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EP3953769B1 - Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements - Google Patents

Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3953769B1
EP3953769B1 EP20715113.5A EP20715113A EP3953769B1 EP 3953769 B1 EP3953769 B1 EP 3953769B1 EP 20715113 A EP20715113 A EP 20715113A EP 3953769 B1 EP3953769 B1 EP 3953769B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
holding member
structural sub
support element
elements
structural
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
EP20715113.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3953769A1 (en
Inventor
Ivan Hernandez
Pierre Cusin
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.)
Nivarox Far SA
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Nivarox Far SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3953769A1 publication Critical patent/EP3953769A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3953769B1 publication Critical patent/EP3953769B1/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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an elastic holding member for fixing a watch component to support elements of different types such as a balance shaft or even a false axis.
  • the invention also relates to an elastic holding member - watch component assembly and assemblies comprising such an assembly and a support element.
  • the invention finally relates to a watch movement comprising at least one of these assemblies as well as to a timepiece comprising such a movement.
  • elastic holding members such as watch collets, which participate in assemblies of hairsprings on balance shafts or axles of regulating members, such as resonators of watch movements, by elastic tightening.
  • Such hairsprings are each conventionally wound around a hairspring shaft, being provided with a collet at their inner end.
  • This collet comprises an opening, the inner face of which comprises holding parts which are arranged to cooperate with a shaft of revolution around said hairspring shaft, contributing to the centering of said hairspring on such a shaft.
  • the collet of a given hairspring is then driven onto a false axis of circular cross-section which helps to ensure that it is held in an angular and vertical position.
  • the diameter of this false axis is defined according to the diameter of the opening of the hairspring collet, so that the holding of this collet in an angular and vertical position, when measuring the torque of the hairspring, is obtained by tightening this collet on this false axis.
  • Such tightening which results from the elastic deformation of the collet, has a value defined according to the diameter of the false axis.
  • the hairspring collet is then separated/driven out of the false axis with a view to its assembly by driving onto the balance shaft so that the holding parts of the collet cooperate with this balance shaft in order to ensure elastic tightening.
  • such a filing operation can be the cause of "product defects" because the collet can break/become chipped during multiple and repetitive stresses related to its driving in, driving out on/from the false axis and then “redriving" on the balance shaft, or during the operation of the resonator in which it is included, in particular when setting in motion.
  • the tightening carried out between the false axis and the collet causes shearing forces which can damage this collet by generating micro-breaks at the level of at least one edge of this collet.
  • the aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing an elastic holding member comprising several specific holding parts, each designed to cooperate exclusively with a given type of support element and in particular with the peripheral wall of this support element when mounting this member on the latter.
  • the invention relates to an elastic holding member according to claim 1 for fixing a watch component on support elements of different cross-section, comprising an opening in which each support element is capable of being inserted, the holding member comprising structural elements together forming the body of this holding member and contributing to ensuring mounting of each support element in said opening, each of these structural elements comprising a first structural sub-element and a second structural sub-element, the first structural sub-element comprising a volume of material greater than the volume of material constituting the second structural sub-element, the holding member comprising a connecting portion ensuring mounting in the holding member of each of said support elements, said portion being defined on an inner face of said first structural sub-element.
  • the same connecting portion of a first structural sub-element of each structural element of the holding organ is stressed both during the assembly of this organ on the false axis and during the driving of the latter on a support element such as the balance shaft, regardless of the shape. geometrical structure of the cross-section of this support element.
  • the connecting portions of the first structural sub-elements of such a holding member make it possible to ensure mounting of this member on the false axis by performing a fitting and coupling of this holding member with this false axis, without this mounting requiring a driving operation as is the case in the prior art.
  • This fitting provides for the installation of this holding member in an angular and vertical position on the false axis, in particular when measuring the torque of a hairspring, without elastic tightening, i.e. without deformation of the structural elements or without deformation of this holding member.
  • a coupling between the holding member and the false axis necessary for carrying out the sorting operation is obtained without elastic clamping, thanks in particular to the complementarity of their shape which thus allows cooperation between the latter when they are driven in a rotational movement during the carrying out of the sorting operation, and also thanks to the distribution of the volume/quantity of material between the first and second structural sub-elements of each structural element constituting this holding member. It is therefore understood that during the carrying out of the sorting operation, the holding member is no longer stressed by shear forces which can damage it by generating micro-breaks at the level of its structure.
  • the invention also relates to an elastic holding member - watch component assembly for a watch movement of a timepiece comprising a holding member.
  • this set is a single piece.
  • the invention also relates to an assembly comprising an elastic holding member - watch component assembly and a support element, in particular a false axle, said assembly being held on said support element from a first holding part of said holding member, said first holding part being configured to cooperate with a peripheral wall of said support element.
  • the assembly comprises an elastic holding member - watch component assembly and a support element in particular a balance shaft, said assembly being held on said support element from a second holding part of said holding member, said second holding part being configured to cooperate with a peripheral wall of said support element.
  • the invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising at least one such assembly.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement.
  • the elastic holding member 1 for fixing a watch component 2 on a support element 3a, 3b.
  • the elastic holding member 1 may be a collet for fixing the watch component 2 such as a hairspring to a support element 3a, 3b such as a “false axis” 3a and a balance shaft 3b visible respectively in the Figures 1 and 2 .
  • This false axis 3a also called adjustment axis, false shaft or classification axis is specifically used in the context of adjusting a balance-spring assembly according to different known techniques such as the so-called omegametric technique consisting of carrying out a classification of the springs, a classification of the balances, a pairing of a balance chosen in a particular class, with a balance also chosen in a particular class, these classes being compatible with each other.
  • omegametric technique consisting of carrying out a classification of the springs, a classification of the balances, a pairing of a balance chosen in a particular class, with a balance also chosen in a particular class, these classes being compatible with each other.
  • balance shaft 3b it can also be called by its synonym balance shaft and is in particular designed to receive the collet.
  • This elastic holding member 1 is made of a so-called “fragile” material, preferably a micro-machinable material.
  • a material may comprise silicon, quartz, corundum, silicon and silicon dioxide, DLC, metallic glass, ceramic, other at least partially amorphous material, or the like.
  • this holding member 1 can be included in an assembly 120 of elastic holding member - watch component visible in the Figures 5 and 6 .
  • Such an assembly 120 is intended to be arranged in a clockwork movement 110 of a timepiece 100 visible in the figure 6 , and also to be driven onto a support element 3a such as the balance shaft or to be placed on a support element 3b such as the false axle when carrying out a sorting operation.
  • Such an assembly 120 may be a single-piece part and be made of a “fragile” material similar to that of the ferrule.
  • the elastic holding member 1 can be made of such a so-called “fragile” material, the timepiece component 2 then being made of another material.
  • This assembly 120 may be part of an assembly 130a, 130b for the watch movement 110 or for a device 140 for carrying out a classification operation, by being mounted on the support element 3a, 3b, here the balance shaft or the false axis.
  • a device 140 visible on the figure 5 includes in particular a measuring module 150 and the support element 3a here the false axis 3a.
  • this assembly 130a, 130b was designed for applications in the watchmaking field. However, the invention can be perfectly implemented in other fields such as aeronautics, jewelry, or even the automobile industry.
  • Such a holding member 1 comprises external and internal structures 4a, 4b as well as an upper face and a lower face 12 of preferably flat which are both respectively included in first and second planes P1 and P2.
  • These external and internal structures 4a, 4b subsequently called external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b respectively delimit the external and internal contours of this holding member 1, the internal contour defining an opening 5 of this holding member.
  • the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b define different shapes of the holding member 1.
  • This holding member 1 has a thickness which extends from the upper face to the lower face 12.
  • this holding member 1 can correspond to any type of ferrule by comprising arms 6 each comprising an elastic sub-arm or rigid and elastic sub-arms 7a, 7b.
  • each structural element 6 comprises a portion of the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b as well as a portion of the upper and lower faces 12.
  • These structural elements 6 are preferably solid. In other words, these structural elements 6 are preferably not hollow.
  • the rigid sub-arms 7a and the elastic sub-arms 7b are subsequently called respectively first structural sub-elements 7a and second structural sub-elements 7b.
  • the outer peripheral wall 4a of such a holding member 1 may have any shape, for example being essentially triangular, circular or a shape similar to that of a quadrilateral.
  • the inner peripheral wall 4b of this holding member 1 helps to define the opening 5 of this holding member 1 in which the support element 3a, 3b is intended to be inserted.
  • This opening 5 defines a volume in the holding member 1 which is less than that of a connecting part of one end of the support element 3a, 3b which is intended to be arranged there.
  • this connecting part comprises in whole or in part portions 10 defined on the wall peripheral 21 of the support element 3a, 3b and which are provided in particular to cooperate with specific and/or dedicated first and second holding parts 20a, 20b of the structural elements 6.
  • first and second holding parts 20a, 20b are each intended to ensure mounting of said holding member 1 on different support elements 3a, 3b here a balance shaft and a false axle.
  • these first and second holding parts 20a, 20b each comprise at least one contact zone 8a, 8b configured to cooperate with the corresponding support element 3a, 3b.
  • Each contact zone 8a, 8b of the first and second holding parts 20a, 20b is capable of cooperating with a corresponding contact portion 10 of the corresponding support element 3a, 3b while preferably being in a plano-convex type contact configuration.
  • the external peripheral wall 4a it is in particular intended to be connected to the timepiece component 2 via at least one attachment point 11 arranged in the external peripheral wall of the holding member 1.
  • a holding member 1 such as a ferrule illustrated in the Figures 1 to 4 , comprising structural elements 6 each comprising a first structural sub-element 7a and a second structural sub-element 7b.
  • This holding member 1 comprises an internal surface 4b having a generally hexagonal shape comprising parts having convex shapes. Each of these parts is included in a connecting zone 9 connecting a second structural sub-element 7b to a first structural sub-element 7a.
  • the internal peripheral wall 4b of this holding member 1 has a non-triangular shape.
  • the connecting part comprises in whole or in part portions 10 defined on the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3a, 3b and which are provided in particular to cooperate with specific and/or dedicated first and second holding parts 20a, 20b of the first structural sub-elements 7a.
  • each first structural sub-element 7a comprises a connecting portion 19 provided with first and second holding parts 20a, 20b visible on the figure 4 And which are intended for mounting said holding member 1 respectively on support elements 3a, 3b each having a different cross section.
  • this connecting portion 19 is also called “mounting portion 19” or “assembly portion 19”.
  • first and second holding parts 20a, 20b which can also be called “mounting parts” or “assembly parts” or even “connecting parts”, are included in a connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a, said portion 19 being included in the inner face of the holding member 1 by extending over all or part of the thickness of this holding member 1. In other words, each first and second holding part 20a, 20b therefore extends over all or part of the thickness of the holding member 1.
  • the first and second holding portions 20a, 20b each comprise at least one contact zone 8a, 8b with the corresponding support element 3a, 3b.
  • Each contact zone 8a, 8b may be rounded or convex or even flat.
  • the contact zone 8a, 8b of each first and second holding portions 20a, 20b is capable of cooperating with the peripheral wall 21 of a connecting portion of the support element 3a, 3b, in particular with a corresponding contact portion 10 defined in this peripheral wall 21, while being in a plano-convex contact configuration.
  • first structural sub-elements and these second structural sub-elements 7a, 7b connect the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b of the holding member 1 to each other.
  • these first and second structural and elastic sub-elements 7a, 7b essentially make it possible to produce an elastic clamping type coupling of the support element 3a, 3b in the opening 5 formed in this holding member 1 which is defined by the internal peripheral wall 4b of this holding member 1.
  • these first structural sub-elements 7a therefore comprise only the contact zones 8a, 8b of the holding member. 1 with the support element 3a, 3b which can be defined in all or part of the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a.
  • the first holding portion 20a comprises at least one contact zone 8a.
  • This first holding portion 20a is intended to cooperate with the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3a, for example here the false axis 3a.
  • Such a support element 3a has a cross-section different from that of another support element 3b such as the balance shaft 3b whose peripheral wall is intended to cooperate only with the second holding portion 20b of each first structural sub-element 7a of the holding member 1.
  • the difference(s) in this cross-section may relate to the shape of this section, in particular its geometric shape, but not exclusively.
  • the section of this support element 3a is non-circular, preferably mainly triangular, being formed of three essentially flat faces.
  • the flat faces of this support element 3a comprise the contact portions 10 of this element 3a, portions 10 which are therefore also flat.
  • the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a comprises a substantially hollow or substantially concave part and two contact zones 8a defined at its ends and extending substantially over all or part of the thickness of the holding member 1. These two contact zones 8a are specifically defined so as to cooperate with the corresponding contact portions 10 included in the peripheral wall 21 of this support element 3a.
  • Such contact zones 8a each have a surface preferably convex and delimit the ends of the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a.
  • the convex surface of each of these contact zones 8a thus allows them to produce with the contact portions 10 a plano-convex type contact configuration. It should be noted here that the flat face of each contact portion 10 of the support element 3a is assessed relative to the convex surface of each corresponding contact zone 8a with respect to which this portion 10 is arranged.
  • each first structural sub-element 7a makes it possible to produce a contact pressure between the holding member 1 and the support element 3a when producing a mechanical connection between them, while significantly reducing the intensity of the stresses at these contact zones 8a and the corresponding contact portions 10a of the support element 3a during the assembly and/or fixing of this holding member 1 with the support element 3a here the false axis, which stresses are likely to damage the holding member 1 by the appearance of breakages/fractures or even cracks.
  • the second holding portion 20b also comprises at least one contact zone 8b.
  • This second holding portion 20b is intended to cooperate with the peripheral wall 21 of a support element 3b such as the balance shaft 3b.
  • a support element 3b has a cross-section different from that of another support element 3a such as the false axle 3a whose peripheral wall is intended to cooperate only with the first holding portion 20a of each first structural sub-element 7a of the holding member 1.
  • the difference(s) in this cross section may (or may) relate to the shape of this section but not exclusively.
  • the section of this support element 3b is preferably circular.
  • the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a comprises a substantially hollow or substantially concave part in which two contact zones 8b are included. These two contact zones 8b are capable of cooperating with the corresponding contact portions 10 of the support element 3b.
  • Such contact zones 8b are defined in the connecting portion 19, in particular in the concave part of this connecting portion 19, extending substantially over all or part of the thickness of the holding member 1.
  • these contact zones 8b are flat, each comprising a surface which is wholly or partly flat.
  • the two contact zones 8b of each first structural sub-element 7a are respectively included in different planes together forming an obtuse angle. These two contact zones 8b of each first structural sub-element 7a are disjointed by being spaced apart from each other.
  • the connecting portion 19 comprises a separation zone 18 of the two contact zones 8b of each first structural sub-element 7a visible on the figure 4 .
  • the contact zones 8b of the first structural sub-elements 7a are provided in particular to cooperate with the contact portions 10 according to a plano-convex type contact configuration in which configuration where the flat surface of each contact zone 8b cooperates with the corresponding convex-shaped contact portion 10 of the support element 3.
  • this convex shape of each contact portion 10 is assessed relative to the flat surface of each corresponding contact zone 8b with respect to which this portion 10 is arranged.
  • this flat surface of each contact zone 8b forms a plane tangent to the diameter of the support element. In other words, the flat surface is perpendicular to the diameter and therefore to the radius R1 of the support element.
  • each first structural sub-element 7a makes it possible to apply contact pressure between the holding member 1 and the support element 3b when creating a mechanical connection between them, while significantly reducing the intensity of the stresses at these contact zones 8b and the corresponding contact portions 10 of the support element 3b when assembling and/or fixing this holding member 1 with the support element 3b, which stresses are likely to damage the holding member 1 by the appearance of breakages/fractures or even cracks.
  • these two flat contact zones 8b are preferably distributed in a disjoint manner on the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a and this, between the two contact zones 8a of the first holding part 20a.
  • the second holding part 20b comprises a single flat contact zone 8b included on the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a and this, equidistant from the two contact zones 8b of the first holding part 20a.
  • the holding member 1 then comprises twelve contact zones 8a, 8b, six of which, referenced 8a, are configured to cooperate exclusively with a support element 3a, for example of the false axis 3a type, in the context of sorting operations, and six others with a support element 3b, for example of the balance shaft type, to achieve precise centering of the timepiece component 2, for example a hairspring, in the timepiece movement 110.
  • each first structural sub-element 7a has a volume or quantity of material which is substantially greater or strictly greater than the volume or quantity of material constituting each second structural sub-element 7b.
  • this gap E is a maximum gap E1 when it is defined between parts of internal and external peripheral walls included in each first structural sub-element 7a, i.e. the maximum gap E1 present between the inner and outer faces of this first structural sub-element 7a.
  • this maximum gap E1 is defined between a portion of the outer peripheral wall of this first structural sub-element 7a and each contact zone 8a dedicated to cooperating with the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3b such as the false axis, this contact zone 8a being included in the inner face of the inner peripheral wall of this first structural sub-element 7a. It will also be noted that this maximum gap E1 is greater than a gap E3 defined between a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the first structural sub-element 7a and each contact zone 8b dedicated to cooperating with the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3b such as the balance shaft 3b, this contact zone 8b being included in the inner face of the inner peripheral wall 4b of this first structural sub-element 7a.
  • this gap E is a minimum gap E2 when it is defined between parts of the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b included in the second structural sub-elements 7b, i.e. the minimum gap E2 present between the internal and external faces of this second structural sub-element 7b.
  • Such a minimum gap E2 is constant or substantially constant over the entire length over which these second structural sub-elements 7b extend. This length is here parallel or substantially parallel to the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b included in these second structural sub-elements 7b.
  • the gap E2 is in this holding member 1, less than the smallest gap defined in the first structural sub-element 7a. In other words, the gap E2 is the smallest gap which is defined between the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b of this holding member 1.
  • Such a configuration of the first structural sub-elements and the second structural sub-elements 7a, 7b allows the holding member 1 to store a greater quantity of elastic energy for a same tightening compared to the holding members of the state of the art.
  • Such a quantity of elastic energy stored in the holding member 1 then makes it possible to obtain a greater holding torque of the holding member on the support element 3a, 3b in the assembly 130a, 130b of the assembly 120 holding member - watch component with this support element 3a, 3b.
  • such a surplus of elastic energy stored in the holding member 1 therefore increases the holding torque and allows optimal elastic tightening.
  • such a configuration of the holding member 1 makes it possible to store elastic energy ratios which are 6 to 8 times higher than those of the holding members of the state of the art.
  • each second structural sub-element 7b makes it possible to accommodate the deformation of the entire holding member 1 with the geometry of the connecting part of the support element 3a, 3b on which it is assembled.
  • the deformation mode undergone by each second structural sub-element 7b is a toroidal torsion coupled with a radial expansion.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing the assembly 130a, 130b of the assembly 120 elastic holding member - watch component with the support element 3a, 3b for example the balance shaft 3b or the false axis 3a.
  • This method comprises a step 13 of mounting the support element 3a, 3b on the holding member 1.
  • the support element 3a, 3b is inserted into the opening 5 of the holding member 1 more precisely the end of this support element 3a, 3b is presented at the entrance of this opening 5 defined by the internal peripheral wall 4b of the holding member 1 in anticipation of the introduction of the connecting part of this support element 3a, 3b into the volume defined in this opening 5.
  • this step 13 comprises a sub-step of installation 14a during which the collet is put in place on this false axle 3a in preparation for example for carrying out the classification operation.
  • This step 13 also comprises a sub-step of coupling 16a of this holding member 1 with the support element 3a here the false axle 3a.
  • the coupling is carried out without elastic tightening and this, thanks to the complementarity of their shape which thus allows cooperation between the latter when they are driven in a rotational movement during the carrying out of the classification operation.
  • this step 13 comprises a sub-step 14b of elastic deformation of the holding member 1 in particular of a central zone of this holding member 1 whose contour comprises said opening 5, which deformation results from the application of a contact force on the contact zones 8b of the first structural sub-elements 7a by the portions 10 of the peripheral wall 21 of the connecting part of the support element 3b.
  • this elastic deformation of the holding member 1 results from the application of the contact force to the contact zones 8b of the first structural sub-elements 7a by the portions 10 of the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3b.
  • Such a deformation sub-sub-step 14b comprises a displacement phase 15 of the first structural sub-elements 7a under the action of the contact force applied to them.
  • Such a movement of the first structural sub-elements 7a is carried out in a direction between a radial direction B1 relative to a central axis C common to the support element 3b and to the holding member 1, and a direction B2 coinciding with this central axis C.
  • this direction B2 is perpendicular to the direction B1 and is oriented in a defined direction from the lower face 12 towards the upper face.
  • the contact force is preferably perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each contact zone 8b.
  • a first deformation otherwise called " elastic torsional deformation" of these second structural sub-elements 7b is driven at its two ends in the same direction of rotation B4 by the first structural sub-elements 7a in displacement to which such ends are connected. It will be noted that only a portion of the body of these second structural sub-elements 7b is deformable in torsion here the ends of these second structural sub-elements 7b.
  • Such a first deformation participates in particular in causing a deformation of each structural element 6 in torsion. This first deformation makes it possible to improve the insertion of the support element 3b into the opening 5 of the holding member 1 by participating in avoiding any breakage of the holding member 1 and/or any appearance of a crack in this member 1 during its assembly with the support element 3b.
  • a second deformation otherwise called “ tensile deformation” or " elastic extension deformation " of the second structural sub-elements 7b is pulled at its two ends in the longitudinal direction B3 in opposite directions by the first structural sub-elements 7a in movement to which such ends are connected.
  • Such a second deformation of the second structural sub-element 7b contributes in particular to each structural element 6 storing a significant amount of elastic energy.
  • the holding member 1 also stores a significant amount of elastic energy
  • This double elastic deformation of the second structural sub-elements 7b can be carried out simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or even successively or substantially successively. It will be noted in the context of the implementation of this phase 15, when this double elastic deformation is carried out successively or substantially successively, the first deformation is then carried out before the second deformation.
  • This assembly step 13 then comprises a sub-step 16b of fixing the holding member 1 on the support element 3b.
  • a fixing sub-step 16b comprises a phase 17 of performing a radial elastic clamping of the holding member 1 on the support element 3b. It is therefore understood that in such a state of stress, the holding member 1 stores a significant quantity of elastic energy which contributes to giving it a substantial holding torque, in particular allowing optimal turning by elastic clamping.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of invention

