Watch shock absorber spring, bearing body, and bearing

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 timepiece. The present invention relates to a bearing body for a timepiece. The present invention relates to a timepiece bearing comprising said shock absorber spring and / or said bearing body. The present invention also relates to a timepiece mechanism comprising said shock absorber spring and / or said bearing and / or said bearing body. The present invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising said shock absorber spring and / or said bearing body and / or said bearing and / or said mechanism. The present invention further relates to a timepiece comprising said shock absorber spring and / or said bearing body and / or said bearing and / or said mechanism and / or said timepiece movement. [Background technology]

[0002] There are many solutions for shock absorber bearings for watches, particularly those intended for pivoting balance stems. Such bearings usually include a bearing body, a perforated bearing jewel, a jewel, a locating ring that positions the jewel and the jewel within the bearing body, and a spring located at the interface between the bearing body and the jewel to dampen the movement of the stem in the event of a shock experienced by the watch and to return the stem to its initial position after the shock.

[0003] The spring of the shock absorber bearing may be formed, for example, into a closed loop, with a pressing portion that contacts the stone and projects inward from the spring, and an attachment portion that projects outward from the spring to be received in an internal groove of the bearing body. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,623,999, 5,799,925 and 5,799,945 disclose various alternative embodiments of such closed loop springs.

[0004] Alternatively, the spring of the shock absorber bearing may have an open shape, in which case the spring has an appendage in the form of a handle located at its end and protruding outward from the spring. For example, US Pat. No. 5,623,499, US Pat. No. 5,623,499 and US Pat. No. 5,623,499 disclose various alternative embodiments of such open-loop springs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 705583 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 3011396 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 3220211 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 1705537 [Patent Document 5] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 708733 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 3070544 [Patent Document 7] French Patent Application Publication No. 1532798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a shock absorber spring and / or bearing body and / or bearing that allows improving the devices known from the prior art. In particular, the 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 make the load applied to the jewel as constant as possible, in order to adapt the mechanical response of the shock absorber bearing to the allowable stresses on the spur and more particularly on its pivot, especially when the material is prone to be modified and / or the conventional dimensions of the spur are prone 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 described in claim 2 to 4 is defined as follows.

[0011] The bearing according to the present invention is as follows: 5 is defined as follows.

[0012] Various embodiments of the bearing are defined in the claims 6 to 10 is defined as follows.

[0013] The timepiece mechanism according to the invention is 11 is defined as follows.

[0014] The clock movement according to the present invention is 12 is defined as follows.

[0015] The timepiece according to the present invention is 13 is defined as follows.

[0016] The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, an embodiment of a watch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a watch. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed top view of one embodiment of the bearing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the bearing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed top view of one embodiment of the spring. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of the bearing body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] One embodiment of a watch 200 is described below with reference to FIGS.

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

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

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

[0022] The clock movement includes a clock mechanism 90 .

[0023] The clock mechanism comprises a clock bearing 10. Preferably, the clock mechanism comprises two clock bearings 10 intended to guide an element 6 at its two ends. The mechanism is, for example, a clock oscillator, and comprises, for example, a balance wheel and a spiral spring. Alternatively, the mechanism is, for example, an oscillator in the form of a monolithic structure, i.e. an inertial element formed integrally with one or more elastic return members. Preferably, the bearing is suitable in particular for pivoting a stud made of ceramic or glass, in particular a stud pivot. The stud is, for example, a balance stem 6.

[0024] The watch bearing 10 includes a shock absorber. For this reason, the watch bearing 10 is a shock absorber bearing or an elastic bearing. The bearing can, for example, guide the balance wheel of a balance wheel-spiral spring type oscillator around an axis A. The bearing can also, for example, stop the translational movement of the balance wheel along the axis A, and in particular limit the translational movement of the balance wheel along the axis A. The balance wheel includes an arbour or shaft, in particular arbour 6.

