HK1224758B

HK1224758B - Balance spring stud-holder

Info

Publication number: HK1224758B
Application number: HK16112887.3A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Julien Christan; Laurent Kaelin; Ivan Villar; Thierry Conus
Original assignee: Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2016-11-09
Publication date: 2019-07-26

Description

Balance spring stud retainer

Technical Field

The invention relates to an assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, comprising a balance spring stud and a stud holder, wherein the stud holder comprises:

-a base comprising a first stop member extending along a longitudinal axis of the base;

-means to fasten said stud-holder to the escapement.

Background

In mechanical watches, a regulating member comprising a sprung balance device is often used. Typically, the inner end of the balance spring is attached to a collet provided on the balance staff. In order to attach and position the outer end of the balance spring, it is known to use a stud holder which houses the balance spring stud, in combination with a clamping screw to clamp the stud against the portion of the balance spring engaged in the stud holder.

In such an assembly, the outer pile holder is typically attached to a pendulum plate, which is also used to attach one end of the pendulum shaft. In practice, during assembly and/or set-up time, it is difficult to perform operations using these various elements, since the access is limited and the components have very small dimensions. In addition, with this arrangement it is common for the balance spring clamping screw or balance spring stud retainer to become loose and/or lost in operations such as adjusting the effective length of the balance spring.

Disclosure of Invention

One purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing an assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, which allows simplified assembly or disassembly of the balance spring stud.

To this end, the invention relates to an assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, comprising a base provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, on which base a balance spring stud and a stud holder are arranged, wherein the stud holder comprises:

-means for fastening said stud to the escapement, characterized in that said means for fastening said stud comprise a hole passing through said base and provided with a circumferential edge to form a receptacle (housing) for inserting the stud, said means for fastening said stud further comprising attachment means for rotatably attaching a rotating element in the receptacle, said rotating element having an outer edge which, when it is fitted in the receptacle, cooperates with the stud to lock it between the outer edge of the rotating element and the circumferential edge of the receptacle.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the circumferential edge is provided with a through-going recess for the arrangement of an outer pile therein.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the rotating element is provided with a through recess for the arrangement of an outer pile therein.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the rotating element is a hub.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, said rotating element is an annular element.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the hub comprises a damper system.

The invention also relates to an assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, comprising a base provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, on which base a balance spring stud and a stud holder are arranged, wherein said stud holder comprises:

-means for fastening said stud to the escapement, characterized in that the means for fastening said stud comprise a non-through circular recess formed by a bottom and a circumferential edge, arranged on the upper surface of the base, forming a receptacle for inserting the stud, said means for fastening said stud further comprising attachment means for rotatably attaching a rotating element in the receptacle, said rotating element having an outer edge which, when the rotating element is fitted in the receptacle, cooperates with the stud to lock it between the outer edge of the rotating element and the circumferential edge of the receptacle.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the rotating element is a hub.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the rotating element is an annular element.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the circumferential edge is provided with a through-going recess for the arrangement of an outer pile therein.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, said rotating element is provided with a through recess cooperating with a hole positioned in the bottom of the receptacle, in order to arrange the outer peg therein.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the receptacle is a circular recess formed by a peripheral edge, an inner edge and a bottom, the rotating element being inserted in the receptacle, the inner edge defining a central portion projecting from the bottom.

In another advantageous embodiment, the inner edge is provided with a through recess cooperating with a hole positioned in the bottom of the receptacle, in order to arrange the outer peg therein.

In another advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the receptacle comprises a shock absorber system.

The invention also relates to an assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, comprising a base provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, on which base an external peg and an external peg holder are arranged, wherein the external peg holder comprises:

In a first advantageous embodiment, the rotating element is a hub.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the circumferential edge is provided with a recess in order to arrange an outer pile therein.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, said rotating element is provided with a through recess for the arrangement of an external peg therein.

In a sixth advantageous embodiment, the inner edge is provided with a recess in order to arrange the outer pile therein.

In another advantageous embodiment, the hub comprises a damper system.

In another advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the receptacle comprises a shock absorber system, the pendulum shaft passing through a ring serving as a rotating element.

In another advantageous embodiment, the central portion comprises a shock absorber system.

