Shake adjustment mechanism of a timepiece mobile for a timepiece

Abstract

Mechanism (20) for adjusting the backlash of a watch movement (40) for a watch part (300), the mechanism comprising: - an 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 shock-absorbing bearing (15), - interface elements (4) cooperating with the first and second components, - a return element (8) returning the first and second components in cooperation with the interface elements (4), and - at least first conformations (6, 5, 3.1) of the first and second components cooperating with the interface elements (4) to move the interface elements (4) relative to the axis (D) along a plane (P) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said axis (D) and thus move the second component (2) in translation along said axis (D) relative to the first component (1) under the effect of the rotational displacement around said axis (D) of the first component (1) or of the second component (2).

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanism for adjusting the backlash of a clockwork component in a timepiece. The invention also relates to an assembled bearing, in particular an assembled shock-absorbing bearing, comprising such a mechanism. The invention also relates to a prepared 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 prepared blank. The invention further relates to a clock movement comprising such an assembly or such an assembled bearing or such a mechanism or such a prepared blank. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a clock movement or such an assembly or such an assembled bearing or such a mechanism or such a prepared blank. Finally, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the backlash of a clockwork component in such a clock movement or such a timepiece. State of the art

[0002] In the prior art of adjusting the balance wheel's runout for a timepiece, patent CH714809 is known, which proposes a device for adjusting the runout of a balance wheel comprising an intermediate bearing element positioned between a stud holder and a shock-absorbing bearing. This element has a through hole arranged to allow the shock-absorbing bearing to be driven in. The runout is then adjusted by moving the shock-absorbing bearing along the hole in the intermediate bearing element, and the shock-absorbing bearing is held within it by friction.

[0003] Patent EP2824518 proposes a micrometric adjustment device for the play of a moving part. The adjustment device comprises a counter-pivot bearing and a bearing body composed of various elements: an outer body comprising a central hole, raised edges on its inner face, and indexing means on its inner face, such as a notch or boss, and three stacked elements inside the outer body.

[0004] The three stacked elements include: an elastic return means, fixed to a bearing support and having elastic tabs anchoring in the indexing means to introduce discrete adjustment positions, a bearing support having at least one first evolving contact surface, i.e. with a thickness varying according to the axial direction and around the axis, a cover, integral with the upper edge of the outer body and having at least one second evolving contact surface which cooperates with the first evolving contact surface.

[0005] The rotation of the bearing support around its axis allows for a variation in the axial position of the bearing due to the interaction of surfaces. To enable rotation, the bearing support incorporates a screwdriver-type rotation mechanism. The holding torque of the elastic return mechanism within the indexing means is sufficiently low to allow the bearing support to rotate during pivoting by a watchmaker, and sufficiently high to maintain its position during the operation of the balance wheel or balance.

[0006] It is therefore possible to integrate a system for adjusting the play of the mobile for a watchmaking device directly onto a bearing, around the axis of the mobile, by friction, as proposed by patent CH714809. This device is nevertheless not very precise for a micrometric adjustment.

[0007] Patent EP2824518 proposes a mechanism for adjusting the play of a watch movement directly around its axis. This is achieved by transforming the rotary movement of a bearing support, actuated by a watchmaker, into an axial translational movement of the shock absorber. This is accomplished through a motion conversion device that notably employs a helical sliding joint. This solution involves direct contact between moving surfaces, which entails several significant disadvantages, such as: A discontinuous adjustment of the play, involving an arbitrary pitch separating two discrete indexing positions; a complex manufacturing process, with evolving form / counter-form surfaces that are difficult to control and reproduce, especially within the required tolerances; and sensitivity to shocks. The elastic return mechanism maintains the bearing body in an equilibrium position using anchors, which constantly constrains the elastic return. Due to the helical sliding joint, the resulting tangential force from an axial shock can generate a significant misalignment torque, hence the need to anchor the return mechanism in discrete positions.

