TIMEPIECE RESONATOR MECHANISM WITH FLEXIBLE GUIDE EQUIPPED WITH MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE STIFFNESS

Abstract

A rotating resonator mechanism (60) including a flexible guide (5) and an oscillating mass (2), the flexible guide (5) including two main flexible strips (4, 6) and a rigid portion (7). The flexible strips are joined to the rigid portion and the oscillating mass. An adjustment means adjusts the stiffness of the resonator mechanism, and includes a flexible element connected to the rigid portion and to a fixed support (11), so that the flexible guide (5) is suspended by the flexible element (12), the flexible guide (5) and the flexible element (12) extending substantially in the same plane so that the oscillating mass (2) performs a rotating movement about a virtual pivot. The adjustment means also includes pre-stressing means (15) to apply a variable force or torque on the flexible element (12) or the flexible guide (5), to vary the stiffness of the flexible element (12).

Claims

1. A rotating resonator mechanism for horology, comprising: a flexible guide (5, 45) and an oscillating mass (2), the flexible guide (5, 45) comprising at least two main flexible strips (4, 6) and a rigid portion (7, 47), the main flexible strips (4, 6) being joined on the one hand to the rigid portion (7, 47) of the flexible guide (5, 45) and on the other hand to the oscillating mass (2); and adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the resonator mechanism, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element (12, 42) arranged in series of the flexible guide (5, 45), the flexible element (12, 42) being connected on the one hand to the rigid portion (7, 47) of the flexible guide (5, 45) and on the other hand to a fixed support (11, 53), so that the flexible guide (5, 45) is suspended by the flexible element (12, 42), wherein: the flexible element (12, 42) forms a pivot to make it possible for the rigid portion (7, 47) to perform a rotating movement, the flexible guide (5, 45) and the flexible element (12, 42) extend substantially in the same plane to make it possible for the oscillating mass (2) to perform a rotating movement about a virtual pivot, the adjustment means further comprises pre-stressing means (15, 43) to apply a variable force or torque on the flexible element (12, 42) or the flexible guide (5, 45), to vary the stiffness of the flexible element (12, 42).

2. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) vary only the stiffness of the flexible element (12, 42) without modifying the stiffness of the main flexible strips (4, 6).

3. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, the flexible element (12, 42) comprises at least one secondary flexible strip (8, 9, 52, 53), preferably two secondary flexible strips, each secondary flexible strip (8, 9, 52, 53) being connected to the fixed support (11, 53).

4. The resonator mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the pre-stressing means (15) comprise pins (14, 16) in contact with the secondary flexible strips (8, 9).

5. The resonator mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the pre-stressing means (15) apply the variable force or torque on the secondary flexible strips (8, 9).

6. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pre-stressing means (15) apply the variable force or torque on the rigid portion (7) of the flexible guide (5).

7. The resonator mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) comprise a first moveable body (24, 55, 66) and at least one tertiary flexible strip (25, 54, 67) connected to the first moveable body (24, 55, 66) and to the rigid portion (7, 47) of the flexible guide (5, 45) or to the flexible element (42).

8. The resonator mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) comprise a plurality of quaternary flexible strips (26, 56, 68) and a second moveable body (27, 57, 69), the quaternary flexible strips (26, 56) connecting the second moveable body (27, 37, 57, 69) to the first moveable body (24, 55, 66).

9. The resonator mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) comprise at least one quinary flexible strip (28, 32, 59, 72) connecting the second moveable body (37, 69) or the first moveable body (24, 55) to a fixed support (31, 61, 73).

10. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) include an eccentric screw (17) in contact with the second moveable body (27) or the rigid portion (7).

11. The resonator mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) include a screw (29, 58, 71) longitudinally moveable against the second moveable body (27, 37, 57, 69).

12. The resonator mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) comprise a lever (35) to move the second moveable body (27).

13. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pre-stressing means (15) comprise a first magnet (17) integral with the rigid portion (7) or with the second moveable body and a second magnet (18) moveable in relation to the first magnet (17).

14. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pre-stressing means (15) comprise a spring (21) connected to the rigid portion (7) and a moveable body (23) for stretching or compressing the spring (21).

15. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pre-stressing means (15, 43) are arranged in the same plane as the flexible guide (5, 45) and the flexible element (12).

16. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pre-stressing means (43) are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the flexible guide (45) and of the flexible element (12).

17. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element (42) comprises a third moveable body (46), and a plurality of senary flexible strips (44) connecting the third moveable body (46) to the rigid portion (47).

18. The resonator mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the flexible element (42) comprises a fourth moveable body (48) and a plurality of septenary strips (49) connecting the third moveable body (46) to the fourth moveable body (48).

19. The resonator mechanism according to claim 18 being dependent on claim 6, wherein the tertiary flexible strip (54, 67) is connected to the fourth moveable body (48).

20. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the two main strips (4, 6) of the flexible guide (5, 45) are crossed.

21. The resonator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element (12, 42) has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the flexible guide (5, 45), preferably at least five times greater, or even at least ten times greater.

22. A horological movement comprising a resonator mechanism, according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] The aims, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent upon reading a plurality of embodiments given only by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0039] FIG. 1 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0040] FIG. 2 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention,

[0041] FIG. 3 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0042] FIG. 4 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0043] FIG. 5 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a second variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0044] FIG. 6 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a third variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0045] FIG. 7 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a fourth variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0046] FIG. 8 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a fifth variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0047] FIG. 9 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a sixth variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0048] FIG. 10 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a seventh variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0049] FIG. 11 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0050] FIG. 12 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a first variant of the third embodiment of the invention,

[0051] FIG. 13 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a second variant of the third embodiment of the invention,

[0052] FIG. 14 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a third variant of the third embodiment of the invention, and

[0053] FIG. 15 schematically represents a top view of a resonator mechanism according to a fourth variant of the third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The three embodiments of the resonator mechanism 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, particularly for horology, of FIGS. 1 to 15, comprise a flexible guide 5 and an oscillating mass 2. The oscillating mass 2 comprises an attachment body 3 and a balance (not represented in the figures), for example an annular-shaped balance or a bone-shaped straight member, usually used for horology, which is assembled on the attachment body 3. The attachment body 3 has an elongated rectangular shape. The resonator mechanism 1 extends substantially in the same plane to make it possible for the oscillating mass 2 to perform a rotating movement about a virtual pivot.

[0055] The flexible guide 5 comprises two main flexible strips 4, 6 and a rigid portion 7. The flexible guide 5 extends according to a main axis of symmetry. The flexible strips 4, 6 are joined on the one hand to the rigid portion 7 of the flexible guide 5 and on the other hand to the attachment body 3 of the oscillating mass 2. The two main strips 4, 6 of the flexible guide 5 are crossed, preferably straight and of the same length.

[0056] According to the invention, the resonator mechanism 1 comprises means for adjusting the stiffness of the resonator mechanism. For this purpose, the adjustment means comprise a flexible element 12 arranged in series of the flexible guide 5, the flexible element 12 being connected on the one hand to the rigid portion 7 of the flexible guide and on the other hand to a fixed support 11, so that the flexible guide 5 is suspended by the flexible element 12, the flexible element 12 forming a pivot to make it possible for the rigid portion 7 to perform a rotating movement. Thus, the rigid portion 7 performs a rotating movement thanks to the flexible element 12. The rotating movement of the rigid portion 7 adds to that of the oscillating mass 2 induced by the flexible guide 5, so that the angular travel of the oscillating mass is increased by the flexible element 12.

[0057] Furthermore, the pre-stressing means 15 will vary only the stiffness of the flexible element 12 without modifying the stiffness of the main flexible strips 4, 6. Thus, to adjust the resonator mechanism, only one element is acted on to simplify the adjustment. In addition, the position of the main flexible strips 4, 6, does not change due to the pre-stressing means 15.

