ELEMENT FOR CONTROLLING MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS OF A CLOCK MOVEMENT

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control element for several different functions of a watch movement, said control element comprising a crown and a control rod arranged to be fixed at least rotationally to said crown, said control rod being fixed in rotation to a first actuating device for a first function, said crown being arranged to be movable in axial translation in response to pressure between a rest position and a depressed position in which a second function distinct from the first function is actuated, and to return to its rest position when pressure on the crown ceases, the crown also being arranged to be movable in axial rotation in at least one direction between at least one stable angular position and at least one actuating angular position so as to actuate, by rotation of said crown in said direction,said first function via the rotation of said control rod.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such control element. State of the art

[0003] Such a control mechanism is used, for example, in a crown-push-button control device described in publication WO 2005 / 038538. In this device, the crown is arranged to occupy a neutral position for winding, a pulled-out position for setting the time, and a pushed-in position for activating a third function. The control stem consists of the winding and setting stem of a traditional watch, which can be moved axially between its neutral position for winding and its pulled-out position for setting the time. To actuate the third function, a special crown is provided in which an extension tube is added to the end of a push-button tube, allowing the control mechanism inside the watch to be activated independently of the winding and setting stem, which remains stationary.This device has several disadvantages, including a complex construction of the crown and the need to adjust the position of the crown relative to the control mechanism to avoid accidental activation.

[0004] There are also other control mechanisms, such as push-buttons, used in complicated timepieces to operate different complication functions. For example, a timepiece with a chronograph mechanism typically includes two different push-buttons for chronograph functions: one for starting / stopping the chronograph and the other for resetting it. In addition to these two push-buttons, the timepiece may include other control mechanisms, such as stems, additional pushers, or other locking mechanisms to perform various correction or complication selection functions. The timepiece, particularly a wristwatch, then incorporates numerous complication control mechanisms around its case, in addition to a possible winding stem, increasing the complexity of the construction and potentially impacting the case's water resistance.The multitude of control elements distributed around the case also detracts from the aesthetics of the watch.

[0005] To solve these problems, it has been proposed to reduce the number of control elements by concentrating different functions on a single control element. For example, control rods incorporating a push button to form two coaxial control elements have been proposed, such as documents WO2005 / 038538A1 and EP1939699A1.

[0006] Document CH 711 600 describes, for example, a standard type push-button crown comprising a pusher that is axially movable relative to the crown, and which, as such, is therefore not axially movable between a rest position and a depressed position to control an actuating element of a mechanism. The device includes a control stem connected to the movement for winding and setting the time and actuated by the crown via a central extension. A separate tube, actuated independently of the control stem and the crown, is provided to control the actuating element.

[0007] Numerous multifunctional control mechanisms have also been proposed in which one or the other of the rotational or translational movements is used to select a function and the other movement is used to activate it, both actions being linked to the same function. These mechanisms generally have a complex construction and operation.

[0008] US patent 8,371,745 also describes a wrist computer comprising a case, a two-function control element including a crown and a control rod movable in an axial and radial direction, an axial switch arranged to be activated by an axial movement of the crown, and a radial switch arranged to be activated by a radial movement of the crown by means of a toothed wheel that cooperates with the control rod to transmit the radial movement of the crown to the radial switch. The control element is arranged to transmit a radial movement of the crown to the radial switch in order to scroll through values ​​displayed on a dial, such as an alarm time, and to transmit the axial movement of the control rod to the axial switch in order to confirm the selected value. Here again, the two actions of rotation and translation of the control element are linked to the same function.It will therefore be necessary to increase the number of control devices in order to control different functions.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy at least in part these drawbacks by proposing a single control element allowing the control of different functions of a watch movement, one of the functions being controlled by said control element in the manner of a pusher.

[0010] More specifically, one aim of the present invention is to provide a chronograph pusher type control device enabling the control of functions present in the timepiece, independent of the chronograph mechanism.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a control device that allows one to prevent the activation of either of the functions. Disclosure of the invention

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a control element for several different functions of a watch movement, said control element comprising a crown and a control rod arranged to be fixed at least rotationally to said crown, said control rod being fixed in rotation to a first actuating device for a first function, said crown being arranged to, in response to pressure on the crown, be movable in axial translation between a rest position and a depressed position in which a second function distinct from the first function is actuated, and to return to its rest position when pressure on the crown ceases, the crown also being arranged to be movable in axial rotation in at least one direction between at least one stable angular position and at least one actuating angular position so as to actuate, by rotation of said crown in said direction,said first function via the rotation of said control rod.

