Bearing for shaft body of timepiece component

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a bearing (1) for a shaft body of a timepiece component, comprising a bearing body (2) comprising a housing delimited by a peripheral wall (20) of said bearing, thereby forming a through-hole (8), said hole (8) comprising a compact binding assembly (10), the binding assembly comprises a first elastic member (3) and an assembly (27) comprising a storage space (33) for the fluid (31), the assembly consisting of a second elastic member (6), a pivot element (5) and a drill holding element (4), the first elastic member (3) being mounted in a first orifice (9a) of the through-hole (8) by being fixed in a through-opening provided in the peripheral wall, and the second elastic member (6) being mounted in a second orifice (9b) of the through-hole (8) by being fixed in the through-opening provided in the peripheral wall. The first member (3) is configured to at least elastically damp axial impacts, and in the assembly (27), in the bearing (1), only the second elastic member (6) of the assembly (10) is fixed to the peripheral wall (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bearing for an axis (English: axis, French: axe) of a watch component, particularly a shock-absorbing bearing for an axis of a watch component. The invention also relates to a watch movement fitted with such a bearing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising such a bearing and / or such a watch movement. Background Technology

[0002] Among the various parts used in watches, the axes of watch components typically have pivots (also called "pivots") at their ends. These pivots rotate in bearings mounted in the unfinished watch movement (such as plates or rods). For some watch components (especially balance wheels), it is common practice to assemble the bearings with shock-absorbing mechanisms. In reality, because the pivots of these balance wheels are usually thin and the weight of these balance wheels is relatively high, the pivots would break under impact if no shock-absorbing mechanism were present.

[0003] In the prior art, conventional damper bearings typically comprise a bearing (such as a drilled stone) with a through bore, thus forming axial and radial guiding elements for a pivot. This stone is set within a bearing support (often called a setter) in which a jack is mounted, thus forming an axial stop for the pivot. The setter is used to convert all or part of the radial impact into an axial impact. This setter is held against the rear of the bearing body by an elastic device (typically a spring damper) arranged to apply axial restraint to the upper portion of the jack. The pivot 28 is inserted into the through bore in the drilled stone. This bearing absorbs impacts because the assembly formed by the setter, drilled stone, and jack can move due to the spring damper.

[0004] However, one of the main drawbacks of this type of bearing is its lack of robustness, particularly due to the aging or wear of the lubricant it contains over time, which alters its function and makes it less reliable. Consequently, this bearing can no longer guarantee perfect radial recentering of the balance wheel shaft in the event of an impact, as this recentering is often random. The problem in this case lies in the fact that, in a given shock-resistant configuration, the movement's rate is timed at a given time T. After an impact, the bearing configuration changes, for example, due to imperfect recentering, and the previous rate setting is no longer optimal. In other words, the position of the balance wheel shaft has a direct impact on the movement's rate, and therefore, to achieve greater timekeeping stability, it is necessary to avoid this recentering defect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a small bearing for a timepiece that enables the axis of the watch components to be repositioned very effectively at all times, while ensuring lubrication under all circumstances.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing that makes it possible to repeatedly position the shaft of a watch component.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a bearing for a shaft of a watch component, the bearing comprising a bearing body including a housing defined by a peripheral wall of the bearing to form a through hole, the through hole including a compact restraining assembly comprising a first elastic member and an assembly including a storage space for fluid, the assembly comprising a second elastic member, a pivot element and a jacking element, the first elastic member being mounted in a first orifice of the through hole by being fixed in a through opening provided in the peripheral wall, the first member being configured to at least elastically dampen axial impacts, and in the assembly: - A second elastic member is disposed between the first elastic member and the second orifice of the hole, the second member being configured to at least elastically dampen radial impacts; A pivot element is provided to pivot the axis of the watch component. This element is positioned facing a second orifice in the central region of a second resilient member through which the axis of the component can be inserted into the hole. - The drill support element is inserted between the first elastic member and the second elastic member and is configured to receive the end portion of the shaft body of the member. The drill support element includes a body made of a central portion and a peripheral portion as a single piece. The central portion includes a first area for holding the body in a bearing body. The first area is configured to engage with the first elastic member. In this bearing, only the second elastic member of the component is fixed to the peripheral wall.

