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EP3623876B1 - Split collar with non-circular opening - Google Patents

Split collar with non-circular opening Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3623876B1
EP3623876B1 EP19206569.6A EP19206569A EP3623876B1 EP 3623876 B1 EP3623876 B1 EP 3623876B1 EP 19206569 A EP19206569 A EP 19206569A EP 3623876 B1 EP3623876 B1 EP 3623876B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
collet
split
central opening
ferrule
contour
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
EP19206569.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3623876A1 (en
Inventor
Jérôme Daout
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.)
Rolex SA
Original Assignee
Rolex SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rolex SA filed Critical Rolex SA
Publication of EP3623876A1 publication Critical patent/EP3623876A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3623876B1 publication Critical patent/EP3623876B1/en
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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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/32—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton
    • G04B17/34—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. collet, stud, virole or piton for fastening the hairspring onto the balance
    • G04B17/345—Details of the spiral roll
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49579—Watch or clock making
    • Y10T29/49581—Watch or clock making having arbor, pinion, or balance
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/70—Interfitted members

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a split collet whose outline of the central opening intended to receive a balance shaft is non-circular.
  • the invention also relates to a collet-hairspring assembly as well as to a timepiece.
  • One of the critical points for the use of a balance spring in a high-precision watch movement is the reliability of the attachment of the balance spring to the balance staff.
  • This attachment is generally done by means of a collet, which was originally a small split cylinder intended to be driven onto the balance staff and pierced laterally to receive the inner end of the balance spring.
  • Swiss patent no. CH 468662 described, in particular in connection with its figure 3 , a collet having four arms, a central circular opening, an elasticity slot for driving onto the axis of a balance wheel and a recess for balancing.
  • EP 1 302 821 a published under number EP 1 302 821 a for the purpose of a split ferrule with a circular central opening made in one piece with a hairspring and comprising balancing recesses.
  • French patent application number FR 2 124 243 ( US 3,785,028 ) relates to circular sleeves for a spiral spring intended to be driven onto the balance shaft of a watch. These sleeves are manufactured from profiles having an arm for fixing a spiral and a regulating slot diametrically opposite this arm.
  • the diameter of the opening provided to receive the balance staff is smaller than the diameter of the balance staff, so as to ensure good holding of the staff after driving. This difference in diameter is generally absorbed at least in part by plastic deformation of the collet material.
  • the patent Swiss No. 508 233 proposes a split ferrule whose central circular opening includes a second small elasticity slot.
  • the two halves of this ferrule are extremely massive, which makes them very rigid and limits their amplitude of elastic deformation. This makes the ferrule very fragile, especially when it is made of a material such as silicon.
  • Swiss patent no. CH 252 387 has as its object a collet composed of two parts, a hollow ring and a U-shaped elastic part arranged transversely inside the hollow ring.
  • the two arms of the U are constrained by the hollow ring and must deform to pinch the blade of the hairspring and accommodate the balance staff during driving.
  • the elasticity at The level of connection of the arms of the U-shaped part is insufficient, which easily leads to the breakage of this part, especially when it is made of a material such as Silicon.
  • EP 2 112 565 reveals micromechanical parts having a central opening whose outline is not circular but has a rotational symmetry of 2 ⁇ /3 around the axis passing through the center C of the central opening.
  • EP 2 112 565 reveals micromechanical parts having a central opening whose outline is not circular but has a rotational symmetry of 2 ⁇ /3 around the axis passing through the center C of the central opening.
  • the main aim of the invention is to propose a ferrule which can be driven onto shafts of different diameters while guaranteeing an adequate rotational holding torque without going beyond the elastic limit of the material and which does not cause unbalance.
  • split ferrules have been around for a very long time, until now there has never been proposed a split ferrule having a central opening that is not circular and whose elasticity properties make it possible to achieve the aforementioned goal, in particular for a material without a plastic deformation domain such as silicon, quartz or diamond.
  • the invention relates to a ferrule according to the attached claim 1.
  • a timepiece is defined by claim 8.
  • a split ferrule according to an embodiment close to the invention is shown in the figure 1 .
  • the outline 3 of the central opening 2 is not circular but preferably has a certain symmetry.
  • the shape of the contour 3 of the central opening 2 is then preferably chosen such that this contour 3 has a reflection symmetry with respect to the line R.
  • this symmetry is orthogonal.
  • the shape of the contour 19 of the ferrule can be chosen such that this contour 19 also has a reflection symmetry, preferably orthogonal, with respect to the line R.
  • the aforementioned symmetry of contour 3 has the advantage of making it possible to avoid an imbalance and to obtain a balanced ferrule.
  • the center B of the central opening 2 may be distinct from the center C of the outline 19 of the ferrule, as appears in the figure 1 .
  • the contour 3 of the central opening 2 comprises a first support part 4 and a second support part 5.
  • These support parts 4, 5, intended to cooperate with the axis of a balance, are preferably symmetrical to each other with respect to the slot 1.
  • these parts 4,5 are rectilinear, that is to say that their radius of curvature on the side of the central opening 2 is infinite.
  • the support parts 4.5 can start from points located at the edge of the slot 1.
  • the arm 6 carries, on its side facing the center B, the first rectilinear support part 4 of the outline of the opening.
  • the arm 7 carries the second rectilinear support part 5.
  • the role of the arms 6, 7 is on the one hand to constitute the support points of the collet on the balance shaft and on the other hand, the presence of recesses 23, 24 between the arms and the neighboring part of the collet makes it possible to maximize the length of the elastic zone of the collet, which extends to the slot and covers an arc of almost 180° on each half. Without the arms 6, 7 and the recesses 23, 24, the length of the elastic parts would be significantly less and the stress level would be higher for equivalent tightening at the level of the shaft. In addition, the stresses can be distributed over a greater distance. It can therefore be seen that the presence of arms 6, 7 defined by the recesses 23, 24 between the arms 6, 7 and the neighboring part of the collet gives the latter great robustness.
  • 6,7 arms are generally not considered elastic arms because when chasing of the collet on the balance shaft, in principle, they do not deform elastically.
  • the slot in the collet defines two collet halves 21,22 on either side of the straight line R, indicated by dashed lines on the figure 2 . It is the shapes of these two halves 21,22 which give the ferrule all its elasticity. This fact is confirmed by simulations of driving the ferrule from the figure 2 which show that there is no elastic deformation of the arms 6,7 following the driving out of an axis.
  • the length and shape of the arms 6, 7 which are defined by the recesses 23, 24 located between the arms 6, 7 and the collet, on the side opposite the center B, are second-order parameters.
  • the shape of the collet halves 21, 22 is important and is chosen so as to distribute the elastic stresses in the most balanced way possible along the contour of the collet and on the two collet halves 21, 22, while guaranteeing both sufficient elasticity to allow the driving in of balance shafts whose diameter is included in the desired tolerance interval and a stress level which always remains significantly lower than the elastic limit of the material. This choice can be made, for example, following an optimization of the shape of the collet halves 21, 22 using a numerical simulation program implementing the finite element method, such as ANSYS.
  • the presence of the arms 6,7 makes it possible to bring the corresponding support point(s) closer to the center of the shell, without thickening the shell halves 21,22, and therefore without stiffening them. This therefore makes it possible to separately optimize the placement of the support points and the elastic deformation properties of the shell (amplitude of deformation, distribution of stresses, etc.).
  • each arm 6,7 opposite the center B can also be straight.
  • each arm 6,7 is preferably provided at its free end and on the side opposite the center B, with a bulge 10,11. This bulge makes it possible to further optimize the balancing by adding material but it does not serve as a support point or stop.
  • the support parts may be concave, that is, the radius of curvature of the support parts may be positive on the side of the central opening 2.
  • the central opening 2 is intended to receive a balance shaft which generally has a circular cross-section. Depending on the shape of the central opening 2, there may therefore be more or fewer contact points 29 between the balance shaft and the split collet.
  • the contour 3 of the central opening 2 can comprise a third support part 12 located opposite the slot 1.
  • the tangent at the point 29 closest to the center B of the contour 3 of the central opening 2 is substantially perpendicular to the line R (or to the slot 1). This point 29 is the point of contact provided with the balance staff.
