• 专利附录
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    • 专利摘要:
    Micro mechanism comprising a first part, a second part (53) having an adjustable position relative to the first part, and a locking device (56) adapted to lock the second part in position relative to the first part. The locking device comprises an elastic support member (63) linked to the first part, a first adjustment finger (58a) linked to the first part, a second adjustment finger (57a) linked to the second part and s' extending in the opposite direction of the first adjustment finger, and the elastic support member (63) is adapted to exert a support on the second adjustment finger by locking it by friction against the first adjustment finger.
    公开号:CH713791B1
    申请号:CH01097/18
    申请日:2017-03-13
    公开日:2021-03-15
    发明作者:Sémon Guy；Tolou Nima；Van Bracht Sjoerd；Laurens Herder Justus
    申请人:Lvmh Swiss Mft Sa；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention relates to micro position adjustment mechanisms, as well as watch movements and timepieces comprising such mechanisms.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    Micro mechanisms are known comprising a first part, a second part having an adjustable position relative to the first part, and a locking device adapted to lock the second part in position relative to the first part.
    [0003] Such a micro mechanism has been described, for example, by Henneken et al. (VA Henneken, WP Sassen, W. van der Vlist, WHA Wien, M. Tichem, and PM Sarro. Two-dimensional fiber positioning and clamping device for product-internal microassembly. Microelectromechanical Systems, Journal of, 17 (3): 724 -734, 2008).
    This document describes a micro rack mechanism which has many drawbacks, in particular the amplitude of position adjustment is limited by the type of locking device, the locking force is relatively low, and this micro-mechanism requires two separate actuators to adjust the relative position between the first and second parts.
    OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    The object of the present invention is in particular to overcome all or part of these drawbacks.
    To this end, according to the invention, a micro mechanism of the type in question is characterized in that the locking device comprises at least one elastic support member linked to the first part, at least one first adjustment finger extending in an adjustment direction to a free end, at least one second adjustment finger extending in the direction of adjustment, in the opposite direction from the first adjustment finger to a free end, the first and second adjustment fingers being linked, one to the first part and the other to the second part,and in that the elastic support member is adapted to exert a support on the second adjustment finger substantially perpendicular to the adjustment direction, by locking it by friction against the first adjustment finger when the second part is in a position adjustment.
    [0007] Thanks to these arrangements, the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art are avoided:the adjustment range in position depends only on the length of the first and second adjustment fingers and can therefore be adapted to requirements,the locking force depends on the bearing force of the elastic support member, and can therefore also easily be adapted to requirements by choosing a more or less stiff elastic support member,the implementation of the locking device does not require two separate actuations for the adjustment and the locking; the locking is done here without actuation, by the simple elasticity of the elastic support member.
    In various embodiments of the micro mechanism according to the invention, one can optionally also have recourse to one and / or the other of the following provisions:the first adjustment finger is linked to the first part and the second adjustment finger is linked to the second part;the first and second adjustment fingers are flexible perpendicular to the adjustment direction and the locking device further comprises a rigid stop, which is disposed opposite the support member adapted to support the first and second adjustment fingers against the stressing of the elastic support member when the second part is in an adjustment position;the rigid stopper is integral with the first part;the locking device further comprises a rigid spacer which is adapted to bear against the rigid stop perpendicular to the adjustment direction and to be interposed between on the one hand, the first and second adjustment fingers and on the other hand , the rigid stop when the first and second adjustment fingers are in mutual contact, said rigid spacer being adapted to support, with the rigid stop, the first and second adjustment fingers against the bias of the elastic support member when the second part is in an adjustment position;the locking device comprises several first fingers and several second fingers interposed with the first adjustment fingers, the first and second adjustment fingers being adapted for mutual contact perpendicular to the adjustment direction when the second part is in an adjustment position;the locking device has between 3 and 10 first adjustment fingers;the first part comprises a first rigid portion which carries the elastic support member and said at least one first adjustment finger and the rigid stop;the second part comprises a second rigid portion which carries said at least one second adjusting finger and the rigid spacer;each of the first and second adjustment fingers has a flexible support rod and a head that is thicker than the support rod;said head has a certain length in the direction of adjustment and has a constant thickness over a major part of said length;the micro mechanism is intended for a timepiece and comprises:a support,at least one inertial regulating organ,an elastic suspension connecting said at least one inertial regulating member to the support and exhibiting a certain overall stiffness,said at least one inertial regulating member being adapted to oscillate at a frequency f with respect to the support,the elastic suspension comprising an elastic adjustment link having a first end connected to said at least one inertial adjusting member and a second end which is connected to the support by said locking device, said second end forming one of said first and second parts and the support forming the other of said first and second parts,said locking device being adapted to modify the position of the second end of said elastic adjustment link with respect to the support, so as to modify the overall stiffness of the elastic suspension and therefore said frequency f;the micro mechanism further comprises a frequency adjustment member which is linked to the second end of said elastic adjustment link, said frequency adjustment member being adjustable in position relative to the support by the locking device so as to be able to deform said elastic adjustment link;the micro mechanism further comprises an anchor adapted to cooperate with an energy distribution member provided with teeth and intended to be requested by an energy storage device, said anchor being controlled