EP2015147B2 - Shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece - Google Patents

Shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2015147B2
EP2015147B2 EP08160043.9A EP08160043A EP2015147B2 EP 2015147 B2 EP2015147 B2 EP 2015147B2 EP 08160043 A EP08160043 A EP 08160043A EP 2015147 B2 EP2015147 B2 EP 2015147B2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
central portion
pivot
arms
annular
hole
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EP08160043.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2015147A2 (en
EP2015147B1 (en
EP2015147A3 (en
Inventor
Michel Vermot
Loïc Pellation
Pierre Gygax
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Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
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Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
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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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to bearings for timepieces, and more particularly of the type for damping shocks.
  • Such bearings are, most frequently, used to ensure the pivoting of the rockers. Indeed, the latter are provided with small diameter pivots, that is to say, delicate. Since, moreover, the mass of the balance is relatively large, the risk is high that a pivot breaks under the effect of a shock.
  • shock absorbing bearings There are many types of shock absorbing bearings. The most frequently used include a body provided with positioning and sliding surfaces, a pierced stone and a counter-pivot stone together forming a pivot member, these stones being disposed in the body and positioned on the positioning and sliding surfaces. A spring maintains the stones in the rest position, while allowing them to move within a certain limit under the effect of a shock, the axis of the balance then arriving against stops.
  • Such bearings have, for example been sold under the trademark Incabloc ®.
  • Shock absorbing bearings are also known in which the elastic members and the pivot members form a whole. They have the advantage of being less expensive.
  • the document US 3,942,848 describes a shock-absorbing bearing comprising an annular body intended to be driven in a bridge or a plate.
  • a spring formed to define a conical housing is attached to the body.
  • This housing forms a truss inside which a conical pivot of the balance comes to engage.
  • the pivoting conditions are unfavorable, metal-to-metal pivoting generating significant friction.
  • a bearing type crapaudine cooperating with a conical pivot is poorly suited for a timepiece quality, the positioning of the balance is not very accurate.
  • the document CH 235 315 proposes a similar device with the same disadvantages.
  • the body is cup-shaped pierced in its bottom, and provided with a rim and a conical portion.
  • the elastic and pivoting members are made of a piece made of self-lubricating plastic.
  • the central portion forms a cylindrical housing in which can engage a pendulum pivot. It is further shaped to cooperate with the conical portion, so as to ensure the centering of the central portion.
  • Arms, forming the elastic member, start from the central part and engage under the rim.
  • the diameter of the rocker shafts must be relatively large, since the self-lubricating plastics do not support very high specific pressures.
  • shock-absorbing bearings comprising a central piece provided with a stone and surrounded by a rosette formed in a plate of rigid elastic material.
  • the rosette consists of springs extending radially, their central end cooperating with the central part.
  • the present invention is intended to provide a shock absorbing bearing ensuring a good positioning of the balance and a good protection of the axis. It relates more particularly to a shock absorber bearing for a timepiece according to claim 1.
  • the material used is of monocrystalline type, it is possible to machine it by chemical processes, in particular photo-lithographic methods to ensure substantially vertical walls, which is desirable to ensure good consistency in industrial production.
  • the bearing further comprises an annular housing part, arranged to be driven into a hole in the frame of the timepiece and to receive and fix the ends of the arms. elastic.
  • the annular piece has a truncated cone wall against which the pivot member bears in its outer part. In this way, it is possible to make the elastic arms more rigid and even to define a pre-arming of these arms.
  • the bearing further comprises first and second annular pieces arranged to be driven into a hole in the frame of the timepiece, the pivoting member being interposed between the two annular pieces.
  • a simple structure can be obtained with a bearing whose pivoting member comprises a solid annular portion and at least two resilient arms, said arms being secured by their outer end of said solid annular portion.
  • the bearing comprises elastic portions with annular orientation, integral with the outer end of said arms.
  • the elastic arms may have various shapes. However, a spiral structure seems to have advantages of simplicity and homogeneity of the structure, while providing a small footprint.
  • FIG. 1 to 4 A first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 4 .
  • the figures 1 and 2 illustrate a portion of timepiece provided with bearings according to the invention, respectively seen in section and from above, while the Figures 3 and 4 show a portion of a bearing viewed in perspective, respectively from above and from below.
  • the timepiece partially represented in figures 1 and 2 comprises a frame comprising a plate 10 and a balance bridge 12, bearings 14 and 16 respectively mounted in holes in the plate 10 and the bridge 12.
  • the bearing 14 comprises two annular pieces 26 and 27, the piece 27 being in the form of a cup pierced at its center with a hole 28, and a pivoting member 30 interposed between the two annular pieces 26 and 27.
  • the pivoting member 30 is thus maintained radially by the walls of the hole made in the plate 10 and axially on either side by the annular parts 26 and 27.
  • the bearing 16 comprises an annular piece 31 in the form of a cup, which defines a housing having an inner cylindrical wall 32 and a flat bearing surface 34 defined in the bottom of the cup. It is pierced with a central hole 35. It further comprises a pivoting member 30 disposed in the housing formed by the cylindrical wall 32 and the bearing surface 34. This member 30 is advantageously bonded to the annular piece.
  • a truncated cone portion 36 forms the free end of the cup. It holds and positions a mobile bolt carrier 38.
  • the pivoting members 30, better visible on the Figures 3 and 4 are in the form of pellets comprising a solid annular portion 30a, a central portion 30b provided with a cylindrical blind hole 30c and three spirally wound elastic arms 30d connecting the central portion 30b to the annular portion 30a. They are mounted one in the annular piece 31, the other in the hole of the plate 10, held radially by the wall of the hole and axially by the annular pieces 26 and 27.
  • the blind hole 30c extends over approximately half the thickness of the central portion 30b. Its diameter is chosen so that the pivot 24 which is engaged can rotate freely with a minimum of frolicking. The depth of the hole 30c is approximately equal to twice its diameter.
  • the rocker 18 is pivotally mounted by engagement of the pivots 24 in the blind holes 30c.
  • the tigers 22 are engaged in the holes 28 and 35.
  • the balance 18 In case of impact, the balance 18 is subjected to a force proportional to the acceleration. This force is transmitted to the bearings by means of the pivots 24. It has the effect of deforming the elastic arms 30d until the axis 20 comes to bear, by the rods 22, against the wall of the holes 28 and 35 The balance is then blocked, but by a part of its axis having dimensions much larger than those of the pivots 24.
  • the elastic arms 30d are dimensioned from in such a way that the spindle 20 comes into contact with the annular pieces 27 and 31 with its spurs 22 when the acceleration reaches approximately 500 g.
  • the diagram of the figure 5 shows how the displacement of the central organ varies according to the acceleration undergone. As shown in this figure, at first, there is proportionality between the acceleration and the displacement, then, for an acceleration of about 500 g, one and / or the other of the tigerons 22 comes into contact with the parts Annular 27 or 31. The balance is then blocked.
  • FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 represent a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the figure 6 shows a part of the timepiece provided with such a bearing seen from above while the Figures 7 and 8 show a part of this bearing seen in perspective, respectively from above and from below.
  • the same parts bear the same references as those appearing on the Figures 1 to 4 .
  • This embodiment differs from that previously described by the structure of the pivot members 30. More specifically, the annular portion 30a is replaced by three annular 30e shoes, each connected to an elastic arm 30d. The sole of these shoes has a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole in which the member 30 must be engaged. In this way, during installation, the elastic arms 30d are radially armed, which has the effect of improving the centering of the hole 30c.
  • FIG. 9 A variant of this embodiment is shown in Figures 9 and 10 . It can be seen a pivot member 30 respectively free and disposed in the annular part 31.
  • the member 30 comprises a central portion 30b in which is formed a blind hole, as explained above, not visible in these figures, three elastic arms 30d extending from the central portion 30b outwards, two fingers 30f with an annular orientation and extending on either side of the end of each of the elastic arms 30d, and three fingers 30g extending radially from the central portion 30b outwardly.
  • the distance between the center of the central portion 30b and the free ends of the fingers 30f is greater than the inside diameter of the annular piece 31. Moreover, the distance between the center of the central portion 30b and the end arms 30d is smaller than the inside diameter of the annular part 31. In this way, when the member 30 is put in place, the fingers 30f are armed.
  • the displacement is relatively important for small impacts, the fingers 30f participating in the deformation.
  • the active length of the spring is reduced and the restoring force is increased.
  • the displacement is practically blocked when one of the fingers 30g comes into contact with the annular part 31.
  • the variation of the displacement as a function of the accelerations is represented on the figure 11 .
  • the lateral displacement (X and Y axes) is defined by the thickness of the elastic arms, while the axial displacement (Z axis) is defined by the height of these arms, while the length of the arms contributes to the definition of the one and the other of these displacements.
  • the two bearings 14 and 16 are identical and very close, in their structure, of the bearing 16 of the figure 1 .
  • the elastic arms are curved and the central portion 30b is adjacent to the drop 44, touching or not depending on the desired purpose.
  • Such a construction ensures a pre-arming, insofar as the central portion 30b touches the drop 44.
  • the bearing has a pre-winding of the springs along the three axes, facilitating the return of the central portion 30b in its rest position. If the central portion 30b does not touch the drop 44, the deformation caused by the engagement of the member 30 against the wall 42 of frustoconical stiffens the elastic arms 30d.
  • the pivoting members 30 comprise two plates 301 and 302.
  • the plates 301 comprise a solid annular portion 301a, a central portion 301b provided with a hole 301c passing right through them and spirally wound elastic arms 301 connecting the central portion 301b to the annular portion 301a.
  • the central portion 301c is thinner than the rest of the plate 301, thus forming a recess 301e.
  • the plates 302 comprise a solid annular portion 302a, a solid central portion 302b and spirally wound elastic arms 302d connecting the central portion 302b to the annular portion 302a.
  • the central portion 302b comprises a cylindrical protuberance 302e engaged in the recess 301 e.
  • the pivots 24 are engaged in the holes 301c and in abutment against the central portions 302b, which provide a counter pivot function.
  • the plates 301 and 302 are mounted on the annular pieces 31 in a manner similar to the pivot member 30 described with reference to the Figures 1 to 4 however, the latter comprising two bearing surfaces and two cylindrical walls one for each of the plates 301 and 302.
  • the bearings do not include oiler. This is made possible by the fact that the steel-silicon pair has tribological characteristics such that the presence of oil is not necessary. Under certain conditions, however, it would be possible to maintain oil in the space between the bottom of the hollow 301e and the protrusion 302e.
  • pivot members 30 could be attached directly to frame members, without having to use an intermediate annular piece.
  • the latter facilitates the establishment of the bearing on the frame.
  • pivot members 30 Other materials such as diamond could also be used to manufacture the pivot members 30. It is simply necessary that the selected material is machinable by photo-lithographic processes and that they have good tribological conditions.
  • the friction should affect the mobility of the pivot member only within an acceptable limit for the refocusing of the central portion 30b.
  • the friction implies that a minimum force must be applied on the pivot to cause a displacement of the central portion 30b. In other words, a disturbance generating a force less than this minimum force, would not overcome the forces related to friction and the device would not be disturbed.
  • the figure 14 proposes an example illustrating such a friction element.
  • the central portion 30b of the pivot member 30 comprises, around the blind hole 30c, a flange 30h whose walls define a first truncated cone.
  • the annular piece 27 comprises, around the hole 28 through which the pivot 24 passes, a cup 50 whose walls define a second truncated cone.
  • the walls of the first and second truncated cones are arranged so that, when the resilient arms are in their rest position, they are flush with each other.
  • a slight prestress in the axis of pivoting supports the walls of the flange 30h against that of the cup 50.
  • the walls are substantially parallel, to avoid shocks between the two truncated cone.
  • the angle of the truncated cones may be relatively open, that is to say between about 120 and 180 degrees.
  • the value of the angle defines the friction generated between the two truncated cone and therefore the minimum force to be applied to cause a displacement of the central portion 30b.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Sliding-Contact Bearings (AREA)
  • Support Of The Bearing (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention se rapporte aux paliers pour pièces d'horlogerie, et plus particulièrement du type permettant d'amortir les chocs. De tels paliers sont, le plus fréquemment, utilisés pour assurer le pivotement des balanciers. En effet, ces derniers sont munis de pivots de faible diamètre, c'est-à-dire délicats. Comme, par ailleurs, la masse du balancier est relativement importante, le risque est grand qu'un pivot casse sous l'effet d'un choc.The present invention relates to bearings for timepieces, and more particularly of the type for damping shocks. Such bearings are, most frequently, used to ensure the pivoting of the rockers. Indeed, the latter are provided with small diameter pivots, that is to say, delicate. Since, moreover, the mass of the balance is relatively large, the risk is high that a pivot breaks under the effect of a shock.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Il existe de nombreux types de paliers amortisseurs de chocs. Les plus fréquemment utilisés comportent un corps muni de surfaces de positionnement et de glissement, une pierre percée et une pierre contre-pivot formant ensemble un organe de pivotement, ces pierres étant disposées dans le corps et positionnées sur les surfaces de positionnement et de glissement. Un ressort maintient les pierres en position de repos, tout en les laissant se déplacer dans une certaine limite sous l'effet d'un choc, l'axe du balancier arrivant alors contre des butées. De tels paliers ont, par exemple été vendus sous la marque Incabloc ®.There are many types of shock absorbing bearings. The most frequently used include a body provided with positioning and sliding surfaces, a pierced stone and a counter-pivot stone together forming a pivot member, these stones being disposed in the body and positioned on the positioning and sliding surfaces. A spring maintains the stones in the rest position, while allowing them to move within a certain limit under the effect of a shock, the axis of the balance then arriving against stops. Such bearings have, for example been sold under the trademark Incabloc ®.