  • the support part 12 is rectilinear, but it could also be convex or concave.
  • the outline of the opening 2 comprises a fourth support part 14 and a fifth support part 15.
  • These support parts 14, 15 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the slot 1 and they meet at a point 16 preferably located opposite the slot 1.
  • This configuration makes it possible to obtain four points of contact 29 between the balance shaft and the central opening 2: two points of contact on the first and second support parts 4, 5, which are convex in this example, and two other points of contact on the fourth and fifth support parts 14, 15, which are rectilinear in this example.
  • the support parts 4,5 have, on the side of the central opening 2, a negative radius of curvature while the support parts 14,15 have an infinite radius of curvature.
  • each ferrule half 21,22 has been maximized by defining recesses 25,26 and arms 27,28 carrying the bearing portions 14,15.
  • the shape of the ferrule halves 21,22 is chosen so as to distribute the elastic stresses homogeneously along the contour of the ferrule.
  • FIG 5 On the figure 5 is shown a split ferrule with arms 6,7 and 27,28 carrying rectilinear support parts 4,5 and 14,15, as on the figure 2 , but whose contour 3 of the central opening 2 provides four points of contact with the balance shaft.
  • FIG. 6 On the figure 6 a split collet with arms 6,7 and 27,28 is shown, but whose contour 3 of the central opening 2 defines four points of contact with the periphery of the balance shaft.
  • the support parts 4,5 and 14,15 are in this example all convex, that is to say that their radius of curvature on the side of the center B of the central opening 2 is negative.
  • the tangents at the contact points provided between the parts 4,5 and the balance shaft and/or between the parts 14,15 and the balance shaft may form between them an angle greater than or equal to 60 degrees, or even obtuse, on the side of the center of the central opening 2.
  • the contour 19 of the ferrule according to the invention is generally substantially circular. “Substantially” here means that it is not 100% circular due to the existence of the slot 1 and, where appropriate, as can be seen in the figures 3 And 6 , due to the presence, at a point located near the point diametrically opposite the slot 1, of a lug 17.
  • the latter is preferably located upstream of the attachment or starting point of the spiral spring (if we refer to the direction of unwinding of the spiral from the inside to the outside).
  • the contour 19 can also be non-circular, or even asymmetrical. It could thus protect the coils in the event of an impact.
  • the split ferrule according to the invention is, by definition, intended to support a spiral spring. The start of the latter is visible on the figures 3 And 6 , where it bears the reference number 18.
  • This spiral spring 18 is preferably connected to the collet at a point located on the contour 19 thereof, substantially opposite the slot 1. This makes it possible to minimize the movement of the spiral spring when mounting the collet on a balance staff and to avoid affecting the chronometric properties.
  • the example of the figure 2 where one of the contact points 29 is located on or close to the line R, opposite the slot 1, is particularly favorable.
  • the spiral spring can be a fixed part on the collet, but preferably it forms only one part with it.
  • balancing holes 20 are provided in a part of the ferrule opposite the slot 1, if necessary, even in the lug 17, as can be seen in the variants shown in the Figures 7 to 10 .
  • point A representing the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the balance
  • center B of contour 3 of central opening 2 of the collet and geometric center C of contour 19 of the collet can all three be distinct.
  • the split collet according to the invention is sized both to hold the spiral spring 18 on the balance shaft during operation of the oscillator (minimum tightening torque) and also to be able to be assembled with shafts whose diameters exhibit fluctuations and this, without breaking or undergoing plastic deformation if the diameter of the balance shaft remains within a given tolerance interval.
  • This point is particularly important if the ferrule is made of a material such as silicon which does not have a plastic deformation range, because the risk of breakage or cracking is significant if the stress exceeds the elastic deformation limit.
  • the support parts 4,5 and/or 14,15 and/or 12 may be rectilinear ( Fig. 1,2 , 5 , 7.8 , 9.10 And 13 ), that is to say they can have an infinite radius of curvature, convex, that is to say with a negative radius of curvature on the side of the central opening 2 (cf. parts 4,5 of the Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 11 ), or concave ( Fig. 3 ), i.e. with a positive radius of curvature.
  • the positive radius of curvature is greater than 0.62 times the diameter d max of the largest circle that can be drawn inside the outline of the central opening, a circle which is also called an "inscribed circle” in the remainder of the description.
  • This circle corresponds approximately to the circle 13 with center A visible on the figures 2 And 4 , with the difference that the inscribed circle has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the balance staff.
  • a positive radius of curvature greater than 0.62 times the diameter d max of the inscribed circle makes it possible to define a single point of contact between the support part and the balance staff: in the case of the figure 3 , a radius of curvature greater than 0.62 times the diameter d max of the inscribed circle results in a gap of about 5 microns at the ends of the arms if the contact point is placed at the center of the arms, which is suitable for defining a single contact point. Similarly a radius of curvature greater than the diameter d max of the inscribed circle results in a gap of 10 microns at the ends of the arms. A radius of curvature greater than 0.75 times the diameter d max of the inscribed circle is also a suitable value.
  • the tangents to the support points 4.5 and/or 14.15 at the contact points provided with the balance shaft form between them, on the side of the center B of the central opening 2, an angle preferably greater than or equal to 60 degrees. More preferably still, it is an obtuse angle.
  • the support portions 4, 5 and/or 14, 15 and/or 12 are configured so as to each define a precise contact point 29 with the balance shaft. Being able to define the configuration and the number of the support points makes it possible to best balance the forces acting on the balance shaft. This is not the case with a collet according to the prior art whose radius of the internal opening is substantially equal to or less than the radius of the balance shaft, and whose support points are not defined.
  • the split ferrule according to the invention can be made of any suitable material, such as silicon, quartz, diamond, etc. It can be manufactured using well-known micro-fabrication techniques, such as DRIE processes for silicon, quartz or diamond or UV-Liga for Ni or NiP. These techniques have the advantage of making it easy to produce very complex shapes or geometries.
  • slot 1 is not necessarily elongated.
  • a split ferrule according to the invention the slot 1 of which has rounded ends.
  • the arms 6, 7 carry convex support parts and that the third support part 12 is also convex.
  • FIG 13 On the figure 13 is represented a ferrule whose support points form an equilateral triangle and are arranged at 120° from each other, thus allowing a balance of forces at the level of the tightening of the axis.
  • each support portion is provided to define a single point of contact with the balance shaft.
  • the support parts can have different radii of curvature between them. In addition, it is also possible to vary the radius of curvature along the same support part.
  • each collet half 21, 22 has the advantageous feature of deforming elastically, that is to say without plastic deformation or risk of breakage.
  • FIG 12 is a graph representing the evolution of the holding torque M of the collet as a function of the diameter D of the axis of a balance, for split collets according to the invention and non-split collets according to the prior art, namely, the aforementioned European patent application no. EP 2 112 565 .
  • the parts were all manufactured in silicon using the DRIE process.
  • the balance shafts used had a diameter between 0.495 and 0.512 mm.
  • the desired tolerance interval in this case is between 0.500 and 0.506 mm.
  • the diameter of the inscribed circle d max was 0.485 mm.
  • the holding torque is higher than the minimum torque required, even for small diameters below the minimum tolerance, and the diameter dependence is significantly lower (slope lower by a factor of three and six, respectively, than those of the ferrules of the prior art).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne une virole fendue dont le contour de l'ouverture centrale destinée à recevoir un axe de balancier est non circulaire.The invention relates to a split collet whose outline of the central opening intended to receive a balance shaft is non-circular.

L'invention se rapporte également à un ensemble virole-ressort spiral ainsi qu'à une pièce d'horlogerie.The invention also relates to a collet-hairspring assembly as well as to a timepiece.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

L'un des points critiques pour l'utilisation d'un ressort spiral dans un mouvement d'horlogerie de haute précision est la fiabilité de la fixation du spiral sur l'axe du balancier. Cette fixation se fait en général au moyen d'une virole, qui était à l'origine un petit cylindre fendu destiné à être chassé sur l'axe de balancier et percé latéralement pour recevoir l'extrémité intérieure du ressort spiral.One of the critical points for the use of a balance spring in a high-precision watch movement is the reliability of the attachment of the balance spring to the balance staff. This attachment is generally done by means of a collet, which was originally a small split cylinder intended to be driven onto the balance staff and pierced laterally to receive the inner end of the balance spring.