by said at least one inertial regulating member for regularly and alternately block and release the energy distribution member, so that said energy distribution member moves step by step under the stress of the energy storage device according to a repetitive movement cycle, and said anchor being adapted to transfer mechanical energy to said at least one inertial regulating member during this repetitive movement cycle;the regulator comprises first and second inertial regulating members linked together to always have symmetrical and opposite movements,the first inertial regulating member controls the anchor,the second inertial regulating member controls a balancing member to move said balancing member in symmetrical and opposite movements to the anchor,and said elastic adjustment link comprises at least first and second elastic parts, the first elastic part connecting the second inertial adjusting member to the balancing member and the second elastic part connecting said balancing member to the locking device;the first and second inertial regulating members are mounted on the support to oscillate in translation in a first direction of translation, the anchor and the balancing member are resiliently mounted on the support to oscillate in translation in a second direction of translation substantially perpendicular to the first direction of translation, and the locking device is adapted to adjust the position of the second end of the elastic adjustment link with respect to the support at least parallel to the second direction of translation;each of the first and second inertial regulating members is mounted on the support by two elastic suspension branches substantially perpendicular to the first direction of translation,the anchor and the balancing member being mounted on the support respectively by two elastic suspension branches substantially perpendicular to the second direction of translation;the frequency adjustment member is connected to the support by two elastic branches substantially perpendicular to the direction of translation, the frequency adjustment member and the elastic branches of said frequency adjustment member being arranged in a space delimited by the member balancing, the support and the two elastic suspension branches of said balancing member,and the locking device is arranged in a space delimited by the frequency adjustment member, the support and the two elastic branches of said frequency adjustment member;said second elastic part comprises at least one U-shaped part, comprising two branches substantially parallel to the first direction of translation, having free ends which are respectively connected to the frequency adjustment member and to the balancing member;the first and second regulating members are interconnected by a pivoting balancing lever;the anchor and the balancing member are respectively connected to the first and second regulating members by first and second elastic drive branches;the micro mechanism is monolithic and produced in a single plate;the elastic support member comprises an elastic branch having two ends integral with the first part and having a curved shape of convexity facing the first and second adjustment fingers;the elastic support member is adapted to exert on the first and second adjustment fingers an elastic support force of between 40 and 100 mN.
    [0009] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising the micro mechanism as defined above and said energy distribution member.
    Finally, the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a movement as defined above.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
    In the drawings:FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a timepiece which may include a micro mechanism according to one embodiment of the invention,FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the movement of the timepiece of FIG. 1,Figure 3 is a plan view of part of the movement of Figure 2, including the regulator, the anchor, the balancing member, the frequency adjustment member and the power distribution member ,Figures 4 and 5 are views similar to Figure 3, showing different positions of the micro mechanism,Figure 6 is a detail view showing the locking device of the frequency adjustment member of Figure 3,and FIGS. 7 and 8 are views similar respectively to FIGS. 3 and 6, showing another position of the frequency adjustment member.
    MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.
    Figure 1 shows a timepiece 1 such as a watch, comprising:a box 2,a watch movement 3 contained in the case 2,generally, a winder 4,a dial 5,a glass 6 covering the dial 5,a time indicator 7, comprising for example two hands 7a, 7b respectively for the hours and the minutes, arranged between the glass 6 and the dial 5 and actuated by the watch movement 3.
    As shown schematically in Figure 2, the watch movement 3 can include for example:a device 8 for storing mechanical energy, generally a barrel spring,a mechanical transmission 9 driven by the device 8 for storing mechanical energy,the aforementioned time indicator 7,an energy distribution member 10 (for example an escape wheel),an anchor 11 adapted to sequentially retain and release the energy distribution member 10,a regulator 12, which is a mechanism comprising an oscillating regulating member controlling the anchor 11 to move it regularly so that the energy distribution member is moved step by step at constant time intervals.
    The anchor 11 and the regulator 12 form a micro mechanism 13 which can advantageously be monolithic, as will be explained below.
    The watch movement 3 will now be explained in more detail using Figure 3, which shows a particular case where the micro mechanism 13 is a monolithic system formed in the same plate 14 (usually flat) and whose moving parts are designed to move essentially in a mean plane of said plate 14. The invention is however not limited to such a monolithic system.
    The plate 14 can be thin, for example about 0.05 to about 1 mm, depending on the nature of the material of the plate 14.
    The plate 14 may have transverse dimensions, in the XY plane of the plate (in particular width and length, or diameter), of between approximately 10 mm and 40 mm. X and Y are two perpendicular axes defining the plane of plate 14.
    The plate 14 can be made of any suitable rigid material, preferably having a low Young's modulus to exhibit good elasticity properties and a low oscillation frequency. Examples of materials that can be used to make the plate 14 include silicon, nickel, iron / nickel alloy, steel, titanium. In the case of silicon, the thickness of the plate 14 can for example be between 0.2 and 0.6 mm.
    The various organs formed in the plate 14 are obtained by making openings in the plate 14, obtained by any manufacturing process used in micromechanics, in particular the processes used for the manufacture of MEMS ("Microelectromechanical systems") .
    In the case of a silicon wafer 14, the wafer can be locally hollowed out, for example by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE - "Deep Reactive Ion Etching") or possibly by laser cutting for small series.
