EP2206022B1 - Shock-absorbing bearing for timepiece - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a bearing for timepieces and more particularly of the type for damping shocks.

Such bearings are, most frequently, used to ensure the pivoting of the rockers. Indeed, these are provided with small diameter pivots, and therefore delicate. Since, moreover, the mass of the balance is relatively large, the risk is high that a pivot breaks under the effect of a shock.

The bearings for pivoting a rocker generally comprise two stones, a pierced stone, in which is engaged a pivot of the balance and a pivot-against stone, which serves as a support and limiting the axial displacement of the pivot. These stones are made of a nonmetallic hard material such as corundum.

State of the art

There are many types of shock absorbing bearings. The most frequently used include a body provided with positioning and sliding surfaces, a pierced stone and a counter-pivot stone together forming a pivot member, these stones being disposed in the body and positioned on the positioning and sliding surfaces. A spring maintains the stones in the rest position, while allowing them to move within a certain limit under the effect of a shock, the axis of the balance then arriving against stops. Such bearings have, for example, been sold under the trademark Incabloc ®.

Shock absorbing bearings are also known in which the elastic members and the pivot members form a whole. They have the advantage of being less expensive.

Thus, the document US 3,942,848 describes a shock absorbing bearing comprising an annular body intended to be driven in a bridge or a plate. A spring formed to define a conical housing is attached to the body. This housing is a truss inside which a conical pivot of the balance comes to engage. In such a construction, pivoting conditions are unfavorable, metal-to-metal pivoting generating significant friction. Furthermore, a bearing type crapaudine cooperating with a conical pivot is poorly suited for a timepiece quality, the positioning of the balance is not very accurate.

The document EP 1'462'879 describes shock-absorbing bearings comprising a central part forming a pivoting member and surrounded by a rosette formed in a plate of elastic rigid material. The rosette consists of springs extending radially, their central end cooperating with the central part. Such a solution makes it possible to take advantage of technologies using plates of constant thickness. In such a construction, the central piece must be put in place by removing the springs and the position is not obvious to guarantee. In addition, it results in a large footprint.

The document EP 1'696'286 discloses a shock absorbing bearing comprising a pivot member provided with a pierced stone and a counter-pivot stone. Said bearing also comprises a fixing member whose purpose is to ensure the mounting of the bearing on a frame. It further comprises an elastic member which connects the pivot member to the fastener. The pierced stone, the counter-pivot stone and the elastic member are three distinct elements. The bearing will therefore be relatively difficult to assemble.

In addition, the European patent application EP 2'015'147 filed in the name of the applicant, describes a shock absorbing bearing comprising a pivot member and a resilient member formed integrally in a pellet of a monocrystalline material, the pivot being engaged in a blind hole. Such a solution is very simple, but does not allow lubrication. This results in a risk of wear under certain pivoting conditions.

Disclosure of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to provide a simplified structure shock-absorbing bearing which can be manufactured largely by photolithography processes associated with either etching processes or material growth processes, while allowing lubrication of pivoting.

The shock absorbing bearing for a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a pivot member provided with a pierced stone intended to receive a pivot, and a counter-pivot stone, distinct from the stone. breakthrough, forming a support of said pivot. It further comprises a fixing and abutment member for mounting it on a frame and a resilient member connecting the pivot member, and thus the counter-pivot stone and the pierced stone, to the fastener member. and comprising at least one arm. To achieve this goal said elastic member and one of the two stones of the pivot member are constituted of the same monolithic piece, the stone against pivot being constitutive of said monolithic piece. The part is advantageously made of a monocrystalline material. Its manufacture is particularly well controlled when this material is silicon.

A flat surface being easier to achieve than a curved surface, it is more interesting that it is the counter-pivot stone which is constitutive of the monolithic piece.

In addition, cleaning holes in the counter-pivot stone facilitate the cleaning of the bearing, which is necessary if the latter is lubricated. These holes are offset with respect to the balance shaft.

