Mechanism for adjusting endshake of timepiece mobile unit for timepiece

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for adjusting the endshake of a timepiece mobile unit for a timepiece.SOLUTION: A mechanism for adjusting the endshake of a timepiece mobile unit for a timepiece includes: an axis D; a first component 1; a second component 2 intended to receive or to form at least one bearing; interface elements 4 collaborating with the first and second components; a return element 8 returning the first and second components into collaboration with the interface elements; and at least first shaped portions of the first and second components collaborating with the interface elements to move the interface elements relative to the axis in a plane perpendicular or near-perpendicular to the axis and thus move the second component translationally along the axis relative to the first component under the effect of a rotational movement about the axis of the first component or of the second component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanism for adjusting the vertical movement of a clock moving unit of a timepiece. The invention also relates to an assembled bearing, in particular an assembled damped bearing, comprising said mechanism. The invention also relates to a mounted movement blank comprising said assembled bearing or said mechanism. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising said assembled bearing or said mechanism or said mounted movement blank. The invention further relates to a clock movement comprising said assembly or said assembled bearing or said mechanism or said mounted movement blank. The invention also relates to a clock comprising said clock movement or said assembly or said assembled bearing or said mechanism or said mounted movement blank. The invention finally relates to a method for adjusting the vertical movement of a clock moving unit of said clock movement or said clock. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art of mechanisms for adjusting the vertical movement of a movable unit of a timepiece, patent document JP 2003-233666 proposes a device for adjusting the vertical movement of a balance wheel, comprising an intermediate bearing element arranged between a stud support and a buffer damping bearing. The element comprises a through hole designed to allow the buffer damping bearing to be driven into it. The vertical movement is adjusted by moving the buffer damping bearing along the hole of the intermediate bearing element, the latter being held therein by the effect of friction.

[0003] The document DE 10 04 043 A1 proposes a device for micrometric adjustment of the vertical runout of a movable unit. The adjustment device comprises a jewel bearing and a bearing body constituted by the following various elements: an outer body including a central hole and a rising edge on its inner side and indexing means on its inner side, of the notch or boss type; and - Three elements, stacked within the outer body. The three stacked elements are a resilient return element fixed to the bearing support and including a resilient tab secured in the indexing means for guiding the individual adjustment positions; a bearing support including at least a first developed contact surface, i.e. a surface the thickness of which varies axially and around the axis; a cover secured to an upper end of the outer body and including at least a second developing contact surface cooperating with the first developing contact surface; Includes. Rotating the bearing support about its axis changes the axial position of the bearing as a result of the cooperation of the surfaces. To enable rotation of the bearing support, the bearing support comprises a rotating means of the screwdriver socket type. The torque holding the elastic return element in the indexing means is sufficiently low so as to allow the bearing support to rotate when turned by the watchmaker, and sufficiently high so as to maintain its position during operation of the movable unit or balance.

[0004] For this reason, it is possible to incorporate a timepiece movable unit vertical movement adjustment system directly into the bearing around the axis of the movable unit, using the effect of friction, as proposed in Patent Document 1. However, this device is somewhat inaccurate for micrometer adjustment.

[0005] On the other hand, patent document 2 proposes a mechanism for adjusting the longitudinal movement of a watch moving unit directly around the axis of the watch moving unit by converting the rotational movement of the bearing support, the movement provided by the watchmaker, into an axial translational movement of a shock absorber, said conversion being achieved by means of a motion converter device, employing in particular a helical sliding connection. The solution proposes a direct contact between the developing surfaces, - discontinuous adjustment of vertical movement, such that there is some finite increment between two separate index positions; - Complex manufacturing, with developing surfaces with shapes / mating features that are difficult to control and reproduce, especially within the required tolerances; - Sensitivity to shocks, This causes some significant drawbacks: the elastic return element in fact holds the bearing body in an equilibrium position by sticking, which permanently compresses the elastic return; due to the helical sliding connection, the tangential forces resulting from the axial shocks can generate non-negligible misadjustment torques, which can make it necessary to fix the return element in an individual position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 714809 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2824518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a vertical jerk adjustment mechanism that allows improving the mechanisms known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a vertical jerk adjustment mechanism that is simple, practical and reliable, and that allows the watchmaker to make fine, easy and reproducible adjustments to the vertical jerk through the use of a motion converter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the invention, the adjustment mechanism is defined in claim 1.