    In the case of an iron / nickel plate 14, the plate could in particular be produced by the LIGA process (“Rôntgenlithography, Galvanoformung, Abformung”), or by laser cutting.
    In the case of a plate 14 of steel or titanium, the plate 14 can be hollowed out for example by wire spark erosion (WEDM).
    The constituent parts of the micro mechanism will now be described in more detail. Some of these parts are rigid and others (in particular those called “elastic branches”) are elastically deformable, essentially in bending. The difference between the rigid parts and the elastic parts is their stiffness in the XY plane of the plate 14, which is due to their shape and in particular to their slenderness. The slenderness can be measured in particular by the slenderness ratio (length / width ratio of the part concerned). For example, the rigid parts have a stiffness at least about 100 times greater in the XY plane than the elastic parts. Typical dimensions for elastic links, for example the elastic legs which will be described hereinafter, include lengths of for example between 5 and 13 mm and widths of for example between 0.01 mm (10 µm) and 0.04 mm (40 µm), especially about 0.025 mm (25 µm). Taking into account the widths of the beams and the thickness of the plate 14, the aspect ratio of these beams in longitudinal section is between 5 and 60. The largest possible aspect ratio is to be preferred to limit the modes. oscillation out of plane.
    The plate 14 forms a fixed outer frame 15 which is fixed to a support plate 14a, for example by screws or the like (not shown) passing through holes 15a of the frame 15. The support plate 14a is secured to the housing 2 of the timepiece 1. The frame 15 may at least partially surround the energy distribution member 10, the anchor 11 and the regulator 12.
    The energy distribution member 10 may be an escape wheel mounted to rotate, for example on the support plate 14a, so as to be able to rotate about an axis of rotation Z0 perpendicular to the XY plane of the plate 14. The energy distribution member 10 is requested by the energy storage 8 in a single direction of rotation 16.
    The energy distribution member 10 has external teeth 17.
    The anchor 11 is a rigid part which may include a rigid body 18 extending for example parallel to the X axis and two parallel rigid side arms 19, 20 extending for example parallel to the Y axis of on either side of the energy distribution member 10. The arms 19, 20 respectively comprise two stop members 21, 22 in the form of fingers projecting towards each other in the direction of the X axis from the arms 19, 20.
    The anchor 11 is elastically connected to the frame 15, so as to be able to move parallel to the axis X, in a direction of translation 02. Advantageously, the anchor 11 can be connected to the frame 15 by an elastic suspension , comprising for example two elastic branches 23 substantially parallel to the Y axis. Optionally, the elastic branches 23 can be connected to the body 18 and arranged on either side of the lateral arms 19, 20, framing these lateral arms.
    The anchor 11 may further include a rigid arm 24 extending along the Y axis towards the regulator 12, opposite the arm 20.
    The anchor 11 may further include a monostable elastic member 11a, which may be in the form of an elastic tongue, the free end of which bears on the teeth 17 of the energy distribution member 10 The monostable elastic member 11a can be connected to the rigid arm 19 of the anchor 11, for example by an elastic suspension comprising two parallel elastic branches 11b extending along the axis Y from the free end of the rigid arm 19, by extending the rigid arm 19 to a rigid support 11c which carries the monostable elastic member 11a. The monostable elastic member 11a can extend along the Y axis in the direction of the regulator 12, from the rigid support 11c. The monostable elastic member 11a is used for the energy distribution member 10 to transfer a precisely determined mechanical energy to the regulator, at each operating cycle of the watch movement 3, as explained in document EP3032350A1.
    The micro mechanism 13 further comprises a balancing member 25, which is also formed integrally with the frame 15 and which is carried by the frame 15 to oscillate parallel to the X axis, in the direction of translation 02. The balancing member 25 may for example comprise:a rigid body 26 extending parallel to the X axis, symmetrically to the body 18 of the anchor with respect to an axis of symmetry Y0 parallel to the aforementioned Y axis,and a rigid arm 28 extending along the axis Y towards the regulator 12, symmetrically to the arm 24 of the anchor with respect to the axis of symmetry Y0.
    The balancing member 25 can also be inside the frame 15 and can be connected to the frame 15 by an elastic suspension, comprising for example two elastic branches 27 substantially parallel to the Y axis and symmetrical to the branches elastic 23 of the anchor 11. Optionally, the elastic branches 23 can be connected to the body 26 of the balancing member 25.
    The anchor 11 and the balancing member 25 are each mounted on the frame 15 to oscillate in circular translation, with an amplitude of oscillation in the direction of translation 02 and a secondary amplitude of oscillation, non- zero, perpendicular to the second direction of translation. Said oscillation amplitude in the direction of translation 02 is greater than the secondary oscillation amplitude of the anchor and the balancing member, for example at least 10 times greater than the secondary oscillation amplitude of the anchor and the balancing device.
    The balancing member 25 can advantageously have a mass substantially identical to that of the anchor 11, for example between 90% and 110% of the mass of the anchor 11. The mass of the member d 'balancing is very close to that of the anchor but is not necessarily identical to take account of the fact that the stresses applied to one or the other of these bodies are not entirely symmetrical (for example the anchor is in contact with the energy distribution member while the balancing member is not).
    The regulator 12 is a mechanical oscillator comprising first and second regulating members 29, 30 each forming a rigid inertial mass, each connected to the frame 15 by and an elastic suspension which is adapted so that the first and second regulating members 29, 30 oscillate along the Y axis, in a direction of translation O1.
