Remote control device for a timepiece movement of a watch and watch comprising said control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote control device (10) for a timepiece movement (100) of a watch, characterized in that it comprises an input control member (11) intended to be acted on by a user and kinematically connected to an output control member (12) by means of a connection member (13) intended to be arranged so that it can rotate around the timepiece movement (100) and configured so that it is driven in rotation by the input control member (11) when the input control member (11) is acted on and so that it causes the output control member (12) to move during this rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of horology, and more particularly to a remote control device for a watch movement and a watch including the control device. Background Technology

[0002] Control components such as buttons, correctors, or crowns are located in the central part of the watch, usually facing the watch movement mechanism, which is designed to be actuated by the user.

[0003] For example, control components used for timekeeping, striking mechanisms, time zone changes, or date corrections are typically arranged close to the mechanism of the watch movement that it is intended to actuate.

[0004] Therefore, the architecture of a watch movement is usually determined by the layout of one or more control components in the center, or vice versa.

[0005] However, in some cases, it is possible to seek to arrange the control components away from the mechanism intended to actuate them. For example, in order to reduce the development and production costs of a watch, it may be of particular interest to design a watch with a watch movement that has already been produced and a central component that has also been produced.

[0006] Swiss Patent No. 689570 describes a solution developed to meet this need. This solution takes the form of a control device comprising a set of levers for arranging control components remotely from the mechanism to be actuated.

[0007] However, this solution has the drawback of significantly increasing the size of the watch case to which it is applied. Furthermore, it only allows the control components to deviate from their intended actuating mechanism within a certain range.

[0008] Another drawback of existing solutions is that their design must be significantly adapted for each case, particularly based on the size and geometry of the central component and the distance between the control component and the mechanism it is intended to actuate. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing a remote control device for a watch movement, the remote control device allowing control components to actuate the mechanism of the watch movement without restriction on their relative positions to each other.

[0010] More specifically, the present invention allows the control components to be kinematically connected to the mechanism of the watch movement to be actuated, regardless of their respective positions relative to each other, and regardless of the size and geometry of the central component.

[0011] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a remote control device for a watch movement, comprising an input control member intended to be operated by a user and kinematically connected to an output control member by means of a connecting member, the output control member intended to act on the watch movement. The connecting member is intended to be arranged such that it is rotatable about the watch movement and is configured such that it can be driven to rotate by the input control member when the input control member is operated, and cause the output control member to move during this rotation.

[0012] In specific embodiments, the present invention may further include one or more of the following features, which must be considered individually or in any combination that is technically possible.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the control device includes a support structure, the input and output control components are integral with the support structure, and the support structure forms an annular recess for receiving the connecting component.

[0014] In a specific embodiment, the connecting member forms a ring.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, the input control member includes an engagement profile configured to engage with a driven engagement element of a connecting member to drive the connecting member to rotate when the input control member is actuated.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the engagement profile and the driven engagement element are respectively shaped as complementary bevels.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, the input control member is formed by a rod extending between a first end and a second end, the input control member being attached to the support structure via the first end such that it is rotatable at the first end, and the rod including the engagement profile at the second end.

[0018] In a specific embodiment, the input control member is arranged such that it can slide relative to the support structure and is configured to engage with a transmission element attached to the support structure via an engagement profile, such that it can rotate and engage with a connecting member, such that sliding of the input control member causes rotation of the connecting member.

[0019] In a specific embodiment, the output control member includes an engagement profile configured to engage with an active engagement element of a connecting member, such that rotation of the connecting member causes movement of the output control member.

[0020] In a specific embodiment, the output control member is formed by a rod attached to a support structure, which is rotatable at a first end, the rod including a bevel at a second end to form an engagement profile, the output control member being intended to act on the watch movement via an inner side opposite the engagement profile.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the output control member is connected to the connecting member on one side and to the support structure on the other side via a pivoting link. The output control member includes a support arm, which is designed to press against the balance wheel of the watch movement so as to implement the balance wheel stop function when the input control member is actuated.

[0022] In a specific embodiment, the active engagement element is composed of pins.

[0023] In a specific embodiment, the control device includes a spring connected to a connecting member and biased to move it to a rest position, in which the connecting member is capable of engaging the input control member.

