Mechanism for adjusting axial clearance of timepiece movement unit of timepiece

Abstract

A mechanism (20) for adjusting an axial clearance of a timepiece movement unit (40) of a timepiece (300), the mechanism comprising: an axis (D); a first member (1); a second component (2) intended to receive or form at least one bearing (15), in particular at least one damping bearing (15); an interface element (4) cooperating with the first member and the second member; a return element (8) returning the first member and the second member to cooperate with the interface element (4); and at least a first shaped portion (6, 5, 3.1) of the first and second members cooperating with the engagement element (4) to move the interface element (4) relative to the axis (D) in a plane (P) perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axis (D), and thus the second member (2) is moved in translation relative to the first member (1) along said axis (D) under the action of a rotational movement of the first member (1) or of the second member (2) about said axis (D).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanism for adjusting the axial play (endshake) of a timepiece mobile unit of a timepiece. The invention also relates to an assembled bearing, in particular an assembled damping bearing, comprising such a mechanism. The invention also relates to a mounted movement blank comprising such an assembled bearing or such a mechanism. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such an assembled bearing or such a mechanism or such a mounted movement blank. The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such an assembly or such an assembled bearing or such a mechanism or such a mounted movement blank. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement or such an assembly or such an assembled bearing or such a mechanism or such a mounted movement blank. The invention finally relates to a method for adjusting the axial play of such a timepiece movement or a timepiece mobile unit of such a timepiece. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art of the mechanism for adjusting the axial clearance of the mobile unit of the clock, CH714809 proposes a device for adjusting the axial clearance of the balance wheel, which includes an intermediate bearing element located between the stud support and the shock-absorbing damping bearing. The element includes a through hole designed to allow the shock-absorbing damping bearing to be driven therein. The axial clearance is then adjusted by moving the shock-absorbing damping bearing along the hole in the intermediate bearing element, and the damping bearing is retained therein by friction.

[0003] Patent EP2824518 proposes a device for adjusting the axial clearance of a mobile unit in micrometer level. The adjustment device includes a support stone bearing and a bearing body composed of various components:

[0004] - an external body comprising a central hole, an upstanding edge on its inner face side and indexing means of the recess or boss type on its inner face, and

[0005] - Three elements stacked inside an outer body.

[0006] The three elements of the stack include:

[0007] - elastic return means, fixed to the bearing support and comprising an elastic tab anchored in the indexing means to introduce discrete adjustment positions,

[0008] a bearing support comprising at least one first evolving contact surface, ie a first evolving contact surface whose thickness varies in the axial direction and around the axis,

[0009] - a cover fixed to the upper edge of the external body and comprising at least one second evolving contact surface cooperating with the first evolving contact surface.

[0010] Due to the cooperation of the surfaces, rotating the bearing support about the axis changes the axial position of the bearing. To allow the bearing support to rotate, it comprises a rotating device of the screwdriver socket type. The torque that holds the elastic return element in the indexing device is low enough to enable the bearing support to rotate when it is pivoted by the watchmaker, and high enough to allow it to maintain its position when the mobile unit or balance wheel is running.

[0011] Thus, it is possible to incorporate a timepiece mobile unit axial clearance adjustment system using friction directly into the bearings around the axis of the mobile unit, as proposed in patent CH714809. However, this device is somewhat imprecise for micron-level adjustments.

[0012] On the other hand, patent EP2824518 proposes a mechanism for adjusting the axial play of a timepiece mobile directly around its axis by converting the rotational movement of a bearing support (this movement being caused by the watchmaker) into an axial translational movement of a shock-absorbing damper, this conversion being achieved by means of a motion conversion device, in particular using a helical sliding connection. This solution proposes direct contact between the evolving surfaces and entails a number of significant disadvantages, such as:

[0013] - The adjustment of the axial clearance is discontinuous, so that there is some finite increment between two discrete indexed positions;

[0014] - Complex manufacturing, the shape / mating shape of the evolving surface is difficult to control and reproduce, especially for the required tolerances;

[0015] -Sensitive to vibrations. In fact, the elastic return element holds the bearing body in the equilibrium position due to an anchoring effect, which permanently stresses the elastic return. Due to the helical sliding connection, the tangential forces generated by axial impacts can generate non-negligible misalignment torques, so it is necessary to anchor the return element in discrete positions. Summary of the invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide an axial clearance adjustment mechanism that is an improvement over the mechanisms known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes an axial clearance adjustment mechanism that is simple, practical and reliable, allowing the watchmaker to make a fine, easy and repeatable adjustment of the axial clearance by using a motion conversion device.