[0009] Embodiments of the vertical tilt adjustment mechanism are defined in claims 2 to 9.

[0010] According to the invention, the assembled bearing is defined in claim 10.

[0011] According to the invention, the mounted movement blank is defined in claim 11.

[0012] According to the invention, the assembly is defined in claim 12.

[0013] According to the invention, the clock movement is defined in claim 13.

[0014] According to the invention, the watch is defined in claim 14.

[0015] According to the invention, the adjustment method is defined in claim 15.

[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, two embodiments of a watch according to the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of a particular embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, including a particular embodiment of a vertical adjustment mechanism, in a first configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a particular embodiment of a vertical tilt adjustment mechanism in a second configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of a pitch adjustment mechanism in a first configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of a pitch adjustment mechanism in a second configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a particular embodiment of a pitch adjustment mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounted movement blank including a particular embodiment of a plumbing adjustment mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the mounted movement blank of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention, including an alternative embodiment of the vertical adjustment mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] A particular embodiment of the watch 300 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0019] The watch 300 is for example a small timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, and includes a watch movement 200 that is intended to be mounted in a watch casing or case to protect it from the external environment.

[0020] The watch movement 200 is a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement, or an electronic movement.

[0021] The clock movement 200 is an assembled bearing 10, in particular an assembled damped bearing, including a pitch adjustment mechanism 20, and / or a mounted movement blank 100, in particular a mounted bridge 100, including a vertical adjustment mechanism 20, and / or an assembly including a bearing 15, in particular a damping bearing, a movement blank, and a vertical adjustment mechanism 20; Includes.

[0022] The mid-flick adjustment mechanism may be located at the interface between the bearing and the movement blank to allow relative movement of the bearing with respect to the movement blank, such that part of the mid-flick adjustment mechanism may form part of the bearing 15 and / or part of the mid-flick adjustment mechanism may form part of the movement blank.

[0023] In all cases the clock movement includes a vertical adjustment mechanism 20 .

[0024] The vertical run adjustment mechanism 20 allows to adjust the vertical run of the clock moving unit 40 of the clock movement 200 relative to the case of the clock movement 200. The vertical run is adjusted by moving at least one bearing element of a bearing which guides the clock moving unit relative to the case of the clock movement 200. The clock moving unit is advantageously an assembled balance wheel, but can be of any other kind. The balance vertical run, i.e. the functional axial clearance between the balance pivot and the jewel, is of the same order of magnitude as the dimensional manufacturing tolerances of the elements of the adjustment member. The adjustability of said vertical run is therefore essential to guarantee the correct operation of the balance wheel and to maintain good timekeeping of the clock. In particular, the invention allows the vertical run adjustment by rotating a part of the adjustment mechanism 20.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, which will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the vertical rise adjustment mechanism comprises: - axis D, a first part 1, in particular intended to be fastened to a movement blank of a watch movement, a second part 2 intended to receive or form at least one bearing 15, in particular at least one damping bearing, - three boundary elements 4 cooperating with the first and second parts, a return element 8 which returns the first and second parts to cooperation with the three boundary elements 4; - first moulded portions 6, 5, 3.1 of the first and second parts, which cooperate with the three boundary elements 4 in order to move these three boundary elements 4 relative to the axis D in a plane P perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to said axis D, and consequently to move the second part 2 translationally along the axis D relative to the first part 1 under the effect of a rotational movement of the second part 2 about said axis D; Includes.

[0026] The timepiece mobile unit 40 is preferably guided in rotation or pivoting about the axis D by at least one bearing 15 .

[0027] Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism allows a rotational movement of the second part relative to the first part (performed by the watchmaker) to an axial translational movement of the bearing element.

