Timepiece comprising a device for actuating a crown or a valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising: - a control member (3) or a valve (7) mounted to move in translation along a radial axis between at least a first position close to the central axis (1a) of the case (1) and a second position further away from this central axis, - an actuation device capable of moving said control member or said valve in translation along the radial axis; this actuation device comprising: - an element (6) mounted to move in rotation around the central axis (1a) of the case (1) and intended to be moved angularly by the user, - drive means formed by a ring mounted to rotate between the case and the bezel, these drive means being arranged to link the angular displacement of the rotating mobile element (6) to the translational displacement of the control member (3) or the valve (7).

Description

SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It relates more particularly to a timepiece comprising a device for actuating a control element such as a crown. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In timepieces such as mechanical watches, the winding, time-setting, and date-changing functions are controlled via a crown. Typically, the crown, located on the side of the case, can be positioned in three distinct axial positions, each activating one of the three aforementioned functions. In the first axial position, closest to the case axis, rotating the crown winds the mechanism. In a second, intermediate position, further from the case axis, rotating the crown changes the date. And in the third axial position, furthest from the case axis, rotating the crown changes the time.

[0003] This transition from one position to another is performed manually by the user by pulling or pressing on the crown. This operation is not always easy because it first requires grasping the crown and then positioning it correctly according to the desired function.

[0004] To remedy this drawback, document EP 3 056 947 proposes an actuation device comprising two gripping elements that cover the crown. These gripping elements are pivotally mounted and arranged so as to exert force on the crown in a radial direction outwards from the case to place the crown in the time-setting position, and conversely, to exert force towards the case to return the crown to its initial position. This device has the disadvantage of being relatively bulky and not very aesthetically pleasing.

[0005] Document EP 1582945 describes a watch comprising a case and a push-button mounted to move in translation on a case flange along a radial axis, between a first stable position and a second unstable position. Activating the push-button between the first and second positions activates a function of the watch. The watch case supports an additional rotating bezel which, in one of the proposed embodiments, is associated with a device for retracting the push-button into a space provided in the case wall, beneath the additional rotating bezel. This bezel has a peripheral wall designed to conceal the button when retracted. This additional rotating bezel defines an element mounted to rotate about the central axis of the case and intended to be moved angularly by a user.It forms a device capable of first mechanically decoupling the button from the pusher and then radially moving the button to introduce it into the space provided in the housing via button drive means linking an angular displacement of the rotating moving element to the translational displacement of this button separated from the pusher.

[0006] We also know from document JP 2015 068778 A of a device designed to facilitate the manipulation of a control element installed in a wristwatch. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a timepiece comprising an actuation device for a control element which is, on the one hand, easily manipulated by the user and, on the other hand, does not tarnish the aesthetics of the timepiece.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a timepiece as defined in the attached claim 1.

[0009] Preferably, the drive means consist of a cam located on the moving element, defining a guide surface for a follower located on the component. The guide surface is arranged to move away from the central axis of the housing in order to generate the translational movement of the component outwards from the housing, from a depressed position to a pulled position.

[0010] Advantageously, the actuation device includes a ball ratchet to prevent unintentional movement of the rotating moving element.

[0011] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, which refers to the following figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] There figure 1A represents a plan view of the timepiece according to the invention equipped with an actuation device that positions the crown in the depressed position (position 1). figure 1B represents a cross-sectional view along axis AA of the figure 1A . THE figures 1C et 1D represent respectively cross-sectional views along the GG and BB axes of the figure 1B . THE figures 1E et 1F are cross-sectional views respectively along the HH axis of the figure 1A and axis II of the figure 1E These last two views show the ball ratchet used to hold the rotating ring of the actuating device in a given position. figures 2A, 2B et 2C represent respectively views similar to those of figures 1A, 1B And 1D for the actuation device that positions the crown in an intermediate position (position 2) further from the case axis. figures 3A, 3B et 3C represent respectively views similar to those of figures 1A, 1B And 1Dfor the actuation device that positions the crown in its furthest position (position 3) relative to the case axis. figures 4A à 4D represent a variant of figures 1A à 1D for a valve. The valve is in the depressed position, which corresponds to the closed position of the valve. figures 5A, 5B et 5C are views similar to those of figures 4A, 4B et 4C for the valve in the open position. figures 6A et 6B These schematic views represent two variants of the drive means according to the invention, with a cam having different profiles of the follower's guiding surface. The three positions of the follower are shown in these schematic views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a timepiece of the wristwatch type comprising a device for actuating a component capable of moving in translation along its longitudinal axis and optionally in rotation around this same axis. This component may be a control element such as a crown 3 as illustrated in the figure 1A or a valve 7 as illustrated in the figure 4A .