L'invention porte sur un organe de maintien élastique pour la fixation d'un composant d'horlogerie sur des éléments de support de différents types tels qu'un arbre de balancier ou encore un faux-axe.The invention relates to an elastic holding member for fixing a watch component to support elements of different types such as a balance shaft or even a false axis.

L'invention porte aussi sur un ensemble organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie et des assemblages comprenant un tel ensemble et un élément de support.The invention also relates to an elastic holding member - watch component assembly and assemblies comprising such an assembly and a support element.

L'invention porte enfin sur un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant au moins un de ces assemblages ainsi que sur une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un tel mouvement.The invention finally relates to a watch movement comprising at least one of these assemblies as well as to a timepiece comprising such a movement.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

Dans l'état de la technique, on connait des organes de maintien élastique tels que des viroles d'horlogerie qui participent à des assemblages de spiraux sur des arbres ou axes de balancier d'organes de régulation tels que des résonateurs de mouvements d'horlogerie et ce, par un serrage élastique. De tels spiraux sont classiquement chacun enroulé autour d'un axe de spiral en étant pourvu d'une virole à leur extrémité interne. Cette virole comporte une ouverture dont la face intérieure comprend des parties de maintien qui sont agencées pour coopérer avec un arbre de révolution autour dudit axe de spiral en contribuant au centrage dudit spiral sur un tel arbre.In the state of the art, elastic holding members are known, such as watch collets, which participate in assemblies of hairsprings on balance shafts or axles of regulating members, such as resonators of watch movements, by elastic tightening. Such hairsprings are each conventionally wound around a hairspring shaft, being provided with a collet at their inner end. This collet comprises an opening, the inner face of which comprises holding parts which are arranged to cooperate with a shaft of revolution around said hairspring shaft, contributing to the centering of said hairspring on such a shaft.

