étend selon la direction transversale Y, et qui maintient la traverse 4 sur le support fixe 2.The preferred mode of tuning fork in H, is represented on the Figures 1 to 7 . The fixed support 2, the main elastic connection 3, the crosspiece 4, and the flexible flexible blades 6 of the primary resonators 10, together form a planar monolithic structure, made of silicon, or oxidized silicon, or quartz, or DLC, or the like, which , in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry PS, and comprises an elongated cross member 4 which extends in the longitudinal direction X, perpendicular to the main elastic connection 3, which extends in the transverse direction Y, and which holds the crossbar 4 on the fixed support 2.

Cette traverse 4 porte une paire de masses 5 repérées 51 et 52, montées de façon symétrique de part et d'autre du support fixe 2 et de la première liaison élastique 3.This crosspiece 4 carries a pair of marked masses 51 and 52, mounted symmetrically on either side of the fixed support 2 and the first elastic connection 3.

Ces masses 51, 52, s'étendent sensiblement selon la direction transversale Y, formant les barres latérales d'un H dont la traverse 4 constitue la barre horizontale. De préférence chacune d'elles comporte un bras relié en son milieu à la lame flexible 6 correspondante, ce bras s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement selon la direction transversale Y, et étant, soit un bras massif comme sur la figure 3, soit un bras comportant des masselottes inertielles à ses extrémités opposées, soit sensiblement ponctuelles comme sur la figure 1, soit sous forme de secteurs annulaires, tel que visible sur les figures 2, et 4 à 7.These masses 51, 52, extend substantially in the transverse direction Y, forming the lateral bars of an H whose crossbar 4 constitutes the horizontal bar. Preferably each of them comprises an arm connected in its middle to the corresponding flexible blade 6, this arm extending substantially parallel in the transverse direction Y, and being either a solid arm as on the figure 3 , either an arm with inertial flyweights at its opposite ends, or substantially punctual as on the figure 1 , in the form of annular sectors, as visible on the figures 2 , and 4 to 7 .

Chacune de ces masses 51, 52 est montée de façon oscillante autour d'un axe de pivotement virtuel de position déterminée par rapport à la traverse 4, et rappelée par une lame flexible élastique 6, repérée respectivement 61, 62, qui constitue des moyens de rappel élastique et qui est solidaire d'une extrémité 41, 42, de la traverse 4, les deux extrémités 41 et 42 étant opposées et de part et d'autre de la traverse 4. Ces lames flexibles 61, 62, s'étendent de préférence linéairement dans le prolongement et de part et d'autre de la traverse 4.Each of these masses 51, 52 is mounted oscillating about a virtual pivoting axis of position determined relative to the crossbar 4, and recalled by an elastic flexible blade 6, respectively marked 61, 62, which constitutes means of resilient return and which is secured to one end 41, 42 of the cross member 4, the two ends 41 and 42 being opposite and on either side of the crossbar 4. These flexible blades 61, 62, extend from preferably linearly in the extension and on both sides of the crossbar 4.

Chaque axe de pivotement virtuel est, en position de repos du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1, confondu avec le centre de masse CM1, CM2, de la masse respective 51, 52.Each virtual pivoting axis is, in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, coinciding with the center of mass CM1, CM2, of the respective mass 51, 52.

Ces lames flexibles élastiques 61, 62, sont agencées pour limiter le déplacement des centres de masse CM1, CM2, à une course transversale par rapport à la traverse 4, aussi réduite que possible dans la direction transversale Y, et à une course longitudinale selon la direction longitudinale X supérieure à cette course transversale.These resilient flexible blades 61, 62, are arranged to limit the displacement of the centers of mass CM1, CM2, to a transverse stroke relative to the crossbar 4, as small as possible in the transverse direction Y, and to a longitudinal stroke according to the longitudinal direction X greater than this transverse stroke.

Du fait de la symétrie, et de l'alignement, la disposition longitudinale des lames flexibles élastiques 61, 62, permet de compenser la direction de plus grand déplacement des centres de masse CM1 et CM2, qui se déplacent de façon symétrique par rapport au plan de symétrie PS.Due to the symmetry and the alignment, the longitudinal arrangement of the resilient flexible blades 61, 62 makes it possible to compensate for the direction of greater displacement of the centers of mass CM1 and CM2, which move symmetrically relative to the plane symmetry PS.

Le mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1 selon l'invention comporte avantageusement des butées en rotation, ou/et des butées de limitation de translation selon les directions X et Y, ou/et des butées de limitation en translation en Z. Ces moyens de limitation de course peuvent être intégrés, faire partie d'une construction monobloc, ou/et être rapportés.The isochronous oscillator mechanism 1 according to the invention advantageously comprises rotational stops, and / or translational limit stops in the X and Y directions, and / or translation Z limit stops. These stroke limiting means can be integrated, part of a one-piece construction, and / or be reported.

Les masses 51, 52, comportent, avantageusement, des moyens de butée 7, repérés 71, 72, qui sont agencés pour coopérer avec des moyens de butée complémentaire 73, 74, que comporte la traverse 4, et limiter le déplacement des lames flexibles élastiques 61, 62, par rapport à la traverse 4, en cas de chocs ou d'accélérations similaires.The masses 51, 52, advantageously comprise abutment means 7, labeled 71, 72, which are arranged to cooperate with complementary abutment means 73, 74, which the crosspiece 4 comprises, and to limit the displacement of the elastic flexible blades. 61, 62, with respect to the crossbar 4, in the event of shocks or similar accelerations.