[0014] Referring to figures 1A et 1B The timepiece conventionally comprises a case 1 with a case middle 2 and a crown 3 mounted on a tube 4 fixed to the case middle 2. The winding stem 5, connected to the crown 3, passes through the tube 4. The crown 3 is mounted to move in translation and rotation about the axis of the tube 4, or in other words, about its longitudinal axis, which may also be called the radial axis with respect to the case. According to the invention, the timepiece includes an actuation device that allows the crown to move in translation along this axis. To this end, the actuation device includes a movable element 6 mounted on the case middle 2 and the crown 3. According to the variant presented in figures 1A à 3C , it is a ring 6 positioned between the case 2 and the bezel 8 with a part forming a ring around the perimeter of the bezel 8 so as to be accessible by a user ( fig.1A The movable element 6 has graduations 6a on its visible face, framing the bezel 8, corresponding to the different positions the crown can adopt. In the example shown, the movable element 6 has three numbered markers, 1, 2, and 3, corresponding respectively to the winding position, the date-changing position, and the time-setting position. The fixed bezel 8 has a marker 8a that the user positions by rotating the ring 6 to the desired setting. In the example shown, the range between the three positions is approximately 30°. It is, of course, possible to increase or decrease this range. Similarly, the number of positions can be varied, for example, 2, 3, or 4.

[0015] Element 6 is mounted to rotate freely around the central axis 1a of the housing 1, that is, around an axis perpendicular to the general plane of the housing ( fig.1B ). It is kinematically linked to the crown. To achieve this, the actuation device according to the invention is equipped with drive means comprising a cam disposed on the moving element and a follower disposed on the crown and intended to cooperate with the cam. The cam is defined by at least one of the two lateral surfaces of a recess 6a formed in the rotating ring 6 ( fig.1D ). The follower is formed by a projecting part 3a formed on the crown 3 ( fig.1B Preferably, as shown in the figure 1B , the crown 3 has at its inner end to the case 1 the projecting part 3a which delimits a recess 3b made in the body of the crown. This projecting part is present on the entire lateral circumference of the crown and has a cross-section which, along the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crown, is circular so that, during the rotation of the crown, the projecting part 3a is at all times engaged in the recess 6a of the ring 6 ( figs.1B And 1CThe presence of the projecting part 3a around the entire lateral circumference of the crown, which forms a projecting annular portion, allows the crown to be freely rotated around its longitudinal axis through 360° for each of the intended axial positions. In a cross-sectional view along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crown, the projecting annular portion 3a, engaged in the recess 6a, has a substantially rectangular profile at the edge of this recess ( fig.1D ).

