Bearings for watch parts shafts

Abstract

The present invention provides a bearing that elastically dampens axial shocks. [Solution] The present invention relates to a bearing for the shaft of a watch component, comprising a bearing body 2 including a housing defined by a circumferential wall 20 of the bearing 1 forming a through hole 8, wherein the hole 8 includes a small restraint assembly 10 including a first elastic member 3, and an assembly 27 including a fluid storage space consisting of a second elastic member 6, a pivot element 5, and an end stone element 4, wherein the first elastic member is attached to the first opening 9a of the through hole 8 by being fixed to a through opening provided in the circumferential wall, the first member 3 is configured to elastically dampen at least axial shocks, and in the assembly 27, in this bearing, only the second elastic member of the assembly is fixed to the circumferential wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to bearings for the shafts of watch parts, particularly shock-absorbing bearings for the shafts of watch parts. The present invention also relates to a watch movement equipped with such a bearing. The present invention further relates to a watch provided with such a bearing and / or a watch movement.

Background Art

[0002] Among the parts used in watch parts, the shaft of a watch part generally has pivots at both ends that pivot within a bearing attached to an ebauche such as a plate or a bar. In some watch parts, particularly in templates, it is common to provide a shock-absorbing mechanism in the bearing. In fact, since the shaft pivots of these templates are generally thin and the weight of the template is relatively large, the pivots may be damaged by the impact without a shock-absorbing mechanism.

[0003] In the prior art, a conventional damper bearing generally includes a bearing such as a perforated stone having through holes that form axial and radial guide elements for the pivot. Such a stone is generally installed on a bearing support known as a setting, in which end stones are attached to form an axial stopper for the pivot. This setting is used to convert all or part of the radial impact into an axial impact. Such a setting is maintained against the back of the bearing body by elastic means, generally a spring damper, arranged to exert an axial restraint on the upper part of the end stone. This shaft pivot 28 is inserted into the through hole of the perforated stone. Such a bearing absorbs shock because the assembly formed by the setting, the perforated stone, and the end stone can move by the spring damper.

[0004] However, one of the main drawbacks of such bearings is their lack of robustness, particularly due to the deterioration or wear of the lubricant they contain over time, which alters their function and reduces their reliability. As a result, such bearings can no longer guarantee complete radial recentering of the balance shaft during shock, and such recentering is often random. The problem here lies in the fact that the movement's rate is measured at a given time T with a given shock-resistant configuration. After a shock, for example, due to incomplete recentering, the bearing configuration changes, and the previous rate setting is no longer optimal. In other words, since the position of the balance shaft directly affects the movement's rate, it is necessary to avoid this recentering defect for greater timekeeping stability. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a small bearing for watches that enables the rotation of watch component shafts to be repositioned very effectively at all times while ensuring lubrication under any circumstances.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing that enables the repeated positioning of the axis of a watch component.

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a bearing for the shaft of a watch component, comprising a bearing body including a housing separated by a bearing circumferential wall forming a through hole, wherein the hole includes a small restraint assembly including a first elastic member and an assembly including a fluid storage space comprising a second elastic member, a pivot element and an end stone element, the first elastic member being attached to the first opening of the through hole by being fixed to a through opening provided in the circumferential wall, the first member being configured to elastically dampen at least axial shocks, and In the aforementioned assembly, The second elastic member is positioned between the first elastic member and the second opening of the hole, and the second member is configured to elastically dampen at least radial impacts. The pivot element is provided to pivot the axis of the watch component, and is positioned in the central region of the second elastic member, facing a second opening into which the axis of the component can be inserted. The end stone element is inserted between the first and second elastic members and configured to receive the end of the shaft of the component, the end stone element includes a body integrally formed from a central portion and a peripheral portion, the central portion includes a first region for holding the body within the bearing body configured to engage with the first elastic member, In this bearing, only the second elastic member of the assembly is fixed to the peripheral wall.

