Timepiece mobile component with element supported by friction

Abstract

A moving clock component (10), comprising around an axis (D), a first element (1) having a first bearing (15) and a second element (2) having a second bearing (25) which cooperates by friction with a third bearing (30) which has a third element (3) interposed between the first element (1) and the second element (2), this third element (3) has a fourth bearing (35) cooperating by friction with the first bearing (15) or being driven onto this first bearing (1), and the diameter of the third bearing (30) is at least twice the diameter of the fourth bearing (35).

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention defined by the attached claim 1 relates to a moving watch component with an element held by friction, comprising a first element having a first bearing area around an axis, and a second element having a second bearing area around said axis.

[0002] The invention further relates to an adjustable display mechanism, comprising at least one such movable component.

[0003] The invention further relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such adjustable display mechanism, and / or at least one such moving component.

[0004] The invention further relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such movement, and / or at least one such adjustable display mechanism, and / or such a moving component.

[0005] The invention relates to adjustment or setting mechanisms for display mechanisms or watch movements. Background of the invention

[0006] Friction devices are commonly used in watchmaking for display correction mechanisms, such as time setting, or other functions. These devices have a number of well-known drawbacks: poor friction stability, and poor friction control, particularly in small-sized mechanisms, which affects the sensitivity of the system; the mounting interface is often unfavorable, when this friction concerns the usual case of a board bearing on a hub, and problems can be related to the presence of burrs, the lack of flatness of the board, a deformation of the board, or other, which results in irregular and non-reproducible phenomena, and, in the worst case, in contamination of the watch movement by detachable particles;The case of functional friction on a small diameter is always more delicate, due to low friction and greater dispersion than in larger-sized mechanisms, for which the geometric constraints are less and where the friction torque values ​​can be much higher than those of other friction torques in the movement. These small diameters are very common in ladies' watches, and of course in miniature movements, but they are not rare in other watches, as manufacturers strive to limit the volume consumed within a movement by such friction adjustments.

[0007] Document US417644 in the name of HUNTER describes a lantern-shaped pavement and a sleeve arranged for its attachment to a tree, which are arranged to cooperate through an elastic connection. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to develop a friction mechanism that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art, particularly for small diameters, and that provides good stability, precise adjustment capabilities, facilitates component matching, simplifies assembly, maintains a moderate manufacturing cost, and eliminates the risk of burrs or chips spreading within the watch movement. To achieve this, the invention establishes friction over a diameter larger than currently known, and this friction occurs, in particular, between a plate and an intermediate component that allows for adjustment.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a moving watch component with an element held by friction, according to claim 1.

[0010] The invention further relates to an adjustable display mechanism, comprising at least one such movable component.

[0011] The invention further relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such adjustable display mechanism, and / or at least one such moving component.

[0012] The invention further relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such movement, and / or at least one such adjustable display mechanism, and / or such a moving component. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, with reference to the attached drawings, where: there figure 1This schematically represents, from a bottom view, a moving clock component comprising a first element and a second element held by friction, according to the invention. A central pivot of the first element is visible. This pivot is inserted into a third element, which is interposed between the first and second elements and which cooperates by friction with the second element, here consisting of a toothed plate (in this particular, non-limiting case). This plate has a main recess and secondary recesses that define flexible arms of the second element. These flexible arms then grip a bearing surface of the third element with friction. Through these recesses, the first drive means, here fingers, of the first element are visible. figure 2represents, schematically and in cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis, the same moving clockwork component at the point of friction, which here is a two-point friction, between the second and third elements; the flexible arms of the second element have bearing surfaces eccentric with respect to the main axis; the figures 3 to 5 represent, schematically in cross-section according to the cutting plane AA of figures 1 and 2 and passing through the main axis, three non-limiting execution variants relating to the geometry of a second internal span of the second element and a third external span of the third element, at the interface of which friction occurs: on the figure 3 The second internal bearing surface and the third external bearing surface are both cylindrical; on the figure 4 , the second internal span and the third external span are both conical; on the figure 5The second internal bearing surface is cylindrical and the third external bearing surface is conical; figure 6 represents, in a schematic and exploded perspective manner, the moving component of the watchmaking of figures 1, 2 , And 3 , with an upward axial arrow showing the pre-assembly of the second element with the third element; the figure 7 represents, in a similar way to the figure 6 The final assembly of this moving component, with an upward axial arrow showing the mounting of the sub-assembly, consisting of the second and third elements, onto the trunnion of the first element; figure 8 is a block diagram which represents a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising a timepiece movement which itself comprises an adjustable display mechanism comprising a moving timepiece component according to the invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0014] The invention relates to a watchmaking moving component 10 with an element held by friction. This moving component 10 comprises a first element 1, which has a first bearing surface 15, in particular at the level of a trunnion 11, around an axis D, and a second element 2, which has a second bearing surface 25 around the axis D.

