Bearing for an axis of a timepiece component

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a bearing (1) for a shaft of a watch component comprising a bearing body (2) having a housing delimited by a peripheral wall (20) of said bearing forming a through hole (8), said hole (8) comprising a compact assembly (10) under stress comprising a first elastic member (3) and an assembly (27) comprising a fluid storage space (33) (31) consisting of a second elastic member (6), a pivot element (5) and a counter-pivot element (4), said first elastic member (3) being mounted in a first orifice (9a) of the through hole (8) by being fixed in through openings provided in said peripheral wall, said first member (3) being configured to at least elastically dampen axial shocks, and in said assembly (27), in this bearing (1) only the second elastic member (6) of this assembly (10) is fixed to said peripheral wall (20).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bearing for a watch component shaft, in particular a shock-absorbing bearing, for a watch component shaft. The invention also relates to a watch movement equipped with such a bearing. The invention further relates to a timepiece comprising such a bearing and / or such a watch movement. Technological background

[0002] In watchmaking, the shafts of watch components generally have pivots at their ends that rotate in bearings mounted in blanks, such as mainplates or bridges. For certain watch components, particularly balance wheels, it is common practice to equip the bearings with a shock-absorbing mechanism. This is because the pivots of these balance wheels are generally thin and their masses are relatively high; without shock-absorbing mechanisms, the pivots can break under the effect of an impact.

[0003] In the prior art, a conventional shock-absorbing bearing commonly comprises a bushing such as a drilled stone with a through hole forming an axial and radial guide for the pivot. Such a stone is pressed into a bearing housing, commonly called a bushing, on which a counter-pivot stone is mounted, forming an axial stop for the pivot. This bushing is designed to transform all or part of a radial shock into an axial shock. Such a bushing is held against the bottom of a bearing body by elastic means, generally a damping spring, arranged to exert an axial force on the upper part of the counter-pivot stone. This pivot of the axis 28 is inserted into the through hole of the drilled stone. Such a bearing allows for shock absorption, as the assembly formed by the bushing, the drilled stone, and the counter-pivot stone can move thanks to the damping spring.

[0004] However, one of the major drawbacks of such a bearing is its lack of robustness, due in particular to the aging of the lubricant it contains or to wear over time, thus impairing its operation and making it less reliable. Consequently, such a bearing can no longer guarantee perfect radial recentering of the balance staff in the event of a shock, as this recentering is often unpredictable. Indeed, the problem lies in the fact that the movement's rate is regulated at a specific time, in a given shock-resistant configuration. Following a shock, the bearing's configuration changes due, for example, to imperfect recentering, and the previously established rate regulation is no longer optimal. In other words, the position of the balance staff directly impacts the movement's rate; therefore, for better chronometric stability, it is necessary to eliminate this recentering defect. Summary of the invention

[0005] One of the aims of the invention is to provide a bearing for a small watch part that allows the axis of a watch component to be repositioned extremely efficiently at all times while ensuring lubrication under all circumstances.

[0006] Another aim of the invention is to provide a bearing that allows the axis of a watch component to be positioned in a repeatable manner.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a bearing for a shaft of a watch component comprising a bearing body having an enclosure delimited by a peripheral wall of said bearing forming a through hole, said hole comprising a compact assembly under stress comprising a first elastic element and an assembly comprising a fluid storage space consisting of a second elastic element, a pivot element and a counter-pivot element, said first elastic element being mounted in a first orifice of the through hole by being fixed in through openings formed in said peripheral wall, said first element being configured to at least elastically dampen axial shocks, and in said assembly: the second elastic member is arranged between the first elastic member and a second orifice of said hole, said second member being configured to at least elastically dampen radial shocks; the pivot element is provided to pivot said axis of the watch component, said element being arranged in a central area of ​​the second elastic member by being positioned opposite the second orifice through which said axis of said component is capable of being introduced into said hole; and the counter-pivot element is interposed between the first and second elastic members which is provided to receive a terminal part of said axis of the component, this counter-pivot element comprising a monobloc body formed of a central part and a peripheral part, the central part comprising the first retaining area of ​​this body in the bearing body which is configured to cooperate with the first elastic member; in this bearing only the second elastic element of this assembly is fixed to said peripheral wall.