In another advantageous embodiment, the peripheral edge comprises at least one cavity comprising a countersink (counter sink) perpendicular to the plane of the base and open with respect to the upper surface, and a non-through slot intersecting said countersink and opposite the upper surface for locking a rotary element in the bayonet fitting, said rotary element comprising at least one protruding portion cooperating with at least one of said cavities.

In another advantageous embodiment, the circumferential edge and the rotating element each comprise a thread pitch, so that they can cooperate with each other.

Drawings

Objects, advantages and features of the invention will appear more clearly from the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example only and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figures 1 to 7 show schematic views of a preferred mode of a first embodiment of the retaining assembly according to the invention.

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of another variant of the first embodiment of the retaining assembly according to the invention.

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the retaining assembly according to the invention.

Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the retaining assembly according to the invention.

Figures 11 to 13 show schematic views of a first solution according to a second and third embodiment of the invention.

Figures 14 to 16 show schematic views of a second scheme according to a second and third embodiment of the invention.

Figures 17 to 19 show schematic views of a first variant of the second and third embodiments according to the invention.

Figures 20 to 23 show schematic views of a second variant of the second and third embodiments according to the invention.

Figure 24 shows a schematic view of a variant of the annular element used in the various embodiments of the retaining assembly according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The invention proceeds from the following general inventive idea: an assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring is provided which allows the collet to be more easily assembled/disassembled and allows the collet to be placed very close to the balance staff in order to use a balance spring with a small outer diameter.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an assembly 1 for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to a first embodiment. The holding assembly 1 comprises an outer pile holder 3, the outer pile holder 3 being arranged to be attached to a pendulum plate 5 by means of attachment means 7. The holding assembly also comprises a balance spring stud 9 attached to one coil of balance spring 11. The outer pile holder 3 fastens the outer pile 9 to the swing clamp plate 5 using fastening means 6.

In the first embodiment, the pendulum plate 5 (also referred to as base) is provided with a receptacle 50. The receptacle 50 here takes the form of a through-opening or hole 51 in which through-opening or hole 51 the outer pile holder 3 is seated, said outer pile holder 3 being held in its receptacle 50 via the attachment means 7, as shown in fig. 1 and 2. The opening 51 has a circumferential edge 51a, and is circular in shape. The outer pile holder comprises a rotating element for fastening the outer pile to the pendulum plate. The attachment means 7 comprise a male interface 71 arranged on the outer edge 33 of the rotating element and a female interface 72 arranged on the circumferential edge 51 a. These male and female interfaces 71, 72 thus cooperate together to allow the rotational element to be mounted into the receptacle 51 via a rotational movement of said rotational element relative to the pendulum plate 5. This fitting via a rotational movement serves to lock the outer pile into the receptacle 50. The fitting via the rotational movement causes the outer pile to press against the circumferential edge. The rotating element, the receptacle and the attachment means form a fastening means 6. For this purpose, two solutions are envisaged.

In one preferred mode of this first embodiment, shown in fig. 5, 6 and 7, the rotational element is here in the form of a central hub 30, the central hub 30 comprising an upper surface 31, a lower surface 32 and an outer edge 33. The central hub portion 30 has a shape similar to the shape of the opening, i.e., a circular shape.

In a first solution, shown in figures 1 and 3, the peripheral edge 51a is provided with a through recess 52, the dimensions of which through recess 52 are similar to those of the outer pile 9, so that the outer pile 9 can be seated therein. During assembly, the outer pile 9 is first placed in the recess 52 of the circumferential edge 51 a. The hub 30 is then secured in its receptacle 51 by engaging the male interface 71 of the hub 30 with the female interface 72 of the circumferential edge 51 a. The hub 30 is then tightened by rotation, which results in contact between its outer edge 33 and the outer peg 9. The outer pile is thereby pressed against the circumferential edge 51a and locked. This solution allows the outer pile to be seated in a fixed position.

In a variation of this first solution shown in fig. 1, the hub 30 has an irregular shape, so that the outer edge 33 in contact with the outer peg 9 is not perfectly circular. Thereby, the outer edge 33 in contact with the outer peg 9 comprises a substantially triangular indentation and forms a gentle slope. This configuration allows for an equal increase in the stress applied to the outer peg 9, and thus locking the outer peg 9, when the hub 30 is rotated and secured in the receptacle 50.

