Shock absorber spring, bearing body and bearing for timepiece

Abstract

To provide a shock absorber spring and / or a bearing body and / or a bearing which are able to minimize the stiffness of the spring and make a load applied to an endstone as constant as possible.SOLUTION: A shock absorber spring for a timepiece extends substantially in a plane P1 and includes a first axis of symmetry A1 perpendicular to the plane P1. The spring comprises at least two first spring-fixing elements 11, 11', 11". The first spring-fixing elements 11, 11', 11" each comprise at least a first fixing surface 11a, 11b, 11a', 11b', 11a", 11b" oriented at least substantially radially relative to the first axis A1 and towards the first axis A1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorber spring for a watch. The present invention relates to a bearing body for a watch. The present invention relates to a watch bearing including the shock absorber spring and / or the bearing body. The present invention also relates to a watch mechanism including the shock absorber spring and / or the bearing and / or the bearing body. The present invention also relates to a watch movement including the shock absorber spring and / or the bearing body and / or the bearing and / or the mechanism. The present invention further relates to a watch including the shock absorber spring and / or the bearing body and / or the bearing and / or the mechanism and / or the watch movement.

Background Art

[0002] There are numerous solutions for shock absorber bearings for watches, especially those intended to pivot the balance wheel. Such bearings typically include a bearing body, a perforated bearing jewel, a counter jewel, a positioning ring for positioning the jewel and the counter jewel within the bearing body, and a spring disposed at the interface between the bearing body and the counter jewel to reduce the true movement during the shocks encountered by the watch and to return the balance wheel to its initial position after the shock.

[0003] The spring of the shock absorber bearing may be formed, for example, into a closed loop. In that case, the spring includes a pressing portion that contacts the counter jewel and protrudes inwardly of the spring, and an attachment portion that protrudes outwardly of the spring so as to be received in an internal groove of the bearing body. As examples, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 disclose various alternative embodiments of such a closed loop spring.

[0004] Alternatively, the spring of the shock absorber bearing may have an open shape. In this case, the spring has an appendage in the shape of a handle disposed at its end and protruding outside the spring. As examples, Patent Document 4, Patent Document 5, and Patent Document 6 disclose various alternative embodiments of such an open loop spring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a shock absorber spring and / or bearing body and / or bearing that can improve upon known devices from the prior art. Specifically, the present invention proposes a shock absorber spring and / or bearing body and / or bearing that minimizes the stiffness of the spring and makes it possible to keep the load applied to the bearing as constant as possible in order to adapt the mechanical response of the shock absorber bearing to the allowable stress, to the true and more specifically to its tenon, especially when the material tends to be modified and / or the true conventional dimensions tend to be minimized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The shock absorber spring according to the present invention is defined in claim 1.

[0008] Various embodiments of the spring are defined in claims 2 to 5.

[0009] The shock absorber bearing body according to the present invention is defined in claim 6.

[0010] Various embodiments of the shock absorber bearing body are defined in claims 7 to 9.

[0011] The bearing according to the present invention is defined in claim 10.

[0012] The various embodiments of the bearing are defined in claims 11 and 12.

[0013] The timekeeping mechanism according to the present invention is defined in claim 13.

[0014] The timekeeping movement according to the present invention is defined in claim 14.

[0015] The timepiece according to the present invention is defined in claim 15.

[0016] The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, an embodiment of a timepiece.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a timepiece. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view from above of an embodiment of a bearing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed view from an oblique angle of an embodiment of a bearing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view from above of an embodiment of a spring. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view from an oblique angle of an embodiment of a bearing body.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] An example of a timepiece 200 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0019] The timepiece 200 is, for example, a small timepiece, particularly a wristwatch.

[0020] The timepiece 200 includes a timekeeping movement 100. The timekeeping movement is intended to be mounted in a timepiece case to protect itself from the external environment.

[0021] The watch movement 100 may be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, and may be an automatic movement in particular.

