Patent Description:
Document <CIT> discloses a timepiece regulator, comprising at least one inertial regulating member which is mounted on a support by an elastic suspension so as to be able to oscillate.

One drawback of this timepiece regulator is that the amplitude of oscillation is limited by the geometry of the regulating member, of the support and of the elastic suspensions.

<CIT>, according to its abstract, states that a device has a vibratory oscillator connected mechanically to an anchor having impulse surfaces receiving alternately a mechanical impulse of teeth of an escapement wheel, so as to maintain isochronous oscillations of the oscillator and to advance a tooth of the escapement wheel at each alternation of the oscillations. A barrel drives the escapement wheel through a gear train, where the teeth of the wheel and the anchor are arranged to allow an operation mode in which the escapement wheel has only one resting phase for each two, three, or more alternations.

<CIT>, according to its abstract, states that a mechanism has a single-piece flexible mechanism producing pulse transmission between a beam and an escapement wheel. The single-piece flexible mechanism comprises a sensor that is attached with the escapement wheel or the beam. The single-piece flexible mechanism is connected at a fixing structure of a clock element or the escapement wheel by a flexible blade. The single-piece flexible mechanism is coupled with an anchor, where the anchor comprises a rod that is provided with a fork.

<CIT>, according to its abstract, states an escapement mechanism for a movement or a timepiece comprising at least one balance and at least one escapement wheel. The transmission of pulses between said at least one balance and said at least one balance and said at least one escapement wheel is carried out by a unitary flexible mechanism comprising at least one follower for engaging with said at least one escapement wheel or with said at least one balance, wherein the unitary flexible mechanism is connected, via at least one flexible blade, to a stationary structure of said timepiece or to said at least one escapement wheel.

One objective of the present invention is to at least mitigate this drawback.

To this end, a timepiece movement is provided as defined in claim <NUM>.

Thanks to these dispositions, there is more freedom to have the regulating member oscillate with higher amplitude compared to the rotary oscillator of <CIT>. The invention may also help enhancing linearity of the mechanical oscillator constituted by the regulator mechanism.

It should be noted that the invention as defined above is not limited to a monolithic design as that of the embodiments which will be described in more details below.

In various embodiments of the timepiece movement according to the invention, one may possibly have recourse in addition to one and/or other of the following arrangements:.

The timepiece movement comprises a blocking mechanism which is controlled by the regulating member to regularly and alternatively hold and release a movable energy distribution member so that said energy distribution member moves by steps, said blocking mechanism being further adapted to regularly release energy to the regulating member for maintaining oscillation of said regulating member.

Other features and advantages of the invention appear from the following detailed description of several embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the Figures, the same references denote identical or similar elements.

<FIG> shows a schematic bloc diagram of a mechanical timepiece <NUM>, for instance a watch, including at least the following:.

The energy distribution member may be a rotary energy distribution wheel <NUM>. The following description will be made with respect to such energy distribution wheel.

The mechanical energy storage <NUM> is usually a spring, for instance a spiral shaped spring usually called mainspring. This spring may be wound manually through a winding stem and / or automatically through an automatic winding powered by the movements of the user.

The transmission <NUM> is usually a gear comprising a series of gear wheels (not shown) meshing with one another and connecting an input shaft to an output shaft (not shown). The input shaft is powered by the mechanical energy storage <NUM> and the output shaft is connected to the energy distribution wheel. Some of the gear wheels are connected to the watch hands or other time indicators <NUM>.

The transmission <NUM> is designed so that the energy distribution wheel rotates much more quickly than the input shaft (with a speed ratio which may be for instance of the order of <NUM>).

The regulator mechanism <NUM> is designed to oscillate with a constant frequency, thus ensuring the timepiece's precision. The oscillation of the regulator is sustained by regular transfers of mechanical energy from the energy distribution wheel <NUM>, through a monostable elastic member <NUM> which may for instance belong to the blocking mechanism <NUM>.

The mechanical energy storage <NUM>, transmission <NUM>, energy distribution wheel <NUM>, blocking mechanism <NUM> and regulator <NUM> form together a timepiece movement <NUM>.

The particular embodiment of <FIG> will now be described in details.