[0008] In other embodiments: - The central portion of the drill element includes a cavity arranged facing the pivot element, and a section of this cavity has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the letter M; - The central portion of the drill support element includes a cavity arranged facing the pivot element, the cavity including a flat receiving area for one end of the pivot element, the flat receiving area being included in the central portion of the cavity; - The central portion of the drill support element includes a cavity arranged facing the pivot element, the cavity including a recess containing a first wall and a second wall, the recess surrounding a receiving area; - A flat receiving area is arranged above the pivot element, thereby partially covering its top, especially the central portion of the top; - The recess includes a first wall arranged above the pivot element, thereby partially covering its top, and in particular the peripheral portion of the top; - The receiving area and the first wall of the recess form an acute angle, which faces the second wall of the recess; - The first and second walls of the recess form an obtuse angle, which faces the pivot element and the second elastic member; - The fluid storage space forms the interface between the drill support element and the pivot element; - The fluid storage space, particularly the fluid storage space for lubricating fluid, is defined between the top of the pivot element, the receiving area, and the first wall of the recess; - The peripheral portion includes a second region for holding the body of the drill element in the bearing body, the second holding region being configured to support the entire periphery on the flat surface of the second elastic member; - Under the force applied to the first retaining area by the first elastic element, the second retaining area is supported only on the periphery of the flat surface of the second elastic member; - The first holding area, the second holding area, and the receiving area are each contained in separate planes that are parallel to each other; - The central part and the peripheral part form the top and base of the drill support element, respectively; - The drill support element is mounted to move axially relative to the axis of rotation of the hole in the through hole; - The central portion of the drill element is configured to be introduced into the first orifice of the through hole in the event of an impact to the watch component; - The peripheral portion of the jacking element includes a gap area configured to engage the first elastic member in the event of an impact to the watch component; - The portion of the pivot element arranged in the cavity protrudes from the central region of the second elastic member, and this portion includes an outer surface positioned near the receiving area and the first wall of the cavity; - The first elastic member is configured to be twisted substantially axially relative to the axis of rotation of the through hole; - The first elastic member includes an element for fixing the member in the through hole, a restraining element designed to be supported on a first holding area of ​​the central portion of the drill element, and a connecting element connecting the restraining element and the fixing element; - The second elastic member includes a portion for connecting the member in the through hole and a portion for fixing a pivot element in the central region of the member, the connecting portion and the fixing portion being connected by at least one elastic element of the member; - The second elastic member is fixedly installed in the bearing body; - The second elastic member is configured to be twisted substantially radially relative to the axis of rotation of the through hole; - The bearing body, through hole, first elastic member and second elastic member, drill support element and pivot element have a rotation axis that coincides with the central axis of the bearing; - The drill support element is made of transparent or translucent material; - The receiving area is flat and polished.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch movement equipped with such a bearing.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch movement. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, which are provided merely as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and from the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a bearing for a shaft of a watch component according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The top view of the bearing shown; - Figure 3 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The bearing shown is in cross-sectional view along axis III-III; and - Figure 4 This is an exploded view of all the parts forming a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment of a bearing 1 for a shaft in a watch component is illustrated. This watch component and the bearing 1 can be part of a watch mechanism within a watch movement (such as an electromechanical movement or a mechanical movement). This movement is included in a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, and particularly a wristwatch. It should be noted that the watch mechanism can be a balance spring oscillator with a balance wheel and a hairspring.

[0013] The bearing 1 (also referred to as a "watch bearing," "shock absorber bearing," or "damper bearing") is particularly suitable for pivoting the shaft, especially the shaft pivot 32, and is also suitable for ensuring lubrication of the shaft pivot 32. The shaft pivot 32 is the end 32 of the shaft or the end portion 32 of such a shaft. This shaft 28 is preferably made of metal, ceramic, or glass. The shaft (also referred to as a "rotating shaft," "pivoting shaft," or "spindle") can be the shaft of a watch component, and when the watch mechanism is an oscillator, it is also referred to as a "rotating movement shaft" (such as the pivot stem on a balance wheel).

[0014] This bearing 1 is effectively constructed as follows: - To guide the rotation of the axis of the watch components; and / or - Prevent axis translation; and / or - Ensure that the shaft, and especially the portion of the shaft arranged in bearing 1, is lubricated.

[0015] It should be noted that this rotational guidance of the shaft is achieved about the central axis A1 of the bearing 1, which is otherwise referred to as the axis A1 of the mounted bearing. In particular, this bearing 1 helps to limit the axial and / or radial translational movement of the shaft of the watch component relative to axis A1.

[0016] It should be understood that the guidance of the shaft 28 of this watch component is related to the movement of the component relative to axis A1. In this context, these movements are limited in axial and / or radial translation due to the bearing 1.

[0017] This bearing 1 is designed to be assembled or attached to a semi-finished watch movement (such as a rod (e.g., a balance wheel bridge) or plate). Alternatively, the bearing 1 can be formed directly into the body of the plate or rod, for example, by machining.