[0017] According to the invention, the adjustment mechanism is defined by claim 1 .

[0018] Embodiments of the axial play adjustment mechanism are defined by claims 2 to 9 .

[0019] According to the invention, the assembled bearing is defined by claim 10 .

[0020] According to the invention, the mounted movement blank is defined by claim 11 .

[0021] According to the invention, the assembly is defined by claim 12 .

[0022] According to the invention, a timepiece movement is defined by claim 13 .

[0023] According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 14 .

[0024] According to the invention, the regulating method is defined by claim 15 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings depict, by way of example, two embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective cutaway view of a particular embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention comprising a particular embodiment of the axial play adjustment mechanism in a first configuration.

[0027] Figure 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a particular embodiment of an axial clearance adjustment mechanism in a second configuration.

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of an axial clearance adjustment mechanism in a first configuration.

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of an axial clearance adjustment mechanism in a second configuration.

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of the axial clearance adjustment mechanism.

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an installed movement blank including a particular embodiment of an axial play adjustment mechanism.

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an installed movement blank.

[0033] Figure 8 is a view of an alternative embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention comprising an alternative embodiment of the axial play adjustment mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 7 One particular implementation of timepiece 300 is described in detail.

[0035] Timepiece 300 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.Timepiece 300 comprises a timepiece movement 200 intended to be mounted in a timepiece case or housing to protect the timepiece movement from the external environment.

[0036] The timepiece movement 200 is a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement, or an electronic movement.

[0037] The watch movement 200 comprises:

[0038] - an assembled bearing 10, in particular an assembled damping bearing, comprising an axial play adjustment mechanism 20, and / or

[0039] - a mounted movement blank 100 , in particular a mounted bridge 100 , comprising the axial play adjustment mechanism 20 , and / or

[0040] An assembly comprising a bearing 15 , in particular a damping bearing, a movement blank and an axial play adjustment mechanism 20 .

[0041] The axial clearance adjustment mechanism may be mounted at the interface between the bearing and the movement blank to allow relative movement of the bearing relative to the movement blank. Thus, a portion of the axial clearance adjustment mechanism may form a portion of the bearing 15, and / or a portion of the axial clearance adjustment mechanism may form a portion of the movement blank.

[0042] In each case, the timepiece movement comprises an axial play adjustment mechanism 20 .

[0043] The axial clearance adjustment mechanism 20 makes it possible to adjust the axial clearance of the timepiece mobile unit 40 of the timepiece movement 200 relative to the housing of the timepiece movement 200. This axial clearance is adjusted by moving at least one bearing element of the bearing guiding the timepiece mobile unit relative to the housing of the timepiece movement. The timepiece mobile unit is advantageously an assembled balance wheel, but it can also be of any other type. The balance wheel axial clearance (i.e., the functional axial clearance between the balance wheel shaft pivot and the support stone jewel) has the same order of magnitude as the dimensional manufacturing tolerances on the elements of the regulating piece. Therefore, the possibility of adjusting this axial clearance is necessary in order to ensure the correct operation of the balance wheel and maintain good timing of the watch. In particular, the present invention realizes the axial clearance adjustment by rotating a part of the adjustment mechanism 20.

[0044] According to the following reference Figures 1 to 7 In a specific embodiment described in detail, the axial clearance adjustment mechanism includes:

[0045] - axis D,

[0046] a first component 1 , in particular intended to be fixed to a movement blank of a timepiece movement,

[0047] a second member 2 intended to receive or form at least one bearing 15 , in particular at least one damping bearing,

[0048] - three interface elements 4 cooperating with the first and second members,

[0049] a return element 8 which returns the first and second members to cooperate with the three interface elements 4, and

[0050] - First forming parts 6, 5, 3.1 of the first component and the second component, which cooperate with the three interface elements 4 to enable the three interface elements 4 to move relative to the axis D in a plane P perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the axis D, and thus enable the second component 2 to move translationally along the axis D relative to the first component 1 under the action of the rotational movement of the second component 2 around the axis D.