    The elastic suspension is formed by all of the elastic links 31; 36, 55 which connect (directly or indirectly) the first and second regulating members 29, 30 to the frame 15. This elastic suspension has a certain overall stiffness, on which depends the oscillation frequency f of the first and second regulating members 29, 30.
    The elastic suspension of the first and second regulating members 29, 30 may for example comprise two elastic branches 31 for each regulating member 29, 30, extending substantially along the X axis and connected to the frame 15.
    Each of the first and second regulating members 29, 30 is therefore mounted on the frame 15 to oscillate in circular translation, with a first amplitude of oscillation in the direction of translation O1 and with a secondary amplitude of oscillation, non- zero, perpendicular to the direction of translation O1. Said oscillation amplitude in the translation direction O1 is greater than the secondary oscillation amplitude of the first and second regulating members, for example at least 10 times greater than the secondary oscillation amplitude.
    In the example shown, the first and second regulating members 29, 30 may each have a C-shape, with a main body 32 extending along the Y axis between two side arms 33 extending towards the inside the frame 15. The aforementioned elastic branches 31 can advantageously be connected to the free ends of the side arms 33, which makes it possible to have elastic branches 31 that are long and therefore particularly flexible.
    The first and second regulating members 29, 30 may be two parts symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned axis of symmetry Y0, of identical or substantially identical mass. They can define between them a free central space 34.
    The first and second regulating members 29, 30 can be connected respectively to the anchor 11 and to the balancing member 25, for example by elastic drive branches 36. Thus, the first regulating member 29 controls the movements of the anchor 11 and the second regulating member 30 controls the movements of the balancing member 25.
    The elastic drive branches 36 may for example extend substantially along the X axis. The elastic drive branches 36 may in particular be connected respectively to the free ends of the rigid arm 24 of the anchor and of the rigid arm 28 of the balancing device.
    Optionally, each of the first and second regulating members 29, 30 may include a notch 35 open along the X axis between the main body 32 and the rigid arm 33 closest to the anchor 11 or the member d 'balancing 25, and the corresponding elastic drive branch 36 can be connected to the main body 32 at the bottom of said notch 35, which makes it possible to lengthen the elastic drive branches 36 and therefore to increase their flexibility.
    In the free interior space 34 is arranged a rigid balancing lever 37, pivotally mounted about a central center of rotation P. The balancing lever 37 may optionally have a substantially M-shaped shape, with a central V-shaped portion 38 diverging from the center of rotation P and two lateral arms 39.
    The side arms 39 can be connected respectively to the first and second regulating members 29, 30, for example by two elastic branches 40 extending substantially along the Y axis.
    The balancing lever 37 can be mounted, by an elastic suspension 43, on a rigid support 40a rigidly connected to the frame 15. The rigid support 40a can for example include an arm 41 extending on the axis of symmetry Y0, from the frame 15 to a head 42 which can for example extend along the X axis by giving the support 40a a T-shape.
    The elastic suspension 43 can for example include:a rigid pivoting member 44 arranged inside the balancing lever 37, comprising for example a central core 45 at the level of the center of rotation P, extending along the axis X between two enlarged heads 46,two rigid intermediate bodies 47, 48 arranged on either side of the central web 45 near the center of rotation P,two elastic branches 49 respectively connecting the free ends of the head 42 of the rigid support 40a to the rigid intermediate body 47,two elastic branches 50 respectively connecting the rigid intermediate body 47 to one of the free ends of the widened heads 46,two elastic branches 51 symmetrical with the elastic branches 50, respectively connecting the rigid intermediate body 48 to the other of the free ends of the widened heads 46,two elastic branches 52 connecting the rigid intermediate body 48 respectively to the ends of the central part 38 of the balancing lever.
    The balancing lever 37 requires the first and second regulating members 29, 30 to move symmetrically and opposite in the direction of translation O1, which, through the elastic drive branches 36, requires the anchor 11 and the balancing member 25 to move symmetrically and opposite in the direction of translation 02, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 which show the two end-of-travel positions of the mechanism 13.
    These opposite movements allow dynamic balancing of the mechanism 13, which makes it possible to reduce the sensitivity of the mechanism 13 to shocks, to gravity and more generally to accelerations.
    The micro mechanism 13 may further include a frequency adjustment member 53, which allows fine adjustment of the oscillation frequency of the regulator 12, in particular during the assembly of the movement 3. The adjustment member frequency 53 can for example be formed integrally in the plate 14 with the other elements of the aforementioned micro mechanism 13.
    The frequency adjustment member 53 is connected, directly or indirectly, to at least one of the adjustment members 29, 30 by a so-called adjusting elastic link 36, 55. The frequency adjustment member 53 is furthermore adjustable in position relative to the frame 15 so as to be able to deform the elastic adjustment link 36, 55 and thus apply an adjustable elastic stress on the regulating member in question, so as to influence the overall stiffness of the elastic suspension of the regulator 12, and therefore on the above-mentioned frequency f.
    The frequency adjustment member 53 can for example be connected to the frame 15 by two elastic branches 54 extending along the Y axis.
