Device for controlling a timepiece movement with touch return and timepiece, in particular a watch, including such a device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control device (10) for a watch movement comprising, on the one hand, a first part (100) comprising a sliding guide tube (101) intended to be fixed relative to said watch movement and an activation module (120), and on the other hand, a second movable part (200) guided by the guide tube (101) in a direction called the "axial direction", relative to said first part (100), between an active position in which it is able to be secured, by means of an adjusting rod (201), to a component of the watch movement, and an inactive position in which said adjusting rod (201) is intended to release the component of the watch movement,said second part (200) comprising a slide (202) fixed to the adjusting rod (201) and cooperating with the activation module (120) such that they exert mechanical constraints on each other when the second part (200) moves between the active and inactive positions, and such that these mechanical constraints are released when the second part (200) reaches one of the active or inactive positions.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and in particular to devices for controlling the movement of timepieces, such as watches.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a device for controlling a watch movement with tactile feedback and a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a control device. Technological background

[0003] In the field of watchmaking, control devices, such as push buttons or push-button crowns, allow the control and / or adjustment of mechanical or electronic watch movements arranged inside a case of a timepiece, for example a watch.

[0004] More particularly, the control devices may be intended, for example, for winding, setting the time or adjusting any function of a watch movement.

[0005] The control devices of the state of the art are at least movable in translation relative to the housing between an active, adjustment and / or control position, and an inactive, rest position. For this purpose, the control devices generally comprise a head extending radially outside the housing so as to be able to be manipulated by a user.

[0006] Typically, the head is connected to the adjustment rod, which is adapted to act, directly or indirectly, on the watch movement when moving said head.

[0007] There is a need for the user to feel when he causes the position of the control device to change by manipulating the head. This need is all the more noticeable when the timepiece has an electronic watch movement.

[0008] Indeed, generally, mechanical watch movement control devices actuate mobiles of said device when they reach their active and / or inactive positions, so that the user feels tactile feedback in the form of slight resistance, as disclosed in documents CH716210A2 or CH707634A2 for example.

[0009] However, this resistance may not be sufficient to cause noticeable tactile feedback to the user, i.e., they may not feel it. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention meets this need by providing a solution for a control device for a watch movement providing tactile feedback to a user when the latter modifies the position of said control device, said tactile feedback being of sufficient intensity to be felt by a user.

[0011] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for controlling a watch movement, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, a first part comprising a sliding guide tube intended to be fixed relative to said watch movement and an activation module, and on the other hand, a second movable part guided in sliding by the guide tube in a direction called the "axial direction", relative to said first part, between an active position in which it is capable of being secured, by means of an adjustment stem, to a component of the watch movement, and an inactive position in which said adjustment stem is intended to release the component of the watch movement, said second part comprising a slide fixed to the adjustment stem and cooperating with the activation module so that they exert mechanical stresses on each other when the second part moves between the active and inactive positions,and such that these mechanical constraints are released when the second part reaches one of the active or inactive positions.,

[0012] This change of constrained and unconstrained state when moving the second part causes a sensation of tactile feedback to the user and more precisely, a sensation of indexing.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0014] In particular embodiments, the activation module exerts mechanical constraints on the slider in response to movement of said slider when the second part moves between the active and inactive positions and releases the mechanical constraints when the second part reaches the inactive position.

[0015] In particular embodiments of the invention, the activation module comprises a sheath fixed to the guide tube cooperating with the slider so as to guide it in translation without a degree of freedom in rotation, the activation module further comprising a sleeve kinematically connected to the sheath according to a helical connection and being configured, under the action of an elastic member, to apply mechanical stresses to the slider when the second part moves between the active and inactive positions.

[0016] In particular embodiments of the invention, the sleeve and the sheath respectively comprise at least one axially extending slot, intended to receive a radial rod of the slider when the second part moves between the active and inactive positions.

[0017] In particular embodiments of the invention, the slot of the sleeve opens through an opening on one end of said sleeve and comprises, at this opening, a guide profile formed by an increase in the section of the slot, the guide profile being configured so that when the second part moves from the inactive position to the active position, the radial rod exerts forces against the guide profile causing the sleeve to move against forces exerted by the elastic member.

[0018] In particular embodiments of the invention, the sheath comprises a radial collar at one of its ends in the extension of the slot, said radial collar being perforated so as to receive the radial rod when the second part is in the inactive position.

[0019] The collar can advantageously constitute a stop against which the sleeve rests when the second part is in the inactive position.

[0020] In particular embodiments of the invention, the sheath and the guide tube define an annular volume in which the sleeve is arranged.

[0021] In particular embodiments of the invention, the sleeve preferably comprises at least one follower extending radially towards the sheath, said sheath comprising at least one helical lumen arranged so as to receive said follower and constituting a sliding path for said follower.