On connaît également des paliers amortisseurs de chocs dans lesquels les organes élastiques et les organes de pivotement forment un tout. Ils ont l'avantage d'être moins coûteux.Shock absorbing bearings are also known in which the elastic members and the pivot members form a whole. They have the advantage of being less expensive.

Ainsi, le document US 3'942'848 décrit un palier amortisseur de chocs comportant un corps annulaire destiné à être chassé dans un pont ou une platine. Un ressort formé pour définir un logement conique est fixé sur le corps. Ce logement forme une crapaudine à l'intérieur de laquelle un pivot conique du balancier vient s'engager. Dans une telle construction, les conditions de pivotement sont peu favorables, le pivotement métal sur métal engendrant des frottements importants. Par ailleurs, un palier de type crapaudine coopérant avec un pivot conique est mal adapté pour une pièce d'horlogerie de qualité, le positionnement du balancier étant peu précis. Le document CH 235 315 propose un dispositif similaire, présentant les mêmes inconvénients.Thus, the document US 3,942,848 describes a shock-absorbing bearing comprising an annular body intended to be driven in a bridge or a plate. A spring formed to define a conical housing is attached to the body. This housing forms a truss inside which a conical pivot of the balance comes to engage. In such a construction, the pivoting conditions are unfavorable, metal-to-metal pivoting generating significant friction. Furthermore, a bearing type crapaudine cooperating with a conical pivot is poorly suited for a timepiece quality, the positioning of the balance is not very accurate. The document CH 235 315 proposes a similar device with the same disadvantages.

Dans le document CH 546'975 , le corps est en forme de coupelle percée dans son fond, et munie d'un rebord et d'une portion conique. Les organes élastiques et de pivotement sont réalisés en une pièce faite en plastique autolubrifiant. La partie centrale forme un logement cylindrique dans lequel peut venir s'engager un pivot de balancier. Elle est, en outre conformée pour coopérer avec la portion conique, de manière à assurer le centrage de la partie centrale. Des bras, formant l'organe élastique, partent de la partie centrale et viennent s'engager sous le rebord. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le diamètre des axes de balancier doit être relativement important, car les plastiques autolubrifiants ne supportent pas des pressions spécifiques très élevées.In the document CH 546'975 , the body is cup-shaped pierced in its bottom, and provided with a rim and a conical portion. The elastic and pivoting members are made of a piece made of self-lubricating plastic. The central portion forms a cylindrical housing in which can engage a pendulum pivot. It is further shaped to cooperate with the conical portion, so as to ensure the centering of the central portion. Arms, forming the elastic member, start from the central part and engage under the rim. In this embodiment, the diameter of the rocker shafts must be relatively large, since the self-lubricating plastics do not support very high specific pressures.

Par ailleurs, les documents EP 1'462'879 et EP1'696'286 décrivent des paliers amortisseurs de chocs comportant une pièce centrale munie d'une pierre et entourée d'une rosace formée dans une plaque en matériau rigide élastique. La rosace est constituée de ressorts s'étendant radialement, leur extrémité centrale coopérant avec la pièce centrale. Une telle solution permet de tirer profit des technologies mettant en oeuvre des plaques d'épaisseur constante. Dans une telle construction, la pièce centrale doit être mise en place en écartant les ressorts et la position n'est pas évidente à garantir.In addition, the documents EP 1'462'879 and EP1'696'286 describe shock-absorbing bearings comprising a central piece provided with a stone and surrounded by a rosette formed in a plate of rigid elastic material. The rosette consists of springs extending radially, their central end cooperating with the central part. Such a solution makes it possible to take advantage of technologies using plates of constant thickness. In such a construction, the central piece must be put in place by removing the springs and the position is not obvious to guarantee.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

La présente invention a notamment pour but de réaliser un palier amortisseur de choc garantissant un bon positionnement du balancier et une bonne protection de l'axe. Elle concerne plus particulièrement un palier amortisseur de chocs pour pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 1.The present invention is intended to provide a shock absorbing bearing ensuring a good positioning of the balance and a good protection of the axis. It relates more particularly to a shock absorber bearing for a timepiece according to claim 1.

Grâce au fait que le matériau utilisé est de type monocristallin, il est possible de l'usiner par des procédés chimiques, notamment photo-lithographiques permettant de garantir des parois sensiblement verticales, ce qui est souhaitable pour assurer une bonne régularité en production industrielle.Due to the fact that the material used is of monocrystalline type, it is possible to machine it by chemical processes, in particular photo-lithographic methods to ensure substantially vertical walls, which is desirable to ensure good consistency in industrial production.

Afin de permettre un montage facile et un réglage de sa position, le palier comporte, en outre, une pièce annulaire formant logement, agencée pour être chassée dans un trou du bâti de la pièce d'horlogerie et pour recevoir et fixer les extrémités des bras élastiques.In order to allow easy assembly and adjustment of its position, the bearing further comprises an annular housing part, arranged to be driven into a hole in the frame of the timepiece and to receive and fix the ends of the arms. elastic.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, la pièce annulaire présente une paroi en tronc de cône contre laquelle l'organe de pivotement vient prendre appui dans sa partie extérieure. De la sorte, il est possible de rendre plus rigide les bras élastiques et même de définir un pré-armage de ces bras.In a particular embodiment, the annular piece has a truncated cone wall against which the pivot member bears in its outer part. In this way, it is possible to make the elastic arms more rigid and even to define a pre-arming of these arms.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le palier comporte, en outre, des première et deuxième pièces annulaires agencées pour être chassées dans un trou du bâti de la pièce d'horlogerie l'organe de pivotement étant intercalé entre les deux pièces annulaires.In another embodiment, the bearing further comprises first and second annular pieces arranged to be driven into a hole in the frame of the timepiece, the pivoting member being interposed between the two annular pieces.