[0051] Timepiece mobile unit 40 is preferably guided in rotation or pivoting about its axis D by at least one bearing 15 .

[0052] Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism enables the rotational movement of the second member relative to the first member (performed by the watchmaker) to become an axial translational movement of the bearing element.

[0053] When the axial clearance is being adjusted, the rotation of the second component 2 relative to the first component 1 causes the interface element 4 to move in a plane P perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to said axis D due to the shaped portions 5 and 3.1. In particular, the interface element moves away from or towards the axis D in a plane perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to said axis D. The combination of the return element 8 and the shaped portion 6 having an evolving surface evolving around said axis D in contact with the interface element 4 enables a precise translational movement of the second component 2 along said axis D relative to the first component 1.

[0054] According to the following reference Figures 1 to 7 In the specific embodiment described in detail, the interface element advantageously takes the form of balls and is three in number. These balls are inserted between the two members and are intended to cooperate with the two members. When the first member 1 starts to rotate (the rotational torque is higher than the friction torque caused by the spring 8 at the junction between the first member 1, the three balls 4 and the second member 2), the interaction between the three balls and the two elements makes it possible to cause an axial translation movement of the second member 2 and, therefore, an axial translation movement of the bearing.

[0055] In this particular embodiment, the second component 2 carries a damping bearing 15 or takes the form of a damping bearing 15, in particular a balance wheel damping bearing, in particular provided with an in-setting 9.4, a support stone 9.2, a perforated jewel 9.3 and a lyre-shaped spring clip 9.1. The bearing 15 forms an assembled bearing 10 with an axial clearance adjustment mechanism 20. In this particular embodiment, the component 2 forms both a part of the bearing 15 and a part of the axial clearance adjustment mechanism 20.

[0056] In a particular variant, the second member 2 and the support 9 . 4 may consist of a single piece.

[0057] The first component 1 of the assembled bearing 10 is advantageously fixed to a timepiece movement blank 100 , in particular to a balance cock 100 , in particular a traversing balance cock 100 , a balance cock, etc. Figure 7 In the particular embodiment shown more particularly in FIG. 1 , the first member is fixed to movement blank 100 while having the freedom to rotate about axis D. In particular, the first member is advantageously driven into balance spring support 11 arranged below bridge 100. First member 1 can be kept fixed to bridge 100 by a spring-loaded element 12 pressing against the upper face of bridge 100 and against the outer surface of ring 1.1 of first member 1. Rotating first member 1 then allows adjusting the setting of the guide marks (of the escapement cooperating with the oscillator of which the balance wheel forms a part) without disturbing the setting to which the axial play has been adjusted.

[0058] As a variant, first component 1 may be fixed to or embedded in movement blank 100, ie without degrees of freedom relative to movement blank 100. In another variant, first component 1 and movement blank may form only one single piece. In other words, in such a variant, the first component consists of the movement blank.

[0059] According to the following reference Figures 1 to 7 In the specific embodiment described in detail, the first component 1 comprises a first shaped portion 5, which is preferably in the form of a cam, and the interface element 4 contacts the first shaped portion 5. The second component 2 comprises a conical or frustoconical or nearly frustoconical circumferential surface 6, and the interface element 4 contacts the circumferential surface 6. By changing:

[0060] - the geometry of the contact surface of the shaped part 5, 3.1, and / or

[0061] - the geometry of the circumferential surface 6, and / or

[0062] - the geometry of the interface element 4, and / or

[0063] - the number of interface elements 4 and their geometry,

[0064] Rotating the second component 2 can cause a precise change in the axial position (along the axis D) of the second component 2 relative to the first component 1 , and thus cause a precise change in the axial position of the bearing relative to the first component 1 .

[0065] In the adjustment mechanism, rotating the second component 2 relative to the first component 1 causes the interface element 4 to move with a radial movement component along the corresponding shaped portion 5, 3.1. This movement changes the position of the bearing point of the interface element 4 against the outer circumferential surface 6 and causes an axial translation (along the axis D) of the second component 2 relative to the first component 1.

[0066] The return element 8 fixed to the upper edge of the first member 1 presses elastically against the upper edge of the second member 2. It exerts sufficient pressure against the first member 1 on the second member 2 and the interface element 4 to eliminate any play that may exist and ensure that the members 1, 2 and 4 remain in contact without slipping (except during the adjustment phase).

