CONTROL DEVICE FOR A CLOCK

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for a timepiece. The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such a control device. Finally, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising such a control device or such a timepiece movement. Prior art

[0002] Some timepieces are equipped with a control device used to operate a mechanism within the timepiece, such as a mainspring winding mechanism, a time-setting mechanism, or a mechanism for setting another horological function, like a calendar or moon phase indicator. The control device typically consists of a crown connected to a stem and operated by the user. Different axial positions of the stem-crown assembly allow for the selection of different horological functions, and rotating the crown in each of these positions activates the horological functions. For example: Rotating the crown while it is in a first axial position winds the barrel, rotating the crown while it is in a second axial position corrects the date indication, and rotating the crown while it is in a third axial position corrects the time indication or sets the time.

[0003] In certain watch component configurations, the solution such as the one mentioned above cannot be implemented, or it is not desirable to implement the solution mentioned above.

[0004] Document EP 2 746 872 B1 discloses a so-called world time watch capable of simultaneously displaying the current time in the different time zones of the world, comprising two unidirectional linking devices. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a control device that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and improves upon known prior art control devices. In particular, the invention offers a compact, simple, and user-friendly control device. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to the invention, the control device is defined by claim 1.

[0007] Embodiments of the control device are defined by claims 2 to 9.

[0008] According to the invention, a watch movement is defined by claim 10.

[0009] According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 11. Presentation of the figures

[0010] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment given by way of non-limiting agreement in relation to the attached figure.

[0011] There figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, on which local circular sections are shown to visualize satellites and planetary teeth meshing with these satellites. Detailed description

[0012] A method for manufacturing a 200-piece timepiece is described in detail below with reference to the figure 1The timepiece 200 is, for example, a watch, specifically a wristwatch. The timepiece 200 includes a watch movement 100, designed to be mounted in a case or box to protect it from the external environment. The watch movement 100 can be a mechanical movement, such as an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement.

[0013] The movement includes: a first mechanism 5 ensuring a first clockwork function, a second mechanism 6 ensuring a second clockwork function, and a control device 1 allowing a user to act on the first mechanism 5 and to act on the second mechanism 6.

[0014] This action is advantageously performed by the user via a crown or a wheel or a key mechanically linked to the control device, in particular linked to an input 2 of the control device.

[0015] In the embodiment shown, the first mechanism 5 is a time-setting mechanism. This first mechanism includes, for example, a kinematic chain, in particular a gear train for changing the time display. This first mechanism includes, for example, a minute gear and / or a wheel 5 of a minute wheel.

[0016] In the embodiment shown, the second mechanism 6 is a winding mechanism. This first mechanism therefore comprises a barrel 6 and, optionally, a kinematic chain, in particular a gear train for acting on the barrel 6, specifically on a ratchet 61 of the barrel. The mechanism 6 may include a pawl 62 preventing the ratchet 61 from rotating counterclockwise.

[0017] In alternative embodiments, the first mechanism 5 could perform another function, in particular: another correction function, such as a correction function for a calendar indication (day, date, month, year...) or a correction function for another indication (for example, moon phase), or a winding function for another barrel, and The second mechanism 6 could perform another function, namely: another correction function, such as a correction function for a calendar indication (day, date, month, year...) or a correction function for another indication (for example, moon phase).

[0018] The control device 1 comprises: the input 2 intended to be operated in rotation by the action of the user in a first direction or in a second direction, a first unidirectional linking member 3 intended to mechanically link the input 2 to the first mechanism 5 ensuring the first clockwork function, and a second unidirectional linking member 4 intended to mechanically link the input 2 to the second mechanism 6 ensuring the second clockwork function.

[0019] The first unidirectional linkage member 3 is arranged and / or configured to drive the first mechanism 5 exclusively when the input is operated in the first direction, and the second unidirectional linkage member 4 is arranged and / or configured to drive the second mechanism 6 exclusively when the input is operated in the second direction. In particular, in the embodiment shown in the figure 1, when the input is driven in a clockwise rotation around the axis A2, the movement of the input is transmitted exclusively to the second mechanism 6 and, when the input is driven in a counterclockwise rotation around the axis A2, the movement of the input is transmitted exclusively to the first mechanism 5, as will be explained in detail below.