In order to improve the fixing of the pierced stone on the monolithic piece, it is fixed rigidly to the monolithic piece, advantageously driven in a metal ring. The latter may be provided with two pins engaged in a hole made in said monolithic piece. These pins pass through said monolithic piece and are fixed thereto.

The bearing may, in addition, comprise a fastener provided with two holes arranged so as to each receive one of said pins, in which they are fixed.

These pins and the metal ring can be formed in one piece.

It is also possible to fix the pierced stone directly on the monolithic piece. In this case, the latter is provided with a core in which is housed and fixed said pierced stone, for example by means of glue.

In another embodiment, the monolithic piece has a two-level structure and two elastic members, the counter-pivot stone and the first elastic member constituting the first level, the second elastic member the second level, the pierced stone being integral with said second elastic member.

In a third embodiment, the bearing comprises a second monolithic piece in which is fixed said pierced stone. The second monolithic piece comprises a peripheral portion, a central portion and a second elastic member formed by arms connecting the peripheral portion to the central portion, the central portion being pierced at its center to form a hole in which the pierced stone is fixed. The scope of the invention is defined by the independent claims 1, 12 and 13 appended hereto.

Brief description of the drawings

• les figures 1 et 2 représentent une première variante, respectivement vue en coupe et de dessus, d'un premier mode de réalisation de la présente invention,
• la figure 3 montre une pièce destinée à équiper un palier tel que représenté sur les figures 1 et 2,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe d'une deuxième variante du premier mode de réalisation,
• les figures 5 et 6 représentent, vue en coupe, une troisième variante du premier mode de réalisation,
• les figures 7 et 8 illustrent une quatrième variante du premier mode de réalisation,
• les figures 9 et 10 montrent, respectivement vu en coupe et de dessus, un deuxième mode de réalisation, alors que les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues en perspective, de dessus et de dessous, d'une pièce équipant le palier de ce mode de réalisation,
• les figures 13 et 14 représentent des vues en coupe de deux variantes d'un troisième mode de réalisation; et
• la figure 15 propose une variante supplémentaire d'un mode de réalisation.

Other features of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figures 1 and 2 represent a first variant, respectively seen in section and from above, of a first embodiment of the present invention,
• the figure 3 shows a part intended to equip a bearing as represented on the figures 1 and 2 ,
• the figure 4 is a sectional view of a second variant of the first embodiment,
• the figures 5 and 6 represent, in sectional view, a third variant of the first embodiment,
• the figures 7 and 8 illustrate a fourth variant of the first embodiment,
• the figures 9 and 10 show, respectively seen in section and from above, a second embodiment, while the Figures 11 and 12 are views in perspective, from above and from below, of a part equipping the bearing of this embodiment,
• the figures 13 and 14 show sectional views of two variants of a third embodiment; and
• the figure 15 proposes a further variant of an embodiment.

Embodiments of the invention

For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by the same references in the various figures.

A first variant of a first embodiment of the invention is represented on the Figures 1 to 3 . In particular, figures 1 and 2 illustrate a watch movement portion provided with bearings according to the invention, respectively seen in section and from above.

The movement comprises a frame comprising a plate 10 and a balance bridge 11, bearings 12 and 13 respectively mounted in holes 10a and 11a formed in the plate 10 and the bridge 11. These holes are coaxial, axis AA. A rocker 14 is pivotally mounted in the bearings 12 and 13. It comprises an axis 16 provided at its two ends with tigers 17, which carry pivots 18.

The bearing 12 comprises a fixing member comprising two annular pieces 20 and 22, the piece 22, in the form of a cup, being pierced at its center with a hole 23, a monolithic piece 24 of monocrystalline material, and a pierced stone 26. The piece 24, shown from above in perspective on the figure 3 , has a round and flat shape. It comprises a central portion 27, a peripheral portion 28, of annular shape, and spirally wound arms, forming an elastic member 29, which connect the central portion 27 to the peripheral portion 28. The central portion 27, disc, is provided with a hole 27a in which is housed the pierced stone 26, fixed for example by gluing. The central portion 27 forms a counter-pivot stone 31 defined by the bottom of the core 27a. The counter-pivoting stone 31 constitutes, with the pierced stone 26, a pivoting member 32.