[0067] In this particular embodiment, the assembled bearing allowing the mobile unit to pivot around axis D is composed of various elements:

[0068] - a first component 1 intended to be fixed to a movement blank of a timepiece movement;

[0069] - a second member 2 intended to receive or form at least one bearing;

[0070] - three interface elements consisting of, for example, balls 4, which are held in place by inserted washers 3;

[0071] - a return element 8 fixed to the upper edge of the first member 1, elastically pressing against the upper edge of the second member 2 and returning the first and second members to cooperate with the ball 4. In particular, the return element 8 has the form of a frustoconical elastic washer.

[0072] In this particular embodiment, the inserted washer 3 rotates integrally with the second member 2 and comprises, by means of a shaped portion, second grooves (or second paths) 3.1, each intended to receive a ball 4. These second grooves 3.1 are used to control the radial movement of the balls 4 in the plane P relative to the axis D, and in particular to control the movement of said balls along its shaped portion 5. In particular, the inserted washer 3 comprises as many second grooves 3.1 as balls 4, in this example three. These second grooves 3.1 form guides or paths that are open at the ends and pass from beginning to end so as to allow the possibility of movement of the balls over the entire range of their respective paths.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first member 1 is a part consisting of a ring 1.1 connected to a hub 1.2. The hub 1.2 is centered on the same axis D as the ring 1.1 and has an outer diameter and an inner diameter, respectively, smaller than the ring 1.1, so that the connecting element 1.3 connects the top of the outer periphery of the hub 1.2 to the bottom of the inner periphery of the ring 1.1. Here, the connecting part 1.3 is at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the axis D, i.e. it extends substantially radially with respect to the axis D. Three first grooves 5 of equal depth are dug into the inner surface of the connector, which form a first path 5 or a shaped portion 5.

[0074] The first groove 5 defines a shape or path that is curved or in the form of a spiral around the axis D, or a shape or path that is substantially orthoradial to the axis D. The angle formed between a tangent to the path and a straight line passing through the axis D and intersecting the tangent forms an angle of inclination, i.e. an angle different from 90°. The first grooves 5 are preferably evenly distributed around the axis D of the first member 1.

[0075] In a variant, the surface of the connecting portion 1 . 3 may be slightly convex or may form an angle slightly different from 90 degrees with respect to the axis D, in order to facilitate the initial positioning of the ball 4 in the first groove 5 , for example during assembly of the bearing.

[0076] In this embodiment, the second member 2 is a part consisting of a ring 2.1 connected to a hub 2.2, which is centered on the same axis as the ring 2.1 and has an outer diameter and an inner diameter smaller than the ring 2.1, and has a connecting portion 2.3 connecting the two elements 2.1, 2.2. The outer diameters of the ring 2.1 and the hub 2.2 of the second member 2 correspond to the inner diameters of the ring 1.1 and the hub 1.2 of the first member 1, respectively (ignoring the gap), so that the two elements fit each other. The outer surface of the connecting portion 2.3 of the second member 2 (more specifically, the surface extending between the outer periphery of the hub 2.2 and the ring 2.1) constitutes an outer circumferential surface 6, and in particular has a frustoconical or nearly frustoconical shape.

[0077] Rotating the second member 2 about said axis D causes, through the action of the associated inserted washers 3, the radial movement of the balls 4 along their corresponding grooves 5. This movement changes the position of the bearing points of the balls 4 against the outer circumferential surface 6 and causes an axial translation (along the axis D) of the second member 2 along the first member 1.

[0078] The return element 8 fixed to the upper edge of the first member 1 is elastically pressed against the upper edge of the second member 2 and exerts sufficient pressure on the second member 2 and the ball 4 against the first member 1 to eliminate any possible clearance and ensure that the members 1, 2 and 4 remain in non-slip contact (except during the adjustment phase).