[0028] When the warp is adjusted, the rotation of the second part 2 relative to the first part 1, by reason of the shaped parts 5 and 3.1, causes the boundary element 4 to move in a plane P perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to said axis D. In particular, the boundary element moves away from or towards said axis D in a plane P perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to said axis D. The combination of the return element 8 and the shaped part 6, which has a developing surface in contact with the boundary element 4 and which develops around said axis D, allows a precise translational movement of the second part 2 along said axis D relative to the first part 1.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment, which will be explained in detail below with reference to figures 1 to 7, the boundary elements advantageously take the form of balls, three in number, which are interposed between and are intended to cooperate with two parts. The interaction between the three balls and the two elements makes it possible to bring about an axial translational movement of the second part 2, and thus of the bearing, when the first part 1 starts to rotate (with a rotational torque higher than the frictional torque caused by the spring 8 at the interface between the first part 1, the three balls 4 and the second part 2).

[0030] In this particular embodiment, the second part 2 assumes or takes the shape of a damped bearing 15, in particular a balance wheel damped bearing, and is provided therein with, among other things, an insetting 9.4, a jewel 9.2, a perforated jewel 9.3 and a lyre-shaped spring clip 9.1. The bearing 15 together with the vertical adjustment mechanism 20 forms the assembled bearing 10. In this particular embodiment, the part 2 is part of both the bearing 15 and the vertical adjustment mechanism 20.

[0031] In a particular variant, the second part 2 and the setting 9.4 may consist of one piece.

[0032] The first part 1 of the assembled bearing 10 is advantageously fixed to the timepiece movement blank 100, in particular to the balance bridge 100, in particular to the transverse balance bridge 100, the balance cock or the like. More particularly, in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the first part is fixed to the movement blank 100 with a degree of freedom of rotation about an axis D. In particular, the first part is advantageously driven into a hairspring support 11 arranged under the bridge 100. The first part 1 may be held fixed to the bridge 100 by a spring-loaded element 12 which presses both against the upper face of the bridge 100 and against the outer face of the ring 1.1 of the first part 1. The rotation of the first part 1 allows the adjustment of the guide mark setting (of the escapement cooperating with the oscillator of which the balance forms part) without disturbing the setting of the vertical runout already adjusted.

[0033] As a variant, the first part 1 may be fixed or embedded in the movement blank 100, i.e. may have no degree of freedom relative to the movement blank 100. In another variant, the first part 1 and the movement blank may form an integral part, in other words, in such a variant the first part consists of the movement blank.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, which will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the first part 1 comprises a first molded portion 5, preferably in the form of a cam, with which the boundary element 4 contacts. The second part 2 comprises a conical or frustoconical or approximately frustoconical peripheral surface 6 with which the boundary element 4 contacts. - the shape of the contact surfaces of the molded parts 5, 3.1, and / or - the shape of the peripheral surface 6, and / or - the shape of boundary element 4, and / or - the number of boundary elements 4 and their shapes, By varying the rotation of the second part 2 it is possible to effect precise variations in the axial position (along the axis D) of the second part 2, and therefore of the bearing, relative to the first part 1.

[0035] In the adjustment mechanism, rotating the second part 2 relative to the first part 1 moves the boundary element 4 with a radial component of movement along the respective molded portion 5, 3.1, which changes the position of the support point against which the boundary element 4 presses against the outer peripheral surface 6, causing an axial translation (along axis D) of the second part 2 relative to the first part 1.

[0036] A return element 8 fixed to the upper end of the first part 1 presses resiliently against the upper end of the second part 2. The return element 8 exerts a pressure on the second part 2 and on the boundary element 4 against the first part 1 sufficient to cancel any play that may be present and to ensure that the parts 1, 2 and 4 maintain a non-slip contact except during the adjustment phase.

[0037] In this particular embodiment, the assembled bearings allowing the pivoting of the mobile unit about the axis D are: - a first part 1, which is intended to be fastened to a movement blank of a clock movement; - a second part 2, intended to receive or form at least one bearing; - three boundary elements, for example consisting of balls 4, held in their position by interposed washers 3; - a return element 8 which is fastened to the upper end of the first part 1 and which elastically presses against the upper end of the second part 2, returning the first and second parts to cooperation with the ball 4. In particular, the return element 8 has the shape of a frusto-conical elastic washer.