Au préalable de la réalisation de tels assemblages, il est courant d'effectuer des mesures de couple et/ou de rigidité de ces spiraux lors notamment d'une opération dite de classage. Pour ce faire, la virole d'un spiral donné est alors chassée sur un faux-axe de section transversale circulaire qui participe à assurer son maintien en position angulaire et verticale. Le diamètre de ce faux-axe est défini en fonction du diamètre de l'ouverture de la virole du spiral et ce, de manière à ce que le maintien en position angulaire et verticale de cette virole, lors de la mesure du couple du spiral, est obtenu par un serrage de cette virole sur ce faux-axe. Un tel serrage qui résulte de la déformation élastique de la virole, présente une valeur définie en fonction du diamètre du faux-axe. Par la suite, une fois l'opération de classage achevée, la virole du spiral est alors séparée/déchassée du faux-axe en vue de son assemblage par chassage sur l'arbre de balancier de manière à ce que les parties de maintien de la virole coopèrent avec cet arbre de balancier afin d'assurer un serrage élastique.Before producing such assemblies, it is common to measure the torque and/or stiffness of these hairsprings, particularly during a so-called sorting operation. To do this, the collet of a given hairspring is then driven onto a false axis of circular cross-section which helps to ensure that it is held in an angular and vertical position. The diameter of this false axis is defined according to the diameter of the opening of the hairspring collet, so that the holding of this collet in an angular and vertical position, when measuring the torque of the hairspring, is obtained by tightening this collet on this false axis. Such tightening, which results from the elastic deformation of the collet, has a value defined according to the diameter of the false axis. Subsequently, once the sorting operation is completed, the hairspring collet is then separated/driven out of the false axis with a view to its assembly by driving onto the balance shaft so that the holding parts of the collet cooperate with this balance shaft in order to ensure elastic tightening.

Toutefois, une telle opération de classage peut être à l'origine de « défauts produits » du fait qu'il arrive que la virole vienne à se casser/s'égriser lors de sollicitations multiples et répétitives liées à son chassage, déchassage sur/du le faux-axe et ensuite un « rechassage » sur l'arbre de balancier, ou encore durant le fonctionnement du résonateur dans lequel elle est comprise notamment lors de la mise en mouvement. En effet, durant l'opération de classage, le serrage réalisé entre le faux-axe et la virole entraine des efforts de cisaillement qui peuvent endommager cette virole en engendrant de micro-cassures au niveau d'au moins une arête de cette virole. Autrement dit, le chassage sur le faux-axe de cette virole, classiquement réalisée en un matériau très fragile sous contrainte mécanique tel que le silicium, peut générer des tensions dans la matière de ce spiral et engendrer un risque d'égrisure pouvant se révéler très critique car induisant une amorce de rupture au niveau de la virole avec un risque de casse de celle-ci qui sera détectée plus tard lors de la mise en mouvement. État de la technique notable: EP3401740 , WO2011/026725 .However, such a filing operation can be the cause of "product defects" because the collet can break/become chipped during multiple and repetitive stresses related to its driving in, driving out on/from the false axis and then "redriving" on the balance shaft, or during the operation of the resonator in which it is included, in particular when setting in motion. Indeed, during the filing operation, the tightening carried out between the false axis and the collet causes shearing forces which can damage this collet by generating micro-breaks at the level of at least one edge of this collet. In other words, the driving on the false axis of this collet, conventionally made of a very fragile material under mechanical stress such as silicon, can generate tensions in the material of this hairspring and cause a risk of chipping which can prove very critical because it induces an incipient rupture at the level of the ferrule with a risk of breakage of the latter which will be detected later when the movement is started. Notable state of the art: EP3401740 , WO2011/026725 .

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Le but de la présente invention est de pallier en tout ou partie les inconvénients cités précédemment en proposant un organe de maintien élastique comprenant plusieurs parties de maintien spécifiques prévues chacune pour coopérer exclusivement avec un type d'élément de support donné et en particulier avec la paroi périphérique de cet élément de support lors du montage de cet organe sur ce dernier.The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing an elastic holding member comprising several specific holding parts, each designed to cooperate exclusively with a given type of support element and in particular with the peripheral wall of this support element when mounting this member on the latter.

A cet effet, l'invention porte sur un organe de maintien élastique selon la revendication 1 pour la fixation d'un composant d'horlogerie sur des éléments de support de section transversale différente, comprenant une ouverture dans laquelle est susceptible d'être inséré chaque élément de support, l'organe de maintien comportant des éléments structurels formant ensemble le corps de cet organe de maintien et contribuant à assurer un montage de chaque élément de support dans ladite ouverture chacun de ces éléments structurels comprenant un premier sous-élément structurel et un deuxième sous-élément structurel, le premier sous-élément structurel comportant un volume de matière supérieur au volume de matière constituant le deuxième sous-élément structurel, l'organe de maintien comprenant une portion de liaison assurant le montage dans l'organe de maintien de chacun desdits éléments de support, ladite portion étant définie sur une face intérieure dudit premier sous-élément structurel.For this purpose, the invention relates to an elastic holding member according to claim 1 for fixing a watch component on support elements of different cross-section, comprising an opening in which each support element is capable of being inserted, the holding member comprising structural elements together forming the body of this holding member and contributing to ensuring mounting of each support element in said opening, each of these structural elements comprising a first structural sub-element and a second structural sub-element, the first structural sub-element comprising a volume of material greater than the volume of material constituting the second structural sub-element, the holding member comprising a connecting portion ensuring mounting in the holding member of each of said support elements, said portion being defined on an inner face of said first structural sub-element.

Ainsi dans cette organe maintien la même portion de liaison d'un premier sous-élément structurel de chaque élément structurel de l'organe de maintien grâce à ses caractéristiques, est sollicitée à la fois lors du montage de cet organe sur le faux-axe et lors du chassage de ce dernier sur un élément de support tel que l'arbre de balancier et ce, quel que soit la forme géométrique de la section transversale de cet élément de support. De plus, les portions de liaison des premiers sous-éléments structurels d'un tel organe de maintien permettent d'assurer un montage de cet organe sur le faux-axe par la réalisation d'un posage et d'un accouplement de cet organe de maintien avec ce faux-axe et ce, sans que ce montage requiert une opération de chassage comme c'est le cas dans l'état de la technique. Ce posage prévoit une mise en place de cet organe de maintien en position angulaire et verticale sur le faux-axe notamment lors de la mesure du couple d'un spiral, sans serrage élastique c'est-à-dire sans déformation des éléments structurels soit sans déformation de cet organe de maintien. Autrement dit un tel accouplement entre l'organe de maintien et le faux axe nécessaire pour la réalisation d'opération de classage, est obtenu sans serrage élastique et ce, grâce notamment à la complémentarité de leur forme qui permet ainsi une coopération entre ces derniers lorsqu'ils sont entrainés dans un mouvement de rotation lors de la réalisation de l'opération de classage, et aussi grâce à la répartition du volume/quantité de matière entre les premier et deuxième sous-éléments structurels de chaque élément structurel constituant cet organe de maintien. On comprend donc ainsi que lors de la réalisation d'opération de classage, l'organe de maintien n'est plus sollicité par des efforts de cisaillement qui peuvent l'endommager en engendrant de micro-cassures au niveau de sa structure.Thus in this organ, the same connecting portion of a first structural sub-element of each structural element of the holding organ, thanks to its characteristics, is stressed both during the assembly of this organ on the false axis and during the driving of the latter on a support element such as the balance shaft, regardless of the shape. geometrical structure of the cross-section of this support element. In addition, the connecting portions of the first structural sub-elements of such a holding member make it possible to ensure mounting of this member on the false axis by performing a fitting and coupling of this holding member with this false axis, without this mounting requiring a driving operation as is the case in the prior art. This fitting provides for the installation of this holding member in an angular and vertical position on the false axis, in particular when measuring the torque of a hairspring, without elastic tightening, i.e. without deformation of the structural elements or without deformation of this holding member. In other words, such a coupling between the holding member and the false axis necessary for carrying out the sorting operation is obtained without elastic clamping, thanks in particular to the complementarity of their shape which thus allows cooperation between the latter when they are driven in a rotational movement during the carrying out of the sorting operation, and also thanks to the distribution of the volume/quantity of material between the first and second structural sub-elements of each structural element constituting this holding member. It is therefore understood that during the carrying out of the sorting operation, the holding member is no longer stressed by shear forces which can damage it by generating micro-breaks at the level of its structure.

Dans d'autres modes de réalisation :

  • la portion de liaison est définie uniquement sur la face intérieure dudit premier sous-élément structurel ;
  • la portion de liaison comprend des première et deuxième parties de maintien assurant le montage dans l'organe de maintien de chacun desdits éléments de support ;
  • lesdites première et deuxième parties de maintien comprennent chacune au moins une zone de contact configurée pour coopérer avec l'élément de support correspondant ;
  • au moins une zone de contact des première et deuxième parties de maintien est comprise dans la portion de liaison de chaque premier sous-élément structurel de l'organe de maintien en s'étendant sur tout ou partie d'une épaisseur de cet organe de maintien ;
  • chaque zone de contact des première et deuxième parties de maintien est apte à coopérer avec une portion de contact correspondante de l'élément de support correspondant en étant dans une configuration de contact de type plan-convexe ;
  • la première partie de maintien comprend deux zones de contact convexes délimitant une portion de liaison de chaque premier sous-élément structurel ;
  • la deuxième partie de maintien comprend deux zones de contact plates réparties de manière disjointe sur une portion de liaison de chaque premier sous-élément structurel entre les deux zones de contact de la première partie de maintien ;
  • les deux zones de contact plates de la deuxième partie de maintien de chaque premier sous-élément structurel sont comprises respectivement dans des plans différents formant ensemble un angle obtus ;
  • la deuxième partie de maintien de chaque premier sous-élément structurel comprend une unique zone de contact plate agencée à équidistance des deux zones de contact convexes de la première partie de maintien ;
  • l'organe de maintien comprend autant de premiers sous-éléments structurels que de deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels ;
  • les premiers sous-éléments structurels et les deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels sont agencés dans l'organe de maintien de manière successive et alternée ;
  • chaque premier sous-élément structurel est relié en ses deux extrémités opposées à deux deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels différents ;
  • chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel présente une section transversale qui est inférieure à une section transversale de chaque premier sous-élément structurel ;
  • chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel présente une section transversale qui est constante dans tout le corps de ce deuxième sous-élément structurel ;
  • l'organe de maintien comprend un point d'attache avec le composant d'horlogerie ;
  • l'organe de maintien est une virole pour la fixation du composant d'horlogerie tel qu'un spiral à un élément de support tel qu'un arbre de balancier ou un faux-axe ;
  • l'organe de maintien est réalisé en matériau micro-usinable comprenant du silicium, du quartz, du corindon, du silicium et du dioxyde de silicium, du DLC, du verre métallique, de la céramique ou tout autre matériau au moins partiellement amorphe, ou similaire.
In other embodiments:
  • the connecting portion is defined only on the inner face of said first structural sub-element;
  • the connecting portion comprises first and second holding parts ensuring the mounting in the holding member of each of said support elements;
  • said first and second holding portions each comprise at least one contact zone configured to cooperate with the corresponding support element;
  • at least one contact zone of the first and second holding parts is included in the connecting portion of each first structural sub-element of the holding member, extending over all or part of a thickness of this holding member;
  • each contact zone of the first and second holding parts is capable of cooperating with a corresponding contact portion of the corresponding support element by being in a plano-convex type contact configuration;
  • the first holding portion comprises two convex contact zones delimiting a connecting portion of each first structural sub-element;
  • the second holding portion comprises two flat contact areas distributed disjointly on a connecting portion of each first structural sub-element between the two contact areas of the first holding portion;
  • the two flat contact areas of the second holding part of each first structural sub-element are respectively included in different planes together forming an obtuse angle;
  • the second holding portion of each first structural sub-element comprises a single flat contact area arranged equidistant from the two convex contact areas of the first holding portion;
  • the holding member comprises as many first structural sub-elements as second structural sub-elements;
  • the first structural sub-elements and the second structural sub-elements are arranged in the holding member in a successive and alternating manner;
  • each first structural sub-element is connected at its two opposite ends to two different second structural sub-elements;
  • each second structural sub-element has a cross-section that is less than a cross-section of each first structural sub-element;
  • each second structural sub-element has a cross-section which is constant throughout the body of that second structural sub-element;
  • the holding member comprises an attachment point with the timepiece component;
  • the holding member is a collet for fixing the watch component such as a hairspring to a support element such as a balance shaft or a false axis;
  • the holding member is made of micro-machinable material comprising silicon, quartz, corundum, silicon and silicon dioxide, DLC, metallic glass, ceramic or any other at least partially amorphous material, or the like.