[0079] Advantageously, the positioning of the three balls 4 forms a regular polygon centred on the axis D, with each ball being located at a vertex of the polygon. The balls thus provide a positioning of the component 2 on the component 1 which is preferably statically determined.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the inserted washer 3 rotates integrally with the hub 2.2 of the second member 2, having at least one degree of freedom of axial translation along the hub 2.2, i.e., the inserted washer 3 is mounted with a sliding connection relative to the hub 2.2 of the second member 2 by the axis D. To achieve this, the tab 3.2 of the inserted washer 3 can be placed in an axial groove 13 provided on the hub 2.2. When the second member 2 rotates, the inserted washer 3 pushes the ball along the first groove 5 to allow the second member 2 to translate axially (along the axis D) along the first member 1.

[0081] In order to allow the watchmaker to rotate the second member 2, there may be at least a second shaped portion 7, such as a screwdriver socket, on the upper part of the second member 2. In this embodiment, the return element may be perforated at its center so as to allow access to said at least second shaped portion 7. In the case of a timepiece shock-absorbing bearing, such a perforation may be quite large so as to also allow, for example, the removal of the lyre-shaped spring clip 9.1.

[0082] For example, at least one guide mark, such as splines on the outer circumference of first member 1, may enable the watchmaker to visualize the angle to which second member 2 is rotated when performing a rotation. These splines may also serve to allow a better grip of first member 1 and to help rotate it about axis D when adjusting the guide mark settings of the escapement, without disturbing the setting to which the axial play has been adjusted.

[0083] It is advantageous to note that the axial clearance adjustment mechanism is slightly insensitive to vibrations. In particular, due to the shaping of the axial clearance adjustment mechanism, the (substantially axial or radial) forces to which the bearing is subject have no effect on the movement of the interface element 4 and therefore have no effect on the axial clearance adjustment. For example, by means of the motion conversion device, the tangential forces generated by the axial forces during impact, which tend to generate the adjustment disturbing torque, are negligible compared to the friction (or friction torque) generated by the return element 8.

[0084] Thus, in the particular embodiment described, the assembled bearing comprises:

[0085] - a first member 1 , which is fixed to the splint 100 ;

[0086] - a second component 2 which is assembled into the first component 1;

[0087] - three balls 4 held in place by inserted washers 3;

[0088] - an inserted washer 3 comprising a second groove 3 . 1 which is radial with respect to the axis D and is intended to position the ball 4 ;

[0089] A return element 8 , fixed to the upper edge of the first component 1 , elastically pressed against the upper edge of the second component 2 , and in the form of a washer.

[0090] The first member 1 comprises, by means of a forming portion, three first paths 5 of the groove type, which are curved and evenly distributed around the axis D. The inserted washer 3 has a central hole conforming to the outer shape of the hub 2.2 of the second member 2, thereby fixing said inserted washer 3 and the second member 2 to each other so that they will rotate as one. The inserted washer 3 is inserted and rests on the inner face of the first member 1 so that its second grooves 3.1 intersect with the grooves 5 of the first member 1. The balls are placed in their corresponding grooves 5 of the first member 1 in the paths 3.1 of the inserted washer, which are formed by the second grooves 3.1.

[0091] The second member 2 is mounted by sliding along the axis D. It carries inside its central housing an assembly comprising a support 9.4, a pierced jewel 9.3, a support jewel 9.2 and a lyre-shaped spring clip 9.1. The second member 2 also comprises at least a second shaped portion 7, which is of the spiral sleeve type so that it can rotate. The surface 6 between its hub 22 and the circumference of its ring 21 is truncated cone with a cone vertex at the hub 22.

[0092] Return element 8, fixed to the upper edge of first member 1 and elastically pressed against the upper edge of second member 2, exerts against first member 1 sufficient pressure on the assembly constituted by second member 2 and ball 4 to keep the mechanism in position, except during the adjustment phases in which the action of the watchmaker on shaped portion 7 generates a force greater than that generated by the friction between members 2-4-1.

[0093] The rotation of the second member 2 (relative to the first member 1) (performed by the watchmaker using a suitable tool in at least the second forming portion 7) causes the radial movement of the balls 4 along their corresponding first grooves 5. This movement changes the position of the bearing points of the balls 4 against the outer circumferential surface 6 and causes an axial translation (along the axis D) of the second member 2 relative to the first member 1 and to the movement blank 100. This axial translation allows the axial play of the mobile unit to be adjusted in micrometers.

[0094] At least one first path 5 may form a non-zero angle, preferably comprised between 5° and 30°, relative to a direction orthogonal and radial to the axis D. Thus, the first path may have a shape or path following a spiral or nearly spiral relative to the axis D, for example the shape of an Archimedean spiral.

