EP3422117B1 - Shock-absorber bearing for a shaft of a timepiece rotating componant - Google Patents

Shock-absorber bearing for a shaft of a timepiece rotating componant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3422117B1
EP3422117B1 EP17178829.2A EP17178829A EP3422117B1 EP 3422117 B1 EP3422117 B1 EP 3422117B1 EP 17178829 A EP17178829 A EP 17178829A EP 3422117 B1 EP3422117 B1 EP 3422117B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bearing
wall
centring
external
support
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17178829.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3422117A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Cusin
Ivan Hernandez
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nivarox Far SA
Nivarox SA
Original Assignee
Nivarox Far SA
Nivarox SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nivarox Far SA, Nivarox SA filed Critical Nivarox Far SA
Priority to EP17178829.2A priority Critical patent/EP3422117B1/en
Priority to JP2018104398A priority patent/JP6655126B2/en
Priority to US15/997,767 priority patent/US10845763B2/en
Priority to RU2018121493A priority patent/RU2759829C2/en
Priority to CN201810686914.6A priority patent/CN109212944B/en
Publication of EP3422117A1 publication Critical patent/EP3422117A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3422117B1 publication Critical patent/EP3422117B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/004—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor characterised by the material used
    • G04B31/008—Jewel bearings
    • G04B31/0087—Jewel bearings with jewel hole only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
    • G04B31/04—Shock-damping bearings with jewel hole and cap jewel
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a shock-absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece, in particular for a pendulum axis, and comprising a clearance refocusing device.
  • the pivots of the axes of the mobiles rotate in bearings mounted in the plate or in bridges.
  • the bearings it is customary to equip the bearings with a shock absorbing mechanism.
  • the pivots of the axis of a pendulum are generally fine and the mass of the pendulum is relatively high, the pivots can break under the effect of a shock in the absence of a damping mechanism.
  • the configuration of a conventional shock absorbing bearing 1 is represented by the figure 1a .
  • An olive curved stone 2 is driven into a bearing support 3 commonly called a kitten, on which a counter-pivot stone is mounted 4.
  • the kitten 3 is held in abutment against the bottom of a bearing block 5 by a damping spring 6 arranged to exert an axial stress on the upper part of the counter-pivot stone 4.
  • the kitten 3 further comprises a conical outer wall arranged in correspondence with a conical inner wall disposed at the periphery of the bottom of the bearing block 5.
  • the kitten has an external wall having a convex, that is to say curved, surface.
  • the kitten 3 For proper operation, the kitten 3 must be well centered on the axis of the shock absorbing bearing and well flat, which is not easy to guarantee due to the tolerance intervals of the components.
  • the centering position of the kitten 3 on the axis of rotation of the bearing has the drawback of being undefined while in the second configuration, as illustrated by the figure 1c , the kitten 3 can pivot around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the damping bearing, which has the harmful consequence of positioning the kitten 3 at an angle as well as the pivot and the counter-pivot mounted on the kitten.
  • the document EP 3,070,544 discloses a shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece. It comprises an elastic member comprising an external part adapted to position the elastic member in a housing of the bearing. This outer part is held in the housing by friction generated by elastic forces exerted between said outer part and the wall of the housing. Either a kitten which supports the counter-pivot, or the counter-pivot, comprises a first bearing surface arranged to be in contact with said outer part of the elastic member in the rest position of the bearing.
  • An object of the invention is therefore to propose a shock absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece, in particular for an axis of a balance wheel, whose tolerance intervals of the components of the shock absorbing bearing do not lead to the two unwanted situations mentioned above.
  • the invention relates to a shock absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece, in particular for an axis of pendulum.
  • the bearing comprises a bearing block comprising a housing, a bearing support arranged in the housing and comprising an external centering wall, a pivot bearing mounted on the bearing support for receiving a pivot of the axis of a mobile and an arrangement for elastic support of the pivot of the axis of the mobile.
  • the shock-absorbing bearing further comprises a clearance centering device.
  • This clearance centering device comprises, on the one hand, a first part comprising a centering element having an internal centering wall in which the external wall of centering of the bearing support and, on the other hand, a second part bearing on the bearing block and arranged so as to exert a return effect with respect to the first part.
  • This restoring effect allows the centering element of the play centering device to adjust against the bearing support independently of manufacturing variations and to guarantee centering and flat support of the bearing support against the bottom of the block. landing.
  • the outer centering wall of the bearing support and the inner centering wall of the centering element are each a wall of conical shape.
  • the taper of the inner centering wall of the centering element corresponds to the taper of the outer centering wall of the bearing support.
  • the outer centering wall of the bearing support is convex and the inner centering wall of the centering element is conical.
  • the outer centering wall of the bearing support is conical and the inner centering wall of the centering element is convex.
  • the bearing block has an internal wall comprising a cylindrical shoulder having a radial bearing surface as well as an axial bearing surface.
  • the second part of the game refocusing device comprises an annular portion arranged on the radial bearing surface of the shoulder and an elastic portion extending beyond the radial bearing surface in the direction of the bearing axis .
  • the elastic portion comprises several flexible blades arranged along a circular path for example.
  • the flexible blades are configured to flex essentially axially under the effect of a shock as well as to compensate for axial play and ensure the centering of the bearing support.
  • the centering element comprises an external wall comprising several reinforcement blocks and centering, said blocks limiting the radial displacement of the bearing support and allowing, with the rest of the centering element, to compensate for axial play and to ensure the centering of the bearing support.
  • One and the other of the ends of each flexible blade are respectively connected to a corresponding block and to the annular portion of the second part of the game refocusing device.
  • each reinforcement block has a bearing surface arranged against the axial bearing surface of the shoulder making it possible to center the bearing support.
  • Each flexible blade comprises an external side wall set back from the bearing surface of each block.
  • the axis of curvature of the flexible blades of the elastic portion corresponds to the axis of the bearing.
  • the annular portion of the second part of the game refocusing device has a square or rectangular cross section.
  • the annular portion is prestressed (by driving for example) in order to exert a force against a corner formed by the radial bearing surface of the shoulder and an axial bearing surface of the internal wall of the bearing block.
  • the bearing block comprises a base comprising an opening for the passage of the pivot of the axis of a mobile.
  • the bearing support bears against the base of the bearing block.
  • the centering element of the first part of the clearance refocusing device is distant from the base when the shock-absorbing bearing is in a resting configuration, that is to say when the bearing is not under the influence of no external constraints.
  • the game refocusing device is in a monolithic form.
  • a shock absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile, in particular for a pendulum axis, of a timepiece will now be described according to an embodiment with reference to figures 2 to 5 .
  • the shock absorbing bearing 10 comprises a bearing block 11 (hereinafter: bearing block), a bearing support 20, an elastic member 30 and a clearance refocusing device 40.
  • the outer casing of the bearing block 11 is shaped to be inserted in one or more orifices present on the plate or on one or more bridges of a watch movement (not illustrated).
  • This bearing block 11 comprises a base 12 having an opening 13, preferably cylindrical, for the passage of a pivot of the pendulum axis.
  • the bearing block 11 further comprises an internal side wall defining a housing for receiving the bearing support 20 more commonly known as a kitten.