[0013] According to the invention, said control rod is arranged to be also fixed in axial translation to said crown so as to be mobile in axial translation with the crown when moving said crown into its pressed position, and to be free in axial translation relative to the first actuation device when moving said crown into its pressed position, said control rod being further arranged to cooperate with a second actuation device of said second function when moving said crown into its pressed position to actuate said second function.

[0014] Thus, the invention allows two different functions, such as two functions of different complications, to be controlled independently of each other, by means of a single control element. One function is controlled by said control element in its rest position, like a control stem, and the other function is controlled by said control element in its depressed position, like a pusher. However, both are controlled by a single control stem that is always fixed to the crown in both its rest and depressed positions, regardless of its movement (rotation and translation). The crown and the control stem thus constitute a single control element, which advantageously allows two actuating devices for two distinct functions to be controlled. Therefore, the present invention offers a simple, robust, and more economical control mechanism.

[0015] Advantageously, the control unit includes a safety device arranged to prevent axial translation of the crown when it is not in a stable angular position and to prevent axial rotation of the crown when it is not in its rest position, and in particular when it is in its depressed position.

[0016] Thus, the control unit is secured, notably by preventing the first function from being activated when the second function is active.

[0017] According to a first preferred embodiment, the first function is the selection of a chime from a chime mechanism and the second function is the START / STOP function of a chronograph mechanism.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the first function is the correction of the month of a month indicator mechanism and the second function is the Reset or Flyback function of a chronograph mechanism.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one control element as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the control element according to the invention, said control element being in its rest position; the figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the control element according to the invention, said control element being in the depressed position; the figure 3 is an isometric view of the crown of the control element according to the invention; the Figures 4 and 5are schematic views of the control rod of the control member according to the invention, arranged to control a chime selection function of a chime mechanism of a timepiece and a START / STOP function of a chronograph mechanism, the control member being respectively in its rest position and in its depressed position; figure 6 is a schematic view of the control rod of the control member according to the invention arranged to control a Reset or Flyback function of a chronograph mechanism and a month correction function of a month indicator mechanism, of a timepiece, the control member being in its rest position; and the figures 7 to 9 are schematic views of the control rod of the figure 6 , respectively in neutral position, in first unstable angular correction position and in second unstable angular correction position. Embodiments of the invention

[0021] With reference to figures 1 to 3 The present invention relates to a control member 1 for several different functions of a watch movement, said control member 1 comprising a crown 2 and a control rod 3 made fixed at least in rotation to said crown 2. The control member 1 is mounted on the case 4 of a watch case of a timepiece such that said crown 2 protrudes from the case 4.

[0022] The control rod 3 is itself rotationally fixed to a first actuation device for a first function, examples of which will be detailed below.

[0023] The crown 2 is arranged so that, in response to pressure on said crown 2, it is movable in axial translation between a rest position shown on the figure 1 and a recessed position represented on the figure 2in which a second function, distinct from the first function, is activated, and to return to its rest position when the pressure on the crown 2 ceases. In this description, the "rest position" is defined with respect to the axial translational displacement of the crown 2, the rest position being defined as an unpressed position that the crown takes when it is not subjected to a pressure force, the rest position designating the set of positions in which the crown 2 is not in a pressed position.

[0024] The crown 2 is also arranged to be, in its rest position, movable in axial rotation, with the control rod 3, in at least one direction between at least one stable angular position and at least one actuation angular position so as to actuate, by rotation of said crown 2 in said direction, said first function via the rotation of said control rod 3.

[0025] According to the invention, the control rod 3 is arranged to be also fixed in axial translation to said crown 2 so as to be mobile in axial translation with the crown 2 when said crown 2 is moved into its pressed position, and to be free in axial translation relative to the first actuation device, said control rod 3 being arranged to cooperate with a second actuation device of said second function when said crown 2 is moved into its pressed position so as to actuate said second function.