[0022] In particular embodiments of the invention, the guide tube has the shape of a stepped cylinder, comprising a first cylindrical portion of which a peripheral wall is guided in translation by a peripheral wall of a blind cavity of the head and comprising a second cylindrical portion of which a peripheral wall guides in translation the adjustment rod, the activation module being housed in the internal volume of the first cylindrical portion.

[0023] In particular embodiments of the invention, the guide tube comprises a bottom wall forming a shoulder between its two cylindrical portions, said bottom wall receiving the elastic member as support.

[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a control device as previously described, a case in which a watch movement is housed, and through which said control device is inserted, the adjustment stem being connected to said watch movement. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: there figure 1 represents a longitudinal sectional view of a control device for a watch movement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said control device comprising two parts in the inactive position; figure 2 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the control device of the figure 1 in which both parties are in an active position; the figure 3 represents a detailed perspective view of an activation module cooperating with a slide of the control device of the figure 1 ; there figure 4 represents an exploded view of the figure 3 ; there Figure 5 represents a detailed perspective view of an activation module cooperating with a slide of the control device of the figure 2 ; there figure 6 represents an exploded view of the Figure 5 . Detailed description of the invention

[0026] THE Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a control device 10 of a watch movement according to the present invention.

[0027] The control device 10 may take the form of a push-button crown, a winding crown or any crown or button allowing the watch movement to be acted upon by pressure from the user.

[0028] The control device 10 is intended to be engaged through a case middle of a case (not shown) of a timepiece, in particular a watch, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, in which the watch movement is housed.

[0029] More particularly, for this purpose, the control device 10 according to the invention comprises a first part 100 comprising a sliding guide tube 101 intended to be fixedly engaged in a through-orifice extending radially in the caseband. In other words, the guide tube 101 is intended to be fixed relative to the watch movement.

[0030] The first part 100 further comprises an activation module 120, shown in detail in the figures 3 to 6 , enabling the generation of a tactile feedback sensation from a user, as described in detail below.

[0031] Furthermore, the control device 10 comprises a second, movable part 200, comprising an adjustment rod 201 extending through the guide tube 101. Said rod is fixed, at one of its ends, by means of a slider 202, to a head 203 covering the guide tube 101.

[0032] The adjustment rod 201 is slidably engaged in an axial direction through the guide tube 101, so that the second part 200 slides relative to the first part 100 between an active position, shown in the figure 2 , in which the adjustment rod 201 is capable of being secured to a component of the watch movement, and an inactive position, shown in the figure 1 , in which the adjustment rod 201 is capable of releasing the component from the watch movement, that is to say that it is not integral with the latter.

[0033] In this text, the term "integrated" means that two parts are kinematically connected together so that one can transmit a movement or force to the other. In other words, when the adjustment stem 201 is integral with the watch movement, it can act on the latter.

[0034] More particularly, when the second part 200 occupies the active position, it is retracted, as visible on the figure 2 , and when the second part 200 occupies the inactive position, it is deployed, as seen in the figure 1 .

[0035] The change of position of the second part 200 is caused by a user by the movement of the head 203 along the axial direction. More particularly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the second part 200 is driven into the inactive position by an elastic member 208 described in detail in the remainder of the text, and is intended to be driven into the active position upon pressure from the user.

[0036] Advantageously, the slider 202 cooperates with the activation module 120 so that they exert mechanical stresses on each other when the second part 200 moves between the active and inactive positions, and so that these mechanical stresses are released when the second part 200 reaches one of the active or inactive positions, in particular the inactive position in the preferred embodiment described in the present text.

[0037] Thanks to this characteristic, when the user presses the head 203 so as to translate the second part 200 to its active position, it will act against the forces resulting from the mechanical constraints that the slider 202 and the activation module 120 exert against each other. The user therefore feels mechanical resistance throughout the travel of the second part 200.

[0038] Furthermore, when the user releases the pressure that he exerts on the head 203, or pulls said head 203, depending on the presence or absence of an elastic return member, so as to move the second part 200 towards the inactive position, he feels a resistance throughout the travel of the second part 200, until said second part 200 reaches the inactive position, the mechanical constraints then being suddenly released, the user feels a sudden release of these forces.

[0039] Thus, the control device 10 causes the user, when manipulating the second part 200 as described previously, a sensation of tactile feedback, and more precisely, a clear sensation of indexing.

[0040] A particular example of embodiment of the invention shown in the figures 1 to 6 is described in more detail below.

[0041] As shown by the Figures 1 and 2 , the head 203 has a blind cavity 204 of substantially cylindrical shape of revolution, defined by a bottom wall 205 and by a peripheral wall 206.