  • the internal side wall comprises a main cylindrical wall 14a and a first and second complementary cylindrical walls 14b, 14c arranged on either side of the main cylindrical wall 14a, called lower cylindrical walls 14b and upper 14c.
  • each of the lower and upper cylindrical walls 14b, 14c is less than the diameter of the main wall 14a of the internal side wall of the bearing block 11.
  • the lower wall 14b thus forms with the main wall 14a a cylindrical shoulder 16.
  • L 'shoulder 16 forms with the main wall 14a a corner comprising an axial bearing surface 15a and a radial bearing surface 16a extending over 360 ° and centered on the axis of the damping bearing 10.
  • the upper cylindrical wall 14c forms with the main wall 14a a radial bearing surface 15b arranged substantially opposite the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16.
  • the upper wall 14c forms a flange allowing the attachment of the elastic member 30. It is obvious that other means can be used to fix the elastic member 30 so that the flange formed by the upper wall 14c can be removed, the upper part ieure of the main wall 14a then being straight.
  • the kitten 20 has an internal side wall comprising a main cylindrical wall 21a and a complementary cylindrical wall 21b.
  • the pierced stone 24 is preferably fixed by chasing but can also be glued or fixed in any other way to the main cylindrical wall of the internal kitten wall.
  • the diameter of the main cylindrical wall 21a of the kitten 20 is less than the diameter of the complementary cylindrical wall 21b so as to form a corner extending over 360 °.
  • the elastic support arrangement comprises a pivot 25 mounted on the bearing support 20 and an elastic member 30 arranged to exert an axial force on the bearing support 20.
  • the pivot 25 is cylindrical in shape and is mounted at the above the pierced stone 24. More particularly, the peripheral part of the counter-pivot 25 is held against a radial support surface 22a and axial 22b of the corner of the kitten 20 under the action of the elastic member 30 which is mounted inside the housing of the bearing block 11.
  • the elastic member 30 may have the known form of a lyre and has a lower side 31 whose central part 31a is in abutment against the upper part of the counter-pivot 25 and an upper side 32, the peripheral part 32a of which rests against the radial bearing surface 15b of the bearing block 11.
  • the elastic member 30 is in a prestressing configuration in order to exert an optimal axial force against the counter -pivot 25 when the bearing has mortisor 10 is in a so-called rest configuration in which it is not subjected to any external stress. It will be noted that this elastic member can take different forms and can be coupled to the bearing block 11 by other means. For example, the elastic member may have a shape partially covering the counter-pivot 25.
  • the clearance refocusing device 40 comprises a first part comprising a centering element 42 bearing against the kitten 20 and a second part comprising a peripheral zone bearing on the bearing block 11 as will be described below so that the second part has a reminder effect vis-à-vis the first part.
  • the centering element 42 comprises an internal wall comprising a conical wall 43a and a complementary cylindrical wall 43b as well as an external wall 44 of cylindrical shape.
  • each reinforcing block 45 is arranged on the external wall 44.
  • four blocks 45 are preferably arranged at 90 ° relative to each other.
  • an execution with a different number of blocks can be envisaged, for example three blocks preferably arranged at 120 ° relative to each other.
  • Each block 45 has a bearing surface 45a arranged to bear against the axial bearing surface 16b of the shoulder 16 of the bearing block 11.
  • the second part of the clearance refocusing device 40 comprises an annular portion 46 resting integrally on the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16 of the bearing block 11 and a second elastic portion extending beyond the surface d radial support 16a in the direction of the axis of the bearing 10 and connected to the centering element 42.
  • the annular portion 46 is of essentially constant cross section and for example of square shape ( figure 2 ).
  • the annular portion 46 is prestressed in order to exert a force against the corner formed by the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16 and the axial bearing surface 15a of the main cylindrical wall 14a of the bearing block 11 in order to ensure the coupling of the recentering element 42 with the bearing block 11.
  • other forms of coupling can be implemented.
  • the elastic portion of the second part comprises several flexible blades 47 arranged along a path, for example circular, concentric with the centering element 42. These blades 47 are connected to the reinforcement blocks 45 and are configured to flex essentially axially under the effect of a shock as well as to compensate for axial clearances linked in particular to manufacturing variations and to ensure centering and flat support of the kitten 20 at the bottom of the bearing block 11.
  • the elastic portion preferably comprises four flexible blades 47 which each extend along an arc of circle between 60 ° and 85 ° but a different number of blades can be envisaged, for example three blades each extending the along an arc between 90 ° and 115 °.
  • each blade 47 is slightly set back from the bearing surface 45a of each block 45. This makes it possible to prevent the flexible blades 47 from "rubbing" against the axial surface 16b of the shoulder 16 of the bearing block 11 when these blades flex axially in order to absorb the stresses caused by an essentially axial shock, thus preventing premature wear of the blades.
  • the ratio between the axial height of the centering element 42 and the axial height of the annular portion 46 is greater than two according to the embodiment illustrated in the figure 2 whereas this ratio can be approximately equal to one according to an embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 .
  • the external lateral wall 47a of each blade 47 need not be set back from the bearing surface 45a of each block 45.
  • only the lower part of the bearing surface 45a of each block 45 is arranged against the axial bearing surface 16b of the shoulder 16 so that the blades can flex radially above the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16 by virtue of a clearance situated between the internal lateral wall of the annular portion 46 and the external lateral wall 47a of the flexible blades 47.
  • the dimensions of the flexible blades 47 as well as the material of the clearance refocusing device 40 must be carefully chosen taking into account several considerations. For example, the blades must be able to flex axially enough in particular for the positioning of the elastic member 30 and not to lead to an oversizing of this elastic member. On the other hand, the blades 47 do not also should not be too flexible in order to ensure proper (re) centering of the kitten.
  • the game refocusing device is preferably in the form of a monolithic component.
  • This component can be made either of metal or alloy, or of silicon, or of an elastomeric plastic material.
  • the spring is made of metal, alloy or silicon, its contour can be produced for example by etching, or by photolithography and galvanic growth.
  • a plastic material we will use for example the injection-molding technique
  • the shock-absorbing bearing and its play refocusing device makes it possible to cancel the uncertainty of centering or supporting the kitten, linked to the intolerances of the components, thanks to the active self-centering and catch-up effect.
  • axial play of the game refocusing device thanks to the return effect of the second part of the game refocusing device, the centering element 42 of the game refocusing device according to the invention is returned to the top.
  • the positioning of the internal centering wall of the centering element will adjust against the external conical centering wall of the bearing support at a height dependent on the set of tolerances: if there is little play, the positioning is low, and if there is a lot of play, the positioning is high.
  • the bearing support can be both centered and pressed flat, which is essential for this guide component of the balance.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the counter-pivot and the elastic member could be made in one piece.
  • the centering walls of the bearing support and of the centering element of the play centering device are conical in shape, the conicity of the internal wall of centering 43a of the centering element 42 preferably corresponding to the taper of the outer centering wall 23b of the bearing support 20, other profiles of the centering walls could be adapted to perform the centering function.
  • the external centering wall 23b of the bearing support 20 can be convex, the internal centering wall 43a of the centering element 42 being conical, or the external centering wall of the bearing support can be conical, the internal wall centering 43a of the centering member 42 being convex.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