[0018] refer to Figure 4 The bearing 1 includes a bearing body 2 configured to receive a compact assembly 10, the compact assembly comprising: a first elastic member 3 and an assembly 27 including a fluid storage space 33 or fluid reservoir, particularly a fluid 31 (such as a lubricating fluid). The assembly 27 includes a second elastic member 6, a pivot element 5, and a drill element 4. In the assembly 27, the storage space 33 forms an interface or joint between the drill element 4 and the pivot element 5. In other words, the storage space 33 for the fluid 31 forms an interface between a receiving area 25 on the shaft pivot 32 of the drill element 4 and a top 30 of the pivot element 5. It should be noted that the storage space 33 is defined by the presence of the fluid 31 confined within it. Therefore, it should be understood that the storage space 33, or the fluid 31 stored therein, forms this interface or single interface between the drill element 4 and the pivot element 5 in the bearing 1.

[0019] In other words, the fluid 31 contained in the storage space 33 forms this interface or single interface between the drill element 4 and the pivot element 5. More specifically, this fluid contained in the storage space 33 includes: - It is or defines or constitutes the common boundary between the drill support element 4 and the pivot element 5; or - is or defines or constitutes the common boundary between the receiving area 25 of the shaft pivot 32 of the drill support element 4 and the top 30 of the pivot element 5; or - is or defines or constitutes the common boundary between the first wall 29a of the receiving area 25 and the recess 26 and the top 30 of the pivot element 5; or - is or defines or constitutes the surface separating the two drill elements 4 and the pivot 5; or - Is, defines, or constitutes a surface that separates the receiving area 25 from the shaft pivot 32 of the drill support element 4 and the top 30 of the pivot element 5; or - is or defines or constitutes the surface of the first wall 29a of the separating receiving area 25 and the recess 26 and the top 30 of the pivot element 5.

[0020] The bearing body 2 includes a housing in which the assembly is disposed. This housing is defined by the bearing's peripheral wall 20 to form a through hole 8. (Reference) Figure 3 This through hole 8 (also known as the "center through hole") extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A2 (also known as the block axis) of the bearing body 2.

[0021] This through-hole 8 includes a first aperture 9a and a second aperture 9b at each end. It should be noted that the cross-section of the first aperture 9a is preferably larger than the cross-section of the second aperture 9b. As will be seen below, the first aperture 9a is configured to participate in the installation of the first elastic member 3 in the through-hole 8, and the second aperture 9b is configured to allow the shaft of the watch component to be introduced into the same aperture 8.

[0022] In the bearing body 2, the through hole 8 includes a rotation axis A3 (also referred to as the axis of the hole 8), which coincides with the central axis A1 of the bearing 1. This through hole 8 has a rotational geometry about the axis A3, which forms the outer shell of the bearing body 2. It should be noted that this outer shell corresponds to the volume defined within the bearing body 2 by the peripheral wall 20 of the through hole 8, such as... Figure 4 As seen in the image. Therefore, in this configuration, the outer shell extends between the first orifice 9a and the second orifice 9b, which form part of the bed.

[0023] In this bearing 1, the through-hole 8 is configured to receive or participate in the arrangement or mounting of the compact assembly 10 in the bearing body 2. In this configuration, the compact assembly 10 includes mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b, which are designed to engage with the inner surface 24 of the peripheral wall 20 of the through-hole 8 to ensure that the compact assembly 10 is arranged in the bearing body 2. Such mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b are included in / on the first elastic member 3 and the second elastic member 6 of the assembly 10. In a variant, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b are exclusively included in / on the first elastic member 3 and the second elastic member 6. In other words, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b are the only part of the implementation / ensuring of the compact assembly 10's mounting in the bearing body 2 to form the bearing 1. As will be seen below, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b are engaged with the bearing body 2 by being supported on and / or fixed to the bearing body 2.

[0024] In this assembly, the pivot element 5, the drill support element 4, the first elastic member 3, and the second elastic member 6 each include central axes A4, A5, A6, and A7. When the compact assembly 10 is installed in the bearing body 2, these axes, referred to as A4, A5, A6, and A7, coincide with the axis A1 of the bearing 1, the axis A2 of the bearing body 2, and the axis A3 of the through hole 8, respectively.

[0025] Therefore, as mentioned above, the compact component 10 consists of a first elastic member 3 and a component 27, which includes the storage space 33 for fluid 31.

[0026] The first elastic member 3 (which is, for example, an elastic element such as a return spring) is designed to elastically return the piercing element 4 and properly axially reposition the axis of the watch component within the bore 8 of the bearing body 2 after the timepiece has suffered, particularly the watch movement, a substantially axial impact. In other words, the first elastic member 3 is configured to be substantially axially twisted relative to the axis of rotation A3 of the through bore 8. More specifically, the first member 3 is configured to axially reposition the axis of rotation of the watch component unchanged at the same point, and is designed to absorb substantially axial impacts. Therefore, it should be understood that the member 3 is configured to axially position the axis of rotation of the watch component in its initial or resting position relative to the axis of rotation referred to as A3 in response to these impacts.