[0058] In the first two embodiments, the rigid portion 7 has an arc of a circular shape comprising an inner side on which the main strips 4, 6 are joined, preferably symmetrically in relation to the centre of the arc of circle. The flexible element 12 comprises at least one secondary flexible strip, here two secondary flexible strips 8, 9. Preferably, the secondary flexible strips 8, 9 are straight and of the same length. Each secondary flexible strip 8, 9 connects the outer side of the arc of circle of the rigid portion 7 of the flexible guide 5 and the fixed support 11. The secondary flexible strips 8, 9 are preferably arranged close to each end of the arc of circle, symmetrically in relation to the axis of the flexible guide 5.

[0059] The adjustment means further comprise pre-stressing means 15 to apply a variable force or torque on the flexible element 12 or the flexible guide 5, in such a way as to vary the stiffness of the flexible element 12.

[0060] In the second variant of the first embodiment, the pre-stressing means 15 comprise pins in contact with the secondary flexible strips.

[0061] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of the first embodiment of a rotating resonator mechanism 1 for a horological movement. As shown by the operating principle of FIG. 1, the pre-stressing means 15 apply the variable force or torque on the flexible element 12. Here, the pre-stressing means 15 apply the force or the torque on the secondary flexible strips 8, 9. Thus, the stiffness of the secondary flexible strips 8, 9 is modified to adjust the stiffness of the assembly formed of the flexible element 12 and of the flexible guide 5.

[0062] In the variant of FIG. 2, the pre-stressing means 15 comprise pins 14, 16, here two pairs of pins each arranged on either side of each secondary flexible strip 8, 9. The two pins 14, 16 are in contact with the secondary flexible strips 8, 9 and may be moved along each strip 8, 9 to modify their stiffness. Thus, the movement of the pins 14, 16 makes it possible to modify the stiffness of the assembly formed by the secondary flexible strips 8, 9 and the flexible guide 5, to adjust the precision of the rate of the resonator mechanism 1.

[0063] The operating principle of the second embodiment of the resonator mechanism 1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The pre-stressing means 15 apply the variable force or torque on the flexible guide 5, in particular on the rigid portion 7 of the flexible guide 5. Thus, such an arrangement makes it possible to modify both the stiffness of the main flexible strips 4, 6 of the flexible guide 5 and of the secondary flexible strips 8, 9 of the flexible element 12.

[0064] The first variant of the second embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates pre-stressing means 15 comprising an eccentric screw 17 the head of which is disposed in contact with the rigid portion 7 of the flexible guide 5. Thus, by actuating the eccentric screw 16, the force or the torque applied on the rigid portion 7 is varied.

[0065] In the second variant of the second embodiment, the pre-stressing means 15 include magnets 17, 18. A first magnet 17 is arranged on the rigid portion 7 of the flexible guide 5 and a second moveable magnet 18 is arranged at a variable distance from the first magnet 17, so that it applies a variable force or torque on the first magnet 17, and therefore on the rigid portion 7.

[0066] The pre-stressing means 15 of the third variant of FIG. 6 include a spring 21 and a moveable body 22 connected by the spring 21 to the rigid portion 7 of the flexible guide 5. Thus, by moving the moveable body 22, the spring 21 is stretched or compressed to vary the force or the torque exerted on the rigid portion 7.

[0067] In the variants of the second embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, the pre-stressing means 15 comprise a first moveable body 24 and a tertiary flexible strip 25 assembled in series and to the rigid portion 7 and to the first moveable body 24, preferably according to the axis of symmetry of the flexible guide. The first moveable body 24 has preferably a shape that is elongated and arranged in the axis of the tertiary flexible strip 25.

[0068] The pre-stressing means 15 comprise a second elbow-shaped moveable body 27, as well as quaternary flexible strips 26, here four, connecting the two moveable bodies 24, 27. The four quaternary strips 26 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the tertiary strip 25 in rest position of the pre-stressing means 15. The quaternary flexible strips 26 are preferably parallel.