Ainsi, le brevet suisse n° CH 468662 décrit, en particulier en liaison avec sa figure 3, une virole ayant quatre bras, une ouverture centrale circulaire, une fente d'élasticité pour le chassage sur l'axe d'un balancier et un évidement pour l'équilibrage.Thus, Swiss patent no. CH 468662 described, in particular in connection with its figure 3 , a collet having four arms, a central circular opening, an elasticity slot for driving onto the axis of a balance wheel and a recess for balancing.

La demande de brevet européen publiée sous le numéro EP 1 302 821 a pour objet une virole fendue à ouverture centrale circulaire réalisée d'un seul tenant avec un spiral et comportant des évidements d'équilibrage.The European patent application published under number EP 1 302 821 a for the purpose of a split ferrule with a circular central opening made in one piece with a hairspring and comprising balancing recesses.

La demande de brevet français numéro FR 2 124 243 ( US 3 785 028 ) a trait à des manchons circulaires pour ressort spiral destinés à être chassés sur l'axe du balancier d'une montre. Ces manchons sont fabriqués à partir de profilés présentant un bras pour la fixation d'un spiral et une fente de régulation diamétralement opposée à ce bras.French patent application number FR 2 124 243 ( US 3,785,028 ) relates to circular sleeves for a spiral spring intended to be driven onto the balance shaft of a watch. These sleeves are manufactured from profiles having an arm for fixing a spiral and a regulating slot diametrically opposite this arm.

Il apparaît donc que de nombreuses solutions pour le chassage d'une virole sur un axe sont connues, et elles sont bien adaptées aux matériaux habituels comme l'acier qui possèdent un domaine de déformation plastique. En effet, le diamètre de l'ouverture prévue pour recevoir l'axe de balancier est plus faible que le diamètre de l'axe de balancier, de façon à assurer une bonne tenue de l'axe après chassage. Cette différence de diamètre est en général absorbée au moins en partie par une déformation plastique du matériau de la virole.It therefore appears that many solutions for driving a collet onto an axle are known, and they are well suited to common materials such as steel which have a plastic deformation range. Indeed, the diameter of the opening provided to receive the balance staff is smaller than the diameter of the balance staff, so as to ensure good holding of the staff after driving. This difference in diameter is generally absorbed at least in part by plastic deformation of the collet material.

Ceci rend ces solutions peu adaptées aux viroles ou aux ensembles virole-spiral réalisés en un matériau comme le silicium, le quartz ou le diamant. En effet, ces matériaux, usinables par des techniques comme la gravure profonde (DRIE), ne possèdent pas de domaine de déformation plastique, ce qui les rend cassants dès que les contraintes dans le matériau dépassent la limite élastique.This makes these solutions poorly suited to ferrules or ferrule-hairspring assemblies made of a material such as silicon, quartz or diamond. Indeed, these materials, machinable by techniques such as deep groove etching (DRIE), do not have a plastic deformation domain, which makes them brittle as soon as the stresses in the material exceed the elastic limit.

Par exemple, le brevet suisse n° 508 233 propose une virole fendue dont l'ouverture centrale circulaire comporte une deuxième fente d'élasticité de petite dimension. Comme on peut le voir en particulier sur la figure 1, les deux moitiés de cette virole sont extrêmement massives, ce qui les rend très rigides et limite leur amplitude de déformation élastique. Ceci rend la virole très fragile, en particulier quand elle est réalisée en un matériau comme le silicium.For example, the patent Swiss No. 508 233 proposes a split ferrule whose central circular opening includes a second small elasticity slot. As can be seen in particular on the figure 1 , the two halves of this ferrule are extremely massive, which makes them very rigid and limits their amplitude of elastic deformation. This makes the ferrule very fragile, especially when it is made of a material such as silicon.

Le brevet suisse n° CH 252 387 a pour objet une virole composée de deux pièces, une bague évidée et une pièce élastique en forme de U disposée transversalement à l'intérieur de la bague évidée. Les deux bras du U sont contraints par la bague évidée et doivent se déformer pour venir pincer la lame du spiral et accueillir l'axe du balancier lors du chassage. Cependant, l'élasticité au niveau de la liaison des bras de la pièce en forme de U est insuffisante, ce qui conduit facilement à la rupture de cette pièce, en particulier quand elle est réalisée en un matériau comme le Silicium.Swiss patent no. CH 252 387 has as its object a collet composed of two parts, a hollow ring and a U-shaped elastic part arranged transversely inside the hollow ring. The two arms of the U are constrained by the hollow ring and must deform to pinch the blade of the hairspring and accommodate the balance staff during driving. However, the elasticity at The level of connection of the arms of the U-shaped part is insufficient, which easily leads to the breakage of this part, especially when it is made of a material such as Silicon.

Par ailleurs, la demande de brevet européen publiée sous le numéro EP 2 112 565 dévoile des pièces de micromécanique ayant une ouverture centrale dont le contour n'est pas circulaire mais présente une symétrie de rotation de 2π/3 autour de l'axe passant par le centre C de l'ouverture centrale. Sur la figure 5 de ce document, on peut voir en particulier une pièce de micromécanique munie de bras élastiques.Furthermore, the European patent application published under number EP 2 112 565 reveals micromechanical parts having a central opening whose outline is not circular but has a rotational symmetry of 2π/3 around the axis passing through the center C of the central opening. On the figure 5 From this document, we can see in particular a piece of micromechanics equipped with elastic arms.

Les solutions décrites dans ce document donnent entière satisfaction pour des pièces mécaniques comme des roues. Cependant, elles montrent quelques inconvénients pour réaliser des viroles qui ont en général une épaisseur plus faible que des planches de roue, comme d'offrir une faible plage de tolérance pour les diamètres des axes sur lesquels les viroles doivent être chassées.The solutions described in this document are entirely satisfactory for mechanical parts such as wheels. However, they show some drawbacks for producing ferrules which generally have a thinner thickness than wheel plates, such as offering a small tolerance range for the diameters of the axles on which the ferrules must be driven.

Exposé sommaire de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Le but majeur de l'invention est de proposer une virole qui puisse être chassée sur des axes de diamètres différents tout en garantissant un couple de tenue en rotation adéquat sans aller au-delà de la limite élastique du matériau et qui ne provoque pas de balourd.The main aim of the invention is to propose a ferrule which can be driven onto shafts of different diameters while guaranteeing an adequate rotational holding torque without going beyond the elastic limit of the material and which does not cause unbalance.

Si les viroles fendues existent depuis très longtemps, il n'a jamais été proposé, jusqu'à présent, de virole fendue ayant une ouverture centrale qui n'est pas circulaire et dont les propriétés d'élasticité permettent d'atteindre le but précité, en particulier pour un matériau sans domaine de déformation plastique comme le silicium, le quartz ou le diamant.Although split ferrules have been around for a very long time, until now there has never been proposed a split ferrule having a central opening that is not circular and whose elasticity properties make it possible to achieve the aforementioned goal, in particular for a material without a plastic deformation domain such as silicon, quartz or diamond.

Ainsi, l'invention a pour objet une virole selon la revendication 1 annexée.Thus, the invention relates to a ferrule according to the attached claim 1.

Différents modes de réalisation de la virole selon l'invention sont définis par les revendications dépendantes 2 à 5.Different embodiments of the ferrule according to the invention are defined by dependent claims 2 to 5.

Selon l'invention, des ensembles sont définis par les revendications 6 et 7.According to the invention, assemblies are defined by claims 6 and 7.

Selon l'invention, une pièce d'horlogerie est définie par la revendication 8.According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 8.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la virole fendue selon l'invention vont maintenant être décrits en détail dans l'exposé qui suit et qui est donné en référence aux figures annexées qui représentent schématiquement, en vue de dessus :

  • figure 1 : une virole selon un mode de réalisation proche de l'invention ;
  • figures 2 à 11 : des variantes de la virole selon l'invention ;
  • figure 12 : un graphe représentant l'évolution du couple de tenue de la virole en fonction du diamètre de l'axe de balancier sur lequel est chassée ; et
  • figure 13 : une autre variante de la virole selon l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the split ferrule according to the invention will now be described in detail in the following description, which is given with reference to the appended figures which schematically represent, in top view:
  • figure 1 : a ferrule according to an embodiment close to the invention;
  • Figures 2 to 11 : variants of the ferrule according to the invention;
  • figure 12 : a graph representing the evolution of the holding torque of the collet as a function of the diameter of the balance shaft on which it is driven; and
  • figure 13 : another variant of the ferrule according to the invention.