[0020] To ensure this function, the first unidirectional linking member 3 comprises first teeth 321, 331 cooperating irreversibly and / or the second unidirectional linking member 4 comprises second teeth 421, 431 cooperating irreversibly.

[0021] Preferably, the input is a movable part pivoted around axis A2 on a frame 99 of the watch movement. The input 2 can be a shaft, a rod, a pinion, or a wheel. The input has teeth 21 allowing it to transmit the movement it receives from the user via the crown, the wheel, or the key.

[0022] In the embodiment shown, the first unidirectional connecting element 3 comprises: a first satellite carrier 31, a first satellite 32 pivoted on the first satellite carrier 31, and a first planetary 33 meshing with the first satellite 32 and fixed, in particular fixed in rotation, to the inlet 2.

[0023] The first planet carrier 31 is pivoted about an axis A3 on the frame 99. The first planet carrier 31 includes a gear 311 connecting the first linkage to the first mechanism 5. The first planet 32 ​​is pivoted on a plate of the planet carrier 31 about an axis A32 parallel to the axis A3. The first planet 32 ​​includes one 321 of the first gears. The first sun gear 33 is also pivoted about the axis A3 on the frame 99. This first sun gear includes: a tooth 332 meshing with the tooth 21 of the input 2, and the other first tooth 331 cooperating by gearing with the first tooth 321.

[0024] The planetary gear 33, for example, consists of a pinion carrying the teeth 331 fixed, in particular riveted, onto a wheel carrying the teeth 332.

[0025] The first teeth 321, 331 cooperate irreversibly insofar as the first teeth 321, 331 mesh irreversibly.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the second unidirectional connecting element 4 comprises: a second satellite carrier 41, a second satellite 42 pivoted on the second satellite carrier 41, and a second planetary 43 meshing with the second satellite 42 and fixed, in particular fixed in rotation, to the inlet 2.

[0027] The second planet carrier 41 is pivoted about an axis A4 on the frame 99. The second planet carrier 41 includes a gear 411 connecting the second linkage to the second mechanism. The second planet 42 is pivoted on a plate of the planet carrier 41 about an axis A42 parallel to axis A4. The second planet 42 includes one 421 of the second gears. The second planetary gear 43 is also pivoted about axis A4 on the frame 99. This second planetary gear includes: a tooth 432 meshing with the tooth 21 of the input 2, and the other second tooth 431 cooperating by gearing with the second tooth 421.

[0028] The planetary gear 43, for example, consists of a pinion carrying the teeth 431 fixed, in particular riveted, onto a wheel carrying the teeth 432.

[0029] The second teeth 421, 431 cooperate irreversibly insofar as the second teeth 421, 431 mesh irreversibly.

[0030] When input 2 is rotated counterclockwise around axis A2, it drives, through the interaction of gears 21 and 332, the planet gear 33 to rotate clockwise around axis A3. The first gears 321 and 331 lock, and the planet gear 32 is also rotated around axis A3, consequently driving the planet carrier 31 around axis A3 clockwise. It follows that the planet carrier 31 drives a wheel of the first mechanism 5 counterclockwise via the interaction of gears 311 and 51.

[0031] When input 2 is rotated counterclockwise around axis A2, it drives, through the cooperation of gears 21 and 432, the planet gear 43 in rotation clockwise around axis A4. The planet gear 42 is rotated clockwise around axis A42, with the second set of gears 421 and 431 able to mesh freely. Consequently, the planet carrier 41 is not rotated around axis A4. It follows that the planet carrier 41 does not drive the wheel 61 of the second mechanism 6.

[0032] When input 2 is rotated clockwise around axis A2, it drives, through the interaction of gears 21 and 432, the planet gear 43 in counterclockwise rotation around axis A4. The second set of gears 421 and 431 lock, and the planet gear 42 is also rotated around axis A4, consequently driving the planet carrier 41 around axis A4 in a counterclockwise direction. It follows that the planet carrier 41 drives the wheel 61 (specifically the ratchet 61) of the second mechanism 6 clockwise, via the interaction of gears 411 and 611.

