EP1705537A1 - Shock-proof bearing for timepiece - Google Patents

Shock-proof bearing for timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1705537A1
EP1705537A1 EP05405263A EP05405263A EP1705537A1 EP 1705537 A1 EP1705537 A1 EP 1705537A1 EP 05405263 A EP05405263 A EP 05405263A EP 05405263 A EP05405263 A EP 05405263A EP 1705537 A1 EP1705537 A1 EP 1705537A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bearing
arms
shock
connecting arms
spring
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP05405263A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1705537B1 (en
Inventor
Michel Kohler
Romain Voirol
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Rolex SA
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Rolex SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Rolex SA filed Critical Rolex SA
Priority to DE05405263T priority Critical patent/DE05405263T1/en
Priority to EP05405263A priority patent/EP1705537B1/en
Priority to DE602005006731T priority patent/DE602005006731D1/en
Priority to CN200610071784A priority patent/CN100578394C/en
Priority to JP2006080569A priority patent/JP4598701B2/en
Priority to US11/387,423 priority patent/US7234859B2/en
Publication of EP1705537A1 publication Critical patent/EP1705537A1/en
Priority to HK06112526A priority patent/HK1092880A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1705537B1 publication Critical patent/EP1705537B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
    • G04B31/04—Shock-damping bearings with jewel hole and cap jewel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece, comprising a bearing body, a pierced bearing stone, a seat for positioning this bearing stone in this bearing body, a counter-pivot, a locating position of this counter-pivot in this bearing body and a shock-absorbing spring for holding said counter-pivot against said positioning seat, said shock-absorbing spring being connected to said bearing body by four connecting arms, parallel to said a plane containing the axis of pivoting of said bearing and forming, on each side of this plane, a suspension element comprising two of said connecting arms connected to each other by an arcuate branch centered on said axis of pivoting and whose radius is different from that of said pivot, these suspension elements being connected to each other by two diametral arms located on either side of a central support element.
  • shock-absorbing bearings intended in particular for the balance shaft have been the subject of a great deal of research work which culminated between the beginning of the 1930s and the end of the 1950s. this area of which 250 in the aforementioned period.
  • the solutions that are currently used give overall satisfaction, which probably explains why this subject is practically no longer subject to new developments.
  • shock-absorbing spring One of the essential elements of such a bearing is the shock-absorbing spring. It should be kept in mind that the dimensions of such a spring are less than 2 mm and are generally around 1.5 mm. These dimensions pose design problems as well with regard to the elastic limits and the plastic deformation, in particular during its fixing, the maintenance of the spring in the event of shocks, the assembly of the spring, the assembly and the disassembly of the bearing.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • this invention relates to a shock absorbing bearing for a timepiece according to claim 1.
  • the main advantage of the shock absorbing bearing according to the present invention comes from the fact that the attachment of the two diametral arms of the central support element to two of the four connecting arms to the bearing support, allows to form, share and other diametrical arms connecting the central support element to the two suspension elements, two elastic elements allowing an easier installation of the spring, by the significant increase in the range of elastic deformation, while the diametral arms attached on the one hand to the central support part and on the other hand to two connecting arms, constitutes a more rigid element passing through the center of pivoting. This greater rigidity improves the impact resistance.
  • the bearing spring object of the present invention is therefore designed to offer a specialization of functions between its different parts
  • the free ends of the connecting arms are terminated by hooking elements, the elements Each pair of link arms located opposite each other is rotated on the outer side of each pair of link arms.
  • the two pairs of connecting arms of the suspension spring formed by the connecting arms located opposite one another of the two suspension elements, have a central symmetry with respect to the axis of pivoting of the bearing.
  • This characteristic has the advantage of being able to fix the spring on the bearing support in one or other of the two possible positions, at 180 ° to each other around the pivot axis of the bearing, this which significantly facilitates its assembly operations.
  • any pair of connecting arms of the suspension spring, formed by the connecting arms located opposite one another of the two suspension elements can be used indifferently to opening of the bearing or play the role of spring hinge on the support.
  • this spring has no mounting direction on the bearing support, which significantly simplifies the assembly work.
  • the damping spring is of constant thickness and is plane in the rest state. This feature means that any face of the spring can be put on or under. In combination with the central symmetry characteristic, the spring can be put into place in the bearing bracket without prior selection of a face to be oriented above or below or a side to be used for opening or hinge.
  • the profile of the central support portion of the damping spring is chosen to serve as a gauge of the amount of oil in the bearing and for this purpose has at least two radial marks of different radii for determining respectively the maximum and minimum oil quantities, and the centering of this oil with respect to said pivot axis.
  • the attachment elements of the two connecting arms which are not connected to the outer ends of the two diametral arms are longer than the attachment elements of the other two connecting arms.
  • the bearing support comprises a diametrical passage which extends on either side of the seat of said counter pivot, to receive the connecting arms of the damping spring and is of symmetrical conformation with respect to any plane passing through said pivot axis.
  • the bearing with its diametrical passage is designed to receive the central symmetric spring in this diametral passage in any of the two possible positions. No order must be observed for the installation of the damping spring. This symmetry also significantly simplifies the manufacture of the bearing support and requires no stud for the articulation of the spring, which pad is still, given its size, a fragile element and difficult to manufacture.
  • the chamfers exert a force which brings the two connecting arms situated opposite each other closer to one another. the other.
  • the bearing illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a bearing body 1 comprising a frustoconical cup-shaped seat 1a for the positioning of a kitten 2 in the a cylindrical portion from which is thrown a pierced stone 3 and having a seat 2a for a counter-pivot 4.
  • a shock-absorbing spring 5 is fixed to the bearing body 1 to hold the kitten 2 and the counter-pivot 4 resiliently on their respective seats 1a, 2a.
  • the bearing body 1 has the particularity of being entirely symmetrical with respect to all the planes containing the pivot axis X of the bearing.
  • a diametrical milling 1b is formed on the upper part of this bearing body and two parallel milling 1c, perpendicular to the diametrical milling 1b are formed outside the bearing body 1, in its thickness, at a distance from its upper face. .
  • These three millings 1b, 1c are intended for fixing the four connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 of the damping spring 5, the two arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , respectively 5a 2 , 5a 3 located opposite each other being parallel.
  • the width of the diametrical milling 1b corresponds to that of each pair of parallel arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , respectively 5a 2 , 5a 3 located vis-à-vis one another.
  • the two parallel milling operations 1c are intended to receive the respective hooking ends 5b 1 , 5b 2 , 5b 3 , 5b 4 facing outwards of each pair of parallel arms, of the four connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 , thus ensuring the attachment of the damping spring 5 to the bearing body 1.
  • the connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 are parallel in pairs and the spacing between the two pairs of arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , respectively 5a 2 , 5a 3 being equal, so that, for its attachment, the damping spring 5 can be disposed in the milling 1b in any of two symmetrical positions, located 180 ° from each other.
  • the two connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , respectively 5a 3 , 5a 4 , situated in the extension of one another are connected to each other by two branches in arcs of circles 5c 1 , respectively 5c 2 , centered on the axis of rotation X and whose respective radii are greater than that of the pivoting pivot 4.
  • These two branches in arcs of circles form with the connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , respectively 5a 3 , 5a 4 , two suspension elements on either side of a plane passing through the pivot axis X of the bearing and by the middle of the diametrical milling 1b.
  • the damping spring 5 further comprises a central support element 5d connected to each of the two suspension elements 5a 1 , 5c 1 , 5a 2 , respectively 5a 3 , 5c 2 , 5a 4 , by two arms 5e aligned diametrically, but connected, in this example, at the junctions between the arm 5a 4 and the arcuate branch 5c 2 , respectively between the arm 5a 2 and the arcuate branch 5c 1 .
  • This particular arrangement makes it possible to have two branches 5a 1 , 5c 1 , respectively 5a 3 , 5c 2 , having a substantially greater elasticity than the arms 5a 2 , 5a 4 and intended to facilitate the installation of the spring and especially to avoid the risk of plastic deformation of the arms during this manipulation.
  • the arms 5a 2 , 5a 4 connected to the diametral arms 5e and the central support member 5d form a substantially more rigid assembly for supporting shocks.
  • damping spring 5 in the undeformed state is flat, so that it has neither top nor bottom, and thus, that any of its faces can be put on or under for its fixation.
  • This feature also facilitates its manufacture which can be obtained for example by the LIGA process, electroforming, stamping, chemical milling or wire.
  • the support element 5d of the spring can advantageously serve as an oil dipstick, for measuring the amount of oil and the centering of the drop of oil between the pierced stone 3 and the counter pivot 4.
  • the shape given to the central support element is chosen so as to enable the presence of oil, its centering and the quantity of oil to be observed by transparency through the pivoting pivot 4.
  • the first condition consists in disengaging the central part of the counter pivot 4.
  • this support element 5d close to a rectangle, but with its two narrow sides in the form of arcs of a circle centered on the pivot axis X of the bearing, according to FIG. choose the spacing between the two long sides of this kind of rectangle, corresponding to the minimum diameter of the drop of oil, while its two opposite sides in arcs of circles can define the maximum diameter of the drop of oil.
  • a damping spring 15 comprises a central support member 15d whose central opening is formed by the alternation of eight arcs of concave convex circles, the four convex arcs being coaxial with the axis X rotation of the bearing and the same radii, while the four concave arches have the same radii, their centers being located on the same circle concentric with the pivot axis X of the bearing and spaced 90 ° from each other around the pivot axis X of the bearing.
  • the two diametral arms 15e are connected to the central support element 15d by two arcs of opposite concave circles.
  • the two other concave profile portions of the central support member 15d are delimited externally by two arcs of concentric circles respectively to these two other concave profile parts but smaller radii, which can also be used to measure the amount of oil.
  • the attachment ends 15b 1 , 15b 2 , 15b 3 , 15b 4 , connecting arms 15a 1 , 15a 2 , 15a 3 , 15a 4 can be elongated with respect to those of Figure 2. It could also only extend the ends 15b 1 , 15b 3 of the most elastic link arm, since they are more likely to fall off in case of shocks than the other two.
  • FIG. 4 shows yet another variant of the shape of the bearing element 25d of the spring 25 which comprises, on one side of the diametral arms 25e, a part in circular arc concentric with the pivot axis X of the bearing and on the other side of these diametrical arms 25e, two portions of the arc of a circle exceeding these diametrical arms 25e of the same angular value and whose ends are connected to one another by an arcuate segment of concave circle of radius substantially greater than that of the arcuate portion centered on the pivot axis X, or by a straight segment.
  • the central support element 35d has an annular shape. Since such a form has the drawback of not being able to detect the presence or absence of oil if the edge of the meniscus formed by the drop of oil is in the width of the ring, the latter a radial cut 35f which allows to see the meniscus.
  • chamfers are provided, in particular on both sides of the diametrical milling 1b of the bearing body 1. These chamfers can be used to transform a pressure exerted on the connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 of the damping spring in forces which tend to bring the two parallel arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 and 5a 2 , 5a 3 situated opposite one another, so that it is possible to set up the damping spring by a simple translation simultaneously exerting pressure on the four connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 .
  • Clearances are formed in the upper face of the bearing body 1 in places where the parallel edges of the diametrical milling 1b open into the frustoconical seat 1a of the kitten 2. These clearances 1e are used to introduce tweezers or dowels to release the attachment ends 5b 1 , 5b 2 , 5b 3 , 5b 4 , connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 of the bearing body 1. Note that it can be identified that a pair of parallel connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , or 5a 2 , 5a 3 situated opposite one another, the other pair being used as a hinge to release the pivoting pivot 4.
  • the variant of the damping spring 45 illustrated in FIG. 6 differs from the other springs previously described essentially in that the diametral arms 45e are no longer connected to the junctions between two connecting arms 5a 2 , 5a 4 and the branches in arcs of circles 5c 1 , respectively 5c 2 , as in the case of Figure 2 for example, but these diametrical arms 45e are connected to the outer ends of the connecting arms 45a 2 , respectively 45a 4 , by a connecting segment 45f 1 , respectively 45f 2 .
  • the diametral arms 45e are in fact connected to the respective attachment ends 45b 2 , 45b 4 of these link arms 45a 2 , 45a 4 .
  • the elastic branches are more elongated since they each comprise all of the two suspension elements 45a 1 , 45c 1 , 45a 2 , respectively 45a 3 , 45c 2 , 45a 4 .