[0008] In other embodiments, The central portion of the endstone element includes a cavity positioned opposite the pivot element, and the cross-section of the cavity has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the letter M. The central portion of the end stone element includes a cavity positioned opposite the pivot element, the cavity includes a flat receiving area for one end of the shaft, which is contained within the central portion of the cavity. The central portion of the end stone element includes a cavity positioned opposite the pivot element, the cavity being a recess having first and second walls, and including a recess surrounding the receiving region. The flat receiving region is positioned above the pivot element and partially covers its upper part, particularly the central part of the upper part. The recess is positioned above the pivot element and includes a first wall that partially covers its upper part, and in particular covers the peripheral portion of the upper part. The receiving region and the first wall of the recess form an acute angle, which is positioned opposite the second wall of the recess. The first and second walls of the recess form an obtuse angle, which is positioned opposite the pivot element and the second elastic member. The fluid storage space forms the interface between the end stone and the pivot element. In particular, the storage space for the lubricating fluid is defined between the upper part of the pivot element, the receiving region, and the first wall of the recess. The peripheral portion includes a second holding region for holding the body of the end stone element within the bearing body, and the second holding region is configured to abut the entire circumference of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member. The second holding region, under the force applied to the first holding region by the first elastic element, contacts only the peripheral portion of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member. The first holding region, the second holding region, and the receiving region are each contained within separate planes parallel to each other. The central portion and the peripheral portion form the upper and base portions of the endstone element, respectively. The end stone element is mounted to be movable in the axial direction within the through hole with respect to the rotation axis of the hole. The central portion of the end stone element is configured to be introduced into the first opening of the through hole when the watch component is subjected to impact, The peripheral portion of the end stone element includes a clearance region configured to engage with the first elastic member when the watch component is subjected to impact. The portion of the pivot element positioned within the cavity protrudes from the central region of the second elastic member, and the portion includes an outer surface positioned near the receiving region and the first wall of the cavity. The first elastic member is configured to deform substantially axially with respect to the rotation axis of the through hole, The first elastic member includes an element for fixing the first elastic member within the through hole, a restraining element intended to abut against a first holding region in the central part of the end stone element, and a connecting element connecting the restraining element and the fixing element. The second elastic member includes a portion that connects the second elastic member within the through hole and a portion that fixes the pivot element to the central region of the second elastic member, and the connecting portion and the fixing portion are connected by at least one elastic element of the second elastic member. The second elastic member is mounted so as to be fixed inside the bearing body. The second elastic member is configured to deform substantially radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the through hole, The bearing body, the through hole, the first and second elastic members, the end stone element, and the pivot element each have a rotation axis that coincides with the central axis of the bearing. The end stone element is made of a transparent or translucent material. The receiving region is flat and polished.

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

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a watch equipped with such a watch movement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

[0012] Figure 1-4 shows an embodiment of bearing 1 for the shaft of a watch component. Such a watch component and this bearing 1 can be part of a watch mechanism within a watch movement, such as an electromechanical movement or a mechanical movement. This movement is included in watches, particularly wristwatches. Note that the watch mechanism may be a spring-loaded balance oscillator with a balance wheel and hairspring.

[0013] This bearing 1, also known as a "watch bearing", "shock-absorbing bearing" or "damper bearing", is particularly suitable for pivoting a shaft, particularly a shaft pivot 32, and for ensuring the lubrication of this shaft pivot 32. This shaft pivot 32 is the end 32 of this shaft or the end portion 32 of such a shaft. Such a shaft 28 is preferably made of metal, ceramic or glass. This shaft is also called a "rotating shaft", "pivot shaft" or "arbor", and can be the shaft of a watch part, also called a "rotatable moving shaft" such as a pivot shank in a template, when the watch mechanism is a pendulum.

[0014] Such a bearing 1 is effectively configured to guide the rotation of the shaft of the watch part and / or to stop the translational movement of the shaft and / or to ensure the lubrication of this shaft, particularly the part of this shaft disposed in the bearing 1.

[0015] It should be noted that the rotation guide of this shaft is realized around the central axis A1 of this bearing 1, i.e., the axis A1 of the mounted bearing. In particular, such a bearing 1 helps to limit the axial and / or radial translational movement of this shaft of the watch part with respect to the axis A1.

[0016] It is understood that the guidance of the shaft 28 of this watch part is linked to the movement of this part with respect to the axis A1. In this context, these movements are restricted by this bearing 1 in axial and / or radial translation.

[0017] Such a bearing 1 is designed to be assembled or mounted on a bar, such as an ebauche (base part) of a watch movement, for example a template holder or a plate. Alternatively, the bearing 1 can also be formed directly on the body of a plate or a bar, for example by machining.

[0018] Referring to Figure 4, the bearing 1 comprises a bearing body 2 configured to receive a miniature assembly 10. The components of the miniature assembly 10 include a first elastic member 3 and an assembly 27 containing a fluid storage space 33 or fluid reservoir, particularly a fluid 31 such as lubricating oil. This assembly 27 includes a second elastic member 6, a pivot element 5, and an end stone element 4. In this assembly 27, the storage space 33 forms an interface or joint between the end stone element 4 and the pivot element 5. In other words, this storage space 33 for the fluid 31 forms an interface between the receiving region 25 on the axial pivot 32 of the end stone element 4 and the upper part 30 of the pivot member 5. It should be noted that this storage space 33 is defined by the presence of the fluid 31 sealed within this space 33. Thus, it is understood that this storage space 33, or the fluid 31 stored therein, forms this interface, or single interface, between the end stone element 4 and the pivot element 5 in this bearing 1.