[0033] When input 2 is rotated clockwise around axis A2, it drives, through the cooperation of gears 21 and 332, the planet gear 33 in rotation counterclockwise around axis A3. The planet gear 32 is rotated counterclockwise around axis A32, with the second set of gears 321 and 331 able to mesh freely. Consequently, the planet carrier 31 is not rotated around axis A3. It follows that the planet carrier 31 does not drive the wheel 51 of the first mechanism 5.

[0034] The first and second gear teeth are arranged and / or configured to lock when the planet gear 33 is driven in a clockwise direction relative to axis A3, and to lock when the planet gear 43 is driven in a counterclockwise direction relative to axis A4 only. The teeth do not lock when the planet gears are driven in the other directions. Furthermore, the teeth may also lock when the planet carriers 31, 41 are driving in one or both directions, or the teeth may not lock when the planet carriers 33, 43 are driving. However, this is not mandatory, optional, preferable, or not, depending on the nature of the driven mechanisms 5, 6. For example, when the driven mechanism 6 is a barrel, it may be irrelevant whether the teeth lock or not.For example, when the driven mechanism 5 is a timer or a minute hand, it is preferable that the teeth do not jam, in order to limit the number of driven elements and to limit energy losses when not acting on input 2.

[0035] To achieve these irreversible changes due to tooth locking, one or both of the first or second gear sets may include teeth with asymmetrical profiles, and / or the other of the first or second gear sets may include teeth with asymmetrical profiles. An "asymmetrical" profile is defined as each tooth having a first flank and a second flank, the first and second flanks being asymmetrical with respect to a radius of the gear passing through the tooth's apex.

[0036] Thanks to the solution shown, it is possible to set the time by turning the crown in one direction and to wind the timepiece by turning the crown in the opposite direction. This is convenient. Furthermore, the solution requires minimal space in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure 1 .

[0037] In the described embodiment, the first planet gear 33 is fixed, particularly rotationally fixed, to the input 2, and the first planet carrier 31 is intended to be fixed, particularly rotationally fixed, to the first mechanism 5. The second planet gear 43 is fixed, particularly rotationally fixed, to the input 2, and the second planet carrier is intended to be fixed, particularly rotationally fixed, to the second mechanism 6. Alternatively, the first planet gear 33 can constitute the input 2, so that the shaft 2 can be omitted and the planet gears 33 and 43 can mesh with each other. Alternatively again, the second planet gear 43 can constitute the input 2, so that the shaft 2 can be omitted and the planet gears 33 and 43 can mesh with each other. When the input shaft is eliminated and the planetary gears mesh directly with each other, they rotate in opposite directions and the rest of the system must be adapted accordingly.

[0038] In another embodiment: the first planetary gear may be intended to be fixed, in particular fixed in rotation, to the first mechanism 5 and the first planet carrier may constitute the input or be fixed, in particular fixed in rotation, to the input 2, and the second planetary gear may be intended to be fixed, in particular fixed in rotation, to the second mechanism 6 and the second planet carrier may constitute the input or be fixed, in particular fixed in rotation, to the input 2.

[0039] In another embodiment: The first unidirectional linkage member comprises two toothed wheels mounted coaxially against each other, held together by a spring, meshing respectively with the input and with the first mechanism and each presenting on its board a Breguet toothing, and the second unidirectional linkage member comprises two toothed wheels mounted coaxially against each other, held together by a spring, meshing respectively with the input and with the second mechanism and each presenting on its board a Breguet toothing.

[0040] Thus, when the input is turned in the first direction, both wheels of the first unidirectional linkage are driven in rotation, as is the first mechanism. However, only one of the wheels of the second unidirectional linkage is driven in rotation, and it does not drive the other wheel or the second mechanism. Similarly, when the input is turned in the second direction, both wheels of the second unidirectional linkage are driven in rotation, as is the second mechanism. However, only one of the wheels of the first unidirectional linkage is driven in rotation, and it does not drive the other wheel or the first mechanism.