La pratique a montré que les conditions tant de pivotement que d'amortissement sont particulièrement bonnes avec une plaque en silicium.Practice has shown that both pivoting and damping conditions are particularly good with a silicon wafer.

Les conditions de pivotement d'un couple acier-silicium permettent d'éviter une lubrification. De la sorte, il est possible de réaliser un organe de pivotement dans lequel le trou est borgne.The pivoting conditions of a steel-silicon pair make it possible to avoid lubrication. In this way, it is possible to make a pivoting member in which the hole is blind.

Un autre aspect de l'invention est proposé à la revendication 2.Another aspect of the invention is provided in claim 2.

Une structure simple peut être obtenue avec un palier dont l'organe de pivotement comprend une partie annulaire pleine et au moins deux bras élastiques, lesdits bras étant solidaires par leur extrémité extérieure de ladite partie annulaire pleine.A simple structure can be obtained with a bearing whose pivoting member comprises a solid annular portion and at least two resilient arms, said arms being secured by their outer end of said solid annular portion.

Afin de faciliter son centrage lors de la mise en place notamment, le palier comprend des portions élastiques à orientation annulaire, solidaires de l'extrémité extérieure desdits bras.In order to facilitate its centering during the implementation in particular, the bearing comprises elastic portions with annular orientation, integral with the outer end of said arms.

Les bras élastiques peuvent présenter des formes variées. Toutefois, une structure en spirale semble présenter des avantages de simplicité et d'homogénéité de la structure, tout en offrant un palier de faible encombrement.The elastic arms may have various shapes. However, a spiral structure seems to have advantages of simplicity and homogeneity of the structure, while providing a small footprint.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, faite en référence au dessin annexé, dans lequel:

  • les figures 1 à 4 représentent un premier mode de réalisation de paliers assurant le pivotement d'un axe de balancier, alors que la figure 5 est un diagramme montrant comment réagissent de tels paliers sous l'effet d'une accélération ;
  • les figures 6 à 8 et 9 et 10 montrent deux variantes d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de paliers selon l'invention, alors que la figure 11 est un diagramme illustrant comment réagissent de tels paliers sous l'effet d'une accélération ;
  • les figures 12 et 13 concernent des troisième et quatrième modes de réalisation de l'invention
  • la figure 14 propose une variante supplémentaire d'un mode de réalisation.
Other features of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawing, in which:
  • the Figures 1 to 4 represent a first embodiment of bearings ensuring the pivoting of a balance shaft, while the figure 5 is a diagram showing how such bearings react under the effect of an acceleration;
  • the Figures 6 to 8 and 9 and 10 show two variants of a second embodiment of bearings according to the invention, while the figure 11 is a diagram illustrating how such bearings react under the effect of an acceleration;
  • the Figures 12 and 13 relate to third and fourth embodiments of the invention
  • the figure 14 proposes a further variant of an embodiment.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

Un premier mode de réalisation est représenté aux figures 1 à 4. Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent une portion de pièce d'horlogerie munie de paliers selon l'invention, respectivement vue en coupe et de dessus, alors que les figures 3 et 4 montrent une partie d'un palier vue en perspective, respectivement de dessus et de dessous.A first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 4 . The figures 1 and 2 illustrate a portion of timepiece provided with bearings according to the invention, respectively seen in section and from above, while the Figures 3 and 4 show a portion of a bearing viewed in perspective, respectively from above and from below.

La pièce d'horlogerie partiellement représentée aux figures 1 et 2 comporte un bâti comprenant une platine 10 et un pont de balancier 12, des paliers 14 et 16 respectivement montés dans des trous pratiqués dans la platine 10 et le pont 12. Un balancier 18, comportant un axe 20 muni à ses deux extrémités de tigerons 22 portant des pivots 24, est monté pivotant dans les paliers 14 et 16.The timepiece partially represented in figures 1 and 2 comprises a frame comprising a plate 10 and a balance bridge 12, bearings 14 and 16 respectively mounted in holes in the plate 10 and the bridge 12. A rocker 18, having an axis 20 provided at both ends with tigerons 22 carrying pins 24, is pivotally mounted in the bearings 14 and 16.

Le palier 14 comprend deux pièces annulaires 26 et 27, la pièce 27 étant en forme de coupelle percée en son centre d'un trou 28, et un organe de pivotement 30 intercalé entre les deux pièces annulaires 26 et 27. L'organe de pivotement 30 est ainsi maintenu radialement par les parois du trou pratiqué dans la platine 10 et axialement de part et d'autre par les pièces annulaires 26 et 27.The bearing 14 comprises two annular pieces 26 and 27, the piece 27 being in the form of a cup pierced at its center with a hole 28, and a pivoting member 30 interposed between the two annular pieces 26 and 27. The pivoting member 30 is thus maintained radially by the walls of the hole made in the plate 10 and axially on either side by the annular parts 26 and 27.

Le palier 16 comprend une pièce annulaire 31 en forme de coupelle, qui définit un logement comportant une paroi cylindrique intérieure 32 et une surface d'appui plane 34 définie dans le fond de la coupelle. Il est percé d'un trou central 35. Il comprend, en outre, un organe de pivotement 30 disposé dans le logement que forment la paroi cylindrique 32 et la surface d'appui 34. Cet organe 30 est avantageusement collé à la pièce annulaire. Une portion en tronc de cône 36 forme l'extrémité libre de la coupelle. Elle retient et positionne un porte-piton mobile 38.The bearing 16 comprises an annular piece 31 in the form of a cup, which defines a housing having an inner cylindrical wall 32 and a flat bearing surface 34 defined in the bottom of the cup. It is pierced with a central hole 35. It further comprises a pivoting member 30 disposed in the housing formed by the cylindrical wall 32 and the bearing surface 34. This member 30 is advantageously bonded to the annular piece. A truncated cone portion 36 forms the free end of the cup. It holds and positions a mobile bolt carrier 38.

Il va de soi que le palier 16 tel que décrit pourrait aussi être monté sur la platine 10, et le palier 14 sur le coq 12, moyennant quelques aménagements accessibles à l'homme du métier.It goes without saying that the bearing 16 as described could also be mounted on the plate 10, and the bearing 14 on the cock 12, with some adjustments accessible to the skilled person.