La présente invention concerne un palier amortisseur de choc pour un axe d'un mobile d'une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment pour un axe de balancier, et comprenant un dispositif de recentrage de jeu.The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece, in particular for a pendulum axis, and comprising a clearance refocusing device.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionInvention background

Dans l'horlogerie, les pivots des axes des mobiles tournent dans des paliers montés dans la platine ou dans des ponts. Pour certains mobiles, en particulier le balancier, il est d'usage d'équiper les paliers d'un mécanisme amortisseur de choc. En effet, comme les pivots de l'axe d'un balancier sont généralement fins et la masse du balancier est relativement élevée, les pivots peuvent casser sous l'effet d'un choc en l'absence de mécanisme amortisseur.In watchmaking, the pivots of the axes of the mobiles rotate in bearings mounted in the plate or in bridges. For certain mobiles, in particular the pendulum, it is customary to equip the bearings with a shock absorbing mechanism. Indeed, as the pivots of the axis of a pendulum are generally fine and the mass of the pendulum is relatively high, the pivots can break under the effect of a shock in the absence of a damping mechanism.

La configuration d'un palier amortisseur de choc 1 conventionnel est représentée par la figure 1a. Une pierre bombée olivée 2 est chassée dans un support de palier 3 appelé communément chaton, sur lequel est montée une pierre contre-pivot 4. Le chaton 3 est maintenu en appui contre le fond d'un bloc de palier 5 par un ressort amortisseur 6 agencé pour exercer une contrainte axiale sur la partie supérieure de la pierre contre-pivot 4. Le chaton 3 comporte en outre une paroi externe conique agencée en correspondance avec une paroi interne conique disposée à la périphérie du fond du bloc de palier 5. Il existe également des variantes selon lesquelles le chaton comporte une paroi externe présentant une surface de forme convexe, c'est-à-dire bombée.The configuration of a conventional shock absorbing bearing 1 is represented by the figure 1a . An olive curved stone 2 is driven into a bearing support 3 commonly called a kitten, on which a counter-pivot stone is mounted 4. The kitten 3 is held in abutment against the bottom of a bearing block 5 by a damping spring 6 arranged to exert an axial stress on the upper part of the counter-pivot stone 4. The kitten 3 further comprises a conical outer wall arranged in correspondence with a conical inner wall disposed at the periphery of the bottom of the bearing block 5. There are also variants according to which the kitten has an external wall having a convex, that is to say curved, surface.

Pour un bon fonctionnement, le chaton 3 doit être bien centré sur l'axe du palier amortisseur et bien à plat ce qui n'est pas facile à garantir en raison des intervalles de tolérances des composants.For proper operation, the kitten 3 must be well centered on the axis of the shock absorbing bearing and well flat, which is not easy to guarantee due to the tolerance intervals of the components.

Dans la première configuration, telle qu'illustrée par la figure 1b, la position de centrage du chaton 3 sur l'axe de rotation du palier présente l'inconvénient d'être indéfinie alors que dans la seconde configuration, telle qu'illustrée par la figure 1c, le chaton 3 peut pivoter autour d'un axe perpendiculaire à l'axe du palier amortisseur, ce qui a pour conséquence néfaste de positionner le chaton 3 en biais ainsi que le pivot et le contre-pivot monté sur le chaton.In the first configuration, as illustrated by the figure 1b , the centering position of the kitten 3 on the axis of rotation of the bearing has the drawback of being undefined while in the second configuration, as illustrated by the figure 1c , the kitten 3 can pivot around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the damping bearing, which has the harmful consequence of positioning the kitten 3 at an angle as well as the pivot and the counter-pivot mounted on the kitten.

Le document EP 3 070 544 divulgue un palier antichoc pour pièce d'horlogerie. Il comporte un organe élastique comportant une partie extérieure adaptée pour positionner l'organe élastique dans un logement du palier. Cette partie extérieure est maintenue dans le logement par des frottements engendrés par des efforts élastiques exercés entre ladite partie extérieure et la paroi du logement. Soit un chaton qui soutient le contre-pivot, soit le contre-pivot, comprend une première surface d'appui agencée pour être en contact avec ladite partie extérieure de l'organe élastique en position de repos du palier.The document EP 3,070,544 discloses a shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece. It comprises an elastic member comprising an external part adapted to position the elastic member in a housing of the bearing. This outer part is held in the housing by friction generated by elastic forces exerted between said outer part and the wall of the housing. Either a kitten which supports the counter-pivot, or the counter-pivot, comprises a first bearing surface arranged to be in contact with said outer part of the elastic member in the rest position of the bearing.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Un but de l'invention est par conséquent de proposer un palier amortisseur de choc pour un axe d'un mobile d'une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment pour un axe d'un balancier, dont les intervalles de tolérances des composants du palier amortisseur ne conduisent pas aux deux situations non désirées mentionnées ci-dessus.An object of the invention is therefore to propose a shock absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece, in particular for an axis of a balance wheel, whose tolerance intervals of the components of the shock absorbing bearing do not lead to the two unwanted situations mentioned above.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un palier amortisseur de choc pour un axe d'un mobile d'une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment pour un axe de balancier. Le palier comporte un bloc de palier comprenant un logement, un support de palier agencé dans le logement et comprenant une paroi externe de centrage, un palier de pivot monté sur le support de palier pour recevoir un pivot de l'axe d'un mobile et un agencement de support élastique du pivot de l'axe du mobile. Le palier amortisseur de choc comporte en outre un dispositif de recentrage de jeu. Ce dispositif de recentrage de jeu comprend, d'une part, une première partie comportant un élément de centrage possédant une paroi interne de centrage dans laquelle est agencée la paroi externe de centrage du support de palier et, d'autre part, une seconde partie en appui sur le bloc de palier et agencée de manière à exercer un effet de rappel vis-à-vis de la première partie.To this end, the invention relates to a shock absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece, in particular for an axis of pendulum. The bearing comprises a bearing block comprising a housing, a bearing support arranged in the housing and comprising an external centering wall, a pivot bearing mounted on the bearing support for receiving a pivot of the axis of a mobile and an arrangement for elastic support of the pivot of the axis of the mobile. The shock-absorbing bearing further comprises a clearance centering device. This clearance centering device comprises, on the one hand, a first part comprising a centering element having an internal centering wall in which the external wall of centering of the bearing support and, on the other hand, a second part bearing on the bearing block and arranged so as to exert a return effect with respect to the first part.