[0041] In another embodiment: one of the unidirectional linkage organs is of the planetary, satellite carrier and satellite type, and the other of the unidirectional linkage organs is of the Breguet toothed type as described previously.

[0042] In all these embodiments, it is possible to do without the input tree as mentioned in relation to the embodiment represented.

[0043] Regardless of the embodiment or variant described, the first unidirectional linking member is centered on a first axis A3 and the second unidirectional linking member is centered on a second axis A4, the first and second axes advantageously being parallel and distinct. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant described, the first and second axes may advantageously coincide. Such a configuration minimizes the device's footprint in the plane of the figure 1 .

[0044] In cases where the first and second axes A3, A4 coincide, the planet carriers may form a single piece or be a single unit, or the first and second planetary gears may form a single piece or be a single unit. In the Breguet gear embodiment, a single wheel may be common to both unidirectional connecting members and may carry two Breguet gears on both faces of its plate, cooperating with the Breguet gears of two other wheels.

[0045] The satellite carriers described each carry one satellite. Advantageously, each satellite carrier can carry two or more satellites, such as three or four satellites.

[0046] By "two interdependent parts", we mean throughout this document that any movement of one of the parts implies a movement of the other of the parts.

Claims

1. Control device (1) for a timepiece (200), comprising: - an input (2), which is intended to be rotated by the action of a user in a first direction or in a second direction, - a first unidirectional connector (3), which is intended to mechanically connect the input (2) to a first mechanism (5) providing a first timepiece correction function, and - a second unidirectional connector (4), which is intended to mechanically connect the input (2) to a second mechanism (6) providing a second timepiece function, the first unidirectional connector (3) being arranged and / or configured to drive the first mechanism (5) exclusively when the input is manoeuvred in the first direction, the second unidirectional connector (4) being arranged and / or configured to drive the second mechanism (6) exclusively when the input is manoeuvred in the second direction, the first unidirectional connector (3) comprising first toothings (321, 331) which interact irreversibly and / or the second unidirectional connector (4) comprising second toothings (421, 431) which interact irreversibly, the device being characterized in that the second timepiece function is a winding function.

2. Control device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the first unidirectional connector (3) comprises: - a first planetary wheel carrier (31), - a first planetary wheel (32) pivoted on the first planetary wheel carrier (31), and - a first sun gear (33) meshing with the first planetary wheel (32), the first toothings meshing irreversibly at the interface of the first planetary wheel and the first sun gear.

3. Control device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first planetary wheel carrier makes up the input or is secured to the input and the first sun gear is intended to be secured to the first mechanism, or wherein the first planetary wheel carrier (31) is intended to be secured to the first mechanism (5) and the first sun gear (33) makes up the input or is secured to the input (2).

4. Control device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the second unidirectional connector (4) comprises: - a second planetary wheel carrier (41), - a second planetary wheel (42) pivoted on the second planetary wheel carrier (41), and - a second sun gear (43) meshing with the second planetary wheel (42), the second toothings meshing irreversibly at the interface of the second planetary wheel and the second sun gear.

5. Control device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second planetary wheel carrier makes up the input or is secured to the input and the second sun gear is intended to be secured to the second mechanism, or wherein the second planetary wheel carrier (41) is intended to be secured to the second mechanism and the second sun gear (43) makes up the input or is secured to the input (2).

6. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first toothings are Breguet toothings and / or the second toothings are Breguet toothings.

7. Control device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the first unidirectional connector is centred on a first axis (A3) and wherein the second unidirectional connector is centred on a second axis (A4), the first and second axes being parallel and distinct.

8. Control device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the first unidirectional connector is centred on a first axis (A3) and wherein the second unidirectional connector is centred on a second axis (A4), the first and second axes being one and a same.

9. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and according to Claims 2, 4 and 8, wherein the first and second planetary wheel carriers form one and the same piece or are a monobloc assembly, or wherein the first and second sun gears form one and the same piece or are a monobloc assembly.

10. Timepiece movement (100) comprising a control device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9.

11. Timepiece (200), notably wristwatch (200), comprising: - a control device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, and / or - a timepiece movement (100) according to the preceding claim.