[0022] The watch movement includes the watch mechanism 90.

[0023] The clock mechanism includes a clock bearing 10. Preferably, the clock mechanism includes two clock bearings 10, which are intended to guide the element 6 at their two ends. The mechanism is, for example, a clock oscillator and includes, for example, a balance wheel and a spiral spring. Alternatively, the mechanism is, for example, an oscillator in the shape of a monolithic structure, i.e., an inertial element formed integrally with one or more elastic return members. Preferably, the bearing is particularly suitable for the pivot of a true, especially a true pivot, made of ceramic or glass. The true is, for example, a balance staff 6.

[0024] The clock bearing 10 includes a shock absorber. Therefore, the clock bearing 10 is a shock absorber bearing or an elastic bearing. The bearing is capable of rotatably guiding, for example, the balance wheel of a balance wheel-spiral spring type oscillator around axis A. The bearing is also capable of stopping, for example, the translational motion of the balance wheel along axis A, and in particular, limiting the translational motion of the balance wheel along axis A. The balance wheel includes a stannous or shaft, in particular the balance staff 6.

[0025] The bearing is, - Bearing body 2 including through opening 20, - Tenon element 3, in particular hole stone 3, which is intended to rotate the true 6, especially the tenon 61 of the true 6, - Receiving stone elements 4, in particular stone 4, designed to receive one end of tenon 61 or to constitute a thrust bearing for one end of tenon 61, - A positioning ring 5 that positions the tenon element 3 and the bearing stone element 4 within the opening 20 of the bearing body 2. - A bearing body 2 and a spring 1 which is solidified or fixed to the bearing body 2, the spring 1 is intended to elastically return elements 3, 4, and 5 into the opening 20 of the bearing body 2 and properly reposition them after the watch 200, particularly after an impact experienced by the movement 100. Includes.

[0026] These elements can be seen more specifically in the cross-sectional view in Figure 1.

[0027] Preferably, the bearing body 2, and in particular the opening 20, have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical about the axis A2 as a whole. Preferably, the ring 5 also has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical about the axis A5. When the ring 5 is housed in the opening 20 of the bearing body 2, the axes A2 and A5 coincide or substantially coincide. To achieve this, the ring 5 includes frustoconical or inclined surfaces 53, 54, which are formed in a stepped manner along the axis A5 to center the ring 5 within the bearing body 2 and are intended to cooperate with frustoconical or inclined surfaces 23, 24, respectively, which are formed in a stepped manner within the opening 20 of the bearing. This is known as a “double cone” structure.

[0028] The ring 5 includes a through-opening 50 intended to receive elements 3 and 4. More specifically, the opening 50 includes a pivot surface 55 of the axis A5 intended to receive the tenon element 3, and a surface 56 perpendicular to the axis A5 intended to receive the bearing stone element 4. The tenon element 3 is driven into, among other things, the surface 55. The bearing stone element 4 is positioned with minimal clearance from the shoulder formed by the surface 56. The opening 50 also includes a portion 57 intended for the passage of the core 6. This also applies to the opening 20 of the bearing body 2, which similarly includes a portion 26 for the passage of the core 6.

[0029] When the tenon element 3 is assembled to the ring 5, the axis A3 of the tenon element 3 coincides with or substantially coincides with the axis A5 of the ring 5.

[0030] In the alternative configuration, to minimize the number of assembly operations within the bearing 10 and reduce the cumulative effects of dimensional and tolerance errors, the tenon element 3 may also be manufactured integrally with the ring 5. Furthermore, the ring 5 may be guided within the bearing body 2 in different ways. For example, the shock absorber may be of the "inverted double cone" type, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 7.

[0031] The shock absorber bearing 10 is designed to be assembled into the blank 99 of the movement 100. For this purpose, the body 2 includes a portion 25 designed to be pressed into the blank 99 of the movement 100. The blank may be a receiver, particularly a balance spring receiver, or a plate.