L'invention porte aussi sur un ensemble organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie pour un mouvement d'horlogerie d'une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un organe de maintien.The invention also relates to an elastic holding member - watch component assembly for a watch movement of a timepiece comprising a holding member.

Avantageusement, cet ensemble est monobloc.Advantageously, this set is a single piece.

L'invention porte également sur un assemblage comprenant un ensemble organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie et un élément de support notamment un faux-axe, ledit ensemble étant maintenu sur ledit élément de support à partir d'une première partie de maintien dudit organe de maintien, ladite première partie de maintien étant configurée pour coopérer avec une paroi périphérique dudit élément de support.The invention also relates to an assembly comprising an elastic holding member - watch component assembly and a support element, in particular a false axle, said assembly being held on said support element from a first holding part of said holding member, said first holding part being configured to cooperate with a peripheral wall of said support element.

En particulier, l'assemblage comprend un ensemble organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie et un élément de support notamment un arbre de balancier, ledit ensemble étant maintenu sur ledit élément de support à partir d'une deuxième partie de maintien dudit organe de maintien, ladite deuxième partie de maintien étant configurée pour coopérer avec une paroi périphérique dudit élément de support.In particular, the assembly comprises an elastic holding member - watch component assembly and a support element in particular a balance shaft, said assembly being held on said support element from a second holding part of said holding member, said second holding part being configured to cooperate with a peripheral wall of said support element.

L'invention porte aussi sur un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant au moins un tel assemblage.The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising at least one such assembly.

L'invention porte également sur une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un tel mouvement d'horlogerie.The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres particularités et avantages ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue d'un organe de maintien élastique pour la fixation d'un composant d'horlogerie assemblé à un élément de support tel qu'un faux axe, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue d'un organe de maintien élastique pour la fixation d'un composant d'horlogerie assemblé à un élément de support tel qu'un arbre de balancier, selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de l'organe de maintien élastique pour la fixation du composant d'horlogerie sur l'élément de support, selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue à plus grande échelle d'une partie A de la figure 3 sous un autre angle de vue, selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention, et
  • la figure 5 représente un assemblage comportant un ensemble organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie fixé à un élément de support tel qu'un faux-axe compris dans un dispositif de réalisation d'une opération de classage, selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 6 représente une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un mouvement d'horlogerie pourvu d'au moins un assemblage comportant un ensemble organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie fixé à un élément de support tel qu'un arbre de balancier, selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention, et
  • la figure 7 représente un procédé de réalisation de tels assemblages d'un ensemble organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie avec un élément de support de type faux-axe ou arbre de balancier.
Other features and advantages will become clear from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
  • there figure 1 is a view of an elastic holding member for fixing a watch component assembled to a support element such as a false axis, according to one embodiment of the invention;
  • there figure 2 is a view of an elastic holding member for fixing a watch component assembled to a support element such as a balance shaft, according to the embodiment of the invention;
  • there figure 3 is a view of the elastic holding member for fixing the watch component to the support element, according to the embodiment of the invention;
  • there figure 4 represents a larger scale view of part A of the figure 3 from another angle of view, according to the embodiment of the invention, and
  • there figure 5 represents an assembly comprising an elastic holding member assembly - watch component fixed to a support element such as a false axle included in a device for carrying out a sorting operation, according to the embodiment of the invention;
  • there figure 6 represents a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement provided with at least one assembly comprising an elastic holding member assembly - timepiece component fixed to a support element such as a balance shaft, according to the embodiment of the invention, and
  • there figure 7 represents a method of producing such assemblies of an elastic holding member assembly - watch component with a support element of the false axis or balance shaft type.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed description of preferred embodiments

Les figures 1 à 4 présentent un mode de réalisation de l'organe de maintien élastique 1 pour la fixation d'un composant d'horlogerie 2 sur un élément de support 3a, 3b. À titre d'exemple, l'organe de maintien élastique 1 peut être une virole pour la fixation du composant d'horlogerie 2 tel qu'un spiral à un élément de support 3a, 3b tel qu'un « faux axe » 3a et un arbre de balancier 3b visibles respectivement sur les figures 1 et 2. Ce faux-axe 3a également appelé axe de réglage, faux-arbre ou encore axe de classage est spécifiquement utilisé dans le cadre d'ajustement d'un ensemble balancier-spiral selon différentes techniques connues telles que la technique dite d'omégamétrique consistant à effectuer un classage des spiraux, un classage des balanciers, un appairage d'un balancier choisi dans une classe particulière, avec un spiral choisi lui aussi dans une classe particulière, ces classes étant compatibles entre elles.THE Figures 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the elastic holding member 1 for fixing a watch component 2 on a support element 3a, 3b. As an example, the elastic holding member 1 may be a collet for fixing the watch component 2 such as a hairspring to a support element 3a, 3b such as a “false axis” 3a and a balance shaft 3b visible respectively in the Figures 1 and 2 . This false axis 3a also called adjustment axis, false shaft or classification axis is specifically used in the context of adjusting a balance-spring assembly according to different known techniques such as the so-called omegametric technique consisting of carrying out a classification of the springs, a classification of the balances, a pairing of a balance chosen in a particular class, with a balance also chosen in a particular class, these classes being compatible with each other.

On notera que s'agissant de l'arbre de balancier 3b, il peut être également être appelé par son synonyme axe de balancier et est notamment prévu pour recevoir la virole.It should be noted that with regard to the balance shaft 3b, it can also be called by its synonym balance shaft and is in particular designed to receive the collet.

Cet organe de maintien élastique 1 est réalisé en une matière dite « fragile » de préférence une matière micro-usinable. Une telle matière peut comprendre du silicium, du quartz, du corindon, du silicium et du dioxyde de silicium, DLC, verre métallique, de la céramique, autre matériau au moins partiellement amorphe, ou similaire.This elastic holding member 1 is made of a so-called “fragile” material, preferably a micro-machinable material. Such a material may comprise silicon, quartz, corundum, silicon and silicon dioxide, DLC, metallic glass, ceramic, other at least partially amorphous material, or the like.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, cet organe de maintien 1 peut être compris dans un ensemble 120 organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie visible sur les figures 5 et 6. Un tel ensemble 120 est prévu pour être agencé dans un mouvement d'horlogerie 110 d'une pièce d'horlogerie 100 visible sur la figure 6, et également pour être chassé sur un élément de support 3a tel que l'arbre de balancier ou encore être posé sur un élément de support 3b comme le faux-axe lors de la réalisation d'une opération de classage. Un tel ensemble 120 peut être une pièce monobloc et être réalisé dans une matière « fragile » similaire à celle de la virole.In this embodiment, this holding member 1 can be included in an assembly 120 of elastic holding member - watch component visible in the Figures 5 and 6 . Such an assembly 120 is intended to be arranged in a clockwork movement 110 of a timepiece 100 visible in the figure 6 , and also to be driven onto a support element 3a such as the balance shaft or to be placed on a support element 3b such as the false axle when carrying out a sorting operation. Such an assembly 120 may be a single-piece part and be made of a “fragile” material similar to that of the ferrule.

On notera que dans une variante de cet ensemble 120, seul l'organe de maintien élastique 1 peut être réalisé en une telle matière dite « fragile », le composant d'horlogerie 2 étant alors fabriqué en une autre matière.It will be noted that in a variant of this assembly 120, only the elastic holding member 1 can be made of such a so-called “fragile” material, the timepiece component 2 then being made of another material.

Cet ensemble 120 peut faire partie d'un assemblage 130a, 130b pour le mouvement horlogerie 110 ou encore pour un dispositif 140 de réalisation d'une opération de classage, en étant monté sur l'élément de support 3a, 3b, ici l'arbre de balancier ou le faux-axe. Un tel dispositif 140 visible sur la figure 5, comprend notamment un module de mesure 150 et l'élément de support 3a ici le faux-axe 3a. On notera que cet assemblage 130a, 130b a été imaginé pour des applications dans le domaine horloger. Toutefois, l'invention peut parfaitement être mise en oeuvre dans d'autres domaines tels que l'aéronautique, la bijouterie, ou encore l'automobile.This assembly 120 may be part of an assembly 130a, 130b for the watch movement 110 or for a device 140 for carrying out a classification operation, by being mounted on the support element 3a, 3b, here the balance shaft or the false axis. Such a device 140 visible on the figure 5 , includes in particular a measuring module 150 and the support element 3a here the false axis 3a. It will be noted that this assembly 130a, 130b was designed for applications in the watchmaking field. However, the invention can be perfectly implemented in other fields such as aeronautics, jewelry, or even the automobile industry.

Un tel organe de maintien 1 comprend des structures externe et interne 4a, 4b ainsi qu'une face supérieure et une face inférieure 12 de préférence planes qui sont toutes deux comprises respectivement dans des premier et deuxième plans P1 et P2. Ces structures externe et interne 4a, 4b appelées par la suite parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b délimite respectivement les contours externe et interne de cet organe de maintien 1, le contour interne définissant une ouverture 5 de cet organe de maintien. Les parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b définissent des formes différentes de l'organe de maintien 1. Cette organe de maintien 1 présente une épaisseur qui s'étend de la face supérieure à la face inférieure 12. Ainsi que nous l'avons évoqué précédemment cet organe de maintien 1 peut correspondre à n'importe quel type de virole en comprenant des bras 6 comportant chacun un sous-bras élastique ou des sous-bras rigide et élastique 7a, 7b. Ces bras 6 sont par la suite appelés « éléments structurels 6 » de cet organe de maintien 1. De tels éléments structurels 6 forment ensemble le corps de cet organe de maintien 1. Effectivement chaque élément structurel 6 comprend une portion des parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b ainsi qu'une portion des faces supérieure et inférieure 12. Ces éléments structurels 6 sont de préférence pleins. Autrement dit, de préférence ces éléments structurels 6 ne sont pas creux. Dans ces conditions, les sous-bras rigides 7a et les sous-bras élastiques 7b sont appelés par la suite respectivement des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a et des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b.Such a holding member 1 comprises external and internal structures 4a, 4b as well as an upper face and a lower face 12 of preferably flat which are both respectively included in first and second planes P1 and P2. These external and internal structures 4a, 4b subsequently called external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b respectively delimit the external and internal contours of this holding member 1, the internal contour defining an opening 5 of this holding member. The external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b define different shapes of the holding member 1. This holding member 1 has a thickness which extends from the upper face to the lower face 12. As we have previously mentioned, this holding member 1 can correspond to any type of ferrule by comprising arms 6 each comprising an elastic sub-arm or rigid and elastic sub-arms 7a, 7b. These arms 6 are subsequently called "structural elements 6" of this holding member 1. Such structural elements 6 together form the body of this holding member 1. Indeed, each structural element 6 comprises a portion of the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b as well as a portion of the upper and lower faces 12. These structural elements 6 are preferably solid. In other words, these structural elements 6 are preferably not hollow. Under these conditions, the rigid sub-arms 7a and the elastic sub-arms 7b are subsequently called respectively first structural sub-elements 7a and second structural sub-elements 7b.