Dans le cas où une masse 5 n'est pas directement portée par la lame flexible 6, celle-ci comporte, de l'autre côté par rapport au corps principal de la traverse 4, une plaque d'extrémité 45, qui est agencée pour recevoir, directement ou indirectement, cette masse 6. Par exemple, l'exécution des figures 4 et 5 de l'invention, comme la variante du deuxième type des figures 11 et 12 voisine de l'invention, comporte des embouts 53, 54, agencés pour être rapportés sur une telle plaque d'extrémité 45 et recevoir une masse 51 ou 52. La variante du mode préféré des figures 6 et 7 comporte une douille 55 agencée pour remplir la même fonction.In the case where a mass 5 is not directly carried by the flexible blade 6, the latter comprises, on the other side relative to the main body of the crosspiece 4, an end plate 45, which is arranged to receive, directly or indirectly, this mass 6. For example, the execution of figures 4 and 5 of the invention, as the variant of the second type of figures 11 and 12 adjacent to the invention, comprises end pieces 53, 54, arranged to be attached to such an end plate 45 and to receive a mass 51 or 52. The variant of the preferred embodiment of figures 6 and 7 comprises a socket 55 arranged to perform the same function.

Sur la variante du mode préféré de réalisation des figures 4 et 5, les extrémités de la traverse 4 comportent chacune deux surfaces d'appui de butée 42, qui sont agencées chacune pour arrêter une surface oblique 74 que comporte la plaque d'extrémité 45, de façon à limiter l'angle de déformation α (défini en figure 1) que peut prendre la lame flexible 6 par rapport à son encastrement dans la traverse 4, et constituant ainsi des butées en rotation. L'extrémité correspondante de la traverse 4 comporte encore un logement 79, notamment ici un alésage, agencé pour servir de butée de limitation au pourtour 48 de la plaque d'extrémité 45 sensiblement circulaire, pour limiter les translations en X et en Y. Grâce à ces différentes butées, qui limitent les translations en X et en Y, on limite l'influence possible des chocs, on protège la lame flexible 6, et on préserve cette lame flexible 6 contre toute déformation excessive. Et on limite bien sûr le déplacement possible des centres de masse CM.On the variant of the preferred embodiment of the figures 4 and 5 , the ends of the crosspiece 4 each comprise two abutment bearing surfaces 42, which are each arranged to stop an oblique surface 74 that comprises the end plate 45, so as to limit the angle of deformation α (defined in FIG. figure 1 ) that can take the flexible blade 6 relative to its installation in the crossbar 4, and thus constituting stops in rotation. The corresponding end of the crosspiece 4 further comprises a housing 79, in this case a bore, arranged to act as a limit stop around the periphery 48 of the substantially circular end plate 45, to limit X and Y translations. at these different stops, which limit translations in X and Y, it limits the possible influence of shocks, protects the flexible blade 6, and preserves this flexible blade 6 against excessive deformation. And of course the possible movement of the CM centers of mass is limited.

Des butées en Z sont prévues principalement en cas d'utilisation d'embouts 53, 54, de douilles 55, ou similaires ; par exemple la figure 5 illustre des embouts 53, 54, qui, ou bien comportent des alésages alignés avec des tourillons 56 portés par une platine, ou bien comportent des portées alignées avec des alésages d'une platine, les paliers ainsi constitués étant sans contact en régime de fonctionnement normal, et étant agencés pour reprendre les efforts, notamment en Z, en cas de choc.Z stops are provided mainly when using end caps 53, 54, sockets 55, or the like; for example the figure 5 illustrates tips 53, 54, which either have bores aligned with pins 56 carried by a plate, or comprise aligned bearings with bores of a plate, the bearings thus formed being non-contact in normal operating conditions, and being arranged to take the forces, especially Z, in case of impact.

Le détail de la figure 6 montre, en ce qui concerne la variante avec la réception d'une douille 55, un agencement similaire en ce qui concerne les butées. La plaque d'extrémité 45 comporte encore un ergot avec des surfaces d'arrêt 76 agencées pour coopérer en appui de butée avec des surfaces complémentaires 78 de la traverse 4, pour limiter les translations. La douille 55 comporte une jupe 57 chassée sur la plaque d'extrémité 45 mais le pourtour 59 de cette douille 55 reste à distance de l'alésage 79 de la traverse 4, et assurer alors avec lui la sécurité en translation en X et en Y.The detail of the figure 6 shows, with regard to the variant with the receipt of a bush 55, a similar arrangement with respect to the stops. The end plate 45 further comprises a lug with stop surfaces 76 arranged to cooperate abutting abutment with complementary surfaces 78 of the cross member 4, to limit the translations. The bushing 55 has a skirt 57 driven on the end plate 45, but the periphery 59 of this bushing 55 remains at a distance from the bore 79 of the cross member 4, and thus ensures with it the safety in translation in X and in Y .

Des épaulements en Z peuvent, encore, être ménagés sur certaines surfaces pour constituer des surfaces de butée de limitation en Z.Z-shaped shoulders may also be provided on certain surfaces to form Z-limiting abutment surfaces.

Naturellement, ces agencements de butée, de limitation du débattement de la lame flexible 6 comme de sécurité antichoc sont réalisables dans des variantes sans pièce intermédiaire. Et en particulier dans le cas où le support fixe 2, la liaison élastique principale 3, la traverse 4, et les résonateurs primaires 10, y compris les masses 5, forment un ensemble monolithique.Naturally, these arrangements of abutment, limiting the travel of the flexible blade 6 as shockproof are feasible in variants without intermediate part. And in particular in the case where the fixed support 2, the main elastic connection 3, the crossbar 4, and the primary resonators 10, including the masses 5, form a monolithic assembly.