[0026] Thus, the crown 2 and the control rod 3, once mounted as detailed below, are always joined in movement (in rotation and translation), whether the crown 2 is in its rest position or in the depressed position, thus constituting a single control element 1. In the following description, the expressions "rest position" and "depressed position" are used for both the crown 2 and the control element 1 as a whole, the control rod 3 always following the movements of the crown 2, whatever they may be.

[0027] For this purpose, the crown 2 includes a guide tube 6 intended to be fixed by screwing or pressing into the case 4. The tube 6 has a symmetry of revolution with respect to a longitudinal axis A constituting the axis of translation and rotation of the control member 1.

[0028] The crown 2 also includes a head 8, an axial skirt 10 attached to the head, and a barrel 12 attached to the head 8, the whole exhibiting a symmetry of revolution around the axis A.

[0029] The crown 2 also includes a piston 14 housed on one side inside the barrel 12 and on the other side in the center of the tube 6, said piston 14 being arranged to be fixed to the barrel 12 during movement. A spring 16 is disposed in a cavity formed between the barrel 12 and the head 8 and between the tube 6 and the piston 14. The spring 16 is arranged to be axially compressed between the head 8 and a shoulder 18 of the tube 6 when pressure is exerted on the crown 2 to move the crown 2, and therefore the control member 1 also including the control rod 3, into its depressed position, and to allow the crown 2 to return to its rest position when the pressure on the crown 2 ceases.

[0030] The piston 14 and the barrel 12 are mounted movably in the tube 6, the head 8 and the skirt 10 being mounted movably around the tube 6. The frame 4 includes, around the orifice 20 in which the tube 6 is mounted, a circular groove 22 in which the skirt 10 engages and in which the skirt 10 can move in rotation and in translation along the axis A.

[0031] The piston 14 kinematically connects the head 8 to the control rod 3 by means of a female drive square 24 screwed onto the piston 14 and into which a male square 26, located at the end of the control rod 3, fits. During the assembly of the movement in the case, the square end of the control rod 3 is inserted into the drive square 24 through its open face. Once engaged, the female square 24 of the crown 2 continuously rotates the male square of the control rod 3. The base of the drive square 24 pushes the end of the control rod 3 axially into the depressed position when pressure is applied to the crown 2. The control rod 3 has its own return spring which holds its square end in the drive square 24 to return the control rod 3 when the pressure is released.

[0032] The control organ 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) can thus be moved in axial translation along axis A in its position pressed by a user like a pusher and be rotated around axis A like a control rod in order to control two different functions of the timepiece, and more specifically functions of two different complications, as will be described in more detail below.

[0033] In this description, the expression "two different functions" means that these functions have no other kinematic link between them than the link via the control rod 3.

[0034] More specifically, the timepiece includes a primary complication, the primary function of which is linked to this primary complication and may be, for example, a selection function. The angular position(s) of actuation are one or more stable angular positions corresponding to one or more selection positions of the function. For example, the timepiece may include a striking mechanism, the primary function being a striking selection function. The primary function may also be a correction function of a mechanism, the angular position(s) of actuation being one or more unstable angular positions corresponding to one or more correction positions of the mechanism. For example, the timepiece may include a month indicator mechanism, the primary function being a month correction function.

[0035] The timepiece includes a second complication, such as a chronograph mechanism, and the second function is one of the chronograph functions such as the START / STOP function, the Reset function or Flyback.

[0036] Any other suitable complication may be used.

[0037] In the present invention, the control element (crown 2 + control stem 3) is arranged to move axially only between its rest position and its depressed position. It cannot be moved into a pulled position, like a standard winding stem. Consequently, the first function cannot be a traditional winding or time-setting function.

[0038] Advantageously, the control member 1 is movable in axial rotation over an angle of less than 360°, preferably less than 180°, and more preferably less than or equal to 90° or 60°, in a direction of rotation, as will be described in detail below.

[0039] Furthermore, the different angular positions taken by the control member 1 are discrete angular positions, between which the control member 1 does not remain.

[0040] Advantageously, the control member 1 includes a safety device arranged to prevent axial translation of the crown 2, and therefore of the control member 1, when it is not in a stable angular position and to prevent axial rotation of the crown 2, and therefore of the control member 1, when it is not in its rest position, and in particular when it is in its depressed position.