[0008] Document CH347777A discloses a mechanism for adjusting a watch movement, in which the first conformations cooperating with the interface elements are found only in the first component, and in which the second component moves in translation along the axis of the mechanism under the effect of the rotational displacement around said axis of the interface element. Goal and Figures

[0009] The aim of the invention is to provide a runout adjustment mechanism that improves upon known prior art mechanisms. In particular, the invention proposes a simple, practical, and reliable runout adjustment mechanism, enabling a watchmaker to perform easy and repeatable fine runout adjustments using a motion conversion device.

[0010] According to the invention, an adjustment mechanism is defined by claim 1.

[0011] Embodiments of the swing adjustment mechanism are defined by claims 2 to 9.

[0012] According to the invention, an assembled bearing is defined by claim 10.

[0013] According to the invention, a filled blank is defined by claim 11.

[0014] According to the invention, an assembly is defined by claim 12.

[0015] According to the invention, a watch movement is defined by claim 13.

[0016] According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 14.

[0017] According to the invention, an adjustment method is defined by claim 15.

[0018] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, two embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention. There figure 1is a cross-sectional and perspective view of a particular embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, including a particular embodiment of a backlash adjustment mechanism in a first configuration. figure 2 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the specific embodiment of the swing adjustment mechanism in a second configuration. figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of the flap adjustment mechanism in the first configuration. figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of the flap adjustment mechanism in the second configuration. figure 5 is an exploded and perspective view of the particular embodiment of the swing adjustment mechanism. figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fitted blank including the particular embodiment of the play adjustment mechanism. figure 7is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the blank filled with the figure 6 . There figure 8 is a view of an alternative embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention including an alternative embodiment of a backlash adjustment mechanism. Specific embodiment

[0019] A particular embodiment of a 300 timepiece is described in detail below with reference to figures 1 to 7 .

[0020] Timepiece 300 is, for example, a watch, specifically a wristwatch. Timepiece 300 includes a watch movement 200 intended to be mounted in a case or box to protect it from the external environment.

[0021] The 200 watch movement is a mechanical movement, specifically an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement or an electronic movement.

[0022] The 200 watch movement includes: an assembled bearing 10, in particular an assembled shock-absorbing bearing, comprising a backlash adjustment mechanism 20, and / or a lined blank 100, in particular a lined bridge 100, comprising a backlash adjustment mechanism 20, and / or an assembly comprising a bearing 15, in particular a shock-absorbing bearing, a blank and a backlash adjustment mechanism 20.

[0023] The runout adjustment mechanism can be installed at an interface between the bearing and a workpiece so as to allow relative movement of the bearing with respect to the workpiece. Consequently, part of the runout adjustment mechanism may be part of the bearing 15 and / or part of the runout adjustment mechanism may be part of the workpiece.

[0024] In all cases, the watch movement includes the 20-beat adjustment mechanism.

[0025] The runout adjustment mechanism 20 allows the runout of a clockwork wheel 40 of the clock movement 200 to be adjusted relative to a clock movement frame 200. The runout adjustment is achieved by moving at least one bearing element of the clockwork wheel relative to the clock movement frame. The clockwork wheel is advantageously an assembled balance wheel, but can also be of any other type. The balance wheel runout, that is, the axial play between the pivots of the balance staff and the counter-pivot jewels, is of the same order of magnitude as the manufacturing dimensional tolerances of the regulating organ components. The ability to adjust this runout is therefore essential to ensure the proper functioning of the balance wheel and maintain the accuracy of the timepiece. In particular, the runout adjustment is made possible, according to the invention, by rotating a portion of the adjustment mechanism 20.

[0026] According to the specific embodiment described in detail below with reference to figures 1 to 7 The swing adjustment mechanism includes: an axis D, a first component 1, in particular a first component 1 intended to be attached to a blank of the watch movement, a second component 2 intended to receive or form at least one bearing 15, in particular at least one shock-absorbing bearing, three interface elements 4 cooperating with the first and second components, a return element 8 returning the first and second components in cooperation with the three interface elements 4, and first conformations 6, 5, 3.1 of the first and second components cooperating with the three interface elements 4 to move these three interface elements 4 relative to the axis D along a plane P perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said axis D and thus move the second component 2 in translation along said axis D relative to the first component 1 under the effect of the rotational displacement around said axis D of the second component 2.