In this embodiment, the blocking mechanism <NUM> and regulator mechanism <NUM> may be monolithic and made in a single plate <NUM>, as shown for instance in <FIG> and <FIG>. Plate <NUM> is usually planar.

The plate <NUM> may have a small thickness, e.g. about <NUM> to about <NUM>, depending of the material thereof.

The plate <NUM> may have transversal dimensions, in the plane of said plate (e.g. width and length, or diameter), comprised between about <NUM> and <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> may be manufactured in any suitable material, preferably having a relatively high Young modulus to exhibit good elastic properties. Examples of materials usable for plate <NUM> are: silicon, nickel, steel, titanium. In the case of silicon, the thickness of plate <NUM> may be for instance comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The various members of the blocking mechanism <NUM> and regulator mechanism <NUM>, which will be detailed hereafter, are formed by making cutouts in plate <NUM>. These cutouts may be formed by any manufacturing method known in micromechanics, in particular for the manufacture of MEMS.

In the case of a silicon plate <NUM>, plate <NUM> may be locally hollowed out for instance by Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE), or in some cases by solid state laser cutting (in particular for prototyping or small series).

In the case of a nickel plate <NUM>, the blocking mechanism <NUM> and regulator mechanism <NUM> may be obtained for instance by LIGA.

In the case of a steel or titanium plate <NUM>, plate <NUM> may be locally hollowed out for instance by Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM).

The constituting parts of the blocking mechanism <NUM> and regulator mechanism <NUM>, each formed by portions of plate <NUM>, will now be described in details. Some of these parts are rigid and others are elastically deformable, usually in flexion. The difference between so-called rigid parts and so-called elastic parts is their rigidity in the plane of plate <NUM>, due to their shape and in particular to their slenderness. Slenderness may be measured for instance by the slenderness ratio (ratio of length of the part on width of the part). Parts of high slenderness are elastic (i.e. elastically deformable) and parts of low slenderness are rigid. For instance, so-called rigid parts may have a rigidity in the plane of plate <NUM>, which is at least about <NUM> times higher than the rigidity of so-called elastic parts in the plane of plate <NUM>. Typical dimensions for the elastic connections, e.g. elastic branches <NUM>, <NUM> and elastic links <NUM> described below, include a length comprised for instance between <NUM> and <NUM>, and a width comprised for instance between <NUM> (<NUM>) and <NUM> (<NUM>), e.g. around <NUM> (<NUM>).

Plate <NUM> forms an outer frame which is fixed to a support plate 11a for instance by screws or similar through holes 11b of the plate <NUM>. The support plate 11a is in turn fixed in the timepiece casing.

In the example shown on <FIG>, plate <NUM> forms a closed, rigid frame entirely surrounding the blocking mechanism <NUM> and regulator mechanism <NUM>, but this frame could be designed otherwise and in particular could be designed to not surround or not surround totally the blocking mechanism <NUM> and regulator mechanism <NUM>. In the example shown on <FIG>, such fixed frame includes two substantially parallel sides <NUM>, <NUM> extending in a first direction X and two substantially parallel sides <NUM>, <NUM> extending in a second direction Y which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction X. Frame <NUM>-<NUM>, support plate 11a and all other fixed parts may be referred to herein as "a support".

The energy distribution wheel <NUM> is pivotally mounted relative to the support, around an axis of rotation Z which is perpendicular to the plate <NUM>. The energy distribution wheel <NUM> is biased by energy storage <NUM> through transmission <NUM> in a single direction of rotation <NUM>.

The energy distribution wheel <NUM> has external teeth 5a, each having a front face 5b facing the direction of rotation <NUM> and a rear face 5c opposite the direction of rotation <NUM>.

For instance, the front face 5b can extend in a radial plane which is parallel to the rotation axis Z, while the rear face 5c may extend parallel to axis Z and slantwise relative to the radial direction (see <FIG>).

It should be noted that the teeth 5a do not need to have the complex shape of a classical escapement wheel of a so-called Swiss-lever escapement or Swiss-anchor escapement.

The monostable elastic member <NUM> is linked to the regulator mechanism <NUM> and is adapted to bear on the teeth 5a of the energy distribution wheel <NUM>. The monostable elastic member <NUM> normally has a first geometrical configuration (rest position) and the teeth 5a of the energy distribution wheel are adapted to elastically deform said monostable elastic member <NUM> by cam effect from said first geometrical configuration to a second geometrical configuration. The monostable elastic member <NUM> is arranged such that during each rotation cycle of the energy distribution wheel <NUM>:.