[0042] The slider 202 has a cylindrical shape of revolution and connects the head 203 and the adjustment rod 201 by each of its ends. Advantageously, the slider 202 is housed in the cavity 204 and is fixed against the bottom wall 205, by screwing and / or gluing, or by any other suitable means.

[0043] The slider 202 comprises rotation stop members arranged to cooperate with complementary rotation stop members of the activation module 120 so as to prevent rotation of the slider 202, in particular during movement of the second part 200.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures 1 to 6 , the rotation stop members are formed by at least one radial rod 207, preferably two diametrically opposed radial rods 207.

[0045] The guide tube 101 preferably has two guide surfaces in translation relative to the second part 200.

[0046] More particularly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the Figures 1 and 2 , the guide tube 101 has a stepped cylinder shape comprising a first cylindrical portion 102 and a second cylindrical portion 103. As seen in the Figures 1 and 2, the first cylindrical portion 102 has a diameter greater than the second cylindrical portion 103.

[0047] The first cylindrical portion 102 is engaged in the cavity 204 of the head 203, said first cylindrical portion 102 comprising a peripheral wall whose external surface cooperates in sliding by sliding fit with the internal surface of the peripheral wall 206 of the head 203. In particular, the peripheral wall may comprise an annular bearing surface 104 intended to slide against the peripheral wall 206 of the head 203.

[0048] The first cylindrical portion 102 comprises a bottom wall 105 by which it is connected to the second cylindrical portion 103. Said bottom wall 105 forms a shoulder and defines, with the peripheral wall of the first cylindrical portion 102, an internal volume.

[0049] In this example of realization, as illustrated on the figures 1 to 6, the activation module 120 is housed in the internal volume of the first cylindrical portion 102.

[0050] The activation module 120 comprises a sheath 121 having a cylindrical shape of revolution, fixed concentrically to the guide tube 101. The sheath 121 comprises a peripheral wall 122 on which are arranged complementary rotation stop members cooperating with those of the slide 202. These complementary rotation stop members are, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 6 , in the form of at least one slot 123, preferably two slots, extending axially so as to guide the radial rods 207 in sliding during the movement of the second part 200 between the active and inactive positions.

[0051] More particularly, the radial rods 207 extend through and beyond the slots 123.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the slots 123 are diametrically opposite one another and open onto one end of the sheath 121 oriented towards the head 203, said end being called “distal end” in the remainder of the text.

[0053] The terms "distal" and "proximal" in this text relate to the distance from the watch movement.

[0054] The distal end is opposite a proximal end fixed to the guide tube 101, more particularly to the bottom wall 105.

[0055] The sheath 121 comprises a radial collar 124 at its distal end forming a shoulder. The radial collar 124 is radially perforated, in the extension of the slots 123, so as to receive the radial rods 207 when the second part 200 is in the inactive position, as shown in figures 1 And 3 .

[0056] The radial collar 124, the bottom wall 105, and the respective peripheral walls of the first cylindrical portion 102 and of the sheath 121 define an annular volume in which a sleeve 125 is arranged.

[0057] The sleeve 125 is kinematically connected to the sheath 121 by a helical connection. More specifically, as shown in the exploded views of the figures 4 and 6 , the sleeve 125 preferably comprises at least one follower 126 in the form of a stud, extending radially towards the sheath 121. Furthermore, the sheath 121 comprises at least one helical lumen 127 arranged in its peripheral wall so as to receive the follower 126, and constituting a sliding path for said follower 126.

[0058] Preferably, the sleeve 125 comprises two diametrically opposed followers 126, engaged respectively in two helical slots 127 of the sheath 121.

[0059] The two helical lumens 127 are symmetrical to each other along an axis of revolution of the sheath 121.

[0060] The sleeve 125 further comprises, as shown in the figures 1 to 6 , at least one slot 128 extending axially, intended to receive a radial rod 207. Said at least one slot 128 opens through an opening on one end of the sleeve 125, called the “distal end”, opposite the radial collar 124.

[0061] Preferably, the sleeve 125 comprises two diametrically opposed slots 128, said slots 128 comprising, at the opening, a guide profile 129 formed by an inclined face or a fillet. As illustrated by figures 3 to 6 , the guide profile 129 makes it possible to flare said slots 128.

[0062] Advantageously, the sleeve 125 is subjected to an elastic force generated by an elastic member 130 tending to move said sleeve 125 towards the radial collar 124. In other words, the elastic member 130 tends to move the sleeve 125 towards the distal end of the sheath 121. Consequently, the elastic force also tends to pivot the sleeve 125, due to the helical connection, so that the slot 128 is angularly offset relative to that of the sheath 121, that is to say so that the two slots are not opposite each other.

[0063] The elastic member 130 is arranged to bear against the bottom wall 105 of the guide tube 101 and against a proximal end of the sleeve 125, opposite the distal end of said sleeve 125. The elastic member 130 works in compression and is preferably formed by a helical spring.