[0027] The first elastic member 3 is attached or fixed to the bearing body 2. More specifically, the first elastic member 3 is installed in the first opening 9a of the through hole 8. To do this, the first elastic member 3 includes at least one connecting element 11c, at least one restraining element 11b, and at least one fixing element 11a (the latter two being connected).

[0028] More specifically, the component 3 includes fixing elements 11a (also referred to as "attachment elements") configured to be arranged in openings 12 formed in portions of the peripheral wall 20 located in the first orifice 9a of the hole 8. Reference Figure 4 The first component 3 includes two fixing elements 11a. Each fixing element 11a is configured to be arranged in a corresponding opening 12 in the peripheral wall 20 to participate in mounting the first elastic component 3 in the hole 8. It should be noted that these fixing elements 11a are part of the aforementioned mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b of the assembly 10 in the bearing body 2.

[0029] The first elastic member 3 also includes a restraining element 11b that contacts the drill support element 4 of assembly 27. More specifically, the restraining element 11b is designed to be supported on a first retaining area, which is included on the outer side 14b of the central portion 13a of the drill support element 4, particularly on the top 13d of the drill support element 4. These restraining elements 11b are configured to apply a substantially axial restoring force, particularly axial and elastic forces, to the drill support element 4. (Reference) Figure 4 The first elastic member 3 preferably includes two constraint elements 11b.

[0030] The first elastic member 3 also includes connecting elements 11c that connect the constraint element 11b and the fixing element 11a. In this first elastic member 3, two of these connecting elements 11c are present, such as... Figure 4 As can be seen in the image. These connecting elements 11c define the space at the top 13d where the drill support element 4 can be arranged.

[0031] In component 27 of the compact assembly 10, the drill support element 4 is designed to receive the shaft pivot 32 (or the end portion 32 of the shaft 28 corresponding to the watch component at the pivot end) or to form a stop for the end portion 32 of the shaft 28. The drill support element 4 is inserted between the first elastic member 3 and the second elastic member 6 in the through hole 8. This drill support element 4 is mounted to allow axial and radial movement relative to the axis of rotation A3 of the through hole 8.

[0032] The drill support element 4 includes a single-piece body, preferably a transparent or semi-transparent single-piece body. The body consists of a central portion 13a, a peripheral portion 13b, an inner surface 14a, and an outer surface 14b. It should be noted that in this element 4, the central portion 13a is surrounded by the peripheral portion 13b. This drill support element 4 includes a tripping area 13c, which connects the central portion 13a and the peripheral portion 13b and can be seen on the outer surface 14b of the element 4, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4As illustrated in the figure. In this configuration, the central portion 13a and the peripheral portion 13b respectively include the top 13d and the base 13b of the drill element 4.

[0033] In the inner surface 14a of the drill bit 4, the central portion 13a includes a cavity 15 facing the pivot element 5 (see...). Figure 3 (Middle). It should be noted that this cavity 15 can be manufactured by machining, particularly by conventional machining using diamond tools or by laser machining. As will be seen later, the cavity 15 is configured to receive / accommodate part of the pivot element 5. This cavity 15 has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the letter M.

[0034] More specifically, this cavity 15 includes: - A receiving area 25 for the shaft pivot 32, the receiving area being included in the rear portion 16 of the cavity 15; and / or - The receiving area 25 is included in a portion of the inner surface 14a located in the central portion 13a of the drill support element 4; and / or - The receiving area 25 is flat; and / or - The receiving area 25 is preferably polished; and / or - The receiving area 25 is preferably perpendicular to axes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 or perpendicular to the pivot axis; and / or - The receiving area 25 is located in the central area of ​​the portion of the inner surface 14a located in the central portion 13a; and / or - Recess 26, which surrounds the receiving area 25; and / or - The recess 26 extends around the receiving area 25 into the portion of the inner surface 14a located in the central portion 13a.

[0035] The receiving area 25 and the recess 26 form a relief-like rear portion 16 within the cavity 15. More specifically, the recess 26 consists of two inner walls 29a and 29b. These first walls 29a and second walls 29b are connected and together form a preferred obtuse angle. This angle is arranged facing the pivot element 5 and the second elastic member 6.

[0036] In this configuration, the first wall 29a forms an acute angle α with the receiving area 25, the acute angle being between 0 degrees and 45 degrees, and preferably 25 degrees. This angle α is arranged facing the second wall 29b.

[0037] In this assembly 27, a receiving area 25 is arranged above the pivot element 5, thereby partially covering its top 30, particularly the central portion of the top 30 including the central hole 17 of the pivot element 5. It should be noted that the entire area 25 covers the central portion of the top 30. A first wall 29a itself is arranged above the pivot element 5, thereby partially covering its top 30, particularly the peripheral portion of the top 30.