As the pierced stone 26 and the counter-pivot stone 31 form a difficultly removable whole, the portion of the central portion 27 forming the counter-pivot stone 31 is provided with holes 33 offset relative to the axis AA, thus facilitating cleaning of the landing.

The monolithic piece 24 is interposed between the annular pieces 20 and 22. The piece 24, provided with the pierced stone 26, is disposed in the hole 10a of the plate 10, held radially by the wall of the hole 10a and axially by the annular pieces. 20 and 22. Such a structure makes it possible to adjust the axial position of the balance 14.

• diamètre 1,50 à 2,50 mm, typiquement 1,80 mm ;
• épaisseur 0,20 à 0,30 mm typiquement 0,25 mm ;
• épaisseur des bras 0,04 à 0,08 mm typiquement 0,05 mm ;
• longueur de la spirale 180° à 360°, typiquement 270°.

The monolithic piece 24 is made in a silicon wafer using the well-known methods of photolithography and etching. The dimensions of this part 24 are advantageously included within the following limits:

• diameter 1.50 to 2.50 mm, typically 1.80 mm;
• thickness 0.20 to 0.30 mm typically 0.25 mm;
• arm thickness 0.04 to 0.08 mm typically 0.05 mm;
• spiral length 180 ° to 360 °, typically 270 °.

The bearing 13 comprises a fixing and abutment member 34 consisting of an annular piece in the form of a cup, which defines a housing having an inner cylindrical wall 36 and a flat bearing surface 37 in the bottom of the cup. It is also pierced with a central hole 23. A truncated portion of cone 38 forms the free end of the cup. It retains and positions a mobile bolt carrier 40.

The bearing 13 also comprises a monolithic piece 24, provided with a pierced stone 26, in all respects similar to that fitted to the bearing 12. The piece 24, provided with the pierced stone 26, is fixed in the housing formed by the cylindrical wall 36 and the bearing surface 37, advantageously by gluing. It could also be maintained axially similar to the bearing 12, by a ring driven on the cylindrical wall 36.

The rocker 14 is pivotally mounted by engagement of the pivots 18 in the hole of the pierced stones 26. The rods 17 are engaged in the holes 23.

In case of side impact, the rocker 14 is subjected to a force proportional to the acceleration. This force is transmitted to the bearings 12 and 13 via the pivots 18 which bear in the hole of the pierced stones 26. It has the effect of deforming the arms of the elastic member 29 until the axis 16 come to bear, by the rods 17, against the wall of the holes 23. The rocker 14 is then blocked by a portion of its axis which has dimensions much larger than those pivots 18. The structure is thus more robust.

In the event of an axial impact, one of the pivots 18 exerts a pressure on the counter-pivoting stone 31, which has the effect of axially deforming the arms of the elastic member 29. The shaft 16 then bears against the plane wall adjacent to and surrounding the hole 23.

The arms of the elastic member 29 are dimensioned so that the axis 16 comes into contact with the annular parts 22 and 34 when the acceleration reaches about 500 g, both for the axial impact and radial.

Another variant of the first embodiment is represented on the figure 4 . There is the plate 10 and the bridge 11, the bearings 12 and 13 and the balance 14, with their constituent parts, which will not be described again here. In this variant, the pierced stone 26 is housed in a ring 42 of metal, for example brass or nickel-based alloy. The establishment of the stone 26 in the ring 42 is advantageously by driving. The assembly thus obtained can also be driven into the core 27a. If necessary, the stone 26 and the ring 42 can be removed or moved to ensure a suitable distance between the stone 26 and the pivot-pivot stone 31. This distance is important to ensure good resistance of the oil. This is, in fact, retained by capillarity between the stone 26 and the counter-pivot stone 31. If the distance is too small, the amount of trapped oil is low. If, on the contrary, this distance is too great, the trapped oil drop does not hold well in place is likely to be expelled during a shock.