[0025] The bearings are a bearing body 2, including a through opening 20; - a tenon element 3, in particular a hole stone 3, intended to pivot the tenon 6, in particular the tenon 61 of the tenon 6; a bearing element 4, in particular a stone 4, designed to receive one end of the tenon 61 or to constitute a thrust bearing for one end of the tenon 61; a positioning ring 5 for positioning the tenon element 3 and the stone element 4 in the opening 20 of the bearing body 2; a spring 1 solidified with or fixed to a bearing body 2, the spring 1 intended to allow the timepiece 200 to elastically return and properly reposition the elements 3, 4, 5 in the opening 20 of the bearing body 2, in particular after a shock experienced by the movement 100; Includes.

[0026] These elements can be seen more particularly in the cross-sectional view of FIG.

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

[0028] The ring 5 comprises a through opening 50 intended to receive the elements 3 and 4. More specifically, the opening 50 comprises a pivot surface 55 of axis A5 intended to receive the tenon element 3, and a surface 56 perpendicular to axis A5 intended to receive the end stone element 4. The tenon element 3 is driven, inter alia, against surface 55. The end stone element 4 is positioned with minimal clearance against a shoulder formed by surface 56. The opening 50 also comprises a portion 57 intended for the passage of the stud 6. This also applies to the opening 20 of the bearing body 2, which comprises the portion 26 for the passage of the stud 6.

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

[0030] In an alternative configuration, the tenon element 3 may also be manufactured as a single piece with the ring 5 in order to minimize the number of assembly operations in the bearing 10 and reduce the cumulative effect of dimensional and tolerance errors. Furthermore, the ring 5 may be guided differently within the bearing body 2. For example, the damper may be of the "inverted double cone" type, as disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,699,499.

[0031] The shock absorber bearing 10 is designed to be assembled in a blank 99 of a movement 100. For this purpose, the body 2 comprises a portion 25 designed to be driven into the blank 99 of the movement 100. The blank in question may be a bridge, in particular a balance bridge, 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 a shock experienced by the watch, the balance wheel, and in particular tine 6, may move relative to the rest of the movement, and in particular relative to the bearing body. The balance wheel may move longitudinally relative to axis A and / or radially relative to axis A. The movement of tine 6 and the elastic return of spring 1 are accompanied by movements of elements 3 and / or 4 and / or 5 relative to body 2. The springs are able to return the elements to their respective positions after the shock has passed.

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

[0034] Advantageously, the first fixed surface may extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane P1 when the spring is in its free state, i.e. when it is in an unpreloaded state as illustrated in Figure 4. Advantageously, the first surface may extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane P1 when the spring is in its constrained state, i.e. when it is in a preloaded state mounted on the bearing body.

[0035] The first fixing elements 11, 11', 11" are at least substantially Right-angle radiation Extend it like this.

[0036] In addition to the first fixing elements 11, 11', 11'', the springs at least two pressing elements 12c, 12c', 12c" intended to be pressed against the jewel element 4; - at least two coupling elements 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a", 12b", 12d", 12e" for mechanically coupling the pressure element to the first fixing element; Includes:

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

[0038] For example, the connecting element may be 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 end stone element, or the same or substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the tenon element. Alternatively, the diameter of cylindrical surface C2 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the end stone element or the outer diameter of the tenon element. Such a configuration may maximize the length of the connecting element.

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

[0040] The function of the pressure element is to exert a return force on the stone element and / or on the tenon element, which can return the stone element and / or the tenon element to a predetermined position, in particular to a predetermined position optimal for guiding the element 6. By preference, the pressure element is defined as the extent of the spring which the stone element can contact when it is in a predetermined position and / or when it is in a position which applies pressure to the spring as a result of an impact.