Exposé détaillé de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

Une virole fendue selon un mode de réalisation proche de l'invention est représentée sur la figure 1.A split ferrule according to an embodiment close to the invention is shown in the figure 1 .

Comme on peut le voir, elle comporte une fente 1 et une ouverture centrale 2 qui est destinée à recevoir un axe de balancier.As can be seen, it has a slot 1 and a central opening 2 which is intended to receive a balance shaft.

Le contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 n'est pas circulaire mais il présente de préférence une certaine symétrie.The outline 3 of the central opening 2 is not circular but preferably has a certain symmetry.

Comme la face supérieure d'une virole est généralement plane, on peut définir un plan la contenant et, dans ce plan, une droite R passant à la fois par le centre B de l'ouverture centrale 2 et par le milieu de la fente 1.Since the upper face of a ferrule is generally flat, we can define a plane containing it and, in this plane, a straight line R passing both through the center B of the central opening 2 and through the middle of the slot 1.

La forme du contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 est alors de préférence choisie de telle sorte que ce contour 3 présente une symétrie de réflexion par rapport à la droite R. De préférence, cette symétrie est orthogonale.The shape of the contour 3 of the central opening 2 is then preferably chosen such that this contour 3 has a reflection symmetry with respect to the line R. Preferably, this symmetry is orthogonal.

De même, la forme du contour 19 de la virole peut être choisie de telle sorte que ce contour 19 présente également une symétrie de réflexion, préférentiellement orthogonale, par rapport à la droite R.Similarly, the shape of the contour 19 of the ferrule can be chosen such that this contour 19 also has a reflection symmetry, preferably orthogonal, with respect to the line R.

Bien entendu, il s'agit là simplement d'une manière de définir la géométrie préférée de l'ouverture centrale 2 car, comme on peut le voir particulièrement sur la figure 4 du brevet suisse n° CH 468 662 précité, la partie inférieure de la virole fendue peut comporter une protubérance.Of course, this is simply a way of defining the preferred geometry of the central opening 2 because, as can be seen particularly in the figure 4 of Swiss patent no. CH 468 662 aforementioned, the lower part of the split ferrule may have a protuberance.

La symétrie précitée du contour 3 a l'avantage de permettre d'éviter un balourd et d'obtenir une virole équilibrée.The aforementioned symmetry of contour 3 has the advantage of making it possible to avoid an imbalance and to obtain a balanced ferrule.

Cependant, il n'y a pas forcément symétrie des contours 3 ou 19 par rapport à la droite R. D'ailleurs, on peut voir sur les figures 3 et 6 à 11 un contour 19 de virole non symétrique. De même, on pourrait imaginer un contour 3 non symétrique, dont l'asymétrie serait par exemple compensée par un ergot situé au même endroit que l'ergot 17 des figures 3 et 6 à 11.However, there is not necessarily symmetry of the contours 3 or 19 with respect to the line R. Moreover, we can see on the figures 3 And 6 has 11 a non-symmetrical ferrule contour 19. Similarly, one could imagine a non-symmetrical contour 3, the asymmetry of which would for example be compensated by a lug located in the same place as lug 17 of the figures 3 And 6 has 11 .

Le centre B de l'ouverture centrale 2 peut être distinct du centre C du contour 19 de la virole, comme cela apparaît sur la figure 1.The center B of the central opening 2 may be distinct from the center C of the outline 19 of the ferrule, as appears in the figure 1 .

Le contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 comporte une première partie d'appui 4 et une deuxième partie d'appui 5. Ces parties d'appui 4,5, destinées à coopérer avec l'axe d'un balancier, sont de préférence symétriques l'une de l'autre par rapport à la fente 1. Sur la figure 1, ces parties 4,5 sont rectilignes, c'est-à-dire que leur rayon de courbure du côté de l'ouverture centrale 2 est infini.The contour 3 of the central opening 2 comprises a first support part 4 and a second support part 5. These support parts 4, 5, intended to cooperate with the axis of a balance, are preferably symmetrical to each other with respect to the slot 1. On the figure 1 , these parts 4,5 are rectilinear, that is to say that their radius of curvature on the side of the central opening 2 is infinite.

Les parties d'appui 4,5 peuvent partir de points situés au bord de la fente 1.The support parts 4.5 can start from points located at the edge of the slot 1.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention visible sur la figure 2, il est prévu, de chaque côté de la fente 1, un bras 6 ou 7 partant du bord de cette fente 1.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention visible on the figure 2 , there is provided, on each side of the slot 1, an arm 6 or 7 starting from the edge of this slot 1.

Le bras 6 porte, sur son côté tourné vers le centre B, la première partie d'appui rectiligne 4 du contour de l'ouverture. De façon symétrique, le bras 7 porte la deuxième partie d'appui rectiligne 5.The arm 6 carries, on its side facing the center B, the first rectilinear support part 4 of the outline of the opening. Symmetrically, the arm 7 carries the second rectilinear support part 5.

Selon l'invention, le rôle des bras 6,7 est d'une part de constituer les points d'appui de la virole sur l'axe du balancier et d'autre part, la présence d'évidements 23,24 entre les bras et la partie voisine de la virole permet de maximiser la longueur de la zone élastique de la virole, qui s'étend jusqu'à la fente et couvre un arc de presque 180° sur chaque moitié. Sans les bras 6,7 et les évidements 23,24, la longueur des parties élastiques serait nettement inférieure et le niveau de contrainte serait plus élevé pour un serrage équivalent au niveau de l'axe. De plus, les contraintes peuvent être réparties sur une distance plus grande. On voit donc que la présence de bras 6,7 définis par les évidements 23,24 entre les bras 6,7 et la partie voisine de la virole confère à cette dernière une grande robustesse.According to the invention, the role of the arms 6, 7 is on the one hand to constitute the support points of the collet on the balance shaft and on the other hand, the presence of recesses 23, 24 between the arms and the neighboring part of the collet makes it possible to maximize the length of the elastic zone of the collet, which extends to the slot and covers an arc of almost 180° on each half. Without the arms 6, 7 and the recesses 23, 24, the length of the elastic parts would be significantly less and the stress level would be higher for equivalent tightening at the level of the shaft. In addition, the stresses can be distributed over a greater distance. It can therefore be seen that the presence of arms 6, 7 defined by the recesses 23, 24 between the arms 6, 7 and the neighboring part of the collet gives the latter great robustness.

Toutefois, les bras 6,7 ne sont en général pas considérés comme des bras élastiques car, lors du chassage de la virole sur l'axe de balancier, en principe, ils ne se déforment pas élastiquement. En effet, la fente de la virole définit deux moitiés de virole 21,22 de part et d'autre de la droite R, indiquées par des traitillés sur la figure 2. Ce sont les formes de ces deux moitiés 21,22 qui donnent à la virole toute son élasticité. Ce fait est confirmé par des simulations de chassage de la virole de la figure 2 qui montrent qu'il n'y a pas de déformation élastique des bras 6,7 suite au chassage d'un axe.However, 6,7 arms are generally not considered elastic arms because when chasing of the collet on the balance shaft, in principle, they do not deform elastically. Indeed, the slot in the collet defines two collet halves 21,22 on either side of the straight line R, indicated by dashed lines on the figure 2 . It is the shapes of these two halves 21,22 which give the ferrule all its elasticity. This fact is confirmed by simulations of driving the ferrule from the figure 2 which show that there is no elastic deformation of the arms 6,7 following the driving out of an axis.