The regulator mechanism may have a rigid, inertial regulating member <NUM> which is connected to the frame of the plate <NUM> by a first elastic suspension <NUM>. The first elastic suspension may comprise for instance two flexible, first elastic branches <NUM> extending substantially parallel to the second direction Y, from the side <NUM> of the plate <NUM> so that the regulating member <NUM> is movable in translation substantially parallel to the first direction X with respect to the support. The regulating member <NUM> and the first elastic suspension <NUM> are arranged so that said regulating member <NUM> oscillates in two directions from the neutral position shown on <FIG>, according to the double arrow 17a visible on <FIG>, between two extreme positions which will be called here "first and second extreme regulating member positions".

Advantageously, the regulating member <NUM> is mounted on the support to oscillate with a first amplitude of oscillation in the first direction X and a non-zero, second amplitude of oscillation in the second direction Y. Preferably, the first amplitude of oscillation is at least <NUM> times the second amplitude.

The regulating member <NUM> may have a main rigid body <NUM> extending longitudinally substantially parallel to the first direction X close to the side <NUM> of plate <NUM>, two diverging rigid arms <NUM> extending from the ends of the main body <NUM> toward the side <NUM> of plate <NUM>, up to respective free ends <NUM>. The free ends <NUM> may extend outwardly opposite to each other, substantially parallel to the first direction X.

The first elastic branches <NUM> may have first ends connected to the side <NUM> of plate <NUM>, respectively close to sides <NUM>, <NUM> of plate <NUM>, and second ends respectively connected to the free ends <NUM> of the arms <NUM>. The first elastic branches <NUM> may be substantially rectilinear (i.e. not flexed) when the regulating member <NUM> is at rest in the neutral position.

The length of first elastic branches <NUM> and the amplitude of oscillation of regulating member <NUM> are such that the movement of said regulating member <NUM> is substantially rectilinear, as explained above.

The blocking mechanism <NUM> has a rigid blocking member <NUM> which is connected to the regulating member <NUM> by at least an elastic link <NUM> so as to move in synchronism with said regulating member <NUM>.

In the example shown on <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> may be connected to the regulating member <NUM> by two flexible elastic links <NUM> extending substantially parallel to the second direction Y. Said flexible elastic links <NUM> may be arranged to be substantially rectilinear (non-flexed) when the regulating member <NUM> is in neutral position.

The blocking member <NUM> may be mounted on the frame of the plate <NUM> by a second elastic suspension <NUM>. The second elastic suspension <NUM> may be arranged to impose a translational movement to the blocking member <NUM> in the second direction Y. The second elastic suspension may comprise two flexible, second elastic branches <NUM> extending substantially parallel to the first direction X, so that blocking member <NUM> is movable in translation substantially parallel to the second direction Y, in direction of double arrows 8a. The blocking member is thus movable in two opposite directions from a neutral position, between two extreme positions called here "first and second extreme blocking member positions". The elastic branches <NUM> may be arranged so as to be substantially linear (not flexed) when the blocking member <NUM> is at rest in the neutral position.

In the example shown on <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> may include:.

The elastic links <NUM> may have first ends connected to main body of regulating member <NUM>, close to the ends thereof, and second ends respectively connected to the free ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

Besides, the free end <NUM> of the lateral arm <NUM> may be extended toward the other lateral arm <NUM>, in the first direction X, by a first transversal, rigid arm <NUM>. The lateral arm <NUM> may also be extended, toward the other lateral arm <NUM>, in the first direction X, by a second rigid transversal arm <NUM> which is close to the base <NUM>. The energy distribution wheel <NUM> is between first and second transversal arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

The respective free ends of the first and second transversal arms <NUM>, <NUM> may have respectively first and second stop members 29a, 29b. First and second stop members 29a, 29b may be in the form of rigid fingers protruding toward each other from the free ends of first and second transversal arms <NUM>, <NUM>, in the second direction Y.

