Polygon hairspring resonator clockwork.

[0001] l'a hairspring polygon for decreasing the risk of cling between its turns to enhance operation of a resonator wherein said hairspring is used.

[0002] il is customary in the timepiece of forming spiral whose winding of the blade substantially conforms to the trajectory of an Archimedes spiral. However, it was noticed that [...] turns could be generated from the use in watchmaking of new materials such as crystalline silicon.

[0003] le object of the present invention is to overcome all or part the drawbacks mentioned above by providing an alternative to the usual hairspring that avoids posting coils together.

[0004] a purpose, according to a first embodiment, the invention relates to a hairspring resonator for a clockwork including a blade full wound upon itself in a plurality of turns characterized in that at least a portion of the blade is formed by a succession of portions prismatic connected together to form a hairspring polygon.

[0005] according to a second embodiment, the invention relates to a hairspring resonator for a clockwork including a blade full wound upon itself in a plurality of turns in the two opposite faces of each turn being in facing with at least one other wrap are asymmetrical, at least a portion of one of said at least two opposing sides being formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together to form a hairspring polygon.

[0006] advantageously according to the two embodiments of the invention, the hairspring polygon can help decrease geometrically the risk of cling between turns, or even strictly limit the contact surface between turns to the junction surface between two portions of the prismatic blade or between two rectangular regions of the face of a turn.

[0007] according to other advantageous embodiments of the invention:

- according to the first embodiment, at least two portions adjacent prismatic forming an obtuse angle therebetween;

- according to the first embodiment, the lengths of the prismatic sections forming said hairspring are not constant;

- according to the first embodiment, the lengths of the sections prismatic decrease, continuously, the first prismatic portion of the innermost turn until the last prismatic portion of the outer winding of the hairspring;

- according to the second embodiment, the lengths of the rectangular regions forming said one of said at least two opposing sides, are not constant;

- according to the second embodiment, the other of said at least two opposing sides is formed by a single surface in a spiral shape;

- at least a portion of the other of said at least two opposing sides is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together;

- according to the second embodiment, the lengths of the rectangular regions forming the other of said at least two opposing faces, are not constant;

- according to the second embodiment, the lengths of the rectangular regions of one or the other of said at least two opposing sides increase, continuously, the first rectangular portion of the innermost turn until the last rectangular portion of the outer winding of the hairspring;

- according to the two embodiments, the thickness of the blade is locally altered to change its rigidity thereto;

- according to the two embodiments, the innermost turn is integral with a collar arranged to be fixed to an axis;

- according to the two embodiments, the hairspring is integral;

- according to the two embodiments, the spring is made of a material comprising silicon.

[0008] finally, the invention also relates to a timepiece characterized in that it comprises at least a hairspring according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0009] d'other features and advantages shall become apparent clearly is as made hereinafter, illustratively the least and limiting, reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic view of two portions adjacent prismatic according to a first embodiment of the invention;

figures 2 and 3 are the views of two examples of partial top balance spring according to a first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of a ferrule and the beginning of inner coil of a hairspring according to the invention;

figures 5 and 6 are the views from above of alternatives of a hairspring according to a first embodiment of the invention;

the Figure. 7 to 10 are views from above of alternatives or variations of a balance spring according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0010] la present invention relates to a hairspring for manufacturing timepieces. More specifically, the hairspring is designed to be mounted in a timepiece as, for example, in cooperation with a balancer to form a resonator beam - forming the helical member regulating of the timepiece.

[0011] as explained above, it was noticed that could be generated [...] turns with the use of spirals crystalline silicon. Indeed, the heights of the turns being surfaces are so smooth that adhesion can be generated by simple approach of two turns during, for example, a shock to the timepiece. This adhesion can be further improved by contamination of the hairspring by impurities or lubricant during manufacture or worn.

[0012] le hairspring 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 has a blade 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73 full, [...] to say without a recess, comprising a length L, a height H and a thickness E. the blade 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73 is wound upon itself in a plurality of turns O₁ , O₂ , If the I, if₂ , O₃ , O_outdoor , O_int. .

[0013] advantageously according to a first embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the blade 3, 23, 43, 63 is formed by a succession of portions P-I-, w₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} prismatic integral with each other to form a hairspring 1.21.41.61 polygon.

[0014] le hairspring 1, 21, 41, 61 polygon can help decrease geometrically the risk of cling between turns O I, S.₂ , If the I, if₂ , O₃ , [...], S._{in vivo} the T, or even strictly limit the contact surface between the s-I-turns, S.₂ , If the I, if₂ , O₃ , O_outdoor , [...], to the joint surface between two portions of P₁ , P-₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein . [...]_{the Z} prismatic. In effect, each junction forms an angle a between each portion P as, in the example of fig. 1, the angle a_{zi are} the P-portion between_{the Z} the P-portion and_{z + 1} . It is understood therefore that the turn e₃ has, at each junction, a contact surface 5 substantially vertical and parallel to the height H that faces the turn immediately subsequent.