[0008] In other embodiments: the central part of the counter-pivot element includes a cavity arranged opposite the pivot element, a section of the cavity having a shape essentially similar to that of the letter "M"; the central part of the counter-pivot element includes a cavity arranged opposite the pivot element, said cavity including a flat receiving area for one end of said axis included in a central part of this cavity; the central part of the counter-pivot element includes a cavity arranged opposite the pivot element, said cavity including a recess having first and second walls, said recess surrounding the receiving area; the flat receiving area is arranged above the pivot element by partially covering its apex, in particular a central part of this apex;The recess comprises a first wall arranged above the pivot element, partially covering its apex, including a peripheral portion of this apex; the receiving area and a first wall of the recess form an acute angle arranged opposite a second wall of this recess; the first and second walls of said recess form an obtuse angle arranged opposite the pivot element and the second elastic member; the fluid storage space forms an interface between the counter-pivot and pivot elements; the fluid storage space, including a lubricating fluid, is defined between the apex of the pivot element, the receiving area, and the first wall of the recess; the peripheral portion comprises a second retaining area for the body of the counter-pivot element in the bearing body, this second retaining area being configured to bear against a full perimeter of a flat upper face of the second elastic member;the second retaining zone rests solely on the periphery of the flat upper face of the second elastic element under the action of a force applied by the first elastic element on the first retaining zone; the first and second retaining zones as well as the receiving zone are respectively contained in distinct planes which are parallel to each other; the central part and the peripheral part form respectively a vertex and a base of the counter-pivot element; the counter-pivot element is mounted axially movable in the through hole with respect to an axis of revolution of this hole; the central part of the counter-pivot element is configured to enter the first orifice of the through hole during a shock likely to be suffered by the watch component;the peripheral part of the counter-pivot element includes a clearance zone configured to cooperate with the first elastic member during a shock that may be suffered by the watch component; the part of the pivot element arranged in the cavity protrudes from the central zone of the second elastic member, this part including an external surface which is positioned in the vicinity of the receiving zone and a first wall of the cavity; the first elastic member is configured to deform essentially axially with respect to an axis of revolution of the through hole; the first elastic member includes fixing elements for this member in the through hole and stress elements intended to bear on the first retaining zone of the central part of the counter-pivot element and connecting elements linking the stress elements and the fixing elements together;The second elastic element comprises a connecting portion of this element within the through hole and a fixing portion of the pivot element in a central area of ​​this element, said connecting and fixing portions being linked to each other by at least one elastic element of this element; the second elastic element is fixedly mounted in the bearing body; the second elastic element is configured to deform essentially radially with respect to an axis of revolution of the through hole; the bearing body, the through hole, the first and second elastic elements, the counter-pivot element, and the pivot element have axes of revolution that coincide with a central axis of the bearing; the counter-pivot element is made of a 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 clockwork movement. Brief description of the figures

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying figures, among which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a bearing for a shaft of a watch component, according to one embodiment of the invention; the figure 2 is a top view of the landing shown on the figure 1 , according to the embodiment of the invention; the figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along axis III-III of the bearing shown on the figure 2 , according to the embodiment of the invention; and the figure 4 is an exploded view of all the parts forming the bearing, according to the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] THE figures 1 to 4 These illustrations depict a method of implementing a bearing 1 for a shaft of a watch component. Such a watch component and this bearing 1 can be part of a watch mechanism or movement, such as an electromechanical or mechanical movement. This movement is contained within a timepiece, such as a watch, particularly a wristwatch. It should be noted that the watch mechanism can be a balance-spring oscillator equipped with a balance wheel and a mainspring.

[0013] This level 1, also known as " watch bearing " Or " shock-absorbing bearing or even shock absorber bearingThis is particularly suited to the pivoting of an axis, especially a pivot with axis 32, and also to ensure / guarantee the lubrication of this pivot with axis 32. This pivot with axis 32 is an end 32 of this axis or a terminal part 32 of such an axis. Such an axis 28 is preferably made of a metallic, ceramic, or glass material. This axis is also called the "axis rotation or "axis pivoting or even TREE "may be an axis of a watch component also called " axis of a rotating object "such as a balance wheel tigeron when the clock mechanism is an oscillator.

[0014] Such a level 1 is indeed configured for: guide the rotation of the axis of the watch component; and / or stop the translation of this axis; and / or ensure the lubrication of this axis and in particular of the part of this axis which is arranged in bearing 1.

[0015] It should be noted that this rotational guidance of the axis is achieved around the central axis A1 of this bearing 1, also known as the axis A1 of the mounted bearing. This bearing 1 helps, in particular, to limit axial and / or radial translational displacements relative to the axis A1 of this axis of the watch component.

[0016] It is understood that the guidance of axis 28 of this watch component is linked to the displacements of this component relative to axis A1. In this context, these displacements are limited in axial and / or radial translation thanks to this bearing 1.

[0017] Such a bearing 1 is designed to be assembled or attached to a blank of the watch movement, such as a bridge, for example a balance bridge, or a mainplate. This bearing 1 can alternatively be formed directly into the body of a mainplate or bridge, for example by machining.