First and second stop members 29a, 29b are designed to cooperate with the teeth 5a of the energy distribution wheel <NUM>, as will be explained in more details below, to alternately hold and release said energy distribution wheel <NUM>. First and second stop members 29a, 29b may have a stop face, respectively 29a1, 29b1, facing the front face 5b of the teeth, and an opposite rear face, respectively 29a2, 29b2. The stop faces 29a1, 29b1 may preferably be disposed in a radial plane parallel to axis Z, while the rear faces 29a2, 29b2 may extend slantwise so that the stop members 29a, 29b have pointed shapes.

Blocking member <NUM> may further include a strut <NUM> a, extending in the second direction Y and joining the lateral arm <NUM> to the first transversal arm <NUM>.

Blocking member <NUM> may further have a tab <NUM> extending in the second direction Y from the transversal arm <NUM>, toward the side <NUM> of plate <NUM>.

The free end <NUM> and first transversal arm <NUM> may be received with small play in an indent 26a cut out in the side <NUM> of plate <NUM>. In addition, tab <NUM> may be received in a further indent 31a cut out in the side <NUM> of plate <NUM>.

Plate <NUM> may further include a rigid tongue <NUM>, extending in the second direction Y from the side <NUM> of plate <NUM> toward side <NUM>, between the energy distribution wheel <NUM> and the lateral arm <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM>. Tongue <NUM> may have a first edge 16a facing the energy distribution wheel <NUM> and extending parallel to the second direction Y. The first edge 16a may have a concave, circular cut out 16b partly receiving the energy distribution wheel <NUM>. Tongue <NUM> further has a second edge 16c opposite the first edge and facing the lateral arm <NUM>. The second edge 16c may be slanted parallel to the lateral arm <NUM>, and be in close vicinity to lateral arm <NUM>.

One of the second elastic branches <NUM> may have a first end connected to the first edge 16a of the tongue <NUM>, close to the side <NUM> of plate <NUM>, and a second end connected to the tab <NUM>. The other of the second elastic branches <NUM> may have a first end connected to the first edge 16a of the tongue <NUM>, close to the free end of the tongue <NUM>, and a second end connected to the lateral arm <NUM> close to the base <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> may be connected to the monostable elastic member <NUM>. In particular, said monostable elastic member may be a flexible tongue <NUM> which has a first end connected to the blocking member <NUM> (and therefore linked to the regulator mechanism <NUM> through flexible links <NUM>) and a second, free end bearing on the teeth 5a of the energy distribution wheel <NUM>. Typical dimensions for the flexible tongue <NUM> include a length comprised between for instance <NUM> and <NUM>, and a width comprised for instance between <NUM> (<NUM>) and <NUM> (<NUM>), for instance around <NUM> (<NUM>).

The flexible tongue <NUM> may be mounted on the blocking member <NUM> adjacent the second stop member 29b. In particular, the flexible tongue may be connected to the lateral arm <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM>, close to the transversal arm <NUM>. The flexible tongue <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the first direction X, between the transversal arm <NUM> and the energy distribution wheel <NUM>, up to a free end which is close to the second stop member 29b.

The flexible tongue <NUM> and blocking member <NUM> being two distinct members, the mechanism thus provides a separation between the function of blocking / releasing the distribution wheel <NUM> (provided by the blocking member <NUM>) and the function of transferring energy to the regulator mechanism to sustain oscillation thereof (provided by the flexible tongue <NUM>). Thanks to this separation of functions, the design of the blocking member <NUM> doesn't need to take into account the function of transferring energy (as it is the case in a traditional Swiss-anchor escapement which handles both blocking and energy transferring functions) and the design of the flexible tongue <NUM> doesn't need to take into account the function of blocking / releasing the distribution wheel <NUM>.

During operation, regulating member oscillates in translation parallel to the first direction X, with a frequency f comprised for instance between <NUM> and <NUM>, and blocking member <NUM> oscillates with a frequency 2f, twice the oscillation frequency of the regulating member <NUM>.

More precisely, the elastic links <NUM> are arranged such that:.

During this movement, the first and second stop members 29a, 29b move substantially radially with regard to the energy distribution wheel <NUM>, alternately toward and away from said energy distribution wheel, and the first and second stop members 29a, 29b thus interfere in turn with the teeth 5a of the energy distribution wheel <NUM> so as to hold said energy distribution wheel <NUM> respectively when said blocking member <NUM> is in the first and second extreme blocking member positions.