Cet effet de rappel permet à l'élément de centrage du dispositif de recentrage de jeu de s'ajuster contre le support de palier indépendamment des variations de fabrication et de garantir un centrage et un appui à plat du support de palier contre le fond du bloc de palier.This restoring effect allows the centering element of the play centering device to adjust against the bearing support independently of manufacturing variations and to guarantee centering and flat support of the bearing support against the bottom of the block. landing.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, la paroi externe de centrage du support de palier et la paroi interne de centrage de l'élément de centrage sont chacune une paroi de forme conique. La conicité de la paroi interne de centrage de l'élément de centrage correspond à la conicité de la paroi externe de centrage du support de palier.According to an advantageous embodiment, the outer centering wall of the bearing support and the inner centering wall of the centering element are each a wall of conical shape. The taper of the inner centering wall of the centering element corresponds to the taper of the outer centering wall of the bearing support.

Selon une autre forme de réalisation, la paroi externe de centrage du support de palier est convexe et la paroi interne de centrage de l'élément de centrage est conique.According to another embodiment, the outer centering wall of the bearing support is convex and the inner centering wall of the centering element is conical.

Selon une autre forme de réalisation, la paroi externe de centrage du support de palier est conique et la paroi interne de centrage de l'élément de centrage est convexe.According to another embodiment, the outer centering wall of the bearing support is conical and the inner centering wall of the centering element is convex.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, le bloc de palier comporte une paroi interne comprenant un épaulement cylindrique possédant une surface d'appui radiale ainsi qu'une surface d'appui axiale. La seconde partie du dispositif de recentrage de jeu comporte une portion annulaire agencée sur la surface d'appui radiale de l'épaulement et une portion élastique s'étendant au-delà de la surface d'appui radiale en direction de l'axe du palier.According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing block has an internal wall comprising a cylindrical shoulder having a radial bearing surface as well as an axial bearing surface. The second part of the game refocusing device comprises an annular portion arranged on the radial bearing surface of the shoulder and an elastic portion extending beyond the radial bearing surface in the direction of the bearing axis .

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, la portion élastique comporte plusieurs lames flexibles agencées le long d'une trajectoire circulaire par exemple. Les lames flexibles sont configurées pour fléchir essentiellement axialement sous l'effet d'un choc ainsi que pour compenser des jeux axiaux et assurer le centrage du support de palier.According to an advantageous embodiment, the elastic portion comprises several flexible blades arranged along a circular path for example. The flexible blades are configured to flex essentially axially under the effect of a shock as well as to compensate for axial play and ensure the centering of the bearing support.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, l'élément de centrage comprend une paroi externe comportant plusieurs blocs de renforcement et de centrage, lesdits blocs limitant le déplacement radial du support de palier et permettant, avec le reste de l'élément de centrage, de compenser des jeux axiaux et d'assurer le centrage du support de palier. Une et l'autre des extrémités de chaque lame flexible sont respectivement connectées à un bloc correspondant et à la portion annulaire de la seconde partie du dispositif de recentrage de jeu.According to an advantageous embodiment, the centering element comprises an external wall comprising several reinforcement blocks and centering, said blocks limiting the radial displacement of the bearing support and allowing, with the rest of the centering element, to compensate for axial play and to ensure the centering of the bearing support. One and the other of the ends of each flexible blade are respectively connected to a corresponding block and to the annular portion of the second part of the game refocusing device.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, chaque bloc de renforcement comporte une surface d'appui agencée contre la surface d'appui axiale de l'épaulement permettant de réaliser le centrage du support de palier. Chaque lame flexible comprend une paroi latérale externe en retrait de la surface d'appui de chaque bloc.According to an advantageous embodiment, each reinforcement block has a bearing surface arranged against the axial bearing surface of the shoulder making it possible to center the bearing support. Each flexible blade comprises an external side wall set back from the bearing surface of each block.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, l'axe de courbure des lames flexibles de la portion élastique correspond à l'axe du palier.According to an advantageous embodiment, the axis of curvature of the flexible blades of the elastic portion corresponds to the axis of the bearing.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, la portion annulaire de la seconde partie du dispositif de recentrage de jeu possède une section transversale carrée ou rectangulaire. La portion annulaire est en précontrainte (par chassage par exemple) afin d'exercer une force contre une encoignure formée par la surface d'appui radiale de l'épaulement et une surface d'appui axial de la paroi interne du bloc de palier.According to an advantageous embodiment, the annular portion of the second part of the game refocusing device has a square or rectangular cross section. The annular portion is prestressed (by driving for example) in order to exert a force against a corner formed by the radial bearing surface of the shoulder and an axial bearing surface of the internal wall of the bearing block.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, le bloc de palier comporte une base comprenant une ouverture pour le passage du pivot de l'axe d'un mobile. Le support de palier est en appui contre la base du bloc de palier. L'élément de centrage de la première partie du dispositif de recentrage de jeu est distant de la base lorsque le palier amortisseur est dans une configuration de repos, c'est-à-dire lorsque le palier n'est sous l'influence d'aucune contrainte externe.According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing block comprises a base comprising an opening for the passage of the pivot of the axis of a mobile. The bearing support bears against the base of the bearing block. The centering element of the first part of the clearance refocusing device is distant from the base when the shock-absorbing bearing is in a resting configuration, that is to say when the bearing is not under the influence of no external constraints.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, le dispositif de recentrage de jeu est sous une forme monolithique.According to an advantageous embodiment, the game refocusing device is in a monolithic form.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de plusieurs formes de réalisation données uniquement à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et faites en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figures 1a représente une coupe axiale d'un palier amortisseur selon l'état de la technique ;
  • les figures 1b et 1c représentent une vue similaire à la figure 1a, dans lesquelles le chaton se trouve respectivement dans une première et seconde position ;
  • la figure 2 représente une coupe axiale d'un palier amortisseur selon une forme d'exécution de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 représente une vue partielle tronquée d'une section transversale du palier amortisseur de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue en perspective de dessus du dispositif de recentrage de jeu de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 5 représente un vue en perspective de dessous de la figure 4 ; et
  • la figure 6 représente une coupe axiale du palier amortisseur selon une autre forme de réalisation.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading several embodiments given solely by way of nonlimiting examples and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the Figures 1a represents an axial section of a damping bearing according to the state of the art;
  • the Figures 1b and 1c represent a view similar to the figure 1a , in which the kitten is respectively in a first and second position;
  • the figure 2 represents an axial section of a damping bearing according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 3 shows a partial truncated view of a cross section of the damping bearing of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 4 shows a perspective view from above of the clearance refocusing device of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 5 represents a perspective view from below of the figure 4 ; and
  • the figure 6 shows an axial section of the damping bearing according to another embodiment.

Description détaillée de modes de réalisation préférésDetailed description of preferred embodiments

Un palier amortisseur de choc pour un axe d'un mobile, en particulier pour un axe de balancier, d'une pièce d'horlogerie va maintenant être décrit selon une forme de réalisation en se référant aux figures 2 à 5.A shock absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile, in particular for a pendulum axis, of a timepiece will now be described according to an embodiment with reference to figures 2 to 5 .