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Testing Of Balance (AREA)
  • Sliding-Contact Bearings (AREA)
  • Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)

Abstract

The bearing has a shock-absorbing spring (5) connected to a bearing body (1) by four linking arms (5a 1, 5a 2, 5a 3, 5a 4). The arms form two suspension units, each having two of the arms connected by an arc of circle (5c 1, 5c 2) centered on a swivel axis (X) and having a radius greater than that of an endstone (4). The suspension units are connected by two diametric arms (5e) located on either side of a central support unit (5d). The outer ends of the arms (5e) are connected to the arms (5a 2, 5a 4) belonging to the respective suspension units. The spring is flat in rest position.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un palier amortisseur de chocs pour pièce d'horlogerie, comprenant un corps de palier, une pierre de palier percée, un siège de positionnement de cette pierre de palier dans ce corps de palier, un contre-pivot, un siège de positionnement de ce contre-pivot dans ce corps de palier et un ressort amortisseur de chocs pour maintenir ledit contre-pivot contre ledit siège de positionnement, ce ressort amortisseur de chocs étant relié audit corps de palier par quatre bras de liaison, parallèles à un plan contenant l'axe de pivotement dudit palier et formant, de chaque côté de ce plan, un élément de suspension comportant deux desdits bras de liaison reliés l'un à l'autre par une branche en arc de cercle centré sur ledit axe de pivotement et dont le rayon est différent de celui dudit contre-pivot, ces éléments de suspension étant reliés l'un à l'autre par deux bras diamétraux situés de part et d'autre d'un élément d'appui central.The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece, comprising a bearing body, a pierced bearing stone, a seat for positioning this bearing stone in this bearing body, a counter-pivot, a locating position of this counter-pivot in this bearing body and a shock-absorbing spring for holding said counter-pivot against said positioning seat, said shock-absorbing spring being connected to said bearing body by four connecting arms, parallel to said a plane containing the axis of pivoting of said bearing and forming, on each side of this plane, a suspension element comprising two of said connecting arms connected to each other by an arcuate branch centered on said axis of pivoting and whose radius is different from that of said pivot, these suspension elements being connected to each other by two diametral arms located on either side of a central support element.