[0016] The recess 6a can comprise several sections a1, with a number corresponding to the number of desired positions. These sections a1 can be separated by transition zones a2, allowing a smooth passage of the protruding part between the different positions ( figs.1D And 6B). The different sections are arranged to deviate from the central axis of the case in order to generate an axial displacement of the crown outwards from the most pushed-in position to the most pulled-out position. It is also possible that the different sections form a single section a1 in an arc of a circle off-center with respect to the central axis 1a of the case ( fig.6A ). We observe, for example, the figure 6A that the follower 3a is in contact with the two lateral surfaces of the recess 6a via, respectively, the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the follower's protruding portion. Depending on the profile of the recess, the protruding portion 3a can have a thickness substantially equal to the width of the recess 6a for each of the sections, as shown in figures 1D , 2C And 3CIn these variants, the sections are thus substantially straight, with the perpendicular passing through the center of the section intersecting the central axis of the housing. Preferably, in the transition zones, the two lateral surfaces of the recess are angled apart to allow the smooth passage of the follower. Thus, referring to the figure 6B The cam comprises a first angular section a1 delimited by the circular surfaces C1, C4 centered on the central axis 1a. In this first angular section, the follower 3a assumes a first axial position. Then, to move to the second axial position delimited by the circular surfaces C2, C5 centered on the central axis 1a, the follower 3a passes through a transition zone a2 delimited by straight portions D1, D3 where the spacing between these portions is greater than the thickness of the follower. Finally, the follower passes through a second angular transition zone a2 delimited by the straight portions D2, D4 before reaching the third angular section a1 delimited by the circular surfaces C3, C6 centered on the central axis 1a and defining the third axial position. Advantageously, the straight portions D3 and D4 have a perpendicular at the junction with respectively the circular surfaces C4 and C5 which intercepts the central axis 1a.

[0017] Preferably, the actuation device includes means that allow the moving element to be maintained in the desired position without risk of unintended changes. For this purpose, as shown in figures 1E et 1F , the actuation device can be fitted with ball ratchets with the balls 9 which fit into cavities 10 made in the moving element 6. In the illustrated example, a ball ratchet is positioned at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock respectively.

[0018] The operation of the crown actuation device is as follows. figures 1A à 1D , the crown 3 is pushed in, which corresponds to the indexed position 1 on the ring 6. In this position, the protruding part 3a is engaged with the section of the recess 6a that is closest to the axis of the case. figures 2A à 2C The ring 6 is rotated through an angle specified by the user until it reaches position 2. Following this angular displacement of the ring 6, the protruding portion 3a of the crown positions itself within the central section of the recess 6a, which is further from the case axis compared to position 1. This results in an axial displacement of the crown outwards from the case. Finally, at figures 3A à 3C , an additional rotation of the ring 6 towards position 3 allows a greater displacement of the crown 3 towards the outside of the case via the positioning of the follower 3a in the third section of the cam formed by the recess 6a.

[0019] The actuation device and its operation have been described for a crown, but it can also be used for a valve 7 as shown in figures 4A à 5C In this case, the valve can adopt two distinct axial positions: a closed position and an open position. The open position, unlike the closed position, allows the internal gas to escape in case of overpressure inside the housing. To this end, the recess 6a of the moving element 6 comprises two sections a1 separated by a transition zone a2. In the illustrated example, the two sections are substantially straight and separated by a similarly straight transition zone. Similar to the crown, the valve 7 has a projecting portion 7a at its inner end, designed to cooperate with the recess 6a of the rotating moving element 6. In the illustrated example, the moving element 6 forms a ring concealed beneath the bezel 8, with a projecting portion 6c, also referred to as the gripping zone, extending beyond the perimeter defined by an edge of the housing 1 to allow the user to grasp it.Advantageously, this gripping area is textured to facilitate its handling by the user. When transitioning from the closed position to the open position... figures 4A-4D towards the open position of figures 5A-5C The axial displacement of the valve 7, caused by the angular displacement of the gripping area 6c, releases the seal 11 located beneath the head of the valve 7 at its junction with the tube 4 passing through the case 2. As with the crown, an unintended change of position can be prevented, for example, with a ball ratchet. Furthermore, the timepiece may include locking means that secure the valve in the closed position.

[0020] Finally, it should be noted that, as an alternative to the variants presented on the figures 1A à 6B , it is conceivable that the cam is formed by at least one lateral surface delimiting a protruding part made on the moving element and that the follower is formed by a recess made in the crown or the valve. Légende

[0021] (1) Housing a. Central axis (2) Case (3) Crown, also called control element or operating element a. Follower or projecting part or protruding annular part b. Recess (4) Tube (5) Stem (6) Rotatable mounted element a. Cam or internal recess a1. Section a2. Transition zone c1,6. Circular portion d1,4. Straight portion b. Index or graduation c. Projecting portion or gripping area or protrusion (7) Valve, also called control element a. Follower or projecting part b. Recess (8) Bezel a. Marker (9) Ball of the ball ratchet (10) Cavity (11) Seal