[0015] According to the invention, the second bearing surface 25 of the second element 2 cooperates by friction with a third bearing surface 30 which comprises, around the axis D, a third element 3. This third element 3 is interposed between the first element 1 and the second element 2, and this third element 3 comprises a fourth bearing surface 35. This fourth bearing surface 35 cooperates by friction with the first bearing surface 15, or is fixed to the first bearing surface 15. And the minimum bearing diameter, with respect to the axis D, of the third bearing surface 30 is at least twice the maximum bearing diameter of the fourth bearing surface 35.

[0016] In one variant, the fourth span 35 cooperates by friction with the first span 15. More specifically, the friction torque between the fourth span 35 and the first span 15 is then greater than the friction torque between the second span 25 and the third span 30.

[0017] In another variant, the fourth span 35 is driven onto the first span 15. More specifically, the fourth span 35 is stopped on the first span 15 by at least one weld point.

[0018] More specifically, the first element 1 includes a first abutment support surface 12, which is arranged to cooperate in axial abutment support, along the direction of the axis D, with a second abutment support surface 21 which includes the second element 2.

[0019] More specifically, the first element 1 has an internal stop bearing surface 13, which is arranged to cooperate in axial stop bearing, along the direction of the axis D, with a complementary internal stop bearing surface 31 that the third element 3 has.

[0020] According to the invention, the third element 3 comprises an external stop support surface 32, which is arranged to cooperate with a complementary external stop support surface 23 of the second element, to limit their relative axial travel along the direction of the axis D. More particularly, the space between the external stop support surface 32 and the complementary external stop support surface 23 is arranged to allow the introduction of a thickness gauge to adjust the clamping force between the third element 3 and the second element 2 and therefore the friction exerted by the second element 2 on the third element 3. Thus the friction is adjustable according to the flushness.

[0021] More specifically, the first element 1 includes at least first means of training 19, and / or the second element 2 includes at least second means of training 29.

[0022] More specifically, the second element 2 has a main recess 20 delimiting at least two bearing surfaces 201, 202, each comprising one or two bearing sectors belonging to the second span 25. More specifically, this main recess 20 delimits two bearing surfaces 201, 202, each comprising two bearing sectors belonging to the second span 25, and the main recess 20 is clear between the bearing sectors, for a support limited to four points between the first element 1 and the second element 2.

[0023] More specifically, the second element 2 exerts friction on the third element 3 by means of flexible arms 27, which are arranged between the main recess 20 and secondary recesses 28.

[0024] More specifically, the third element 3 has at least one introduction surface 36, 37, 38, 39, which is conical or spherical, or similar, for its insertion on the first element 1 or in the second element 2.

[0025] More specifically, the fourth span 35 and the first span 15 are of revolution about the axis D. More specifically still, the fourth span 35 and the first span 15 are cylindrical about the axis D.

[0026] In one variant, the geometric support of the second span 25 is cylindrical around an axis parallel to the axis D and distant from the axis D.

[0027] In another variant, the geometric support of the second span 25 is conical around an axis parallel to the axis D and distant from the axis D.

[0028] More specifically, the geometric support of the third span 30 is of revolution about the axis D. In one variant, the geometric support of the third span 30 is cylindrical about the axis D. In another variant, the geometric support of the third span 30 is conical about the axis D.