Les paliers amortisseurs de chocs, destinés en particulier à l'axe de balancier ont fait l'objet de très nombreux travaux de recherche qui ont culminés entre le début de la décennie 1930 et la fin de la décennie 1950. On recense environ 400 brevets dans ce domaine dont 250 dans la période susmentionnée. Les solutions qui sont utilisées actuellement donnent dans l'ensemble satisfaction, ce qui explique sans doute que ce sujet ne fait pratiquement plus l'objet de nouveaux développements.The shock-absorbing bearings intended in particular for the balance shaft have been the subject of a great deal of research work which culminated between the beginning of the 1930s and the end of the 1950s. this area of which 250 in the aforementioned period. The solutions that are currently used give overall satisfaction, which probably explains why this subject is practically no longer subject to new developments.

Un des éléments essentiels d'un tel palier est le ressort amortisseur de chocs. Il ne faut pas perdre de vue que les dimensions d'un tel ressort sont inférieures à 2 mm et se situent en général autour de 1,5 mm. Ces dimensions posent des problèmes de conception aussi bien en ce qui concerne les limites élastiques et la déformation plastique, notamment lors de sa fixation, le maintien du ressort en cas de chocs, le montage du ressort, le montage et le démontage du palier.One of the essential elements of such a bearing is the shock-absorbing spring. It should be kept in mind that the dimensions of such a spring are less than 2 mm and are generally around 1.5 mm. These dimensions pose design problems as well with regard to the elastic limits and the plastic deformation, in particular during its fixing, the maintenance of the spring in the event of shocks, the assembly of the spring, the assembly and the disassembly of the bearing.

Dans la plupart des paliers amortisseurs, on se trouve confronté soit à la nécessité de mettre en place le ressort amortisseur avant le chassage du support de palier dans le pont ou la platine, ce qui nécessite de déchasser le support de palier pour permettre le démontage du palier, soit si le déchassage du support n'est pas nécessaire, au fait que la charnière du ressort amortisseur ne tient pas lorsque le ressort est décroché du support, au risque de perdre le ressort lequel mesure moins de 2 mm. Il faut ajouter à cela que les ressorts qui comportent une charnière d'un côté et des moyens d'accrochage de l'autre ne peuvent être montés sur le support que si la charnière est mise dans la partie du support conformée pour la recevoir. L'horloger doit donc identifier le côté du ressort servant de charnière et le côté du support de palier conformé pour recevoir cette charnière, ce qui, compte tenu des dimensions, rend la manipulation d'autant plus délicate avec le risque constant de perdre le ressort.In most damping bearings, it is confronted either to the need to set up the damping spring before driving the bearing support in the bridge or the plate, which requires to disengage the bearing support to allow disassembly of the bearing, or if the disengagement of the support is not necessary, the fact that the hinge of the damping spring does not hold when the spring is unhooked from the support, the risk of losing the spring which measures less than 2 mm. It should be added that the springs which comprise a hinge on one side and hooking means on the other can be mounted on the support only if the hinge is placed in the part of the support shaped to receive it. The watchmaker must therefore identify the side of the spring serving as hinge and the side of the bearing support shaped to receive this hinge, which, given the dimensions, makes handling all the more delicate with the constant risk of losing the spring .

On a déjà proposé dans le US 3'306'028 un palier amortisseur de chocs du type de celui susmentionné et auquel l'invention se rapporte, en particulier en ce qui concerne le ressort amortisseur. Le principal inconvénient de ce palier vient du fait que l'élément d'appui central du ressort amortisseur est relié au support de palier par quatre bras dont chacun présente une longueur réduite de moitié par rapport à la dimension totale de chacun des deux éléments de suspension reliant l'élément d'appui central au support de palier.We have already proposed in the US 3,306,028 a shock-absorbing bearing of the type mentioned above and to which the invention relates, in particular with regard to the damping spring. The main disadvantage of this bearing comes from the fact that the central support element of the damping spring is connected to the bearing support by four arms each of which has a length reduced by half compared to the total dimension of each of the two suspension elements connecting the central support element to the bearing support.

Compte tenu des dimensions déjà très faibles d'un tel ressort amortisseur, la diminution de moitié de la longueur des bras reliant cet élément d'appui central au support de palier pose un problème quant à la réduction de la limite élastique qui en découle, en sorte que cette limite peut facilement être franchie lors de l'accrochage des bras de liaison du ressort amortisseur au support de palier.Given the already very small dimensions of such a damping spring, the reduction by half of the length of the arms connecting this central support element to the bearing support poses a problem as for the reduction of the elastic limit which results, in so that this limit can easily be overcome during the attachment of the connecting arms of the damping spring to the bearing support.

En cas de choc, un tel ressort amortisseur peut se décrocher plus facilement, surtout si il a subi une déformation plastique lors de sa mise en place.In case of shock, such a damping spring can be unhooked more easily, especially if it has undergone plastic deformation during its introduction.

Le but de la présente invention est de remédier, au moins en partie, aux inconvénients susmentionnés.The object of the present invention is to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks.

A cet effet, cette invention a pour objet un palier amortisseur de chocs pour pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, this invention relates to a shock absorbing bearing for a timepiece according to claim 1.

Le principal avantage du palier amortisseur de chocs selon la présente invention vient du fait que le rattachement des deux bras diamétraux de l'élément d'appui central à deux des quatre bras de liaison au support de palier, permet de former, de part et d'autre des bras diamétraux reliant l'élément d'appui central aux deux éléments de suspension, deux éléments élastiques permettant une mise en place plus facile du ressort, par l'augmentation sensible de la plage de déformation élastique, alors que les bras diamétraux attachés d'une part à la partie d'appui centrale et d'autre part à deux bras de liaison, constitue un élément plus rigide passant par le centre de pivotement. Cette plus grande rigidité permet d'améliorer la tenue aux chocs. Le ressort du palier objet de la présente invention est donc conformé pour offrir une spécialisation des fonctions entre ses différentes partiesThe main advantage of the shock absorbing bearing according to the present invention comes from the fact that the attachment of the two diametral arms of the central support element to two of the four connecting arms to the bearing support, allows to form, share and other diametrical arms connecting the central support element to the two suspension elements, two elastic elements allowing an easier installation of the spring, by the significant increase in the range of elastic deformation, while the diametral arms attached on the one hand to the central support part and on the other hand to two connecting arms, constitutes a more rigid element passing through the center of pivoting. This greater rigidity improves the impact resistance. The bearing spring object of the present invention is therefore designed to offer a specialization of functions between its different parts

De préférence, les extrémités libres des bras de liaison se terminent par des éléments d'accrochage, les éléments d'accrochage ce chaque paire de bras de liaison situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre étant tournés du côté extérieure de chaque paire de bras de liaison.Preferably, the free ends of the connecting arms are terminated by hooking elements, the elements Each pair of link arms located opposite each other is rotated on the outer side of each pair of link arms.