[0024] In a specific embodiment, the control device includes a second input control member and a second output control member, which are kinematically connected to each other via the connecting member and are respectively configured to engage with a driven engagement member and an active engagement member. The input control member is configured such that, depending on which input control member is actuated, the connecting member is driven in different rotational directions and causes one or the other output control member to move.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the connecting member includes a locking element arranged to form a limiting member that prevents one of the input control members from moving when the other is actuated.

[0026] In a specific embodiment, the locking element is formed by teeth extending between two beveled radial sides, each constituting a driven engagement element. The teeth further include outer surfaces that connect the radial sides together and are arranged to form a limiting element that prevents one of the input control members from moving when the other is actuated.

[0027] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a watch, which includes a watch movement and a control device as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A front view of a remote control device for a watch movement according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in an illustrative manner.

[0030] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each is shown in a graphical manner. Figure 1 The control device, in which the input control component has been activated;

[0031] Figure 4 Another exemplary embodiment of the control device according to the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 The control device, in which the control components have been activated. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This invention relates to a remote control device 10 for a watch movement 100, such as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the figure. It should be noted that the watch movement 100 is shown in dashed lines in the figure, and only a part of the watch is shown.

[0034] The control device 10 includes at least one input control element 11 that will be operated by the user.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the input control member 11 is kinematically connected to the output control member 12 via the connecting member 13, the output control member 12 being designed to act on the watch movement 100 of the watch.

[0036] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control device 10 includes two input control members 11 and two output control members 12, each of the input control members 11 being kinematically connected to the output control member 12.

[0037] Alternatively, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control device 10 includes a single input control component 11 and a single output control component 12.

[0038] For ease of reading, the invention is described below using general terms in a manner that describes a single input control element 11 and a single output control element 12.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the output control member 12 is designed to engage with watch components of the watch movement 100, such as the corrector, push button, lever, yoke, or wheel, via the actuator 101 of the watch movement 100, to perform the function of the watch movement 100.

[0040] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the output control member 12 is intended to engage directly with a watch component (such as the balance wheel 102) of the watch movement 100. This function is therefore a balance wheel stop function, also known as a "stop-seconds" or "stop-balance".

[0041] In alternative embodiments of the invention, such functions can be timers, date correction, moon phase correction, or tourbillon carriages or karussel stop functions, etc.

[0042] The output control component 12 is therefore intended to be sandwiched between the watch movement 100 and the connecting component 13, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the image.

[0043] The connecting member 13 is intended to be arranged such that it can rotate about the watch movement 100 within a support structure, for example, in the central part of the watch case (not visible in the figures). More specifically, the support structure forms an annular recess, such as a groove, designed to receive the connecting member 13.

[0044] The connecting member 13 preferably forms a closed loop. However, in other alternative embodiments of the invention, the connecting member 13 can form an open loop extending over an angular sector that depends on the angular distance between the input control member 11 and the output control member 12.

[0045] Advantageously, the connecting member 13 is configured to be driven to rotate by the input control member 11 when the input control member 11 is activated, and to cause the output control member 12 to move during this rotation.

[0046] The connecting member 13 is defined between the inner peripheral wall 130 and the outer peripheral wall 131, and the output control member 12 is arranged within the connecting member 13 at the inner peripheral wall 130. All or part of the input control member 11 is arranged outside the connecting member 13, such as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the image.

[0047] The input control component 11 and the output control component 12 are integrated with the support structure.

[0048] In particular, Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the input control member 11 is formed by a rod attached to the support structure, such that it is rotatable at a first end, the rod including an engagement profile 110 at a second end.

[0049] The engagement profile 110 of the input control member 11 is beveled and is configured to directly engage with the driven engagement element 132 of the connecting member 13 in order to drive the connecting member 13 so that the connecting member 13 rotates when the input control member 11 is actuated.

[0050] In particular, such as Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, during the movement of the input control member 11, when the input control member 11 is actuated by the user, its engagement profile 110 applies pressure to the driven engagement element 132 of the connecting member 13, thereby causing the connecting member 13 to pivot.

[0051] The driven engagement element 132 of the connecting member 13 is composed of an inclined surface, the shape of which is complementary to the inclined surface shape of the input control member 11.

[0052] Furthermore, the output control member 12 further includes an engagement profile 120 configured to engage with the connecting member 13 and, more particularly, with the active engagement element 133 of the connecting member 13, such that rotation of the connecting member 13 causes movement of the output control member 12.

[0053] In particular, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the engagement profile 120 of the output control member 12 is beveled.