In another variant, shown in figures 5 and 6 we find the same parts as in the one described previously. However, it differs in two points, and more particularly in the structure of the bearing 12 which is housed in the plate 10, and the manner of associating the pierced stone 26 to the monolithic piece 24.

In this variant, the stone 26 is not included in the thickness of the monolithic part 24, as is the case in the first variant. It is, on the contrary, interposed between the piece 24 and the annular piece 22, being fixed to the piece 24 by pins 43 engaged in holes in the ring 42 and in the central portion 27 of the monolithic piece 24. Advantageously, the pins 43 can be driven into the ring 42 and glued into the piece 24. Moreover, the piece 24 is directly fixed by 10. The piece 22 therefore no longer ensures the axial positioning of the bearing 12. It has more, for function, that to serve as a stop to the shank 17 as explained above.

It will be noted that the pins 43 are attached to the ring 42. It is obvious that they could also be manufactured in one piece with the ring 42, by machining, stamping or adding material.

The variant of figures 7 and 8 differs from that of figures 5 and 6 because the pins 43 protrude from the monolithic part 24. A ring 44 of metal, for example brass or gold, also provided with holes, serves as a housing at the ends of the pins 43. More specifically, the pins 43 are driven in the holes that includes the ring 44. In this way, it serves as a fixing piece, now in place the stone 26 on the part 24. Moreover, the ring 44 can be used to provide an aesthetic function, to represent for example, the logo of the watch as well as to ensure disassembly easier to achieve.

In the second embodiment, shown in the Figures 9 to 12 , the monolithic piece 24 comprises, as before, a central portion 27 forming the counter pivot stone 31, and a peripheral portion 28. The figures 9 and 10 represent a device according to this embodiment respectively seen in section and from above, and the Figures 11 and 12 the monolithic pieces 24 views on both sides.

In this embodiment, the monolithic piece 24 has a two-level structure with, at the first level, a first set of three arms forming a first elastic member 45 connecting the peripheral portion 28 to the central portion 27, and the second level, three arms forming a second elastic member 46 secured to the peripheral portion 28 and enclosing the pierced stone 26. The latter can be fixed to the elastic member 46 by gluing. In other words, the elastic member 45 and the central portion 27 occupy a first level, the elastic member 46 and the stone 26 a second level, and the peripheral portion 28 occupies the two levels.

In order to be able to manufacture such a structure by photolithographic techniques, it is necessary that the constituent parts of one of the levels do not overlap with those on the other level. In order to make this requirement very apparent in these figures, the arms of the elastic members 45 and 46 have a meandering structure. They could however also have a spiral shape.

The manufacture of the piece 24 is done, as previously by photolithography and etching techniques. In a first step, a mask is placed on one of the faces of the plate in which the monolithic pieces are made, and this face is chemically etched on a little more than half the thickness. In this step, the shapes of the constituent parts of the first level are defined. During the second step, the piece is turned over and a mask is arranged to define the structure of the second level. The plate is, here too, attacked on a little more than half of the thickness. In this way, the two levels are perfectly defined and independent. Then, the monolithic pieces 24 are extracted from the base plate by attacking the periphery over the entire thickness.

In this embodiment, the monolithic parts 24 are fixed to the frame of the movement in a manner identical to the variant shown in the drawings. figures 1 and 2 .

With this variant the forces generated by an action of the axis of the balance 14 on the pierced stone 26 or on the counter-pivot stone 31 can be dimensioned independently.

A third embodiment is shown, in two variants, on the figures 13 and 14 . In the variant of the figure 13 , the device comprises, in addition to monolithic pieces 24, second monolithic pieces 47.