Avantageusement, les deux paires de bras de liaison du ressort de suspension, formées par les bras de liaison situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre des deux éléments de suspensions, présentent une symétrie centrale par rapport à l'axe de pivotement du palier.Advantageously, the two pairs of connecting arms of the suspension spring, formed by the connecting arms located opposite one another of the two suspension elements, have a central symmetry with respect to the axis of pivoting of the bearing.

Cette caractéristique présente l'avantage de pouvoir fixer le ressort sur le support de palier dans l'une ou l'autre des deux positions possibles, à 180° l'une de l'autre autour de l'axe de pivotement du palier, ce qui facilite sensiblement ses opérations de montage. De plus, grâce à cette caractéristique, n'importe quel paire de bras de liaison du ressort de suspension, formée par les bras de liaison situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre des deux éléments de suspensions peut servir indifféremment à l'ouverture du palier ou jouer le rôle de charnière du ressort sur le support. Ainsi, même si les différentes parties du ressort amortisseur ont des fonctions différentes, ce ressort n'a pas de sens de montage sur le support de palier, ce qui simplifie sensiblement le travail de montage.This characteristic has the advantage of being able to fix the spring on the bearing support in one or other of the two possible positions, at 180 ° to each other around the pivot axis of the bearing, this which significantly facilitates its assembly operations. In addition, thanks to this feature, any pair of connecting arms of the suspension spring, formed by the connecting arms located opposite one another of the two suspension elements can be used indifferently to opening of the bearing or play the role of spring hinge on the support. Thus, even if the different parts of the damping spring have different functions, this spring has no mounting direction on the bearing support, which significantly simplifies the assembly work.

De préférence, le ressort amortisseur est d'épaisseur constante et est plan à l'état de repos. Cette caractéristique fait que n'importe quelle face du ressort peut être mise dessus ou dessous. En combinaison avec la caractéristique relative à la symétrie centrale, le ressort peut être mis en place dans le support de palier sans choix préalable d'une face devant être orientée dessus ou dessous ni côté devant servir à l'ouverture ou de charnière.Preferably, the damping spring is of constant thickness and is plane in the rest state. This feature means that any face of the spring can be put on or under. In combination with the central symmetry characteristic, the spring can be put into place in the bearing bracket without prior selection of a face to be oriented above or below or a side to be used for opening or hinge.

Cette dernière caractéristique avantageuse de planéité du ressort amortisseur rend sa fabrication facile par plusieurs procédés, parmi lesquels on peut citer, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, le procédé lithographique connu sous le sigle LIGA (Lithographie Galvano-Abformung), l'électroformage, l'étampage, l'usinage chimique et l'usinage à fil.This last advantageous characteristic of flatness of the damping spring renders it easy to manufacture by several methods, among which, by way of examples, mention may be made of non-limiting, the lithographic process known under the acronym LIGA (Lithography Galvano-Abformung), electroforming, stamping, chemical machining and wire machining.

Selon une forme d'exécution préférée de l'invention, le profil de la partie d'appui central du ressort amortisseur est choisi pour servir de jauge de la quantité d'huile dans le palier et présente à cet effet au moins deux repères radiaux de rayons différents pour déterminer respectivement les quantités d'huile maximum et minimum, ainsi que le centrage de cette huile par rapport audit axe de pivotement.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the profile of the central support portion of the damping spring is chosen to serve as a gauge of the amount of oil in the bearing and for this purpose has at least two radial marks of different radii for determining respectively the maximum and minimum oil quantities, and the centering of this oil with respect to said pivot axis.

Grâce à ce profil, il est possible de s'assurer de la présence d'une goutte d'huile, de vérifier la position de cette goutte et d'en mesurer la taille par rapport aux repères radiaux. Cette opération de contrôle peut être assurée avec précision à l'aide d'une caméra notamment.Thanks to this profile, it is possible to check for the presence of a drop of oil, to check the position of this drop and to measure its size relative to the radial marks. This control operation can be carried out accurately using a particular camera.

Selon une autre variante avantageuse de l'invention, les éléments d'accrochage des deux bras de liaison qui ne sont pas reliés aux extrémités externes des deux bras diamétraux sont plus longs que les éléments d'accrochage des deux autres bras de liaison.According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the attachment elements of the two connecting arms which are not connected to the outer ends of the two diametral arms are longer than the attachment elements of the other two connecting arms.

De ce fait, ces éléments d'accrochage sont associés aux parties les plus élastiques du ressorts, réduisant ainsi les risques de décrochage du ressort en cas de choc.As a result, these fastening elements are associated with the most elastic parts of the springs, thus reducing the risk of stalling the spring in the event of an impact.

De préférence, le support de palier comporte un passage diamétral qui s'étend de part et d'autre du siège dudit contre-pivot, pour recevoir les bras de liaison du ressort amortisseur et est de conformation symétrique par rapport à n'importe quel plan passant par ledit axe de pivotement.Preferably, the bearing support comprises a diametrical passage which extends on either side of the seat of said counter pivot, to receive the connecting arms of the damping spring and is of symmetrical conformation with respect to any plane passing through said pivot axis.

Le palier avec son passage diamétral est conçu pour recevoir le ressort à symétrie centrale dans ce passage diamétral dans n'importe laquelle des deux positions possibles. Aucun ordre ne doit être respecté pour le montage du ressort amortisseur. Cette symétrie simplifie aussi sensiblement la fabrication du support de palier et ne nécessite aucun plot pour l'articulation du ressort, lequel plot constitue toujours, compte tenu de sa dimension, un élément fragile et difficile à fabriquer.The bearing with its diametrical passage is designed to receive the central symmetric spring in this diametral passage in any of the two possible positions. No order must be observed for the installation of the damping spring. This symmetry also significantly simplifies the manufacture of the bearing support and requires no stud for the articulation of the spring, which pad is still, given its size, a fragile element and difficult to manufacture.

On peut encore ménager des chanfreins le long des bords du passage diamétral du support de palier, de manière à permettre la mise en place du ressort amortisseur par simple translation parallèlement à l'axe de pivotement. Lorsqu'une pression parallèle à l'axe de pivotement est exercée sur les bras de liaison du ressort amortisseur, les chanfreins exercent une force qui rapproche l'un de l'autre les deux bras de liaison situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre.Can also be chamfers along the edges of the diametrical passage of the bearing support, so as to allow the introduction of the damping spring by simple translation parallel to the pivot axis. When a pressure parallel to the axis of pivoting is exerted on the connecting arms of the damping spring, the chamfers exert a force which brings the two connecting arms situated opposite each other closer to one another. the other.

Les essais de chocs réalisés sur les paliers amortisseurs conformes à l'objet de la présente invention ont montré que le ressort amortisseur résiste, même aux chocs les plus forts, sans se décrocher du support de palier. Dans des cas extrêmes, des chocs hors normes peuvent induire une déformation plastique du ressort amortisseur. Ceci n'a cependant pas de répercutions fâcheuses sur le mouvement de la montre qui peut continuer à fonctionner normalement, dans la mesure où le palier amortisseur conserve son intégrité, même si ses propriétés d'amortissement son amoindries.Shock tests carried out on damping bearings according to the object of the present invention have shown that the damping spring withstands even the strongest shocks without falling off the bearing support. In extreme cases, non-standard shocks may induce a plastic deformation of the damping spring. This, however, has no adverse repercussions on the movement of the watch which can continue to operate normally, insofar as the damping bearing retains its integrity, even if its damping properties are lessened.