In a second solution, shown in fig. 4, the hub 30 is provided with a through-going recess 35, the dimensions of which recess 35 are similar to the dimensions of the outer peg 9, so that the outer peg 9 can be seated therein. During assembly, the outer peg 9 is first placed in the recess 35 of the hub 30. The hub 30 is then secured in its receptacle 51 by engaging the male interface 71 of the hub 30 with the female interface 72 of the circumferential edge 51 a. The hub 30 is then tightened by rotation, which results in contact between the circumferential edge 51a and the outer pile 9. The outer peg is thereby pressed against the circumferential edge 51a and locked. This solution makes it possible to obtain an outer pile 9 whose position can be adjusted angularly about the pendulum shaft, thereby allowing the position of the outer pile 9 to be adjusted.

In a variant of this second solution, as shown in fig. 4, the peripheral edge 51a has an irregular shape, so that it is not perfectly circular. Thereby, the circumferential edge 51a includes a substantially triangular indented portion and forms a gentle slope. This configuration allows for an equal increase in the stress applied to the outer stake, and thereby locking the outer stake, as the rotating element, i.e., hub 30, is rotated and secured in the receptacle 50.

In another preferred mode, the rotating element is here in the form of a ring 300. The ring 300 includes an upper surface 301, a lower surface 302, an outer edge 303, and an inner edge 304.

The rotational element 3 advantageously acts as a multifunctional hub. Thus, the center hub portion 30 is arranged to include a shock absorber system 100, as shown in fig. 1, 5, 6, and 7. The central hub thus comprises a through or non-through recess 101 housing the damper system 100. The through recess 101 allows the shock absorber system 100 to be visible, thereby improving aesthetics.

In the case of the ring 300 shown in fig. 8, a central hole may be used to place the shock absorber system 100 therein.

The shock absorber system 100 may take a conventional form, that is, a form of a mount in which jewel bearing holes (jewelholes) and endstones (endstone) are disposed, or a form of a single jewel bearing. The single jewel bearing is provided with a recess for mating with the pendulum shaft and may be pressed into the hub bore or mounted via an elastomeric ring. The shock absorber system 100 may also take the form of a disc provided with resilient arms. One advantage of this configuration is that it provides a centering system, since the position of the outer pile is centered with respect to the pendulum shaft cooperating with the shock absorber system. In addition, this configuration provides a multifunctional system for easy assembly of the external pile holder 3 and the shock absorber system 100. The shock absorber system 100 may be pre-mounted on the hub prior to final assembly with the outer pile 9.

Of course, the damper system 100 may not be incorporated in the hub 30, but disposed on the pendulum plate 5 at an eccentric position with respect to the center hub 30. This configuration allows the use of a sprung balance assembly with a large diameter, without having to have a large hub 30.

In a second embodiment, visible in fig. 9, the pendulum plate 5 comprises a receptacle 500. The receptacle 500 here takes the form of a circular recess 510, the circular recess 510 being formed by a circumferential edge 511, an inner edge 512 and a bottom 513. Inner edge 512 forms a central island or central circular portion 514 that projects from the bottom 513 of receptacle 500. The rotating element 3 here takes the form of a ring 300. The ring comprises an upper surface 301, a lower surface 302, an outer edge 303 and an inner edge 304. The rotating ring 300 will be seated in the circular recess 510.

In this embodiment, attachment means 7 comprises a male interface 701 arranged on an edge of ring 300 and a female interface 702 arranged on one of the edges of receptacle 500. Male interface 701 may be disposed on outer edge 303 of ring 300, while female interface 702 would be disposed on circumferential edge 511 of receptacle 500. However, male interface 701 may be disposed on inner edge 304 of ring 300, while female interface 702 would be disposed on inner edge 512 of receptacle 500.

These male and female interfaces 701, 702 thus mate together to allow the ring 300 to be mounted via rotational movement relative to the receptacle 500. This fitting via a rotational movement serves to lock the outer pile 9 in the receptacle 500. The fitting via the rotational movement causes the outer peg to press against the edge of the receptacle.