En l'absence d'accélérations inopinées telles que des chocs, les surfaces complémentaires des butées ne doivent pas être en contact entre elles, de façon à éviter tout frottement inutile préjudiciable au facteur de qualité.In the absence of unexpected accelerations such as shocks, the complementary surfaces of the stops must not be in contact with each other, so as to avoid any unnecessary friction detrimental to the quality factor.

Certains moyens de limitation de course peuvent être utilisés pour remplir des fonctions d'amortissement de modes de vibrations non désirés.Some stroke limiting means may be used to perform damping functions of unwanted vibration modes.

Les illustrations du mode préféré de réalisation selon l'invention, et du deuxième type voisin de l'invention, montrent ainsi le support fixe 2 et la traverse 4 qui ne sont séparés que par une étroite rainure 30, dite ici « rainure à miel », autour de la liaison élastique principale 3, laquelle est conçue pour autoriser le couplage en mode diapason. La rainure 30 permet de limiter le mouvement angulaire de la traverse 4, qui est insignifiant en régime normal, mais qui peut se produire en cas de choc. Avantageusement, cette rainure est remplie d'un produit visqueux ou pâteux, qui permet la dissipation d'énergie en cas de débattement trop important.The illustrations of the preferred embodiment of the invention, and the second type of neighbor of the invention, thus show the fixed support 2 and the crossbar 4 which are separated only by a narrow groove 30, here called "honey groove" , around the main elastic link 3, which is designed to allow tuning fork coupling. The groove 30 limits the angular movement of the crossbar 4, which is insignificant in normal operation, but can occur in case of impact. Advantageously, this groove is filled with a viscous or pasty product, which allows the dissipation of energy in the event of excessive travel.

En particulier il s'agit de prévenir, ou du moins d'en limiter la durée, un mode de fonctionnement de type « essuie-glace » dans lequel les résonateurs primaires 10 oscillent, non plus en opposition de phase, mais en phase, car on comprend que la compensation des mouvements des centres de masse n'est alors plus assurée dans ce régime d'oscillation en phase, qui ne permet plus à l'oscillateur d'être isochrone.In particular, it is a question of preventing, or at least of limiting, the duration of a "windshield wiper" mode of operation in which the primary resonators 10 oscillate, no longer in phase opposition, but in phase, because it is understood that the compensation of the movements of the centers of mass is then no longer ensured in this phase oscillation regime, which no longer allows the oscillator to be isochronous.

En variante, ou en complément, il est possible de rajouter des surfaces coopérant en Z avec un frottement solide, ou visqueux, ou pâteux, et de préférence qui augmente avec la vitesse ou/et avec l'amplitude, par exemple avec des surfaces coniques ou faisant coin, tel que visible sur les croquis des figures 17 et 18.Alternatively, or in addition, it is possible to add cooperating Z surfaces with a solid friction, or viscous, or pasty, and preferably increasing with the speed and / or with the amplitude, for example with conical surfaces corner, as shown on the sketches of the Figures 17 and 18 .

De préférence, selon l'invention, les lames flexibles élastiques 61, 62, qui s'étendent sensiblement selon la direction longitudinale X, sont des lames courtes, c'est-à-dire d'une longueur inférieure à la plus petite valeur entre quatre fois leur hauteur ou trente fois leur épaisseur. C'est cette caractéristique de lame courte qui permet de limiter les déplacements du centre de masse CM concerné.Preferably, according to the invention, the resilient flexible blades 61, 62, which extend substantially in the longitudinal direction X, are short blades, that is to say of a length less than the smallest value between four times their height or thirty times their thickness. It is this short blade characteristic that makes it possible to limit the movements of the center of mass CM concerned.

En fonctionnement normal, il n'y a pas de frottement. Les modes d'oscillation en translation, et les déplacements en cas de chocs sont limités mécaniquement par des axes ou similaire.In normal operation, there is no friction. The modes of oscillation in translation, and displacements in case of shocks are mechanically limited by axes or the like.

Dans cette configuration, le centre de masse CM de chaque résonateur primaire 10 ne bouge pratiquement pas selon la direction transversale Y : il effectue un mouvement de rebroussement, de part et d'autre d'un axe moyen parallèle à la direction longitudinale X, autour d'un point situé sur cet axe moyen.In this configuration, the center of mass CM of each primary resonator 10 does not move substantially in the transverse direction Y: it performs a crawling movement, on either side of an average axis parallel to the longitudinal direction X, around from a point on this mean axis.

C'est pour compenser ce déplacement du centre de masse CM selon X que, selon l'invention, les lames flexibles élastiques 61 et 62 sont de préférence alignées, ces lames étant de préférence droites.It is to compensate for this displacement of the center of mass CM along X that, according to the invention, the resilient flexible blades 61 and 62 are preferably aligned, these blades being preferably straight.