[0054] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the output control member 12 is formed by a rod attached to a support structure, allowing it to rotate at a first end, the rod including an engagement profile 120 at a second end. Advantageously, the output control member 12 is intended to act on the watch movement 100 via an inner side facing the engagement profile 120.

[0055] In addition, Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the active engagement element 133 is composed of a pin, for example a pin driven into the connecting member 13.

[0056] In other alternative embodiments of the invention, not shown in the accompanying drawings, the driven engagement element 132 and the active engagement element 133 can be formed by recesses made in the inner peripheral wall 130 and / or the outer peripheral wall 131 of the connecting member 13, or by pins, bevels, or any other protrusions extending from the connecting member 13. It goes without saying that, according to the alternative embodiments of the driven engagement element 132 or the active engagement element 133 as considered, the input control member 11 or correspondingly the output control member 12 is arranged in a plane parallel to or coincident with the plane in which the connecting member 13 extends.

[0057] Advantageously, the control device 10 can include a spring (not shown in the figures) connected to and biased to a stationary position, in which the connecting member 13 can engage with the input control member 11. The term 'spring' is understood to mean any component capable of undergoing elastic deformation.

[0058] Specifically, when the connecting member 13 is in a stationary position, the input control member 11 is also in a stationary position, that is, it is not activated by the user and does not move; and therefore, the output control member 12 is also in a stationary position, as shown below. Figure 1 As seen in the text.

[0059] In order to keep it in a stationary position, the input control member 11 can be advantageously pressed by a spring 111, which is, for example, a spring bar extending from a first end of the input control member 11 and is arranged such that it abuts against a support structure.

[0060] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the input control member 11 is configured such that, depending on which input control member 11 is activated, the connecting member 13 is driven in different rotational directions and causes one or the other output control member 12 to move, respectively as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0061] The two input control elements 11 are as described above for the input control elements 11, and are preferably identical, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure. Furthermore, the input control members 11 are preferably arranged symmetrically to each other along the diametrical plane of the connecting member 13.

[0062] Similarly, the two output control elements 12 are as described above for the output control elements 12, and preferably identical, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure. Furthermore, the output control members 12 are preferably arranged symmetrically to each other along the diametrical plane of the connecting member 13.

[0063] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the connecting member 13 includes two driven engagement elements 132, each of which is intended to engage with one of the input control members 11, and two active engagement elements 133, each of which is intended to engage with one of the output control members 12.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connecting member 13 preferably further includes a locking element 134, which is arranged to constitute a limiting element to prevent any movement of one of the input control members 11 when the other is actuated.

[0065] Specifically, the locking element 134 can advantageously be formed by teeth extending between two beveled radial sides, each constituting a driven engagement element 132 intended to engage with one of the input control members 11. The teeth further include an inner side opposite the outer side, which connects the radial sides together. This outer side, like the inner side, has a curved shape and is arranged to constitute a limiting element preventing any movement of one of the input control members 11 when the other is actuated, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0066] As in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, by means of the oblique radial side surface constituting the driven engagement element 132, the angular sector extending from the outer side surface is smaller than the angular sector extending from the inner side surface.

[0067] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the input control member 11 is formed of a rod, particularly a timing rod, which is arranged such that it is slidable relative to the support structure. The input control member 11 is arranged such that it extends through the connecting member 13 and unfolds from the inner peripheral wall 130 via an inner portion and from the outer peripheral wall 131 via an outer portion, as shown... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0068] The input control member 11 is designed to be acted upon by a pulling force applied by the user along its longitudinal axis from its outer portion, and is configured to engage with the driven engagement element 132 of the connecting member 13 from its inner portion via a transmission element.

[0069] More specifically, the input control member 11 is configured to engage with the drive yoke 14 via an engagement profile 110. The drive yoke 14 is attached to the support structure such that it is rotatable and engages with the connecting member 13, such that sliding of the input control member 11 causes rotation of the drive yoke 14, which in turn causes rotation of the connecting member 13.

[0070] Preferably, the engagement profile 110 has the form of a radial groove, to which the first end of the drive yoke 14 engages in the form of a finger. Furthermore, the driven engagement element 132 engages with the second end of the drive yoke 14 in a pivotal connection.

[0071] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5In the exemplary embodiment shown, the output control member 12 further includes an engagement profile 120 configured to engage with an active engagement element 133 of the connecting member 13, such that rotation of the connecting member 13 causes movement of the output control member 12.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the output control member 12 is formed by the attached rod, such that it can be rotated to the support structure on the one hand and to the connecting member 13 on the other hand.