[0038] In this configuration, it should be noted that fluid 31 flows from the storage space 33 into the central hole 17 to maintain continuous / permanent / constant lubrication of the shaft pivot 32 positioned in the through hole 17. Preferably, the hole 17 is the only area for fluid to flow, drain, or transfer from the storage space 33.

[0039] Furthermore, in this assembly 27, the top 30 of the pivot element 5, the receiving area 25, and the first wall 29a of the recess 26 are configured to define a storage space 33 for the lubricating fluid 31. More specifically, the arrangement of the top 30, the receiving area 25, and the first wall 29a relative to each other helps ensure that the lubricating fluid 31 is retained in this space according to a combination of the following: - The physicochemical phenomena of this lubricating fluid 31 (referred to as surface tension) are related to the molecular interactions of the latter; and - An interaction phenomenon occurs at the interface between the fluid 31 and the surfaces that are in contact with the fluid, respectively at the top 30 of the pivot element 5, in the receiving area 25, and in the first wall 29a of the recess 26.

[0040] Therefore, it should be understood that the configuration of the respective surfaces of the top 30 of the pivot element 5, the receiving area 25, and the first wall 29a of the recess 26 between them allows these surfaces to interact with the fluid 31 to produce this phenomenon, thereby facilitating the containment of the fluid 31 within the storage space 33. More specifically, the orientation of these surfaces relative to each other and the gap E between the surface defined on the top 30 and the portion of the inner surface 14a consisting of the receiving area 25 and the first wall 29a allow these surfaces to interact with the fluid 31 to produce this phenomenon. In particular, it should be noted that this gap E increases from the central hole 17 of the pivot element 5 toward its periphery. In other words, this gap E increases with radial movement away from the axis A4 of the pivot element 5, which extends through the central hole 17 of the element 5 toward its periphery.

[0041] Therefore, the fluid 31 retained in the storage space 33 helps ensure continuous / permanent / constant lubrication of the shaft pivot 32 located in the assembly 27. Furthermore, it should be noted that the storage space 33 is capable of containing the fluid 31 even during volume changes in the space, which could be caused by displacement of the shaft in the assembly 27 when the timepiece has been subjected to an impact.

[0042] As previously mentioned, the central portion referred to as 13a includes a top 13d and a cavity 15 respectively contained in the outer surface 14b and inner surface 14a of the jacking element 4. The top 13d is constructed / adapted to be introduced into the first elastic member 3, particularly into the space defined in the member (defined by the connecting element 11c of the first elastic member 3), especially during substantially axial impacts that the timepiece may suffer.

[0043] The peripheral portion 13b includes a support base 13e and a gap region 13f, respectively included in the inner surface 14a and outer surface 14b of the drill support element 4. The support base 13e includes a second region 23a for retaining the drill support element 4. This retaining region 23a is configured to be directly supported on the periphery of the flat surface of the second elastic member 6. In the inner surface 14a, the retaining region 23a is connected to the second wall 29b of the recess 26 via a connecting portion 23b. The connecting portion 23b forms an acute angle with the retaining region 23a, and the acute angle is arranged facing the pivot element 5 and the second elastic member 6.

[0044] This connecting portion 23b also forms an obtuse angle with the second wall 29b, which faces the pivot element 5 and the second elastic member 6.

[0045] In one variant, the second retaining region 23a is configured to be directly supported on the entire periphery of the flat surface of the second elastic member 6. This second retaining region 23a is preferably flat. In this configuration, under the force, particularly the axial force, applied to the first retaining region of the drill string by the first elastic element 3, the second retaining region 23a is supported only on the periphery of the flat surface of the second elastic element 6.

[0046] The gap region 13f is configured to engage with the first elastic member 3 in the event of an impact to the timepiece. More specifically, this gap region 13f is defined on a portion of the outer 14b of the piercing element 4, located within the peripheral portion 13b. In this configuration, the gap region 13f can engage with the connecting element 11c and the fixing element 11a to limit axial displacement of the watch components' shafts in the event of an impact, particularly a strong, substantially axial impact.

[0047] This drill element 4 can be, for example, a drill element made of gemstone (synthetic or otherwise), a drill element made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline material (such as ruby ​​or zirconium oxide), or an element made of metallic or silicon-based material (such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, its oxides, its nitrides, or its carbides, which are also monocrystalline or polycrystalline). When the drill element 4 is a mineral, its body has a hardness greater than or equal to 7, and preferably greater than or equal to 9, according to the Mohs hardness scale. If the drill element 4 is metallic, its hardness, measured by Vickers hardness, is between 150 HV and 450 HV, and preferably between 200 HV and 390 HV.

[0048] It should be noted that the jack 4 is preferably transparent or translucent, in particular to allow easy control of the amount of lubricating fluid 31 present in the reservoir forming assembly 27 through the first orifice 9a of the bearing 1.