Ainsi, la longueur et la forme des bras 6,7 qui sont définies par les évidements 23,24 situés entre les bras 6,7 et la virole, du côté opposé au centre B, sont des paramètres de second ordre. En revanche, la forme des moitiés de virole 21,22 est importante et est choisie de façon à répartir les contraintes élastiques de la façon la plus équilibrée possible le long du contour de la virole et sur les deux moitiés de virole 21,22, tout en garantissant à la fois une élasticité suffisante pour permettre le chassage d'axes de balancier dont le diamètre est compris dans l'intervalle de tolérance souhaité et un niveau de contrainte qui reste toujours nettement inférieur à la limite élastique du matériau. Ce choix peut être réalisé, par exemple, suite à une optimisation de la forme des moitiés de virole 21,22 à l'aide d'un programme de simulation numérique mettant en œuvre la méthode des éléments finis, comme ANSYS.Thus, the length and shape of the arms 6, 7 which are defined by the recesses 23, 24 located between the arms 6, 7 and the collet, on the side opposite the center B, are second-order parameters. On the other hand, the shape of the collet halves 21, 22 is important and is chosen so as to distribute the elastic stresses in the most balanced way possible along the contour of the collet and on the two collet halves 21, 22, while guaranteeing both sufficient elasticity to allow the driving in of balance shafts whose diameter is included in the desired tolerance interval and a stress level which always remains significantly lower than the elastic limit of the material. This choice can be made, for example, following an optimization of the shape of the collet halves 21, 22 using a numerical simulation program implementing the finite element method, such as ANSYS.

De plus, la présence des bras 6,7 permet de rapprocher le(s) point(s) d'appui correspondant(s) du centre de la virole, et ce, sans épaissir les moitiés de virole 21,22, donc sans les rigidifier. Ceci permet donc d'optimiser de façon séparée le placement des points d'appui et les propriétés de déformation élastique de la virole (amplitude de déformation, répartition des contraintes...).In addition, the presence of the arms 6,7 makes it possible to bring the corresponding support point(s) closer to the center of the shell, without thickening the shell halves 21,22, and therefore without stiffening them. This therefore makes it possible to separately optimize the placement of the support points and the elastic deformation properties of the shell (amplitude of deformation, distribution of stresses, etc.).

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2, le côté 8,9 de chaque bras 6,7 opposé au centre B peut également être rectiligne.As can be seen on the figure 2 , the side 8,9 of each arm 6,7 opposite the center B can also be straight.

Cependant, comme cela est visible sur la figure 3, chaque bras 6,7 est, de préférence, muni à son extrémité libre et sur le côté opposé au centre B, d'un renflement 10,11. Ce renflement permet d'optimiser encore davantage l'équilibrage en ajoutant de la matière mais il ne sert pas de point d'appui ou de butée.However, as can be seen on the figure 3 , each arm 6,7 is preferably provided at its free end and on the side opposite the center B, with a bulge 10,11. This bulge makes it possible to further optimize the balancing by adding material but it does not serve as a support point or stop.

Comme cela est visible sur la figure 3, les parties d'appui peuvent être concaves, c'est-à-dire que le rayon de courbure des parties d'appui peut être positif du côté de l'ouverture centrale 2.As can be seen on the figure 3 , the support parts may be concave, that is, the radius of curvature of the support parts may be positive on the side of the central opening 2.

L'ouverture centrale 2 est destinée à recevoir un axe de balancier qui a en général une section transversale circulaire. En fonction de la forme de l'ouverture centrale 2, il peut donc y avoir plus ou moins de points de contact 29 entre l'axe du balancier et la virole fendue.The central opening 2 is intended to receive a balance shaft which generally has a circular cross-section. Depending on the shape of the central opening 2, there may therefore be more or fewer contact points 29 between the balance shaft and the split collet.

En se reportant à nouveau à la figure 2, on peut voir que le contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 peut comprendre une troisième partie d'appui 12 située en regard de la fente 1. De préférence, la tangente au niveau du point 29 le plus proche du centre B du contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 est sensiblement perpendiculaire à la droite R (ou à la fente 1). Ce point 29 est le point de contact prévu avec l'axe de balancier.Referring again to the figure 2 , it can be seen that the contour 3 of the central opening 2 can comprise a third support part 12 located opposite the slot 1. Preferably, the tangent at the point 29 closest to the center B of the contour 3 of the central opening 2 is substantially perpendicular to the line R (or to the slot 1). This point 29 is the point of contact provided with the balance staff.

Sur cette figure, la partie d'appui 12 est rectiligne, mais elle pourrait être aussi convexe ou concave.In this figure, the support part 12 is rectilinear, but it could also be convex or concave.

Ainsi, on voit que l'axe du balancier, dont le pourtour est symbolisé par un cercle 13 de centre A sur la figure, entre en contact avec l'ouverture centrale 2 à trois endroits 29 : sur chacune des première et deuxième parties d'appui rectilignes 4,5 des bras 6,7 et sur la troisième partie d'appui 12, juste en face de la fente 1, au point d'intersection avec la droite R. A ce propos, il est évident que les centres des contours vont se déplacer très légèrement suite au chassage de l'axe du balancier.Thus, we see that the axis of the balance, the circumference of which is symbolized by a circle 13 with center A in the figure, comes into contact with the central opening 2 at three locations 29: on each of the first and second rectilinear support parts 4,5 of the arms 6,7 and on the third support part 12, just opposite slot 1, at the point of intersection with line R. In this regard, it is obvious that the centers of the contours will move very slightly following the driving in of the balance shaft.

Sur la figure 4 est représentée une variante de la virole fendue représentée sur la figure 1. Ici, le contour de l'ouverture 2 comporte une quatrième partie d'appui 14 et une cinquième partie d'appui 15. Ces parties d'appui 14,15 sont symétriques l'une de l'autre par rapport à la fente 1 et elles se rejoignent en un point 16 situé de préférence en face de la fente 1. Cette configuration permet d'obtenir quatre points de contact 29 entre l'axe du balancier et l'ouverture centrale 2 : deux points de contacts sur les première et deuxième parties d'appui 4,5, qui sont convexes dans cet exemple, et deux autres points de contact sur les quatrième et cinquième parties d'appui 14,15, qui sont rectilignes dans cet exemple.On the figure 4 is shown a variant of the split ferrule shown in the figure 1 . Here, the outline of the opening 2 comprises a fourth support part 14 and a fifth support part 15. These support parts 14, 15 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the slot 1 and they meet at a point 16 preferably located opposite the slot 1. This configuration makes it possible to obtain four points of contact 29 between the balance shaft and the central opening 2: two points of contact on the first and second support parts 4, 5, which are convex in this example, and two other points of contact on the fourth and fifth support parts 14, 15, which are rectilinear in this example.

Ainsi, sur la figure 4, les parties d'appui 4,5 ont, du côté de l'ouverture centrale 2, un rayon de courbure négatif tandis que les parties d'appui 14,15 ont un rayon de courbure infini.So, on the figure 4 , the support parts 4,5 have, on the side of the central opening 2, a negative radius of curvature while the support parts 14,15 have an infinite radius of curvature.

De plus, la partie élastique de chaque moitié de virole 21,22 a été maximisée en définissant des évidements 25, 26 et des bras 27,28 portant les parties d'appui 14,15. A nouveau, la forme des moitiés de virole 21,22 est choisie de façon à répartir les contraintes élastiques de façon homogène le long du contour de la virole.In addition, the elastic portion of each ferrule half 21,22 has been maximized by defining recesses 25,26 and arms 27,28 carrying the bearing portions 14,15. Again, the shape of the ferrule halves 21,22 is chosen so as to distribute the elastic stresses homogeneously along the contour of the ferrule.

Sur la figure 5 est représentée une virole fendue à bras 6,7 et 27,28 portant des parties d'appui 4,5 et 14,15 rectilignes, comme sur la figure 2, mais dont le contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 fournit quatre points de contact avec l'axe du balancier.On the figure 5 is shown a split ferrule with arms 6,7 and 27,28 carrying rectilinear support parts 4,5 and 14,15, as on the figure 2 , but whose contour 3 of the central opening 2 provides four points of contact with the balance shaft.