[0019] In other words, the fluid 31 contained in this storage space 33 forms this interface or single interface between the endstone element 4 and the pivot element 5. More specifically, the fluid contained in this storage space 33 is - A common boundary between endstone element 4 and pivot element 5, or defining a common boundary, or constituting a common boundary, - A common boundary between the receiving area 25 of the axial pivot 32 of the end stone element 4 and the upper part 30 of the pivot element 5, or defining a common boundary, or constituting a common boundary, -or, a common boundary between the receiving region 25, the first wall 29a of the recess 26, and the upper surface 30 of the pivot element 5, or defining a common boundary, or constituting a common boundary, -A surface that separates the two endstone elements 4 and the pivot 5, defining the surface or constituting the surface, or - A surface that separates the receiving region 25 from the axial pivot 32 of the end stone element 4 and the upper part 30 of the pivot element 5, or defines the surface, or constitutes the surface, - A surface that separates the receiving region 25, the first wall 29a of the recess 26, and the upper part 30 of the pivot element 5, or defines or constitutes a surface.

[0020] The bearing body 2 includes a housing in which the assembly is placed. Such a housing is defined by the circumferential wall 20 of the bearing so as to form a through hole 8. Referring to Figure 3, such a through hole 8, also called a “central through hole,” extends in a direction parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation A2 of the bearing body 2, also called the block axis.

[0021] This through hole 8 has a first opening 9a and a second opening 9b at both ends. It should be noted that the cross-section of the first opening 9a is preferably larger than the cross-section of the second opening 9b. As will be described later, the first opening 9a is configured to be involved in attaching the first elastic member 3 to the through hole 8, and the second opening 9b is configured to allow the shaft of a watch component to be introduced into this same hole 8.

[0022] In this bearing body 2, the through hole 8 contains a rotational axis A3, also known as the axis of the hole 8, which coincides with the central axis A1 of the bearing 1. Such a through hole 8 has a rotational geometric shape around this axis A3 that forms the housing of the bearing body 2. Note that this housing corresponds to the volume defined within the bearing body 2 by the peripheral wall 20 of the through hole 8, as shown in Figure 4. Thus, in this configuration, such a housing extends between the first and second openings 9a, 9b that form part of such a bed.

[0023] In this bearing 1, the through-hole 8 is configured to receive, or to be involved in the positioning or mounting of a miniature assembly 10 into the bearing body 2. In this configuration, the miniature assembly 10 includes mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b intended to engage with the inner surface 24 of the peripheral wall 20 of the through-hole 8 to ensure the positioning of the miniature assembly 10 within the bearing body 2. Such mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b are contained within / on the first elastic member 3 and the second elastic member 6 of the assembly 10. In one variation, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b are contained only within / on the first and second elastic members 3 and 6. In other words, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b are the only parts of the miniature assembly 10 that perform / ensure mounting to the bearing body 2 in order to form the bearing 1. As can be seen below, these mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b engage with the bearing body 2 by contacting and / or being fixed to the bearing body 2.

[0024] In this assembly, the pivot element 5, the end stone element 4, the first elastic member 3, and the second elastic member 6 each have central axes A4, A5, A6, and A7, respectively. These axes, referred to as A4, A5, A6, and A7, coincide with the axes A1, A2, and A7 of the bearing 1, the bearing body 2, and the through hole 8, respectively, when the miniature assembly 10 is mounted on the bearing body 2.

[0025] Therefore, as described above, this miniature assembly 10 consists of a first elastic member 3 and an assembly 27 having this storage space 33 for the fluid 31.

[0026] The first elastic member 3 is, for example, an elastic element such as a return spring, and is designed to elastically return the end jewel element 4 after substantial axial shocks to the watch, particularly the watch movement, and to properly reposition the axis of the watch component in the axial direction within the hole 8 of the bearing body 2. In other words, the first elastic member 3 is configured to deform essentially axially with respect to the rotation axis A3 of the through hole 8. More specifically, this first member 3 is configured to always reposition the axis of the watch component in the axial direction to the same point, and is designed to substantially absorb axial shocks. Thus, it is understood that this mechanism 3 is configured to axially position the axis of the watch component in the initial or stationary position with respect to the reference rotation axis A3 in the event of such shocks.

[0027] Such a first elastic member 3 is attached to or fixed to the bearing body 2. More specifically, this first elastic member 3 is attached to the first opening 9a of the through hole 8. For this purpose, this first elastic member 3 comprises at least one connecting element 11c, at least one restraining element 11b, and at least one fixing element 11a, which are connected.

[0028] More specifically, the member 3 includes a fixing element 11a, also called a “mounting element,” configured to be positioned in an opening 12 formed in the portion of the peripheral wall 20 located at the first opening 9a of the hole 8. Referring to Figure 4, this first member 3 comprises two fixing elements 11a. Each fixing element 11a is configured to be positioned in the corresponding opening 12 of the peripheral wall 20 in order to participate in the mounting of the first elastic member 3 to the hole 8. It should be noted that these fixing elements 11a are part of the aforementioned mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b of the assembly 10 within the bearing body 2.