[0041] To this end, the safety device includes at least one axial notch 28 formed parallel to axis A in the side wall of the skirt 10 and in which a fixed guide pin 30 is intended to engage in order to prevent axial rotation of the crown 2, and therefore of the control member 1, when it is not in its rest position, and in particular when it is in its depressed position, as shown in the figure 2 .

[0042] The pin 30 is carried by the case 4 and is arranged to cooperate with the safety device provided on the control member 1. For this purpose, the pin 30 protrudes from the wall of the case 4 towards the ring 2 of the control member 1, the longitudinal axis of the pin 30 being perpendicular to the axis A of the control member 1.

[0043] In addition, the skirt 10 of the crown 2 is arranged so that its solid lower edge 10a is intended to be substantially against the pin 30 when the crown 2, and therefore the control member 1, is in the rest position, preventing any axial translational movement of the crown 2, and therefore of the control member 1, towards the pushed-in position as long as one of the notches 28 is not opposite said pin 30.

[0044] Advantageously, the skirt 10 can be longer over a certain angular sector, beyond the angular sector comprising the notches 28, so that the longer wall 10b defines a stop for the pin 30, limiting the axial rotation angle of the control member 1. A longer wall of the skirt 10 can be provided over a 180° sector to form two stops limiting the rotation of the control member 1 to an angle of 180°, which can be 90° in one direction and 90° in the other direction. In another embodiment, a longer wall of the skirt 10 can be provided over a 240° sector to form two stops limiting the rotation of the control member 1 to an angle of 120°, which can be 60° in one direction and 60° in the other direction.

[0045] Thus, when the pin 30 is facing a notch 28, pressure on the crown 2 will allow the second function to be activated.

[0046] When the pin 30 is between two notches 28, pressure on the crown 2 does not allow the second function to be triggered.

[0047] In both cases, the control element 1 is in its rest position as on the figure 1 , a rotation of the control member 1 to actuate the first function is possible because the pin 30, positioned just below the angular sector of the skirt 10 including the notches 28, does not prevent a rotation of the control member 1, which can be bidirectional, until said pin 30 butts against one of the longer walls of the skirt 10.

[0048] When, after pressure is applied to the crown 2, the pin 30 is at the bottom of a notch 28, as shown in the figure 2 It is no longer possible to turn crown 2.

[0049] Advantageously, the control rod 3 has a groove 32 and the second actuation device includes a pull handle 34 pivotally mounted on a frame element, engaged in said groove 32 and arranged to actuate the second function.

[0050] The control rod 3 also has, at its end opposite the square 26, another square 36, and the first actuating device includes a square-bore gearbox 38 through which the square 36 of the control rod 3 can slide axially, said gearbox 38 being rotationally fixed to the square 36 of the control rod 3. The gearbox 38 is held axially by a frame element 40. Thus, the control rod 3 is arranged to be free in axial translation relative to the first actuating device, particularly when the ring 2 is moved into its depressed position. The gearbox 38 is arranged to actuate the first function.

[0051] In addition to the reference 38, respectively the pull tab 34, the first, respectively the second actuation device is arranged according to the first function, respectively the second function, to be actuated.

[0052] According to a first embodiment shown on the Figures 4 and 5 The timepiece includes a striking mechanism, the first function being a striking selection function, and a chronograph mechanism, the second function being one of the chronograph functions, and more specifically the START / STOP function.

[0053] The control element 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is therefore arranged to control, as a first function, a chime selection function of a chime mechanism via the first actuation device, and as a second function, a START / STOP function of a chronograph mechanism via the second actuation device. To simplify the drawings, only the control rod 3 is shown, terminating at its end in the male square 26 which will fit into the female drive square 24 of the crown 2.

[0054] In addition to the pull tab 34, the second actuation device includes a return spring 42 for the pull tab 34 and a chronograph control rocker 44.

[0055] In addition to the linkage 38, the first actuation device includes a ring selector comprising a ring selection lever 46 and its jumper 48. The ring selection lever includes a toothed sector 50 arranged to mesh with the linkage 38 in order to move the lever 46 between three angular selection positions, namely a first selection position corresponding to the absence of ringing (silent position S), a second selection position corresponding to a small ring (position PS) and a third selection position corresponding to a large ring (position GS).

[0056] These different mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art and do not require further description.