[0027] The clockwork mobile 40 is preferentially guided in rotation or pivoting around the axis D by at least one bearing 15.

[0028] Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism allows a rotational movement of the second component relative to the first component (operated by a watchmaker) to be transformed into an axial translational movement of a bearing element.

[0029] During the adjustment of the backlash, the rotation of the second component 2 relative to the first component 1 induces, via conformations 5 and 3.1, the displacement of the interface elements 4 along a plane P perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said axis D. In particular, the interface elements move away from or towards the axis D along a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said axis D. The combination of the return element 8 and the conformation 6, which includes a surface evolving along said axis D, in contact with the interface elements 4, allows the precise translational displacement of the second component 2 along said axis D relative to the first component 1.

[0030] According to the specific embodiment described in detail below with reference to figures 1 to 7The interface elements are advantageously in the form of three balls. These balls are interposed between the two components and are designed to cooperate with them. The interactions between the three balls and the two elements allow, when the first component 1 begins to rotate, for a rotational torque greater than the friction torque induced by the spring 8 at the interfaces between the first component 1, the three balls 4, and the second component 2, an axial translation of the second component 2 and therefore of the bearing.

[0031] In this particular embodiment, the second component 2 carries or is in the form of a shock-absorbing bearing 15, in particular a balance wheel shock-absorbing bearing, notably having a chaton 9.4, a counter-pivot stone 9.2, a drilled stone 9.3 and a lyre spring 9.1. The bearing 15 forms, with the swing adjustment mechanism 20, an assembled bearing 10. In this particular embodiment, the component 2 is both part of the bearing 15 and of the swing adjustment mechanism 20.

[0032] In one particular variant, the second component 2 and the kitten 9.4 could be made from a single piece.

[0033] The first component 1 of the assembled bearing 10 is advantageously secured to a blank 100 of the watch movement, in particular to a balance bridge 100, especially to a through balance bridge 100, a balance cock or similar. In the particular embodiment, more particularly illustrated in the figure 7 The first component is fixed to the blank 100 while allowing one degree of rotational freedom around the axis D. In particular, the first component is advantageously driven into a spiral spring support 11, located beneath the bridge 100. The first component 1 can be held fixed to the bridge 100 by a spring element 12 which bears against the upper face of the bridge 100 on one side, and against the outer surface of the ring 1.1 of the first component 1 on the other. The rotation of the first component 1 then allows the adjustment of the reference point (of an escapement cooperating with an oscillator in which the balance wheel participates) without affecting the balance wheel's swing adjustment.

[0034] Alternatively, the first component 1 could be fixed or embedded on the blank 100, meaning it would have no degrees of freedom with respect to the blank 100. In another alternative, the first component 1 and the blank could form a single part. In other words, in such an alternative, the first component is the blank itself.

[0035] According to the specific embodiment described in detail below with reference to figures 1 to 7 The first component 1 comprises initial conformations 5, preferably cam-shaped, against which the interface elements 4 come into contact. The second component 2 comprises a circumferential surface 6 that is conical, frustoconical, or substantially frustoconical, against which the interface elements 4 are in contact. By manipulating: the geometries of the contact surfaces of conformations 5, 3.1, and / or the geometry of the circumferential surface 6, and / or the geometry of the interface elements 4, and / or the number of interface elements 4 and their geometries, It is possible to precisely vary the axial location (along the D axis) of the second component 2 and therefore of the bearing relative to the first component 1, by rotating the second component 2.

[0036] In the adjustment mechanism, the rotation of the second component 2 relative to the first component 1 causes a radial displacement of the interface elements 4 along their respective conformations 5 and 3.1. This displacement changes the positioning of the supports of the interface elements 4 on the external circumferential surface 6 and causes an axial translation (along axis D) of the second component 2 relative to the first component 1.

[0037] The return element 8, attached to the upper edge of the first component 1, is elastically supported on the upper edge of the second component 2. It exerts sufficient pressure on the second component 2 and the interface elements 4 against the first component 1 to cancel any possible play and guarantee that components 1, 2 and 4 remain in contact without slippage, except during the adjustment phase.