[0095] The first path 5 and the second path 3.1 may intersect at each interface element 4. This may ensure that relative rotational movement of the first and second members results in a movement of the interface element 4 having a radial component relative to the axis D.

[0096] induction

[0097] Although in the specific embodiment described above, the mechanism includes a first path or a first groove 5 formed on the first member 1 and a second groove or a second path 3.1 formed on the washer 3 that rotates integrally with the second member 2, a mechanism can be proposed, which includes a first path or a first groove 5 formed on the second member 2 and a second groove or a second path 3.1 formed on the first member 1 and in particular formed on the washer 3 that rotates integrally with the first member 1.

[0098] Indeed, according to the invention, the relative rotational movement of the first path or first groove 5 and the second groove 3.1 about the axis D advantageously allows the interface element to move relative to the axis D in a plane P perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to said axis D. In other words, the relative rotational movement of the first path or first groove 5 and the second groove 3.1 about the axis D allows the interface element to move towards or away from the axis D. Therefore, the component comprising the first path or first groove 5 is different from the component comprising the second groove 3.1.

[0099] According to the above-described embodiment, the translational movement of the second member 2 relative to the first member 1 along the axis D is made possible by the conical or frustoconical surface 6 intended to cooperate with the interface element and arranged on the second member 2. According to an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable to arrange this conical or frustoconical surface 6 on the first member 1. According to this particular alternative embodiment, the first path or the first groove 5 can then be formed, for example, on the conical or frustoconical surface 6 of the first member 1.

[0100] In addition, although in the above-mentioned specific embodiments, the interface elements are all in the form of balls, it is also conceivable that the interface elements present any other shape. For example, these interface elements can each be in the form of a wheel or a roller. More generally, the interface element is a rolling and / or sliding element. To supplement this, these interface elements can each include a truncated cone surface, which is intended to drive the first member to translate relative to the second member along the axis D under the action of the movement (e.g., translational movement) of the interface element in a plane P perpendicular to or nearly perpendicular to the axis D, especially in a radial direction relative to the axis D, and the interface element is, for example, elastically returned by a return element, which may or may not correspond to the return element 8.

[0101] Although in the above-described embodiment the number of interface elements is three, so as to advantageously form a regular polygon centered on the axis D, with each interface element being located at a vertex of the polygon, it is conceivable to employ a different number of interface elements. Thus, alternatively, the system may comprise four interface elements, so as to form a square centered on the axis D, with each interface element being located at a vertex of the square, for example at Figure 8 Still alternatively, it is conceivable to employ only two interface elements, in particular in the case where the interface elements bring about line contacts with the first component 1 and / or the second component 2 instead of point contacts.

[0102] In the above-mentioned particular embodiment, it is provided that the second member 2 intended to receive or form at least one bearing 15 is driven in rotation about the axis D so as to cause a translational movement of said second member 2 along the axis D. To this end, the second member 2 comprises at least a second shaped portion 7 to allow it to rotate about the axis D. Therefore, according to this particular alternative embodiment, it is conceivable to make the first member 1 rotate. Therefore, according to this particular alternative embodiment, the first member 1 may comprise at least a second shaped portion 7 to allow it to rotate about the axis D. According to this particular alternative embodiment, the first member 1 may comprise a first path or a first groove 5. Advantageously, as Figure 8 As shown, in this particular case, these first paths 5 may take the form of a cam surface of the first member 1 extending in a direction parallel or nearly parallel to the axis D. In this same particular case, the second member 2 may comprise a second groove 3.1 and in particular a washer 3 provided with the second groove and a conical or frustoconical surface 6. In this particular alternative embodiment, the first member is rotatable relative to the movement housing about the axis D, while the second member is fixed in rotation relative to the axis D but is movable in translation along the axis D.

[0103] Thus, according to this embodiment, the second member or the first member is rotatable about the axis D.

[0104] Whatever the embodiment, the second member intended to receive or form the bearing is capable of translational movement relative to the axis (D).

[0105] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the axial play of a timepiece mobile unit. One way of carrying out this method is described below and implements one of the solutions of the adjustment mechanism described above.