[0057] When the control member 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is in the rest position as shown in the Figures 1 And 4, its axial rotation is not prevented so that it can be turned in both directions, the control rod 3 driving by its square 36 the linkage 38, the latter in turn driving the toothed sector 50 of the ring selection lever 46 in one direction or the other in order to select the ring.

[0058] To actuate the ring selection function, the control member 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3), in its rest position with respect to axial displacement, is arranged to be movable in axial rotation, for example through an angle of 90°, in one direction between a first stable central angular position corresponding to the first angular selection position of the selection lever 46, namely position S, and an actuating angular position, said actuating angular position being a second stable angular position corresponding to the second angular selection position of the selection lever 46, namely position PS, and to be movable in axial rotation, for example through an angle of 90°, in the other direction between said first stable central angular position and another actuating angular position,said other angular actuation position being a third stable angular position corresponding to the third angular selection position of the selection lever 46, namely the GS position.

[0059] In this embodiment, the control member 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is arranged to occupy several discrete stable angular positions, here three positions separated from each other by an angle of 90°. For this purpose, the case 4 includes indexing means in each of said stable angular positions. These indexing means are, for example, constituted by a positioning lyre spring 52, fixed by screwing onto the case 4 (cf. figures 1 to 3 ), and in which the drive square 24 of the crown 2 can slide. The outer face of the drive square 24 cooperates with the lyre spring 52 for indexing the angular position of the control member 1 to 0, +90° and -90°.

[0060] The three corresponding angular positions for selecting the selection lever 46 are guaranteed by the jumper 48.

[0061] When one of the chimes is selected, the control organ 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is in a stable angular position so that it is possible to activate the start / stop of the chronograph by pressing the crown 2, and therefore the control organ 1.

[0062] To this end, in this embodiment, the safety device comprises three notches 28 distributed on the skirt 10 of the crown 2, so as to correspond to the three stable angular positions of the control member 1, and therefore to the three angular selection positions. More specifically, the central notch, which corresponds to the selection position S, is separated by an angle of 90° from each of the other two notches, which correspond to the other two selection positions GS and PS, as shown in the figure 3The notch 28 corresponding to the selected alarm is positioned above the pin 30, making possible an axial translation of the control organ 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) in response to pressure on the crown 2, to activate the START / STOP function of the chronograph.

[0063] When pressure is applied to the crown 2, the pin 30 engages in the notch 28, so that the piston 14 and the control rod 3 move axially inwards, the square 36 of the control rod 3 sliding in the square hole of the linkage 38, which remains inactive, as shown in the figure 2 Axial rotation of control element 1 is no longer possible.

[0064] In its axial movement in response to pressure on the crown 2, the control rod 3 drives the pull tab 34, which in turn drives the chronograph control rocker 44 to start or stop the chronograph, as shown in the figure 5 After releasing pressure on crown 2 and therefore on control stem 3, the mechanism returns to its starting position thanks to the various return springs designed for this purpose. Control element 1 is ready for the chronograph's START / STOP function to be activated again, in response to renewed pressure on crown 2.

[0065] According to another embodiment shown on the figures 6 to 9 The timepiece includes a month indicator mechanism, the first function being a month correction function, and a chronograph mechanism, the second function being one of the chronograph functions, and more specifically the Reset or Flyback function.

[0066] The control mechanism 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is therefore arranged to control, as a first function, a month correction function of a month indicator mechanism via the first actuation device, and as a second function, a Reset or Flyback function of a chronograph mechanism via the second actuation device. To simplify the drawings, only the control rod 3 is shown, terminating at its end in the male square 26 which will fit into the female drive square 24 of the crown 2.

[0067] In addition to the pull tab 34, the second actuation device includes a return spring 54 for the pull tab 34 and a chronograph reset rocker 56.

[0068] In addition to the linkage 38, the first actuation device includes a month correction rake 58 which has a toothed sector 60 arranged to mesh with the linkage 38 in order to move the rake 58 between three angular positions: a first neutral position, a first angular correction position corresponding to the addition of a month, and a second angular correction position corresponding to the subtraction of a month. The first actuation device also includes a centering rocker 62 for the control rod 3 and a centering spring 64 for the control rod 3.

[0069] These different mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art and do not require further description.