[0032] The function of spring 1 is to return elements 2, 3, 4, and 5 to their relative positions as shown in Figure 1. In particular, under the influence of the shock the clock has experienced, the balance wheel, and especially pivot 6, may move relative to the rest of the movement, and especially relative to the bearing body. The balance wheel may move longitudinally with respect to axis A and / or radially with respect to axis A. The motion of pivot 6 and the elastic return of spring 1 are accompanied by the motion of elements 3 and / or 4 and / or 5 relative to body 2. The spring is able to return the elements to their respective positions after the shock has subsided.

[0033] The shock absorber spring 1 preferably extends substantially in a plane P1. The spring advantageously includes a first axis of symmetry A1 perpendicular to the plane P1. The spring includes at least two first spring fixing elements 11, 11', 11'' that fix the spring. Each of the first spring fixing elements includes at least a first fixing surface 11a, 11b, 11a', 11b', 11a'', 11b'' that is substantially radial with respect to the first axis and oriented toward the first axis. In particular, a vector n11 perpendicular to the first fixing surfaces 11a, 11b, 11a', 11b', 11a'', 11b'' extends substantially radially with respect to the first axis A1. When the spring is mounted on the bearing body, the normal vector n11 may form an angle with the plane P1, in particular an angle less than 20°.

[0034] Advantageously, the first fixed surface may extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the plane P1 when the spring is in its free state, i.e., when no preload is applied as shown in Figure 4. Advantageously, the first surface may extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the plane P1 when the spring is in its constrained state, i.e., when the spring is in a preloaded state mounted on the bearing body.

[0035] The first fixed elements 11, 11', and 11'' extend substantially in a positive arc with respect to axis A1.

[0036] In addition to the first fixed elements 11, 11', and 11'', the spring is, - At least two pressing elements 12c, 12c', 12c'' intended to be pressed against the receiving stone element 4, - At least two connecting elements 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', 12e'' that mechanically connect the pressing element to the first fixed element, Includes.

[0037] For example, a connecting element is distinguished from a fixed element by a boundary consisting of a cylindrical surface C1 in contact with the first fixed surface (the spring is mounted on the bearing body and is in a free or constrained state).

[0038] For example, the connecting element is distinguished from the pressing element by a boundary consisting of a cylindrical surface C2 centered on axis A1, A2, or A3, having the same or substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the receiving stone element, or the same or substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the tenon element. Alternatively, the diameter of the cylindrical surface C2 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the receiving stone element or the outer diameter of the tenon element. Such a configuration can maximize the length of the connecting element.

[0039] The function of the fixing element is to fix the spring to the bearing body, and more particularly, to fix the spring fixing element to the bearing body. This fixing may be achieved, in particular, by relative friction between the spring fixing element and the bearing body. Preferably, “fixing” means a complete or internal connection, i.e., a connection that does not allow any degree of freedom between the spring fixing element and the bearing body fixing element.

[0040] The function of the pressing element is to impart a return force to the support element and / or tenon element, which can return the support element and / or tenon element to a predetermined position, in particular a predetermined position that is optimal for guiding element 6. Preferably, the pressing element is defined as the extent of the spring that the support element can contact when the support element is in a predetermined position and / or when the support element is in a position that applies pressure to the spring as a result of impact.

[0041] The spring preferably has a main structure in the shape of a closed loop that closes itself. The spring may, in particular, have a closed loop shape that closes itself. The closed loop is preferably centered on axis A1. For this reason, the spring may, for example, be in the shape of a single wire that closes itself. The wire may have a cross-section whose shape is maintained constant or changes along the length of the wire. Alternatively, the loop may have a cut or an opening, i.e., the wire forming the loop may have two ends, one on each side of the cut. The wire may, in particular, have a rectangular or square cross-section.