    In the example shown in Figure 3, the elastic adjustment link 36, 55 comprises two elastic parts:a first elastic part formed by the elastic branch 36 connecting the second regulating member 30 to the balancing member 25,and a second elastic part 55 connecting the balancing member 25 to the frequency adjustment member 53.
    The second elastic part 55 may comprise at least one U-shaped part, or be constituted by a U. In this case, the elastic connection 55 may comprise two branches substantially parallel to the Y axis which are interconnected. at one end close to the frame 15, and the free ends of which are connected respectively to the frequency adjustment member 53 and to the balancing member 25.
    The frequency adjustment member 53 is mounted to move relative to the frame 15 and to the support plate 14a, at least parallel to the X axis (that is to say parallel to the direction of translation O2 ), for example by virtue of the aforementioned elastic branches 54. The frequency adjustment member 53 comprises a blocking device 56 adapted to block the frequency adjustment member 53 relative to the frame 15.
    The frequency adjustment member 53, the elastic branches 54, the elastic link 55 and the locking device 56 can advantageously be entirely arranged in the space defined between the balancing member 25, the elastic branches 27 and frame 15.
    As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the locking device 56 may include two combs 57, 58 which are respectively integral with the frequency adjustment member 53 and the frame 15. Each comb may include at least one finger and preferably a plurality of adjustment fingers, respectively 57a, 58a. Each comb 57, 58 can advantageously have a number of adjustment fingers between 3 and 10. For example, each comb 57, 58 comprises 5 adjustment fingers 57a, 58a in the particular case shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.
    All the adjustment fingers 57a, 58a extend in the same direction of adjustment, here the X axis (that is to say the direction of translation O2), from a first end secured respectively to the frame 15 or to the frequency adjustment member 53, up to a free end. The adjustment fingers 58a integral with the frame 15 (referred to as the first adjustment fingers) extend in a first direction in the adjustment direction (towards the left in FIGS. 3 and 6). The adjustment fingers 57a integral with the frequency adjustment member 53 (called second adjustment fingers) extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the adjustment direction (to the right in FIGS. 3 and 6).
    Each of the first and second adjustment fingers 58a, 57a may include a flexible support rod 58b, 57b which extends from their first end secured respectively to the frame 15 or to the frequency adjustment member 53, up to a head 58c, 57c wider than the support rod (the width is measured perpendicular to the adjustment direction in the XY plane of the plate 14, that is to say in the Y direction in the example shown). Said head forms said free end of the adjusting finger or is formed in the vicinity of said free end.
    The support rod 58b, 57b has a certain length 11 in the direction of adjustment and the head 58c, 57c has a certain length 12 in the direction of adjustment. The lengths 11, 12 are identical for all the adjustment fingers of the same comb 57, 58, but may possibly be different from one comb 57, 58 to another. The length 11 of the support rods 58b, 57b may for example be of the order of 1 to 2 mm, and the length 12 of the heads 58c, 57c may for example be of the order of 0.5 to 1 mm, or even more as needed. The amplitude of adjustment of the position of the frequency adjustment member 53 according to the adjustment direction is determined by the length 12 of the heads 58c, 57c, as will be explained below.
    The support rods 58b, 57b are elastic branches as defined above, and may have widths of for example between 0.01 mm (10 μm) and 0.04 mm (40 μm), in particular approximately 0.025 mm (25 μm), as explained previously.
    The heads 58c, 57c have a width e which may for example be between 250 and 500 μm, and therefore constitute rigid parts. The width e can be constant over a major part of the length 12 of the head, or possibly variable, for example decreasing towards the free end of the adjusting finger.
    The adjustment fingers 58b, 57b of the same comb are arranged with their heads aligned perpendicular to the adjustment direction (along the Y axis in the example shown) and arranged with a constant pitch perpendicular to the direction of setting. The pitch in question is determined to leave between two heads of the same comb, a free width substantially equal to or slightly less than the width of the heads of the other comb. The second adjustment fingers 57b are offset by half a pitch from the first adjustment fingers 58b, so as to be inserted between the first adjustment fingers 58b when the frequency adjustment member 53 is moved away. anchor 11, that is to say to the right in the example of Figures 3 and 6.
    In the example considered here, the first ends of the support rods 57b are integral with a rigid arm 59 extending perpendicularly to the direction of adjustment (therefore here along the Y axis) and belonging to the member frequency adjustment 53.
    The frequency adjustment member 53 may also include a rigid spacer 60 which extends in the adjustment direction by projecting towards the comb 58, up to a free end which may for example be aligned with the ends free of the second adjustment fingers 57a. The rigid spacer 60 may have a constant width perpendicular to the direction of adjustment. The rigid spacer 60 can be moved away from the head 57c of the second adjustment finger closest to it, so as to provide a free space identical or similar to the free space left between two heads 57c.
    In the example considered here, the first ends of the support rods 58b are integral with a rigid arm 61 extending perpendicularly to the direction of adjustment (therefore here along the Y axis) and belonging to the frame 15.
    The locking device 56 may further include a rigid stop 62 which extends in the direction of adjustment from the rigid arm 61, between the frequency adjustment member 53 and the comb 58. In the example considered, the rigid stop 62 is spaced from the nearest first adjustment finger 58a, by a distance sufficient to allow the rigid spacer 60 to penetrate between the rigid stop 62 and said first adjustment finger 58a closest to the rigid stop 62 when the frequency adjustment member 53 is moved to the right in the example of Figures 3 and 6. The rigid spacer 60 is then in contact with the rigid stop 62 and said first adjustment finger 58a most close to the rigid stop 62.