[0069] In FIG. 7, the pre-stressing means 15 of the fourth variant of the resonator mechanism 60 further comprise two quinary strips 28 connecting the first moveable body 24 to a fixed support 31. The quinary flexible strips 28 are preferably parallel. The quinary strips 28 are substantially parallel to the quaternary strips 26 and arranged on the opposite side of the first moveable body 24. The pre-stressing means 15 also comprise a screw 29 arranged longitudinally to come into contact with the second moveable body 27 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque on the second moveable body 27, the stiffness of the resonator mechanism 60 is varied.

[0070] In the fifth variant of the resonator mechanism 70 of FIG. 8, the pre-stressing means 15 further comprise two quinary strips 32 connecting the second moveable body 37 to a fixed support 31. The quinary strips 32 are substantially parallel to the quaternary strips and disposed on the same side of the second element. The pre-stressing means 15 also comprise a screw 29 arranged longitudinally to come into contact with the second moveable body 37 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque on the second moveable body 37, the stiffness of the resonator mechanism 70 is varied.

[0071] The sixth 80 and seventh 90 variants of resonator mechanism of the second embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, are similar to the fourth variant of the second embodiment of FIG. 7 except for the longitudinal screw, which is replaced by another means for applying the force or the torque.

[0072] In FIG. 9, the pre-stressing means 15 include an eccentric screw 33 the head of which is in contact with the second moveable body 27. Thus by rotating the screw, the force or the torque applied on the second moveable body 27 is variable.

[0073] In the seventh variant of the resonator mechanism 90 of FIG. 10, the pre-stressing means 15 comprise a lever 35 connected to the second moveable body 27 by a senary flexible strip 36 equipped with a rigid central section 34. The senary flexible strip 36 is substantially parallel to the tertiary flexible strip 25 in rest position of the pre-stressing means 15. The lever 35 is arranged perpendicular to the senary flexible strip 36. The lever 35 is further connected to a second fixed support 41 by two septenary strips 37, 38 arranged on either side of the lever 35. The free end 39 of the lever 35 is U-shaped, on which it is possible to act by actuating it laterally, in order to apply a variable force or torque on the flexible element 12.

[0074] In the third embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 15, the rigid portion 47 of the flexible guide 45 is elongated and arranged perpendicular to the axis of the flexible guide 45. The flexible element 42 includes at least one senary flexible strip 44, here four senary flexible strips 44, and a third L-shaped moveable body 46. The senary flexible strips 44 are arranged parallel to the axis of the flexible guide 45, and connect the rigid portion 47 of the flexible guide 45 to the inner side of the base of the L. The bar of the L extends parallel to the senary flexible strips 44 in rest position of the flexible element 45. The flexible element 42 further comprises a fourth moveable body 48 and at least one septenary strip 49, here four tertiary flexible strips. The fourth moveable body 48 is wide U-shaped the inside of which is facing the outer side of the bar of the L. The septenary strips 49 connect the outer side of the bar of the L to the inside of the base of the U, and are substantially perpendicular to the senary flexible strips 44.

[0075] The flexible element also comprises at least one secondary flexible strip 51, 52, here two secondary flexible strips, connecting the wide ends of the U to a fixed support 53 of the resonator mechanism 100.

[0076] The pre-stressing means 43 are configured to apply a force or a torque on the U.

[0077] In the first variant of resonator mechanism 110 of the third embodiment of FIG. 12, the pre-stressing means 43 further comprise a first moveable body 55 and a tertiary flexible strip 54 assembled in series and to the rigid portion 47 of the flexible guide 45 and to the first moveable body 55, preferably perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the flexible guide 45. The first moveable body 55 preferably has a shape that is elongated and arranged in the axis of the tertiary flexible strip 54.