[0049] refer to Figure 3 It should be noted that in this drill support element 4, the first holding area, the second holding area, and the receiving area 25 are comprised between separate planes P1, P2, and P3 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. These planes P1, P2, and P3 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to axes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, and A7.

[0050] In this assembly 27, the pivot element 5 is designed to pivot the shaft of the watch component. The pivot element 5 includes a central hole 17 for receiving the shaft of the watch component, and particularly the end portion 32 of the shaft. The pivot element 5 is detachably arranged in the central region of the second elastic member 6 by being positioned facing a second aperture 9b through which the shaft of the watch component can be introduced into the through hole 8. This pivot element 5 includes an upper surface 18a, a lateral surface 18b, and a lower surface 18c, wherein the lateral surface 18b connects these upper surfaces 18a and the inner surface 18c. In this configuration, the upper surface 18a of the element 5 is arranged facing the inner surface 14a of the drill bit 4, and the lower surface 18c is arranged facing the second aperture 9b. More specifically, the pivot element 5 includes a portion protruding from the second elastic member 6 arranged in the cavity 15 of the drill bit 4, this portion having an upper surface 18a positioned near the receiving area 25 of the cavity 15.

[0051] This pivot element 5 (also known as a “bearing”) can be a drilled stone, which is conventionally made of synthetic gemstones or non-monocrystalline or polycrystalline materials (such as ruby ​​or zirconium oxide), or made of silicon-based materials (such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, its oxides, its nitrides or its carbides, which are also monocrystalline or polycrystalline), or a ring made of metallic materials.

[0052] In assembly 27, the second elastic member 6 is arranged / fixed in the through hole 8, and thus arranged / fixed in the bearing body 2. In the through hole 8, the second elastic member 6 is arranged on a shoulder 19 included on the peripheral wall 20 of the hole 8. It should be noted that the shoulder 19 is located at the rear of the opening 9a and is orthogonal to the surface of the peripheral wall 20. Furthermore, this shoulder 19 ensures that the second elastic member 6 is correctly installed in the bearing body 2 and that the central axis A7 of the second member 6 is aligned with the axis A1 of the bearing 2. In assembly 10, the second elastic member 6 is configured to be substantially radially tortuous relative to the axis of rotation A3 of the through hole 8. In other words, the second member 6 is configured to radially reposition the axis of the watch component at the same point without change and is designed to absorb radial impacts.

[0053] More specifically, the second elastic member 6 includes a connecting portion 21a to the peripheral wall 20 of the through hole 8, and a fixing portion 21b of the pivot element 5 in the central region of the member 6, the connecting portion 21a and the fixing portion 21b being connected by at least one elastic element 21c of the member 6. It should be noted that, compared to the elastic element 21c, the connecting portion 21a and the fixing portion 21b are rigid portions of the member 6. These connecting portions 21a and the fixing portion 21b are capable of elastically torturing when constrained.

[0054] The at least one elastic element 21c is configured to ensure radial torsion of the second elastic member 6 by controlling the displacement of the fixed portion 21b relative to the connecting portion 21a when the movement is subjected to an impact. In other words, the elastic element 21c is configured to radially position the connecting portion 21a or the axis of the pivot element 5 or the clock component in its initial or resting position relative to the axis of rotation referred to as A3 in response to an impact.

[0055] The second elastic member 6 also includes a flat upper and lower surface, which are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0056] The connecting portion 21a forms the outer peripheral wall of the second elastic member 6. In this configuration, when the second elastic member 6 is installed in the through hole 8, the lateral surface 22a of the outer peripheral wall and therefore the lateral surface of the connecting portion 21a are supported on all or part of the peripheral wall 20 of the hole 8. In fact, the connecting portion 21a is configured to elastically twist when the second elastic member 6 is inserted into the through hole 8. Therefore, the connecting portion 21a can then be supported on the peripheral wall 20 of the hole 8 from the lateral surface 22a. For example, the second elastic member 6 can be inserted by driving it into the through hole 8.

[0057] The connecting portion 21a also includes a contact surface 22b configured to engage with a shoulder 19 included in the through hole 8. Referring to the example above, it should be noted that the second resilient member 6 is inserted by being driven into the through hole 8 until it stops abutting against the shoulder 19 of the through hole 8 via the contact surface 22b of the connecting portion 21a. It should be noted that the contact surface 22b is included on the flat underside of the second member 6.

[0058] Therefore, it should be understood that this connecting portion 21a enables the second fixed elastic member 6 to be assembled / installed in the through hole 8. In other words, the connecting portion 21a helps to fix or retain the second elastic member 6, which is strong enough (e) to prevent any relative axial, radial and / or angular displacement of the second member 6 relative to the axis of rotation A3 of the hole 8.