[0070] When the control member 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is in the rest position as shown in the Figures 1 And 6, its axial rotation is not prevented so that it can be turned in both directions, the control rod 3 driving by its square 36 the return 38, the latter in turn driving the toothed sector 60 of the correction rake 58 in one direction or the other in order to correct the month.

[0071] To actuate the month correction function, the control member 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3), in its rest position with respect to axial displacement, is arranged to be mobile in axial rotation, for example through an angle of 60°, in a direction between a stable central angular position corresponding to the neutral angular position of the correction rake 58, shown on the figure 7 , and a first angular actuation position, said first angular actuation position being a first unstable angular position corresponding to the first angular correction position of the correction rake 58, represented on the figure 8, and to be mobile in axial rotation through an angle of 60° in the other direction between said central stable angular position and a second actuation angular position, said second actuation angular position being a second unstable angular position corresponding to the second correction angular position of the correction rake 58, represented on the figure 9 .

[0072] In this embodiment, the control member 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is arranged to occupy one central stable angular position and two unstable angular positions, each of which is separated from the central stable angular position by an angle of 60°.

[0073] The stable central angular position is guaranteed by the spring 64 and the centering rocker 62 of the control rod 3 arranged to act on a core 66 linked to the return 38 (cf. Figure 7). During a rotation of the control rod 3, the spring 64 and the centering rocker 62 act on the core 66 (cf. Figures 8 and 9 ). As soon as the torque transmitted to the control rod 3 is released, the spring 64 and the centering rocker 62 act on the walls of the core 66 and reposition the actuation device of the correction mechanism in the neutral position and the control member 1 in its stable central angular position.

[0074] When the control organ 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) is in its stable angular position, it is possible to reset the chronograph by pressing the crown 2, and therefore the control organ 1.

[0075] For this purpose, in this embodiment, the safety device includes a single notch 28 in the skirt 10 of the crown 2, positioned above the pin 30 when the control member 1 is in its stable angular position, making possible an axial translation of the control member 1 (crown 2 + control rod 3) in response to pressure on the crown 2, to actuate the Reset function of the chronograph.

[0076] When pressure is applied to the crown 2, the pin 30 engages in the notch 28, so that the piston 14 and the control rod 3 move axially inwards, the square 36 of the control rod 3 sliding in the square hole of the linkage 38, which remains inactive, as shown in the figure 2 Axial rotation of control element 1 is no longer possible.

[0077] In its axial movement in response to pressure on the crown 2, the control rod 3 actuates the pull-out lever 34, which in turn actuates the chronograph reset lever 56. Pressing the crown 2 resets or performs a flyback of the chronograph. After releasing pressure on the crown 2, and therefore on the control rod 3, the mechanism returns to its starting position thanks to the various return springs designed for this purpose. The control element 1 is then ready for the chronograph reset function to be activated again in response to another press on the crown 2.

[0078] The timepiece may include one or more control organs of the invention, arranged to actuate different first and second functions, including functions of several complications.

[0079] Thus, the timepiece may include at 2 o'clock a control organ arranged to control, as a first function, a chime selection function of a chime mechanism, and as a second function, a START / STOP function of a chronograph mechanism, as described above with reference to Figures 4 and 5 and at 4 o'clock, another control organ arranged to operate, as a first function, a month correction function of a month indicator mechanism, and as a second function, a Reset or Flyback function of the chronograph mechanism, as described above with reference to the figures 6 to 9 .

[0080] The invention allows two different functions, including functions of varying complexity, to be controlled independently by a single control element. One function is controlled by this control element like a pusher, and the other function is controlled by the same control element like a control rod. This reduces the number of control elements required on the case to operate the different functions.

[0081] Furthermore, the crown 2 and the control rod 3, once mounted, are always joined in movement (in rotation and translation), whether the crown 2 is in its rest position or in the depressed position, thus constituting a single control element 1, which advantageously allows for a simple, robust and more economical control mechanism to be implemented.

