This application claims priority from European patent application No. 17180307.5 filed on Jul. 7, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a timepiece oscillator structure comprising at least one divisible unit, which comprises at least one component which comprises at least one flexible blade or at least one blade with necks, joining two main units, each more rigid than said flexible blade or blade with necks, where said divisible unit comprises at least one protection unit which is designed to be adjacent to at least one said main unit to which it is connected by at least one divisible linkage which is designed in order to make possible the detachment of said protection unit from said component when said component is fixed, by means of at least said particular main unit which is designed to be adjacent to said protection unit, to a more rigid external element than said flexible blade or than the necks of said blade with necks.

The invention also relates to a timepiece oscillator mechanism comprising at least one such structure.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such timepiece oscillator mechanism.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a timepiece movement.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling a timepiece mechanism comprising at least one component, which comprises at least one flexible blade or blade with necks joining two units, each more rigid than this flexible blade or blade with necks.

The invention relates to timepiece oscillator mechanisms and manufacture thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The development of technologies for manufacturing timepiece components made of micromachinable materials, in particular made of silicon and silicon oxide, has made possible the production of elastic components with perfectly reproducible features, representing huge progress relative to the prior art comprising springs made of special steels. In particular, these technologies have made possible the design of oscillators with thin flexible blades, of very reduced dimensions and having very good chronometric properties.

However, handling such components is particularly delicate and any incorrect manoeuvre leads to destruction of components, the cost of which remains still high.

The application WO 2016/062889 A2 in the name of Richemont describes a regulating element for a mechanical clock movement comprising an escapement wheel and a vibrating oscillator provided with at least two vibrating arms and a pallets part which is connected to said vibrating arms and comprises elements arranged so as to cooperate directly with the teeth of the escapement wheel, so as to maintain periodic alternations of the vibrating oscillator and to make the escapement wheel move forward upon each alternation of the oscillations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes to industrialise the manufacture and assembly of components made of micromachinable materials, making possible handling with great safety and in particular by automated handling means.

To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece oscillator structure according to claim1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece oscillator mechanism comprising at least one such structure.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such timepiece oscillator mechanism.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a timepiece movement.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling a timepiece mechanism comprising at least one component, which comprises at least one flexible blade or blade with necks joining two main units, each more rigid than this flexible blade or blade with necks.