More precisely, the first stop member 29a is arranged to:.

Besides, the second stop member 29b is arranged to:.

Further, the second escape position of blocking member <NUM> may be between the first extreme blocking member position (close to side <NUM>) and the first escape position. In that case, advantageously, the first and second stop members 29a, 29b are arranged such that:.

The flexible tongue <NUM> may be arranged such that the teeth 5a of the energy distribution wheel <NUM> elastically deform said monostable elastic member <NUM> from said first geometrical configuration to said second geometrical configuration during rotation of the energy distribution wheel <NUM> when the blocking member <NUM> is between the first escape position and the second extreme blocking member position. Thus, the flexible tongue <NUM> accumulates a predetermined potential mechanical energy, corresponding to the geometrical deformation thereof between the predetermined first geometrical configuration and the predetermined second geometrical configuration. This predetermined energy is the same at each rotation cycle of the energy distribution wheel <NUM>.

The flexible tongue <NUM> may be arranged such that said flexible tongue <NUM> is in the second geometrical configuration when the blocking member <NUM> is in the second extreme blocking member position. Thus, the flexible tongue <NUM> returns to the first geometric configuration and transfers said predetermined amount of mechanical energy to the blocking member <NUM> during movement of the blocking member <NUM> from the second extreme blocking member position to the second escape position. The elastic links <NUM> are arranged to transmit said predetermined amount of mechanical energy to the regulating member <NUM>.

Further, the flexible tongue <NUM> may be arranged not to interfere with the teeth 5a of the energy distribution wheel <NUM> while the blocking member <NUM> moves from the second escape position to the first extreme blocking member position and from said first extreme blocking member position to the first escape position.

Preferably, the transmission <NUM> is such that each rotation step of the energy distribution wheel <NUM> is completed in a time which is not longer than the time necessary for the blocking member <NUM> to travel from the first escape position to the second extreme blocking member position.

The operation of the mechanism will now be described step by step, with regard to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

For a better understanding, reference numerals have been given to some of the teeth 5a on <FIG>. The situation of these teeth is as follows in the position of <FIG>:.

The mechanism then arrives in the position of <FIG>, <FIG>, where:.

The regulating member <NUM> and blocking member <NUM> then change their direction of movement, and the mechanism arrives in the position of <FIG>, <FIG>, where:.

The energy distribution wheel <NUM> then quickly turns of one angular step and the mechanism arrives in the position of <FIG>, <FIG>, where:.

After the energy distribution wheel has turned of one angular step, the mechanism then arrives in the position of <FIG>, <FIG>, where:.

The regulating member <NUM> and blocking member <NUM> then change direction and the same steps occur until the mechanism reaches back the position of <FIG>, <FIG>, and then the cycle is repeated.

Thus, the movement cycle of energy distribution wheel <NUM> includes two angular steps of rotation, each equivalent to half the angular extent of one tooth 5a. In the example of <FIG>, energy distribution wheel <NUM> has <NUM> teeth 5a, so that said angular step is α=<NUM>°/(<NUM>*<NUM>)=<NUM>°. It should be noted that each movement cycle of energy distribution wheel <NUM> is completed during half an oscillation cycle of regulating member <NUM>, so that the frequency of movements of energy distribution wheel <NUM> is <NUM> times the oscillation frequency of the regulator mechanism <NUM>. Thus, if the frequency f of the regulator mechanism <NUM> is <NUM>, then the frequency of the blocking member <NUM> will be 2f=<NUM> and the frequency of movements of energy distribution wheel <NUM> will be 4f=<NUM>.

An example, not claimed, will now be described with regard to <FIG>. The explanations of <FIG> still apply to this example.

In this example, as shown in <FIG>, regulator mechanism <NUM> may be monolithic and made in a single plate <NUM>. Plate <NUM> is usually planar, extending parallel to two perpendicular directions X, Y.

The various members of regulator mechanism <NUM>, which will be detailed hereafter, are formed by making cutouts in plate <NUM>. These cutouts may be formed by any manufacturing method known in micromechanics, in particular for the manufacture of MEMS.

In the case of a nickel plate <NUM>, regulator mechanism <NUM> may be obtained for instance by LIGA.