Les dessins annexés illustrent, schématiquement et à titre d'exemple, quelques variantes du palier amortisseur de chocs objet de la présente invention.

  • La figure 1 est une vue de dessus de ce palier;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon II-II de la figure 1;
  • les figures 3 à 6 sont des vues en plan de trois variantes de ressorts amortisseurs.
The accompanying drawings illustrate, schematically and by way of example, some variants of the shock absorbing bearing object of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 is a top view of this bearing;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view along II-II of Figure 1;
  • Figures 3 to 6 are plan views of three variants of damping springs.

Le palier illustré par les figures 1 et 2 comporte un corps de palier 1 comprenant un siège en forme de cuvette tronconique 1a pour le positionnement d'un chaton 2 dans la partie cylindrique duquel est chassée une pierre percée 3 et présentant un siège 2a pour un contre-pivot 4. Un ressort amortisseur de chocs 5 est fixé au corps de palier 1 pour maintenir le chaton 2 et le contre-pivot 4 de manière élastique sur leurs sièges respectifs 1a, 2a.The bearing illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a bearing body 1 comprising a frustoconical cup-shaped seat 1a for the positioning of a kitten 2 in the a cylindrical portion from which is thrown a pierced stone 3 and having a seat 2a for a counter-pivot 4. A shock-absorbing spring 5 is fixed to the bearing body 1 to hold the kitten 2 and the counter-pivot 4 resiliently on their respective seats 1a, 2a.

Le corps de palier 1 présente la particularité d'être entièrement symétrique par rapport à tous les plans contenant l'axe de pivotement X du palier. Un fraisage diamétral 1b est ménagé sur la partie supérieure de ce corps de palier et deux fraisage parallèles 1c, perpendiculaires au fraisage diamétral 1b sont ménagés à l'extérieur du corps de palier 1, dans son épaisseur, à une certaine distance de sa face supérieure.The bearing body 1 has the particularity of being entirely symmetrical with respect to all the planes containing the pivot axis X of the bearing. A diametrical milling 1b is formed on the upper part of this bearing body and two parallel milling 1c, perpendicular to the diametrical milling 1b are formed outside the bearing body 1, in its thickness, at a distance from its upper face. .

Ces trois fraisages 1b, 1c sont destinés à la fixation des quatre bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4 du ressort amortisseur 5, les deux bras 5a1, 5a4, respectivement 5a2, 5a3 situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre étant parallèles. La largeur du fraisage diamétral 1b correspond à celle de chaque paire de bras parallèles 5a1, 5a4, respectivement 5a2, 5a3 situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre. Les deux fraisages parallèles 1c sont destinés à recevoir les extrémités d'accrochage respectives 5b1, 5b2, 5b3, 5b4 tournées vers l'extérieur de chaque paire de bras parallèles, des quatre bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4, assurant ainsi la fixation du ressort amortisseur 5 sur le corps de palier 1. Comme on peut s'en rendre compte, les bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4 étant parallèles deux à deux et l'écartement entre les deux paires de bras 5a1, 5a4, respectivement 5a2, 5a3 étant égal, en sorte que, pour sa fixation, le ressort amortisseur 5 peut être disposé dans le fraisage 1b dans n'importe laquelle de deux positions symétriques, situées à 180° l'une de l'autre.These three millings 1b, 1c are intended for fixing the four connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 of the damping spring 5, the two arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , respectively 5a 2 , 5a 3 located opposite each other being parallel. The width of the diametrical milling 1b corresponds to that of each pair of parallel arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , respectively 5a 2 , 5a 3 located vis-à-vis one another. The two parallel milling operations 1c are intended to receive the respective hooking ends 5b 1 , 5b 2 , 5b 3 , 5b 4 facing outwards of each pair of parallel arms, of the four connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 , thus ensuring the attachment of the damping spring 5 to the bearing body 1. As can be appreciated, the connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 are parallel in pairs and the spacing between the two pairs of arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , respectively 5a 2 , 5a 3 being equal, so that, for its attachment, the damping spring 5 can be disposed in the milling 1b in any of two symmetrical positions, located 180 ° from each other.

Les deux bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, respectivement 5a3, 5a4, situés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre sont reliés l'un à l'autre par deux branches en arcs de cercles 5c1, respectivement 5c2, centrés sur l'axe de pivotement X et dont les rayons respectifs sont supérieurs à celui du contre-pivot 4. Ces deux branches en arcs de cercles forment avec les bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, respectivement 5a3, 5a4, deux éléments de suspension de part et d'autre d'un plan passant par l'axe de pivotement X du palier et par le milieu du fraisage diamétral 1b.The two connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , respectively 5a 3 , 5a 4 , situated in the extension of one another are connected to each other by two branches in arcs of circles 5c 1 , respectively 5c 2 , centered on the axis of rotation X and whose respective radii are greater than that of the pivoting pivot 4. These two branches in arcs of circles form with the connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , respectively 5a 3 , 5a 4 , two suspension elements on either side of a plane passing through the pivot axis X of the bearing and by the middle of the diametrical milling 1b.

Le ressort amortisseur 5 comporte encore un élément d'appui central 5d relié à chacun des deux éléments de suspension 5a1, 5c1, 5a2, respectivement 5a3, 5c2, 5a4, par deux bras 5e alignés diamétralement, mais reliés, dans cet exemple, aux jonctions entre le bras 5a4 et la branche en arc de cercle 5c2, respectivement entre le bras 5a2 et la branche en arc de cercle 5c1. Cette disposition particulière permet d'avoir deux branches 5a1, 5c1, respectivement 5a3, 5c2, présentant une élasticité sensiblement plus grande que celle des bras 5a2, 5a4 et destinées à faciliter la mise en place du ressort et surtout à éviter les risques d'une déformation plastique des bras lors de cette manipulation. Les bras 5a2, 5a4, reliés aux bras diamétraux 5e et à l'élément d'appui central 5d, forment un ensemble sensiblement plus rigide destiné à supporter les chocs.The damping spring 5 further comprises a central support element 5d connected to each of the two suspension elements 5a 1 , 5c 1 , 5a 2 , respectively 5a 3 , 5c 2 , 5a 4 , by two arms 5e aligned diametrically, but connected, in this example, at the junctions between the arm 5a 4 and the arcuate branch 5c 2 , respectively between the arm 5a 2 and the arcuate branch 5c 1 . This particular arrangement makes it possible to have two branches 5a 1 , 5c 1 , respectively 5a 3 , 5c 2 , having a substantially greater elasticity than the arms 5a 2 , 5a 4 and intended to facilitate the installation of the spring and especially to avoid the risk of plastic deformation of the arms during this manipulation. The arms 5a 2 , 5a 4 , connected to the diametral arms 5e and the central support member 5d form a substantially more rigid assembly for supporting shocks.