[0042] Preferably, “loop” means a filamentous shape that does not branch or diverge. Preferably, such a filamentous shape does not intersect with axis A1 and does not extend beyond a boundary area demarcated by a cylindrical surface C3 centered on axis A1, where the diameter of cylindrical surface C3 is preferably less than 0.8 times the diameter of cylindrical surface C2, or less than 0.6 times the diameter of cylindrical surface C2. Preferably, the entire loop can be described by a curve B (shown in Figure 4) that can be described by curve lateral coordinates without backward movement. Preferably, any point on curve B can be reached along the entire curve in a single path in a predetermined direction, without backward movement, from a starting point located on the curve. Preferably, the curve is continuous. Preferably, the length of such curve B is greater than at least 3 times the diameter of cylindrical surface C1, or at least 4 times the diameter of cylindrical surface C1, or at least 5 times the diameter of cylindrical surface C1.

[0043] The spring is preferably made of steel, particularly Durnico steel, or Phytime or Phynox. Alternatively, the spring may be made of at least partially amorphous metal alloy. Alternatively, the spring may be made of nickel, or particularly nickel-phosphorus alloy using LIGA type technology.

[0044] As a preference, at least portions 12a, 12e, 12a', 12e', 12a'', 12e'' of at least two connecting elements extend at least substantially radially with respect to the first axis A1.

[0045] As a preference, at least portions 12b, 12d, 12b', 12d', 12b'', 12d'' of at least two connecting elements extend at least substantially in a positive arc with respect to the first axis A1.

[0046] Preferably, at least two of the compression elements have a convex shape when viewed from the inside of the spring, particularly from the first axis A1. Preferably, each compression element has an angular spread around axis A1 between 45° and 90° (particularly when the spring has cubic rotational symmetry). Preferably, more generally, when the spring has n-th degree rotational symmetry, each compression element has an angular spread around axis A1 between 270° / 2n and 270° / n.

[0047] Preferably, at least two pressing elements have a radial extension relative to axis A1 between 0.25 and 0.75 times the outer radius of the receiving stone element 4, and the spring 1 is intended to press against the receiving stone element.

[0048] Each of the pressing elements preferably consists mainly of curved portions, in particular circular portions 12c, 12c', and 12c''.

[0049] Each connecting element is preferably mainly - The first curved section, particularly the first circular sections 12b, 12b', 12b'', and the first straight sections 12a, 12a', 12a'' that connect the first fixed element to the first pressing element, - The second curved section, in particular the second circular sections 12d, 12d', 12d'', and the second straight sections 12e, 12e', 12e'' that connect the second fixed element to the related first pressing element, It consists of.

[0050] The circular portions 12b, 12b', 12b'', 12d, 12d', and 12d'' are convex when viewed from the outside of the spring within the plane P1.

[0051] As a preference, at least two fixed elements extend at least substantially in a positive arc with respect to the first axis A1.

[0052] Each fixed element preferably consists mainly of curved portions, particularly circular portions. These portions are convex when viewed from the outside of the spring in plane P1.

[0053] Preferably, the spring has a shape that has at least substantially n-th degree rotational symmetry or n-th degree rotational symmetry with respect to the first axis A1, where n is a natural integer, in particular n=2, n=3, n=4, or n=5. In the illustrated embodiment, n=3, i.e., the spring has the shape of three protrusions.

[0054] Preferredly, the radial distance D separating the first fixed surface from the pressing element is greater than 0.2 times the radius of the cylindrical surface C1, or greater than 0.3 times the radius of the cylinder C1. Preferredly, the radial distance D separating the first fixed surface from the pressing element is less than 0.6 times the radius of the cylindrical surface C1, or less than 0.5 times the radius of the cylindrical surface C1.

[0055] Preferably, the first fixed surface is substantially located on a cylindrical surface C1 having a diameter equal to at least 1.5 times or at least 1.7 times the outer diameter of the support stone element 4, and is intended to be pressed against the support stone element by a spring.

[0056] As a matter of preference, these dimensions are determined by springs that are not positioned or mounted on the bearing body, i.e., springs that are not subjected to pressure or constrained.