[0041] The spring preferably has a main structure in the form of a self-closing closed loop. The spring may, in particular, have the form of a self-closing closed loop. The closed loop is preferably centered on the axis A1. Thus, the spring may, for example, have the form of a single wire that closes on itself. The wire may have a cross section whose shape remains 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" refers to a filament-like shape without branches or forks. Preferably, such filament-like shape does not cross axis A1 and / or does not extend beyond the boundary area delimited 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 FIG. 4) that can be described by curvilinear abscissas without reversal. Preferably, any point on curve B can travel the entire same curve from a starting point located on the curve without reversal, in a given direction, and in only a single path. Preferably, the curve is continuous. Preferably, the length of such curve B is at least three times greater than the diameter of cylindrical surface C1, or at least four times greater than the diameter of cylindrical surface C1, or at least five times greater than the diameter of cylindrical surface C1.

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

[0044] Preferably, at least portions 12a, 12e, 12a', 12e', 12a", 12e" of at least two connecting elements extend at least substantially radially relative to the first axis A1.

[0045] Preferably, at least parts 12b, 12d, 12b', 12d', 12b", 12d" of the at least two connecting elements are at least substantially oriented relative to the first axis A1. Right-angle radiation Extend it like this.

[0046] Preferably, the at least two pressure elements have a convex shape when viewed from the inside of the spring, in particular from the first axis A1. Preferably, the pressure elements each have an angular extent around axis A1 between 45° and 90° (in particular when the spring has third-order rotational symmetry). Preferably, more generally, when the spring has n-order rotational symmetry, each pressure element has an angular extent around axis A1 between 270° / 2n and 270° / n.

[0047] Preferably, the at least two pressure elements each have a radial extent relative to the axis A1 of between 0.25 and 0.75 times the outer radius of the jewel element 4 against which the spring 1 is intended to press.

[0048] Each of the pressure elements preferably consists mainly of a curved portion, in particular a circular portion 12c, 12c', 12c''.

[0049] Each connecting element preferably comprises mainly a first curvilinear portion, in particular a first circular portion 12b, 12b', 12b" and a first straight portion 12a, 12a', 12a" connecting the first fixing element to the first pressure element; - a second curvilinear portion, in particular a second circular portion 12d, 12d', 12d" and a second straight portion 12e, 12e', 12e" connecting the second fixing element to the associated first pressing element; It consists of:

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

[0051] Preferably, the at least two fixing elements are at least substantially aligned with respect to the first axis A1. Right-angle radiation Extend it like this.

[0052] Each fixing element preferably consists mainly of curved, in particular circular, sections which are convex when viewed from the outside of the spring in plane P1.

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

[0054] Preferably, the distance D, measured in the radial direction and separating the first fixed surface and 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. Preferably, the distance D, measured in the radial direction and separating the first fixed surface and 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 fixing 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 bearing stone element 4 against which the spring is intended to press.

[0056] Preferably, these dimensions are determined with the spring not positioned or mounted in a bearing body, i.e. with the spring not under pressure or restrained.

[0057] Advantageously, each first locking element comprises at least one protrusion 11c, 11c', 11c"; the first locking surface is preferably formed on the protrusion. The protrusion protrudes, i.e. extends, towards the inside of the spring. In the embodiment shown, each first locking element comprises two protrusions.

[0058] Preferably, the fixing elements 11, 11', 11" are uniformly distributed around the spring axis A1 and are identical. Preferably, the pressure elements 12c, 12c', 12c" are uniformly distributed around the spring axis A1 and are identical. Preferably, the connecting elements 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a", 12b", 12d", 12e" are uniformly distributed around the spring axis A1 and are identical.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring is: - 3 fixed elements, - three pressing elements, and - 3 connected components Includes.

[0060] The bearing body 2 comprises 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 comprises at least a second fixing surface 21c, 21c', 21c" oriented at least substantially radially with respect to the second axis and in a direction 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. In particular, the fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c" are oriented towards the outside of the bearing body 2.