On peut encore constater que le ressort amortisseur 5 à l'état non déformé est plan, en sorte qu'il n'a ni dessus ni dessous, et ainsi, que n'importe laquelle de ses faces peut être mise dessus ou dessous pour sa fixation. Cette particularité facilite aussi sa fabrication qui peut être obtenue par exemple par le procédé LIGA, par électroformage, par étampage, par usinage chimique ou au fil.It can still be seen that the damping spring 5 in the undeformed state is flat, so that it has neither top nor bottom, and thus, that any of its faces can be put on or under for its fixation. This feature also facilitates its manufacture which can be obtained for example by the LIGA process, electroforming, stamping, chemical milling or wire.

L'élément d'appui 5d du ressort peut avantageusement servir de jauge d'huile, permettant de mesurer la quantité d'huile et le centrage de la goutte d'huile entre la pierre percée 3 et le contre-pivot 4. A cet effet, de préférence, la forme donnée à l'élément d'appui central est choisie pour permettre de constater, par transparence à travers le contre-pivot 4, la présence d'huile, son centrage et la quantité d'huile. La première condition consiste à dégager la partie centrale du contre-pivot 4.The support element 5d of the spring can advantageously serve as an oil dipstick, for measuring the amount of oil and the centering of the drop of oil between the pierced stone 3 and the counter pivot 4. For this purpose preferably, the shape given to the central support element is chosen so as to enable the presence of oil, its centering and the quantity of oil to be observed by transparency through the pivoting pivot 4. The first condition consists in disengaging the central part of the counter pivot 4.

La forme de cet élément d'appui 5d, voisine d'un rectangle, mais avec ses deux côtés étroits en formes d'arcs d'un cercle centré sur l'axe de pivotement X du palier, selon la figure 2 permet par exemple de choisir l'écartement entre les deux longs côtés de cette sorte de rectangle, correspondant au diamètre minimum de la goutte d'huile, alors que ses deux faces opposées en arcs de cercles peuvent définir le diamètre maximum de la goutte d'huile.The shape of this support element 5d, close to a rectangle, but with its two narrow sides in the form of arcs of a circle centered on the pivot axis X of the bearing, according to FIG. choose the spacing between the two long sides of this kind of rectangle, corresponding to the minimum diameter of the drop of oil, while its two opposite sides in arcs of circles can define the maximum diameter of the drop of oil.

Dans la variante de la figure 3, un ressort amortisseur 15 comporte un élément d'appui central 15d dont l'ouverture centrale est formée par l'alternance de huit arcs de cercles convexes, concaves, les quatre arcs convexes étant coaxiaux à l'axe de pivotement X du palier et de mêmes rayons, tandis que les quatre arcs concaves sont de mêmes rayons, leurs centres étant situés sur un même cercle concentrique à l'axe de pivotement X du palier et écartés de 90° les uns des autres autour de l'axe de pivotement X du palier. Les deux bras diamétraux 15e sont reliés à l'élément d'appui central 15d par deux arcs de cercles concaves opposés. Les deux autre parties à profil concave de l'élément d'appui central 15d sont délimitées extérieurement par deux arcs de cercles concentriques respectivement à ces deux autres parties à profil concave mais de plus petits rayons, qui peuvent aussi servir à mesurer la quantité d'huile.In the variant of Figure 3, a damping spring 15 comprises a central support member 15d whose central opening is formed by the alternation of eight arcs of concave convex circles, the four convex arcs being coaxial with the axis X rotation of the bearing and the same radii, while the four concave arches have the same radii, their centers being located on the same circle concentric with the pivot axis X of the bearing and spaced 90 ° from each other around the pivot axis X of the bearing. The two diametral arms 15e are connected to the central support element 15d by two arcs of opposite concave circles. The two other concave profile portions of the central support member 15d are delimited externally by two arcs of concentric circles respectively to these two other concave profile parts but smaller radii, which can also be used to measure the amount of oil.

Comme illustré en traits interrompus sur la figure 3, les extrémités d'accrochage 15b1, 15b2, 15b3, 15b4, des bras de liaison 15a1, 15a2, 15a3, 15a4, peuvent être allongées par rapport à celles de la figure 2. On pourrait aussi n'allonger que les extrémités 15b1, 15b3 des bras de liaison les plus élastiques, étant donné qu'ils sont plus susceptibles de se décrocher en cas de chocs que les deux autres.As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 3, the attachment ends 15b 1 , 15b 2 , 15b 3 , 15b 4 , connecting arms 15a 1 , 15a 2 , 15a 3 , 15a 4 can be elongated with respect to those of Figure 2. It could also only extend the ends 15b 1 , 15b 3 of the most elastic link arm, since they are more likely to fall off in case of shocks than the other two.

La figure 4 montre encore une autre variante de la forme de l'élément d'appui 25d du ressort 25 qui comporte, d'un côté des bras diamétraux 25e, une partie en arc de cercle concentrique à l'axe de pivotement X du palier et de l'autre côté de ces bras diamétraux 25e, deux portions de l'arc de cercle dépassant ces bras diamétraux 25e d'une même valeur angulaire et dont les extrémités sont reliées l'une à l'autre par un segment en arc de cercle concave de rayon sensiblement supérieur à celui de la partie en arc de cercle centrée sur l'axe de pivotement X, voire par un segment droit.FIG. 4 shows yet another variant of the shape of the bearing element 25d of the spring 25 which comprises, on one side of the diametral arms 25e, a part in circular arc concentric with the pivot axis X of the bearing and on the other side of these diametrical arms 25e, two portions of the arc of a circle exceeding these diametrical arms 25e of the same angular value and whose ends are connected to one another by an arcuate segment of concave circle of radius substantially greater than that of the arcuate portion centered on the pivot axis X, or by a straight segment.

Dans la variante illustrée par la figure 5, l'élément d'appui central 35d a une forme annulaire. Etant donné qu'une telle forme a l'inconvénient de ne pas permettre de détecter la présence ou non d'huile si le bord du ménisque formé par la goutte d'huile se trouve dans la largeur de l'anneau, celui-ci présente une coupure radiale 35f qui permet de voir le ménisque.In the variant illustrated in FIG. 5, the central support element 35d has an annular shape. Since such a form has the drawback of not being able to detect the presence or absence of oil if the edge of the meniscus formed by the drop of oil is in the width of the ring, the latter a radial cut 35f which allows to see the meniscus.

Si on se réfère à nouveau aux figures 1 et 2, on constate que des chanfreins sont ménagés, notamment des deux côtés du fraisage diamétral 1b du corps de palier 1. Ces chanfreins peuvent être utilisés pour transformer une pression exercée sur les bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4 du ressort amortisseur en des forces qui tendent à rapprocher les deux bras parallèles 5a1, 5a4, respectivement 5a2, 5a3 situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre, en sorte qu'il est possible de mettre en place le ressort amortisseur par une simple translation en exerçant simultanément des pressions sur les quatre bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4.Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, it is found that chamfers are provided, in particular on both sides of the diametrical milling 1b of the bearing body 1. These chamfers can be used to transform a pressure exerted on the connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 of the damping spring in forces which tend to bring the two parallel arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 and 5a 2 , 5a 3 situated opposite one another, so that it is possible to set up the damping spring by a simple translation simultaneously exerting pressure on the four connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 .