[0029] The first elastic member 3 further comprises restraining elements 11b that contact the end stone element 4 of the assembly 27. More specifically, the restraining elements 11b are intended to abut against a first retaining region provided on the outer surface 14b of the central portion 13a of the end stone element 4, particularly at the upper part 13d of the end stone element 4. These restraining elements 11b are configured to apply essentially axial restoring forces, in particular axial elastic forces, to the end stone element 4. Referring to Figure 4, the first elastic member 3 preferably comprises two restraining elements 11b.

[0030] The first elastic member 3 also includes a connecting element 11c that connects the restraining element 11b and the fixed element 11a. As shown in Figure 4, there are two of these connecting elements 11c in the first elastic member 3. These connecting elements 11c define the space in which the upper part 13d of the end stone element 4 can be placed.

[0031] In the assembly 27 of this miniature assembly 10, the end stone element 4 is designed to receive the shaft pivot 32 (or the end 32 of the shaft 28 of the corresponding watch component at the pivot end) or to constitute a stopper for the end 32 of the shaft 28. In the through hole 8, the end stone element 4 is inserted between the first elastic member 3 and the second elastic member 6. Such an end stone element 4 is mounted in the through hole 8 so as to be movable in the axial and radial directions with respect to the rotation axis A3 of the through hole 8.

[0032] The end stone element 4 preferably includes a transparent or translucent monoblock body. This body consists of a central portion 13a and a peripheral portion 13b, as well as an inner surface 14a and an outer surface 14b. Note that in this element 4, the central portion 13a is surrounded by the peripheral portion 13b. Such an end stone element 4 includes a hook release region 13c connecting the central portion 13a and the peripheral portion 13b, which can be seen on the outer surface 14b of the element 4, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this configuration, the central portion 13a and the peripheral portion 13b constitute the upper portion 13d and the base portion 13b of the end stone element 4, respectively.

[0033] On the inner surface 14a of this endstone element 4, the central portion 13a has a cavity 15 facing the pivot element 5, as shown in Figure 3. It should be noted that such a cavity 15 can be formed by machining, particularly by conventional machining using diamond tools or by laser machining. As will be described later, this cavity 15 is configured to receive / accommodate a portion of the pivot element 5. Such a cavity 15 has a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to the letter M.

[0034] More specifically, such a cavity 15 is -The cavity 15 includes a receiving area 25 for the axial pivot 32 located on the back surface 16, and / or - The receiving region 25 is included in a part of the inner surface 14a located in the central part 13a of the end stone element 4, and / or - The receiving region 25 is flat, and / or -The receiving area 25 is preferably polished, and / or - The receiving region 25 is preferably perpendicular to axes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, or perpendicular to the pivot axis, and / or - The receiving region 25 is located in the central region of the portion of the inner surface 14a located in the central part 13a, and / or -This receiving area 25 is provided with a recess 26 surrounding it, and / or - The recess 26 extends to the portion of the inner surface 14a located in the central part 13a around the receiving area 25.

[0035] The receiving region 25 and the recess 26 form a relief-like back surface 16 within the cavity 15. More specifically, the recess 26 consists of two inner walls 29a and 29b. These first wall 29a and second wall 29b are adjacent and preferably form an obtuse angle. This angle is positioned facing the pivot element 5 and the second elastic member 6.

[0036] In this configuration, the first wall 29a forms an acute angle α between it and the receiving region 25, which is between 0 and 45 degrees, preferably 25 degrees. This angle α is positioned opposite the second wall 29b.

[0037] In this assembly 27, the receiving region 25 is positioned above the pivot element 5 and partially covers its upper part 30, in particular the central part of this upper part 30 including the central hole 17 of the pivot element 5. The entire region 25 covers the central part of this upper part 30. The first wall 29a itself is positioned above the pivot element 5 and partially covers its upper part 30, in particular the peripheral part of this upper part 30.

[0038] In this configuration, it should be noted that the fluid 31 flows from the storage space 33 to the central hole 17 in order to maintain continuous / permanent / constant lubrication of the axial pivot 32 located in the through hole 17. Preferably, the hole 17 is the sole area for the flow, discharge, or transmission of fluid from the storage space 33.

[0039] Furthermore, in such an assembly 27, the upper part 30 of the pivot element 5, the receiving region 25, and the first wall 29a of the recess 26 are configured to define a storage space 33 for the lubricating fluid 31. More specifically, the relative arrangement of the upper part 30, the receiving region 25, and the first wall 29a helps to ensure that the lubricating fluid 31 is retained in this space by a combination of a physicochemical phenomenon called surface tension resulting from the intermolecular interactions of the lubricating fluid 31 and interaction phenomena occurring at the interface between the lubricating fluid 31 and the surfaces that come into contact with the fluid in the upper part 30 of the pivot element 5, the receiving region 25, and the first wall 29a of the recess 26, respectively.