The parts 24 have a constant thickness. They each comprise the peripheral portion 28, the central portion 27 forming the counter pivot stone 31, and arms forming the elastic member 29. The pierced stones 26 are each fixed to one of the monolithic pieces 47. The latter comprise also a peripheral portion 48, a central portion 49 and an elastic member 51 formed of arms connecting the peripheral portion 48 to the central portion 49, which is pierced at its center, to form a hole 52 in which the pierced stone 26 is fixed, for example by gluing.

This solution also makes it possible to have independent elastic members having different characteristics to cooperate on the one hand with the stone 26, on the other hand with the counter-pivot stone 31.

The fasteners 22 and 34 are each provided with two bearing surfaces 53 and 54, on which the monolithic parts 24 and 47 are respectively supported and fixed, for example by means of adhesive points. These members 22 and 34 are themselves respectively driven into the plate 10 and the bridge 11.

In the variant illustrated in figure 14 , the monolithic pieces 24 and 47 are substantially thicker than in the variant of the figure 13 . The monolithic piece 47 is provided with a recess 55 in which is fixed the pierced stone 26. This hole 55 is pierced with a central hole 56 and lateral holes 57, one of which is visible in the drawing. The holes 57 serve to facilitate cleaning, such as the holes 33 described with reference to the Figures 1 to 3 .

The monolithic piece 24 is provided with a central stud 58 engaged in the hole 56, with a slight clearance. The end of the stud 58 acts as a counter-pivot stone 31.

The fixing of the monolithic parts 24 and 47 is done in the same way as in the variant represented in FIG. figure 13 .

The behavior of this device during axial shocks is the same as for the embodiments described above. This is not the case during radial shocks. With this structure, as long as the shocks are weak, only the elastic member 51 is biased. If the shock is greater, the wall of the hole 56 bears against the stud 58, so that the elastic member 29 is also biased.

The bearings described above may be the subject of many other embodiments or variants, without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be noted in particular that the monolithic parts may be made of silicon or another preferably monocrystalline material easily machinable by photolithography and chemical etching techniques. These parts may, in addition, undergo surface treatments, for example be coated with a diamond layer or be oxidized. As mentioned above, it is perfectly possible to make the pierced stone 26 in a monolithic manner with the elastic member, the pivot-pivoting stone 31 being then arranged with reference to the monolithic piece, like that described above. The two stones 26 and 31 can also both be made monolithically with the elastic member.

It is also possible to produce them in a polycrystalline material, for example by growth.

It may, furthermore, be advantageous to provide for integrating, at the level of the elastic member 29, a friction or damping element, in order to improve the stability of the device and to cut off any oscillation of the organs. elastic. Naturally, the friction generated must only hinder the mobility of the pivoting member within an acceptable limit for refocusing the central portion 27 or 49 and therefore the pierced stone 26, that it is made monolithically with an elastic member or not. Advantageously, the friction implies that a minimum force must be applied to the pivot to cause a displacement of the central portion 27. In other words, a disturbance generating a force below this minimum force, would not overcome the forces related to friction and the device would not be disturbed.

For example, the figure 15 proposes an example illustrating such a friction element. In this variant, the pierced stone 26 of the pivoting member 32 comprises around it, a flange 26b whose walls define a first truncated cone. In addition, the annular piece 34 comprises, around the hole 23 through which the tigeron 17 passes, a cup 50 whose walls define a second truncated cone. The walls of the first and second truncated cones are arranged so that, when the resilient arms are in their rest position, they are flush with each other. A slight prestress in the axis of pivoting supports the walls of the flange 26b against that of the cup 50. The walls are substantially parallel, to avoid shocks between the two truncated cone.

Thus, when a disturbing force tending to induce radial displacement is applied to the pivot member, this force must overcome the friction generated between the walls of the first and second truncated cones before the central portion moves. radially. This improves the stability of the pivot members. It will be noted that the prestressing exerted on the central portion 27 causes an identical effect in the axial direction, that is, a disturbing force tending to induce an axial displacement must overcome the prestressing before the central part moves axially. .

The angle of the truncated cones may be relatively open, that is to say between about 120 and 180 degrees. The value of the angle defines the friction generated between the two truncated cones and therefore the minimum force to be applied to cause a displacement of the central portion 27.