Sur la figure 6 est représentée une virole fendue à bras 6,7 et 27,28, mais dont le contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 définit quatre points de contact avec le pourtour de l'axe du balancier. Les parties d'appui 4,5 et 14,15 sont dans cet exemple toutes convexes, c'est-à-dire que leur rayon de courbure du côté du centre B de l'ouverture centrale 2 est négatif.On the figure 6 a split collet with arms 6,7 and 27,28 is shown, but whose contour 3 of the central opening 2 defines four points of contact with the periphery of the balance shaft. The support parts 4,5 and 14,15 are in this example all convex, that is to say that their radius of curvature on the side of the center B of the central opening 2 is negative.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 6 pour ce qui est des parties d'appui convexes ou sur la figure 3 pour les parties d'appui concaves, les tangentes au niveau des points de contact prévus entre les parties 4,5 et l'axe de balancier et/ou entre les parties 14,15 et l'axe de balancier peuvent former entre elles un angle supérieur ou égal à 60 degrés, voire obtus, du côté du centre de l'ouverture centrale 2.As can be seen on the figure 6 as regards the convex support parts or on the figure 3 for the concave support parts, the tangents at the contact points provided between the parts 4,5 and the balance shaft and/or between the parts 14,15 and the balance shaft may form between them an angle greater than or equal to 60 degrees, or even obtuse, on the side of the center of the central opening 2.

Le contour 19 de la virole selon l'invention est généralement sensiblement circulaire. « Sensiblement » signifie ici qu'il ne l'est pas à 100% du fait de l'existence de la fente 1 et, le cas échéant, comme on peut le voir sur les figures 3 et 6, en raison de la présence, en un point situé à proximité du point diamétralement opposé à la fente 1, d'un ergot 17. Ce dernier est situé de préférence en amont du point de fixation ou de départ du ressort spiral (si l'on se réfère au sens de déroulement du spiral de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur). Le contour 19 peut être également non circulaire, voire asymétrique. Il pourrait ainsi protéger les spires en cas de choc. Dans ce cas, il faudra cependant veiller à ce que la virole soit équilibrée pour ne pas provoquer de balourd, et à dimensionner les deux moitiés de virole 21,22 pour qu'elles agissent d'une façon la plus symétrique possible, de façon à minimiser le déplacement du point d'attache du spiral lors de l'assemblage avec l'axe.The contour 19 of the ferrule according to the invention is generally substantially circular. “Substantially” here means that it is not 100% circular due to the existence of the slot 1 and, where appropriate, as can be seen in the figures 3 And 6 , due to the presence, at a point located near the point diametrically opposite the slot 1, of a lug 17. The latter is preferably located upstream of the attachment or starting point of the spiral spring (if we refer to the direction of unwinding of the spiral from the inside to the outside). The contour 19 can also be non-circular, or even asymmetrical. It could thus protect the coils in the event of an impact. In this case, however, it will be necessary to ensure that the collet is balanced so as not to cause an imbalance, and to dimension the two collet halves 21, 22 so that they act in the most symmetrical way possible, so as to minimize the displacement of the attachment point of the spiral during assembly with the axis.

La virole fendue selon l'invention, est, par définition, destinée à supporter un ressort spiral. Le début de celui-ci est visible sur les figures 3 et 6, où il porte le numéro de référence 18.The split ferrule according to the invention is, by definition, intended to support a spiral spring. The start of the latter is visible on the figures 3 And 6 , where it bears the reference number 18.

Ce ressort spiral 18 est de préférence relié à la virole en un point situé sur le contour 19 de celle-ci, sensiblement en regard de la fente 1. Ceci permet de minimiser le déplacement du ressort spiral lors du montage de la virole sur un axe de balancier et d'éviter d'affecter les propriétés chronométriques. L'exemple de la figure 2, où l'un des points de contact 29 est situé sur ou proche de la droite R, en regard de la fente 1, est particulièrement favorable.This spiral spring 18 is preferably connected to the collet at a point located on the contour 19 thereof, substantially opposite the slot 1. This makes it possible to minimize the movement of the spiral spring when mounting the collet on a balance staff and to avoid affecting the chronometric properties. The example of the figure 2 , where one of the contact points 29 is located on or close to the line R, opposite the slot 1, is particularly favorable.

Le ressort spiral peut être une pièce fixée sur la virole, mais, de préférence, il ne forme qu'une seule pièce avec elle.The spiral spring can be a fixed part on the collet, but preferably it forms only one part with it.

Avantageusement, des trous d'équilibrage 20 sont prévus dans une partie de la virole opposée à la fente 1, le cas échéant, même dans l'ergot 17, comme on peut le voir sur les variantes représentées sur les figures 7 à 10.Advantageously, balancing holes 20 are provided in a part of the ferrule opposite the slot 1, if necessary, even in the lug 17, as can be seen in the variants shown in the Figures 7 to 10 .

Par ailleurs, comme on peut le noter en se reportant à nouveau aux figures 2 et 4, le point A représentant l'axe de symétrie longitudinal du balancier, le centre B du contour 3 de l'ouverture centrale 2 de la virole et le centre géométrique C du contour 19 de la virole peuvent être tous les trois distincts.Furthermore, as can be noted by referring again to the figures 2 And 4 , point A representing the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the balance, center B of contour 3 of central opening 2 of the collet and geometric center C of contour 19 of the collet can all three be distinct.

La virole fendue selon l'invention est dimensionnée à la fois pour maintenir le ressort spiral 18 sur l'axe du balancier lors du fonctionnement de l'oscillateur (couple de serrage minimal) et aussi pour pouvoir être assemblée avec des axes dont les diamètres présentent des fluctuations et ceci, sans se rompre ou subir de déformation plastique si le diamètre de l'axe du balancier reste à l'intérieur d'un intervalle de tolérance donné. Ce point est particulièrement important si la virole est réalisée en un matériau comme le silicium qui n'a pas de domaine de déformation plastique, car le risque de casse ou de fissure est significatif si la contrainte dépasse la limite de déformation élastique.The split collet according to the invention is sized both to hold the spiral spring 18 on the balance shaft during operation of the oscillator (minimum tightening torque) and also to be able to be assembled with shafts whose diameters exhibit fluctuations and this, without breaking or undergoing plastic deformation if the diameter of the balance shaft remains within a given tolerance interval. This point is particularly important if the ferrule is made of a material such as silicon which does not have a plastic deformation range, because the risk of breakage or cracking is significant if the stress exceeds the elastic deformation limit.

Comme cela ressort de ce qui précède, les parties d'appui 4,5 et/ou 14,15 et/ou 12 peuvent être rectilignes (Fig. 1,2,5,7,8,9,10 et 13), c'est-à-dire qu'elles peuvent avoir un rayon de courbure infini, convexes, c'est-à-dire avec un rayon de courbure négatif du côté de l'ouverture centrale 2 (cf. parties 4,5 de la Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 11), ou concaves (Fig. 3), c'est-à-dire avec un rayon de courbure positif. Dans ce dernier cas cependant, le rayon de courbure positif est supérieur à 0,62 fois le diamètre dmax du cercle le plus grand que l'on peut tracer à l'intérieur du contour de l'ouverture centrale, cercle qui est aussi appelé « cercle inscrit » dans la suite de la description. Ce cercle correspond approximativement au cercle 13 de centre A visible sur les figures 2 et 4, à la différence que le cercle inscrit a un diamètre légèrement plus faible que celui de l'axe de balancier. En effet, un rayon de courbure positif et supérieur à 0,62 fois le diamètre dmax du cercle inscrit permet de définir un seul point de contact entre la partie d'appui et l'axe de balancier : dans le cas de la figure 3, un rayon de courbure supérieur à 0,62 fois le diamètre dmax du cercle inscrit résulte en un espace de 5 microns environ aux extrémités des bras si le point de contact est placé au centre des bras, ce qui est adapté pour définir un seul point de contact. De même un rayon de courbure supérieur au diamètre dmax du cercle inscrit résulte en un espace de 10 microns aux extrémités des bras. Un rayon de courbure supérieur à 0,75 fois le diamètre dmax du cercle inscrit est aussi une valeur adaptée.As is apparent from the above, the support parts 4,5 and/or 14,15 and/or 12 may be rectilinear ( Fig. 1,2 , 5 , 7.8 , 9.10 And 13 ), that is to say they can have an infinite radius of curvature, convex, that is to say with a negative radius of curvature on the side of the central opening 2 (cf. parts 4,5 of the Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 11 ), or concave ( Fig. 3 ), i.e. with a positive radius of curvature. In the latter case, however, the positive radius of curvature is greater than 0.62 times the diameter d max of the largest circle that can be drawn inside the outline of the central opening, a circle which is also called an "inscribed circle" in the remainder of the description. This circle corresponds approximately to the circle 13 with center A visible on the figures 2 And 4 , with the difference that the inscribed circle has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the balance staff. Indeed, a positive radius of curvature greater than 0.62 times the diameter d max of the inscribed circle makes it possible to define a single point of contact between the support part and the balance staff: in the case of the figure 3 , a radius of curvature greater than 0.62 times the diameter d max of the inscribed circle results in a gap of about 5 microns at the ends of the arms if the contact point is placed at the center of the arms, which is suitable for defining a single contact point. Similarly a radius of curvature greater than the diameter d max of the inscribed circle results in a gap of 10 microns at the ends of the arms. A radius of curvature greater than 0.75 times the diameter d max of the inscribed circle is also a suitable value.