Le deuxième type de diapason en cornes de bouc, voisin de l'invention, est représenté sur les figures 8 à 12. Le support fixe 2, la liaison élastique principale 3, la traverse 4, les lames flexibles élastiques 6, et les plaques d'extrémité 45 des résonateurs primaires 10, forment ensemble une structure monolithique plane, en silicium, ou silicium oxydé, ou quartz, ou DLC, ou similaire, qui, dans la position de repos du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1, est symétrique par rapport à un plan de symétrie PS, et comporte une traverse 4 longiligne qui s'étend selon la direction longitudinale X, perpendiculairement à la liaison élastique principale 3, qui s'étend selon la direction transversale Y, et qui maintient la traverse 4 sur le support fixe 2.The second type of goat horn tuning fork, which is a neighbor of the invention, is represented on the Figures 8 to 12 . The fixed support 2, the main elastic connection 3, the crosspiece 4, the flexible flexible blades 6, and the end plates 45 of the primary resonators 10, together form a planar monolithic structure, made of silicon, or oxidized silicon, or quartz, or DLC, or the like, which, in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry PS, and comprises an elongate cross member 4 which extends in the longitudinal direction X, perpendicular to the connection main elastic 3, which extends in the transverse direction Y, and which maintains the crossbar 4 on the fixed support 2.

De façon analogue au mode préféré, cette traverse 4 porte une paire de masses 5 repérées 51 et 52, montées de façon symétrique de part et d'autre du support fixe 2 et de la première liaison élastique 3. Chacune de ces masses 51, 52 est montée de façon oscillante et rappelée par une lame flexible élastique 6 repérée respectivement 61, 62, qui est un spiral 8, respectivement 81, 82, ou encore un assemblage de spiraux. Un premier spiral 81 et un deuxième spiral 82 sont, chacun, lié au niveau de sa spire interne à une plaque d'extrémité 45 destinée à recevoir une masse 51, 52, et attachés à l'extrémité 41, 42 respective de la traverse 4 par sa spire externe.In a similar manner to the preferred embodiment, this crosspiece 4 carries a pair of masses 5 marked 51 and 52, mounted symmetrically on both sides of the fixed support 2 and the first elastic connection 3. Each of these masses 51, 52 is mounted oscillatingly and recalled by an elastic flexible blade 6 respectively marked 61, 62, which is a spiral 8, respectively 81, 82, or an assembly of spirals. A first hairspring 81 and a second hairspring 82 are each bonded at its inner turn to an end plate 45 for receiving a mass 51, 52, and attached to the respective end 41, 42 of the sleeper 4. by its external turn.

Les masses 51 et 52 pivotent chacune autour d'un axe de pivotement virtuel de position déterminée par rapport à la traverse 4.The masses 51 and 52 each pivot about a virtual pivot axis of position determined relative to the crossbar 4.

Chaque axe de pivotement virtuel est, en position de repos du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1, confondu avec le centre de masse CM1, CM2, de la masse respective 51, 52.Each virtual pivoting axis is, in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1, coinciding with the center of mass CM1, CM2, of the respective mass 51, 52.

De la même façon que pour le mode préféré, les masses 51, 52, s'étendent sensiblement selon la direction transversale Y. De préférence chacune d'elles comporte un bras relié en son milieu à la lame flexible 6 correspondante, ce bras s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement selon la direction transversale Y, et étant, soit un bras massif comme sur la figure 3, soit un bras comportant des masselottes inertielles à ses extrémités opposées, soit sensiblement ponctuelles comme sur la figure 8, soit sous forme de secteurs annulaires, tel que visible sur les figures 9 à 12 voisines de l'invention.In the same way as for the preferred embodiment, the masses 51, 52, extend substantially in the transverse direction Y. Preferably each of them comprises an arm connected in the middle to the corresponding flexible blade 6, this arm s' extending substantially parallel in the transverse direction Y, and being either a solid arm as on the figure 3 , either an arm with inertial flyweights at its opposite ends, or substantially punctual as on the figure 8 , in the form of annular sectors, as visible on the Figures 9 to 12 adjacent to the invention.

Pour limiter le déplacement des centres de masse CM1, CM2, à une course transversale par rapport à la traverse 4, aussi réduite que possible dans la direction transversale Y, et à une course longitudinale selon la direction longitudinale X supérieure à cette course transversale, chaque spiral 81, 82, est à section ou courbure variable le long de son développement.To limit the displacement of the centers of mass CM1, CM2, to a transverse stroke relative to the crossbar 4, as small as possible in the transverse direction Y, and to a longitudinal stroke in the longitudinal direction X greater than this transverse stroke, each spiral 81, 82, is section or variable curvature along its development.

La version illustré par les figures est une variante à épaisseur variable, optimisée pour limiter les déplacements du centre de masse CM. La masse 5 en balancier est suspendue de préférence par une spire plus épaisse que le reste du spiral.The version illustrated by the figures is a variation of variable thickness, optimized to limit the movements of the center of mass CM. The pendulum mass 5 is preferably suspended by a coil thicker than the rest of the spiral.

De préférence, le développement du spiral est supérieur à un tour, et notamment supérieur à 1,5 tour, ce qui s'avère plus aisé pour minimiser le déplacement du centre de masse. Par exemple, une diminution régulière d'épaisseur sur 270°, suivie d'une croissance d'épaisseur peut permettre de limiter le déplacement du centre de masse CM à 3 micromètres en Y et 4 micromètres en X. La raideur élémentaire polaire passe avantageusement par un extremum, par exemple un mini entre deux maxi, ou l'inverse.Preferably, the development of the hairspring is greater than one turn, and in particular greater than 1.5 turns, which is easier to minimize the displacement of the center of mass. For example, a regular decrease in thickness over 270 °, followed by a thickness increase can make it possible to limit the displacement of the center of mass CM to 3 micrometers in Y and 4 micrometers in X. The polar elemental stiffness advantageously passes through an extremum, for example a mini between two maxi, or vice versa.