En référence en particulier aux figures 2 et 3, le palier amortisseur de choc 10 comporte un bloc de palier 11 (ci-après : bloc-palier), un support de palier 20, un organe élastique 30 et un dispositif de recentrage de jeu 40. L'enveloppe externe du bloc-palier 11 est conformée pour être insérée dans un ou plusieurs orifices présent sur la platine ou sur un ou plusieurs ponts d'un mouvement horloger (non illustré). Lorsque le palier amortisseur de choc 10 est utilisé par exemple pour un balancier, la raquetterie et le porte-piton sont disposés autour du bloc-palier 11. Ce bloc-palier 11 comporte une base 12 possédant une ouverture 13, de préférence cylindrique, pour le passage d'un pivot de l'axe du balancier.With particular reference to figures 2 and 3 , the shock absorbing bearing 10 comprises a bearing block 11 (hereinafter: bearing block), a bearing support 20, an elastic member 30 and a clearance refocusing device 40. The outer casing of the bearing block 11 is shaped to be inserted in one or more orifices present on the plate or on one or more bridges of a watch movement (not illustrated). When the shock absorbing bearing 10 is used for example for a pendulum, the snowshoe and the piton holder are arranged around the bearing block 11. This bearing block 11 comprises a base 12 having an opening 13, preferably cylindrical, for the passage of a pivot of the pendulum axis.

Le bloc-palier 11 comporte en outre une paroi latérale interne définissant un logement pour recevoir le support de palier 20 appelé plus communément chaton. La paroi latérale interne comprend une paroi cylindrique principale 14a et une première et seconde parois cylindriques complémentaires 14b, 14c agencées de part et d'autre de la paroi cylindrique principale 14a, dites parois cylindriques inférieure 14b et supérieure 14c.The bearing block 11 further comprises an internal side wall defining a housing for receiving the bearing support 20 more commonly known as a kitten. The internal side wall comprises a main cylindrical wall 14a and a first and second complementary cylindrical walls 14b, 14c arranged on either side of the main cylindrical wall 14a, called lower cylindrical walls 14b and upper 14c.

Le diamètre de chacune des parois cylindriques inférieure et supérieure 14b, 14c est inférieur au diamètre de la paroi principale 14a de la paroi latérale interne du bloc-palier 11. La paroi inférieure 14b forme ainsi avec la paroi principale 14a un épaulement cylindrique 16. L'épaulement 16, quant à lui, forme avec la paroi principale 14a une encoignure comportant une surface d'appui axiale 15a et une surface d'appui radiale 16a s'étendant sur 360° et centrées sur l'axe du palier amortisseur 10. La paroi cylindrique supérieure 14c forme avec la paroi principale 14a une surface d'appui radiale 15b agencée sensiblement en regard de la surface d'appui radiale 16a de l'épaulement 16. Dans la variante représentée, la paroi supérieure 14c forme un rebord permettant la fixation de l'organe élastique 30. Il est bien évident que d'autres moyens peuvent être mis en œuvre pour fixer l'organe élastique 30 de sorte que le rebord formé par la paroi supérieure 14c peut être supprimé, la partie supérieure de la paroi principale 14a étant alors droite.The diameter of each of the lower and upper cylindrical walls 14b, 14c is less than the diameter of the main wall 14a of the internal side wall of the bearing block 11. The lower wall 14b thus forms with the main wall 14a a cylindrical shoulder 16. L 'shoulder 16, meanwhile, forms with the main wall 14a a corner comprising an axial bearing surface 15a and a radial bearing surface 16a extending over 360 ° and centered on the axis of the damping bearing 10. The upper cylindrical wall 14c forms with the main wall 14a a radial bearing surface 15b arranged substantially opposite the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16. In the variant shown, the upper wall 14c forms a flange allowing the attachment of the elastic member 30. It is obvious that other means can be used to fix the elastic member 30 so that the flange formed by the upper wall 14c can be removed, the upper part ieure of the main wall 14a then being straight.

Le chaton 20 comporte une paroi latérale interne comprenant une paroi cylindrique principale 21a et une paroi cylindrique complémentaire 21b. Un palier de pivot 24, sous la forme d'une pierre percée du type pierre bombée à trou olivé, est monté à l'intérieur de la paroi cylindrique principale pour maintenir l'axe du balancier dans un alignement axial. La pierre percée 24 est de préférence fixée par chassage mais peut également être collée ou fixée de toute autre manière sur la paroi cylindrique principale de la paroi interne de chaton.The kitten 20 has an internal side wall comprising a main cylindrical wall 21a and a complementary cylindrical wall 21b. A pivot bearing 24, in the form of a pierced stone of the domed stone type with olive hole, is mounted inside the main cylindrical wall to maintain the pendulum axis in an axial alignment. The pierced stone 24 is preferably fixed by chasing but can also be glued or fixed in any other way to the main cylindrical wall of the internal kitten wall.

Le diamètre de la paroi cylindrique principale 21a du chaton 20 est inférieur au diamètre de la paroi cylindrique complémentaire 21b de manière à former une encoignure s'étendant sur 360°.The diameter of the main cylindrical wall 21a of the kitten 20 is less than the diameter of the complementary cylindrical wall 21b so as to form a corner extending over 360 °.

L'agencement de support élastique comporte un contre-pivot 25 monté sur le support de palier 20 et un organe élastique 30 agencé pour exercer une force axiale sur le support de palier 20. Le contre-pivot 25 est de forme cylindrique et est monté au-dessus de la pierre percée 24. Plus particulièrement, la partie périphérique du contre-pivot 25 est maintenue contre une surface d'appui radiale 22a et axiale 22b de l'encoignure du chaton 20 sous l'action de l'organe élastique 30 qui est monté à l'intérieur du logement du bloc-palier 11. L'organe élastique 30 peut présenter la forme connue d'une lyre et comporte un côté inférieur 31 dont la partie centrale 31a est en appui contre la partie supérieure du contre-pivot 25 et un côté supérieur 32 dont la partie périphérique 32a est en appui contre la surface d'appui radial 15b du bloc-palier 11. L'organe élastique 30 est dans une configuration de précontrainte afin d'exercer une force axiale optimale contre le contre-pivot 25 lorsque le palier amortisseur 10 se trouve dans une configuration dite de repos dans laquelle il n'est soumis à aucune contrainte extérieure. On notera que cet organe élastique peut revêtir différentes formes et peut être couplé au bloc-palier 11 par d'autres moyens. Par exemple, l'organe élastique peut avoir une forme recouvrant partiellement le contre-pivot 25.The elastic support arrangement comprises a pivot 25 mounted on the bearing support 20 and an elastic member 30 arranged to exert an axial force on the bearing support 20. The pivot 25 is cylindrical in shape and is mounted at the above the pierced stone 24. More particularly, the peripheral part of the counter-pivot 25 is held against a radial support surface 22a and axial 22b of the corner of the kitten 20 under the action of the elastic member 30 which is mounted inside the housing of the bearing block 11. The elastic member 30 may have the known form of a lyre and has a lower side 31 whose central part 31a is in abutment against the upper part of the counter-pivot 25 and an upper side 32, the peripheral part 32a of which rests against the radial bearing surface 15b of the bearing block 11. The elastic member 30 is in a prestressing configuration in order to exert an optimal axial force against the counter -pivot 25 when the bearing has mortisor 10 is in a so-called rest configuration in which it is not subjected to any external stress. It will be noted that this elastic member can take different forms and can be coupled to the bearing block 11 by other means. For example, the elastic member may have a shape partially covering the counter-pivot 25.