In a third embodiment, visible in fig. 10, the pendulum plate 5 comprises a receptacle 500. The receptacle 500 here takes the form of a circular recess 520, which circular recess 520 is formed by a circumferential edge 521 and a bottom 522. The rotating element may here take the form of a hub 30 as described in the first embodiment or a ring 300 as described in the first embodiment.

In this third embodiment, the attachment means 7 comprise a male interface 701 arranged on the outer edge 303 of the rotating element and a female interface 702 arranged on the circumferential edge 521. These male and female interfaces 701, 702 thus fit together to allow the rotational element to be mounted into the receptacle 500 via rotational movement of the rotational element relative to the balance bridge 5. This fitting via a rotational movement serves to lock the outer pile 9 in the receptacle 500. The fitting via the rotational movement causes the outer piles 9 to press against the circumferential edge.

In the second and third embodiments, a recess is provided for receiving the external peg.

According to a first solution, shown in fig. 11 to 13, the outer piles 9 are mounted on the outer pile holder in a non-adjustable fixed position. Thus, the through recesses 515, 523 are arranged on the circumferential edges 511, 521 or the inner edge 512. The outer peg 9 is thus first placed in the recess 515, 523 and then the rotating element is secured in its receptacle 510, 520 by engaging the male interface 701 with the female interface 702. The rotating element 3 is then rotated, which results in contact between one of the edges of the rotating element and the outer peg 9. The outer peg is thereby pressed in the notches 515, 523 and locked. This solution allows the outer pile to be seated in a fixed position.

In a variant of this first solution, the rotating element has an irregular shape, so that the outer edge 33, 303 in contact with the outer peg 9 is not perfectly circular. Thus, the edge in contact with the outer pile 9 comprises a substantially triangular indentation and forms a gentle slope. This configuration allows to equalize the increase of the stress applied to the outer pile 9 and thus locking the outer pile 9 when the rotating element is rotated and fastened in the receptacle.

In a second solution, shown in fig. 14 to 16, the outer piles are mounted on the outer pile holders in adjustable positions. In this solution the rotating element is thus provided with a recess 35, the dimensions of which recess 35 are similar to those of the outer pile, so that the outer pile can be seated therein. The receptacle 500 also comprises a through-going portion so that the collet 9 can pass through it and emerge in the receptacle 500 so that it can be fixed to the balance spring and inserted in the recess 35. This recess 35 for the outer peg 9 may be arranged on the outer edge 303 or the inner edge 304 of the ring-shaped member 300. The through-going portion will have the shape of a circular groove.

During assembly, the outer peg 9 is first placed in the recess 35 of the rotating element. The rotating element is then secured in its receptacle 500 by engaging the male interface 701 with the female interface 702. The rotating element then rotates and causes contact between the circumferential edge 511 and the outer pile 9 or between the inner edge 512 and the outer pile. The outer peg is thereby pressed and locked. The circular groove shape of the through-going part of the bottom 513 of the receptacle allows the outer peg 9 to be seated in the recess of the rotating element and the rotating element to be rotatably fitted.

Of course, it will be appreciated that the recesses of the ring member may or may not be raised to increase in size.

In a variant of this second solution, the circumferential edge or inner edge has an irregular shape, so that it is not perfectly circular. Thus, the circumferential edge or inner edge comprises a substantially triangular indentation and forms a gentle slope. This configuration allows an equal increase in the stress applied to the outer pile and thus locking the outer pile when the rotating element is rotated and fastened in the receptacle.

In a first variant of the second or third embodiment shown in fig. 17 to 19, it is conceivable for the receptacle 500 to be arranged on the lower surface of the pendulum plate. In fact, the pendulum plate 5 has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being visible when the pendulum plate 5 is assembled. The lower surface is typically the surface on which the pendulum shaft is fixed. The receptacle of the pendulum plate 5 is thus arranged on its lower surface. In the second and third embodiments, this means that it is not necessary to have a partially through bottom to secure the stud in the recess of the rotary element and to the balance spring. This results in a preferably smooth visible surface of the pendulum arm for forming a decoration.