[0018] With reference to the figure 4The bearing 1 comprises a bearing body 2 configured to receive a compact assembly 10 consisting of the following components: a first elastic element 3 and an assembly 27 comprising a fluid storage space 33, or fluid reservoir, in particular for a fluid 31 such as a lubricant. This assembly 27 includes a second elastic element 6, a pivot element 5, and a counter-pivot element 4. In this assembly 27, this storage space 33 forms an interface, or junction, between the counter-pivot element 4 and the pivot element 5. In other words, this fluid storage space 33 forms an interface between a receiving area 25 of the pivot axis 32 of the counter-pivot element 4 and the apex 30 of the pivot element 5. It should be noted that this storage space 33 is defined by the presence of the fluid 31, which is confined within this space 33.It is thus understood that this storage space 33 or the fluid 31 which is stored there, forms this interface or a single interface of the counter-pivot element 4 and the pivot element 5 in this bearing 1.

[0019] In other words, the fluid 31 contained within this storage space 33 forms this interface, or the single interface, between the counter-pivot element 4 and the pivot element 5. More precisely, this fluid contained within this storage space 33: is or defines or constitutes a common boundary between the counter-pivot element 4 and the pivot element 5; or is or defines or constitutes the common boundary between the receiving area 25 of the axis 32 pivot of the counter-pivot element 4 and the apex 30 of the pivot element 5; or is or defines or constitutes the common boundary between the receiving area 25 and the first wall 29a of the groove 26 and the apex 30 of the pivot element 5; or is or defines or constitutes a surface separating the two counter-pivot elements 4 and pivot element 5; or is or defines or constitutes the surface separating the receiving area 25 of the axis 32 pivot of the counter-pivot element 4, and the apex 30 of the pivot element 5; or is or defines or constitutes the surface separating the receiving area 25 and the first wall 29a of the excavation 26 and the top 30 of the pivot element 5.

[0020] This bearing body 2 includes an enclosure in which this assembly is arranged. Such an enclosure is delimited by a peripheral wall 20 of this bearing so as to form a through hole 8. With reference to the figure 3 such a hole going through 8 also called " central hole through ", extends in a direction parallel to that of an axis of revolution A2 of this bearing body 2 also called the axis of the block.

[0021] Such a through hole 8 comprises, at each of its ends, first and second orifices 9a and 9b. It should be noted that the first orifice 9a has a cross-section that is preferably larger than that of the second orifice 9b. As we will see later, the first orifice 9a is configured to participate in the mounting of the first elastic element 3 in the through hole 8, and the second orifice 9b is configured to allow the insertion of the axis of the watch component into this same hole 8.

[0022] In this bearing body 2, the through hole 8 includes an axis of revolution A3, also called the axis of hole 8, which coincides with the central axis A1 of bearing 1. Such a through hole 8 has a geometry of revolution around this axis A3, which forms the enclosure of this bearing body 2. Note that this enclosure corresponds to the volume defined in the bearing body 2 by the peripheral wall 20 of this through hole 8, visible on the figure 4 . In this configuration, such an enclosure therefore extends between the first and second orifices 9a, 9b which are part of such a housing.

[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, 22b designed to cooperate with an internal surface 24 of the peripheral wall 20 of the through hole 8 in order to ensure the arrangement of this compact assembly 10 in the bearing body 2. Such mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b are included in / on the first and second elastic elements 3, 6 of this assembly 10. In an alternative, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b are included exclusively in / on the first and second elastic elements 3, 6. In other words, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b are the only parts of this compact assembly 10 which achieve / ensure its assembly in the bearing body 2 to form the bearing 1.As we will see later, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b cooperate with this bearing body 2 by bearing against and / or being fixed to this body 2.

[0024] In this assembly, the pivot element 5, the counter-pivot element 4, the first elastic member 3 and the second elastic member 6 respectively comprise central axes A4, A5, A6, A7. These axes, referenced A4, A5, A6, A7, coincide with the axes A1, A2, A3 of the bearing 1, the bearing body 2 and the through hole 8 respectively when the compact assembly 10 is mounted in the bearing body 2.

[0025] As we have mentioned, this compact assembly 10 consists of the first elastic element 3 and the assembly 27 including this fluid storage space 33 31.

[0026] The first elastic element 3, which is, for example, a return spring, is designed to elastically return and axially reposition the counter-pivot element 4, and thus the axis of the watch component, within the hole 8 of the bearing body 2, following a substantially axial shock experienced by the timepiece, particularly by its movement. In other words, the first elastic element 3 is configured to deform primarily axially with respect to the axis of revolution A3 of the through hole 8. In other words, this first element 3 is configured to achieve axial repositioning of the watch component's axis in the same location, while being constructed to absorb substantially axial shocks.It is therefore understood that this organ 3 is configured to place axially relative to the axis of revolution referenced A3, the axis of the watch component in its initial or rest position in response to these shocks.