[0038] In this particular embodiment, the interposed washer 3 rotates integrally with the second part 2 and comprises second grooves (or second paths) 3.1, each intended to receive one ball 4 by the shaped part. These second grooves 3.1 are used to control the radial movement of the balls 4 in plane P with respect to axis D, in particular their movement along the shaped part 5. In particular, the interposed washer 3 comprises as many second grooves 3.1 as there are balls 4, in this case three. These second grooves 3.1 are open-ended and form guides or paths that pass through from beginning to end in order to give the balls the possibility to move over the entire range of their respective paths.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first part 1 is a part consisting of a ring 1.1 connected to a hub 1.2. The hub 1.2 is centred on the same axis D as the ring 1.1 and has smaller outside and inside diameters, respectively, than the ring 1.1, such that a connecting element 1.3 connects the top of the outer circumference of the hub 1.2 to the bottom of the inner circumference of the ring 1.1. The connecting part 1.3 here forms an angle of 90 degrees with the axis D, i.e. extends substantially radially with respect to the axis D. The inner surface of the connection is hollowed out with three first grooves 5 of the same depth, which form first passages 5 or shaped parts 5.

[0040] The first grooves 5 define a curved or helical shape or passage around the axis D, or a straight shape or passage substantially perpendicular to the axis D. The angle formed between a tangent to said passage and a line passing through the axis D and intersecting said tangent forms an oblique angle, i.e. an angle different from 90°. The first grooves 5 are preferably evenly distributed around the axis D of the first part 1.

[0041] In a variant, the surface of the connecting portion 1.3 may be slightly convex or may form an angle slightly different from 90° with respect to the axis D, for example to facilitate the initial positioning of the ball 4 in the first groove 5 during assembly of the bearing.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second part 2 is a part consisting of a ring 2.1 connected to a hub 2.2 centred on the same axis and having smaller outside and inside diameters than the ring 2.1, with a connecting part 2.3 connecting the two elements 2.1, 2.2. The outside diameters of the ring 2.1 and the hub 2.2 of the second part 2 correspond, disregarding gaps, to the inside diameters of the ring 1.1 and the hub 1.2 of the first part 1, respectively, in such a way that the two elements are fitted one inside the other. The outside surface of the connecting part 2.3 of the second part 2, more particularly the surface extending between the outer periphery of the hub 2.2 and the ring 2.1, constitutes the outer periphery 6 and has in particular a frustoconical or approximately frustoconical shape.

[0043] Rotating the second part 2 about said axis D causes the balls 4 to move radially along their respective grooves 5, through the effect of the associated interposed washers 3. Said movement changes the position of the support points against which the balls 4 press against the outer circumferential surface 6, causing an axial translation (along axis D) of the second part 2 along the first part 1.

[0044] A return element 8 fixed to the upper end of the first part 1 elastically presses against the upper end of the second part 2, exerting a pressure on the second part 2 and the ball 4 against the first part 1 sufficient to cancel any play that may be present and to ensure that the parts 1, 2 and 4 remain in contact without slipping, except during the adjustment phase.

[0045] Advantageously, the positions of the three balls 4 form a regular polygon centred on axis D, with each ball located at a vertex of the polygon. The balls thus provide a seating for part 2 on part 1, which seating is preferably statically determinate.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the interposed washer 3 rotates together with the hub 2.2 of the second part 2 with at least one degree of freedom of axial translation along the hub 2.2, i.e. the interposed washer 3 is mounted in a sliding connection of axis D to the hub 2.2 of the second part 2. To achieve this, the tabs 3.2 of the interposed washer 3 may be housed in axial grooves 13 provided in the hub 2.2. When the second part 2 is rotated, the interposed washer 3 presses the ball along the first groove 5 to allow the second part 2 to translate axially (along axis D) along the first part 1.