[0057] Advantageously, each first fixing element includes at least one projection 11c, 11c', 11c''. The first fixing surface is preferably formed on the projection. The projection protrudes toward the inside of the spring, i.e., extends toward the inside of the spring. In the illustrated embodiment, each first fixing element includes two projections.

[0058] As a preference, the fixed elements 11, 11', and 11'' are evenly distributed around the spring axis A1 and are identical. As a preference, the pressing elements 12c, 12c', and 12c'' are evenly distributed around the spring axis A1 and are identical. As a preference, the connecting elements 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', and 12e'' are evenly distributed around the spring axis A1 and are identical.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring is - Three fixed elements, - Three pressure elements, and - Three connecting elements Includes.

[0060] The bearing body 2 includes a second axis of symmetry A2 and at least two second spring fixing elements 21, 21', 21'' for fixing the spring 1. Each of these second fixing elements includes at least a second fixing surface 21c, 21c', 21c'' oriented at least substantially radially with respect to the second axis and away from the second axis A2. In particular, a vector n21 perpendicular to the second fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c'' extends substantially radially with respect to the second axis A2 and emerges from these fixing surfaces in a direction away from the second axis A2. Specifically, the fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c'' are oriented outward from the bearing body 2.

[0061] The second fixing element is positioned to cooperate with the first fixing element in order to fix the spring to the bearing body. Specifically, the second fixing surface is positioned in such a manner that it cooperates with the first fixing surface in order to fix the spring to the bearing body. More specifically, the contact force between the first and second fixing surfaces has the same or substantially the same direction as the vectors n11 and n12, despite any error in the coefficient of friction between the first and second fixing surfaces. Thus, the first fixing surface imparts a force to the second surface that is directed or substantially directed along vector n11. The reaction force from the second surface toward the first surface is directed or substantially directed along vector n12.

[0062] The second fixing element is provided with studs, teeth, or loophole-equipped chest walls 21, 21', and 21'' that extend primarily parallel to the axis A2. These studs protrude radially from the axis A2 of the bearing body outward from the circumferential surface 27 of the bearing body.

[0063] Preferably, the bearing body has a shape having at least substantially n-th degree rotational symmetry or n-th degree rotational symmetry with respect to the second axis A2, where n is a natural integer, in particular n=2, n=3, n=4, or n=5. In the illustrated embodiment, n=3. Preferably, the second fixed elements 21, 21', 21'' are evenly distributed around axis A2 of the bearing body 2 and are identical. The studs 21, 21', 21'' are separated on the surface 27 of the bearing body by openings or gaps 22, 22', 22''.

[0064] Each stud 21, 21', 21'' includes a second fixing surface 21c, 21c', 21c''. Each second fixing surface extends along the circumferential surface 27 of the bearing body. For example, these second fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c'' take the shape of flat spots that are radially oriented with respect to the axis A2 and extend radially with respect to the axis A2.

[0065] When the spring 1 is assembled to the bearing body 2, the protrusions 11c, 11c', and 11c'' are pressed against the flat spots 21c, 21c', and 21c'', respectively. In this structure, the first fixing elements 11, 11', and 11'' of the spring 1 are located and held on the outer circumference of the second fixing elements 21, 21', and 21'', particularly on the outer circumference of the second fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', and 21c''.

[0066] In other words, when the spring 1 is assembled to the bearing body 2, the first fixing elements 11, 11', and 11'' of the spring 1 are further from the second fixing elements 21, 21', and 21'' of the bearing body 2, and especially from the surfaces 21c, 21c', and 21c'', in the radial direction relative to one or the other of the axes A1 or A2.

[0067] To have an advantage, - The diameter of a large cylinder that is inscribed between first fixed surfaces (with the spring removed or in a free or unrestrained state) and in contact with these first surfaces, - For the diameter of a small cylinder circumscribed on the second fixed surface The ratio is less than 1, less than 0.99, or less than 0.98.