[0038] In this particular embodiment, the assembled bearing allowing a moving part to pivot about axis D is composed of different elements: the first component 1, intended to be attached to the blank of the watch movement; the second component 2 intended to receive or form at least one bearing; the three interface elements made up for example of balls 4, held in position by an intermediate washer 3; the return element 8, attached to an upper edge of the first component 1 and in elastic support on the upper edge of the second component 2, and returning the first and second components in cooperation with the balls 4. In particular, the return element 8 has a truncated conical elastic washer shape.

[0039] In this particular embodiment, the spacer washer 3 is rotationally fixed to the second component 2 and includes, as conformations, second grooves (or second paths) 3.1, each designed to receive a ball 4. These second grooves 3.1 are useful for controlling the radial displacement of the balls 4 relative to the axis D in the plane P, and in particular the displacement of said balls along their conformation 5. Specifically, this spacer washer 3 includes as many second grooves 3.1 as there are balls 4, in this case three. These second grooves 3.1 form guides or through-paths so as to allow the balls to move along the entire length of their respective paths.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first component 1 is a part consisting of a ring 1.1 connected to a hub 1.2. This hub 1.2 is centered on the same axis D as that of the ring 1.1 and has outer and inner diameters respectively smaller than those of the ring 1.1, such that a connecting element 1.3 links the top of the outer circumference of the hub 1.2 to the bottom of the inner circumference of the ring 1.1. The connecting element 1.3 here forms an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the axis D, that is to say, it extends substantially radially with respect to the axis D. On the inner surface of the connecting element are cut three first grooves 5 of equal depth which form first paths 5 or conformations 5.

[0041] The first grooves 5 define a curved or spiral shape or trajectory around the axis D, or a straight shape or trajectory, substantially ortho-radial with respect to the axis D. The angle formed between a tangent to said trajectory and a line passing through the axis D and intersecting said tangent forms an oblique angle, i.e., not equal to 90°. The first grooves 5 are preferably equidistant around the axis D of the first component 1.

[0042] In one variant, the surface of the connection 1.3 could be slightly convex or have a slightly different angle from 90 degrees to the axis D, for example to facilitate the initial positioning of the balls 4 in the first grooves 5 during the assembly of the bearing.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second component 2 is a part consisting of a ring 2.1 connected to a hub 2.2 centered on the same axis and with smaller outer and inner diameters than those of the ring 2.1, and comprising a connection 2.3 between the two elements 2.1 and 2.2. The outer diameters of the ring 2.1 and the hub 2.2 of the second component 2 correspond, within clearances, respectively to the inner diameters of the ring 1.1 and the hub 1.2 of the first component 1, so that the two elements fit together. The outer surface of the connection 2.3 of the second component 2, more specifically the surface between the hub 2.2 and the outer circumference of the ring 2.1, constitutes the external circumferential surface 6 and has, in particular, a frustoconical or substantially frustoconical shape.

[0044] The rotation of the second component 2 around said axis D causes, via the associated spacer washer 3, the radial displacement of the balls 4 along their respective groove 5. This displacement changes the positioning of the bearings of the balls 4 on the external circumferential frustoconical surface 6 and causes an axial translation (along axis D) of the second component 2 along the first component 1.

[0045] The return element 8, attached to the upper edge of the first component 1, is in elastic support on the upper edge of the second component 2, exerts sufficient pressure on the second component 2 and the balls 4 against the first component 1 to cancel any possible play and guarantee that components 1, 2 and 4 remain in contact without slippage, except during adjustment.

[0046] Advantageously, the positioning of the three balls 4 forms a regular polygon centered on the axis D, where each ball is located on a vertex of the polygon. The bearing of component 2 on component 1 is thus guaranteed by the balls and is preferably isostatic.

[0047] According to a preferred configuration, the spacer washer 3 is rotationally fixed to the hub 2.2 of the second component 2, with at least one degree of freedom in axial translation along the hub 2.2; that is, the spacer washer 3 is mounted in a sliding joint with axis D relative to the hub 2.2 of the second component 2. To achieve this, a tab 3.2 of the spacer washer 3 can be fitted into an axial groove 13 provided in the hub 2.2. During the rotation of the second component 2, the spacer washer 3 pushes the balls along the first grooves 5 so as to allow an axial translation (along the axis D) of the second component 2 along the first component 1.