Une simulation satisfaisante consiste, encore, à donner au spiral une raideur supérieure dans sa partie 89 qui est au-delà du centre de masse vers l'extérieur, que dans sa partie 88 qui est comprise entre les deux centres de masse CM1 et CM2.A satisfactory simulation consists, again, in giving the hairspring an upper stiffness in its portion 89 which is beyond the center of mass towards the outside, than in its portion 88 which lies between the two centers of mass CM1 and CM2.

On remarque ainsi que les déplacements en X des centres de masse CM sont moindres dans ce deuxième type à spiral que dans le mode préféré à lame droite.It will thus be noted that the X displacements of the centers of mass CM are less in this second spiral type than in the preferred straight-blade mode.

On peut, bien sûr, jouer sur la hauteur au lieu de l'épaisseur pour obtenir une section variable : le choix de l'épaisseur variable correspond à une élaboration MEMS plus facile.One can, of course, play on the height instead of the thickness to obtain a variable section: the choice of the variable thickness corresponds to an elaboration MEMS easier.

En somme, on peut faire une analogie entre ce spiral à caractéristiques variables et une courbe terminale Breguet ou Grossmann d'un spiral d'ensemble balancier-spiral.In sum, we can make an analogy between this spiral with variable characteristics and a Breguet or Grossmann end curve of a spiral balance-balance spiral.

Une fois le déplacement du centre de masse minimisé, le montage en symétrie par rapport au plan de symétrie PS permet d'obtenir un excellent isochronisme.Once the displacement of the center of mass has been minimized, the symmetrical assembly with respect to the plane of symmetry PS makes it possible to obtain an excellent isochronism.

En fonctionnement normal, il n'y a pas de frottement : Les modes d'oscillation en translation et les déplacements en cas de chocs sont de préférence limités mécaniquement par des axes, ou par des embouts 53, 54, ou des douilles 55.In normal operation, there is no friction: The modes of oscillation in translation and the displacements in the event of shocks are preferably mechanically limited by axes, or by end pieces 53, 54, or sockets 55.

De préférence, le premier spiral 81 et le deuxième spiral 82 sont attachés aux extrémités 41, 42, en alignement avec leur axe de pivotement virtuel respectif, en position de repos du mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1.Preferably, the first hairspring 81 and the second hairspring 82 are attached to the ends 41, 42, in alignment with their respective virtual pivoting axis, in the rest position of the isochronous oscillator mechanism 1.

La figure 16 illustre une autre réalisation voisine de l'invention, où ce schéma de figure du deuxième type est extrapolé en suspendant chaque masse, non pas à un spiral unique, mais à couples de spiraux 81, 810, respectivement 82, 820, attachés à la traverse 4, de part et d'autre des centres de masse selon la direction Y. Cette réalisation très robuste est toutefois plus proche d'un système à lames flexibles croisées que du principe de la présente invention.The figure 16 illustrates another embodiment close to the invention, where this diagram of the second type of figure is extrapolated by suspending each mass, not to a single spiral, but pairs of spirals 81, 810, respectively 82, 820, attached to the cross 4, on either side of the centers of mass in the Y direction. This very robust embodiment is however closer to a system with crossed flexible blades than the principle of the present invention.

La figure 19 illustre une variante où la traverse 4 constitue un cadre entourant les résonateurs primaires 10, dans un exemple d'application à quatre résonateurs 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D. On comprend que cette architecture inverse des exemples précédents est également utilisable pour la mise en oeuvre de l'invention, dans toutes ses variantes exposées ci-dessus, et qui ne sont donc pas détaillées davantage ici.The figure 19 illustrates a variant where the crossbar 4 constitutes a frame surrounding the primary resonators 10, in an example of application to four resonators 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D. It will be understood that this inverse architecture of the preceding examples can also be used for the implementation of the invention, in all its variants exposed above, and which are therefore not detailed further here.

La figure 20 illustre, dans cette variante de traverse 4 formée par un cadre, le pendant du diapason en H. La traverse 4 porte une paire 51, 52, de masses 5, montées de façon symétrique à l'intérieur de la traverse 4 qui forme un cadre suspendu par la première liaison élastique 3 à la structure fixe 2, les masses 51, 52 s'étendant sensiblement selon la direction transversale Y. Chacune des masses 51, 52, est montée de façon oscillante autour d'un axe de pivotement virtuel de position déterminée par rapport à la traverse 4, et rappelée par une lame flexible élastique 6, respectivement 61, 62, qui est solidaire d'un côté du cadre formant la traverse 4, les lames flexibles 61, 62, s'étendant linéairement à l'intérieur du cadre.The figure 20 illustrates, in this variant of crossbar 4 formed by a frame, the pendulum of the H tuning fork. The crossbar 4 carries a pair 51, 52, masses 5, mounted symmetrically inside the crossbar 4 which forms a frame suspended by the first elastic connection 3 to the fixed structure 2, the masses 51, 52 extending substantially in the transverse direction Y. Each of the masses 51, 52 is oscillatingly mounted around a virtual pivot axis of position determined relative to the crossbar 4, and recalled by an elastic flexible blade 6, respectively 61, 62, which is secured to one side of the frame forming the crossbar 4, the flexible blades 61, 62, extending linearly to the inside the frame.