[0073] In particular, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the engagement profile 120 and the active engagement element 133 can be formed indistinguishably from the pin and bore, respectively. The pivot link between the output control member 12 and the support structure can be advantageously manufactured in a similar manner.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the output control member 12 includes a support arm 121, which is designed to be arranged such that it presses against the balance wheel of the watch movement 100 to implement a balance wheel stop function when the input control member 11 is actuated, such as... Figure 5 As seen in the text.

[0075] More generally, it should be noted that the implementation schemes and embodiments considered above have been described by way of non-limiting example, and other alternatives are thus possible.

[0076] In particular, the input control member 11 and / or the output control member 12 are formed by a yoke in this specification, but can be formed by any type of control, such as a pull-out, button, crown, or wheel, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, engagement profiles 110 and 120 can be formed by toothed portions that respectively engage with driven engagement element 132 and active engagement element 133.

Claims

1. A remote control device (10) for a watch movement (100) of a wristwatch, comprising an input control member (11) intended to be operated by a user and kinematically connected to an output control member (12) by means of a connecting member (13), the output control member (12) intended to act on the watch movement (100) of the wristwatch, the connecting member (13) intended to be arranged such that it is rotatable about the watch movement (100) and causes the output control member to... The component (12) moves during this rotation, and the control device (10) is characterized in that the input control component (11) includes an engagement profile (110) configured to engage with a driven engagement element (132) of the connecting component (13) to drive the connecting component (13) such that the connecting component (13) rotates when the input control component (11) is actuated, and the engagement profile (110) and the driven engagement element (132) are respectively shaped as complementary bevels.

2. The control device (10) according to claim 1, comprising a support structure, wherein the input control member (11) and the output control member (12) are integral with the support structure, and the support structure forms an annular recess for receiving the connecting member (13).

3. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting member (13) forms a ring.

4. The control device (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The input control member (11) is formed by a rod extending between a first end and a second end, the input control member (11) being attached to the support structure via the first end such that it is rotatable at the first end, the rod including the engagement profile (110) at the second end.

5. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The input control member (11) is arranged such that it can slide relative to the support structure and is configured to engage with a transmission element attached to the support structure via the engagement profile (110), such that it can rotate and engage with the connecting member (13), such that sliding of the input control member (11) causes the connecting member (13) to rotate.

6. The control device (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The output control member (12) includes an engagement profile of the output control member (12), the engagement profile of the output control member (12) being configured to engage with an active engagement element (133) of the connecting member (13), such that rotation of the connecting member (13) causes the output control member (12) to move.

7. The control device (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The output control member (12) is formed by a rod attached to the support structure, which is rotatable at a first end and includes a bevel at a second end, thereby forming the engagement profile of the output control member (12), which is intended to act on the watch movement (100) via an inner side opposite to the engagement profile of the output control member (12).

8. The control device (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The output control member (12) is connected to the connecting member (13) on one side and to the support structure on the other side via a pivot link. The output control member (12) includes a support arm (121) which is intended to be arranged such that it presses against the balance wheel of the watch movement (100) so as to implement the balance wheel stop function when the input control member (11) is actuated.

9. The control device (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The active engagement element (133) is composed of pins.

10. The control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising a spring connected to the connecting member (13) and biased to move it to a rest position, in which the connecting member (13) is capable of engaging the input control member (11).

11. The control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The input control member (11) is a first input control member and the output control member (12) is a first output control member. The control device further includes a second input control member and a second output control member, which are kinematically interconnected via the connecting member (13) and respectively configured to engage with a driven engagement element (132) and an active engagement element (133). The first or second input control member is configured such that, depending on which of the first or second input control members is actuated, the connecting member (13) is driven in different rotational directions and causes the first or second output control member to move, respectively.

12. The control device (10) according to claim 11, wherein, The connecting member (13) includes a locking element (134) arranged to form a limiting member that prevents one of the first and second input control members from moving when the other is actuated.

13. The control device (10) according to claim 12, wherein, The locking element (134) is formed by teeth extending between two oblique radial sides, each of which constitutes a driven engagement element (132). The teeth further include outer surfaces that connect the radial sides together and are arranged to form a limiting element that prevents one of the first and second input control members from moving when the other is actuated.

14. A watch comprising a watch movement (100), characterized in that, It includes a remote control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images