La paroi périphérique externe 4a d'un tel organe de maintien 1 peut présenter une forme quelconque en étant par exemple essentiellement triangulaire, circulaire ou encore une forme similaire à celle d'un quadrilatère. Ainsi que nous l'avons précédemment évoqué, la paroi périphérique interne 4b de cet organe de maintien 1, participe à définir l'ouverture 5 de cet organe de maintien 1 dans laquelle est destiné à être inséré l'élément de support 3a, 3b. Cette ouverture 5 définit un volume dans l'organe de maintien 1 qui est inférieur à celui d'une partie de liaison d'une extrémité de l'élément de support 3a, 3b qui est prévue pour y être agencée. On notera que cette partie de liaison comprend en tout ou partie des portions 10 définies sur la paroi périphérique 21 de l'élément de support 3a, 3b et qui sont prévues notamment pour coopérer avec des premières et deuxièmes parties de maintien 20a, 20b spécifiques et/ou dédiées des éléments structurels 6. Ces première et deuxième parties de maintien 20a, 20b sont chacune destinée à assurer un montage dudit organe de maintien 1 sur des éléments de support 3a, 3b différents ici un arbre de balancier et un faux-axe. Comme on le verra par la suite, ces première et deuxième parties de maintien 20a, 20b comprennent chacune au moins une zone de contact 8a, 8b configurée pour coopérer avec l'élément de support 3a, 3b correspondant. Chaque zone de contact 8a, 8b des première et deuxième parties de maintien 20a, 20b est apte à coopérer avec une portion de contact 10 correspondante de l'élément de support 3a, 3b correspondant en étant de préférence dans une configuration de contact de type plan-convexe.The outer peripheral wall 4a of such a holding member 1 may have any shape, for example being essentially triangular, circular or a shape similar to that of a quadrilateral. As previously mentioned, the inner peripheral wall 4b of this holding member 1 helps to define the opening 5 of this holding member 1 in which the support element 3a, 3b is intended to be inserted. This opening 5 defines a volume in the holding member 1 which is less than that of a connecting part of one end of the support element 3a, 3b which is intended to be arranged there. It will be noted that this connecting part comprises in whole or in part portions 10 defined on the wall peripheral 21 of the support element 3a, 3b and which are provided in particular to cooperate with specific and/or dedicated first and second holding parts 20a, 20b of the structural elements 6. These first and second holding parts 20a, 20b are each intended to ensure mounting of said holding member 1 on different support elements 3a, 3b here a balance shaft and a false axle. As will be seen below, these first and second holding parts 20a, 20b each comprise at least one contact zone 8a, 8b configured to cooperate with the corresponding support element 3a, 3b. Each contact zone 8a, 8b of the first and second holding parts 20a, 20b is capable of cooperating with a corresponding contact portion 10 of the corresponding support element 3a, 3b while preferably being in a plano-convex type contact configuration.

S'agissant de la paroi périphérique externe 4a, elle est notamment destinée à être reliée au composant d'horlogerie 2 par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un point d'attache 11 agencé dans la paroi périphérique externe de l'organe de maintien 1.With regard to the external peripheral wall 4a, it is in particular intended to be connected to the timepiece component 2 via at least one attachment point 11 arranged in the external peripheral wall of the holding member 1.

Pour une meilleur compréhension, l'invention va être décrite par la suite pour un organe de maintien 1 tel qu'une virole illustrée sur les figures 1 à 4, comprenant des éléments structurels 6 comportant chacun un premier sous-élément structurel 7a et un deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b. Cet organe de maintien 1 comprend une surface interne 4b présentant une forme globalement hexagonale comprenant des parties présentant des formes convexes. Chacune de ces parties est comprise dans une zone de liaison 9 reliant un deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b à un premier sous-élément structurel 7a. La paroi périphérique interne 4b de cet organe de maintien 1 présente une forme non triangulaire. On notera que la partie de liaison comprend en tout ou partie des portions 10 définies sur la paroi périphérique 21 de l'élément de support 3a, 3b et qui sont prévues notamment pour coopérer avec des premières et deuxièmes parties de maintien 20a, 20b spécifiques et/ou dédiées des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a.For a better understanding, the invention will be described below for a holding member 1 such as a ferrule illustrated in the Figures 1 to 4 , comprising structural elements 6 each comprising a first structural sub-element 7a and a second structural sub-element 7b. This holding member 1 comprises an internal surface 4b having a generally hexagonal shape comprising parts having convex shapes. Each of these parts is included in a connecting zone 9 connecting a second structural sub-element 7b to a first structural sub-element 7a. The internal peripheral wall 4b of this holding member 1 has a non-triangular shape. It will be noted that the connecting part comprises in whole or in part portions 10 defined on the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3a, 3b and which are provided in particular to cooperate with specific and/or dedicated first and second holding parts 20a, 20b of the first structural sub-elements 7a.

Cet organe de maintien 1 comprend donc les premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a et des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b reliant les parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b entre elles. On notera que cet organe de maintien 1 comprend autant de premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a que de deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b. Les premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a sont ici indéformables ou quasi-indéformables et jouent un rôle d'éléments de rigidification de l'organe de maintien 1. S'agissant des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b ils présentent des propriétés d'élasticité notamment en comparaison des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a. En effet, ces deuxièmes sous-éléments 7b sont aptes à se déformer principalement en traction mais également en torsion. Ces premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a et ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b sont définis ou encore distribués de manière successive et alternée dans cet organe de maintien 1. Autrement dit, ces premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a sont reliés entre eux par lesdits deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b. Plus précisément, chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b est relié en ses deux extrémités opposées au niveau de zones de liaison 9 à deux premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a différents. Ainsi que nous l'avons déjà évoqué précédemment de tels premiers et deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7a, 7b comprennent de manière non limitative et non exhaustive :

  • des faces intérieures comprises dans la paroi périphérique interne 4b et qui participent à définir aussi l'ouverture 5 de cet organe de maintien 1, et
  • des faces extérieures comprises dans la paroi périphérique externe 4a de cet organe de maintien 1.
This holding member 1 therefore comprises the first structural sub-elements 7a and second structural sub-elements 7b connecting the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b together. It will be noted that this holding member 1 comprises as many first structural sub-elements 7a as second structural sub-elements 7b. The first structural sub-elements 7a are here non-deformable or almost non-deformable and play a role as stiffening elements of the holding member 1. With regard to the second structural sub-elements 7b, they have elasticity properties in particular in comparison with the first structural sub-elements 7a. Indeed, these second sub-elements 7b are capable of deforming mainly in tension but also in torsion. These first structural sub-elements 7a and these second structural sub-elements 7b are defined or distributed successively and alternately in this holding member 1. In other words, these first structural sub-elements 7a are connected to each other by said second structural sub-elements 7b. More precisely, each second structural sub-element 7b is connected at its two opposite ends at the level of connection zones 9 to two different first structural sub-elements 7a. As we have already mentioned previously, such first and second structural sub-elements 7a, 7b comprise, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner:
  • internal faces included in the internal peripheral wall 4b and which also participate in defining the opening 5 of this holding member 1, and
  • external faces included in the external peripheral wall 4a of this holding member 1.

On notera que les faces intérieures des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b sont essentiellement planes et les faces intérieures des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a peuvent être non planes en étant par exemple ondulées. Dans ce contexte, la face intérieure de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a comprend une portion de liaison 19 pourvue de première et deuxième parties de maintien 20a, 20b visibles sur la figure 4 et qui sont destinées au montage dudit organe de maintien 1 respectivement sur des éléments de support 3a, 3b présentant chacun une section transversale différente. On notera que cette portion de liaison 19 est aussi appelée « portion de montage 19 » ou encore « portion d'assemblage 19 ».It will be noted that the inner faces of the second structural sub-elements 7b are essentially planar and the inner faces of the first structural sub-elements 7a may be non-planar by being for example corrugated. In this context, the inner face of each first structural sub-element 7a comprises a connecting portion 19 provided with first and second holding parts 20a, 20b visible on the figure 4 And which are intended for mounting said holding member 1 respectively on support elements 3a, 3b each having a different cross section. It will be noted that this connecting portion 19 is also called “mounting portion 19” or “assembly portion 19”.

Ces première et deuxième parties de maintien 20a, 20b qui peuvent être également appelées « parties de montage » ou « parties d'assemblage ou encore « parties de liaison », sont comprises dans une portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a, ladite portion 19 étant incluse dans la face intérieure de l'organe de maintien 1 en s'étendant sur tout ou partie de l'épaisseur de cet organe de maintien 1. Autrement dit, chaque première et deuxième partie de maintien 20a, 20b s'étend donc sur tout ou partie de l'épaisseur de l'organe de maintien 1.These first and second holding parts 20a, 20b which can also be called “mounting parts” or “assembly parts” or even “connecting parts”, are included in a connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a, said portion 19 being included in the inner face of the holding member 1 by extending over all or part of the thickness of this holding member 1. In other words, each first and second holding part 20a, 20b therefore extends over all or part of the thickness of the holding member 1.

Les première et deuxième parties de maintien 20a, 20b comprennent chacune au moins une zone de contact 8a, 8b avec l'élément de support 3a, 3b correspondant. Chaque zone de contact 8a, 8b peut être arrondie ou convexe ou encore plate. La zone de contact 8a, 8b de chaque première et deuxième parties de maintien 20a, 20b, est apte à coopérer avec la paroi périphérique 21 d'une partie de liaison de l'élément de support 3a, 3b en particulier avec une portion de contact 10 correspondante définie dans cette paroi périphérique 21 et ce, en étant dans une configuration de contact de type plan-convexe.The first and second holding portions 20a, 20b each comprise at least one contact zone 8a, 8b with the corresponding support element 3a, 3b. Each contact zone 8a, 8b may be rounded or convex or even flat. The contact zone 8a, 8b of each first and second holding portions 20a, 20b is capable of cooperating with the peripheral wall 21 of a connecting portion of the support element 3a, 3b, in particular with a corresponding contact portion 10 defined in this peripheral wall 21, while being in a plano-convex contact configuration.

Ces premiers sous-éléments structurels et ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7a, 7b relient les parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b de l'organe de maintien 1 entre elles. Dans cet organe de maintien 1, ces premiers et deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels et élastiques 7a, 7b permettent essentiellement de réaliser un accouplement de type serrage élastique de l'élément de support 3a, 3b dans l'ouverture 5 ménagée dans cet organe de maintien 1 qui est définie par la paroi périphérique interne 4b de cet organe de maintien 1.These first structural sub-elements and these second structural sub-elements 7a, 7b connect the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b of the holding member 1 to each other. In this holding member 1, these first and second structural and elastic sub-elements 7a, 7b essentially make it possible to produce an elastic clamping type coupling of the support element 3a, 3b in the opening 5 formed in this holding member 1 which is defined by the internal peripheral wall 4b of this holding member 1.

Ainsi que nous l'avons vu, ces premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a comprennent donc les seules zones de contact 8a, 8b de l'organe de maintien 1 avec l'élément de support 3a, 3b qui peuvent être définies dans tout ou partie de la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a.As we have seen, these first structural sub-elements 7a therefore comprise only the contact zones 8a, 8b of the holding member. 1 with the support element 3a, 3b which can be defined in all or part of the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a.

Dans ce contexte, la première partie de maintien 20a comprend au moins une zone de contact 8a. Cette première partie de maintien 20a est destinée à coopérer avec la paroi périphérique 21 de l'élément de support 3a par exemple ici le faux-axe 3a. Un tel élément de support 3a présente une section transversale différente de celle d'un autre élément de support 3b tel que l'arbre de balancier 3b dont la paroi périphérique est destinée à coopérer uniquement avec la deuxième partie de maintien 20b de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a de l'organe de maintien 1. La (ou les) différence (s) de cette section transversale peut (ou peuvent) porter sur la forme de cette section, notamment sa forme géométrique, mais pas exclusivement.In this context, the first holding portion 20a comprises at least one contact zone 8a. This first holding portion 20a is intended to cooperate with the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3a, for example here the false axis 3a. Such a support element 3a has a cross-section different from that of another support element 3b such as the balance shaft 3b whose peripheral wall is intended to cooperate only with the second holding portion 20b of each first structural sub-element 7a of the holding member 1. The difference(s) in this cross-section may relate to the shape of this section, in particular its geometric shape, but not exclusively.

On notera que, la forme et/ou les dimensions de cette section sont spécifiquement définie (s) afin que ladite au moins une zone de contact 8a soit la seule zone de contact 8a de la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a qui soit configurée pour coopérer de manière exclusive avec la paroi périphérique 21 de cet élément de support 3a.It will be noted that the shape and/or dimensions of this section are specifically defined so that said at least one contact zone 8a is the only contact zone 8a of the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a which is configured to cooperate exclusively with the peripheral wall 21 of this support element 3a.