[0029] The invention further relates to an adjustable display mechanism 50, comprising at least one such movable component 10.

[0030] The invention further relates to a watch movement 100 comprising at least one such adjustable display mechanism 50, and / or at least one such moving component 10.

[0031] The invention further relates to a timepiece 1000, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such timekeeping movement 100, and / or at least one such adjustable display mechanism 50, and / or at least one such moving component 10.

[0032] The invention is well suited for optimal assembly in small dimensions (clean insertion, limited burrs and deformation). The figures illustrate the non-limiting case where the second element 2 is a board, which cooperates with a tube constituting the third element 3. The pre-assembly of the board onto the tube is carried out by successively performing the operations according to the Figures 6 and 7 , in that order. The figure 6 This represents the pre-assembly of the second element 2 with the third element 3, in a friction support. Depending on the geometries chosen for the second span 25 and the third span 30, this friction can be adjusted according to the value of the relative axial engagement between the second element 2 and the third element 3. The figure 7represents the end of the assembly of this moving component, with an upward axial arrow showing the mounting of the sub-assembly, consisting of the second element 2 and the third element 3, on the trunnion 11 of the first element 1. Depending on the geometries selected for the fourth bearing 35 and the first bearing 15, secondary friction may or may not be present between the first element 1 and the third element 3.

[0033] In the specific and non-limiting case illustrated by the figures: The third element 3 comprises a progressive insertion cone with a first engagement slope 36 of a semi-angle at the apex between 25° and 40°, and a second slope 37, and / or a conical bearing surface 39 with a final engagement slope of a semi-angle at the apex between 10° and 25°; the clamping between the second element 2 (in particular a board) and the third element 3 (in particular a tube) is within a range of 0.04 - 0.10 mm for a functional torque range of 0.10 - 0.50 N.cm. In addition to more stable friction, the flexible arms 27 minimize deformation in the plane perpendicular to the axis D (radial runout); the clamping of the third element 3 (in particular a steel tube) on the trunnion 11 of the first element 1 (in particular a steel shaft) has a minimum value of 0.002 mm to ensure axial and torque holding.In case this axial and / or torque resistance is insufficient, welding between them is possible, particularly by laser spot welding or other methods. In one specific variant, the second element 2 and the third element 3 are made of steel. Choosing a third element 3 made of steel is advantageous for reasons of strength on a steel trunnion 11, and also to limit its deformation during insertion (swelling of the component would directly influence friction since it is in contact with the second element 2). Choosing a second element 2 that is cut, stamped, or otherwise made of steel allows for advantageous mechanical characteristics for this type of friction application. In a variant with two contact points, the second element 2 is advantageously symmetrical to allow for a maximum active length of the flexible arms. It is advantageous to provide material wall safety margins in the (radial) plane with a minimum thickness of 0.15 mm; this is well compatible with the manufacturing constraints during cutting / stamping and during gear cutting if necessary.

[0034] In short, in a watchmaking adjustment mechanism, managing friction is generally difficult, especially for small components (in terms of width and thickness). Controlling friction is challenging, particularly due to deformation. The invention provides a good solution to this friction management challenge by adding an intermediate component, in this case a third component (3), between the two components requiring relative adjustment (the first element 1 and the second element 2). This intermediate component can be manufactured at low cost, for example, as a machined part. The functional friction diameter can be easily adapted, even allowing for the pairing of parts.

[0035] Choosing a variant with an insertion angle, at the level of an introduction surface 36 on the third element 3 simplifies the assembly of the second element 2, in particular of a board, on this third element 3, with a more progressive insertion, reduced deformation, and less risk of burr, the functional diameter remaining unaltered, while guaranteeing axial support of the second element 2 after assembly.

[0036] In another mode of execution, corresponding to figures 4 or 5 , a third range 30 with a conical functional surface allows fine adjustment of the friction, with a friction value evolving according to the height of the flush.

[0037] In summary, the invention allows for correct management of friction: low dispersion, possibility of pairing and fine adjustment; adjustable friction.