[0027] Such a first elastic element 3 is secured or fixed to the bearing body 2. More precisely, this first elastic element 3 is mounted in the first orifice 9a of the through hole 8. To do this, this first elastic element 3 comprises at least one connecting element 11c, at least one stress element 11b and at least one fixing element 11a which are connected together.

[0028] More specifically, this organ 3 includes fastening elements 11a also called " elements of solidarity "which are configured to be arranged in openings 12 made in the part of the peripheral wall 20 located in this first orifice 9a of the hole 8. With reference to the figure 4, this first component 3 includes two fixing elements 11a. Each fixing element 11a is configured to be arranged in the corresponding opening 12 of this peripheral wall 20 in order to participate in the mounting of this first elastic component 3 in this hole 8. It should be noted that these fixing elements 11a are part of the mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b of the assembly 10 in the bearing body 2 mentioned previously.

[0029] The first elastic member 3 also includes stress elements 11b which are in contact with the counter-pivot element 4 of the assembly 27. More specifically, the stress elements 11b are designed to bear on a first retaining zone located on an outer face 14b of a central portion 13a of the counter-pivot element 4, in particular on a vertex 13d of this counter-pivot element 4. These stress elements 11b are configured to apply to this counter-pivot element 4 a restoring force that is essentially axial, in particular an axial and elastic force. With reference to the figure 4 , it should be noted that this first elastic organ 3 preferably comprises two stress elements 11b.

[0030] The first elastic element 3 also includes connecting elements 11c linking the stress elements 11b and the fastening elements 11a together. In this first elastic element 3, there are two of these connecting elements 11c, as can be seen in the figure 4 . These connecting elements 11c define a space in which the vertex 13d of the counter-pivot element 4 is likely to be arranged.

[0031] In the assembly 27 of this compact assembly 10, the counter-pivot element 4 is provided to receive the pivot of axis 32 (or the end 32 of the axis 28 of the watch component corresponding to the end of the pivot), or to constitute a stop for the terminal part 32 of this axis 28. In the through hole 8, the counter-pivot element 4 is interposed between the first and second elastic members 3, 6. Such a counter-pivot element 4 is mounted axially and radially movable in such a through hole 8 with respect to the axis of revolution A3 of this hole 8.

[0032] This counter-pivot element 4 comprises a single-piece body, preferably transparent or translucent. This body consists of a central portion 13a and a peripheral portion 13b, as well as internal and external faces 14a, 14b. It should be noted that in this element 4, the central portion 13a is surrounded by the peripheral portion 13b. Such a counter-pivot element 4 includes a step-off zone 13c that connects the central and peripheral portions 13a, 13b and is visible on the external surface 14b of this element 4, as illustrated in the figures. figures 3 And 4 . In this configuration, such central and peripheral parts 13a, 13b comprise respectively the apex 13d and a base 13b of the counter-pivot element 4.

[0033] In the inner face 14a of this counter-pivot element 4, the central part 13a includes a cavity 15 arranged opposite the pivot element 5, visible on the figure 3It should be noted that such a cavity 15 can be produced by machining, notably by conventional machining with a diamond tool or by laser machining. As will be seen later, this cavity 15 is configured to receive / accommodate a portion of the pivot element 5. Such a cavity 15 has a cross-section with a shape essentially similar to that of the letter M.

[0034] More specifically, such a cavity 15 comprises: a receiving zone 25 of the pivot with axis 32 included in a bottom 16 of this cavity 15; and / or said receiving zone 25 being included in a portion of the internal face 14a located in the central part 13a of the counter-pivot element 4; and / or said receiving zone 25 being flat; and / or said receiving zone 25 being preferably polished; and / or said receiving zone 25 being preferably perpendicular to the axes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, or perpendicular to the pivot axis; and / or said receiving zone 25 being located in a central area of ​​the portion of the internal face 14a located in the central part 13a; and / or a recess 26 surrounding this receiving zone 25; and / or said excavation 26 extending into the portion of the inner face 14a located in the central part 13a around the receiving area 25.

[0035] This receiving area 25 and the recess 26 form a raised base 16 of this cavity 15. More specifically, this recess 26 consists of two internal walls 29a, 29b. These first and second walls 29a, 29b are contiguous and together form a preferably obtuse angle. This angle is positioned opposite the pivot element 5 and the second elastic element 6.