Les organes de pivotement 30, mieux visibles sur les figures 3 et 4, se présentent sous forme de pastilles comprenant une partie annulaire pleine 30a, une portion centrale 30b munie d'un trou borgne cylindrique 30c et trois bras élastiques 30d enroulés en spirale reliant la portion centrale 30b à la partie annulaire 30a. Ils sont montés l'un dans la pièce annulaire 31, l'autre dans le trou de la platine 10, maintenu radialement par la paroi du trou et axialement par les pièces annulaires 26 et 27.The pivoting members 30, better visible on the Figures 3 and 4 , are in the form of pellets comprising a solid annular portion 30a, a central portion 30b provided with a cylindrical blind hole 30c and three spirally wound elastic arms 30d connecting the central portion 30b to the annular portion 30a. They are mounted one in the annular piece 31, the other in the hole of the plate 10, held radially by the wall of the hole and axially by the annular pieces 26 and 27.

Ils sont formés dans une plaque de silicium, et usinés selon les techniques bien connues de photolithographie. Leurs dimensions sont les suivantes :

  • diamètre 1,50 à 2,50mm, typiquement 1,80 mm ;
  • épaisseur 0,20 à 0,30 mm typiquement 0,25mm ;
  • épaisseur des bras 0,04 à 0,08 mm typiquement 0,05m ;
  • longueur de la spirale 360° à 720°, typiquement 480°.
They are formed in a silicon wafer, and machined according to well-known photolithography techniques. Their dimensions are as follows:
  • diameter 1.50 to 2.50 mm, typically 1.80 mm;
  • thickness 0.20 to 0.30 mm typically 0.25mm;
  • arm thickness 0.04 to 0.08 mm typically 0.05m;
  • spiral length 360 ° to 720 °, typically 480 °.

Le trou borgne 30c s'étend sur environ la moitié de l'épaisseur de la portion centrale 30b. Son diamètre est choisi de manière à ce que le pivot 24 qui y est engagé puisse y tourner librement avec un minimum d'ébat. La profondeur du trou 30c est environ égale à deux fois son diamètre.The blind hole 30c extends over approximately half the thickness of the central portion 30b. Its diameter is chosen so that the pivot 24 which is engaged can rotate freely with a minimum of frolicking. The depth of the hole 30c is approximately equal to twice its diameter.

Le balancier 18 est monté pivotant par engagement des pivots 24 dans les trous borgnes 30c. Les tigerons 22 sont engagés dans les trous 28 et 35.The rocker 18 is pivotally mounted by engagement of the pivots 24 in the blind holes 30c. The tigers 22 are engaged in the holes 28 and 35.

En cas de choc, le balancier 18 est soumis à une force proportionnelle à l'accélération subie. Cette force est transmise aux paliers par l'intermédiaire des pivots 24. Elle a pour effet de déformer les bras élastiques 30d jusqu'à ce que l'axe 20 vienne prendre appui, par les tigerons 22, contre la paroi des trous 28 et 35. Le balancier est alors bloqué, mais par une partie de son axe ayant des dimensions beaucoup plus grandes que celles des pivots 24.In case of impact, the balance 18 is subjected to a force proportional to the acceleration. This force is transmitted to the bearings by means of the pivots 24. It has the effect of deforming the elastic arms 30d until the axis 20 comes to bear, by the rods 22, against the wall of the holes 28 and 35 The balance is then blocked, but by a part of its axis having dimensions much larger than those of the pivots 24.

Les bras élastiques 30d sont dimensionnés de manière à ce que l'axe 20 entre en contact, par ses tigerons 22, avec les pièces annulaires 27 et 31 lorsque l'accélération atteint environ 500g.The elastic arms 30d are dimensioned from in such a way that the spindle 20 comes into contact with the annular pieces 27 and 31 with its spurs 22 when the acceleration reaches approximately 500 g.

Le diagramme de la figure 5 montre la manière dont varie le déplacement de l'organe central en fonction de l'accélération subie. Comme le montre cette figure, dans un premier temps, il y a proportionnalité entre l'accélération et le déplacement, puis, pour une accélération de 500g environ, l'un et/ou l'autre des tigerons 22 entre en contact avec les pièces annulaires 27 ou 31. Le balancier est alors bloqué.The diagram of the figure 5 shows how the displacement of the central organ varies according to the acceleration undergone. As shown in this figure, at first, there is proportionality between the acceleration and the displacement, then, for an acceleration of about 500 g, one and / or the other of the tigerons 22 comes into contact with the parts Annular 27 or 31. The balance is then blocked.

Les figures 6, 7 et 8 représentent un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention. La figure 6 montre une partie de la pièce d'horlogerie munie d'un tel palier vu de dessus alors que les figures 7 et 8 montrent une partie de ce palier vu en perspective, respectivement de dessus et de dessous. Sur ces figures, les mêmes pièces portent les mêmes références que celles figurant sur les figures 1 à 4.The Figures 6, 7 and 8 represent a second embodiment of the invention. The figure 6 shows a part of the timepiece provided with such a bearing seen from above while the Figures 7 and 8 show a part of this bearing seen in perspective, respectively from above and from below. In these figures, the same parts bear the same references as those appearing on the Figures 1 to 4 .

Ce mode de réalisation diffère de celui précédemment décrit par la structure des organes de pivotement 30. Plus précisément, la partie annulaire 30a est remplacée par trois sabots 30e à orientation annulaire, chacun relié à un bras élastique 30d. La semelle de ces sabots présente un diamètre supérieur au diamètre du trou dans lequel l'organe 30 doit être engagé. De la sorte, lors de la mise en place, les bras élastiques 30d sont armés radialement, ce qui a pour effet d'améliorer le centrage du trou 30c.This embodiment differs from that previously described by the structure of the pivot members 30. More specifically, the annular portion 30a is replaced by three annular 30e shoes, each connected to an elastic arm 30d. The sole of these shoes has a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole in which the member 30 must be engaged. In this way, during installation, the elastic arms 30d are radially armed, which has the effect of improving the centering of the hole 30c.

Une variante de ce mode de réalisation est représentée aux figures 9 et 10. On peut y voir un organe de pivotement 30 respectivement libre et disposé dans la pièce annulaire 31. L'organe 30 comprend une portion centrale 30b dans laquelle est pratiqué un trou borgne, comme expliqué précédemment, non visible sur ces figures, trois bras élastiques 30d s'étendant de la portion centrale 30b vers l'extérieur, deux doigts 30f à orientation annulaire et s'étendant de part et d'autre de l'extrémité de chacun des bras élastiques 30d, et trois doigts 30g s'étendant radialement de la portion centrale 30b vers l'extérieur.A variant of this embodiment is shown in Figures 9 and 10 . It can be seen a pivot member 30 respectively free and disposed in the annular part 31. The member 30 comprises a central portion 30b in which is formed a blind hole, as explained above, not visible in these figures, three elastic arms 30d extending from the central portion 30b outwards, two fingers 30f with an annular orientation and extending on either side of the end of each of the elastic arms 30d, and three fingers 30g extending radially from the central portion 30b outwardly.

