HK1216673B - Bayonet shock absorber - Google Patents

Description

Shock absorbers with bayonet fit

Technical Field

The invention relates to a shock absorber device for a spindle of a timepiece element, comprising a hollow support part including a cup topped with a circumferential edge portion, the circumferential edge portion being delimited by an upper surface opposite the cup, the cup and the edge portion together defining a housing, the device also comprising a pivot system extending along the spindle, the pivot system being arranged in the housing and being formed by a base including elastic return means on its periphery formed by at least one curved arm, the base having an opening into which a pivot element capable of cooperating with the spindle is inserted.

Background Art

A shock absorber device for a spindle of a timepiece element, such as a spindle carrying a gear or a balance wheel, is known. The device comprises a support member in which a housing is arranged. This housing comprises a perforated base through which the spindle shaft extends, and an inner wall. Referring to FIG1 , the device also comprises a pivot system 1 arranged in the housing and comprising a base 2 that includes elastic return means 3 on its outer periphery. These elastic return means take the form of arms 4 connected by a first end to the base 2 and by a second end to an annular outer peripheral portion 5, as can be seen in FIG1 .

The base has an opening 6 in which a pivot element capable of cooperating with the spindle is inserted. This pivot element and the base may form a single piece.

During assembly of the shock absorber arrangement, the shock absorber arrangement is pressed into a receptacle in the support component.

A disadvantage of these known shock absorber devices is that they are bulky. In fact, due to their characteristics, shock absorber devices with arms have a larger surface area than lyre-shaped spring systems. The bulk is further increased by the presence of the annular portion to which the second end of the return device is fixed.

Consequently, this type of shock absorber device can only be used in large-sized watch movements and not in more compact watch movements.

Another disadvantage of these devices is the rigid attachment between the elastic return means (i.e., the arm) and the annular circumferential portion. Indeed, the principle of press-fitting the shock absorber device into a housing in the support means that the rigid attachment of the arm to the annular circumferential portion behaves as if the arm were rigidly fastened to the support member. This attachment thus generates stresses in the arm. Accordingly, the arm must be dimensioned to avoid any risk of breakage.

Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a shock absorber arrangement that is more compact and subject to less stress.

To this end, the present invention relates to a shock absorber device for the spindle of a timepiece element, comprising a hollow supporting part comprising a cup seat provided with a circumferential edge portion at the top, the circumferential edge portion being defined by an upper surface opposite the cup seat, the cup seat and the edge portion together defining a housing portion, the device also comprising at least one pivot system extending in a direction perpendicular to the spindle D, the at least one pivot system being arranged in the housing portion and being formed by a base 121, the base comprising elastic return means 123 on its periphery, the elastic return means 123 being formed by at least one curved arm 124, and the base comprising a pivot element 122 capable of cooperating with the spindle, characterized in that the edge portion comprises at least one cavity in its thickness, the cavity comprising a recess parallel to the spindle D and open on the upper surface, and a non-through groove intersecting the first recess and opposite to the upper surface, the non-through groove being used to lock the curved arm of the at least one pivot system in a bayonet-fit manner.

An advantage of this device is that it is more compact and can therefore be used in watch movements of smaller dimensions.

In addition, the bayonet fit has the advantage of being simpler and easier to assemble and disassemble than the commonly used press-in method.

In a first advantageous embodiment, said at least one arm has a free end which engages in said at least one slot.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the groove comprises a hollow portion into which a catch at the free end of the at least one curved arm can be inserted.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the pivoting element comprises a single jewel.

In another advantageous embodiment, the pivoting element comprises a setting in which the jewel bearing hole part and the endstone, through which the arbor stem passes, are mounted.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the pivot element and the base are produced in one piece.

In another advantageous embodiment, the elastic return means are formed by three curved arms offset by 120°, the edge portion comprising three chambers in its thickness.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the shock absorber device further comprises a further spring element which, in the event of an axial shock, returns the spindle to its initial position.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the further spring element is a lyre-shaped spring element in the form of a split ring comprising a joint or hinge and two locking lugs.

In another advantageous embodiment, the further spring element is a flat annular elastic element in the form of a closed ring with a shoulder extending towards the spindle.

In another advantageous embodiment, the device comprises two pivoting systems using the same cavity for locking one curved arm of each pivoting system in a bayonet-fit manner.