En référence aux figures 2 à 5, le dispositif de recentrage de jeu 40 comprend une première partie comportant un élément de centrage 42 en appui contre le chaton 20 et une seconde partie comportant une zone périphérique en appui sur le du bloc-palier 11 comme cela sera décrit ci-après de sorte que la seconde partie exerce un effet de rappel vis-à-vis de la première partie. Plus particulièrement, l'élément de centrage 42 comporte une paroi interne comprenant une paroi conique 43a et une paroi complémentaire cylindrique 43b ainsi qu'une paroi externe 44 de forme cylindrique.With reference to figures 2 to 5 , the clearance refocusing device 40 comprises a first part comprising a centering element 42 bearing against the kitten 20 and a second part comprising a peripheral zone bearing on the bearing block 11 as will be described below so that the second part has a reminder effect vis-à-vis the first part. More particularly, the centering element 42 comprises an internal wall comprising a conical wall 43a and a complementary cylindrical wall 43b as well as an external wall 44 of cylindrical shape.

Selon la figure 5, plusieurs blocs de renforcement 45 sont agencés sur la paroi externe 44. Dans cette forme de réalisation, quatre blocs 45 sont agencés de préférence à 90° les uns par rapport aux autres. On notera toutefois qu'une exécution avec un nombre différent de blocs peut être envisagée, par exemple trois blocs agencés de préférence à 120° les uns par rapport aux autres. Chaque bloc 45 comporte une surface d'appui 45a disposée pour être en appui contre la surface d'appui axiale 16b de l'épaulement 16 du bloc-palier 11.According to figure 5 , several reinforcing blocks 45 are arranged on the external wall 44. In this embodiment, four blocks 45 are preferably arranged at 90 ° relative to each other. Note however that an execution with a different number of blocks can be envisaged, for example three blocks preferably arranged at 120 ° relative to each other. Each block 45 has a bearing surface 45a arranged to bear against the axial bearing surface 16b of the shoulder 16 of the bearing block 11.

La seconde partie du dispositif de recentrage de jeu 40 comporte une portion annulaire 46 reposant intégralement sur la surface d'appui radiale 16a de l'épaulement 16 du bloc-palier 11 et une seconde portion élastique s'étendant au-delà de la surface d'appui radiale 16a en direction de l'axe du palier 10 et reliée à l'élément de centrage 42. La portion annulaire 46 est de section transversale essentiellement constante et par exemple de forme carrée (figure 2). La portion annulaire 46 est en précontrainte afin d'exercer une force contre l'encoignure formée par la surface d'appui radiale 16a de l'épaulement 16 et la surface d'appui axiale 15a de la paroi cylindrique principale 14a du bloc-palier 11 afin d'assurer le couplage de l'élément de recentrage 42 avec le bloc-palier 11. Bien entendu, d'autres formes de couplage peuvent être mises en œuvre.The second part of the clearance refocusing device 40 comprises an annular portion 46 resting integrally on the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16 of the bearing block 11 and a second elastic portion extending beyond the surface d radial support 16a in the direction of the axis of the bearing 10 and connected to the centering element 42. The annular portion 46 is of essentially constant cross section and for example of square shape ( figure 2 ). The annular portion 46 is prestressed in order to exert a force against the corner formed by the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16 and the axial bearing surface 15a of the main cylindrical wall 14a of the bearing block 11 in order to ensure the coupling of the recentering element 42 with the bearing block 11. Of course, other forms of coupling can be implemented.

La portion élastique de la seconde partie comporte plusieurs lames flexibles 47 agencées le long d'une trajectoire par exemple circulaire, concentrique à l'élément de centrage 42. Ces lames 47 sont connectées aux blocs de renforcement 45 et sont configurées pour fléchir essentiellement axialement sous l'effet d'un choc ainsi que pour compenser des jeux axiaux liés notamment aux variations de fabrication et pour assurer le centrage et l'appui à plat du chaton 20 au fond du bloc-palier 11.The elastic portion of the second part comprises several flexible blades 47 arranged along a path, for example circular, concentric with the centering element 42. These blades 47 are connected to the reinforcement blocks 45 and are configured to flex essentially axially under the effect of a shock as well as to compensate for axial clearances linked in particular to manufacturing variations and to ensure centering and flat support of the kitten 20 at the bottom of the bearing block 11.

Selon la figure 4, la portion élastique comporte de préférence quatre lames flexibles 47 qui s'étendent chacune le long d'un arc de cercle compris entre 60° et 85° mais un nombre différent de lames peut être envisagé, par exemple trois lames s'étendant chacune le long d'un arc de cercle compris entre 90° et 115°.According to figure 4 , the elastic portion preferably comprises four flexible blades 47 which each extend along an arc of circle between 60 ° and 85 ° but a different number of blades can be envisaged, for example three blades each extending the along an arc between 90 ° and 115 °.

Comme on peut le voir à la figure 5, la paroi latérale externe 47a de chaque lame 47 est légèrement en retrait de la surface d'appui 45a de chaque bloc 45. Cela permet d'empêcher que les lames flexibles 47 « frottent » contre la surface axiale 16b de l'épaulement 16 du bloc-palier 11 lorsque ces lames fléchissent axialement afin d'absorber les contraintes occasionnées par un choc essentiellement axial évitant ainsi une usure prématurée des lames.As can be seen from the figure 5 , the outer side wall 47a of each blade 47 is slightly set back from the bearing surface 45a of each block 45. This makes it possible to prevent the flexible blades 47 from "rubbing" against the axial surface 16b of the shoulder 16 of the bearing block 11 when these blades flex axially in order to absorb the stresses caused by an essentially axial shock, thus preventing premature wear of the blades.

Le rapport entre la hauteur axiale de l'élément de centrage 42 et la hauteur axiale de la portion annulaire 46 est supérieur à deux selon la forme de réalisation illustrée à la figure 2 alors que ce rapport peut être environ égal à un selon une forme de réalisation illustrée à la figure 6. On notera que selon cette dernière forme de réalisation, la paroi latérale externe 47a de chaque lame 47 n'a pas besoin d'être en retrait de la surface d'appui 45a de chaque bloc 45. En effet, seule la partie inférieure de la surface d'appui 45a de chaque bloc 45 est agencée contre la surface d'appui axiale 16b de l'épaulement 16 de sorte à ce que les lames puissent fléchir radialement au-dessus de la surface d'appui radiale 16a de l'épaulement 16 grâce à un jeu situé entre la paroi latérale interne de la portion annulaire 46 et la paroi latérale externe 47a des lames flexibles 47.The ratio between the axial height of the centering element 42 and the axial height of the annular portion 46 is greater than two according to the embodiment illustrated in the figure 2 whereas this ratio can be approximately equal to one according to an embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 . It will be noted that according to this latter embodiment, the external lateral wall 47a of each blade 47 need not be set back from the bearing surface 45a of each block 45. In fact, only the lower part of the bearing surface 45a of each block 45 is arranged against the axial bearing surface 16b of the shoulder 16 so that the blades can flex radially above the radial bearing surface 16a of the shoulder 16 by virtue of a clearance situated between the internal lateral wall of the annular portion 46 and the external lateral wall 47a of the flexible blades 47.