En position libre, la distance entre le centre de la portion centrale 30b et les extrémités libres des doigts 30f est supérieure au diamètre intérieur de la pièce annulaire 31. Par ailleurs, la distance comprise entre le centre de la portion centrale 30b et l'extrémité des bras 30d est inférieur au diamètre intérieur de la pièce annulaire 31. De la sorte, lorsque l'organe 30 est mis en place, les doigts 30f sont armés.In free position, the distance between the center of the central portion 30b and the free ends of the fingers 30f is greater than the inside diameter of the annular piece 31. Moreover, the distance between the center of the central portion 30b and the end arms 30d is smaller than the inside diameter of the annular part 31. In this way, when the member 30 is put in place, the fingers 30f are armed.

Avec une telle configuration, le déplacement est relativement important pour les petits chocs, les doigts 30f participant à la déformation. Dès lors que l'extrémité extérieure d'un bras 30d entre en contact avec la pièce annulaire, la longueur active du ressort est réduite et la force de rappel est augmentée. Le déplacement est pratiquement bloqué lorsque l'un des doigts 30g entre en contact avec la pièce annulaire 31. La variation du déplacement en fonction des accélérations est représentée sur la figure 11.With such a configuration, the displacement is relatively important for small impacts, the fingers 30f participating in the deformation. As the outer end of an arm 30d comes into contact with the annular piece, the active length of the spring is reduced and the restoring force is increased. The displacement is practically blocked when one of the fingers 30g comes into contact with the annular part 31. The variation of the displacement as a function of the accelerations is represented on the figure 11 .

Dans les deux modes de réalisation décrits en référence aux figures 1 à 10, le déplacement latéral (axes X et Y) est défini par l'épaisseur des bras élastiques, alors que le déplacement axial (axe Z) est défini par la hauteur de ces bras, tandis que la longueur des bras participe à la définition de l'un et l'autre de ces déplacements.In both embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 10 , the lateral displacement (X and Y axes) is defined by the thickness of the elastic arms, while the axial displacement (Z axis) is defined by the height of these arms, while the length of the arms contributes to the definition of the one and the other of these displacements.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 12, les deux paliers 14 et 16 sont identiques et très proches, dans leur structure, du palier 16 de la figure 1. On retrouve les mêmes organes de pivotement 30 que ceux représentés aux figures 7 et 8, montés dans des pièces annulaires 40, de structure voisine de la pièce annulaire 31. Les seules différences résident dans le fait que la paroi cylindrique 32 est remplacée par une paroi 42 en tronc de cône, le diamètre extérieur étant inférieur au diamètre intérieur, et que la partie formant le fond de la coupelle comporte une goutte 44 entourant le trou central 35.In the embodiment illustrated in figure 12 , the two bearings 14 and 16 are identical and very close, in their structure, of the bearing 16 of the figure 1 . We find the same pivoting members 30 as those shown in Figures 7 and 8 , mounted in annular pieces 40, of structure adjacent to the annular piece 31. The only differences reside in the fact that the cylindrical wall 32 is replaced by a truncated cone wall 42, the outside diameter being smaller than the inside diameter, and that the portion forming the bottom of the cup has a drop 44 surrounding the central hole 35.

De la sorte, en mettant en place les organes de pivotement 30 tels qu'illustrés sur les figures 7 et 8, les bras élastiques s'incurvent et la portion centrale 30b est attenante à la goutte 44, la touchant ou non selon le but recherché. Une telle construction assure un pré-armage, dans la mesure où la portion centrale 30b touche la goutte 44. De la sorte, le palier présente un pré-armage des ressorts selon les trois axes, facilitant le retour de la portion centrale 30b dans sa position de repos. Si la portion centrale 30b ne touche pas la goutte 44, la déformation engendrée par l'engagement de l'organe 30 contre la paroi 42 en tronc de cône rigidifie les bras élastiques 30d.In this way, by setting up the pivoting members 30 as illustrated on the Figures 7 and 8 the elastic arms are curved and the central portion 30b is adjacent to the drop 44, touching or not depending on the desired purpose. Such a construction ensures a pre-arming, insofar as the central portion 30b touches the drop 44. In this way, the bearing has a pre-winding of the springs along the three axes, facilitating the return of the central portion 30b in its rest position. If the central portion 30b does not touch the drop 44, the deformation caused by the engagement of the member 30 against the wall 42 of frustoconical stiffens the elastic arms 30d.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 13, les mêmes pièces portent les mêmes références que dans les autres modes de réalisation. Les organes de pivotement 30 comprennent deux plaques 301 et 302.In the embodiment illustrated in figure 13 , the same parts have the same references as in the other embodiments. The pivoting members 30 comprise two plates 301 and 302.

Les plaques 301 comprennent une partie annulaire pleine 301 a, une portion centrale 301 b munie d'un trou 301c les traversant de part en part et des bras élastiques 301 d enroulés en spirale reliant la portion centrale 301 b à la partie annulaire 301a. La portion centrale 301c est plus mince que le reste de la plaque 301, formant ainsi une creusure 301e.The plates 301 comprise a solid annular portion 301a, a central portion 301b provided with a hole 301c passing right through them and spirally wound elastic arms 301 connecting the central portion 301b to the annular portion 301a. The central portion 301c is thinner than the rest of the plate 301, thus forming a recess 301e.

Les plaques 302 comprennent une partie annulaire pleine 302a, une portion centrale 302b pleine et des bras élastiques 302d enroulés en spirale reliant la portion centrale 302b à la partie annulaire 302a. La portion centrale 302b comprend une protubérance cylindrique 302e engagée dans la creusure 301 e.The plates 302 comprise a solid annular portion 302a, a solid central portion 302b and spirally wound elastic arms 302d connecting the central portion 302b to the annular portion 302a. The central portion 302b comprises a cylindrical protuberance 302e engaged in the recess 301 e.

Les pivots 24 sont engagés dans les trous 301c et en appui contre les portions centrales 302b, qui assurent une fonction de contre-pivot.The pivots 24 are engaged in the holes 301c and in abutment against the central portions 302b, which provide a counter pivot function.