[0059] It should be noted that the connecting portion 21a is part of the mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b of the compact assembly 10 in the bearing body 2. In other words, the contact surface 22b and the lateral surface 22a of the connecting portion 21a are included in these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b.

[0060] The connecting portion 21a also includes a support surface 22c forming / including a periphery of a flat surface configured to engage with the second holding region 23a of the drill element 4. In fact, the base 13b of the drill element 4 is designed to be directly supported on this support surface 22c. In the connecting portion 21a, the support surface 22c is positioned above or perpendicular to the contact surface 22b. The support surface 22c is also substantially parallel to the contact surface 22b.

[0061] As previously mentioned, the second resilient member 6 also includes a fixing portion 21b in the central region of the second member 6 for securing the pivot element 5. The fixing portion 21b includes an inner peripheral wall 34 of the second resilient member 6. The pivot element 5 may be a portion of the second member 6 whose lateral surface 18b is configured to be wholly or partially attached to the inner peripheral wall 34. This connection can be achieved by drive-in, gluing, or welding. It should be noted that the surface of the inner peripheral wall 34 includes protrusions / reliefs that participate in securing the pivot element 5 in the central region of the second member 6.

[0062] It should be noted that in one variant, the pivot element 5 may be an integral part of the second member 6 by being made of the same material as the fixed member 21b. In this configuration, the central region of the second member 6 is then considered to be composed of the pivot element 5.

[0063] For example, the second elastic member 6 can be manufactured by microfabrication, which is performed using deep reactive ion engraving (often known by its acronym "DRIE") for silicon-based members 6 or by LIGA methods (such as UV-LIGA) for nickel-based members 6.

[0064] Therefore, compared with bearings in the prior art, this bearing 1 according to the invention has a smaller / reduced size without affecting the function of the bearing 1. This smaller size is achieved in particular by a compact assembly 10 formed by the first elastic member 3 and the second elastic member 6, as well as the drill bit element 4 and the pivot element 5, and more specifically by the following: - The specific shape of the drill element 4 allows the central portion 13a (in this case, the top 13d) of the element 4 to move within the first orifice 9a of the through hole 8 in the bearing body 2; - The specific shape of the drill support element 4 allows the base 13b of the drill support element to be directly supported on the flat surface of the second elastic member 6 perpendicular to the shoulder 19. - The presence of a cavity 15 in the inner surface 14a of the drill support element 4 allows a portion of the pivot element 5 to be arranged within this cavity; - The specific shape of the recess 26 is configured to ensure the correct amount of lubrication under all operating / shock conditions of the movement; - The pivot element 5 is positioned in the central region of the second elastic member 6, wherein a portion of the body of the element 5 is included in the thickness of the second elastic member 6.

[0065] It should be noted that in this bearing 1, by being supported on top of the second elastic member 6, the drill element 4, under the action of the constraint element 11b supported on the top 13d of the drill element 4, applies axial and elastic forces only to the entire periphery of the flat surface of the second elastic member 6. This force is then applied by the holding area 23a of the drill element 4 to the support surface 22c forming the periphery, which is perpendicular to the shoulder 19 of the through hole 8. In this context, it will be understood that the drill element 4 is not supported on the peripheral wall 20.

[0066] It should also be noted that an impact described as "substantially axial" is either "strictly axial," "basically axial," or "partially axial." Similarly, an impact described as "substantially radial" will be understood as either "strictly radial," "basically radial," or "partially radial."

[0067] Furthermore, in this description, "basically parallel" means "strictly parallel or basically parallel".

[0068] Therefore, this type of bearing 1 helps to ensure that the axial and radial recentering / repositioning of the watch components in their resting position after the watch has been subjected to shock or acceleration, without adversely affecting the lubrication of the pivot of the chronometer.

Claims

1. Bearing (1) for a shaft of a timepiece component, comprising a bearing body (2) comprising a housing delimited by a peripheral wall (20) of the bearing, forming a through hole (8), the hole (8) comprising a compact constraint assembly (10) comprising a first elastic member (3) and an assembly (27) comprising a storage space (33) for a fluid (31), the assembly (27) consisting of a second elastic member (6), a pivot element (5) and a jewel element (4), the first elastic member (3) being mounted in a first orifice (9a) of the through hole (8) by being fixed in a through opening provided in the peripheral wall, the first member (3) being configured to at least elastically dampen axial shocks, and in the assembly (27): - the second elastic member (6) being arranged between the first elastic member (3) and a second orifice (9b) of the hole (8), the second member (6) being configured to at least elastically dampen radial shocks; - the pivot element (5) being configured to pivot the shaft of the timepiece component, the element (5) being arranged in a central zone of the second elastic member (6) by being positioned facing the second orifice (9b), the shaft of the component being able to be inserted into the hole (8) through the second orifice; and - the jewel element (4) being inserted between the first elastic member (3) and the second elastic member (6) and being configured to receive an end portion (32) of the shaft of the component, the jewel element (4) comprising a body made in one piece from a central portion (13a) and a peripheral portion (13b), the central portion (13a) comprising a first zone for retaining the body in the bearing body (2), the first zone being configured to engage with the first elastic member (3); in this bearing, only the second elastic member (6) of the assembly (10) is fixed to the peripheral wall (20).