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

[0037] In this assembly 27, the receiving area 25 is arranged above the pivot element 5, partially covering its apex 30, specifically a central part of this apex 30 which includes a central hole 17 of this pivot element 5. It should be noted that the entirety of this area 25 covers the central part of this apex 30. As for the first wall 29a, it is also arranged above this pivot element 5, partially covering its apex 30, specifically the peripheral part of this apex 30.

[0038] In this configuration, it should be noted that the fluid 31 flows from the storage space 33 into this central hole 17 in order to maintain continuous / permanent / constant lubrication of the pivot axis 32 positioned in this through hole 17. This hole 17 is preferably the only area of ​​passage or evacuation or diffusion of the fluid from this storage space 33.

[0039] Furthermore, in such an assembly 27, the apex 30 of the pivot element 5, the receiving area 25, and the first wall 29a of the recess 26 are configured to define the storage space 33 for the lubricating fluid 31. More precisely, the arrangement of this apex 30, the receiving area 25, and the first wall 29a relative to each other contributes to ensuring that the lubricating fluid 31 is retained in this space by the combination: of a physico-chemical phenomenon called surface tension of this lubricating liquid 31 which is linked to the molecular interactions of the latter; with an interaction phenomenon occurring at the interfaces between the liquid 31, and the surfaces in contact with this liquid of respectively the top 30 of the pivot element 5, of the receiving zone 25 and of the first wall 29a of the groove 26.

[0040] Under these conditions, it is understood that the configuration of the respective surfaces of the apex 30 of the pivot element 5, the receiving zone 25, and the first wall 29a of the recess 26, allows these surfaces to interact jointly with the liquid 31 in order to generate phenomena that contribute to containing this liquid 31 within the storage space 33. More precisely, the orientation of these surfaces relative to each other and the distance E defined between the surface of the apex 30 and the portion of the inner face 14a consisting of the receiving zone 25 and the first wall 29a, allow these surfaces to interact jointly with the liquid 31 in order to generate such phenomena. It should be noted in particular that this distance E increases from the central hole 17 of the pivot element 5 towards its periphery.In other words, this gap E increases as one moves away radially from the axis A4 of the pivot element 5 which passes through the central hole 17 of this element 5 towards its periphery.

[0041] This liquid 31, thus maintained in this storage space 33, contributes to ensuring continuous / permanent / constant lubrication of the pivot axis 32 positioned in this assembly 27. Furthermore, it should be noted that such a storage space 33 is capable of containing this liquid 31 even during a variation in the volume of this space which may result from the displacement of the axis in the assembly 27 when the watch part is subjected to a shock.

[0042] As we have previously mentioned, the central part referenced 13a includes the apex 13d and the cavity 15 respectively included in the external face 14b and the internal face 14a of the counter-pivot element 4. This apex 13d is configured / conformed to fit into the first elastic member 3 in particular into the space defined in the latter which is delimited by the connecting elements 11c of this first elastic member 3 and this in particular during a substantially axial shock likely to be suffered by the timepiece.

[0043] Regarding the peripheral part 13b, it comprises a support base 13e and a clearance zone 13f, respectively situated within the inner face 14a and the outer face 14b of the counter-pivot element 4. The support base 13e includes a second retaining zone 23a for the counter-pivot element 4. This retaining zone 23a is configured to bear directly against the perimeter of a flat upper face of the second elastic member 6. In the inner face 14a, this retaining zone 23a is connected by a connecting portion 23b to the second wall 29b of the recess 26. This connecting portion 23b forms an acute angle with the retaining zone 23a, positioned opposite the pivot element 5 and the second elastic member 6.

[0044] Such a connecting part 23b also forms with the second wall 29b an obtuse angle arranged opposite the pivot element 5 and the second elastic organ 6.

[0045] In one variant, the second retaining zone 23a is configured to bear directly on the entire perimeter of the flat upper face of the second elastic element 6. This second retaining zone 23a is preferably flat. In this configuration, the second retaining zone 23a bears solely on this perimeter of the flat upper face of the second elastic element 6 against the force, in particular the axial force, applied by the first elastic element 3 on the first retaining zone of the counter-pivot element.

[0046] Regarding the clearance zone 13f, it is configured to cooperate with the first elastic element 3 during an impact on the timepiece. Specifically, this clearance zone 13f is defined on a portion of the outer face 14b of the counter-pivot element 4, located within this peripheral section 13b. In this configuration, this clearance zone 13f is able to cooperate with the connecting elements 11c and the fixing elements 11a in order to limit the axial displacement of the axis of the timepiece component during an impact, particularly a significant axial and strong one.