En cas d'accélération radiale, le balancier 18 se déplace du fait de la déformation des bras élastiques 301 d jusqu'à ce que la protubérance 302e entre en contact avec la paroi de la creusure 301e. A ce moment-là, les bras élastiques 302d sont également sollicités, augmentant la force de résistance, jusqu'au moment où le tigeron 22 entre en contact avec le bord du trou 35.In case of radial acceleration, the rocker 18 moves due to the deformation of the elastic arms 301 d until the protrusion 302e comes into contact with the wall of the recess 301e. At this moment, the elastic arms 302d are also stressed, increasing the resistance force, until the moment when the tigeron 22 comes into contact with the edge of the hole 35.

En ce qui concerne les chocs axiaux, seuls les bras élastiques 302d sont sollicités.As regards the axial shocks, only the elastic arms 302d are stressed.

Les plaques 301 et 302 sont montées sur les pièces annulaires 31 de manière similaire à l'organe de pivotement 30 décrit en référence aux figures 1 à 4, ces dernières comportant toutefois deux surfaces d'appui et deux parois cylindriques une pour chacune des plaques 301 et 302.The plates 301 and 302 are mounted on the annular pieces 31 in a manner similar to the pivot member 30 described with reference to the Figures 1 to 4 however, the latter comprising two bearing surfaces and two cylindrical walls one for each of the plates 301 and 302.

On relèvera que, dans ce mode de réalisation comme dans ceux décrits précédemment, les paliers ne comprennent pas d'huilier. Cela est rendu possible grâce au fait que le couple acier-silicium présente des caractéristiques tribologiques telles que la présence d'huile n'est pas nécessaire. Dans certaines conditions, il serait toutefois possible de maintenir de l'huile dans l'espace compris entre le fond de la creusure 301e et de la protubérance 302e.It will be noted that, in this embodiment as in those described above, the bearings do not include oiler. This is made possible by the fact that the steel-silicon pair has tribological characteristics such that the presence of oil is not necessary. Under certain conditions, however, it would be possible to maintain oil in the space between the bottom of the hollow 301e and the protrusion 302e.

II est évident pour l'homme du métier que les solutions de pré-armage décrites en référence aux figures 6 à 10 pourraient être également appliquées aux modes de réalisation des figures 12 et 13.It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the pre-arming solutions described with reference to the Figures 6 to 10 could also be applied to the embodiments of the Figures 12 and 13 .

Les paliers qui ont été décrits en référence aux figures 1 à 13 ne représentent que des modes particuliers de réalisation de l'invention. De nombreuses autres variantes sont encore envisageables.The steps that have been described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 represent only particular embodiments of the invention. Many other variants are still possible.

Ainsi, les organes de pivotement 30 pourraient être fixés directement sur des organes du bâti, sans devoir faire appel à une pièce annulaire intermédiaire. Cette dernière facilite toutefois la mise en place du palier sur le bâti.Thus, the pivot members 30 could be attached directly to frame members, without having to use an intermediate annular piece. The latter, however, facilitates the establishment of the bearing on the frame.

D'autres matériaux tels que le diamant pourraient également être utilisés pour fabriquer les organes de pivotement 30. Il faut simplement que le matériau choisi soit usinable par des procédés photo-lithographiques et qu'ils présentent de bonnes conditions tribologiques.Other materials such as diamond could also be used to manufacture the pivot members 30. It is simply necessary that the selected material is machinable by photo-lithographic processes and that they have good tribological conditions.

Afin d'obtenir, pour des chocs axiaux également, une réaction telle qu'illustrée sur la figure 11, il est possible d'utiliser un palier tel qu'illustré sur la figure 12, en ajoutant une plaque supplémentaire dont la portion centrale n'entre en contact avec la portion centrale de l'organe de pivotement qu'après que celui-ci s'est déplacé axialement. L'empilement ressemble à celui de la figure 13, mais avec une plaque 301 munie d'un trou borgne, la plaque 301 ou 302 comportant un téton pour définir le point de liaison entre les deux plaques.In order to obtain, for axial shocks also, a reaction as illustrated on the figure 11 , it is possible to use a bearing as illustrated on the figure 12 by adding an additional plate whose central portion does not come into contact with the central portion of the pivot member until it has moved axially. Stacking is similar to that of the figure 13 but with a plate 301 provided with a blind hole, the plate 301 or 302 having a pin to define the connection point between the two plates.

Il peut, en outre, être intéressant de prévoir d'intégrer, au niveau des bras élastiques, un élément de frottement ou d'amortissement, afin d'améliorer la stabilité du dispositif et de couper une éventuelle mise en oscillation des bras élastiques. Naturellement, les frottements engendrés ne doivent nuire à la mobilité de l'organe de pivotement que dans une limite acceptable pour le recentrage de la portion centrale 30b. De manière avantageuse, les frottements impliquent qu'une force minimale doit être appliquée sur le pivot pour engendrer un déplacement de la portion centrale 30b. Autrement dit, une perturbation engendrant une force inférieure à cette force minimale, ne permettrait pas de vaincre les forces liées au frottement et le dispositif ne serait pas perturbé.It may, furthermore, be advantageous to provide for the integration of a friction or damping element at the level of the elastic arms, in order to improve the stability of the device and to cut off possible oscillation of the elastic arms. Naturally, the generated friction should affect the mobility of the pivot member only within an acceptable limit for the refocusing of the central portion 30b. Advantageously, the friction implies that a minimum force must be applied on the pivot to cause a displacement of the central portion 30b. In other words, a disturbance generating a force less than this minimum force, would not overcome the forces related to friction and the device would not be disturbed.

A titre d'exemple, la figure 14 propose un exemple illustrant un tel élément de frottement. Dans cette variante, la portion centrale 30b de l'organe de pivotement 30 comprend, autour du trou borgne 30c, une collerette 30h dont les parois définissent un premier tronc-de-cône. En outre, la pièce annulaire 27 comprend, autour du trou 28 au travers duquel passe le pivot 24, une coupelle 50 dont les parois définissent un deuxième tronc-de-cône. Les parois des premier et deuxième tronc-de-cônes sont agencées de manière à ce que, lorsque les bras élastiques sont dans leur position de repos, elles affleurent l'une avec l'autre. Une légère précontrainte dans l'axe de pivotement appuie les parois de la collerette 30h contre celle de la coupelle 50. Les parois sont sensiblement parallèles, afin d'éviter les chocs entre les deux tronc-de-cône.For example, the figure 14 proposes an example illustrating such a friction element. In this variant, the central portion 30b of the pivot member 30 comprises, around the blind hole 30c, a flange 30h whose walls define a first truncated cone. In addition, the annular piece 27 comprises, around the hole 28 through which the pivot 24 passes, a cup 50 whose walls define a second truncated cone. The walls of the first and second truncated cones are arranged so that, when the resilient arms are in their rest position, they are flush with each other. A slight prestress in the axis of pivoting supports the walls of the flange 30h against that of the cup 50. The walls are substantially parallel, to avoid shocks between the two truncated cone.