2. Bearing (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the central portion (13a) of the jewel element (4) comprises a cavity (15) arranged facing the pivot element (5), a section of the cavity (15) having a shape substantially similar to that of the letter M.

3. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central portion (13a) of the jewel (4) comprises a cavity (15) arranged facing the pivot element (5), the cavity (15) comprising: - a flat receiving zone (25) for one end (32) of the shaft (28), the flat receiving zone being comprised in the central portion (13a) of the cavity (15); and - a recess (26) comprising a first wall (19a) and a second wall (19b), the recess (26) surrounding the receiving zone (25).

4. Bearing (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flat receiving zone (25) is arranged above the pivot element (5) so as to partially cover its top (30), in particular a central portion of the top (30).

5. Bearing (1) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, wherein the recess (26) comprises a first wall (29a) arranged above the pivot element (5) so as to partially cover its top (30), in particular a peripheral portion of the top (30).

6. Bearing (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the receiving zone (25) and the first wall (29a) of the recess (26) form an acute angle (a) facing the arrangement of the second wall (29b) of the recess (26).

7. Bearing (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the first wall (19a) and the second wall (19b) of the recess (26) form an obtuse angle facing the arrangement of the pivot element (5) and of the second elastic member (6).

8. Bearing (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein a storage space (33) for fluid (31) is formed at the interface of the drill holder element (4) and of the pivot element (5).

9. Bearing (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 8, wherein a storage space (33) for fluid (31), in particular a lubricating fluid, is defined between the top (30) of the pivot element (5), the receiving zone (25) and the first wall (29a) of the recess (26).

10. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral portion (13b) comprises a second zone (23a) for retaining the body of the drill holder element (4) in the bearing body (2), this second retaining zone (23a) being configured so as to bear on the entire periphery of the flat upper face of the second elastic member (6).

11. Bearing (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, under the action of the force exerted by the first elastic element (3) on the first retaining zone, the second retaining zone (23a) bears only on the periphery of the flat upper face of the second elastic member (6).

12. Bearing (1) according to either of Claims 10 and 11, wherein the first retaining zone and the second retaining zone and the receiving zone (25) are each comprised in a separate plane (PI, P2, P3) parallel to one another.

13. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central portion (13a) and the peripheral portion (13b) form respectively a top (13d) and a base (13b) of the drill holder element (4).

14. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drill holder element (4) is mounted so as to move axially in the through hole (8) relative to the axis of revolution (A3) of the hole (8).

15. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central portion (13a) of the jewel holder element (4) is configured to be inserted into the first orifice (9a) of the through hole (8) in the event of an impact to which the timepiece component is subjected.

16. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral portion (13b) of the jewel holder element (4) comprises a clearance zone (13f) configured to engage the first elastic member (3) in the event of an impact to which the timepiece component is subjected.

17. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the pivot element (5) arranged in the cavity (15) protrudes from a central zone of the second elastic member (6), this portion comprising an outer surface (18a) positioned in the vicinity of the receiving zone (25) and of the first wall (29a) of the cavity (15).

18. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elastic member (3) is configured to be twisted substantially axially with respect to the axis of revolution (A3) of the through hole (8).

19. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elastic member (3) comprises an element (11a) for fixing this member (3) in the through hole (8), a constraint element (11b) for bearing on a first zone holding the central portion (13a) of the jewel holder element (4), and a connecting element (11c) linking the constraint element (11b) and the fixing element (11a) to each other.

20. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second elastic member (6) comprises a connecting portion (21a) of the member (6) in the through hole (8), and a fixing portion (21b) of the pivot element (5) in a central zone of the member (6), the connecting portion (21a) and the fixing portion (21b) being linked to each other by at least one elastic element (21c) of the member (6).

21. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second elastic member (6) is fixedly mounted in the bearing body (2).

22. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second elastic member (6) is configured to be twisted substantially radially with respect to the axis of revolution (A3) of the through hole (8).

23. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing body (2), the through hole (8), the first elastic member (3) and the second elastic member (6), the jewel holder element (5) and the pivot element have an axis of rotation (A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7) which coincides with the central axis (Al) of the bearing (1).

24. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the jewel holder element (4) is made of a transparent or translucent material.

25. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving zone (25) is flat and polished.

26. A watch movement provided with a bearing (1) for a shaft of a watch component according to any one of the preceding claims.

27. A timepiece comprising a watch movement according to the preceding claim.

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