[0015] as explained above, the blade 3, 23, 43, 63 to be wound on itself, at least two portions P-I-prismatic, w₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} . [...]_therein . THE P '_therein[...]_{the Z} adjacent form, preferably according to the invention, an angle-obtuse, [...] say an angle a less than 180° but greater than 90°. Indeed, all portions P-I-, w₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} do not have to be strictly unaligned and certain portions of P₁ , P-₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} consecutive may have the usefulness of being flexibly mounted at an angle with, for example, equal to 180°.

[0016] il is well-safe also possible that each P-portion -,, P-₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} prismatic is fixed to at least one other adjacent prismatic portion at an obtuse angle. One such example is illustrated in Figures 2 and 5.

[0017] a Fig. 2, we can see a hairspring 21 partially formed by a blade having two successive turns 23 single-s-I-, S.₂ the portions are each formed by a P_{the X} , P-_{x + 1} , P-_{x + 2} , P-_{x + 3} and the portions of P_therein , P-_{y + 1} , P-_{y + 2} , P-_{y + 3} , P-_{y + 4} . The turn if in solid line is referenced SR as dashed line to illustrate its movement upon impact. Noted immediately that, unlike a conventional balance spring, only the junctions between the portions of P_{the X} , P-_{x + 1} , P-_{x + 2} , P-_{x + 3} will, upon impact, in contact respectively with the portions of P_therein , P-_{y + 1} , P-_{y + 2} , P-_{y + 3} , P-_{y + 4} , like the turn e₂ immediately following.

[0018] to increase the chances that the junctions between the portions P-I-, w₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} only touch the turn immediately subsequent, the lengths of the P-I-sections, P-₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} prismatic forms the innermost turn of the hairspring can be much larger than the P-portions lengths₁ , P-₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} prismatic forming the outer winding of the hairspring.

[0019] however, in order to totally avoid contact out junctions, the lengths of the P-I-sections, P-₂ , P-_{the X} , THE P '_{the X} , P-_therein , THE P '_therein , P-_{the Z} prismatic decrease, continuously, the first prismatic portion of the innermost turn until the last prismatic portion of the outer winding of the hairspring regardless of the state of wind of the hairspring. One such example is illustrated in Figures 3 and 6.

[0020] a Fig. 3, we can see a hairspring partially formed by a blade 43 41 single whose two successive turns if the I, if₂ the portions are formed respectively by the P '_{the X} , THE P '_{x + 1} , THE P '_{x + 2} , THE P '_{x + 3} and the portions of P '_therein , THE P '_{y + 1} , THE P '_{y + 2} , THE P '_{y + 3} . THE P '_{y + 4} . The spiral is I in solid line is referenced I in dashed line to illustrate its movement upon impact. Noted immediately that, geometrically, only the junctions between the portions if the turn the P '_{the X} , P-_{X + 1} , THE P '_{x + 2} , THE P '_{x + 3} are capable of, upon impact, the portions respectively contacting the P '_therein , THE P '_therein the I + P->'_therein + 2 - P '_therein + 3, W '_therein + 4, and so on of the spiral is₂ immediately following.

[0021] advantageously according to a second embodiment of the invention, the two faces F._int. , F._outdoor each turn being in opposed facing with at least one other wrap are asymmetrical as shown in the examples of Figure. 7 to 10. Preferably, at least a portion of one of said at least two faces F._int. , F._outdoor opposed is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together to form a hairspring 11, 31.51, 71 polygon.

[0022] le hairspring 11.31.51.71 polygon can help reduce the risk of using an aqueous geometrically between the turns between the innermost turn e_int. and the outer winding S._outdoor , or even strictly limit the contact surface between turns to the joint surface (symbolized by a point to the Figure. 7 to 10) between two rectangular regions. Indeed, as for the first embodiment, each junction forms an angle a between each rectangular portion. It is understood therefore that the inner coil if " T has, at each junction, a contact surface substantially vertical and parallel to the height H that faces the turn immediately subsequent.

[0023] as explained above, the blade 13, 33, 53, 73 to be wound on itself, at least two portions adjacent rectangular form, preferably according to the invention, an angle-obtuse, [...] to say an angle a less than 180° but greater than 90°. Indeed, all portions do not have to be strictly unaligned and some consecutive portions may have the usefulness of being flexibly mounted at an angle with, for example, equal to 180°.

[0024] il is well-safe also possible that each rectangular portion is fixed to at least one other adjacent rectangular portion at an obtuse angle as shown in the examples of Figure. 7 to 10.