[0040] Therefore, it is understood that the configuration of the surfaces of the upper part 30 of the pivot element 5, the receiving region 25, and the first wall 29a of the recess 26 between them allows these surfaces to work together with the fluid 31 to produce such a phenomenon, which contributes to retaining the fluid 31 within the storage space 33. More specifically, the relative orientation between these surfaces, as well as the spacing E defined between the surface of the upper part 30 and the portion of the inner surface 14a consisting of the receiving region 25 and the first wall 29a, allows these surfaces to work together with the fluid 31 to produce such a phenomenon. In particular, it should be noted that this spacing E increases from the central hole 17 of the pivot element 5 toward its periphery. In other words, this spacing E increases as you move radially away from its axis A4 through the central hole 17 of the pivot element 5 toward its periphery.

[0041] The fluid 31 held in the storage space 33 in this manner contributes to ensuring continuous / permanent / sustainable lubrication of the shaft pivot 32 located within the assembly 27. Furthermore, it should be noted that the storage space 33 can accommodate the fluid 31 even when there is a change in the volume of this space that may occur due to the displacement of the shaft within the assembly 27 when the watch is subjected to an impact.

[0042] As described above, the central portion indicated by reference numeral 13a comprises an upper portion 13d and a cavity 15 provided on the outer surface 14b and inner surface 14a of the endstone element 4, respectively. The upper portion 13d is configured to be introduced into the first elastic member 3, in particular into a space defined within this member, defined by the connecting member 11c of the first elastic member 3, especially in the event of substantially axial impacts that the watch may be subjected to.

[0043] The peripheral portion 13b comprises a support base 13e and clearance regions 13f provided on the inner surface 14a and outer surface 14b of the end stone element 4, respectively. The support base 13e includes a second region 23a for holding the end stone element 4. This holding region 23a is configured to directly contact the peripheral portion of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member 6. On the inner surface 14a, this holding region 23a is connected to the second wall 29b of the recess 26 via a connecting portion 23b. This connecting portion 23b forms an acute angle with the holding region 23a and is positioned opposite the pivot element 5 and the second elastic member 6.

[0044] Such a connection portion 23b also forms an obtuse angle with respect to the second wall 29b and the pivot member 5 and the second elastic member 6.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second retaining region 23a is configured to directly contact the entire periphery of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member 6. This second retaining region 23a is preferably flat. In this configuration, the second retaining region 23a is affected by the force applied by the first elastic member 3 to the first retaining region of the endstone element, particularly the axial force, and contacts only this periphery of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member 6.

[0046] The clearance region 13f is configured to engage with the first elastic member 3 when the watch is subjected to an impact. Specifically, such a clearance region 13f is defined on a portion of the outer surface 14b of the end stone element 4 located in the peripheral portion 13b. In this configuration, the clearance region 13f can engage with the connecting element 11c and the fixing element 11a to limit the axial displacement of the axis of the watch component in the event of an impact, particularly a strong, substantially axial impact.

[0047] Such endstone elements 4 may be endstones made of, for example, synthetic or other precious stones, single-crystal or polycrystalline materials such as ruby ​​or zirconia, metals or silicon-based materials (single-crystal or polycrystalline silicon, its oxides, its nitrides or carbides, likewise single-crystal or polycrystalline). If the endstone element 4 is a mineral, its body has a hardness of 7 or higher, preferably 9 or higher, on the Mohs hardness scale. If the endstone element 4 is a metal, its hardness, as measured on the Vickers scale, is between 150 HV and 450 HV, preferably between 200 HV and 390 HV.

[0048] It should be noted that the end stone 4 is preferably transparent or translucent, in particular, so that the amount of lubricating fluid 31 present in the reservoir forming assembly 27 can be easily controlled through the first opening 9a of the bearing 1.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3, it should be noted that in this endstone element 4, the first and second holding regions and the receiving region 25 are formed between separate planes P1, P2, and P3 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. These planes P1, P2, and P3 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to axes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, and A7.

[0050] In this assembly 27, the pivot element 5 is designed to pivot the axis of a watch component. The pivot element 5 has a central hole 17 for receiving the axis of the watch component, particularly the end 32 of the axis. The pivot element 5 is detachably positioned in the central region of the second elastic member 6, facing the second opening 9b, so that the axis of the watch component can be introduced into the through hole 8. Such a pivot element 5 has an upper surface 18a, a side surface 18b, and a lower surface 18c, the side surface 18b connecting the upper surface 18a and the lower surface 18c. In this configuration, the upper surface 18a of the element 5 faces the inner surface 14a of the end stone element 4, and the lower surface 18c faces the second opening 9b. More specifically, the pivot element 5 includes a portion that protrudes from the second elastic member 6, which is located within the cavity 15 of the end stone element 4, with the upper surface 18a located near the receiving region 25 of this cavity 15.

[0051] Such pivot element 5 is also called a "bearing" and may conventionally be a ring made from synthetic precious stone, or ruby ​​or zirconia, silicon-based material (single crystal or polycrystalline silicon, its oxides, its nitrides or carbides, similarly single crystal or polycrystalline), or metallic material.