The constituting parts of regulator mechanism <NUM>, formed by portions of plate <NUM>, by will now be described in details. Some of these parts are rigid and others are elastically deformable, usually in flexion. The difference between so-called rigid parts and so-called elastic parts is their rigidity in the plane of plate <NUM>, due to their shape and in particular to their slenderness. Slenderness may be measured for instance by the slenderness ratio (ratio of length of the part on width of the part). Parts of high slenderness are elastic (i.e. elastically deformable) and parts of low slenderness are rigid. For instance, so-called rigid parts may have a rigidity in the plane of plate <NUM>, which is at least about <NUM> times higher than the rigidity of so-called elastic parts in the plane of plate <NUM>. Typical dimensions for the elastic connections, e.g. elastic branches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described below, include a length comprised for instance between <NUM> and <NUM>, and a width comprised for instance between <NUM> (<NUM>) and <NUM> (<NUM>), e.g. around <NUM> (<NUM>).

Plate <NUM> forms an outer frame <NUM> which is fixed to a support plate 111a for instance by screws or similar through holes 111b of the plate <NUM>. The support plate 111a is in turn fixed in the timepiece casing.

In the example shown on <FIG>, plate <NUM> forms a closed, rigid frame <NUM> entirely surrounding regulator mechanism <NUM>, but this frame could be designed otherwise and in particular could be designed to not surround or not surround totally the regulator mechanism <NUM>.

In the example shown on <FIG>, frame <NUM> may be for instance a circular ring having two rigid support arms <NUM> which extend inwardly from the periphery of frame <NUM>. Support arms <NUM> are offset in the second direction Y and extend parallel to first direction X, in opposite ways.

Frame <NUM>, support plate 111a and all other fixed parts may be referred to herein as "a support".

The regulator mechanism <NUM> may have two rigid, inertial regulating members <NUM> which are connected to the frame <NUM> by respective elastic suspensions <NUM>. The elastic suspension <NUM> of each regulating member <NUM> may comprise for instance two elastic links <NUM> extending substantially parallel to the second direction Y, from one of the support arms <NUM>, so that the regulating member <NUM> is movable in translation substantially parallel to the first direction X with respect to the support.

Each regulating member <NUM> and the elastic suspensions <NUM> are arranged so that said regulating member <NUM> oscillates in two directions from the neutral position shown on <FIG>, according to the arrows 117a, 117b visible on <FIG>, between two extreme positions shown respectively on <FIG> and <FIG>.

The translation movement of regulating member <NUM> may be substantially rectilinear.

Advantageously, each regulating member <NUM> is mounted on the support to oscillate in circular translation, with a first amplitude of oscillation in the first direction X and a non-zero, second amplitude of oscillation in the second direction Y. Preferably, the first amplitude of oscillation is at least <NUM> times the second amplitude, which makes the movement substantially rectilinear.

In the example of <FIG>, each regulating member <NUM> may be located between one of the support arms <NUM> and the periphery of frame <NUM>.

Each regulating member <NUM> may have a main rigid body <NUM> extending longitudinally substantially parallel to the first direction X, extended by two diverging rigid lateral arms <NUM> extending from the ends of the main body <NUM> toward the corresponding support arm <NUM>. The main body <NUM> may be substantially triangular in shape, to form with the lateral arms <NUM>, two substantially V-shaped cutouts <NUM> opening toward the corresponding support arm <NUM>. The corresponding support arm <NUM> may also have two substantially V-shaped cutouts <NUM> in register with the cutouts <NUM> of the regulating member <NUM>.

The elastic links <NUM> may here be elaborate elastic structures, but the invention is not limited to such elaborate structures.

In the example of <FIG>, each elastic link <NUM> may include a rigid link arm <NUM> connected to the corresponding support arm <NUM> by two elastic branches <NUM> and to the regulating member <NUM> by two other elastic branches <NUM>. Each rigid link arm <NUM> may extend longitudinally in the second direction Y, in the corresponding cutouts <NUM>, <NUM>.