[0025] de more, the lengths of the rectangular regions forming said one of said at least two opposing sides may not be constant. Thus, according to a first alternative illustrated in Figure. 7 and 9, starting from the innermost turn sim card, the external face F._outdoor each coil is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together (each junction is represented by a point), the length of each rectangular portion being constant.

[0026] a conversely, according to a second alternative illustrated in Figure. 8 and 10, starting from the innermost turn e_int. , the outer face F._outdoor each coil is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together, the length of each rectangular portion is not constant. More specifically, the lengths of the rectangular regions increase, continuously, the first rectangular portion of the outer face F._outdoor the innermost turn [...] until the last rectangular portion of the outer face F._outdoor the outer coil e_outdoor the hairspring 31.71.

[0027] as seen by Figure. 7 to 10, each face F._int. , F._outdoor opposite of each turn being asymmetrical, the other side is free in its geometry in contrast to the first embodiment. Thus, in a first embodiment, the other of said at least two faces F._int. , F._outdoor opposed surface is formed by a single spiral shaped a hairspring as usual.

[0028] in the example visible in fig.. 7, the hairspring 11 has an inner face F._int. formed by a single surface-shaped spiral while its outer face F._outdoor is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together (each junction is represented by a point), the length of each rectangular portion being constant. It is understood therefore that geometrically the thickness e of the blade 13 is not constant.

[0029] in the example visible in fig.. 8, the hairspring 21 has an inner face F._int. formed by a single surface-shaped spiral while its outer face F._outdoor is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together, the length of each rectangular portion is not constant. More specifically, the lengths of the rectangular regions increase, continuously, the first rectangular portion of the outer face F._outdoor the innermost turn e_{in vivo} t-until the last rectangular portion of the outer face F._outdoor the outer coil e_outdoor the hairspring 31. It is understood therefore that geometrically the thickness e of the blade 33 nor is constant.

[0030] according to a second embodiment, the other of said at least two faces F._int. , F._outdoor the opposite may also be formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together as for the first side.

[0031] in the example visible in fig.. 9, each inner face F._int. and outer F._outdoor the hairspring 51 is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together (each junction is represented by a point), the length of each rectangular portion being constant. It is noted that the constant length selected for each face F._int. , F._outdoor is not identical. Indeed, the constant length of each rectangular portion of the inner face F._int. is smaller than the constant length of each rectangular portion of the outer face F._outdoor . It is understood, here too, that geometrically the thickness e of the blade 53 is not constant.

[0032] in the example can be seen in fig. 10, each inner face F._int. and outer F._outdoor the hairspring 71 is formed by a succession of rectangular regions connected together (each junction is represented by a point), the length of each rectangular portion is not constant. Specifically, for each face F._int. , F._outdoor , the lengths of the rectangular regions increase, continuously, the first rectangular portion of the innermost turn of the SMT until the last rectangular portion of the outer winding S._outdoor 71 of the hairspring. It is observed that the minimum length selected for each face F._int. , F._outdoor is not identical. In effect, the minimum length of the first rectangular portion of the inner face F._int. is smaller than the minimum length of the first rectangular portion of the outer face F._outdoor . It is understood, here too, that geometrically the thickness e of the blade 73 is not constant.

[0033] of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible to various variations and modifications apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts. In particular, the embodiments, variants or alternatives are combinable. Thus, for example, a portion of the length of the hairspring could be formed using a embodiments and, another portion of the length of the hairspring, by another embodiment.

[0034] de more, the hairspring 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 polygon may also include an internal coil e_{in vivo} t that is integral with a collar arranged to be fixed to an axis. One such example is illustrated in Figure 4. this Figure. 4, we can see a hairspring partially formed by a blade 61 63 single whose inner coil e_int. is formed by the portions P-I-, w₂ , etc connected together by an angle a₁₂ , the first P-portion-I is integral with a collar 65. The ferrule 65 substantially clover shaped has a hole 64 for, for example, receiving a balance staff.

[0035] il is also possible, whatever the embodiment, that the thickness e of the blade 3.13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73 of the hairspring 1, 11.21.31.41.51.61.71 either locally modified, such as thickened, to modify, for example increase, locally the stiffness of the blade 3.13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73.

[0036] a reading examples above, it is understood that the hairspring 1.11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 can be a monoblock, [...] to say that the blade 3.13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73 is formed without discontinuity of material. Such a spiral can be formed of a material including silicon, [...] to say, for example, monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, doped monocrystalline silicon, doped polycrystalline silicon, silicon carbide doped or undoped, doped silicon nitride or not, silicon oxide or doped such as quartz or silica. Indeed, the anisotropic etching such materials can be made by wet or dry.