In another advantageous embodiment, the device comprises two pivoting systems, each using a cavity for locking one of the curved arms of the pivoting system in a bayonet-fit manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, advantages and features of the shock absorber device according to the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example only and illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a shock absorber device according to the prior art.

- Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a shock absorber device according to the invention.

- Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shock absorber device according to the present invention.

- Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a support component of a shock absorber device according to the invention.

- Figure 5 is a schematic bottom view of a pivoting system of a shock absorber device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

- Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a shock absorber arrangement according to the invention.

- Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of a second embodiment of a shock absorber device according to the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a shock absorber device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

2 and 3 show a shock absorber device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The shock absorber device can be used as part of a timepiece.

The shock absorber or anti-vibration device 100 comprises a hollow support member 110 comprising a cup 111 topped with a peripheral rim 112 defined opposite the cup 111 by an upper surface 113. The cup and the rim together define a housing 114 visible in Figures 3 and 4.

Support member 110 may be a separate component pressed into the frame of the timepiece movement or attached thereto by any other known means, or may form part of another component of the movement, such as a bridge or a plate.

A pivot system 120 extending along the axis D is arranged in a housing 114 defined by the cup 111 and the rim 112. The pivot system 120 comprises a circular base 121 in the form of a disc. The base 121 may be made of metal or a single crystal material such as silicon or a polycrystalline material such as ceramic or ruby or sapphire.

3 is a one-piece element 127 serving as pivot element 122, i.e. it is provided with a blind or through hole 12 in which the spindle stem engages. The diameter of the hole is calculated so that the stem engaged therein can rotate freely with minimal play.

The pivot system 120 also includes elastic return means 123. These elastic return means 123 are formed by at least one elastically bent arm 124 and are attached to the outer circumference of the circular base 121 by one end. These elastic return means 124 are selected to have a reaction force along the axis and perpendicular to the axis. This means that the pivot system 120 can function in the event of axial or radial vibration.

Advantageously according to the invention, the ends of the curved arms 124 that are not attached to the circular base are free ends. This feature allows a more compact pivoting system 120 to be obtained relative to prior art systems, as it has a smaller surface area.

Preferably, the elastic return means 123 is formed by three curved arms 124, each having an attachment point to the base 121 and having an angular offset of 120°. Clearly, the elastic action can be ensured using a different number of arms 124 or with a different shape.

To secure the pivoting system 120 in the support part 110 , the invention advantageously proposes using a bayonet-type fitting system as can be seen in FIG. 4 .

To this end, the edge portion 112 includes, in its thickness, at least one cavity 116. This cavity 116 is formed by a recess 117 parallel to the axis D and opening onto the upper surface 113, and a blind slot 118 intersecting the first recess and facing the upper surface 113. This blind slot 118 serves to lock the curved arm 124 of the pivot system in a bayonet-fit manner.

In the case where the elastic return means 113 comprises three bending arms 124 , three chambers 116 are provided.

The pivot system 120 is mounted in the housing 114 so that the free end of the curved arm 124 can be inserted into the recess 117. The pivot system can then be inserted into the housing so that it is adjacent to the cup holder 111. When the pivot system reaches the abutment position, the curved arm necessarily faces the slot 118. Thus, a rotational movement is performed to insert the free end of the curved arm 124 into the slot 118 and to secure the pivot system in the support part 110.

This method of fastening the pivot system 120 in the housing 110 of the support part has the advantage of generating less stress. In fact, since the ends of the bending arms are free, the elastic bending arms are independent of each other since they are not connected to each other and can be deformed easily.

The geometry of the groove 118 or the recess 117 can vary. It is thus clear that the groove 118 or the recess 117 can be cylindrical or parallelepiped or elliptical.

Likewise, the dimensions of recess 117 or groove 118 can be adjusted as needed. For example, recess 117 can extend over all or part of the height of rim 112. If the recess extends over the entire height of the rim, then, after assembly in support member 110, pivot system 120 will contact the bottom of receptacle 114, i.e., cup holder 111. However, if the recess does not extend over the entire height of rim 112, the pivot system no longer contacts cup holder 111. This provides greater freedom of movement compared to a case where recess 117 extends over the entire height of rim 112.