[0052] In this assembly 27, the second elastic member 6 is positioned and fixedly mounted within the through-hole 8, i.e., the bearing body 2. Within the through-hole 8, the second elastic member 6 is positioned on a shoulder 19 provided on the circumferential wall 20 of the hole 8. It should be noted that this shoulder 19 is located behind the opening 9a and perpendicular to the surface of the circumferential wall 20. Furthermore, such a shoulder 19 ensures that the second elastic member 6 is properly mounted in the bearing body 2 and that the central axis A7 of the second member 6 aligns with the axis A1 of the bearing 2. In this assembly 10, the second elastic member 6 is configured to deform essentially radially with respect to the rotation axis A3 of the through-hole 8. In other words, the second member 6 is configured to always radially recenter the axis of the watch component to the same point and is designed to absorb radial shocks.

[0053] More specifically, the second elastic member 6 comprises a portion 21a that connects to the peripheral wall 20 of the through hole 8 and a portion 21b that fixes the pivot element 5 in the central region of the member 6, and the connecting portion 21a and the fixing portion 21b are connected by at least one elastic element 21c of the member 6. The connecting portion 21a and the fixing portion 21b are rigid parts of the member 6 compared to the elastic member 21c. These connecting portion 21a and the fixing portion 21b have the ability to deform elastically when restrained.

[0054] The at least one elastic member 21c is configured to ensure radial deformation of the second elastic member 6 by controlling the displacement that occurs when the movement is subjected to an impact, by controlling the displacement that occurs when the fixing portion 21b is subjected to the connecting portion 21a. In other words, the elastic member 21c is configured to respond to an impact by positioning the connecting member 21a, the pivot member 5, or the axis of the watch component radially with respect to the reference rotation axis A3 at an initial position or a stationary position.

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

[0056] The connecting portion 21a forms the outer circumferential wall of the second elastic member 6. In this configuration, when the second elastic member 6 is installed in the through hole 8, the outer circumferential wall, i.e., the side surface 22a of the connecting portion 21a, abuts against all or part of the circumferential wall 20 of the hole 8. In fact, the connecting portion 21a is configured to deform elastically when the second elastic member 6 is inserted into the through hole 8. Therefore, the connecting portion 21a can abut against the circumferential wall 20 of the hole 8 from its side surface 22a. For example, the second elastic member 6 can be inserted into the through hole 8 by driving it in.

[0057] Furthermore, the connecting portion 21a includes a contact surface 22b configured to engage with a shoulder portion 19 provided in the through hole 8. In the above example, it should be noted that the second elastic member 6 is inserted into the through hole 8 by being driven in until it abuts against the shoulder portion 19 of the through hole 8 via the contact surface 22b of the connecting portion 21a. Note that this contact surface 22b is included in the flat lower surface of the second elastic member 6.

[0058] Therefore, it is understood that such a connection portion 21a allows the fixed second elastic member 6 to be fitted / attached to the through hole 8. In other words, the connection portion 21a helps to fix or hold the second elastic member 6 in place so as to be strong enough to avoid relative axial, radial and / or angular displacement of the second member 6 with respect to the axis of rotation A3 of the hole 8.

[0059] Furthermore, this connecting portion 21a is part of the mounting areas 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b of the small assembly 10 in the bearing body 2. That is, these mounting portions 11a, 21a, 22a, and 22b are provided with a contact surface 22b and a side surface 22a of the connecting portion 21a.

[0060] The connection portion 21a also includes a support surface 22c that forms / includes a periphery of a flat upper surface, which is configured to engage with a second retaining region 23a of the endstone element 4. In fact, the base 13b of the endstone element 4 is designed to be supported by direct contact with this support surface 22c. In the connection portion 21a, this support surface 22c is positioned above or perpendicularly aligned with the contact surface 22b. This support surface 22c is also substantially parallel to the contact surface 22b.

[0061] As described above, the second elastic member 6 also includes a fixing portion 21b for fixing the pivot element 5 in the central region of the second member 6. This fixing portion 21b includes the inner circumferential wall 34 of the second elastic member 6. The pivot element 5 may be a portion attached to the second elastic member 6, configured such that its side surface 18b is fully or partially attached to the inner circumferential wall 34. Such a connection can be made by driving, bonding, or soldering. Note that the surface of the inner circumferential wall 34 includes protrusions / recesses that contribute to the fixing of the pivot element 5 in the central region of the second member 6.

[0062] In one modified configuration, the pivot element 5 can be formed from the same material as the fixed portion 21b, thereby becoming an integral part of the second member 6. In this configuration, the central region of the second member 6 is considered to be formed by the pivot element 5.

[0063] This second elastic member 6 may be manufactured by microfabrication. For example, for member 6 containing silicon, a deep reactive ion etching method (commonly known by its abbreviation "DRIE") may be used, or for member 6 containing nickel, a LIGA method such as UV-LIGA may be used.