    The locking device 56 further comprises at least one elastic support member 63 integral with the frame 15. This elastic support member is elastically deformable perpendicular to the adjustment direction 02. The elastic support member can have a bearing portion 64 which is aligned with the heads 58c of the first adjustment fingers 58a, and which is slightly spaced from the head 58c of the first adjustment finger 58a closest to it, leaving a free space which can be of the same order as the free spaces left free between the heads 58c of the first adjustment fingers 58a. The bearing portion 64 may for example be in the form of a stud projecting towards the head 58c of the closest first adjustment finger 58a, or have another shape ensuring substantially point contact with the head 58c.
    The elastic support member 63 may in particular take the form of an elastic branch formed in the plate 14 and secured to the frame 15 at each of its ends. One of the ends of the support member 63 may for example be integral with the frame 15 and the other end of the rigid arm 61.
    The elastic support member 64 may in particular have a curved shape, having at all points a convexity facing the combs 57, 58.
    When the frequency adjustment member 53 is moved so that the adjustment fingers 57a, 58a are inserted between each other, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the elastic support member 63 ( and in particular the support portion 64) is adapted to exert a support on the head 57c of the second adjustment finger 57a closest to it, substantially perpendicular to the adjustment direction 02, by locking it by friction against the first finger of closest adjustment 58a, which allows the frequency adjustment member 53 to be locked in position.
    The elastic support member 63 can be adapted to then exert on the head 57c of the second adjustment finger 57a closest to it, a support force Fs perpendicular to the adjustment direction which is at least equal to 40 mN (40 milli Newtons) and 100 mN, in particular between 48 and 70 mN. The elastic support member 63 may for example have an elastic stiffness, in the direction perpendicular to the adjustment direction, between 800 and 2000 N / m, for example of the order of 1000 N / m.
    When the combs 57, 58 each comprise several adjustment fingers 57a, 58a, the heads 57c, 58c of the fingers are then in mutual contact perpendicularly to the adjustment direction, and block the frequency adjustment member in position by friction.
    In the example considered here, the rigid spacer 60 is also in contact with the head 58c of the first adjustment finger closest to the rigid stop 62 and said rigid spacer 60 bears against the rigid stop 62 , which reinforces the blocking of the frequency adjustment member 53.
    The rigid spacer 60 could possibly be omitted, in which case the second adjustment finger 57a closest to the frequency adjustment member 53 could simply be interposed between the rigid stop 62 and the first adjustment finger 58a the closer to the rigid stop 62. In this case, the comb 58 would have n first adjustment fingers 58a and the comb 57 would have n + 1 second adjustment fingers 57c.
    In all cases, the rigid stop 62 is integral with the frame 15 and is disposed opposite the elastic support member 63 to support the first and second adjustment fingers 58a, 57a against the bias of the member d 'elastic support 63.
    The aforementioned blocking device 56 blocks the frequency adjustment member 53 when the heads 57a, 58a of the fingers of the combs are interposed between each other and urged into mutual contact by the elastic support member 63, as long as a force greater than a limit value FL is not applied to the frequency adjuster 53 in the adjusting direction. This limit value will be referred to hereinafter as the blocking force. The blocking force FL produced by the blocking device 56 may for example be between 50 and 200 mN, advantageously between 80 and 150 mN.
    In Figures 3 and 6, the locking device 56 is not activated, so that the frequency adjustment member 53 is closest to the anchor 11 and does not impose elastic preload on the balancing member 25. The frequency f of the regulator 12 is then maximum.
    The mechanism described above operates according to the principle explained in the aforementioned European patent application No. 14197015. In the following explanation of this operation, the concepts of top / bottom, right / left are used to clarify the description with regard to the orientation of the drawings of FIGS. 3 to 5, but these indications are not limiting.
    In the situation of Figure 3, the anchor 11 is in an extreme "right" position imposed by the elastic transmission branch 36 and the energy distribution member 10 has just pivoted under the effect of the device. energy storage 8, and during this movement the monostable elastic member 11a flexed and then relaxed, transmitting its mechanical energy into the regulator 12, as explained in the aforementioned European patent application No. 14197015. The tooth 17 of the energy distribution member located to the left in Figure 3 is then in abutment against the stop member 21 located on the left of the anchor 11. The elastic branches 31 are in the position of rest.
    The first and second regulating members 29, 30 oscillate in the direction of translation O1 between the two extreme positions shown respectively in Figures 4 and 5, with a frequency f which may be between 20 and 30 Hz, for example.
    Over a half-cycle of movement, for example when the first regulating member 29 goes from the extreme "high" position of FIG. 4 to the extreme "low" position of FIG. 5, the second regulating member 30 passes from the extreme "low" position of figure 4 to the extreme "high" position of figure 5, due to the presence of the balancing lever 37. During this time, the anchor 11 moves from the extreme "left" position from figure 4 to the extreme "right" position of figure 3 when the first and second regulating members pass into the neutral position of figure 3, then the anchor 11 moves again to the left 5 to the extreme position "Left" of Figure 5, where the energy distribution member 10 escapes again and rotates with one step under the stress of the energy storage device 8. During this time, the balancing member 25 follows a symmetrical movement opposite to the anchor 11.