For instance, each rigid link arm may be shaped as a rhomb extending longitudinally in the second direction Y between two apices (not referenced) which are close to two intermediate rigid bodies <NUM> located in the apices of the cutouts <NUM>, <NUM>. Each intermediate rigid body <NUM> may be elastically supported by two diverging elastic branches <NUM> which are disposed parallel to the edges of cutouts <NUM>, <NUM>. The elastic branches <NUM> on the side of the regulating member <NUM> are connected to said regulating member <NUM> close to the mouth of the corresponding cutout <NUM>, and the elastic branches <NUM> on the side of the support arm <NUM> are connected to said support arm <NUM> close to the mouth of the corresponding cutout <NUM>. Each link arm <NUM> also has two apices 146a aligned in the first direction X. The apices 146a are connected to the intermediate rigid bodies <NUM> respectively by two elastic branches <NUM> on the side of support arm <NUM>, and respectively by two elastic branches <NUM> on the side of the regulating member <NUM>. The elastic branches <NUM>, <NUM> run alongside the edges of the arm link <NUM>.

The above elastic links <NUM> thus extend in the second direction Y.

The regulating members <NUM> are connected together by a balance lever <NUM>, <NUM> which is designed such that regulating members <NUM> have always symmetric movements in opposite directions, so as to maintain in a fixed position the center of gravity of the assembly formed by regulating members <NUM> and balance lever <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. substantially in correspondence with an axis Z perpendicular to the first and second directions X, Y. Thanks to this balancing, the mechanism is not sensitive to shocks, accelerations or gravity applied parallel to the first direction X.

In the example of <FIG>, the balance lever <NUM>, <NUM> may include two rigid arcuate levers <NUM>, shaped as arcs of circle centered on axis Z and disposed inside the frame <NUM>, and a rigid intermediate lever <NUM> joining the two arcuate levers <NUM> and extending substantially diametrically with respect to axis Z.

Each arcuate lever <NUM> may extend between two ends formed as elbows <NUM>, <NUM>, which are disposed substantially radially with respect to axis Z, respectively in the second direction Y and in the first direction X. Each elbow <NUM> may be connected to one of the regulating members <NUM> by an articulation <NUM>, and each elbow <NUM> may be connected to the intermediate lever <NUM> by any means, e.g. by an elastic connection, for instance by elastic branches <NUM>. The intermediate lever <NUM> may be connected to the frame <NUM>, for instance to one of the support arms <NUM>, by an articulation <NUM> enabling the whole balance lever <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot around axis Z.

In the example of <FIG>, each articulation <NUM> may include an intermediate rigid body <NUM> having two opposed V-shaped cutouts <NUM>. A respective shoulder <NUM> of one of the arcuate levers <NUM> penetrate in one of the cutouts <NUM>, while a protrusion 141a of the corresponding regulating member <NUM>. The respective free ends of the elbow <NUM> and of the protrusion 141a may be connected by elastic branches <NUM> to the intermediate body <NUM> at the mouth of the V-shaped cutouts <NUM>.

The articulation <NUM> may be formed similarly and include an intermediate rigid body <NUM> having a V-shaped cutout <NUM> in which penetrate a protrusion <NUM> of the one of the support arms <NUM>. The free end of the protrusion <NUM> may be connected by elastic branches <NUM> to the intermediate body <NUM> at the mouth of the V-shaped cutout <NUM>. The intermediate body <NUM> may also be connected to the center of intermediate lever <NUM> by elastic branches <NUM>.

Elastic branches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have similar widths as elastic branches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown on <FIG>, <FIG>, the translational oscillations of regulating members <NUM> are transformed into a pivoting movement around axis Z by the balance lever <NUM>, <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A timepiece movement (<NUM>) having a timepiece regulator (<NUM>) and a blocking mechanism (<NUM>),
said timepiece regulator (<NUM>) comprising at least one inertial regulating member (<NUM>) which is mounted on a support (<NUM>-<NUM>) by an elastic suspension (<NUM>) so as to be able to oscillate,
wherein the regulating member (<NUM>) is mounted on the support to oscillate in translation, along a main direction of translation (X),
said blocking mechanism (<NUM>) having a blocking member (<NUM>) being controlled by the regulating member (<NUM>) to be able to regularly and alternatively hold and release a movable energy distribution member (<NUM>) so that said energy distribution member (<NUM>) moves by steps, said blocking mechanism (<NUM>) being further adapted to regularly release energy to the regulating member (<NUM>) for maintaining oscillation of said regulating member (<NUM>),
said blocking member (<NUM>) being connected to said regulating member (<NUM>) by at least one first elastic link (<NUM>).