[0061] The second fixed element is arranged to cooperate with the first fixed element to secure the spring to the bearing body. Specifically, the second fixed surface is arranged in such a manner as to cooperate with the first fixed surface to secure the spring to the bearing body. More specifically, the force of contact between the first and second fixed surfaces has the same or substantially the same direction as the direction of vectors n11 and n12, subject to the coefficient of friction between the first and second fixed surfaces. Thus, the first fixed surface exerts a force on 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 elements are each provided with studs or teeth or battlements 21, 21', 21" which extend mainly parallel to the axis A2. The studs project from the peripheral surface 27 of the bearing body towards the outside of the bearing body in the radial direction of the axis A2 of the bearing body.

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

[0064] Each stud 21, 21', 21" includes a second fixing surface 21c, 21c', 21c" which extends on the peripheral surface 27 of the bearing body. For example, these second fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c" are oriented radially with respect to the axis A2 and Right-angle radiation It takes the form of a flat spot that extends in a circular pattern.

[0065] When the spring 1 is assembled in the bearing body 2, the protrusions 11c, 11c', 11c" are pressed against the flat spots 21c, 21c', 21c", respectively. In this configuration, the first fixing elements 11, 11', 11" of the spring 1 are positioned and held on the outer periphery of the second fixing elements 21, 21', 21", in particular on the outer periphery of the second fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c".

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

[0067] Advantageously, - (with the spring removed or in a free or unconstrained state) of the diameter of a large cylinder inscribed between first fixed surfaces and tangent to these first surfaces, - relative to the diameter of a small cylinder circumscribed on a second fixed surface The ratio is less than 1 or less than 0.99 or less than 0.98.

[0068] Preferably, each stud comprises two half studs 21a, 21b, 21a', 21b', 21a", 21b". The half studs of one and the same stud are separated from each other by grooves 21e, 21e', 21e" extending at least substantially radially relative to the second axis A2. To this end, each first fixing element 11, 11', 11" of the spring 1 comprises a pair of protrusions 11c, 11c', 11c" cooperating with a pair of half studs 21a, 21b, 21a', 21b', 21a", 21b" of the second fixing element 21, 21', 21" of the bearing body 2.

[0069] The configuration of the protrusions and flat spots allows the spring 1 to be pre-stressed so that it can be held angularly relative 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 210a, 210b, 210a', 210b', 210a", 210b", i.e. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A2. This configuration of the studs allows axial retention of the pair of protrusions 11c, 11c', 11c" of the spring.

[0070] In the particular embodiment of the bearing body 2 shown in the figures, and in particular in FIG. 5 , flat spots 21c, 21c', 21c" are formed on the peripheral surface 27 of the bearing body 2 such that the first fixing elements 11, 11', 11" of the spring 1 "hang out" 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 positioned and held on the outer periphery of the bearing body 2.

[0071] Of course, it is entirely possible to configure the bearing body 2 so that it has a portion whose dimensions, in particular its diameter, allow it to completely contain the spring 1 when the bearing 10 is viewed from above.

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

[0073] The way in which the first fixed element of the spring is arranged in addition to the second fixed element of the bearing body makes it possible to maximize the effective length of the resilient blades. For this purpose, each resilient leaf may include at one and / or the other of its ends a curved part 12b, 12d, 12b', 12d', 12b", 12d", which makes it possible to maximize the effective length of each blade.

[0074] In the particular embodiment of the spring shown in the figures, the resilient blade has a constant cross-section. The first locking element has a cross-section substantially identical to that of the resilient blade, except in the area where the protrusion extends. Thus, the boundary between the first locking element and the connecting element is determined by the presence or absence of a protrusion. Nevertheless, the first locking element may be free of a protrusion. In such a case, the first locking element may have a cross-section substantially identical to that of the connecting element. Alternatively, the protrusion may be replaced by a notch designed to cooperate with a projection formed on each of the studs of the bearing body.