[0047] Such a counter-pivot element 4 may be, for example, a counter-pivot stone made of a synthetic or non-synthetic gemstone, of a mono- or polycrystalline material such as ruby ​​or zirconia, a metallic element, or an element made of a silicon-based material (such as mono- or polycrystalline silicon, its oxide, nitride, or carbide, also mono- or polycrystalline). The body of this counter-pivot element 4, when it is a mineral, has a hardness greater than or equal to 7, and preferably greater than or equal to 9, on a Mohs hardness scale. If this counter-pivot element 4 is metallic, its Vickers hardness is between 150 HV and 450 HV, and preferably between 200 HV and 390 HV.

[0048] It should be noted that the counter-pivot element 4 is preferably transparent or translucent in order in particular to allow easy control of the quantity of lubricating liquid 31 present in the assembly 27 forming a reservoir, through the first orifice 9a of the bearing 1.

[0049] It should be noted with reference to the figure 3 that in this counter-pivot element 4, the first and second support zones as well as the receiving zone 25 are contained in distinct planes P1, P2, P3 which are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Such planes P1, P2, P3 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7.

[0050] In this assembly 27, the pivot element 5 is designed to pivot the axis of the watch component. This pivot element 5 includes a central hole 17 for receiving the axis of the watch component, and in particular the end portion 32 of this axis. This pivot element 5 is removably arranged in a central area of ​​the second elastic member 6, positioned opposite the second opening 9b through which the axis of the watch component can be inserted into the through hole 8. Such a pivot element 5 comprises upper surfaces 18a, lateral surfaces 18b, and lower surfaces 18c, with the lateral surface 18b connecting these upper and inner surfaces 18a, 18c. In this configuration, the upper surface 18a of this element 5 is positioned opposite the inner face 14a of the counter-pivot element 4, and the lower surface 18c is positioned opposite the second opening 9b.More specifically, this pivot element 5 includes a projecting part of the second elastic member 6 which is arranged in the cavity 15 of the counter-pivot element 4 with the upper surface 18a which is positioned in the vicinity of the receiving area 25 of this cavity 15.

[0051] Such a pivot element 5 also called " pad ", can be a classically pierced stone made of synthetic gemstone or non-mono- or polycrystalline material, such as ruby ​​or zirconia or a silicon-based material (such as mono- or polycrystalline silicon, its oxide, its nitride, its carbide, also mono- or polycrystalline) or even be a ring made of metallic material.

[0052] In this assembly 27, the second elastic element 6 is fixedly arranged / mounted in the through hole 8 and therefore in the bearing body 2. In this through hole 8, this second elastic element 6 is positioned on a bearing surface 19 located on the peripheral wall 20 of this hole 8. It should be noted that this bearing surface 19 is located at the bottom of the orifice 9a and is orthogonal to the surface of the peripheral wall 20. Moreover, such a bearing surface 19 ensures correct mounting of this second elastic element 6 in the bearing body 2, as well as alignment of the central axis A7 of this second element 6 with the axis A1 of this bearing 2. In this assembly 10, the second elastic element 6 is configured to deform essentially radially with respect to the axis of revolution A3 of the through hole 8. In other words, this second element 6 is configured to achieve radial recentering of the axis of the watch component always at the same location. being constructed in such a way as to absorb radial shocks.

[0053] More specifically, this second elastic element 6 comprises the 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 area of ​​this element 6, said connecting and fixing portions 21a, 21b being linked to each other by at least one elastic element 21c of this second elastic element 6. It should be noted that the connecting and fixing portions 21a, 21b are rigid parts of this element 6 compared to the elastic element 21c. These connecting and fixing portions 21a, 21b are capable of elastic deformation when under stress.

[0054] Said at least one elastic element 21c is configured to ensure the radial deformation of the second elastic element 6 by controlling the displacement of the fixing part 21b relative to the connecting part 21a during shocks experienced by the movement. In other words, the elastic element 21c is configured to position radially relative to the axis of revolution referenced A3, the connecting part 21a or the pivot element 5 or the axis of the watch component in its initial or rest position in response to shocks.

[0055] This second elastic organ 6 also includes flat upper and lower faces which are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0056] The connecting portion 21a forms an outer peripheral wall of this second elastic element 6. In this configuration, when the second elastic element 6 is mounted in the through hole 8, a lateral surface 22a of this outer peripheral wall, and therefore of this connecting portion 21a, bears against all or part of the peripheral wall 20 of this hole 8. Indeed, this connecting portion 21a is configured to deform elastically when the second elastic element 6 is inserted into the through hole 8. Thus, this connecting portion 21a is then able to bear against the peripheral wall 20 of the hole 8 from its lateral surface 22a. As an example, the second elastic element 6 can be inserted by pressing it into this through hole 8.