De préférence et quel que soit le mode de réalisation envisagé, les tangentes aux points d'appui 4,5 et/ou 14,15 au niveau des points de contact prévus avec l'axe de balancier, forment entre elles, du côté du centre B de l'ouverture centrale 2, un angle de préférence supérieur ou égal à 60 degrés. Plus préférablement encore, il s'agit d'un angle obtus.Preferably and regardless of the embodiment envisaged, the tangents to the support points 4.5 and/or 14.15 at the contact points provided with the balance shaft, form between them, on the side of the center B of the central opening 2, an angle preferably greater than or equal to 60 degrees. More preferably still, it is an obtuse angle.

Il convient de noter que les parties d'appui 4,5 et/ou 14,15 et/ou 12 sont configurées de manière à définir chacune un point de contact 29 précis avec l'axe du balancier. Le fait de pouvoir définir la configuration et le nombre des points d'appui permet d'équilibrer au mieux les forces qui agissent sur l'axe de balancier. Ceci n'est pas le cas avec une virole selon l'art antérieur dont le rayon de l'ouverture interne est sensiblement égal ou inférieur au rayon de l'axe du balancier, et dont les points d'appui ne sont pas définis.It should be noted that the support portions 4, 5 and/or 14, 15 and/or 12 are configured so as to each define a precise contact point 29 with the balance shaft. Being able to define the configuration and the number of the support points makes it possible to best balance the forces acting on the balance shaft. This is not the case with a collet according to the prior art whose radius of the internal opening is substantially equal to or less than the radius of the balance shaft, and whose support points are not defined.

La virole fendue selon l'invention peut être constituée de tout matériau approprié, comme le silicium, le quartz, le diamant, etc. Elle peut être fabriquée au moyen des techniques bien connues de micro-fabrication, comme les procédés DRIE pour le silicium, le quartz ou le diamant ou UV-Liga pour le Ni ou le NiP. Ces techniques ont l'avantage de permettre de réaliser facilement des formes ou géométries très complexes.The split ferrule according to the invention can be made of any suitable material, such as silicon, quartz, diamond, etc. It can be manufactured using well-known micro-fabrication techniques, such as DRIE processes for silicon, quartz or diamond or UV-Liga for Ni or NiP. These techniques have the advantage of making it easy to produce very complex shapes or geometries.

Ainsi, par exemple, la forme de la fente 1 n'est pas nécessairement allongée. Sur la figure 11 est représentée une virole fendue selon l'invention dont la fente 1 présente des extrémités arrondies. On remarque de plus que les bras 6,7 portent des parties d'appui convexes et que la troisième partie d'appui 12 est également convexe.So, for example, the shape of slot 1 is not necessarily elongated. On the figure 11 is shown a split ferrule according to the invention, the slot 1 of which has rounded ends. It is further noted that the arms 6, 7 carry convex support parts and that the third support part 12 is also convex.

Sur la figure 13 est représentée une virole dont les points d'appui forment un triangle équilatéral et sont disposés à 120° l'un de l'autre, permettant ainsi un équilibre des forces au niveau du serrage de l'axe.On the figure 13 is represented a ferrule whose support points form an equilateral triangle and are arranged at 120° from each other, thus allowing a balance of forces at the level of the tightening of the axis.

Bien entendu, la portée de l'invention n'est limitée que par le jeu de revendications annexé. Ainsi, il est tout-à-fait possible de réaliser une virole qui combine les deux parties d'appui convexes 4,5 de la virole de la figure 4 avec la partie d'appui rectiligne 12 de la virole de la figure 2.Of course, the scope of the invention is limited only by the attached set of claims. Thus, it is entirely possible to produce a ferrule which combines the two convex support parts 4,5 of the ferrule of the figure 4 with the rectilinear support part 12 of the ferrule of the figure 2 .

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, chaque partie d'appui est prévue pour définir un point de contact unique avec l'axe de balancier.According to a preferred embodiment, each support portion is provided to define a single point of contact with the balance shaft.

Les parties d'appui peuvent montrer des rayons de courbure différents entre elles. De plus, il est aussi possible de faire varier le rayon de courbure le long d'une même partie d'appui.The support parts can have different radii of curvature between them. In addition, it is also possible to vary the radius of curvature along the same support part.

Procédé de montage d'une pièce d'horlogerieProcess for assembling a watch part

Au cours du montage d'une pièce d'horlogerie, lorsque l'ensemble virole-ressort spiral selon l'invention est chassé sur un axe de balancier, chaque moitié de virole 21,22 a la particularité avantageuse de se déformer de façon élastique, c'est-à-dire sans déformation plastique ni risque de rupture.During the assembly of a timepiece, when the collet-hairspring assembly according to the invention is driven onto a balance staff, each collet half 21, 22 has the advantageous feature of deforming elastically, that is to say without plastic deformation or risk of breakage.

Essais comparatifs par rapport à EP 2 112 565Comparative tests against EP 2 112 565

La figure 12 est un graphe représentant l'évolution du couple de tenue M de la virole en fonction du diamètre D de l'axe d'un balancier, pour des viroles fendues selon l'invention et des viroles non fendues selon l'art antérieur, à savoir, la demande de brevet européen précitée n° EP 2 112 565 .There figure 12 is a graph representing the evolution of the holding torque M of the collet as a function of the diameter D of the axis of a balance, for split collets according to the invention and non-split collets according to the prior art, namely, the aforementioned European patent application no. EP 2 112 565 .

Les pièces ont toutes été fabriquées en silicium suivant le procédé DRIE.The parts were all manufactured in silicon using the DRIE process.

Les mesures ont été réalisées sur un appareil Variocouple de la société CSM Instruments.The measurements were carried out on a Variocouple device from CSM Instruments.

Les axes de balancier utilisés avaient un diamètre compris entre 0,495 et 0,512 mm. L'intervalle de tolérance souhaité est dans ce cas compris entre 0,500 et 0,506 mm. Le diamètre du cercle inscrit dmax était de 0,485 mm.The balance shafts used had a diameter between 0.495 and 0.512 mm. The desired tolerance interval in this case is between 0.500 and 0.506 mm. The diameter of the inscribed circle d max was 0.485 mm.

Sur le graphe, les résultats des mesures effectuées avec une virole fendue selon la figure 2 sont symbolisés par des losanges pleins, les résultats obtenus avec une virole selon la figure 4 d' EP 2 112 565 sont représentés par des cercles et ceux donnés par une virole selon la figure 5 d' EP 2 112 565 sont visualisés par des triangles vides.On the graph, the results of the measurements carried out with a split ferrule according to the figure 2 are symbolized by solid diamonds, the results obtained with a ferrule according to the figure 4 of EP 2 112 565 are represented by circles and those given by a ferrule according to the figure 5 of EP 2 112 565 are visualized by empty triangles.

Des essais réalisés avec des viroles fendues à ouverture centrale circulaire, similaire à celles décrites dans US 3 785 028 ( FR 2 124 243 ) n'ont pas donné satisfaction, en raison de nombreuses casses constatées au chassage ainsi que de tenues au couple trop faibles pour la plupart des viroles qui ont pu être assemblées avec succès. L'expérience montre que, pour ce genre de géométrie, il est préférable d'utiliser une contre-virole fendue en matériau métallique et/ou de solidariser la virole fendue en silicium à l'axe par collage.Tests carried out with split ferrules with a circular central opening, similar to those described in US 3,785,028 ( FR 2 124 243 ) have not been satisfactory, due to numerous breakages observed during driving and torque resistances that were too low for most of the ferrules that could be successfully assembled. Experience shows that, for this type of geometry, it is preferable to use a split counter-ferrule made of metallic material and/or to secure the split silicon ferrule to the shaft by gluing.