[0068] As a preference, each stud includes two half-studs 21a, 21b, 21a', 21b', 21a'', 21b''. Half-studs of the same stud are separated from each other by grooves 21e, 21e', 21e'' that extend at least substantially radially with respect to the second axis A2. For this purpose, each first fixing element 11, 11', 11'' of spring 1 includes a pair of projections 11c, 11c', 11c'' that cooperate with the pair of half-studs 21a, 21b, 21a', 21b', 21a'', 21b'' of the second fixing elements 21, 21', 21'' of bearing body 2.

[0069] The configuration of the protrusions and flat spots allows the spring 1 to be pre-pressed so that it can be held angularly with respect to the axis A2 of the bearing body 2. Furthermore, each half-stud 21a, 21b, 21a', 21b', 21a'', 21b'' includes a surface that extends the shoulder portion 210a, 210b, 210a', 210b', 210a'', i.e., perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A2. Such a configuration of the studs allows for axial holding of the pair of protrusions 11c, 11c', 11c'' of the spring.

[0070] In a particular embodiment of the bearing body 2 shown in the figure, especially in Figure 5, flat spots 21c, 21c', 21c'' are formed on the circumferential surface 27 of the bearing body 2 such that the first fixing elements 11, 11', 11'' of the spring 1 "protrude" around the bearing body 2 (when placed in the bearing body). In other words, the first fixing elements 11, 11', 11'' of the spring 1 are located and held on the outer circumference of the bearing body 2.

[0071] Of course, it is also perfectly possible to configure the bearing body 2 such that, when viewed from above, it has a portion of dimensions, particularly in diameter, that allows the spring 1 to be completely enclosed.

[0072] The connecting elements 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', 12e'' of spring 1 are each intended to be contained within openings or gaps 22, 22', 22'' of bearing body 2 provided between studs. As described above, each of these connecting elements takes the shape of two elastic blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e'', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', 12e'', which include several substantially straight and curved parts.

[0073] The effective length of the elastic blade can be maximized by positioning the first fixing element of the spring outside the second fixing element of the bearing body. For this purpose, each elastic leaf may include curved parts 12b, 12d, 12b', 12d', 12b'', 12d'' at one and / or the other end thereof, which allows for maximizing the effective length of each blade.

[0074] In a particular embodiment of the spring shown in the figure, the elastic blade has a fixed cross-section. The first fixing element has a cross-section substantially identical to that of the elastic blade, except for the area where the projection extends. Therefore, the boundary between the first fixing element and the connecting element is determined by the presence or absence of the projection. Nevertheless, the first fixing element may be without a projection. In such a case, the first fixing element may have a cross-section substantially identical to that of the connecting element. Alternatively, the projection may be replaced by a notch designed to cooperate with a projection formed on each of the studs of the bearing body.

[0075] When spring 1 is mounted on bearing body 2, the pressing elements 12c, 12c', and 12c'' come into contact with the bearing element 4, essentially providing an axial return force, which is determined in particular by the level of preload on spring 1 and especially by the overall configuration of the spring, specifically defined by the configuration of the first and second fixed elements of the spring and the configuration of the bearing body, respectively. This is made possible by the mobility of the pressing and connecting elements relative to the first fixed elements 11, 11', and 11''. More specifically, the configuration of the spring, particularly the blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', 12e'', allows for substantial rotational motion of the connecting and pressing elements around axes A12, A12', A12'', which are substantially positively radiated with respect to axes A1 and A2 and extend at the interface between the fixed and connecting elements, through the elastic deformation of the spring. These axes A12, A12', A12'' are shown in Figure 3. Thus, the pressing element axes 12c, 12c', 12c'' can move out of the plane passing through the first fixed elements 11, 11', 11''.

[0076] When element 6 or the tenon 61 of element 6 is subjected to impact, each pressing element and each connecting element of spring 1 can provide an elastic return force to elements 3, 4, and 5 within the bearing body 2, which is made possible by the mobility of the pressing elements and connecting elements relative to the first fixed element.