De façon similaire, la figure 21 illustre, dans cette variante de traverse 4 formée par un cadre, voisine de l'invention, le pendant du diapason en cornes de bouc. La traverse 4 porte une paire 51, 52, de masses 5, montées de façon symétrique à l'intérieur de la traverse 4 qui forme un cadre suspendu par la première liaison élastique 3 à la structure fixe 2, et sensiblement selon une direction transversale Y perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale X selon laquelle sont mobiles les centres de masse CM des résonateurs primaires 10. Chacune des masses 51, 52, est montée de façon oscillante autour d'un axe de pivotement virtuel de position déterminée par rapport à la traverse 4, et rappelée par un spiral 8, respectivement 81, 82, qui est solidaire d'un côté du cadre formant la traverse 4, ces spiraux 81, 82, s'étendant à l'intérieur du cadre.Similarly, the figure 21 illustrates, in this variant of crossbar 4 formed by a frame, adjacent to the invention, the pendulum fork horns goat. The crossbar 4 carries a pair 51, 52, masses 5, mounted symmetrically inside the crossbar 4 which forms a frame suspended by the first elastic connection 3 to the fixed structure 2, and substantially in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X in which the centers of mass CM of the primary resonators 10 are movable. Each of the masses 51, 52 is oscillatingly mounted about a virtual pivot axis of position determined with respect to the crossbar 4, and recalled by a spiral 8, respectively 81, 82, which is integral with one side of the frame forming the crossbar 4, these spirals 81, 82, extending inside the frame.

Dans les réalisations illustrées les masses 5, 5A, 5B, 51, 52, forment des balanciers.In the illustrated embodiments the masses 5, 5A, 5B, 51, 52, form rockers.

Avantageusement, dans tout mode de réalisation, les masses 51, 52, comportent, aux fins de réglage d'équilibrage, d'inertie et d'ajustement de fréquence d'oscillation, des masselottes 91, 92, ou/et des logements 93 pour recevoir de telles masselottes, de préférence dans les zones les plus éloignées des extrémités 41, 42 de la traverse 4. De telles masselottes comportent avantageusement un insert excentré, par exemple en platine, pour faciliter le réglage par pivotement de l'insert. Naturellement, des zones particulières de ces masses 5 peuvent être dévolues à une ablation laser, ou, à l'inverse, à un rechargement par plasma, jet d'encre ou similaire, pour assurer ces réglages.Advantageously, in any embodiment, the masses 51, 52 comprise, for balancing adjustment, inertia and adjustment of oscillation frequency, flyweights 91, 92, and / or housing 93 for receive such flyweights, preferably in the areas farthest from the ends 41, 42 of the crossbar 4. Such flyweights advantageously comprise an eccentric insert, for example platinum, to facilitate adjustment by pivoting the insert. Naturally, particular areas of these masses may be assigned to laser ablation, or, conversely, to plasma, ink jet or the like, to provide these settings.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement d'horlogerie 100, notamment mécanique, comportant un tel mécanisme oscillateur isochrone 1.The invention also relates to a clockwork movement 100, in particular a mechanical movement, comprising such an isochronous oscillator mechanism 1.

L'invention concerne encore une montre 200 comportant un tel mouvement mécanique 100.The invention also relates to a watch 200 comprising such a mechanical movement 100.

En somme, dans sa version totalement symétrique, l'oscillateur selon l'invention constitue un diapason composé de deux résonateurs, de préférence rotatifs, à lames en flexion, montés sur une traverse reliée, de préférence visco-élastiquement, à la platine.In sum, in its totally symmetrical version, the oscillator according to the invention constitutes a tuning fork consisting of two resonators, preferably rotating, with flexion blades, mounted on a cross member connected, preferably viscoelastically, to the plate.

Les éléments élastiques de chaque résonateur primaire 10 sont conçus pour minimiser le déplacement du centre de masse CM dans la direction transversale Y du plan de symétrie PS du diapason.The elastic members of each primary resonator 10 are designed to minimize the displacement of the center of mass CM in the transverse direction Y of the symmetry plane PS of the tuning fork.

Le plan de symétrie PS du diapason est choisi de manière à ce que les erreurs de marche dues aux positions selon la direction longitudinale X perpendiculaire à la direction transversale Y, s'annulent entre les deux branches du diapason constituées par les résonateurs primaires 10, de part et d'autre de la traverse 4.The symmetry plane PS of the tuning fork is chosen so that the operating errors due to the positions in the longitudinal direction X perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, cancel out between the two branches of the tuning fork constituted by the primary resonators 10, both sides of the crossbar 4.

L'utilisation de résonateurs primaires rotatifs permet de limiter l'effet d'accélérations en translation (chocs et orientation dans le champ de gravité) sur le rythme du résonateur.The use of rotating primary resonators makes it possible to limit the effect of translational accelerations (shocks and orientation in the gravitational field) on the resonator rhythm.

L'architecture de type diapason permet de limiter l'effet des réactions aux encastrements.The architecture of tuning fork type limits the effect of reactions to embedding.

Pour rendre le mouvement de la montre insensible aux positions, l'invention minimise le déplacement du centre de masse CM de chaque résonateur primaire 10.To make the movement of the watch insensitive to positions, the invention minimizes the displacement of the center of mass CM of each primary resonator 10.