[0106] The method comprises an action of rotating one component relative to the other, about axis D. To do this, the watchmaker can use at least a second shaped portion 7 provided for this purpose and a suitable tool (such as a screwdriver) to rotate one component, while the other component is fixed to the rest of the movement, in particular because the other component is fixed to the movement blank or because the other component is kept immobile by an action of the watchmaker (in particular using another tool). As mentioned above, due to this relative rotational movement, the component carrying the bearing (in particular the endstone) moves axially (along axis D). The result is a change in the axial axial play of timepiece mobile unit 40.

[0107] Thus, by means of the solution described above, the axial play adjustment mechanism allows the rotational movement of a member actuated by the watchmaker to be converted into an axial translational movement of the bearing via a motion conversion device. This solution advantageously exhibits an interface element 4 intended to cooperate with two elements 1, 2 that can be assembled one inside the other in an assembled bearing.

Claims

1. A mechanism (20) for adjusting an axial clearance of a timepiece moving unit (40) of a timepiece (300), the mechanism comprising: Axis (D), A first component (1), a second component (2) intended to receive or form at least one bearing (15), in particular at least one damping bearing (15), an interface element (4) cooperating with the first member and the second member, a return element (8) which returns the first member and the second member to cooperate with the interface element (4), and At least a first formed portion (6, 5, 3.1) of the first component and the second component, the first formed portion cooperates with the interface element (4) to enable the interface element (4) to move relative to the axis (D) in a plane (P) perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the axis (D), and thereby enable the second component (2) to move translationally along the axis (D) relative to the first component (1) under the action of the rotational movement of the first component (1) or the second component (2) around the axis (D).

2. The mechanism (20) according to claim 1, wherein the interface element (4) is in the form of a rolling and / or sliding element (4), in particular in the form of a ball, in particular in the form of three or four rolling and / or sliding elements, in particular in the form of three or four balls.

3. A mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member (1) or the second member (2) comprises at least a second formed portion (7) to allow the first member (1) and the second member (2) to move relative to each other in rotation around the axis (D).

4. A mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member (1) or the second member (2) includes, through a first forming portion, at least one first path (5) dedicated to each interface element (4), in particular at least one first groove (5) intended to cooperate with the interface element (4), in particular three or four paths (5) evenly distributed around the axis (D), in particular three or four first grooves (5) evenly distributed around the axis (D).

5. Mechanism (20) according to claim 4, wherein said at least one first path (5) defines a path in the form of a spiral around said axis (D), or a path that is substantially orthogonal and radial relative to said axis D.

6. A mechanism (20) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a member of the first member (1) or the second member (2) that is different from the member including the at least one first path (5) includes, through a first forming portion, at least one second groove (3.1) intended to cooperate with the interface element (4) and extending in a radial or near-radial direction relative to the axis (D), and in particular includes three or four grooves (3.1) extending in a radial or near-radial direction relative to the axis (D) and evenly distributed around the axis (D).

7. The mechanism (20) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one second groove (3.1) is formed on a washer (3), and the washer (3) rotates integrally with a component of the first component (1) or the second component (2) that is different from the component including the at least one first path (5).

8. A mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member (1) or the second member (2) comprises, via a first forming portion, a conical or frustoconical surface (6) intended to cooperate with the interface element (4).

9. The mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (1) and the second component (2) are assembled to each other, in particular the second component (2) is assembled into the first component (1).

10. An assembled bearing (10), in particular an assembled damping bearing (10), comprising a mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A mounted movement blank, in particular a mounted bridge, comprising a mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a bearing according to claim 10.

12. A component comprising: bearing (15), in particular a damping bearing, a 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. A watch movement (200), comprising: The mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or The bearing according to claim 10, and / or The mounted movement blank according to claim 11, and / or The assembly according to claim 12, as well as Mobile unit (40), in particular an assembled balance wheel.

14. A timepiece (300), in particular a watch, comprising: The movement according to claim 13, and / or The mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or The bearing according to claim 10, and / or The movement blank according to claim 11, and / or The assembly of claim 12.

15. A method for adjusting the axial play of a timepiece mobile unit, the timepiece mobile unit being a timepiece mobile unit of a timepiece movement according to claim 13 or a timepiece mobile unit of a timepiece according to claim 14, the method comprising: To make one component (2; 1) relative to another component (1; 2) The action of rotational movement around the axis (D).

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