[0064] Accordingly, the bearing 1 of the present invention has a smaller / reduced scale compared to conventional bearings without affecting the function of the bearing 1. This miniaturization is achieved in particular by the miniaturized assembly 10 formed by the first and second elastic members 3, 6 and the end stone element and pivot element 4, 5. More specifically, this is achieved by the unique shape of the end stone element 4, such that the central portion 13a of the element 4, specifically the upper portion 13d, is shaped to allow movement within the first opening 9a of the through hole 8 of the bearing body 2; the base portion 13b is shaped to allow direct contact with the flat upper surface of the second elastic member 6 vertically on the shoulder portion 19; the presence of a cavity 15 in the inner surface 14a of the end stone element 4, where a portion of the pivot element 5 can be placed; the unique shape of the recess 26 configured to ensure an appropriate amount of lubrication under all operating / shock conditions of the movement; and by positioning the pivot element 5 in the central region of the second elastic member 6 such that a portion of the body of the element 5 is contained within the thickness of the second elastic member 6.

[0065] In this bearing 1, the end stone element 4 abuts against the upper surface of the second elastic member 6, and under the action of the restraining element 11b abutting against the upper part 13d of the end stone element 4, applies only an axial elastic force to the entire circumference of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member 6. This force is then applied vertically to the shoulder portion 19 of the through hole 8 to the support surface 22c that forms the entire circumference, by the holding region 23a of the end stone element 4. In this context, it is understood that the end stone element 4 does not abut against the peripheral wall 20.

[0066] Furthermore, a “substantially axial” impact is understood to be a “strictly axial” or “essentially axial” or “partially axial” impact. Similarly, a “substantially radial” impact is understood to be a “strictly radial” or “essentially radial” or “partially radial” impact.

[0067] Furthermore, in this specification, “substantially parallel” means “strictly parallel or essentially parallel.”

[0068] Therefore, this type of bearing 1 helps ensure axial and radial recentering / repositioning of the axis of the watch component in the resting position after the watch is subjected to shock or acceleration, without adversely affecting the lubrication of the pivot of the axis.

Claims

1. A bearing (1) for the shaft of a watch component, comprising a bearing body (2) including a housing defined by a bearing circumferential wall (20) forming a through hole (8), wherein the through hole (8) includes a small restraint assembly (10) including a first elastic member (3), and an assembly (27) including a storage space (33) for a fluid (31) consisting of a second elastic member (6), a pivot element (5), and an end stone element (4), wherein the first elastic member (3) is attached to a first opening (9a) of the through hole (8) by being fixed to a through opening provided in the circumferential wall, and the first elastic member (3) is configured to elastically dampen at least axial shocks. In the assembly (27), The second elastic member (6) is positioned between the first elastic member (3) and the second opening (9b) of the through hole (8), and the second elastic member (6) is configured to elastically dampen at least radial impacts. The pivot element (5) is configured to pivot the axis of the watch component, and is positioned in the central region of the second elastic member (6) so as to face the second opening (9b) into which the axis of the watch component can be inserted into the through hole (8), and The end stone element (4) is inserted between the first and second elastic members (3, 6) and is configured to receive the end (32) of the shaft of the watch component, and the end stone element (4) includes a body integrally formed from a central portion (13a) and a peripheral portion (13b), the central portion (13a) includes a first region for holding the body within the bearing body (2) configured to engage with the first elastic member (3), In the bearing described above, only the second elastic member (6) of the assembly (10) is fixed to the peripheral wall (20), the bearing (1).

2. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central portion (13a) of the end stone element (4) includes a cavity (15) positioned opposite the pivot element (5), and the cross-section of the cavity (15) has a substantially M-shaped form.

3. The central portion (13a) of the end stone (4) includes a cavity (15) positioned opposite the pivot element (5), The aforementioned cavity (15) is A flat receiving region (25) for one end (32) of the shaft (28) included in the central part (13a) of the cavity (15), and A recess (26) comprising a first wall (29a) and a second wall (29b), the recess (26) surrounding the receiving region (25) The bearing (1) according to claim 1, including the bearing (1) described in claim 1.

4. The central portion (13a) of the end stone (4) includes a cavity (15) positioned opposite the pivot element (5), The aforementioned cavity (15) is A flat receiving region (25) for one end (32) of the shaft (28) contained in the central part (13a) of the cavity (15), the flat receiving region (25) positioned above the pivot element (5) and partially covering its upper part (30), and in particular covering the central part of the upper part (30), and A recess (26) comprising a first wall (29a) and a second wall (29b), the recess (26) surrounding the receiving region (25) The bearing (1) according to claim 1, including the bearing (1) described in claim 1.

5. The central portion (13a) of the end stone (4) includes a cavity (15) positioned opposite the pivot element (5), The aforementioned cavity (15) is A flat receiving region (25) for one end (32) of the shaft (28) included in the central part (13a) of the cavity (15), and A recess (26) surrounding the receiving region (25), comprising a first wall (29a) and a second wall (29b), the recess (26) being positioned above the pivot element (5) and partially covering its upper part (30), particularly the peripheral part of the upper part (30), including the first wall (29a). The bearing (1) according to claim 1, including the bearing (1) described in claim 1.