In the second embodiment or the second modification of the third embodiment shown in fig. 20 to 23, a shock absorber system 100 is provided. The shock absorber system 100 may take the conventional form, that is, a mount having a jewel bearing and an anvil with a hole disposed therein, or a single jewel bearing. The single jewel bearing is provided with a recess for mating with the pendulum shaft and may be press fit in the hub bore or mounted via an elastomeric ring. The shock absorber system 100 may also take the form of a disc provided with resilient arms.

In the case shown in fig. 20, in which the receptacle is arranged on the visible surface of the pendulum plate, the underside of the receptacle bottom comprises a recess in which the shock absorber system 100 is arranged. If the receptacle is provided with a raised portion formed by an inner edge, a recess for shock absorber system 100 would be provided on the raised portion or center island, allowing for perfect centering.

In the case in which the receptacle is arranged on an invisible surface of the pendulum plate, there are a number of possibilities.

In the case of a receptacle provided with an inner edge forming a protrusion or central island as shown in fig. 22, a recess for the shock absorber system would be formed on the central island.

In the case where the receptacle is provided with a circumferential edge and a bottom and the rotating element is a hub, as shown in fig. 21, the recess for the shock absorber system 100 would be disposed on the hub.

In the case of a receptacle provided with a peripheral edge 511 and a bottom 513 and the rotating element being a ring 300, as shown in fig. 23, the recess for the shock absorber system 100 will be arranged on the bottom of said receptacle 500, so that the balance-spring balance-staff is carried through said ring 300.

In a variation of these various embodiments, wherein the rotating element is a ring, and as shown in FIG. 24, the rotating ring 300 is a ring having multiple levels 333. More specifically, the rotating ring includes 2 stages 333a, 333 b. To this end, the rotating ring 300 is similar to a pipe having a constant inner diameter and a variable outer diameter. The first step 333a with the largest diameter will carry the male interface 702, while the second step 333b with the smallest diameter will be used to lock the outer pile 9. This variant allows the attachment portion of the outer peg and the attachment portion in the receptacle to be separated and the outer peg to be brought closer to the mandrel (spinal).

For rotatable mounting of the rotating element in the different embodiments, the male interface 71, 701 and the female interface 72, 702 thus cooperate with each other to mount the hub into the receptacle by rotational movement of the hub relative to the receptacle.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the rotatable mounting is a bayonet fitting. To this end, the female interface 702 is formed by at least one cavity comprised in the thickness of the circumferential edge. The pocket is formed by a counterbore parallel to a central axis of the hub and opening at the upper surface and a non-through slot intersecting the first counterbore and opposite the upper surface. The groove serves to lock the rotary element in the bayonet fitting.

The male interface 71, 701 positioned on the rotating element comprises at least one protruding portion. The protruding portion is positioned on an outer edge of the rotating element. The protruding portion is arranged to mate with the female interface.

The rotating element is mounted in the receptacle so that the protruding portion can be inserted into the counter bore. The rotating element can thus be inserted into the receptacle. When the rotary element reaches the abutment position, the projecting portion must face the groove. Thus, a rotational movement is performed to insert the protruding portion into the slot and to fix the rotating element in the pendulum plate.

According to a second alternative, the rotational mounting is a threaded mounting. Thus, the female interface is formed by a thread comprised in the circumferential edge. The male interface positioned on the rotating element also includes threads. The thread is arranged to mate with the female interface.

Of course, other types of fittings such as press-fit or adhesive may be used, but they cannot be removed like bayonet fittings or threads.

It will be apparent that various changes and/or modifications and/or combinations apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, the assembly comprising a balance bridge (5) provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, on which balance spring stud (9) and stud holder (3) are arranged, wherein the stud holder comprises:

-means (6) for fastening an external pile (9) to the balance bridge, said means for fastening an external pile comprising a hole (51) passing through said balance bridge and provided with a circumferential edge (51a) to form a receptacle (50) for inserting an external pile, characterized in that said means for fastening an external pile further comprise a rotating element (30, 300) comprising attachment means (7) for rotatably attaching the rotating element in the receptacle, said rotating element having an outer edge (33, 303), which outer edge (33, 303) cooperates with the external pile when said rotating element is fitted in the receptacle to lock said external pile between the outer edge (33, 303) of the rotating element and the circumferential edge (51a) of the receptacle.

2. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge (51a) is provided with a through notch (52) to provide an outer peg therein.

3. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 1, wherein the rotary element (30, 300) is provided with a through notch (35) for the arrangement of an stud therein.

4. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 1, wherein the rotating element is a hub (30).

5. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 1, wherein the rotating element is a ring (300).

6. An assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 4, wherein the hub (30) comprises a shock absorber system.

7. An assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, the assembly comprising a balance bridge (5) provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, on which balance spring stud (9) and stud holder (3) are arranged, wherein the stud holder comprises:

-means (6) for fastening the external pile to the balance bridge, said means for fastening the external pile comprising a non-through circular recess (510) formed by a bottom (513) and a circumferential edge (511), the non-through circular recess (510) being arranged on the upper surface of the balance bridge, forming a receptacle (500) for inserting the external pile, characterized in that said means for fastening the external pile further comprise a rotating element (30, 300) comprising attachment means (7) for rotatably attaching the rotating element in the receptacle, said rotating element having an outer edge (33, 303), the outer edge (33, 303) cooperating with the external pile when said rotating element is fitted in the receptacle, to lock the external pile between the outer edge of the rotating element and the circumferential edge of the receptacle.

8. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 7, wherein the rotating element is a hub (30).

9. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 7, wherein the rotating element is a ring (300).

10. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 7, wherein the peripheral edge (511) is provided with a through notch (35) to provide an outer peg therein.

11. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 7, wherein the rotary element (30, 300) is provided with a through notch (35) cooperating with a hole positioned in the bottom of the receptacle, so as to dispose the stud therein.

12. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 9, wherein the receptacle (500) is a circular recess (510) formed by a peripheral edge (511), an inner edge (512) and a bottom, in which the rotary element is inserted, and the inner edge defines a central portion (514) projecting from the bottom.

13. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 12, wherein the inner edge (512) is provided with a through notch (515) cooperating with a hole positioned in the bottom of the receptacle, so as to dispose the stud therein.

14. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 7, wherein the bottom of the receptacle comprises a shock absorber system (100).

15. An assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, the assembly comprising a balance bridge (5) provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, on which balance spring stud (9) and stud holder (3) are arranged, wherein the stud holder comprises:

-means (6) for fastening the external pile to the balance bridge, said means for fastening the external pile comprising a non-through circular recess (510) formed by a bottom (513) and a circumferential edge (511), the non-through circular recess (510) being arranged on the lower surface of the balance bridge, forming a receptacle (500) for inserting the external pile, characterized in that said means for fastening the external pile further comprise a rotating element (30, 300) comprising attachment means (7) for rotatably attaching the rotating element in the receptacle, said rotating element having an outer edge (33, 303), the outer edge (33, 303) cooperating with the external pile when said rotating element is fitted in the receptacle, to lock the external pile between the outer edge of the rotating element and the circumferential edge of the receptacle.

16. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 15, wherein the rotating element is a hub (30).

17. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 15, wherein the rotating element is a ring (300).

18. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 15, wherein the peripheral edge (511) is provided with a notch (35) to locate an outer peg therein.

19. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 15, wherein the rotary element (30, 300) is provided with a notch (35) to locate the stud therein.

20. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 17, wherein the receptacle (500) is a circular recess (510) formed by a peripheral edge (511), an inner edge (512) and a bottom, in which the rotary element is inserted, and the inner edge defines a central portion (514) projecting from the bottom.

21. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 20, wherein the inner edge (512) is provided with a notch (515) to locate an outer peg therein.

22. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 16, wherein the hub (30) comprises a shock absorber system (100).

23. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 17, wherein the bottom of the receptacle comprises a shock absorber system (100) and the balance staff passes through a ring serving as a rotating element.

24. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 21, wherein the central portion (514) comprises a shock absorber system (100).

25. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge (51a, 511) comprises at least one cavity comprising a countersink perpendicular to the plane of the base and open with respect to the upper surface, and a non-through slot intersecting said countersink and opposite the upper surface for locking the rotary element in a bayonet fitting, said rotary element (30, 300) comprising at least one protruding portion cooperating with said at least one cavity.

26. Assembly (1) for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge (51a, 511) and the rotary element (30, 300) each comprise a thread so as to be able to cooperate with each other.