[0048] To allow the watchmaker to rotate the second component 2, at least one of the second conformations 7, such as a screwdriver slot, may be present on the upper part of the second component 2. The return element may, according to this method, be openworked in its center to allow access to at least one of the second conformations 7. This openwork may be important in the case of a watchmaking shock-absorbing bearing to also allow the dismantling of the lyre spring 9.1 for example.

[0049] At least one reference point, such as grooves on the outer circumference of the first component 1, can allow the watchmaker to visualize the angle of rotation during the rotation of the second component 2. These grooves can also be used to ensure better gripping of the first component 1 and to help its rotation around the axis D when setting the reference point of an escapement without disturbing the setting of the play.

[0050] It is worth noting that the float adjustment mechanism is relatively insensitive to shocks. Indeed, due to the mechanism's design, the forces, primarily axial or radial, that the bearing is subjected to do not affect the movement of the interface elements 4, and therefore do not affect the float adjustment. For example, thanks to the motion conversion device, the resulting tangential force from an axial load during a shock, which could generate a misaligning torque, is negligible compared to the friction (or frictional torque) generated by the return element 8.

[0051] Thus, in the particular embodiment described, the assembled bearing comprises: the first component 1, attached to the bridge 100; the second component 2, which fits into the first component 1; three balls 4, held in position by an intermediate washer 3; the intermediate washer 3 which has second radial grooves 3.1 relative to the axis D and intended for the positioning of the balls 4; the return element 8, attached to the upper edge of the first component 1, in elastic support on the upper edge of the second component 2, and taking the form of a washer.

[0052] The first component 1 comprises, as conformations, three first paths, of the groove type 5, curved and equidistant around the axis D. The spacer washer 3 comprises a central opening which conforms to the external shape of the hub 2.2 of the second component 2, thus allowing the rotational locking of said spacer washer 3 and the second component 2. The spacer washer 3 is inserted and rests on the inner face of the first component 1, so that its second grooves 3.1 intersect the grooves 5 of the first component 1. The balls are placed in their respective groove 5 of the first component 1, inside paths 3.1 of the spacer washer formed by the second grooves 3.1.

[0053] The second component 2 is installed by sliding along the axis D. It carries the assembly comprising the chaton 9.4, the pivot stone 9.3, the counter-pivot stone 9.2, and the lyre spring 9.1 on the inside of its central housing. The second component 2 also includes at least two secondary conformations 7, of the screw recess type, to allow its rotation. The surface 6 between its hub 2.2 and the circumference of its ring 2.1 is frustoconical in shape with the apex of the cone at the level of the hub 2.2.

[0054] The return element 8, attached to the upper edge of the first component 1 and elastically supported on the upper edge of the second component 2, exerts sufficient pressure on the assembly of the second component 2 - balls 4 against the first component 1 to maintain the mechanism in position, outside the adjustment phase, where the action of the watchmaker on the conformation 7 induces a force greater than that induced by the friction between the components 2-4-1.

[0055] The rotation of the second component 2 (relative to the first component 1), actuated by a watchmaker using a suitable tool on at least one of the second conformations 7, causes the radial displacement of the balls 4 along their respective first grooves 5. This displacement changes the positioning of the bearings of the balls 4 on the external circumferential surface 6 and causes an axial translational displacement (along axis D) of the second component 2 relative to the first component 1 and the blank 100. This axial translation allows for the micrometric adjustment of the movement's play.

[0056] The first at least one path 5 can form a non-zero angle, preferably between 5° and 30° relative to the orthoradial direction to the axis D. As a result, the first paths can have a spiral or substantially spiral shape or trajectory relative to the axis D, for example an Archimedean spiral shape.

[0057] The first paths 5 and the second paths 3.1 can intersect at each of the interface elements 4. This can ensure that the relative rotational displacement of the first and second components results in a displacement of the interface elements 4 along a radial component with respect to the axis D. Generalization

[0058] If in the particular embodiment described above the mechanism includes first paths or first grooves 5 formed on the first component 1 and second grooves or second paths 3.1 formed on a washer 3 rotationally fixed to the second component 2, it may be proposed a mechanism comprising first paths or first grooves 5 formed on the second component 2 and second grooves or second paths 3.1 formed on the first component 1, in particular on a washer 3 rotationally fixed to the first component 1.