6. The central portion (13a) of the end stone (4) includes a cavity (15) positioned opposite the pivot element (5), The aforementioned cavity (15) is A flat receiving region (25) for one end (32) of the shaft (28) included in the central part (13a) of the cavity (15), and A recess (26) surrounding the receiving region (25), comprising a first wall (29a) and a second wall (29b), wherein the receiving region (25) and the first wall (29a) of the recess (26) form an acute angle (α) positioned opposite the second wall (29b) of the recess (26). The bearing (1) according to claim 1, including the bearing (1) described in claim 1.

7. The central portion (13a) of the end stone (4) includes a cavity (15) positioned opposite the pivot element (5), The aforementioned cavity (15) is A flat receiving region (25) for one end (32) of the shaft (28) included in the central part (13a) of the cavity (15), and A recess (26) surrounding the receiving region (25), comprising a first wall (29a) and a second wall (29b), wherein the first wall (29a) and the second wall (29b) of the recess (26) form an obtuse angle positioned opposite the pivot element (5) and the second elastic member (6). The bearing (1) according to claim 1, including the bearing (1) described in claim 1.

8. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the storage space (33) for the fluid (31) forms the interface between the end stone element (4) and the pivot element (5).

9. The central portion (13a) of the end stone (4) includes a cavity (15) positioned opposite the pivot element (5), The aforementioned cavity (15) is A flat receiving region (25) for one end (32) of the shaft (28) included in the central part (13a) of the cavity (15), A recess (26) comprising a first wall (29a) and a second wall (29b), the recess (26) surrounding the receiving region (25) Includes, The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing includes a storage space (33) for fluid (31), particularly for lubricating fluid, defined between the upper part (30) of the pivot element (5), the receiving region (25), and the first wall (29a) of the recess (26).

10. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion (13b) includes a second holding region (23a) for holding the body of the end stone element (4) within the bearing body (2), and the second holding region (23a) is configured to abut the entire circumference of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member (6).

11. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion (13b) includes a second retaining region (23a) for holding the body of the end stone element (4) within the bearing body (2), the second retaining region (23a) is configured to abut the entire circumference of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member (6), and the second retaining region (23a) abuts only the peripheral portion of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member (6) under the action of a force applied to the first retaining region by the first elastic element (3).

12. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion (13b) includes a second retaining region (23a) for holding the body of the end stone element (4) within the bearing body (2), the second retaining region (23a) is configured to abut the entire circumference of the flat upper surface of the second elastic member (6), and the first retaining region, the second retaining region, and the receiving region (25) are each contained within separate planes (P1, P2, P3) that are parallel to each other.

13. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central portion (13a) and the peripheral portion (13b) form the upper portion (13d) and base portion (13b) of the end stone element (4), respectively.

14. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the end stone element (4) is movably mounted in the axial direction within the through hole (8) with respect to the rotation axis (A3) of the through hole (8).

15. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central portion (13a) of the end stone element (4) is configured to be inserted into the first opening (9a) of the through hole (8) when the watch component is subjected to an impact.

16. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion (13b) of the end stone element (4) includes a clearance region (13f) configured to engage with the first elastic member (3) when the watch component is subjected to an impact.

17. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the pivot element (5) disposed within the cavity (15) protrudes from the central region of the second elastic member (6), and the portion includes an outer surface (18a) disposed near the receiving region (25) and the first wall (29a) of the cavity (15).

18. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member (3) is configured to deform substantially axially with respect to the rotation axis (A3) of the through hole (8).

19. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member (3) includes an element (11a) for fixing the first elastic member (3) within the through hole (8), a restraining element (11b) for contacting a first region that maintains the central portion (13a) of the end stone element (4), and a connecting element (11c) for connecting the restraining element (11b) and the fixing element (11a) to each other.

20. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second elastic member (6) includes a connecting portion (21a) of the second elastic member (6) within the through hole (8) and a fixing portion (21b) of the pivot element (5) in the central region of the second elastic member (6), and the connecting portion (21a) and the fixing portion (21b) are connected to each other by at least one elastic element (21c) of the second elastic member (6).

21. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second elastic member (6) is mounted so as to be fixed within the bearing body (2).

22. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second elastic member (6) is configured to deform substantially radially with respect to the rotation axis (A3) of the through hole (8).

23. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing body (2), the through hole (8), the first elastic member (3) and the second elastic member (6), the end stone element (4) and the pivot element (5) have rotational axes (A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7) that coincide with the central axis (A1) of the bearing (1).

24. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the end stone element (4) is made of a transparent or translucent material.

25. The bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving region (25) is flat and polished.

26. A watch movement comprising a bearing (1) for the shaft of a watch component as described in claim 1.

27. A clock comprising a clock movement having a bearing (1) for the shaft of a clock component as described in claim 1.

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