Claims

1. A timepiece comprising: - a case (1) with a central axis (1a) substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the case, this case comprising or supporting a bezel (8), - a control organ (3) that can be actuated directly by a user and is fitted so as to be translationally mobile on a middle (2) of the case along a radial axis, perpendicular to said central axis, between at least a first position and a second position that is further from the central axis (1a) than the first position, - an actuating device capable of translationally moving said control organ (3) along the radial axis; the actuation device comprising: - an element (6) fitted so as to be rotationally mobile around the central axis (1a) of the case (1), this rotationally mobile element (6) being designed to be angularly moved by a user, - drive means linking the angular movement of said rotationally mobile element to the translational movement of said control organ; said first position and said second position of the control organ corresponding respectively to a first stable position, associated with a first function of the control organ, and a second stable position, associated with a second function of the control organ, said actuating device and the control organ being arranged such that the actuating device can move the control organ between the first stable position and the second stable position, and inversely, by rotational actuation of said element fitted so as to be rotationally mobile; the rotationally mobile element (6) being a ring; characterised in that said ring is rotationally fitted between the middle (2) and the bezel (8).

2. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that the ring (6) comprises a portion forming a bow on the periphery of the bezel (8), this bow being arranged so as to be accessible to the user so that the ring can be angularly moved.

3. The timepiece according to claim 2, characterised in that said portion comprises indicators (6a) respectively indicating said at least first and second positions.

4. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that the ring (6) comprises a portion (6c) forming a protrusion extending outside the perimeter delimited by an edge of the case (1) except for this ring, said portion being prehensile for the user so that the ring can be angularly moved.

5. The timepiece according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive means comprise a cam and a follower engaging with said cam, the cam and the follower being formed respectively on the element (6) fitted so as to be rotationally mobile and on said control organ (3).

6. The timepiece according to claim 5, characterised in that the cam is formed by a recess (6a) made in the element (6) fitted so as to be rotationally mobile, said recess (6a) being delimited by at least one lateral guiding surface on the follower; and in that the follower is a protruding part (3a) provided on said control organ (3).

7. The timepiece according to claim 6, characterised in that the protruding part (3a) is arranged at an end of said control organ (3) which is inside the case (1).

8. The timepiece of claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the protruding part (3a) extends over the entire lateral periphery of the said control organ (3) and has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the radial axis, so that the control organ can rotate freely on itself along this radial axis in said first position and in said second position.

9. The timepiece according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the protruding part (3a) delimits a recess (3b) formed in said control organ (3).

10. The timepiece according to claim 5, characterised in that the cam is formed by a protruding part on the element (6) fitted so as to be rotationally mobile, said protruding part being delimited by at least one lateral guiding surface on the follower, and in that the follower is a recessed part cut into said control organ (3).

11. The timepiece according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterised in that the lateral guide surface moves progressively away from the central axis (1a) of the case (1).

12. The timepiece according to claim 11, characterised in that the lateral guide surface forms a circular arc that is off-centre relative to the central axis (1a).

13. The timepiece according to claim 11, characterised in that the lateral guide surface is formed of sections (a1) corresponding respectively to the sections of said at least first position and of said second position, two adjacent sections (a1) being separated by a transition zone (a2) allowing fluid passage between said at least first and second positions.

14. The timepiece according to claim 13, characterised in that each transition zone (a2) has a separation that is greater than the thickness of the follower.

15. The timepiece according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the sections (a1) are straight with a perpendicular at the centre of the section (a1) intercepting the central axis (1a) or are circular with a centre on the central axis (1a).

16. The timepiece according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said control organ is a crown on a winding mechanism (3) capable of adopting said first stable position, said second stable position and a third stable position, said first, second and third stable positions respectively enabling the timepiece to be wound, a date to be changed and a displayed time to be corrected; and in that the actuating device and the control organ are arranged such that the actuating device can move the control organ between the second stable position and the third stable position, and inversely, by rotational actuation of said element fitted so as to be rotationally mobile.

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