[0059] Indeed, according to the invention, the relative rotational displacement around the axis D of the first paths or grooves 5 and the second grooves 3.1 advantageously allows the interface elements to be moved relative to the axis D along a plane P perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said axis D. In other words, the relative rotational displacement around the axis D of the first paths or grooves 5 and the second grooves 3.1 allows the interface elements to move closer to or further from the axis D. Thus, the component comprising the first paths or grooves 5 is distinct from the component comprising the second grooves 3.1.

[0060] According to the embodiment described above, the translational movement of the second component 2 along the axis D relative to the first component 1 is made possible by means of a conical or frustoconical surface 6 intended to cooperate with interface elements, which is arranged on the second component 2. According to an alternative embodiment, it would be possible to arrange this conical or frustoconical surface 6 on the first component 1. According to this particular alternative embodiment, the first paths or grooves 5 could then be formed, for example, on a conical or frustoconical surface 6 of the first component 1.

[0061] Furthermore, while in the specific embodiment described above the interface elements are each in the form of a ball, it is also conceivable that these interface elements could have a completely different shape. For example, these interface elements could each be in the form of a pebble or a roller. More generally, the interface elements are rolling and / or sliding elements.In addition, each of these interface elements could include a frustoconical surface intended to drive, in translation along the axis D, a first component relative to a second component under the effect of the displacement, for example a translation, of said interface elements in the plane P perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said axis D, in particular in a radial direction relative to the axis D, said interface elements being for example elastically recalled by a recall element corresponding or not to the recall element 8.

[0062] If, in the embodiment described above, there are three interface elements, advantageously forming a regular polygon centered on the D-axis where each interface element is located on a vertex of the polygon, it is possible to implement a different number of interface elements. Thus, alternatively, the system could comprise four interface elements, forming a square centered on the D-axis where each interface element is located on a vertex of the square, as, for example, in the embodiment shown in the figure 8 Alternatively, it would be possible to implement only two interface elements, particularly in the case where the interface elements induce linear rather than point contact with the first component 1 and / or the second component 2.

[0063] In the particular embodiment described above, the second component 2, which is intended to receive or form at least one bearing 15, is intended to be driven in rotation about the axis D, so as to drive said second component 2 in translation along the axis D. To this end, the second component 2 comprises at least second conformations 7 to allow its rotational actuation about the axis D. According to an alternative embodiment, it would be possible to actuate the first component 1 in rotation. Thus, according to this particular alternative embodiment, the first component 1 may comprise at least second conformations 7 to allow its rotational actuation about the axis D. According to this particular alternative embodiment, the first component 1 may comprise the first paths or the first grooves 5. Advantageously, as shown in the figure 8In this particular case, these first paths 5 can take the form of cam surfaces of the first component 1 extending in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the axis D. In this same particular case, the second component 2 can include the second grooves 3.1, in particular can include a washer 3 having second grooves, as well as the conical or frustoconical surface 6. In this particular alternative embodiment, the first component is capable of rotating about the axis D relative to the movement frame, while the second component is fixed in rotation relative to the axis D but capable of moving in translation along the axis D.

[0064] Thus, depending on the embodiment, the second component or the first component is capable of being actuated in rotation around the axis D.

[0065] Regardless of the embodiment, the second component intended to receive or form a bearing is capable of moving in translation relative to the axis (D).

[0066] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the backlash of a clockwork mechanism. An embodiment of such a method is described below and implements one of the adjustment mechanism solutions described above.

[0067] The method involves moving one component in rotation around axis D relative to the other component. To achieve this, the watchmaker can rotate one component using at least two conformations 7 provided for this purpose and a suitable tool, such as a screwdriver, while the other component is immobilized on the rest of the movement, either because the other component is fixed to a blank or because the other component is held stationary by the watchmaker, particularly with another tool. As a consequence of this relative rotational displacement, as explained above, the component carrying the bearing, in particular the counter-pivot jewel, moves axially (along axis D). Consequently, the axial play of the watch wheel 40 is modified.