In addition, these friction also allow to quickly stop the oscillations of the elastic arms in case of disturbance.

It should be noted that the addition of an oil or a viscous liquid between the elastic arms can also make it possible to obtain a similar effect.

The various embodiments described above thus make it possible to achieve efficient and compact shock-absorbing bearings that are simple in their structure and can be lubricated in good conditions.

Claims (14)

1. A shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece movement, comprising:

   - a pivot organ (32) provided with a pierced jewel (26) intended to receive a pivot (18), and an endstone jewel (31), forming a bearing for said pivot (18), said endstone jewel (31) being separate from said pierced jewel (26),

   - a fastening and banking organ (20, 22, 34) intended to ensure mounting thereof on a frame,

   - an elastic organ (29) connecting the pivot organ (32), and therefore the endstone jewel and the pierced jewel, to the fastening organ (20, 22, 34) and comprising at least one arm,

   characterized in that said elastic organ (29) and one of the two jewels (26, 31) of the pivot organ (32) make up a same monolithic piece (24), said endstone jewel (31) forming part of said monolithic piece (24).
2. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the monolithic piece is made from a monocrystalline material.
3. The bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that the monocrystalline material is silicon.
4. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the endstone jewel (31) is provided with at least one hole (33) offset relative to the balance axis (AA).
5. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that said pierced jewel (26) is rigidly fastened to said monolithic piece (24).
6. The bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that said pierced jewel (26) is driven into a metal ring (42).
7. The bearing according to claim 6, characterized in that said ring (42) is provided with two pins (43) engaged in a hole formed in said monolithic piece (24).
8. The bearing according to claim 7, characterized in that said pins (43) cross through said monolithic piece (24) and are fastened therein.
9. The bearing according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a fastening piece (44) provided with two holes arranged so as to be able each to receive one of said pins (43), in which they are fastened.
10. The bearing according to claim 7, characterized in that said pins (43) and said ring (42) are formed as a single piece.
11. The bearing according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said monolithic piece (24) is provided with a recess (27a) in which said pierced jewel (26) is glued.
12. A shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece movement comprising:

    - a pivot organ (32) provided with a pierced jewel (26) intended to receive a pivot (18), and an endstone jewel (31), forming a bearing for said pivot (18), said endstone jewel (31) being separate from said pierced jewel (26),

    - a fastening and banking organ (20, 22, 34) intended to ensure mounting thereof on a frame,

    - a first elastic organ (45) connecting the endstone jewel (31) to the fastening organ (20, 22, 34) and comprising at least one arm,

    characterized in that said endstone jewel (31) and the first elastic organ (45) constitute a same monolithic piece having a two-level structure, the endstone jewel (31) and the first elastic organ (45) making up the first level, and a second elastic organ (46) making up the second level, the pierced jewel (26) being secured to said second elastic organ (46).
13. A shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece movement comprising:

    - a pivot organ (32) provided with a pierced jewel (26) designed to receive a pivot (18), and an endstone jewel (31), forming a bearing for said pivot (18), said endstone jewel (31) being separate from said pierced jewel (26),

    - a fastening and banking organ (20, 22, 34) designed to ensure mounting thereof on a frame,

    - the first elastic organ (45) connecting the endstone jewel (31) to the fastening organ (20, 22, 34) and comprising at least one arm,

    characterized in that said endstone jewel (31) and the first elastic organ (45) constitute a first monolithic piece (24) and in that the endpiece comprises a second monolithic piece (47) in which said pierced jewel (26) is fastened, said second monolithic piece (47) comprising a peripheral portion (48), a central portion (49) and a second elastic organ (51) formed from arms connecting the peripheral portion (48) to the central portion (49), the central portion (49) being pieced at its center to form a hole (52) in which the pierced jewel (26) is fastened.
14. The bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a friction or damping element tending to oppose a disruptive force oriented so as to cause a movement of the pivot organ.

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