Pour le deuxième type de réalisation de diapason en corne de bouc, voisin de l'invention, les avantages sont :

  • lames en flexion pure, d'où isochronisme ;
  • architecture de type diapason, donc des réactions nulles à l'encastrement, et donc un meilleur facteur de qualité ;
  • l'élément élastique constitué par la lame flexible joue également le rôle de guidage, il n'est donc pas besoin de pivots, il n'y a donc pas de frottements, et on obtient donc un meilleur facteur de qualité ;
  • épaisseur de la lame en forme de spire variable et optimisée pour limiter les déplacements parasites du centre de masse dans la direction Y, d'où une faible erreur de marche en position verticale de la montre :
  • lames orientées de manière à ce que l'erreur de marche résiduelle (due aux positions verticales selon la direction longitudinale X) s'annule entre les deux lames du diapason ;
  • limitation des courses intégrées, ce qui procure une grande robustesse, et évite la rupture des lames en cas de chocs en X, Y, Z, ou α ;
  • rainure à miel, permettant un amortissement du mode d'oscillation en « essuie-glace » susceptible de survenir lors d'un choc.
For the second type of embodiment of a goat horn tuning fork, which is similar to the invention, the advantages are:
  • blades in pure flexion, hence isochronism;
  • architecture of the tuning fork type, therefore zero reactions to embedding, and therefore a better quality factor;
  • the elastic element constituted by the flexible blade also acts as a guide, so there is no need for pivots, so there is no friction, and so we get a better quality factor;
  • blade thickness in the form of a turn variable and optimized to limit parasitic movements of the center of mass in the Y direction, resulting in a low error of walking in the vertical position of the watch:
  • blades oriented so that the residual error of operation (due to the vertical positions in the longitudinal direction X) is canceled between the two blades of the tuning fork;
  • limitation of integrated strokes, which provides great robustness, and prevents the blades from breaking in the event of shocks in X, Y, Z, or α;
  • Honey groove, allowing a damping of the oscillation mode in "wiper" likely to occur during an impact.

Pour le mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention dit diapason en H, les caractéristiques principales sont similaires, sauf en ce qui concerne :

  • longueur de la lame minimisée pour limiter les déplacements parasites du centre de masse selon les directions X et Y, ce qui procure donc une faible erreur de marche en position verticale
  • lames flexibles rectilignes orientées selon un axe perpendiculaire au plan de symétrie du diapason, de manière à ce que l'erreur due aux positions verticales selon la direction longitudinale X, qui est plus importante que l'erreur selon la direction transversale Y dans ce cas, s'annule entre les deux lames du diapason.
For the preferred embodiment of the so-called H-tuning fork, the main characteristics are similar, except for:
  • minimized blade length to limit parasitic shifts of the center of mass in the X and Y directions, thus providing a low error in the vertical position
  • rectilinear flexible blades oriented along an axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the tuning fork, so that the error due to the vertical positions in the longitudinal direction X, which is greater than the error in the transverse direction Y in this case, is canceled between the two blades of the tuning fork.

En résumé, l'invention permet d'obtenir un oscillateur parfaitement isochrone, très compact, ne nécessitant pas d'autre réglage que l'inertie des masses, et d'assemblage très aisé.In summary, the invention makes it possible to obtain a perfectly isochronous oscillator, very compact, requiring no adjustment other than the inertia of the masses, and very easy assembly.

Claims (21)