[0057] This connecting portion 21a also includes a contact surface 22b which is configured to cooperate with the bearing surface 19 contained within the through hole 8. Referring to the example cited previously, it should be noted that the second elastic element 6 is inserted by pressing it into the through hole 8 until it abuts against the bearing surface 19 of the through hole 8 via the contact surface 22b of the connecting portion 21a. It should be noted that this contact surface 22b is located on the flat underside of this second element 6.

[0058] It is therefore understood that such a connecting part 21a allows the second elastic element 6 fixed in the through hole 8 to be arranged / mounted. In other words, this connecting part 21a helps to ensure a fixing or holding of the second elastic element 6 which is sufficiently resistant (e) to prevent any relative axial, radial and / or angular displacement of this second element 6 with respect to the axis of revolution A3 of the hole 8.

[0059] It should be noted that this connecting part 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 this connecting part 21a are included in these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, 22b.

[0060] The connecting portion 21a also includes a support surface 22c forming / comprising the periphery of the flat upper face, which is configured to cooperate with the second retaining zone 23a of the counter-pivot element 4. Indeed, the base 13b of the counter-pivot element 4 is able to bear directly on this support surface 22c. In the connecting portion 21a, this support surface 22c is positioned above or directly below the contact surface 22b. Furthermore, this support surface 22c is substantially parallel to the contact surface 22b.

[0061] As previously mentioned, the second elastic element 6 also includes a fixing portion 21b for the pivot element 5 in the central area of ​​this second element 6. This fixing portion 21b includes an inner peripheral wall 34 of this second elastic element 6. The pivot element 5 can be attached to this second element 6, with its lateral surface 18b configured to be wholly or partially connected to this inner peripheral wall 34. Such a connection can be achieved by pressing, bonding, or welding. It should be noted that the surface of this inner peripheral wall 34 includes protrusions / raised features that contribute to fixing the pivot element 5 in the central area of ​​this second element 6.

[0062] It should be noted that in one variant, this pivot element 5 can be an integral part of this second component 6, having been formed from the material along with the fixing part 21b. In this configuration, the central area of ​​this second component 6 is then considered to be / forming this pivot element 5.

[0063] This second elastic organ 6 can be produced by microfabrication, by implementing a deep reactive ion etching process (usually referred to by its English acronym "DRIE") for an organ 6 including silicon, or by a LIGA process such as UV-LIGA for an organ 6 based, for example, on nickel.

[0064] Thus, such a bearing 1 according to the invention has a small / reduced footprint compared to bearings in the prior art, without affecting the operation of this bearing 1. This reduced footprint is notably conferred by the compact assembly 10 formed by the first and second elastic elements 3, 6 and the counter-pivot and pivot elements 4, 5, and more specifically by: the particular shape of the counter-pivot element 4 which allows a displacement of the central part 13a of this element 4, here the apex 13d, in the first orifice 9a of the through hole 8 of the bearing body 2; the particular shape of the counter-pivot element 4 which allows its base 13b to bear directly on the flat upper face of the second elastic member 6 in line with the bearing surface 19; the presence of a cavity 15 in the inner face 14a of the counter-pivot element 4 in which a part of the pivot element 5 is likely to be arranged; the particular shape of the recess 26 configured to guarantee a correct quantity of lubrication under all operating / shock conditions of the movement; the positioning of the pivot element 5 in a central area of ​​the second elastic member 6, with a part of the body of this element 5 being contained within the thickness of this second elastic member 6.

[0065] It should be noted that in this stage 1, the counter-pivot element 4, bearing on the upper face of the second elastic member 6, exerts only an axial and elastic force on the entire perimeter of the flat upper face of this second elastic member 6 under the action of the stress elements 11b bearing on the apex 13d of the counter-pivot element 4. This force is then applied by the retaining zone 23a of the counter-pivot element 4 onto the support surface 22c forming said perimeter, and this, directly above the span 19 of the through hole 8. In this context, it is understood that the counter-pivot element 4 does not bear on the peripheral wall 20.

[0066] It should also be noted that a substantially axial shock should be understood as a shock that is "strictly axial," "essentially axial," or "partly axial." Similarly, a substantially radial shock should be understood as a shock that is "strictly radial," "essentially radial," or "partly radial."

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

[0068] Thus, such a bearing 1 helps to ensure axial and radial recentering / repositioning of the axis of a watch component in its rest position after a shock or acceleration suffered (e) by the watch part without impairing the lubrication of the pivot of said axis.