En effet, dans le présent mode de réalisation et en référence à la figure 1, la section de cet élément de support 3a est non-circulaire de préférence principalement triangulaire en étant formé de trois faces essentiellement plates. Dans ce contexte, les faces plates de cet élément de support 3a comprennent les portions de contact 10 de cet élément 3a, portions 10 qui sont donc également plates. En référence à la figure 4, la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a comprend une partie sensiblement creuse ou sensiblement concave et deux zones de contact 8a définies en ses extrémités et s'étendant sensiblement sur tout ou partie de l'épaisseur de l'organe de maintien 1. Ces deux zones de contact 8a sont spécifiquement définies de manière à coopérer avec les portions de contact 10 correspondantes comprises dans la paroi périphérique 21 de cet élément de support 3a. De telles zones de contact 8a présentent chacune une surface de préférence convexe et délimitent les extrémités de la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a. La surface convexe de chacune de ces zones de contact 8a leurs permet ainsi de réaliser avec les portions de contact 10 une configuration de contact de type plan-convexe. Précisons ici que la face plate de chaque portion de contact 10 de l'élément de support 3a, est appréciée relativement à la surface convexe de chaque zone de contact 8a correspondante au regard de laquelle cette portion 10 est agencée. Dans cette configuration, la présence de deux zones de contact 8a convexes dans la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a permet de réaliser une pression de contact entre l'organe de maintien 1 et l'élément de support 3a lors de la réalisation d'une liaison mécanique entre eux et ce, tout en diminuant de manière conséquente l'intensité des contraintes au niveau de ces zones de contact 8a et les portions de contact 10a correspondantes de l'élément de support 3a lors de l'assemblage et/ou la fixation de cet organe de maintien 1 avec l'élément de support 3a ici le faux-axe, lesquelles contraintes étant susceptibles d'endommager l'organe de maintien 1 par l'apparition de cassures/brisures ou encore des fissures. Autrement dit, comme il n'y a pas de chassage de l'élément de support 3a, qui a dans ce mode de réalisation une section triangulaire croissante définissant un cône dans la direction axiale de cet élément 3a et que l'organe de liaison 1 vient simplement se bloquer sur la section maximale de ce cône, les contraintes sont alors quasi nulles voire nulles.Indeed, in the present embodiment and with reference to the figure 1 , the section of this support element 3a is non-circular, preferably mainly triangular, being formed of three essentially flat faces. In this context, the flat faces of this support element 3a comprise the contact portions 10 of this element 3a, portions 10 which are therefore also flat. With reference to the figure 4 , the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a comprises a substantially hollow or substantially concave part and two contact zones 8a defined at its ends and extending substantially over all or part of the thickness of the holding member 1. These two contact zones 8a are specifically defined so as to cooperate with the corresponding contact portions 10 included in the peripheral wall 21 of this support element 3a. Such contact zones 8a each have a surface preferably convex and delimit the ends of the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a. The convex surface of each of these contact zones 8a thus allows them to produce with the contact portions 10 a plano-convex type contact configuration. It should be noted here that the flat face of each contact portion 10 of the support element 3a is assessed relative to the convex surface of each corresponding contact zone 8a with respect to which this portion 10 is arranged. In this configuration, the presence of two convex contact zones 8a in the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a makes it possible to produce a contact pressure between the holding member 1 and the support element 3a when producing a mechanical connection between them, while significantly reducing the intensity of the stresses at these contact zones 8a and the corresponding contact portions 10a of the support element 3a during the assembly and/or fixing of this holding member 1 with the support element 3a here the false axis, which stresses are likely to damage the holding member 1 by the appearance of breakages/fractures or even cracks. In other words, since there is no driving of the support element 3a, which in this embodiment has an increasing triangular section defining a cone in the axial direction of this element 3a and since the connecting member 1 simply locks on the maximum section of this cone, the stresses are then almost zero or even zero.

S'agissant de la deuxième partie de maintien 20b, elle comprend aussi au moins une zone de contact 8b. Cette deuxième partie de maintien 20b est destinée à coopérer avec la paroi périphérique 21 d'un élément de support 3b tel que l'arbre de balancier 3b. Un tel élément de support 3b présente une section transversale différente de celle d'un autre élément de support 3a tel que le faux-axe 3a dont la paroi périphérique est destinée à coopérer uniquement avec la première partie de maintien 20a de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a de l'organe de maintien 1. La (ou les) différence (s) de cette section transversale peut (ou peuvent) porter sur la forme de cette section mais pas exclusivement.As regards the second holding portion 20b, it also comprises at least one contact zone 8b. This second holding portion 20b is intended to cooperate with the peripheral wall 21 of a support element 3b such as the balance shaft 3b. Such a support element 3b has a cross-section different from that of another support element 3a such as the false axle 3a whose peripheral wall is intended to cooperate only with the first holding portion 20a of each first structural sub-element 7a of the holding member 1. The difference(s) in this cross section may (or may) relate to the shape of this section but not exclusively.

On notera que, la forme et/ou les dimensions de cette section sont spécifiquement définie (s) afin que ladite au moins une zone de contact 8b soit la seule zone de contact 8b de la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a qui soit configurée pour coopérer de manière exclusive avec la paroi périphérique 21 de cet élément de support 3b.It will be noted that the shape and/or dimensions of this section are specifically defined so that said at least one contact zone 8b is the only contact zone 8b of the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a which is configured to cooperate exclusively with the peripheral wall 21 of this support element 3b.

En effet, dans le présent mode de réalisation, en référence à la figure 2, la section de cet élément de support 3b est de préférence circulaire. Sur la figure 4, la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a comprend une partie sensiblement creuse ou sensiblement concave dans laquelle sont comprises deux zones de contact 8b. Ces deux zones de contact 8b sont aptes à coopérer avec les portions de contact 10 correspondantes de l'élément de support 3b. De telles zones de contact 8b sont définies dans la portion de liaison 19, notamment dans la partie concave de cette portion de liaison 19, en s'étendant sensiblement sur tout ou partie de l'épaisseur de l'organe de maintien 1. De plus ces zones de contact 8b sont plates en comprenant chacune une surface qui est en tout ou partie plane. Dans la portion de liaison 19, les deux zones de contact 8b de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a autrement appelées zones de contact 8b plates, sont comprises respectivement dans des plans différents formant ensemble un angle obtus. Ces deux zones de contact 8b de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a, sont disjointes en étant espacées l'une de l'autre. Autrement dit, la portion de liaison 19 comprend une zone de séparation 18 des deux zones de contact 8b de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a visible sur la figure 4.Indeed, in the present embodiment, with reference to the figure 2 , the section of this support element 3b is preferably circular. On the figure 4 , the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a comprises a substantially hollow or substantially concave part in which two contact zones 8b are included. These two contact zones 8b are capable of cooperating with the corresponding contact portions 10 of the support element 3b. Such contact zones 8b are defined in the connecting portion 19, in particular in the concave part of this connecting portion 19, extending substantially over all or part of the thickness of the holding member 1. In addition, these contact zones 8b are flat, each comprising a surface which is wholly or partly flat. In the connecting portion 19, the two contact zones 8b of each first structural sub-element 7a, otherwise called flat contact zones 8b, are respectively included in different planes together forming an obtuse angle. These two contact zones 8b of each first structural sub-element 7a are disjointed by being spaced apart from each other. In other words, the connecting portion 19 comprises a separation zone 18 of the two contact zones 8b of each first structural sub-element 7a visible on the figure 4 .

Les zones de contact 8b des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a sont prévues notamment pour coopérer avec les portions de contact 10 selon une configuration de contact de type plan-convexe dans laquelle configuration où la surface plane de chaque zone de contact 8b coopère avec la portion de contact 10 correspondante de forme convexe de l'élément de support 3. Précisons ici que cette forme convexe de chaque portion de contact 10 est appréciée relativement à la surface plane de chaque zone de contact 8b correspondante au regard de laquelle cette portion 10 est agencée. On notera que cette surface plane de chaque zone de contact 8b forme un plan tangent au diamètre de l'élément de support. Autrement dit, la surface plane est perpendiculaire au diamètre et donc au rayon R1 de l'élément de support.The contact zones 8b of the first structural sub-elements 7a are provided in particular to cooperate with the contact portions 10 according to a plano-convex type contact configuration in which configuration where the flat surface of each contact zone 8b cooperates with the corresponding convex-shaped contact portion 10 of the support element 3. It should be noted here that this convex shape of each contact portion 10 is assessed relative to the flat surface of each corresponding contact zone 8b with respect to which this portion 10 is arranged. It will be noted that this flat surface of each contact zone 8b forms a plane tangent to the diameter of the support element. In other words, the flat surface is perpendicular to the diameter and therefore to the radius R1 of the support element.

Dans cette configuration, la présence de deux zones de contact 8b plates dans la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a permet d'effectuer une pression de contact entre l'organe de maintien 1 et l'élément de support 3b lors de la réalisation d'une liaison mécanique entre eux et ce, tout en diminuant de manière conséquente l'intensité des contraintes au niveau de ces zones de contact 8b et les portions de contact 10 correspondantes de l'élément de support 3b lors de l'assemblage et/ou la fixation de cet organe de maintien 1 avec l'élément de support 3b, lesquelles contraintes étant susceptibles d'endommager l'organe de maintien 1 par l'apparition de cassures/brisures ou encore des fissures.In this configuration, the presence of two flat contact zones 8b in the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a makes it possible to apply contact pressure between the holding member 1 and the support element 3b when creating a mechanical connection between them, while significantly reducing the intensity of the stresses at these contact zones 8b and the corresponding contact portions 10 of the support element 3b when assembling and/or fixing this holding member 1 with the support element 3b, which stresses are likely to damage the holding member 1 by the appearance of breakages/fractures or even cracks.

On notera que ces deux zones de contact plates 8b sont de préférence réparties de manière disjointe sur la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a et ce, entre les deux zones de contact 8a de la première partie de maintien 20a.It will be noted that these two flat contact zones 8b are preferably distributed in a disjoint manner on the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a and this, between the two contact zones 8a of the first holding part 20a.

Dans une variante, la deuxième partie de maintien 20b comprend une unique zone de contact plate 8b comprise sur la portion de liaison 19 de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a et ce, à équidistance des deux zones de contact 8b de la première partie de maintien 20a.In a variant, the second holding part 20b comprises a single flat contact zone 8b included on the connecting portion 19 of each first structural sub-element 7a and this, equidistant from the two contact zones 8b of the first holding part 20a.

L'organe de maintien 1 comprend alors douze zones de contact 8a, 8b dont six référencées 8a sont configurées pour coopérer exclusivement avec un élément de support 3a par exemple de type faux axe 3a dans le cadre d'opérations de classage, et six autres avec un élément de support 3b par exemple de type arbre de balancier pour réaliser un centrage précis du composant d'horlogerie 2, par exemple un spiral, dans le mouvement d'horlogerie 110. Dans cet organe de maintien 1, chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a présente un volume ou quantité de matière qui est sensiblement supérieur ou strictement supérieur au volume ou à la quantité de matière constituant chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b. On notera en effet que les parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b, sont séparées l'une de l'autre dans cet organe de maintien 1 par un écart variable E qui évolue alors selon que ces parois périphériques 4a, 4b sont comprises par exemple dans un premier sous-élément structurel 7a ou encore un deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b. En effet, cet écart E est un écart maximal E1 lorsqu'il est défini entre des parties de parois périphériques interne et externe comprises dans chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a, soit l'écart maximal E1 présent entre les faces intérieure et extérieure de ce premier sous-élément structurel 7a. En particulier pour chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a, cet écart maximal E1 est défini entre une partie de la paroi périphérique externe de ce premier sous-élément structurel 7a et chaque zone de contact 8a dédiée à coopérer avec la paroi périphérique 21 de l'élément de support 3b tel que le faux-axe, cette zone de contact 8a étant comprise dans la face intérieure de la paroi périphérique interne de ce premier sous-élément structurel 7a. On notera d'ailleurs que cet écart maximal E1 est supérieur à un écart E3 défini entre une partie de la paroi périphérique externe du premier sous-élément structurel 7a et chaque zone de contact 8b dédiée à coopérer avec la paroi périphérique 21 de l'élément de support 3b tel que l'arbre de balancier 3b, cette zone de contact 8b étant comprise dans la face intérieure de la paroi périphérique interne 4b de ce premier sous-élément structurel 7a.The holding member 1 then comprises twelve contact zones 8a, 8b, six of which, referenced 8a, are configured to cooperate exclusively with a support element 3a, for example of the false axis 3a type, in the context of sorting operations, and six others with a support element 3b, for example of the balance shaft type, to achieve precise centering of the timepiece component 2, for example a hairspring, in the timepiece movement 110. In this holding member 1, each first structural sub-element 7a has a volume or quantity of material which is substantially greater or strictly greater than the volume or quantity of material constituting each second structural sub-element 7b. It will be noted in fact that the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b are separated from each other in this holding member 1 by a variable gap E which then changes depending on whether these peripheral walls 4a, 4b are included for example in a first structural sub-element 7a or a second structural sub-element 7b. Indeed, this gap E is a maximum gap E1 when it is defined between parts of internal and external peripheral walls included in each first structural sub-element 7a, i.e. the maximum gap E1 present between the inner and outer faces of this first structural sub-element 7a. In particular for each first structural sub-element 7a, this maximum gap E1 is defined between a portion of the outer peripheral wall of this first structural sub-element 7a and each contact zone 8a dedicated to cooperating with the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3b such as the false axis, this contact zone 8a being included in the inner face of the inner peripheral wall of this first structural sub-element 7a. It will also be noted that this maximum gap E1 is greater than a gap E3 defined between a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the first structural sub-element 7a and each contact zone 8b dedicated to cooperating with the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3b such as the balance shaft 3b, this contact zone 8b being included in the inner face of the inner peripheral wall 4b of this first structural sub-element 7a.