Des dégagements le sont ménagés dans la face supérieure du corps de palier 1 aux endroits où les bords parallèles du fraisage diamétral 1b débouchent dans le siège tronconique 1a du chaton 2. Ces dégagements 1e servent à permettre d'introduire des pointes de brucelles ou de chevilles pour dégager les extrémités d'accrochage 5b1, 5b2, 5b3, 5b4, des bras de liaison 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4 du corps de palier 1. A noter que l'on peut ne dégager qu'une paire de bras de liaison parallèles 5a1, 5a4, ou 5a2, 5a3 situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre, l'autre paire étant utilisée comme charnière pour libérer le contre-pivot 4.Clearances are formed in the upper face of the bearing body 1 in places where the parallel edges of the diametrical milling 1b open into the frustoconical seat 1a of the kitten 2. These clearances 1e are used to introduce tweezers or dowels to release the attachment ends 5b 1 , 5b 2 , 5b 3 , 5b 4 , connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 of the bearing body 1. Note that it can be identified that a pair of parallel connecting arms 5a 1 , 5a 4 , or 5a 2 , 5a 3 situated opposite one another, the other pair being used as a hinge to release the pivoting pivot 4.

La variante du ressort amortisseur 45 illustrée par la figure 6 se différencie des autres ressorts décrits précédemment essentiellement par le fait que les bras diamétraux 45e ne sont plus reliés aux jonctions entre deux bras de liaison 5a2, 5a4 et les branches en arcs de cercles 5c1, respectivement 5c2, comme dans le cas de la figure 2 par exemple, mais ces bras diamétraux 45e sont reliés aux extrémités externes des bras de liaison 45a2, respectivement 45a4, par un segment de raccordement 45f1, respectivement 45f2. En étant reliés aux extrémités externes des bras de liaison 45a2, respectivement 45a4, les bras diamétraux 45e sont reliés de fait aux extrémités d'accrochage respectives 45b2, 45b4 de ces bras de liaison 45a2, 45a4. Avec cette variante, les branches élastiques sont davantage allongées puisqu'elles comportent chacune l'ensemble des deux éléments de suspension 45a1, 45c1, 45a2, respectivement 45a3, 45c2, 45a4.The variant of the damping spring 45 illustrated in FIG. 6 differs from the other springs previously described essentially in that the diametral arms 45e are no longer connected to the junctions between two connecting arms 5a 2 , 5a 4 and the branches in arcs of circles 5c 1 , respectively 5c 2 , as in the case of Figure 2 for example, but these diametrical arms 45e are connected to the outer ends of the connecting arms 45a 2 , respectively 45a 4 , by a connecting segment 45f 1 , respectively 45f 2 . By being connected to the outer ends of the connecting arms 45a 2 , respectively 45a 4 , the diametral arms 45e are in fact connected to the respective attachment ends 45b 2 , 45b 4 of these link arms 45a 2 , 45a 4 . With this variant, the elastic branches are more elongated since they each comprise all of the two suspension elements 45a 1 , 45c 1 , 45a 2 , respectively 45a 3 , 45c 2 , 45a 4 .

Claims (11)