Il est à noter que les dimensions des lames flexibles 47 ainsi que le matériau du dispositif de recentrage de jeu 40 doivent être soigneusement choisies en tenant compte de plusieurs considérations. Par exemple, les lames doivent pouvoir fléchir axialement suffisamment notamment pour la mise en place de l'organe élastique 30 et pour ne pas conduire à un surdimensionnement de cet organe élastique. En revanche, les lames 47 ne doivent pas non plus être trop flexibles de manière à assurer un bon (re)centrage du chaton.It should be noted that the dimensions of the flexible blades 47 as well as the material of the clearance refocusing device 40 must be carefully chosen taking into account several considerations. For example, the blades must be able to flex axially enough in particular for the positioning of the elastic member 30 and not to lead to an oversizing of this elastic member. On the other hand, the blades 47 do not also should not be too flexible in order to ensure proper (re) centering of the kitten.

Le dispositif de recentrage de jeu est de préférence sous la forme d'un composant monolithique. Ce composant peut être réalisé, soit en métal ou alliage, soit en silicium, soit en un matériau plastique élastomère. Lorsque le ressort est en métal, en alliage ou en silicium, on peut réaliser son contour par exemple par gravage, ou par photolithographie et croissance galvanique. Dans le cas d'un matériau plastique on utilisera par exemple la technique d'injection-moulageThe game refocusing device is preferably in the form of a monolithic component. This component can be made either of metal or alloy, or of silicon, or of an elastomeric plastic material. When the spring is made of metal, alloy or silicon, its contour can be produced for example by etching, or by photolithography and galvanic growth. In the case of a plastic material we will use for example the injection-molding technique

Le palier amortisseur de choc et son dispositif de recentrage de jeu selon la présente invention permet d'annuler l'incertitude de centrage ou d'appui du chaton, liée aux intolérances des composants, grâce à l'effet actif d'autocentrage et de rattrapage de jeu axial du dispositif de recentrage de jeu. En effet, grâce à l'effet de rappel de la seconde partie du dispositif de recentrage de jeu, l'élément de centrage 42 du dispositif de recentrage de jeu selon l'invention est rappelé vers le haut. Le positionnement de la paroi interne de centrage de l'élément de centrage va s'ajuster contre la paroi conique externe de centrage du support de palier à une hauteur dépendante du jeu de tolérances : s'il y a peu de jeu, le positionnement est bas, et s'il y a beaucoup de jeu, le positionnement est haut. Cela permet d'annuler l'incertitude de centrage ou d'appui du support de palier, liée aux intolérances des composants. De plus, le support de palier peut être à la fois centré et appuyé à plat, ce qui est indispensable à ce composant de guidage du balancier.The shock-absorbing bearing and its play refocusing device according to the present invention makes it possible to cancel the uncertainty of centering or supporting the kitten, linked to the intolerances of the components, thanks to the active self-centering and catch-up effect. axial play of the game refocusing device. In fact, thanks to the return effect of the second part of the game refocusing device, the centering element 42 of the game refocusing device according to the invention is returned to the top. The positioning of the internal centering wall of the centering element will adjust against the external conical centering wall of the bearing support at a height dependent on the set of tolerances: if there is little play, the positioning is low, and if there is a lot of play, the positioning is high. This eliminates the uncertainty of centering or support of the bearing support, linked to the intolerances of the components. In addition, the bearing support can be both centered and pressed flat, which is essential for this guide component of the balance.

Naturellement, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits en référence aux figures et des variantes pourraient être envisagées sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. Par exemple, le contre-pivot et l'organe élastique pourrait être réalisés d'un seul tenant. En outre, bien que les parois de centrage du support de palier et de l'élément de centrage du dispositif de recentrage de jeu sont de formes coniques, la conicité de la paroi interne de centrage 43a de l'élément de centrage 42 correspondant de préférence à la conicité de la paroi externe de centrage 23b du support de palier 20, d'autres profils des parois de centrage pourraient être adaptés pour effectuer la fonction de centrage. Notamment, la paroi externe de centrage 23b du support de palier 20 peut être convexe, la paroi interne de centrage 43a de l'élément de centrage 42 étant conique, ou la paroi externe de centrage du support de palier peut être conique, la paroi interne de centrage 43a de l'élément de centrage 42 étant convexe.Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the counter-pivot and the elastic member could be made in one piece. In addition, although the centering walls of the bearing support and of the centering element of the play centering device are conical in shape, the conicity of the internal wall of centering 43a of the centering element 42 preferably corresponding to the taper of the outer centering wall 23b of the bearing support 20, other profiles of the centering walls could be adapted to perform the centering function. In particular, the external centering wall 23b of the bearing support 20 can be convex, the internal centering wall 43a of the centering element 42 being conical, or the external centering wall of the bearing support can be conical, the internal wall centering 43a of the centering member 42 being convex.

Claims (11)