[0068] Thus, thanks to the solutions described above, the backlash adjustment mechanism transforms the rotary displacement of a component actuated by a watchmaker into an axial translational movement of a bearing via a motion conversion device. The solutions advantageously feature interface elements 4 designed to cooperate with two interlocking elements 1, 2 within an assembled bearing.

Claims

1. A mechanism (20) for adjusting the endshake of a timepiece mobile unit (40) for a timepiece (300), the mechanism comprising: - an axis (D), - a first component (1), - a second component (2) intended to receive or to form at least one bearing (15), notably at least one damping bearing (15), - interface elements (4) collaborating with the first and second components, - a return element (8) returning the first and second components into collaboration with the interface elements (4), and - at least first shaped portions (6, 5, 3.1) of the first and second components which collaborate with the interface elements (4) in order to move said interface elements (4) relative to the axis (D) in a plane (P) perpendicular or near-perpendicular to said axis (D) and thus move the second component (2) translationally along said axis (D) relative to the first component (1) under the effect of a rotational movement about said axis (D) of the first component (1) or of the second component (2).

2. The mechanism (20) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the interface elements (4) take the form of rolling and / or sliding elements (4), notably in the form of balls, particularly in the form of three or four rolling and / or sliding elements, particularly in the form of three or four balls.

3. The mechanism (20) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (1) or the second component (2) comprises at least second shaped portions (7) to allow relative movement of the first component (1) and of the second component (2) in rotation about the axis (D).

4. The mechanism (20) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (1) or the second component (2) comprises, by way of first shaped portion, at least a first path (5) specific to each interface element (4), notably at least a first groove (5) intended to collaborate with an interface element (4), particularly three or four paths (5) equally distributed about the axis (D), notably three or four first grooves (5) equally distributed about the axis (D).

5. The mechanism (20) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the at least one first path (5) defines a pathway in the form of a spiral around the axis D, or a pathway that is substantially orthoradial with respect to the axis D.

6. The mechanism (20) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the first component (1) or the second component (2), distinct from the component comprising the at least one first path (5), comprises, by way of first shaped portion, at least one second groove (3.1) intended to collaborate with an interface element (4) and extending in a direction that is radial or near-radial relative to the axis (D) and in particular comprises three or four grooves (3.1) extending in a direction that is radial or near-radial relative to the axis (D) and equally distributed about the axis (D).

7. The mechanism (20) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the at least one second groove (3.1) is formed on a washer (3) that rotates as one with the first component (1) or the second component (2) distinct from the component comprising the at least one first path (5).

8. The mechanism (20) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (1) or the second component (2) comprises, by way of first shaped portion, a conical or frustoconical surface (6) intended to collaborate with the interface elements (4).

9. The mechanism (20) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second components (1, 2) fit one into the other, the second component (2) notably fitting into the first component (1).

10. An assembled bearing (10), notably an assembled damping bearing (10), comprising a mechanism (20) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

11. A mounted movement blank, notably a mounted bridge, comprising a mechanism (20) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a bearing as claimed in the preceding claim.

12. An assembly comprising: - a bearing (15), notably a damping bearing, - a movement blank (100), and - a mechanism (20) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 arranged at the interface between the bearing and the movement blank (100).

13. A timepiece movement (200) comprising: - a mechanism (20) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, and / or - a bearing as claimed in claim 10, and / or - a mounted movement blank as claimed in claim 11, and / or - an assembly as claimed in the preceding claim, and - a mobile unit (40), notably an assembled balance.

14. A timepiece (300), notably a wristwatch, comprising: - a movement as claimed in the preceding claim, and / or - a mechanism (20) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, and / or - a bearing as claimed in claim 10, and / or - a movement blank as claimed in claim 11, and / or - an assembly as claimed in claim 12.

15. A method for adjusting the endshake of a timepiece mobile unit of a timepiece movement as claimed in claim 13 or of a timepiece as claimed in the preceding claim, the method comprising: - an action of moving one component (2; 1) in rotation about the axis (D) relative to the other component (1; 2).

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