Palier amortisseur de chocs pour pièce d'horlogerie, comprenant un corps de palier (1), une pierre de palier percée (3), un siège de positionnement (1a) de cette pierre de palier (3) dans ce corps de palier (1), un contre-pivot (4), un siège de positionnement (2a) de ce contre-pivot (4) dans ce corps de palier (1) et un ressort amortisseur de chocs (5) pour maintenir ledit contre-pivot (4) contre ledit siège de positionnement (2a), ce ressort amortisseur de chocs (5) étant relié audit corps de palier (1) par quatre bras de liaison (5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4), parallèles à un plan contenant l'axe de pivotement (X) dudit palier et formant, de chaque côté de ce plan, un élément de suspension comportant deux desdits bras de liaison (5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4) reliés l'un à l'autre par une branche en arc de cercle (5c1, 5c2) centré sur ledit axe de pivotement (X) et dont le rayon est supérieur à celui dudit contre-pivot (4), ces éléments de suspension (5a1, 5c1, 5a2; 5a3, 5c2, 5a4) étant reliés l'un à l'autre par deux bras diamétraux (5e) situés de part et d'autre d'un élément d'appui central (5d), caractérisé en ce que les extrémités externes desdits bras diamétraux (5e) sont reliées à deux desdits bras de liaison (5a2, 5a4) appartenant aux dits éléments de suspension respectifs (5a1, 5c1, 5a2; 5a3, 5c2, 5a4).Shock absorber bearing for a timepiece, comprising a bearing body (1), a pierced bearing stone (3), a positioning seat (1a) of this bearing stone (3) in this bearing housing (1). ), a counter-pivot (4), a positioning seat (2a) of this counter-pivot (4) in this bearing body (1) and a shock-absorbing spring (5) for holding said counter-pivot (4) against said positioning seat (2a), said shock absorbing spring (5) being connected to said bearing body (1) by four connecting arms (5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 ) parallel to a plane containing the pivot axis (X) of said bearing and forming, on each side of this plane, a suspension element comprising two of said connecting arms (5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 ) connected to each other; other by a branch in an arc (5c 1 , 5c 2 ) centered on said pivot axis (X) and whose radius is greater than that of said counter-pivot (4), these suspension elements (5a 1 , 5c 1 , 5a 2 ; 5a 3 , 5c 2 , 5a 4 ) being connected to each other by two diametrical arms (5e) located on either side of a central support element (5d), characterized in that that the outer ends of said diametral arms (5e) are connected to two of said connecting arms (5a 2 , 5a 4 ) belonging to said respective suspension members (5a 1 , 5c 1 , 5a 2 ; 5a 3 , 5c 2 , 5a 4 ). Palier selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les extrémités externes desdits bras diamétraux (5e) sont raccordées aux dits éléments de suspensions (5a1, 5c1, 5a2; 5a3, 5c2, 5a4) respectifs, à la jonction entre deux desdits bras de liaison (5a2, 5a4) avec les branches en arc de cercle respectives (5c1, 5c2).Bearing according to claim 1, wherein the outer ends of said diametral arms (5e) are connected to said respective suspension elements (5a 1 , 5c 1 , 5a 2 ; 5a 3 , 5c 2 , 5a 4 ) at the junction between two said connecting arms (5a 2 , 5a 4 ) with respective arcuate branches (5c 1 , 5c 2 ). Palier selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les extrémités externes desdits bras diamétraux (45e) sont reliées respectivement à une extrémité de liaison (45b2, 45b4) audit support de palier (1) d'un bras de liaison (4542, 45a4) de chacun desdits éléments de suspensions (45a1, 45c1, 45a2; 45a3, 45c2, 45a4).Bearing according to claim 1, wherein the outer ends of said diametral arms (45e) are connected respectively at a connecting end (45b 2 , 45b 4 ) to said bearing support (1) of a connecting arm (454 2 , 45a 4 ) of each of said suspension elements (45a 1 , 45c 1 , 45a 2 ; 3 , 45c 2 , 45a 4 ). Palier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les extrémités libres desdits bras de liaison se terminent par des éléments d'accrochage (5b1, 5b2, 5b3, 5b4), les éléments d'accrochage de chaque paire de bras de liaison situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre (5a1, 5a4; 5a2, 5a3) étant tournés du côté extérieur à ces paires de bras de liaison respectives.Bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the free ends of said connecting arms are terminated by attachment elements (5b 1 , 5b 2 , 5b 3 , 5b 4 ), the attachment elements of each pair of arms connecting to each other (5a 1 , 5a 4 ; 5a 2 , 5a 3 ) being turned on the outer side to these pairs of respective connecting arms. Palier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les deux paires de bras de liaison du ressort amortisseur de chocs (5), formées par les bras de liaison situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre (5a1, 5a4; 5a2, 5a3) des deux éléments de suspensions, présentent une symétrie centrale par rapport audit axe de pivotement.Bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two pairs of connecting arms of the shock-absorbing spring (5), formed by the connecting arms situated opposite one another (5a 1 , 5a 4 ; 5a 2 , 5a 3 ) of the two suspension elements, have a central symmetry with respect to said pivot axis. Palier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit ressort amortisseur de choc (5) est d'épaisseur constante et est plan à l'état de repos.Bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said shock absorbing spring (5) is of constant thickness and is plane in the rest state. Palier selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le profil de ladite partie d'appui central (5d) du ressort amortisseur de chocs (5) est dégagé en son centre et est choisi pour servir de jauge de la quantité d'huile dans le palier et présente à cet effet au moins deux repères radiaux de rayons différents pour déterminer respectivement les quantités d'huile maximum et minimum, ainsi que le centrage de cette huile par rapport audit axe de pivotement (X).Bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile of said central bearing portion (5d) of the shock-absorbing spring (5) is disengaged at its center and is chosen to serve as a gauge of the amount of oil in the bearing and has for this purpose at least two radial marks of different radii for respectively determining the maximum and minimum oil quantities, and the centering of this oil with respect to said pivot axis (X). Palier selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit support de palier (1) comporte un passage diamétral (1b) de part et d'autre du siège (1a) de ladite pierre de palier (3), pour recevoir les bras de liaison (5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4) du ressort amortisseur de chocs (5) et est de conformation à symétrie centrale par rapport audit axe de pivotement (X) du palier.Bearing according to claim 5, wherein said bearing support (1) has a diametrical passage (1b) on either side of the seat (1a) of said bearing stone (3), for receiving the connecting arms (5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 ) shock absorber spring (5) and is of symmetrically central conformation with respect to said pivot axis (X) of the bearing. Palier selon la revendication 4, dans lequel les éléments d'accrochage (15b1, 15b3) des deux bras de liaison (15a1, 1543) qui ne sont pas reliés aux extrémités externes des deux bras diamétraux (15e) sont plus longs que les éléments d'accrochage des deux autres bras de liaison.Bearing according to claim 4, wherein the attachment elements (15b 1 , 15b 3 ) of the two connecting arms (15a 1 , 154 3 ) which are not connected to the outer ends of the two diametral arms (15e) are longer that the attachment elements of the other two link arms. Palier selon la revendication 8, dans lequel des dégagements (1e) sont ménagés dans ledit support de palier (1) sur les bords externes dudit passage diamétral (1b) situé de part et d'autre du siège (1a) de ladite pierre de palier (3), pour faciliter le dégagement des bras de liaison (5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4) du ressort amortisseur de chocs (5).Bearing according to claim 8, wherein recesses (1e) are formed in said bearing support (1) on the outer edges of said diametral passage (1b) located on either side of the seat (1a) of said bearing stone (3), to facilitate the release of the connecting arm (5a 1 , 5a 2 , 5a 3 , 5a 4 ) of the shock absorber spring (5). Palier selon les revendications 4 et 8, dans lequel des chanfreins sont ménagés le long des bords dudit passage diamétral (1b) pour augmenter sa largeur à une valeur sensiblement égale à la largeur des éléments d'accrochage (5b1, 5b2, 5b3, 5b4) de chaque paire de bras de liaison du ressort amortisseur de chocs (5) situés vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre, pour permettre la mise en place de ce ressort amortisseur par simple translation parallèle audit axe de pivotement (X) du palier.Bearing according to claims 4 and 8, wherein chamfers are provided along the edges of said diametral passage (1b) to increase its width to a value substantially equal to the width of the fastening elements (5b 1 , 5b 2 , 5b 3 , 5b 4 ) of each pair of connecting arms of the shock-absorbing spring (5) located opposite one another, to allow the introduction of this damping spring by simple translation parallel to said axis of pivoting (X) of the bearing.
EP05405263A 2005-03-23 2005-03-23 Shock-proof bearing for timepiece Active EP1705537B1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE05405263T DE05405263T1 (en) 2005-03-23 2005-03-23 Shock-absorbing storage for watches
EP05405263A EP1705537B1 (en) 2005-03-23 2005-03-23 Shock-proof bearing for timepiece
DE602005006731T DE602005006731D1 (en) 2005-03-23 2005-03-23 Shock-absorbing storage for watches
CN200610071784A CN100578394C (en) 2005-03-23 2006-03-22 Shock-absorbing bearing for timepiece
JP2006080569A JP4598701B2 (en) 2005-03-23 2006-03-23 Buffer bearing for watch
US11/387,423 US7234859B2 (en) 2005-03-23 2006-03-23 Shock-absorbing bearing for timepiece
HK06112526A HK1092880A1 (en) 2005-03-23 2006-11-14 Shock-proof bearing for timepiece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05405263A EP1705537B1 (en) 2005-03-23 2005-03-23 Shock-proof bearing for timepiece

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1705537A1 true EP1705537A1 (en) 2006-09-27
EP1705537B1 EP1705537B1 (en) 2008-05-14

Family

ID=35094614

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05405263A Active EP1705537B1 (en) 2005-03-23 2005-03-23 Shock-proof bearing for timepiece

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US7234859B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1705537B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4598701B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100578394C (en)
DE (2) DE05405263T1 (en)
HK (1) HK1092880A1 (en)

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JP2013088178A (en) * 2011-10-14 2013-05-13 Seiko Instruments Inc Antishock bearing mechanism of balance, balance provided with the antishock mechanism, and watch provided with the same
EP3291026A1 (en) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-07 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Shock-absorbing bearing for a clock piece
EP3916489A1 (en) 2020-05-29 2021-12-01 Rolex Sa Shock absorber spring, bearing body and bearing for timepiece

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JP5455115B2 (en) * 2009-10-07 2014-03-26 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Watch bearings, movements and portable watches
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JP2013088178A (en) * 2011-10-14 2013-05-13 Seiko Instruments Inc Antishock bearing mechanism of balance, balance provided with the antishock mechanism, and watch provided with the same
EP3291026A1 (en) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-07 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Shock-absorbing bearing for a clock piece
EP3916489A1 (en) 2020-05-29 2021-12-01 Rolex Sa Shock absorber spring, bearing body and bearing for timepiece
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4598701B2 (en) 2010-12-15
JP2006267106A (en) 2006-10-05
CN1837993A (en) 2006-09-27
HK1092880A1 (en) 2007-02-16
DE602005006731D1 (en) 2008-06-26
US7234859B2 (en) 2007-06-26
DE05405263T1 (en) 2007-05-03
US20060215499A1 (en) 2006-09-28
CN100578394C (en) 2010-01-06
EP1705537B1 (en) 2008-05-14

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