[0077] The combination of the effective length of the elastic blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', 12e'' and the cross-section of the elastic blades makes it possible to minimize the stiffness of the spring 1 with respect to the dimensions of the bearing body 2, and in particular to the dimensions or diameter of the portion to which the second fixed surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c'' extend.

[0078] Furthermore, the elastic blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', and 12e'' may include more curved parts in order to maximize their effective length.

[0079] The bearing body 2 advantageously includes means for mounting the spring 1 therein. The bearing body includes chamfers 28 on each end of the stud or half-stud to facilitate the passage of the first fixing element under each shoulder portion 210a, 210b, 210a', 210b', 210a'', 210b'' of the stud or half-stud.

[0080] The bearing body 2 advantageously includes means 21d, 21d', 21d'' for handling springs. These means include serrations 21d, 21d', 21d'' within the area of ​​the first fixed element, particularly between each of the protrusions provided on the first fixed element, that allow for the insertion of a tool intended for handling springs.

[0081] Of course, it is entirely possible to provide each first fixing element of the spring with a single, independent projection. The same applies to the second fixing elements of the bearing body, which may each include a single, independent stud instead of two half-studs.

[0082] In a particular design of the bearing 10, the mounting of the spring onto the bearing body may be of the "bayonet" type. At a first angular position of the spring relative to the bearing body, determined by shaft A1 or A2, the spring can be removed from the bearing body, and at a second angular position of the spring relative to the bearing body, determined by shaft A1 or A2, the spring can be fixed to the bearing body.

[0083] Depending on preference, blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', and 12e'' have a cross-section where the height measured parallel to axis A1 is greater than the width measured in a plane perpendicular to axis A1. Alternatively, blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a'', 12b'', 12d'', and 12e'' have a cross-section where the height measured parallel to axis A1 is smaller than the width measured in a plane perpendicular to axis A1.

[0084] Depending on preference, the second fixed surface may be substantially positioned on a cylindrical surface having a diameter equal to at least 1.5 times, at least 1.6 times, or at least 1.8 times the outer diameter of the receiving stone element 4 that the spring 1 is intended to press against.

[0085] The above-described solution makes it possible to minimize the stiffness of the spring, in particular, for a given cross-section and material of the spring. Specifically, thanks to the above-described solution, the stiffness of the spring can be less than 4 N / mm or less than 3 N / mm. To achieve this, a particular configuration of the spring includes an elastic portion in the shape of a blade, and the effective length of the blade is maximized with respect to a given dimension of the bearing body. The blade has the particular characteristic of extending both inside and outside the bearing body. This is made possible by the fact that the blade is adjacent to a first fixing element of the spring, which is located outside a second fixing element, for example, located on the outer circumference of the bearing body. Specifically, the first fixing element of the spring extends at least substantially in a positive arc with respect to the axis of the spring or the bearing body, outside the second fixing element of the bearing body.

[0086] Specifically, the solution relates to a spring comprising at least two elastic portions extending at least substantially radially with respect to the axis of the spring or bearing body, the elastic portions on both sides being formed in continuity with the first adhesive or fixing portion, which extends at least substantially radially with respect to the axis of the spring or bearing body and extends outside the second adhesive or fixing portion of the shock absorber body.

[0087] Such shock absorber bearing solutions have the advantage of providing an optimized mechanical response for a given shape and / or material of the spring. The stiffness of such springs is minimized and kept as constant as possible, regardless of the true motion. Finally, the installation / removal of such springs into / from the bearing body is particularly simple, simplifying the assembly schedule and after-sales service work for the shock absorber bearings.

[0088] In this specification, the surface orientation of a solid element is defined as the direction of a vector perpendicular to that surface, and the normal vector originates from the solid element at that surface.

[0089] In this specification, “fixed surface” preferably means a surface on which, when the spring is mounted on the bearing body, permanent contact occurs between the spring and the bearing body for as long as the spring remains mounted on the bearing body. When the spring is removed, the contact is lost.