Par ailleurs, cet écart E est un écart minimal E2 lorsqu'il est défini entre des parties des parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b comprises dans les deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b, soit l'écart minimal E2 présent entre les faces intérieure et extérieure de ce deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b. Un tel écart minimal E2 est contant ou sensiblement constant sur toute la longueur sur laquelle s'étend ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b. Cette longueur est ici parallèle ou sensiblement parallèle aux parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b comprises dans ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b. De plus, l'écart E2 est dans cet organe de maintien 1, inférieur au plus petit écart défini dans le premier sous élément structurel 7a. Autrement dit, l'écart E2 est le plus petit écart qui est défini entre les parois périphériques externe et interne 4a, 4b de cet organe de maintien 1.Furthermore, this gap E is a minimum gap E2 when it is defined between parts of the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b included in the second structural sub-elements 7b, i.e. the minimum gap E2 present between the internal and external faces of this second structural sub-element 7b. Such a minimum gap E2 is constant or substantially constant over the entire length over which these second structural sub-elements 7b extend. This length is here parallel or substantially parallel to the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b included in these second structural sub-elements 7b. In addition, the gap E2 is in this holding member 1, less than the smallest gap defined in the first structural sub-element 7a. In other words, the gap E2 is the smallest gap which is defined between the external and internal peripheral walls 4a, 4b of this holding member 1.

On comprend donc ici que chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b présente une section transversale qui est inférieure à une section transversale de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a. Autrement dit, la section transversale de chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b présente une surface qui est inférieure à une surface de la section transversale de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a. On notera que la section transversale du deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b est constante ou sensiblement constante dans tout le corps de ce deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b alors que la section transversale du premier sous-élément structurel 7a est inconstante/variable dans tout le corps de ce premier sous-élément structurel 7a. En complément, on remarquera que :

  • la section transversale de chaque premier sous-élément structurel 7a est de préférence une section pleine ou partiellement pleine qui est perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale selon laquelle s'étend le corps de ce premier sous-élément structurel 7a, et
  • la section transversale de chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b est de préférence une section pleine ou partiellement pleine qui est perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale selon laquelle s'étend le corps de ce deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b.
It is therefore understood here that each second structural sub-element 7b has a cross-section that is less than a cross-section of each first structural sub-element 7a. In other words, the cross-section of each second structural sub-element 7b has a surface area that is less than a surface area of the cross-section of each first structural sub-element 7a. It will be noted that the cross-section of the second structural sub-element 7b is constant or substantially constant throughout the body of this second structural sub-element 7b while the cross-section of the first structural sub-element 7a is inconstant/variable throughout the body of this first structural sub-element 7a. In addition, it will be noted that:
  • the cross-section of each first structural sub-element 7a is preferably a solid or partially solid section which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the body of this first structural sub-element 7a extends, and
  • the cross-section of each second structural sub-element 7b is preferably a solid or partially solid section which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the body of this second structural sub-element 7b extends.

Une telle configuration des premiers sous-éléments structurels et des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7a, 7b permet à l'organe de maintien 1 d'emmagasiner une quantité plus importante d'énergie élastique pour un même serrage en comparaison avec les organes de maintien de l'état de la technique. Une telle quantité d'énergie élastique emmagasinée dans l'organe de maintien 1 permet alors d'obtenir un couple de tenue plus important de l'organe de maintien sur l'élément de support 3a, 3b dans l'assemblage 130a, 130b de l'ensemble 120 organe de maintien - composant d'horlogerie avec cet élément de support 3a, 3b. Autrement dit, un tel surplus d'énergie élastique stockée dans l'organe de maintien 1 augmente donc le couple de tenue et autorise un serrage élastique optimal. En complément, on notera qu'une telle configuration de l'organe de maintien 1 permet de stocker des ratios d'énergie élastique qui sont 6 à 8 fois supérieurs à ceux des organes de maintien de l'état de la technique.Such a configuration of the first structural sub-elements and the second structural sub-elements 7a, 7b allows the holding member 1 to store a greater quantity of elastic energy for a same tightening compared to the holding members of the state of the art. Such a quantity of elastic energy stored in the holding member 1 then makes it possible to obtain a greater holding torque of the holding member on the support element 3a, 3b in the assembly 130a, 130b of the assembly 120 holding member - watch component with this support element 3a, 3b. In other words, such a surplus of elastic energy stored in the holding member 1 therefore increases the holding torque and allows optimal elastic tightening. In addition, it will be noted that such a configuration of the holding member 1 makes it possible to store elastic energy ratios which are 6 to 8 times higher than those of the holding members of the state of the art.

On notera que la disposition des premiers sous-éléments structurels et ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7a, 7b dans l'organe de maintien 1 permet lors d'une insertion avec serrage, une déformation de chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b permettant d'accommoder la déformation de l'ensemble de l'organe de maintien 1 avec la géométrie de la partie de liaison de l'élément de support 3a, 3b sur laquelle on l'assemble. En complément, le mode de déformation que subit chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b est une torsion toroïdale couplée à une expansion radiale.It will be noted that the arrangement of the first structural sub-elements and these second structural sub-elements 7a, 7b in the holding member 1 allows, during an insertion with tightening, a deformation of each second structural sub-element 7b making it possible to accommodate the deformation of the entire holding member 1 with the geometry of the connecting part of the support element 3a, 3b on which it is assembled. In addition, the deformation mode undergone by each second structural sub-element 7b is a toroidal torsion coupled with a radial expansion.

En référence à la figure 7, l'invention porte également sur un procédé de réalisation de l'assemblage 130a, 130b de l'ensemble 120 organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie avec l'élément de support 3a, 3b par exemple l'arbre du balancier 3b ou le faux-axe 3a. Ce procédé comprend une étape de montage 13 de l'élément de support 3a, 3b sur l'organe de maintien 1. Durant cette étape 13, l'élément de support 3a, 3b est inséré dans l'ouverture 5 de l'organe de maintien 1 plus précisément l'extrémité de cet élément de support 3a, 3b est présentée à l'entrée de cette ouverture 5 définie par la paroi périphérique interne 4b de l'organe de maintien 1 en prévision de l'introduction de la partie de liaison de cet élément de support 3a, 3b dans le volume défini dans cette ouverture 5.In reference to the figure 7 , the invention also relates to a method for producing the assembly 130a, 130b of the assembly 120 elastic holding member - watch component with the support element 3a, 3b for example the balance shaft 3b or the false axis 3a. This method comprises a step 13 of mounting the support element 3a, 3b on the holding member 1. During this step 13, the support element 3a, 3b is inserted into the opening 5 of the holding member 1 more precisely the end of this support element 3a, 3b is presented at the entrance of this opening 5 defined by the internal peripheral wall 4b of the holding member 1 in anticipation of the introduction of the connecting part of this support element 3a, 3b into the volume defined in this opening 5.

Lorsqu'il s'agit de l'assemblage 130a de l'ensemble 120 organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie avec l'élément de support 3a tel qu'un faux-axe 3a, cette étape 13 comprend une sous-étape de posage 14a lors de laquelle la virole est mise en place sur ce faux-axe 3a en prévision par exemple de la réalisation de l'opération de classage. Cette étape 13 comprend également une sous-étape d'accouplement 16a de cet organe de maintien 1 avec l'élément de support 3a ici le faux-axe 3a. Lors de cette sous-étape 16a, l'accouplement est réalisé sans serrage élastique et ce, grâce à la complémentarité de leur forme qui permet ainsi une coopération entre ces derniers lorsqu'ils sont entrainés dans un mouvement de rotation lors de la réalisation de l'opération de classage. On notera que cette complémentarité de leur forme résulte notamment du fait que cet organe de maintien 1 et l'élément de support 3a présentent des formes différentes. De plus, lors de cette étape de montage 13 seules les zones de contact référencées 8a coopèrent avec les portions 10 de la paroi périphérique 21 de la partie de liaison de l'élément de support 3a.When it comes to the assembly 130a of the assembly 120 elastic holding member - watch component with the support element 3a such as a false axle 3a, this step 13 comprises a sub-step of installation 14a during which the collet is put in place on this false axle 3a in preparation for example for carrying out the classification operation. This step 13 also comprises a sub-step of coupling 16a of this holding member 1 with the support element 3a here the false axle 3a. During this sub-step 16a, the coupling is carried out without elastic tightening and this, thanks to the complementarity of their shape which thus allows cooperation between the latter when they are driven in a rotational movement during the carrying out of the classification operation. It will be noted that this complementarity of their shape results in particular from the fact that this holding member 1 and the support element 3a have different shapes. In addition, during this assembly step 13 only the contact zones referenced 8a cooperate with the portions 10 of the peripheral wall 21 of the connecting part of the support element 3a.

Lorsqu'il s'agit de l'assemblage 130b de l'ensemble 120 organe de maintien élastique - composant d'horlogerie avec l'élément de support 3b tel qu'un arbre de balancier 3b, cette étape 13 comprend une sous-étape de déformation 14b élastique de l'organe de maintien 1 notamment d'une zone centrale de cet organe de maintien 1 dont le contour comprend ladite ouverture 5, laquelle déformation résultant de l'application d'une force de contact sur les zones de contact 8b des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a par les portions 10 de la paroi périphérique 21 de la partie de liaison de l'élément de support 3b.When it comes to the assembly 130b of the assembly 120 elastic holding member - watch component with the support element 3b such as a balance shaft 3b, this step 13 comprises a sub-step 14b of elastic deformation of the holding member 1 in particular of a central zone of this holding member 1 whose contour comprises said opening 5, which deformation results from the application of a contact force on the contact zones 8b of the first structural sub-elements 7a by the portions 10 of the peripheral wall 21 of the connecting part of the support element 3b.

Ainsi que nous l'avons précédemment évoqué, cette déformation élastique de l'organe de maintien 1 résulte de l'application de la force de contact sur les zones de contact 8b des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a par les portions 10 de la paroi périphérique 21 de l'élément de support 3b. Une telle sous-sous-étape de déformation 14b comprend une phase de déplacement 15 des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a sous l'action de la force de contact qui leurs est appliquée. Un tel déplacement des premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a est réalisé selon une direction comprise entre une direction radiale B1 par rapport à un axe central C commun à l'élément de support 3b et à l'organe de maintien 1, et une direction B2 confondue avec cet axe central C. On notera que cette direction B2 est perpendiculaire à la direction B1 et est orientée selon un sens défini de la face inférieure 12 vers la face supérieure. La force de contact est de préférence perpendiculaire ou sensiblement perpendiculaire à chaque zone de contact 8b.As previously mentioned, this elastic deformation of the holding member 1 results from the application of the contact force to the contact zones 8b of the first structural sub-elements 7a by the portions 10 of the peripheral wall 21 of the support element 3b. Such a deformation sub-sub-step 14b comprises a displacement phase 15 of the first structural sub-elements 7a under the action of the contact force applied to them. Such a movement of the first structural sub-elements 7a is carried out in a direction between a radial direction B1 relative to a central axis C common to the support element 3b and to the holding member 1, and a direction B2 coinciding with this central axis C. It will be noted that this direction B2 is perpendicular to the direction B1 and is oriented in a defined direction from the lower face 12 towards the upper face. The contact force is preferably perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each contact zone 8b.