Claims

1. Horological mobile component (10) with an element maintained by friction, comprising a first element (1) comprising a first shoulder (15) around an axis (D), and a second element (2) including a second shoulder (25) around said axis (D), said second shoulder (25) of said second element (2) cooperating by friction with a third shoulder (30) that is included, around said axis (D), in a third element (3) interposed between said first element (1) and said second element (2), which said third element (3) includes a fourth shoulder (35) which cooperates by friction with said first shoulder (15), or which is fastened onto said first shoulder (15), the minimum bearing diameter, with respect to said axis (D), of said third shoulder (30) being at least double the maximum bearing diameter of said fourth shoulder (35), characterised in that said third element (3) includes an outer stop bearing surface (32) arranged to cooperate with a complementary outer stop bearing surface (23) that said second element includes to limit their relative axial travel in the direction of said axis (D), and in that the space between said outer stop bearing surface (32) and said complementary outer stop bearing surface (23) is arranged to allow the introduction of a thickness gauge to adjust the value of the tightening between said third element (3) and said second element (2) and thus the value of the friction exerted by said second element (2) on said third element (3).

2. Mobile component (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said fourth shoulder (35) cooperates by friction with said first shoulder (15).

3. Mobile component (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that the friction torque between said fourth shoulder (35) and said first shoulder (15) is greater than the friction torque between said second shoulder (25) and said third shoulder (30).

4. Mobile component (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said fourth shoulder (35) is driven onto said first shoulder (15).

5. Mobile component (10) according to claim 4, characterised in that said fourth shoulder (35) is stopped on said first shoulder (15) by at least one weld point.

6. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that said first element (1) comprises a first stop bearing surface (12) arranged to cooperate, by bearing axially in abutment, in the direction of said axis (D), with a second stop bearing surface (21) that said second element (2) comprises.

7. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said first element (1) comprises an inner stop bearing surface (13) arranged to cooperate, by bearing axially in abutment, in the direction of said axis (D), with a complementary inner stop bearing surface (31) that said third element (3) comprises.

8. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said first element (1) comprises at least first drive means (19), and / or in that said second element (2) includes at least second drive means (29).

9. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said second element (2) comprises a main hollow (20) defining at least two bearing surfaces (201; 202) each including one or two bearing sectors belonging to said second shoulder (25).

10. Mobile component (10) according to claim 9, characterised in that said main hollow (20) defines two bearing surfaces (201; 202) each including two bearing sectors belonging to said second shoulder (25), and in that said main hollow (20) is countersunk between said bearing sectors, for a bearing limited to four points between said first element (1) and said second element (2).

11. Mobile component (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that said second element (2) exerts friction on said third element (3) by flexible arms (27) disposed between said main hollow (20) and secondary hollows (28).

12. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that said third element (3) comprises at least one conical or spherical insertion surface (36, 37, 38, 39) for its insertion onto said first element (1) or into said second element (2).

13. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said fourth shoulder (35) and said first shoulder (15) are of revolution about said axis (D).

14. Mobile component (10) according to claim 13, characterised in that said fourth shoulder (35) and said first shoulder (15) are cylindrical around said axis (D).

15. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the geometric support of said second shoulder (25) is cylindrical around an axis parallel to said axis (D) and distant from said axis (D).

16. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the geometric support of said second shoulder (25) is conical around an axis parallel to said axis (D) and distant from said axis (D).

17. Mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the geometric support of said third shoulder (30) is of revolution about said axis (D).

18. Mobile component (10) according to claim 17, characterised in that the geometric support of said third shoulder (30) is cylindrical around said axis (D).

19. Mobile component (10) according to claim 17, characterised in that the geometric support of said third shoulder (30) is conical around said axis (D).

20. Adjustable display mechanism (50), including at least one mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19.

21. Horological movement (100) including at least one such adjustable display mechanism (50) according to claim 20, and / or at least one mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19.

22. Timepiece (1000) including at least one horological movement (100) according to claim 21, and / or at least one adjustable display mechanism (50) according to claim 20, and / or at least one mobile component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19.

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