Claims

1. A control member (1) of a plurality of different functions of a timepiece movement, said control member (1) comprising a crown (2) and a control stem (3) designed to be integral at least in rotation with said crown (2), said control stem (3) being integral in rotation with a first actuating device of a first function, said crown (2) being designed in order, in response to a pressure on said crown (2), to be movable in axial translation between a rest position and a depressed position in which a second function, separate from the first function, is actuated, and to return to its rest position when the pressure on the crown (2) ceases, the crown (2) also being designed to be, in the rest position, movable in axial rotation in at least one direction between at least one stable angular position and at least one actuating angular position so as to actuate, by rotation of said crown (2) in said direction, said first function via the rotation of said control stem (3), said control stem (3) being designed so as to likewise be integral in axial translation with said crown (2) so as to be movable in axial translation with the crown (2) during the movement of said crown (2) into its depressed position, and to be free in axial translation relative to the first actuating device during the movement of said crown (2) into its depressed position, said control stem (3) being designed to cooperate with a second actuating device of said second function during the movement of said crown (2) into its depressed position so as to actuate said second function.

2. The control member (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it includes a security device designed to prevent the axial translation of the crown (2) when it is not in a stable angular position and to prevent the axial rotation of the crown (2) when it is not in its rest position and, in particular, when it is in its depressed position.

3. The control member (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the crown (2) comprises a head (8) and a skirt (10) integral with the head (8), and in that the security device comprises at least one axial notch (28) formed in the lateral wall of the skirt (10) and in which a fixed pin (30) is intended to engage in order to prevent the axial rotation of the crown (2) when it is not in its rest position and, in particular, when it is in its depressed position.

4. The control member (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that said skirt (10) is designed so that its solid lower edge (10a) is intended to be substantially in abutment against the pin (30) when the crown (2) is in the rest position, preventing any movement in axial translation of the crown (2) towards the depressed position as long as the notch (28) is not opposite said pin (30).

5. The control member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control stem (3) has a groove (32) and in that the second actuating device comprises a pull-out piece (34) engaged in said groove (32) and designed to actuate the second function.

6. The control member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second function is one of the chronograph functions.

7. The control member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control stem (3) has a square (36) and in that the first actuating device comprises an intermediate wheel (38) with a square hole, mounted integral in rotation on the square (36) with the control stem (3), said intermediate wheel (38) being designed to actuate the first function.

8. The control member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first function is a selection function and in that the at least one actuating angular position is a stable angular position corresponding to a position for selecting a function.

9. The control member (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the crown (2) and the control stem (3) are designed to be movable in axial rotation in one direction between a first central stable angular position corresponding to a first function selection position and an actuating angular position, said actuating angular position being a second stable angular position corresponding to a second function selection position, and to be movable in axial rotation in the other direction between said first central stable angular position and another actuating angular position, said other actuating angular position being a third stable angular position corresponding to a third function selection position.

10. The control member (1) according to Claims 3 and 9, characterized in that the security device comprises three notches (28) distributed over the skirt (10) of the crown (2) so as to correspond to the three stable angular positions of the control member (1).

11. The control member (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first function is a correction function of a mechanism and in that the at least one actuating angular position is an unstable angular position corresponding to a correction position of the mechanism.

12. The control member (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the crown (2) and the control stem (3) are designed to be movable in axial rotation in one direction between a central stable angular position corresponding to a neutral position and a first actuating angular position, said first actuating angular position being a first unstable angular position corresponding to a first correction position, and to be movable in axial rotation in the other direction between said central stable angular position and a second actuating angular position, said second actuating angular position being a second unstable angular position corresponding to a second correction position.

13. The timepiece comprising at least one control member (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12.

14. The timepiece according to Claim 13, comprising a case including a middle (4), characterized in that the control member (1) is designed such that the crown (2) goes beyond the middle (4).

15. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the middle (4) carries a fixed pin (30) designed to cooperate with the control member (1).

16. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 13 to 15, in which the control member (1) is designed to occupy a plurality of stable angular positions, characterized in that the middle (4) includes indexing means (52) in each of the stable angular positions.

17. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a chronograph mechanism and in that the second function is one of the chronograph functions.

18. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 13 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a striking-mechanism and in that the first function is a striking selection function.

19. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 13 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a month indicating mechanism and in that the first function is a correction function for the month.

20. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 13 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a striking-mechanism and a chronograph mechanism, and in that the first function is the selection of the form of striking and the second function is the START / STOP function of the chronograph.

21. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 12 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a month indicating mechanism and a chronograph mechanism, and in that the first function is the correction of the month and the second function is the zero-resetting or flyback function of the chronograph.