On notera que dans le cadre du mode de réalisation de l'organe de maintien 1 décrit et illustré sur les figures 1 à 4, lors du déroulement de cette phase 15, les premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a ainsi en déplacement sous l'action de cette force de contact, engendrent une double déformation élastique des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b.It will be noted that in the context of the embodiment of the holding member 1 described and illustrated in the Figures 1 to 4 , during the course of this phase 15, the first structural sub-elements 7a thus moving under the action of this contact force, generate a double elastic deformation of the second structural sub-elements 7b.

Une première déformation autrement appelée « déformation élastique en torsion » de ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b. Lors de cette déformation en torsion, chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b est entrainé en ses deux extrémités selon un même sens de rotation B4 par les premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a en déplacement auxquels de telles extrémités sont reliées. On remarquera que seule une partie du corps de ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b est déformable en torsion ici les extrémités de ces deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b. Une telle première déformation participe notamment à entrainer alors une déformation de chaque élément structurel 6 en torsion. Cette première déformation permet d'améliorer l'insertion de l'élément de support 3b dans l'ouverture 5 de l'organe de maintien 1 en participant à éviter toute cassure de l'organe de maintien 1 et/ou toute apparition d'une fissure dans cet organe 1 lors de son assemblage avec l'élément de support 3b.A first deformation otherwise called " elastic torsional deformation " of these second structural sub-elements 7b. During this torsional deformation, each second structural sub-element 7b is driven at its two ends in the same direction of rotation B4 by the first structural sub-elements 7a in displacement to which such ends are connected. It will be noted that only a portion of the body of these second structural sub-elements 7b is deformable in torsion here the ends of these second structural sub-elements 7b. Such a first deformation participates in particular in causing a deformation of each structural element 6 in torsion. This first deformation makes it possible to improve the insertion of the support element 3b into the opening 5 of the holding member 1 by participating in avoiding any breakage of the holding member 1 and/or any appearance of a crack in this member 1 during its assembly with the support element 3b.

Une deuxième déformation autrement appelée « déformation par traction » ou encore « déformation élastique en extension » des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b. Lors de cette déformation en extension, chaque deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b est tiré en ses deux extrémités selon la direction longitudinale B3 dans des sens opposés par les premiers sous-éléments structurels 7a en déplacement auxquels de telles extrémités sont reliées. Une telle deuxième déformation du deuxième sous-élément structurel 7b, participe notamment à ce que chaque élément structurel 6 emmagasine une quantité importante d'énergie élastique. Autrement dit, l'organe de maintien 1 emmagasine aussi une quantité importante d'énergie élastiqueA second deformation otherwise called " tensile deformation " or " elastic extension deformation " of the second structural sub-elements 7b. During this extension deformation, each second structural sub-element 7b is pulled at its two ends in the longitudinal direction B3 in opposite directions by the first structural sub-elements 7a in movement to which such ends are connected. Such a second deformation of the second structural sub-element 7b, contributes in particular to each structural element 6 storing a significant amount of elastic energy. In other words, the holding member 1 also stores a significant amount of elastic energy

Cette double déformation élastique des deuxièmes sous-éléments structurels 7b peut être réalisée de manière simultanée ou sensiblement simultanée, ou encore de manière successive ou sensiblement successive. On notera dans le cadre de la mise en oeuvre de cette phase 15, lorsque cette double déformation élastique est réalisée de manière successive ou sensiblement successive, la première déformation est alors effectuée avant la deuxième déformation.This double elastic deformation of the second structural sub-elements 7b can be carried out simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or even successively or substantially successively. It will be noted in the context of the implementation of this phase 15, when this double elastic deformation is carried out successively or substantially successively, the first deformation is then carried out before the second deformation.

Cette étape 13 de montage comprend ensuite une sous-étape de fixation 16b de l'organe de maintien 1 sur l'élément de support 3b. Une telle sous-étape de fixation 16b comprend une phase de réalisation 17 d'un serrage élastique radial de l'organe de maintien 1 sur l'élément de support 3b. On comprend donc que dans un tel état de contrainte, l'organe de maintien 1 stocke une quantité importante d'énergie élastique qui contribue à lui conférer un couple de tenue conséquent autorisant notamment un virolage optimal par serrage élastique.This assembly step 13 then comprises a sub-step 16b of fixing the holding member 1 on the support element 3b. Such a fixing sub-step 16b comprises a phase 17 of performing a radial elastic clamping of the holding member 1 on the support element 3b. It is therefore understood that in such a state of stress, the holding member 1 stores a significant quantity of elastic energy which contributes to giving it a substantial holding torque, in particular allowing optimal turning by elastic clamping.

Claims (22)

  1. An elastic holding member (1) for fixing a timepiece component (2) on support elements (3a, 3b) of different cross section, comprising an opening (5) into which each support element (3a, 3b) can be inserted, the holding member (1) includes structural elements (6) together forming the body of this holding member (1) and helping to ensure mounting of each support element (3a, 3b) in said opening (5) each of these structural elements (6) comprising a first structural sub-element (7a) and a second structural sub-element (7b), the first structural sub-element (7a) including a volume of material greater than the volume of material constituting the second structural sub-element (7b), the holding member (1) comprising a connecting portion (19) ensuring the mounting of each of said support elements (3a, 3b) in the holding member (1), said portion (19) being defined on an inner face of said first structural sub-element (7a), said portion (19) comprises first and second holding parts (20a, 20b) ensuring the mounting of each of said support elements (3a, 3b) in the holding member (1), characterised in that the said second holding part (20b) comprises two flat contact areas (8b) distributed disjointly over a connecting portion (19) of each first structural sub-element (7a) between the two contact areas (8a) of the first holding part (20a).
  2. The elastic holding member (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the connecting portion (19) is defined only on the inner face of said first structural sub-element (7a).
  3. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first and second holding parts (20a, 20b) each comprise at least one contact area (8a, 8b) configured to cooperate with the corresponding support element (3a, 3b).
  4. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one contact area (8a, 8b) of the first and second holding parts (20a, 20b) is comprised in the connecting portion (19) of each first structural sub-element (7a) of the holding member (1) extending over all or part of a thickness of this holding member (1).
  5. The elastic holding member (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that each contact area (8a, 8b) of the first and second holding parts (20a, 20b) is able to cooperate with a corresponding contact portion (10) of the corresponding support element (3a, 3b) by being in a contact configuration of the plano-convex type.
  6. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the first holding part (20a) comprises two convex contact areas (8a) defining a connecting portion (19) of each first structural sub-element (7a).
  7. The elastic holding member (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the two flat contact areas (8b) of the second holding part (20b) of each first structural sub-element (7a) are respectively comprised in different planes together forming an obtuse angle.
  8. The elastic holding member (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that the second holding part (20b) of each first structural sub-element (7a) comprises a single flat contact area (8b) arranged equidistant from the two convex contact areas (8a) of the first holding part (20a).
  9. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises as many first structural sub-elements (7a) as second structural sub-elements (7b).
  10. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first structural sub-elements (7a) and the second structural sub-elements (7b) are arranged successively and alternately in the holding member (1).
  11. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each first structural sub-element (7a) is connected at its two opposite ends to two second different structural sub-elements (7b).
  12. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each second structural sub-element (7b) has a cross section which is less than a cross section of each first structural sub-element (7a).
  13. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each second structural sub-element (7b) has a cross section which is constant throughout the body of this second structural sub-element (7b).
  14. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a point (11) of attachment with the timepiece component (2).
  15. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is a collet for fixing the timepiece component (2) such as a spiral to a support element (3) such as a balance shaft or a stub axle.
  16. The elastic holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is made of a micromachinable material comprising silicon, quartz, corundum, silicon and silicon dioxide, DLC, metallic glass, ceramic or any other at least partially amorphous material, or the like.
  17. An elastic holding member - timepiece component (2) assembly (120) for a horological movement (110) of a timepiece (100) comprising a holding member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  18. The assembly (120) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it is made in one piece.
  19. An assemblage (130a) comprising an elastic holding member - timepiece component assembly (120) according to any one of claims 17 and 18 and a support element (3a), said assembly (120) being held on said support element (3a) from a first holding part (20a) of said holding member (1), said first holding part (20a) being configured to cooperate with a peripheral wall (21) of said support element (3a).
  20. The assemblage (130b) comprising an elastic holding member - timepiece component assembly (120) according to any one of claims 17 and 18 and a support element (3b), said assembly (120) being held on said support element (3b) from a second holding part (20b) of said holding member (1), said second holding part (20b) being configured to cooperate with a peripheral wall (21) of said support element (3b).
  21. A horological movement (110) comprising at least one assemblage (130b) according to claim 20.
  22. A timepiece (100) comprising a horological movement (110) according to the preceding claim.
EP20715113.5A 2019-04-08 2020-04-06 Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements Active EP3953769B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19167903.4A EP3722889A1 (en) 2019-04-08 2019-04-08 Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements
PCT/EP2020/059815 WO2020207986A1 (en) 2019-04-08 2020-04-06 Resilient retaining member for attaching a timepiece component to different support elements

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3953769A1 EP3953769A1 (en) 2022-02-16
EP3953769B1 true EP3953769B1 (en) 2025-01-08

Family

ID=66102546

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19167903.4A Withdrawn EP3722889A1 (en) 2019-04-08 2019-04-08 Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements
EP20715113.5A Active EP3953769B1 (en) 2019-04-08 2020-04-06 Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19167903.4A Withdrawn EP3722889A1 (en) 2019-04-08 2019-04-08 Elastic holding member for fixing a timepiece component on different support elements

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US12189338B2 (en)
EP (2) EP3722889A1 (en)
JP (1) JP7259079B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102744960B1 (en)
CN (1) CN113632014A (en)
WO (1) WO2020207986A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1445670A1 (en) * 2003-02-06 2004-08-11 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Balance-spring resonator spiral and its method of fabrication
CH698837B1 (en) * 2003-02-06 2009-11-13 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Flat hairspring for balance wheel/hairspring resonator, has strip formed of turns that are formed with single band from interior curve to exterior curve, where portion of exterior curve has section larger than section of strip
ATE467860T1 (en) * 2006-11-09 2010-05-15 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse MOUNTING ELEMENT COMPRISING EXTENSIBLE STRUCTURES IN THE FORM OF FORKS, AND CLOCK COMPRISING THIS ELEMENT
EP1921518B1 (en) * 2006-11-09 2010-05-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Assembly component comprising overlaid blade-shaped elastic structures and timepiece equipped with this component
CH701783B1 (en) 2009-09-07 2015-01-30 Manuf Et Fabrique De Montres Et Chronomètres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A spiral spring watch movement.
EP2550566B1 (en) 2010-03-25 2019-11-06 Rolex S.A. Split collet with a non-circular opening
CN103930837B (en) * 2011-09-29 2017-05-03 劳力士有限公司 One-piece assembly consisting of hairspring and collet
CH707288B1 (en) * 2012-11-22 2017-07-31 Mft Et Fabrique De Montres Et De Chronomètres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A Elastic holding device of two parts.
EP2743782B1 (en) * 2012-12-11 2016-02-03 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Device for assembly by deformation of resilient arms
CH711213A2 (en) * 2015-06-16 2016-12-30 Nivarox Far Sa A part comprising a geometric adaptation of the contact surface to be assembled by welding with another member.
EP3309625B1 (en) * 2016-10-13 2020-07-29 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Hairspring intended for being attached by a spring washer
JP6772790B2 (en) * 2016-11-29 2020-10-21 セイコーエプソン株式会社 How to make watch parts and how to make watches
EP3401740B1 (en) * 2017-05-12 2021-03-31 Patek Philippe SA Genève Flashless timepiece setting component
CH713999B1 (en) * 2017-07-18 2021-05-31 Richemont Int Sa Watch component intended to be fixed on an axis.
CH714000A1 (en) * 2017-07-18 2019-01-31 Richemont Int Sa Watchmaking assembly comprising a watch component fixed on an axis.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP7259079B2 (en) 2023-04-17
US20220155728A1 (en) 2022-05-19
KR102744960B1 (en) 2024-12-19
KR20210134367A (en) 2021-11-09
WO2020207986A1 (en) 2020-10-15
EP3953769A1 (en) 2022-02-16
CN113632014A (en) 2021-11-09
EP3722889A1 (en) 2020-10-14
US12189338B2 (en) 2025-01-07
JP2022529407A (en) 2022-06-22

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