  1. Shock absorber bearing (10) for an arbor of a timepiece wheel set, particularly for a balance staff, comprising a bearing assembly (11) comprising a housing, a bearing support (20) arranged against the bottom of said housing and comprising an external centring wall (23b), a pivot bearing (24) mounted on the bearing support (20) for receiving a pivot of the wheel set arbor and an elastic support arrangement (25) for the wheel set arbor pivot, the shock absorber bearing (10) further comprising a play recentring device (40), characterized in that the play recentring device (40) comprises, on the one hand, a first part comprising a centring element (42) having an internal centring wall (43a) inside which is arranged the external centring wall (23b) of the bearing support (20), and on the other hand, a second part resting on the bearing assembly (11) and arranged to have a return effect on the first part, and in that the bearing assembly (11) comprises an internal wall comprising a cylindrical shoulder (16) having a radial bearing surface (16a) and an axial bearing surface (16b) and in that said second part of the play recentring device (40) comprises an annular portion (46) arranged on the radial bearing surface (16a) of the shoulder (16) and an elastic portion extending beyond said radial bearing surface (16a) towards the axis of the bearing.
  2. Bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the external centring wall (23b) of the bearing support (20) and the internal centring wall (43a) of the centring element (42) are both conical walls, the taper of the internal centring wall (43a) of the centring element (42) matching the taper of the external centring wall (23b) of the bearing support (20).
  3. Bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the external centring wall (23b) of the bearing support (20) is convex and the internal centring wall (43a) of the centring element (42) is conical.
  4. Bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the external centring wall (23b) of the bearing support (20) is conical and the internal centring wall (43a) of the centring element (42) is convex.
  5. Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic portion comprises several flexible strips (47) arranged along a preferably circular trajectory, the flexible strips being configured to bend essentially axially under impact and to offset any end-play and ensure that the bearing support (20) is centred.
  6. Bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that the centring element (42) comprises an external wall (44) having several reinforcement and centring assemblies (45), both ends of each flexible strip (47) being respectively connected to a corresponding assembly and to the annular portion (46) of the second part of the play recentring device (40).
  7. Bearing according to claim 6, characterized in that each reinforcement assembly (45) comprises a bearing surface (45a) arranged against the axial bearing surface (16b) of the shoulder (16), each flexible strip (47) comprising an external lateral wall (47a) set back from the bearing surface of each assembly.
  8. Bearing according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the axis of curvature of the flexible strips (47) of the elastic portion corresponds to the bearing axis.
  9. Bearing according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the annular portion (46) of the second part of the play recentring device (40) has a square or rectangular cross-section, the annular portion being prestressed to exert a force against a corner formed by the radial bearing surface (16a) of the shoulder (16) and an axial bearing surface (15a) of the internal wall of the bearing assembly (11).
  10. Bearing according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing assembly (11) comprises a base (12) having an opening (13) for passage of the pivot of a wheel set arbor, the bearing support (20) resting on the base (12), the centring element (42) of said first part being remote from the base (12) when the bearing is in a rest configuration.
  11. Timepiece movement comprising a plate and at least one bridge, said plate and/or bridge comprising an orifice in which is inserted the bearing according to any of the preceding claims.
EP17178829.2A 2017-06-29 2017-06-29 Shock-absorber bearing for a shaft of a timepiece rotating componant Active EP3422117B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17178829.2A EP3422117B1 (en) 2017-06-29 2017-06-29 Shock-absorber bearing for a shaft of a timepiece rotating componant
JP2018104398A JP6655126B2 (en) 2017-06-29 2018-05-31 Shock absorber bearing for timepiece car set arbor
US15/997,767 US10845763B2 (en) 2017-06-29 2018-06-05 Shock absorber bearing for an arbor of a timepiece wheel set
RU2018121493A RU2759829C2 (en) 2017-06-29 2018-06-13 Shock-absorbing support for wheel axis of clock
CN201810686914.6A CN109212944B (en) 2017-06-29 2018-06-28 Shock-absorbing bearing for the arbour of a timepiece wheel set

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17178829.2A EP3422117B1 (en) 2017-06-29 2017-06-29 Shock-absorber bearing for a shaft of a timepiece rotating componant

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3422117A1 EP3422117A1 (en) 2019-01-02
EP3422117B1 true EP3422117B1 (en) 2020-05-27

Family

ID=59258123

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17178829.2A Active EP3422117B1 (en) 2017-06-29 2017-06-29 Shock-absorber bearing for a shaft of a timepiece rotating componant

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US10845763B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3422117B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6655126B2 (en)
CN (1) CN109212944B (en)
RU (1) RU2759829C2 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4060427A1 (en) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-21 Patek Philippe SA Genève Shock-absorber for a pivot of an axle of a horological mobile element

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2469357A1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2012-06-27 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Shock-absorbing bearing for a rotating mobile of a clock movement
EP3291027A1 (en) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-07 Montres Breguet S.A. Membrane shock absorber

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH245429A (en) * 1944-02-28 1946-11-15 Erismann Gerard Bumper for watch movement bearing.
CH292136A (en) * 1949-06-04 1953-07-31 Abrahams Irene Bumper bearing for watch shaft.
US8926170B2 (en) * 2010-06-22 2015-01-06 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Timepiece anti-shock system
CH705075B1 (en) * 2011-06-08 2015-12-15 Kif Parechoc Sa Shock protection and adjustable clock adjustment method.
EP2806314A1 (en) * 2013-05-24 2014-11-26 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Shock absorber with bayonet
CN203930351U (en) * 2013-12-20 2014-11-05 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 Damping bearing, comprise the movement of this damping bearing and comprise the clock and watch of this movement
CH710905A1 (en) * 2015-03-20 2016-09-30 Mft Et Fabrique De Montres Et Chronomètres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A Landing shockproof timepiece.
EP3076245B1 (en) * 2015-04-02 2021-03-17 CSEM Centre Suisse D'electronique Et De Microtechnique SA Damping device, in particular for micromechanical clock component
EP3101486B1 (en) * 2015-06-02 2018-10-03 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Heart of timepiece or chronograph
EP3220211B1 (en) * 2016-03-14 2018-10-10 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Shock absorbing system with angular locking

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2469357A1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2012-06-27 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Shock-absorbing bearing for a rotating mobile of a clock movement
EP3291027A1 (en) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-07 Montres Breguet S.A. Membrane shock absorber

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN109212944A (en) 2019-01-15
CN109212944B (en) 2021-04-06
RU2018121493A (en) 2019-12-16
US10845763B2 (en) 2020-11-24
RU2018121493A3 (en) 2021-10-04
RU2759829C2 (en) 2021-11-18
US20190004480A1 (en) 2019-01-03
JP6655126B2 (en) 2020-02-26
EP3422117A1 (en) 2019-01-02
JP2019012061A (en) 2019-01-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1696286B1 (en) Shock-damping bearing for timepieces
EP2743782B1 (en) Device for assembly by deformation of resilient arms
EP3220211B1 (en) Shock absorbing system with angular locking
EP2743781B1 (en) Device for assembly by locking a joint
CH704016B1 (en) Assembly of a part not having a plastic field.
EP2206022B1 (en) Shock-absorbing bearing for timepiece
EP2864843B1 (en) Non-dismantlable shock absorber system for timepiece
WO2014187858A1 (en) Bayonet shock absorber
EP2107433B1 (en) Method for assembling a part on an axle
EP3422117B1 (en) Shock-absorber bearing for a shaft of a timepiece rotating componant
EP3011396B1 (en) Secure-mount antishock system
CH698675B1 (en) Impact-absorbing bearing for mechanical watch, has spring plates prestressed so as to exert torque for maintaining mobile unit against stop units i.e. studs, on mobile unit, where mobile unit is constituted of jewel enclosed by central part
EP3432081B1 (en) Timepiece assembly
CH713946A2 (en) Shock absorbing bearing for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece.
EP3432082B1 (en) Regulating mechanism
CH705906B1 (en) Shock absorber system for an axis of a mobile of a timepiece.
EP3070544A1 (en) Bearing for timepiece
EP3839661B1 (en) Shock absorber device with angular locking
WO2017055986A1 (en) Time-keeping movement comprising a flexible guidance system
EP2975471A2 (en) Anti-shock bearing
EP3916489A1 (en) Shock absorber spring, bearing body and bearing for timepiece
EP2977834A2 (en) Shock absorber bearing for timepiece
EP4060427A1 (en) Shock-absorber for a pivot of an axle of a horological mobile element
CH706639A2 (en) Shock absorber bearing for axle of mobile unit of clockwork element of mechanical watch, has elastic unit arranged to exert axial force on pivot module and permanently fixed to support by material link between elastic unit and support
EP3729204A1 (en) Timepiece comprising a dial attachment device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190702

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200110

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: CUSIN, PIERRE

Inventor name: HERNANDEZ, IVAN

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602017017187

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1275188

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200927

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200928

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200827

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200827

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1275188

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602017017187

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200629

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200629

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230611

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230702

Year of fee payment: 7