In an advantageous variant, the locking of the pivot system 120 in the housing 114 is improved. To this end, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, each curved arm 124 has, at its free end, a catch 141 extending radially relative to the central axis D of the circular base 121. Each non-through slot 118 thus comprises a further recess 140, which is thus deeper than the slot 118. This further recess allows the catch 141 to engage therein.

Thus, when the pivot system 120 is positioned, the arms 124, each provided with a snap-fit portion 141, engage in each recess 117. The difference in depth then causes elastic deformation of the arms 124 during rotation. This elastic deformation manifests itself as the bent arms 124 moving closer to the circular base 121. When the snap-fit portion 141 at the free end of each arm 124 is positioned opposite the hollowed-out portion 140 of the slot 118, the stress applied to the arms 124 is released, causing them to return to their resting position. The snap-fit portion of each arm is thus inserted into the hollowed-out portion and hinders the pivot system's rotation.

It is envisaged that the recess and the hollow portion have similar depths.

In the second embodiment, circular base 121 has a central aperture 121a (not shown) that accommodates pivot element 122. This configuration allows circular base 121 and elastic return means 123 to be made of a first material, while pivot element 122 is made of a second material. The first and second materials can thus be selected as desired. For example, a material with elastic properties is preferred for arm 124, while a hard material with some resistance to friction and wear is preferred for pivot element 122.

In a first exemplary embodiment, shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pivoting element 122 takes the form of a single jewel bearing 127, made, for example, of ruby. This single jewel bearing 127 is placed in an aperture 121a of a circular base 121 and is provided with a blind hole or a through hole in which the spindle rod engages. The diameter of the hole is calculated so that the rod engaged therein can rotate freely with minimal play. The single jewel bearing 127 is fastened in the aperture 121a of the circular base 121 by pressing, gluing, welding, or any other possible method. The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides a pivoting system 120 consisting of only two parts: the single jewel bearing 127 as the pivoting element and the circular base 121 including the arm 124.

In a second exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG7 , the pivoting element comprises a setting 128 , in which a jewel bearing hole component 129 and an endstone 130 are secured, the jewel bearing hole component 129 being passed through by the spindle shaft. Setting 128 is in the form of a tubular component having an outer surface and an inner surface, and an inner diameter D1 . The inner surface has a shoulder, so that setting 128 has a region with a second inner diameter D2 . Preferably, diameter D2 is greater than diameter D1 . This allows jewel bearing hole component 129 to be inserted into diameter D1 , and endstone 130 to be inserted into diameter D2 and abut against the shoulder. In this case, it is assumed that jewel bearing hole component 129 has a smaller diameter than endstone 130 . However, the reverse configuration is also possible.

The setting 128 is then placed in the aperture 121a of the circular base 121 and secured, for example, by press-fitting, gluing, or welding. This second exemplary embodiment has the advantage of using the setting 128, jewel bearing hole component 129, and endstone 130 employed in conventional shock absorber devices. Furthermore, this second exemplary embodiment allows for easier lubricant storage.

In a variant of this second exemplary embodiment, the setting 128 and the circular base 121 are made in one piece, so that the jewel-bearing hole part 129 and the endstone 130 are fastened directly in said circular base.

The second embodiment, shown in Figures 8 and 9, provides improved damping of axial vibrations. To this end, the shock absorber device according to the second embodiment further includes an additional spring element 150. This additional spring element 150 is a flat, lyre-shaped spring element, that is, it takes the form of a split ring with a joint or hinge and two locking lugs. The joint or hinge and the two locking lugs are diametrically opposed. Thus, a fastening area is formed on the edge of the support component to secure the additional spring element. This attachment must be implemented so that prestress is applied to the pivot system 120. In the event of axial vibration, stress is applied to the pivot system 120 via the spindle rod, causing the curved arm 124 to deform accordingly. This stress is then applied to the additional spring element 150, causing it to elastically deform. When the stress caused by the axial vibration subsides, the additional spring element 150 tends to return to its initial position, causing the pivot system 120 to return to its rest position.

However, it is conceivable that the further spring member is a closed, flat annular spring member 151 having a plurality of strips 152 extending towards the central axis of the annular spring member 151. As can be seen in Figure 9, the annular spring member 151 can be glued or welded to the upper surface of the rim portion.