Les résultats sont jugés satisfaisants lorsque le couple de tenue M est supérieur à la valeur de tenue minimale indiquée en pointillés.The results are considered satisfactory when the holding torque M is greater than the minimum holding value indicated in dotted lines.

On constate donc, d'une part, que la dépendance du couple de tenue M au diamètre est plus marquée pour les viroles selon l'art antérieur, et d'autre part, qu'il est difficile d'atteindre la valeur de tenue minimale lorsque le diamètre de l'axe est petit avec ces mêmes viroles selon l'art antérieur.It is therefore noted, on the one hand, that the dependence of the holding torque M on the diameter is more marked for the ferrules according to the prior art, and on the other hand, that it is difficult to achieve the minimum holding value when the diameter of the axis is small with these same ferrules according to the prior art.

Avec la virole fendue selon l'invention, le couple de tenue est supérieur au couple minimal exigé, même pour les petits diamètres en dessous de la tolérance minimale, et la dépendance au diamètre est nettement moindre (pente inférieure d'un facteur trois et six, respectivement, à celles des viroles de l'art antérieur).With the split ferrule according to the invention, the holding torque is higher than the minimum torque required, even for small diameters below the minimum tolerance, and the diameter dependence is significantly lower (slope lower by a factor of three and six, respectively, than those of the ferrules of the prior art).

De plus, aucune casse n'a été constatée lors du chassage, même pour les grands diamètres supérieurs à la tolérance maximale, alors que l'on observe typiquement 10% de casse avec les viroles selon l'art antérieur.Furthermore, no breakage was observed during driving, even for large diameters greater than the maximum tolerance, whereas 10% breakage is typically observed with ferrules according to the prior art.

Essais sur la virole fendue selon CH 508233Split ferrule tests according to CH 508233

Des simulations ont été effectuées avec la virole décrite dans le brevet suisse précité CH 508233 , afin de voir si ce genre de géométrie est adapté pour réaliser une virole en Si. Un diamètre inscrit dmax de 0,485 mm avait également été choisi. Il a été constaté que cette virole se casse dès que l'axe du balancier sur lequel elle est chassée a un diamètre supérieur à 0,490 mm (soit 1,01 × 0,485 mm). La plage de valeur des diamètres tolérés est donc inférieure à 6 µm. De plus, il est probable que même pour le cas limite de 0,490 mm, la tenue sur l'axe soit trop faible.Simulations were carried out with the ferrule described in the aforementioned Swiss patent. CH 508233 , in order to see if this type of geometry is suitable for producing a Si collet. An inscribed diameter d max of 0.485 mm had also been chosen. It was found that this collet breaks as soon as the balance shaft on which it is driven has a diameter greater than 0.490 mm (i.e. 1.01 × 0.485 mm). The range of values of the tolerated diameters is therefore less than 6 µm. Furthermore, it is likely that even for the limiting case of 0.490 mm, the holding on the shaft is too weak.

Essais sur la virole à pièce en forme de U selon CH 252387Tests on the U-shaped part ferrule according to CH 252387

Des simulations ont été effectuées avec la virole à deux pièces décrite dans le brevet suisse précité CH 252387 , afin de voir si ce genre de géométrie est adapté pour réaliser une virole en Si. Un diamètre inscrit dmax de 0,485 mm avait aussi été choisi. On a constaté que cette virole se rompt avec des diamètres d'axe de balancier supérieurs à 0,495 mm (soit 1,02 x 0,485 mm) si l'on ne tient pas compte de la bague évidée. Ces résultats sont donc meilleurs que ceux de la virole du brevet suisse CH 508233 mais encore insuffisants. De plus, si la bague évidée est prise en compte, la casse intervient encore plus rapidement. Ceci peut s'expliquer par le fait que c'est la partie située au niveau de la zone de liaison entre les deux bras de la pièce en forme de U qui se déforme et non les deux bras. Dans l'invention, au contraire, l'élasticité de toute la longueur des deux moitiés de virole 21,22 est mise à profit pour accommoder l'axe.Simulations were carried out with the two-piece ferrule described in the aforementioned Swiss patent. CH 252387 , to see if this type of geometry is suitable for making a Si collet. An inscribed diameter d max of 0.485 mm had also been chosen. It was found that this collet breaks with balance staff diameters greater than 0.495 mm (i.e. 1.02 x 0.485 mm) if the hollow ring is not taken into account. These results are therefore better than those of the collet of the Swiss patent CH 508233 but still insufficient. Furthermore, if the hollow ring is taken into account, breakage occurs even more quickly. This can be explained by the fact that it is the part located at the connection zone between the two arms of the U-shaped part which deforms and not the two arms. In the invention, on the contrary, the elasticity of the entire length of the two halves of the ferrule 21, 22 is used to accommodate the axis.

Claims (8)

  1. A split collet of which the central opening (2) designed to receive a balance staff is noncircular, the split collet comprising a split (1), wherein the contour (3) of the central opening (2) comprises a limited number greater than two of bearing portions (4, 5, 12, 14, 15) designed to interact with said balance staff, wherein at least two bearing portion (4, 5 or 14, 15) are situated on arms (6, 7 or 27, 28) and wherein the collet comprises recesses (23, 24, 25, 26) between:
    - the arms, and
    - the portions that are adjacent to the arms,
    the adjacent portions being constituted by the collet,
    the recesses maximizing the length of the elastic zone of the collet, which then extends up to the split (1) and covers an arc of almost 180° on each half of the collet.
  2. The split collet as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the radius of curvature of the bearing portions (4, 5, 12, 14, 15), on the side of the central opening (2), is negative, infinite or greater than 0.62 times or greater than 0.75 times or greater than 1 time the diameter dmax of the largest circle that can be drawn inside the contour (3) of the central opening (2).
  3. The split collet as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising three or four bearing portions (4, 5, 12, 14, 15).
  4. The split collet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising, on its contour (19), at a point situated close to the point diametrically opposite to the split (1), a lug (17).
  5. The split collet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, consisting of a material containing no range of plastic deformation.
  6. A collet-hairspring assembly (18) comprising a collet as claimed in one of the preceding claims and a hairspring (18) connected at a point situated on the contour (19) of the collet, substantially facing the split (1), the collet and the hairspring (18) being for example all in one block.
  7. An assembly comprising:
    - a collet according one of claims 1 to 5, or an assembly according to the preceding claim, and
    - a balance staff, notably a balance staff having circular cross-section, the collet, notably each half of the collet, being elastically deformed, without plastic deformation.
  8. A timepiece comprising a collet-hairspring assembly according to claim 6 driven onto a balance staff.
EP19206569.6A 2010-03-25 2011-03-24 Split collar with non-circular opening Active EP3623876B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10405061 2010-03-25
EP11716801.3A EP2550566B1 (en) 2010-03-25 2011-03-24 Split collet with a non-circular opening
PCT/CH2011/000061 WO2011116486A1 (en) 2010-03-25 2011-03-24 Split collet with a non-circular opening

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EP3623876A1 EP3623876A1 (en) 2020-03-18
EP3623876B1 true EP3623876B1 (en) 2024-11-13

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EP19206569.6A Active EP3623876B1 (en) 2010-03-25 2011-03-24 Split collar with non-circular opening

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EP (2) EP2550566B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5753252B2 (en)
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EP3023844B1 (en) * 2014-11-20 2017-06-28 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Flexible ferrule
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US20130047437A1 (en) 2013-02-28
CN102893224B (en) 2015-10-21
EP2550566A1 (en) 2013-01-30
JP2013524163A (en) 2013-06-17
CN102893224A (en) 2013-01-23
WO2011116486A1 (en) 2011-09-29
JP5753252B2 (en) 2015-07-22
EP2550566B1 (en) 2019-11-06
US9250610B2 (en) 2016-02-02
EP3623876A1 (en) 2020-03-18

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