  1. Isochronous timepiece oscillator mechanism (1) of the tuning fork type, comprising a fixed support (2) and a crosspiece (4) carrying a plurality of primary resonators (10) each including at least one weight (5) carried by a flexible elastic strip (6) constituting an elastic return means and that is arranged such that it can flex and that is embedded in said crosspiece (4), where said primary resonators (10) have at least one identical resonance mode, and are arranged such that they vibrate according to a phase shift therebetween of the value 2π/n, where n is the number of said primary resonators (10), and are arranged according to a spatial symmetry such that the resultant of the forces and torques applied by said primary resonators (10) on said crosspiece (4) is zero, and where said crosspiece (4) is fixed to said fixed support (2) by a resilient main connection (3), whose stiffness is greater than the stiffness of each said flexible elastic strip (6), and wherein said primary resonators (10) are spatially arranged such that the resultant of the working errors thereof caused by gravitation is zero, wherein said flexible elastic strips (6) that it includes are straight strips (61, 62) that extend substantially in a longitudinal direction along which the centres of mass of said primary resonators are capable of moving, and characterized in that said flexible elastic strips (6) are short strips (61, 62), the length of which is less than the smallest value of either four times the height thereof or thirty times the thickness thereof.
  2. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said primary resonators (10) are capable of rotating.
  3. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the stiffness of said resilient main connection (3) is greater than the total stiffnesses of all of said flexible elastic strips (6).
  4. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each said primary resonator (10) is arranged such that it oscillates in a plane.
  5. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that all of said primary resonators (10) are arranged such that they oscillate in planes that are parallel to each other or that coincide.
  6. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that all of said primary resonators (10) are arranged such that they oscillate in the same plane.
  7. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that all of said primary resonators (10) are planar.
  8. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that all of said primary resonators (10) are identical, present in an even number, and arranged symmetrically relative to a plane of symmetry (PS) extending parallel to a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (X).
  9. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said resilient main connection (3) extends in said transverse direction (Y).
  10. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the number of said primary resonators (10) is an even number, and in that said flexible elastic strips (61, 62) that they include are straight and aligned in pairs.
  11. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the opposite ends (41, 42) of said crosspiece (4) both include rotational abutment means (78) limiting the angular travel of said respective short strip (61, 62).
  12. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the opposite ends (41, 42) of said crosspiece (4) both include translational abutment means (78) limiting the movement in said longitudinal direction (X) and in said transverse direction (Y) of the centres of mass (CM) of said respective weights (5).
  13. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the opposite ends (41, 42) of said crosspiece (4) both include translational abutment means (78) limiting the movement in a direction (Z) that is orthogonal to said longitudinal direction (X) and to said transverse direction (Y), of the centres of mass (CM) of said respective weights (5).
  14. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said crosspiece (4) carries a pair (51, 52) of said weights (5), mounted in a symmetrical manner on either side of said fixed support (2) and of said first resilient connection (3), said weights (51, 52) extending substantially in a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (X) along which the centres of mass (CM) of said primary resonators (10) are capable of moving, and forming the side bars of a H, the horizontal bar of which is constituted by said crosspiece (4), each of said weights (51, 52) being mounted so as to oscillate about a virtual pivot axis, the position of which is determined relative to said crosspiece (4) and returned by one said flexible elastic strip (6) which is secured to one end (41, 42) of said crosspiece (4), said flexible strips (6) extending linearly in the extension and on either side of said crosspiece (4).
  15. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said crosspiece (4) carries a pair (51, 52) of said weights (5), mounted in a symmetrical manner inside said crosspiece (4), which forms a frame suspended by said first resilient connection (3) from said fixed support (2), said weights (51, 52) extending substantially in a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (X) along which the centres of mass (CM) of said primary resonators (10) are capable of moving, each of said weights (51, 52) being mounted so as to oscillate about a virtual pivot axis, the position of which is determined relative to said crosspiece (4) and returned by one said flexible elastic strip (6) which is secured to one side of said frame forming said crosspiece (4), said flexible strips (6) extending linearly inside said frame.
  16. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said fixed support (2) and said crosspiece (4) are separated by a narrow groove (30) about said resilient main connection (3), which ensures coupling in tuning fork mode, said groove (30) being arranged so as to limit the angular movement of said crosspiece (4), and being filled with a viscous or doughy product, arranged so as to ensure the dissipation of energy in the event of a too great a movement.
  17. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said weights (51, 52) are balances.
  18. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said crosspiece (4) is straight and extends in said longitudinal direction (X).
  19. Isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that said weights (51, 52) are bars including end inertia blocks at the most distant points of the opposite ends (41, 42) of said crosspiece (4), which extends in a longitudinal direction (X) along which the centres of mass (CM) of said primary resonators (10) are capable of moving, said weights (51, 52) essentially extending in a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (X).
  20. Timepiece movement (100) including at least one isochronous oscillator mechanism (1) according to any of claims 1 to 19.
  21. Watch (200) including at least one movement (100) according to claim 20.
EP15153656.2A 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 Isochronous clock resonator Active EP3054356B1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH00139/15A CH710691A2 (en) 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 Isochronous timepiece resonator.
EP15153656.2A EP3054356B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 Isochronous clock resonator
EP17152205.5A EP3206091B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 Isochronous clock resonator
US15/309,094 US9983549B2 (en) 2015-02-03 2016-01-26 Isochronous timepiece resonator
CN201680001224.1A CN106662839B (en) 2015-02-03 2016-01-26 Isochronon table resonator
PCT/EP2016/051486 WO2016124436A1 (en) 2015-02-03 2016-01-26 Isochronous timepiece resonator
JP2017507084A JP6326549B2 (en) 2015-02-03 2016-01-26 Isochronous timer resonator
EP16701499.2A EP3254158B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2016-01-26 Isochronous clock resonator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15153656.2A EP3054356B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 Isochronous clock resonator

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EP17152205.5A Division EP3206091B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 Isochronous clock resonator
EP17152205.5A Division-Into EP3206091B1 (en) 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 Isochronous clock resonator

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EP3054356A1 EP3054356A1 (en) 2016-08-10
EP3054356B1 true EP3054356B1 (en) 2017-12-13

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CH713055A2 (en) 2016-10-18 2018-04-30 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Clockwork movement comprising a resonator mechanism and an exhaust mechanism cooperating in continuous transmission.
CH713166B1 (en) 2016-11-16 2021-10-29 Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd Protection of the blades of a mechanical watch resonator in the event of an impact.
EP3336613B1 (en) 2016-12-16 2020-03-11 Association Suisse pour la Recherche Horlogère Timepiece resonator with two balances arranged to oscillate in a single plane
CH714019A2 (en) * 2017-07-26 2019-01-31 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Mechanical clockwork movement with rotary resonator.
EP3971655A1 (en) * 2020-09-18 2022-03-23 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Shock-proof protection with abutment for a resonator mechanism with rotatable flexible guiding
EP4009115A1 (en) * 2020-12-02 2022-06-08 Omega SA Hairspring for timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a means for adjusting rigidity

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FR1605076A (en) * 1966-09-26 1973-01-12

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CH46203A (en) 1908-08-10 1910-02-16 Wladimir Popow Device for automatic weighing of bulk goods
CH435122A (en) * 1965-03-10 1966-12-15 Longines Montres Comp D Tuning fork for timepiece
CH451021A (en) 1965-05-28 1968-05-15 Ebauches Sa Symmetrical bending oscillator for timepiece
CH485145A (en) * 1966-03-29 1970-01-31 Ebauches Sa Device transforming the oscillating movements of an acoustic resonator into rotary movements of a counting wheel
GB1293159A (en) 1969-12-10 1972-10-18 Suwa Seikosha Kk A vibrator for an electric timepiece
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FR1605076A (en) * 1966-09-26 1973-01-12

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EP3054356A1 (en) 2016-08-10
EP3206091B1 (en) 2019-01-23
CH710691A2 (en) 2016-08-15

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