[0075] When the spring 1 is mounted on the bearing body 2, the pressure elements 12c, 12c', 12c" come into contact with the jewel element 4 and essentially exert an axial restoring force, which is determined inter alia by the level of preload of the spring 1 and in particular by the overall configuration of the spring, in particular by the configuration of its first and second fixing elements and the configuration of the bearing body, respectively. This is made possible by the mobility of the pressure elements and the connecting elements relative to the first fixing element 11, 11', 11". More specifically, the configuration of the spring, in particular of the blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a", 12b", 12d", 12e", allows, through elastic deformation of the spring, a substantially axial restoring force at least relative to the axes A1 and A2. Right-angle radiation and allows substantial rotational movement of the connecting element and the pressure element about axes A12, A12', A12" extending at the interface between the fixing element and the connecting element. These axes A12, A12', A12" are shown in Figure 3. In this way, the pressure element axes 12c, 12c', 12c" can move out of the plane passing through the first fixing element 11, 11', 11".

[0076] When element 6 or the pivot 61 of element 6 is impacted, each pressing element and each connecting element of spring 1 can provide an elastic return force to elements 3, 4, 5 within 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 effective length of the elastic blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a", 12b", 12d", 12e" in combination with their cross sections makes it possible to minimize the stiffness of the spring 1 relative to the dimensions of the bearing body 2, in particular relative to the dimensions or diameter of the portion through which the second fixing surfaces 21c, 21c', 21c" extend.

[0078] Additionally, the resilient blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a", 12b", 12d", 12e" may include more curved parts to maximize their effective length.

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

[0080] The bearing body 2 advantageously comprises means 21d, 21d', 21d" for handling the spring. These means comprise indentations 21d, 21d', 21d" in the area of ​​the first locking element, in particular between each of the projections provided on the first locking element, which allow the insertion of a tool intended to handle the spring.

[0081] Of course, it is entirely possible for each primary fixing element of the spring to have a single, unique protrusion, and the same is true for the secondary fixing elements of the bearing body, which may each comprise a single, unique solid stud rather than two half studs.

[0082] In certain designs of bearing 10, the assembly of the spring on the bearing body may be of the "bayonet" type: in a first angular position of the spring relative to the bearing body, as determined by axis A1 or A2, the spring can be removed from the bearing body, and in a second angular position of the spring relative to the bearing body, as determined by axis A1 or A2, the spring can be secured to the bearing body.

[0083] Preferably, blades 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a", 12b", 12d", 12e" have a cross section in which 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", 12e" have a cross section in which the height measured parallel to axis A1 is less than the width measured in a plane perpendicular to axis A1.

[0084] Preferably, the second fixing surface is arranged substantially on a cylindrical surface having a diameter equal to at least 1.5 times, or at least 1.6 times, or at least 1.8 times the outer diameter of the bearing element 4 against which the spring 1 is intended to press.

[0085] The above-mentioned solution makes it possible to minimize the stiffness of the spring, especially for a given cross section of the spring and a given material. In particular, thanks to the above-mentioned solution, the stiffness of the spring can be less than 4 N / mm, or even less than 3 N / mm. To achieve this, a specific configuration of the spring includes elastic sections in the form of blades, the effective length of which is maximized for a given dimension of the bearing body. The blades have the particular feature of extending both inside and outside the bearing body. This is made possible by the fact that the blades are adjacent to a first fixing element of the spring, which is arranged outside a second fixing element, for example arranged on the outer periphery of the bearing body. In particular, the first fixing element of the spring is at least substantially outside the second fixing element of the bearing body, relative to the axis of the spring or the bearing body. Right-angle radiation Extend it like this.

[0086] Specifically, the solution is to provide at least two elastic parts extending at least substantially radially relative to the axis of the spring or of the bearing body, the two sides of which are at least substantially radially inclined relative to the axis of the spring or of the bearing body. Right-angle radiation The present invention relates to a spring including an elastic portion formed contiguous with the first adhesive or fixed portion, extending in a shape similar to the first adhesive or fixed portion of the shock absorber body and extending outside the second adhesive or fixed portion of the shock absorber body.