[0047] At least a second molded part 7, e.g. a screwdriver socket, may be present at the top of the second part 2 to enable the watchmaker to rotate the second part 2. In this embodiment, the return element may have a hole in its centre to allow access to at least the second molded part 7. Said hole is important in the case of a watch buffer damping bearing, e.g. also to allow the removal of the lyre-shaped spring clip 9.1.

[0048] At least one guide mark, for example a spline on the periphery of the first part 1, may also enable the watchmaker to visualize the angle to rotate the second part 2 when performing the rotation. These splines may also be used to allow a better grip of the first part 1 and to assist the rotation of the first part about axis D when adjusting the guide mark settings of the escapement, without disturbing the vertically adjusted settings.

[0049] It is advantageous to note that the pitch adjustment mechanism is to some extent insensitive to shocks. In particular, thanks to the molded parts of the pitch adjustment mechanism, the forces (essentially axial or radial) to which the bearing is subject have no effect on the movement of the boundary element 4 and therefore on the pitch adjustment. For example, thanks to the motion converter, tangential forces resulting from axial forces during shocks and liable to generate adjustment inhibiting torques are negligible compared to the friction (or friction torque) generated by the return element 8.

[0050] Thus, in the particular embodiment described, the assembled bearing has: a first part 1 secured to a receiver 100; - a second part 2 fitted into the first part 1; - three balls held in position by interposed washers 3; - an interposed washer 3, radial to the axis D and including a second groove 3.1 in which a ball 4 is intended to be positioned; a return element 8 in the form of a washer, which is fastened to the upper end of the first part 1 and which elastically presses against the upper end of the second part 2; Includes.

[0051] The first part 1 is curved through a molded section and includes three first passages of groove type 5 evenly arranged around the axis D. The interposed washer 3 has a central hole that fits the outside diameter of the hub 2.2 of the second part 2 and secures the interposed washer 3 and the second part 2 to each other so that they rotate as one. The interposed washer 3 is inserted into the first part 1 and rests on the inner surface so that its second groove 3.1 intersects the groove 5 of the first part 1. A ball is placed in the respective groove 5 of the first part 1 within the passage 3.1 of the interposed washer, which is formed by the second groove 3.1.

[0052] The second part 2 is installed by sliding along the axis D. Inside its central housing, the second part 2 has an assembly including the setting 9.4, the perforated stone 9.3, the bearing stone 9.2 and the lyre-shaped spring clip 9.1. The second part 2 also includes at least a second molded part 7, of the screw-socket type, allowing it to be rotated. The surface 6 between the hub 2.2 of the second part 2 and the periphery of the ring 2.1 is frusto-conical in shape, with the apex of the cone at the hub 2.2.

[0053] A return element 8, which is fixed to the upper end of the first part 1 and presses resiliently against the upper end of the second part 2, exerts on the assembly formed by the second part 2 and the ball 4 a pressure sufficient to hold the mechanism in its position against the first part, except during the adjustment phase, when the watchmaker's manipulation of the shaped portion 7 generates a force greater than the force generated by friction between the parts 2-4-1.

[0054] Rotation of the second part 2 (relative to the first part 1), performed by the watchmaker with a suitable tool on at least the second moulding part 7, causes the balls 4 to move radially along the respective first grooves 5. Said movement changes the position of the support points against which the balls 4 press against the outer circumferential surface 6, causing an axial translation (along axis D) of the second part 2 relative to the first part 1 and relative to the movement blank 100. Said axial translation allows a micrometric adjustment of the vertical runout of the mobile unit.

[0055] The at least one first path 5 may make a non-zero angle, preferably between 5° and 30°, with a radial direction perpendicular to the axis D. Thus, the first path may have a shape or path that follows a helix or approximately a helix with respect to the axis D, for example in the shape of an Archimedes' spiral.

[0056] The first path 5 and the second path 3.1 may intersect at each of the boundary elements 4. This makes it possible to ensure that the relative rotational movement of the first and second parts leads to a movement with a radial component relative to the axis D of the boundary element 4.