[0090] In this specification, “at least substantially vertical” means “vertical or substantially vertical.”

[0091] In this specification, “at least substantially parallel” means “parallel or substantially parallel.”

[0092] In this specification, “at least substantially radial” means “radial or substantially radial.”

[0093] In this specification, “at least substantially in a positive arc” means “in a positive arc or substantially in a positive arc.” [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 spring 2 Bearing body 3. Mortise and tenon elements 4. Defensive Stone Element 5 Rings 6 true 11 First fixed element 11a 1st fixed surface 11b 1st fixed surface 11c Protrusion 12a Connecting element 12b Connecting elements 12c Pressing element 12d connected element 12e Connected Element 20 aperture 21 Second fixed element 61 mortise 99 Blank 100 Movements 200 clocks

Claims

1. A shock absorber spring (1) for a clock (200) that extends substantially within a plane (P1) and includes a first axis of symmetry (A1) perpendicular to the plane (P1), the spring including at least two first spring fixing elements (11, 11′, 11″), at least two pressing elements (12c, 12c′, 12c″) intended to press a receiving stone element (4), and at least two connecting elements (12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a′, 12b′, 12d′, 12e′, 12a″, 12b″, 12d″, 12e″) that mechanically connect the pressing elements to the first spring fixing elements, each of the first spring fixing elements including at least a first fixing surface (11a, 11b, 11a′, 11b′, 11a″, 11b″) that is at least substantially radial with respect to the first axis of symmetry (A1) and is directed toward the first axis of symmetry (A1), the spring being in the shape of a closed loop that closes on itself, and the at least two connecting elements being part of the closed loop, a shock absorber spring (1) for a clock (200).

2. The spring has a shape having at least substantially n-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the first axis of symmetry (A1), where n is a natural integer, The spring according to claim 1.

3. At least a portion (12a, 12e, 12a′, 12e′, 12a″, 12e″) of the at least two connecting elements extends at least substantially radially with respect to the first axis of symmetry (A1), and / or at least a portion (1, 12b, 12d, 12b′, 12d′, 12b″, 12d″) of the at least two connecting elements extends at least substantially orthoradially with respect to the first axis of symmetry (A1), The spring according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the first spring fixing elements includes at least one protrusion (11c, 11c′, 11c″), and the first fixing surface is formed on the protrusion, The spring according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A bearing including the spring according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a bearing body (2), the bearing body including a second axis of symmetry (A2) and at least two second spring fixing elements (21, 21′, 21″) for fixing the spring (1). Each of the second spring fixing elements includes at least one second fixing surface (21c, 21c', 21c'') that is directed at least substantially radially with respect to the second axis of symmetry and away from the second axis of symmetry, a bearing.

6. The bearing body has a shape having at least substantially n-th order rotational symmetry with respect to the second axis of symmetry (A2), where n is a natural integer. The bearing according to claim 5.

7. Each second fixing element includes a stud, and the second fixing surface is formed on the stud. . The bearing according to claim 5 or 6.

8. Each stud includes a groove that extends at least substantially radially with respect to the second axis of symmetry. The bearing according to claim 7.

9. A receiving stone element (4), and / or a pivot element (3), and / or a positioning ring (5) for positioning the receiving stone element and / or the pivot element. The bearing according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. The ratio of the diameter of the circle inscribed in the first fixing surface to the diameter of the circle circumscribed about the second fixing surface, where the spring is removed or in a free or unconstrained state. Is Less than 1 or less than 0.99 or less than 0.

98. The bearing according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. A timepiece mechanism (90) including the bearing according to any one of claims 5 to 10, or a spring according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. A timepiece movement (100) including the bearing according to any one of claims 5 to 10, or a spring according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or a mechanism according to claim 13.

13. A timepiece (200) including the movement according to claim 12, or the bearing according to any one of claims 5 to 10, or a spring according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or a mechanism according to claim 11. ​

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