[0087] Such a shock absorber bearing solution has the advantage of providing an optimized mechanical response for a given shape and / or material of the balance shaft. The stiffness of such a spring is, inter alia, minimized and made as constant as possible, whatever the shaft movement. Finally, the installation / removal of such a spring in the bearing body is particularly simple, simplifying the assembly schedule and after-sales service work for such shock absorber bearings.

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

[0089] In this specification, "fixed surface" preferably means a surface where, when the spring is mounted on the bearing body, there is permanent contact between the spring and the bearing body for as long as the spring is mounted on the bearing body. When the spring is removed, the contact is lost.

[0090] As used herein, "at least substantially vertical" means "vertical or substantially vertical."

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

[0092] As used herein, "at least substantially radially" means "radially or substantially radially."

[0093] As used herein, "at least substantially" Right-angle radiation In the form of Right-angle radiation In a manner or substantially Right-angle radiation It means "in the shape of a [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 spring 2 Bearing body 3 Tenon element 4. Supporting stone elements 5 Rings 6 true 11 First fixed element 11a 1st fixed surface 11b 1st fixed surface 11c Protrusion 12a Connecting Elements 12b Connecting Elements 12c Pressing element 12d connected element 12e Connected Element 20 aperture 21 Second fixed element 61 Tenon 99 Blank 100 Movements 200 watches

Claims

1. A shock absorber spring (1) for a timepiece (200), comprising a first axis of symmetry (A1) extending substantially in a plane (P1) and perpendicular to said plane (P1), said spring comprising at least two first spring fixing elements (11, 11', 11"), at least two pressure elements (12c, 12c', 12c") intended to press against the jewel element (4), and at least two connecting elements (12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12a', 12b', 12d', 12e', 12a", 12b", 12d", 12e") mechanically connecting said pressure elements to said first spring fixing elements, the first spring fixing elements each comprise at least a first fixing surface (11a, 11b, 11a', 11b', 11a", 11b") oriented at least substantially radially with respect to and towards the first axis of symmetry (A1), the spring is in the form of a closed loop that closes on itself, and the at least two connecting elements are part of the closed loop; Shock absorber spring (1) for watch (200).

2. the spring has a shape with at least substantially n-th order of rotational symmetry about the first axis of symmetry (A1), where n is a natural integer; The spring of claim 1 .

3. at least portions (12a, 12e, 12a', 12e', 12a", 12e") of the at least two connecting elements extend at least substantially radially relative to the first axis of symmetry (A1), and / or at least portions (12b, 12d, 12b', 12d', 12b", 12d") of the at least two connecting elements extend at least substantially radially at right angles to the first axis of symmetry (A1); 3. The spring according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first spring locking elements each include at least one protrusion (11c, 11c', 11c''), and the first locking surface is formed on the protrusion; A spring according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A bearing comprising a spring according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a bearing body (2), the bearing body comprises a second axis of symmetry (A2) and at least two second spring fixing elements (21, 21', 21'') for fixing the spring (1), the second spring fixing elements each include at least one second fixing surface (21c, 21c', 21c") oriented at least substantially radially with respect to the second axis of symmetry and in a direction away from the second axis of symmetry.

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

6. A bearing according to claim 5.

7. Each second fixation element includes a stud, and the second fixation surface is formed on the stud.

7. A bearing according to claim 5 or 6.

8. each stud including a groove extending at least substantially radially relative to said second axis of symmetry; 8. A bearing according to claim 7.

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

10. of the diameter of a circle inscribed in the first fixed surface with the spring removed or in a free or unconstrained state; relative to the diameter of a circle circumscribing the second fixed surface, The ratio is less than 1 or less than 0.99 or less than 0.98, A bearing according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. A clock mechanism (90) comprising a 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) comprising a 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.

13. A timepiece (200) comprising a movement according to claim 12, or a 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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