[0057] <Summary> In the particular embodiment described above, the mechanism comprises a first path or first groove 5 formed in the first part 1 and a second groove or second path 3.1 formed in the washer 3 which rotates integrally with the second part 2, but a mechanism may also be proposed which comprises a first path or first groove 5 formed in the second part 2 and a second groove or second path 3.1 formed in the first part 1, in particular in the washer 3 which rotates integrally with the first part 1.

[0058] In effect, according to the invention, the relative rotational movement of the first path or first groove 5 and the second groove 3.1 about axis D advantageously enables the boundary element to be moved with respect to axis D in a plane P perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to axis D. In other words, the relative rotational movement of the first path or first groove 5 and the second groove 3.1 about axis D enables the boundary element to be moved towards or away from axis D. For this reason, the part comprising the first path or first groove 5 is distinct from the part comprising the second groove 3.1.

[0059] According to the embodiment described above, the translational movement of the second part 2 relative to the first part 1 along the axis D is made possible by a conical or frustoconical surface 6 arranged on the second part 2 and intended to cooperate with a boundary element. According to alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable to arrange said conical or frustoconical surface 6 on the first part 1. According to said particular alternative embodiment, the first channel or first groove 5 may for example be formed in the conical or frustoconical surface 6 of the first part 1.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the particular embodiment described above, the boundary elements each have the shape of a ball, but it is also conceivable that the boundary elements exhibit other shapes. By way of example, they may each have the shape of a gear or a roller. More generally, they are rolling and / or sliding elements. To complement this, they may each comprise a frustoconical surface intended to drive the first part translationally along the axis D relative to the second part under the effect of a movement, for example a translational movement, of said boundary elements in a plane P perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axis D, in particular in a radial direction relative to the axis D, said boundary elements being elastically returned by a return element, which may or may not correspond to the return element 8.

[0061] According to the above-described embodiment, the number of boundary elements is advantageously three in order to form a regular polygon centred on the axis D, with each boundary element located at a vertex of the polygon, but it is also conceivable to employ a different number of boundary elements. Thus, alternatively, the system may comprise four boundary elements in order to form a square centred on the axis D, with each boundary element located at a vertex of the square, as in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 8. Still alternatively, it is also conceivable to employ only two boundary elements, especially in the case of scenarios in which the boundary elements cause line contact with the first part 1 and / or the second part 2, rather than point contact.

[0062] In the particular embodiment described above, a second part 2, intended to receive or form at least one bearing 15, is provided to be driven in rotation about an axis D so as to move the second part 2 in translation along the axis D. For this purpose, the second part 2 comprises at least a second molded portion 7 so as to be rotated about the axis D. According to an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable to rotate the first part 1. For this reason, according to this particular alternative embodiment, the first part 1 may comprise at least a second molded portion 7 so as to be rotated about the axis D. According to this particular alternative embodiment, the first part 1 may comprise first paths or first grooves 5. Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 8, these first paths 5 may take the form of a cam surface of the first part 1, which in this particular scenario extends in a direction parallel or approximately parallel to the axis D. In this particular scenario, the second part 2 may comprise a second groove 3.1, in particular a washer 3 provided with the second groove, as well as a conical or frustoconical surface 6. In this particular alternative embodiment, the first part is rotatable about an axis D relative to the case of the movement, while the second part is fixed in a rotational sense relative to the axis D, but is translatable along the axis D.

[0063] Thus, depending on the embodiment, it is the second part or the first part that is made rotatable about the axis D.

[0064] Whatever the embodiment, the second part intended to receive or form the bearing is translatable relative to the axis (D).

[0065] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the vertical movement of a watch movable unit, one way of implementing which method is described below, which implements one of the above-mentioned adjustment mechanism solutions.

[0066] The method comprises an operation of moving one part in rotation about axis D relative to the other part. To this end, the watchmaker can rotate one part using at least the second moulding part 7 provided for the purpose and a suitable tool, such as a screwdriver, while the other part is immobilised on the rest of the movement, in particular because it is fixed on the movement blank or because it is immobilised by the watchmaker's operation, in particular with the other tool. As a result of said relative rotational movement, the part supporting the bearing, in particular the jewel, moves axially (along axis D), as described above. The consequence of this is that the axial flexure of the watch moving unit 40 is altered.