    The anchor 11 and the balancing member 25 therefore oscillate with a frequency 2f in the direction of translation 02.
    The operation is the same when one then passes from the position of FIG. 5 to that of FIG. 4. The aforementioned steps are then repeated indefinitely.
    When it is necessary to carry out a fine adjustment of the frequency f of the regulator, for example during the initial assembly of the movement 3 or after maintenance, an operator can adjust the position of the frequency adjustment member 53 according to the adjustment direction 02, manually or by automated means, until the exact desired frequency is obtained (measured by conventional means). This adjustment is carried out by exerting on the adjustment member 53 a force greater than the locking force FL in the adjustment direction 02. The adjustment range corresponds to the entire position range of the frequency adjustment member 53 where the heads 57c, 58c of the adjustment fingers are interposed between them in mutual contact, which corresponds to an adjustment distance slightly less than 2.12 in the example considered here.
    In the position of Figures 7 and 8, the frequency adjustment member 53 is in a position further from the anchor 11 than in Figures 3 to 6, (that is to say a position more on the right in FIGS. 7 and 8), so that the second elastic part 55 imposes a constraint towards the right on the balancing member 25, thus modifying the oscillation frequency f of the system.
    The invention is of course not limited to micro clock mechanisms. It is applicable to any other micro mechanism requiring a position adjustment between two parts, for example to modify the resolution of a micro sensor, modify the resonant frequency of a micro energy recovery mechanism, etc.
    In this case, the locking mechanism 56 may be identical or similar to that described above, the frame 15 being simply replaced by a first part of the micro mechanism and the frequency adjustment member 53 replaced by a second part of the micro mechanism whose position can be adjusted relative to the first part by means of the locking device 56.
    权利要求:
    Claims (26)
    [1]
    1. Micro mechanism comprising a first part (15), a second part (53) having an adjustable position relative to the first part, and a locking device (56) adapted to lock the second part (53) in position relative to the first part (15), characterized in that the locking device (56) comprises at least one elastic support member (63) connected to the first part (15), at least one first adjustment finger (58a) s 'extending in an adjustment direction (X) to a free end, at least one second adjustment finger (57a) extending in the adjustment direction (X), in the opposite direction of said at least one first adjustment finger (58a) up to a free end, said at least one first and at least one second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a) being linked, one to the first part (15) and the other to the second part ( 53),and in that the elastic support member (63) is adapted to exert a support on said at-least one second adjustment finger (57a) substantially perpendicular to the adjustment direction (X), by locking it by friction against said at least one first adjustment finger (58a) when the second part (53) is in an adjustment position.
    [2]
    2. Micro mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said at-least one first adjustment finger (58a) is linked to the first part (15) and said at-least one second adjustment finger (57a) is linked to the second. part (53).
    [3]
    3. Micro mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at-least one first and at-least one second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a) are flexible perpendicular to the adjustment direction (X) and the locking device ( 56) further comprises a rigid stop (62), which is disposed opposite the elastic support member (63) adapted to support said at-least one first and at-least one second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a) against the bias of the elastic support member (63) when the second part (53) is in said adjustment position.
    [4]
    4. Micro mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the rigid stopper (62) is integral with the first part (15).
    [5]
    5. Micro mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the locking device (56) further comprises a rigid spacer (60) which is adapted to bear against the rigid stop (62) perpendicular to the adjustment direction (X). and to be interposed between on the one hand, said at-least a first and at-least one second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a) and on the other hand, the rigid stop (62) when said at-least a first and at-least a second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a) are in mutual contact, said rigid spacer (60) being adapted to support, with the rigid stop (62), said at-least a first and at-least a second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a) against the biasing of the elastic support member (63) when the second part (53) is in said adjustment position.
    [6]
    6. Micro mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device comprises several first fingers (58a) and several second fingers (57a) interposed with the first adjustment fingers, the several first and several second adjustment fingers. (58a, 57a) being adapted to be in mutual contact perpendicular to the adjustment direction (X) when the second part (53) is in said adjustment position.
    [7]
    7. Micro mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the locking device (56) comprises between 3 and 10 first adjustment fingers (58a).
    [8]
    8. Micro mechanism according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the first part (15) comprises a first rigid arm (61) which carries the elastic support member (63), said at least a first finger of adjustment (58a) and the rigid stop (62).
    [9]
    9. Micro mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the second part (53) comprises a second rigid arm (59) which carries said at least one second adjusting finger (57a) and the rigid spacer (60).
    [10]
    10. Micro mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said at-least one first and at-least one second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a) comprises a flexible support rod (58b, 57b) and a head ( 58c, 57c) thicker than the support rod.
    [11]
    11. Micro mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said head (58c, 57c) has a certain length (12) in the direction of adjustment (X) and has a thickness (e) constant over a major part of said length (12). ).