[0078] The pre-stressing means 43 comprise a second elbow-shaped moveable body 57, as well as quaternary flexible strips 56 connecting the first 55 and the second moveable body 57. Here, the four quaternary strips 56 are substantially perpendicular to the tertiary strip 54 in rest position of the pre-stressing means 43. The quaternary flexible strips 56 are preferably parallel.

[0079] The pre-stressing means 43 also comprise two quinary flexible strips 59 connecting the first moveable body 55 to a fixed support 61. The quinary flexible strips 59 are preferably parallel. The quinary strips 59 are substantially perpendicular to the tertiary flexible strip 54, and are arranged on the side opposite to the quaternary flexible strips 56 in relation to the first moveable body 55. The pre-stressing means 43 also comprise a screw 58 arranged longitudinally to come into contact with the second moveable body 57 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque on the second moveable body 57, the stiffness of the resonator mechanism 110 is varied.

[0080] In the second variant of resonator mechanism 120 of the third embodiment of FIG. 13, the pre-stressing means 43 are similar to those of the first variant, but are offset towards the flexible guide 45. The flexible element 42 further comprises an intermediate body 64 on which is joined the tertiary flexible strip 54. The intermediate body 64 is arc of circle-shaped and is assembled at the wide ends of the U of the fourth moveable body 48. The tertiary flexible strip 54 is joined to the inside of the arc of circle. Thus, the pre-stressing means 43 are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the flexible guide 45 and of the flexible element 42.

[0081] In the third variant of resonator mechanism 130 of the third embodiment, represented in FIG. 14, the pre-stressing means 43 include a stud 65 assembled on the base of the U of the fourth moveable body 48, a first L-shaped moveable body 66, and a tertiary flexible strip 67 connecting the stud 65 to the inner base of the L. The tertiary flexible strip 67 is preferably arranged above the septenary flexible strips 49. The pre-stressing means 43 further include a second L-shaped moveable body 69 and quaternary flexible strips 68, the quaternary flexible strips 68 connecting the outer side of the bar of the L of the first moveable body 66 to the inner side of the bar of the L of the second moveable body 69. The quaternary flexible strips 68 are preferably parallel.

[0082] The pre-stressing means 43 further include at least one quinary flexible strip 72, preferably four quinary flexible strips 72, connecting the inner side of the bar of the L of the second moveable body 69 to the fixed support 73. The quinary flexible strips 72 are preferably parallel. The fixed support 73 has an arc of circle shape at the ends of which the secondary flexible strips 51, 52 are joined. The fixed support 73 also comprises an additional central section 74 on which the quinary strips 72 are joined.

[0083] The pre-stressing means 43 also comprise a screw 71 arranged longitudinally to come into contact with the second moveable body 69 to apply a variable force or torque. By applying a variable force or torque on the second moveable body 69, the stiffness of the resonator mechanism 130 is varied.

[0084] The stud 65, the tertiary flexible strip 67, the first moveable body 66, the quaternary flexible strips 68, the second moveable body 69, the quinary flexible strips 72, the screw 71 and the additional central section 74, are arranged in an upper stage of the resonator mechanism 130, the stage being in a plane substantially parallel to the plane comprising the other portions of the mechanism 130.

[0085] The fourth variant of resonator mechanism 140 of the third embodiment, represented in FIG. 15, is similar to the second variant, except for the intermediate body 75 which has an L-shape. The bar of the L is assembled on the fourth U-shaped moveable body 48, whereas the base of the L folds above the flexible element 42. The tertiary flexible strip 54 is connected to the free end of the base of the L on the outer side. Thus, the screw 58, the first moveable body 55 and the second moveable body 57, as well as the quaternary 56 and quinary 59 strips are arranged perpendicular in relation to their respective positions of the second variant of the second embodiment.

[0086] In the embodiments described, the flexible strips are preferably straight. Furthermore, the flexible strips of the same type are preferably of the same length. The flexible strips may be continuously flexible or only have flexible portions.

[0087] The invention also relates to a horological movement, not represented in the figures, the movement comprising a rotating resonator mechanism 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 such as previously described.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.