[0067] For this reason, by virtue of the above-mentioned solution, the pitch adjustment mechanism makes it possible to convert a rotational movement of one of the parts operated by the watchmaker into an axial translational movement of the bearing, via a motion converter. The solution advantageously presents a boundary element 4, intended to cooperate with the two elements 1, 2, which can be fitted into one another in the assembled bearing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 First part 2 Second part 3 Washers 4 Boundary Elements 5 First molded part 6 First molded part 7 Second molded part 8 Return element 10 Assembled bearing 15 Bearings 20 Mechanism 40 Clock Movable Unit 100 Movement Blank 200 Clock Movements 300 Watches

Claims

1. A mechanism (20) for adjusting the vertical movement of a watch movable unit (40) of a watch (300), comprising: Axle (D), A first part (1); a second part (2) intended to receive or form at least one bearing (15), in particular at least one damping bearing (15); a boundary element (4) cooperating with said first and second parts; a return element (8) for returning the first and second parts into cooperation with the boundary element (4); at least first moulded parts (6, 5, 3.1) of the first and second parts cooperating with said boundary element (4) to move said boundary element (4) relative to said axis (D) in a plane (P) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said axis (D), and consequently to move said second part (2) in translation along said axis (D) relative to said first part (1) under the effect of a rotational movement of said first part (1) or said second part (2) about said axis (D); Including, Mechanism (20).

2. said boundary elements (4) take the form of rolling and / or sliding elements (4), in particular in the form of balls, in particular in the form of three or four rolling and / or sliding elements (4), in particular in the form of three or four balls, The mechanism (20) of claim 1.

3. said first part (1) or said second part (2) comprises at least a second moulded portion (7) for enabling relative movement of said first part (1) and said second part (2) in rotation about said axis (D); A mechanism (20) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. said first part (1) or said second part (2) comprises, as a first moulded part, at least a first path (5) specific to each boundary element (4), in particular at least a first groove (5) intended to cooperate with a boundary element (4), in particular three or four paths (5) evenly spaced around said axis (D), in particular three or four first grooves (5) evenly spaced around axis (D); A mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. said at least one first path (5) defines a path in the shape of a spiral around said axis D or a path substantially perpendicular to said axis D; The mechanism (20) of claim 4.

6. the first part (1) or the second part (2), separate from the part comprising the at least one first channel (5), is intended to cooperate with the boundary element (4) as a first moulding part and comprises at least one second groove (3.1) extending in a radial or approximately radial direction with respect to the axis (D), in particular three or four grooves (3.1) extending in a radial or approximately radial direction with respect to the axis (D) and evenly distributed around the axis (D); A mechanism (20) according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the at least one second groove (3.1) is formed on a washer (3) separate from the part containing the at least one first passage (5) and rotating integrally with the first part (1) or the second part (2); The mechanism (20) of claim 6.

8. said first part (1) or said second part (2), as a first moulding part, comprises a conical or frustoconical surface (6) intended to cooperate with said boundary element (4); An arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. said first and second parts (1, 2) being fitted one within the other, said second part (2) being fitted in particular within said first part (1); An arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An assembled bearing (10), in particular an assembled damped bearing (10), comprising a mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A mounted movement blank, in particular a mounted bridge, comprising a mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a bearing according to claim 10.

12. A bearing (15), in particular a damped bearing; Movement blank (100) and A mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, arranged at the interface between the bearing and the movement blank (100); 13. An assembly comprising:

13. A mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or A bearing according to claim 10, and / or A mounted movement blank according to claim 11, and / or 13. The assembly of claim 12, and A movable unit (40), in particular the assembled balance, Including, Clock movement (200).

14. A movement according to claim 13, and / or A mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or A bearing according to claim 10, and / or A mounted movement blank according to claim 11, and / or 13. The assembly of claim 12, Including, Clocks (300), especially wristwatches.

15. A method for adjusting the vertical movement of a timepiece movable unit of a timepiece movement according to claim 13 or of a timepiece according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: an operation of moving one part (2;1) relative to the other part (1;2) in a rotation about said axis (D), Including, method.

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