Claims

1. Bearing (1) for a shaft of a watch component comprising a bearing body (2) having a housing delimited by a peripheral wall (20) of said bearing forming a through hole (8), said hole (8) comprising a compact assembly (10) under stress comprising a first elastic member (3) and an assembly (27) comprising a fluid (31) storage space (33) consisting of a second elastic member (6), a pivot element (5) and a counter-pivot element (4), said first elastic member (3) being mounted in a first orifice (9a) of the through hole (8) by being fixed in through openings provided in said peripheral wall, said first member (3) being configured to at least elastically dampen axial shocks, and in said assembly (27): - the second elastic member (6) is arranged between the first elastic member (3) and a second orifice (9b) of said hole (8),said second member (6) being configured to at least elastically dampen radial shocks; - the pivot element (5) is configured to pivot said axis of the watch component, said element (5) being arranged in a central area of ​​the second elastic member (6) by being positioned opposite the second orifice (9b) through which said axis of said component is capable of being introduced into said hole (8); and - the counter-pivot element (4) is interposed between the first and second elastic members (3, 6) which is configured to receive a terminal part (32) of said axis of the component, this counter-pivot element (4) comprising a single-piece body formed of a central part (13a) and a peripheral part (13b),the central part (13a) comprising the first retaining zone of this body in the bearing body (2) which is configured to cooperate with the first elastic member (3); in this bearing only the second elastic member (6) of this assembly (10) is fixed to said peripheral wall (20).

2. Bearing (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the central part (13a) of the counter-pivot element (4) comprises a cavity (15) arranged opposite the pivot element (5), a section of the cavity (15) having a shape essentially similar to that of the letter M.

3. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (13a) of the counter-pivot element (4) comprises a cavity (15) arranged opposite the pivot element (5), said cavity (15) comprising: - a flat receiving area (25) of an end (32) of said axis (28) included in a central part (13a) of this cavity (15); and - a recess (26) comprising first and second walls (19a, 19b), said recess (26) surrounding the receiving area (25).

4. Bearing (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flat receiving area (25) is arranged above the pivot element (5) by partially covering its top (30), in particular a central part of this top (30).

5. Bearing (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the recess (26) comprises a first wall (29a) arranged above the pivot element (5) partially covering its top (30), in particular a peripheral part of this top (30).

6. Bearing (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the receiving area (25) and a first wall (29a) of the groove (26) form an acute angle (α) arranged opposite a second wall (29b) of this groove (26).

7. Bearing (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first and second walls (19a, 19b) of said groove (26) form an obtuse angle arranged opposite the pivot element (5) and the second elastic member (6).

8. Bearing (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the fluid (31) storage space (33) forms an interface of the counter-pivot (4) and pivot (5) elements.

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

10. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral part (13b) comprises a second retaining zone (23a) of the body of the counter-pivot element (4) in the bearing body (2), this second retaining zone (23a) being configured to bear against a whole perimeter of a flat upper face of the second elastic member (6).

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

12. Bearing (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the first and second holding zones and the receiving zone (25) are respectively contained in distinct planes (P1, P2, P3) which are parallel to each other.

13. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (13a) and the peripheral part (13b) form respectively a vertex (13d) and a base (13b) of the counter-pivot element (4).

14. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the counter-pivot element (4) is mounted axially movable in the through hole (8) with respect to an axis of revolution (A3) of this hole (8).

15. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (13a) of the counter-pivot element (4) is configured to enter the first orifice (9a) of the through hole (8) during a shock that may be suffered by the watch component.

16. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral part (13b) of the counter-pivot element (4) includes a clearance zone (13f) configured to cooperate with the first elastic member (3) during a shock that may be suffered by the watch component.

17. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the part of the pivot element (5) arranged in the cavity (15) protrudes from the central area of ​​the second elastic member (6), this part comprising an external surface (18a) which is positioned in the vicinity of the receiving area (25) and a 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 deform essentially axially with respect to an 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 fixing elements (11a) of this member (3) in the through hole (8) and stress elements (11b) intended to press on the first retaining area of ​​the central part (13a) of the counter-pivot element (4) and connecting elements (11c) linking the stress elements (11b) and the fixing elements (11a) together.

20. Bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second elastic member (6) comprises a connecting part (21a) of this member (6) in the through hole (8) and a fixing part (21b) of the pivot element (5) in a central area of ​​this member (6), said connecting and fixing parts (21a, 21b) being connected to each other by at least one elastic element (21c) of this 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 deform essentially radially with respect to an 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 and second elastic members (3, 6), the counter-pivot element (5) and the pivot element have axes of revolution (A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7) which coincide with a central axis (A1) of the bearing (1).

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

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

26. Watch movement equipped with such a bearing (1) for an axle of a watch component according to any one of the preceding claims.

27. Timepiece comprising a clock movement according to the preceding claim.

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