In a third embodiment, which can be seen in Figure 10, the damper device 100 can be configured to include two pivot systems 120. These pivot systems are advantageously mounted by means of a bayonet-type fitting system in receptacles 114 on the support part 110. Several possibilities are conceivable for this purpose.

The first possibility is to use the same chamber 116 for both pivot systems 120. This chamber 116 is thus formed by a recess 117, parallel to the axis D and opening into the upper surface 113, and two non-through slots 118, intersecting the first recess and facing the upper surface 113. These two slots 118 are parallel and each serves to lock a curved arm 124 of a pivot system in a bayonet-fit manner. The space between the two pivot systems 120 is thus defined by the space between these two slots 118.

A second possibility is to have two independent chambers 116, each for a pivot system 120. Each chamber 116 is formed by a recess 117 parallel to the spindle D and opening on the upper surface 113, and a non-through slot 118 intersecting the first recess and opposite the upper surface 113. The slot 118 is used to lock a curved arm 124 of the pivot system in a bayonet-fit manner. The two chambers are thus configured to be angularly offset and located on different planes. It is therefore understandable that during assembly of the two pivot systems 120, a space is created between the two pivot systems 120.

In both possibilities, the pivoting system can be made entirely in one piece, as in FIG3 , or have a setting or a single jewel inserted into the central orifice 121 a of the base 121. This configuration with two pivoting systems also means that the bottommost pivoting system in the housing is provided with a through hole so that the arbour stem can be inserted and supported on the second pivoting system.

Of course, the offset angle between the two chambers can be any angle.

In addition, it is understood that the third embodiment is not simply limited to two pivot systems 120 , but a plurality of pivot systems 120 may be arranged in the receiving portion 114 of the support member 110 .

It will be apparent that various modifications and/or improvements apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the specification without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A shock absorber device (100) for a spindle of a watch component, the shock absorber device comprising: A support member (110) includes a cup holder (111) with a circumferential edge (112) at its top, the circumferential edge being defined opposite to the cup holder by a top surface (113), the cup holder and the edge together defining a receiving portion (114), and At least one pivoting system (120) extending in a direction perpendicular to the mandrel (D), the at least one pivoting system being arranged in the receiving portion and formed by a base (121), the base (121) including at its outer periphery an elastic return device (123) formed by at least one curved arm (124) integrally extending from the base (121), and the base (121) being configured with a pivoting element (122) including a blind or through hole in which the mandrel shaft portion engages. Its features are, The edge portion (112) includes at least one chamber (116) within the thickness of the edge portion, the chamber (116) including a recess (117) and a non-penetrating groove (118), the recess (117) being parallel to the mandrel (D) and opening on the upper surface, wherein when the at least one pivoting system (120) is installed in the receiving portion (114), the free end of the at least one bent arm (124) can be inserted into the recess (117); the non-penetrating groove (118) intersects the recess and faces the upper surface, and is used to lock the bent arm of the at least one pivoting system in a bayonet engagement manner, and The pivot element (122) includes a setting in which a gem bearing bore component and a jewel piercing are securely mounted, and the spindle shaft passes through the gem bearing bore component. 2. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arm has a free end, the free end engaging in the at least one groove. 3. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, wherein the groove includes a hollowed-out portion, and a snap-fit portion located at the free end of the at least one bent arm is inserted into the hollowed-out portion. 4. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting element comprises a single jewel bearing. 5. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot element and the base are made as a single unit. 6. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic recovery device comprises three curved arms with an angle offset of 120°, and the edge portion includes three chambers in the thickness. 7. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shock absorber device further includes an additional spring member, which, in the event of axial vibration, causes the spindle to return to its initial position. 8. The shock absorber device according to claim 7, wherein the additional spring is a lyre-shaped spring, and the lyre-shaped spring is in the form of an open ring including a hinge and two locking lugs. 9. The shock absorber device according to claim 7, wherein the additional spring is a flat annular spring, the annular spring being in the form of a closed ring having a shoulder extending toward the spindle. 10. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorber device comprises two pivoting systems (120) using the same chamber (116), the same chamber (116) being used to lock a bent arm of each pivoting system in a bayonet engagement manner. 11. The shock absorber device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shock absorber device comprises two pivoting systems (120), each pivoting system (120) using a chamber (116), the chamber (116) being used to lock a bent arm of the pivoting system in a bayonet engagement manner.