Ainsi, lorsqu'une force perturbatrice tendant à induire un déplacement radial, est appliquée sur l'organe de pivotement, cette force doit vaincre les frottements générés entre les parois du premier et du deuxième tronc-de-cônes avant que la partie centrale se déplace radialement. Ceci permet d'améliorer la stabilité des organes de pivotement. On notera que la précontrainte exercée sur la portion centrale 30b entraîne un effet identique dans la direction axiale, c'est-à-dire qu'une force perturbatrice tendant à induire un déplacement axial doit vaincre la précontrainte avant que la partie centrale se déplace axialement.Thus, when a disturbing force tending to induce radial displacement is applied to the pivot member, this force must overcome the friction generated between the walls of the first and second truncated cones before the central portion moves. radially. This improves the stability of the pivot members. It will be noted that the prestressing exerted on the central portion 30b causes an identical effect in the axial direction, that is, a disturbing force tending to induce an axial displacement must overcome the prestressing before the central part moves axially. .

L'angle des tronc-de-cônes peut être relativement ouvert, c'est-à-dire compris entre 120 et 180 degrés, environ. La valeur de l'angle permet de définir les frottements générés entre les deux tronc-de-cône et donc la force minimale à appliquer pour entraîner un déplacement de la portion centrale 30b.The angle of the truncated cones may be relatively open, that is to say between about 120 and 180 degrees. The value of the angle defines the friction generated between the two truncated cone and therefore the minimum force to be applied to cause a displacement of the central portion 30b.

En outre, ces frottements permettent également de stopper rapidement les oscillations des bras élastiques en cas de perturbation.In addition, these friction also allow to quickly stop the oscillations of the elastic arms in case of disturbance.

On notera que l'ajout d'une huile ou d'un liquide visqueux entre les bras élastiques peut également permettre d'obtenir un effet semblable.It should be noted that the addition of an oil or a viscous liquid between the elastic arms can also make it possible to obtain a similar effect.

Il apparaît ainsi que les paliers décrits permettent d'obtenir une protection efficace contre les chocs et de bonnes conditions de travail dans un volume restreint.It thus appears that the bearings described provide effective protection against shocks and good working conditions in a limited volume.

Claims (9)

  1. A shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece comprising a pivot organ (30; 301) comprising at least one elastic arm (30d; 301 d, 302d) and a central portion (30b; 301 b) including a hole (30c; 301 c) inside which a pivot (24) is intended to be in contact, characterized in that said at least one elastic arm and said central portion are formed in a single piece in the form of a chip made from a monocrystalline material, in that said pivot organ (30; 301) is made from silicon, and in that said hole is blind.
  2. A shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece, characterized in that it comprises two superimposed plates (301, 302), one inner, the other outer, each provided with elastic arms (301 d, 302d) and a central portion (301 b, 302b), the central portion (301 b) of the inner plate (301) being provided with a hole (301 c) inside which a pivot is intended to be in contact, and the outer plate (302) forming an endstone, and in that the elastic arms (301 d, 302d) and the central portion (301 b, 302b) of each plate are formed in a single piece in the form of a chip made from a monocrystalline material.
  3. The bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further includes an annular part (31, 40) forming a housing, arranged to be driven into a hole of the frame of the timepiece and to receive and fasten the ends of said arms (30d; 301 d, 302d).
  4. The bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that said annular part (40) has a wall (42) shaped as a truncated cone, against which the pivot organ (30) bears in its outer part.
  5. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises first (26) and second (27) annular parts arranged to be driven into a hole of the frame (10, 12) of the timepiece, said pivot organ (30) being intercalated between the two annular parts (26, 27).
  6. The bearing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said pivot organ (30b) comprises a solid annular part (30a) and at least two elastic arms (30d), said arms being secured by their outer end to said solid annular part (30a).
  7. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two elastic arms (30d) and elastic portions (30e, 30f) with an annular orientation, secured to the outer end of said arms (30d).
  8. The bearing according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that said elastic arms (30d) have a spiral structure.
  9. The bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a friction or damping element tending to oppose a disruptive force oriented so as to cause a movement of the pivot organ.
EP08160043.9A 2007-07-12 2008-07-09 Shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece Not-in-force EP2015147B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH01122/07A CH704739B1 (en) 2007-07-12 2007-07-12 shock absorber bearing for a timepiece.

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EP2015147A2 EP2015147A2 (en) 2009-01-14
EP2015147A3 EP2015147A3 (en) 2009-09-02
EP2015147B1 EP2015147B1 (en) 2010-11-24
EP2015147B2 true EP2015147B2 (en) 2015-07-08

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DE (1) DE602008003621D1 (en)

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CH237812A (en) † 1943-12-30 1945-05-31 Erismann Schinz Sa Bumper for bearings of timepieces.
CH244883A (en) † 1944-05-15 1946-10-15 Erismann Schinz S A Shock absorber bearing for timepieces.
CH546975A (en) † 1971-12-23 1974-03-15
FR2279140A1 (en) † 1973-12-18 1976-02-13 Epsilon Sarl Resilient bearing mounting especially for instruments - has Z-shaped deformable portion between bearing and housing
CH577202B5 (en) † 1973-10-26 1976-06-30 Parechoc Sa

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CH235315A (en) * 1942-09-30 1944-11-30 Erismann Schinz Sa Bumper for timepiece.
CH495673A4 (en) 1973-04-06 1976-10-29 Seitz Sa Device for pivoting the face of a timepiece mobile
CH697017A5 (en) 2003-03-26 2008-03-14 Franck Muller Watchland S A Mobile turning to anti-shock device on an axis.
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH237812A (en) † 1943-12-30 1945-05-31 Erismann Schinz Sa Bumper for bearings of timepieces.
CH244883A (en) † 1944-05-15 1946-10-15 Erismann Schinz S A Shock absorber bearing for timepieces.
CH546975A (en) † 1971-12-23 1974-03-15
CH577202B5 (en) † 1973-10-26 1976-06-30 Parechoc Sa
FR2279140A1 (en) † 1973-12-18 1976-02-13 Epsilon Sarl Resilient bearing mounting especially for instruments - has Z-shaped deformable portion between bearing and housing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH704739B1 (en) 2012-10-15
DE602008003621D1 (en) 2011-01-05
EP2015147A2 (en) 2009-01-14
EP2015147B1 (en) 2010-11-24
EP2015147A3 (en) 2009-09-02

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