    [12]
    12. Micro mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, for a timepiece, comprising:- a support (15),- at least one inertial regulating member (29, 30),- an elastic suspension connecting said at least one inertial regulating member (29, 30) to the support (15) and having a certain overall stiffness,said at least one inertial regulating member (29, 30) being adapted to oscillate at a frequency f with respect to the support (15),the elastic suspension comprising an elastic adjustment link (36, 55) having a first end connected to said at least one inertial adjusting member (29, 30) and a second end which is connected to the support (15) by said locking device (56) ), said second end being integral with one of said first and second parts and the support (15) forming the other of said first and second parts,said locking device (56) being adapted to modify the position of the second end of said elastic adjustment link (36, 55) with respect to the support (15), so as to modify the overall stiffness of the elastic suspension and therefore said frequency f.
    [13]
    13. Micro mechanism according to claim 12, wherein said first or second part integral with the second end comprises a frequency adjustment member (53) said frequency adjustment member (53) being adjustable in position relative to the support (15). ) by the locking device (56) so as to be able to deform said elastic adjustment link (36, 55).
    [14]
    14. Micro mechanism according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising an anchor (11) adapted to cooperate with an energy distribution member (10) provided with teeth (17) and intended to be biased by a storage device. 'energy (8), said anchor (11) being controlled by said at least one inertial regulating member (29, 30) to regularly and alternately block and release the energy distribution member (10), so that said member distribution of energy (10) moves step by step under the stress of the energy storage device (8) in a repetitive motion cycle, and said anchor (11) being adapted to transfer mechanical energy to said least one inertial regulator (29, 30) during this repetitive motion cycle.
    [15]
    15. Micro mechanism according to claim 14, comprising first and second inertial regulating members (29, 30) interconnected to always have symmetrical and opposite movements,the first inertial regulating member (29) controls the anchor (11),the second inertial regulating member (30) controls a balancing member (25) to move said balancing member (25) in symmetrical and opposite movements to the anchor (11),and said elastic adjustment link (36, 55) comprises at least first and second elastic parts (36, 55), the first elastic part (36) connecting the second inertial adjusting member (30) to the balancing member ( 25) and the second elastic part (55) connecting said balancing member (25) to the locking device (56).
    [16]
    16. Micro mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the first and second inertial regulating members (29, 30) are mounted on the support (15) to oscillate in translation in a first direction of translation (O1),the anchor (11) and the balancing member (25) are resiliently mounted on the support (15) to oscillate in translation in a second direction of translation (02) substantially perpendicular to the first direction of translation (O1),and the locking device (56) is adapted to adjust the position of the second end of the elastic adjustment link (36, 55) with respect to the support (15) at least parallel to the second direction of translation (02).
    [17]
    17. Micro mechanism according to claim 16, wherein each of the first and second inertial regulating members (29, 30) is mounted on the support (15) by two elastic suspension branches (31) substantially perpendicular to the first direction of translation ( O1),the anchor (11) and the balancing member (25) being mounted on the support (15) respectively by two elastic suspension branches (23, 27) substantially perpendicular to the second direction of translation (O2).
    [18]
    18. Micro mechanism according to claims 13 and 17 wherein the frequency adjustment member (53) is connected to the support (15) by two elastic branches (54) substantially perpendicular to the second direction of translation (02), the frequency adjustment member (53) and the elastic branches (54) of said frequency adjustment member (53) being arranged in a space delimited by the balancing member (25), the support (15) and the two branches elastic suspensions (27) of said balancing member (25),and the locking device (56) is arranged in a space delimited by the frequency adjustment member (53), the support (15) and the two elastic branches (54) of said frequency adjustment member (53).
    [19]
    19. Micro mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said second elastic part (55) comprises at least one U-shaped part, comprising two branches substantially parallel to the first direction of translation (O1), having ends. free which are respectively connected to the frequency adjustment member (53) and to the balancing member (25).
    [20]
    20. Micro mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the first and second regulating members (29, 30) are interconnected by a pivoting balancing lever (37).
    [21]
    21. Micro mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the anchor (11) and the balancing member (25) are respectively connected to the first and second regulating members (29, 30) by first and second elastic drive branches (36).
    [22]
    22. Micro mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, monolithic and produced in a single plate (14).
    [23]
    23. Micro mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic support member (63) comprises an elastic branch having two ends integral with the first part (15) and having a curved shape of convexity facing said. at-least a first and at-least a second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a).
    [24]
    24. Micro mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient support member (63) is adapted to exert on said at-least one first and at-least one second adjustment fingers (58a, 57a). an elastic support force of between 40 and 100 mN.
    [25]
    25. Watch movement (3) comprising a micro mechanism (13) according to any one of claims 14 to 24 and said energy distribution member (10).
    [26]
    26. Timepiece (1) comprising a watch movement (3) according to the preceding claim.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2017157869A1|2017-09-21|
    FR3048793A1|2017-09-15|
    FR3048793B1|2018-04-20|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    CH707811A2|2013-03-19|2014-09-30|Nivarox Sa|piece component dismantled clockwork.|
    CH709920A2|2014-07-24|2016-01-29|Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse|Set of mobile watch braking.|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1652138A|FR3048793B1|2016-03-14|2016-03-14|MICRO MECHANISM WITH POSITION ADJUSTMENT, WATCHMAKING MOVEMENT AND TIMEPIECE COMPRISING SUCH A MECHANISM|
    PCT/EP2017/055874|WO2017157869A1|2016-03-14|2017-03-13|Position-adjustable micromechanism, time-keeping movement and timepiece comprising such a mechanism|
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