[0064] Thanks to these characteristics, when the second part 200 is driven from the inactive position to the active position, the radial rods 207 move from the distal end of the sheath 121, along the slot 123 of said sheath 121, and at the same time, against the guide profile 129 of the sleeve 125, which gradually drives them into the slots 128 of said sleeve 125, so that the rods slide along said slots 128.

[0065] The movement of the radial rods 207 against the guide profile 129 causes the sleeve 125 to pivot, as shown in particular by Figures 3 and 5 , and therefore a displacement of the followers 126 within the helical slots 127, and consequently, a translation of the sleeve 125 against the elastic force generated by the elastic member 130.

[0066] The elastic force is thus the origin of forces generated by the sleeve 125 on the sliders 202; the latter being engaged in the slots 123 of the sheath 121, they generate forces antagonistic to those generated by the sleeve 125. Thus, the slider 202 and the activation module 120 exert against each other reciprocal mechanical constraints tending to brake the travel of the second part 200 between its active and inactive positions.

[0067] In other words, the purpose of the helical connection between the sleeve 125 and the sheath 121 is to transform the linear force of the elastic force into a torsional force tending to brake the travel of the second part 200 between its active and inactive positions.

[0068] Furthermore, when the second part 200 is driven from the active position to the inactive position, the radial rods 207 move, through the respective slots 123 and 128 of the sheath 121 and the sleeve 125, towards their respective distal end. This until reaching the guide profile 129, against which they are driven in abutment by the rotation of the sleeve 125 caused by the helical connection between the sheath 121 and said sleeve 125, under the action of the elastic force.

[0069] The second part 200 is driven in translation into the inactive position by an elastic member 208 constituted, in the example shown in the figures, by a compression spring.

[0070] For this purpose, the adjustment rod 201 comprises a distal stop, formed in the preferred embodiment of the invention, by a radial shoulder resulting from a reduction in section. Thanks to this reduction in section, an annular volume is formed between the adjustment rod 201 and the sheath 121, allowing the arrangement of the compression spring.

[0071] More particularly, the compression spring is arranged to bear against the bottom wall 105 and against the radial shoulder, so as to generate a force tending to move the head 203 and the slider 202 away from the guide tube 101.

[0072] The adjustment rod 201 comprises a proximal stop, formed in the preferred embodiment of the invention by an elastic ring 209 housed in an annular groove extending radially in said adjustment rod 201.

[0073] The guide tube 101 is in abutment against the elastic ring 209 when the second part 200 occupies the inactive position, as shown in figure 1 .

[0074] Thus, when the user releases the pressure exerted on the head 203, the second part 200 is driven towards the inactive position by the elastic member 208. The user accompanying the second part 200 in its movement to the inactive position, he feels the release of the mechanical stresses exerted between the sleeve 125 and the slider 202 at the end of travel, and consequently, he feels a tactile feedback sensation indicating to him that the second part 200 has reached the inactive position.

[0075] The second cylindrical portion 103 of the guide tube 101 is fitted around the adjustment rod 201, said second cylindrical portion 103 comprising a peripheral wall 116 whose internal surface cooperates in sliding by sliding adjustment with said adjustment rod 201.

[0076] Furthermore, the second cylindrical portion 103 comprises a recess 131 receiving sealing gaskets interposed between the peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 103 and the adjustment rod 201.

[0077] Finally, the second cylindrical portion 103 comprises a free end opposite the first cylindrical portion 102, designed to come into contact with the distal stop of the adjustment rod 201 when the second part 200 occupies the inactive position.

Claims

1. Control device (10) of a horological movement, including on the one hand, a first part (100) comprising a sliding guide tube (101) intended to be stationary relative to said horological movement and an activation module (120), and on the other hand, a second movable part (200) slidably guided by the guide tube (101) in a so-called "axial direction", relative to said first part (100), between an active position wherein it is able to be made integral, by means of an adjustment rod (201), with a component of the horological movement, and an inactive position wherein said adjustment rod (201) is intended to release the component of the horological movement, said second part (200) comprising a sliding block (202) fixed to the adjustment rod (201) and cooperating with the activation module (120) so that they exert mechanical stresses on each other when the second part (200) moves between the active and inactive positions, and so that these mechanical stresses are released when the second part (200) reaches one of the active or inactive positions, the control device (10) being characterised in that the activation module (120) includes a sheath (121) fixed to the guide tube (101), cooperating with the sliding block (202) so as to translatably guide it without any degree of rotational freedom, the activation module (120) further comprising a sleeve (125) kinematically connected with the sheath (121) in a helical connection and being configured, under the action of a resilient member (130), to apply mechanical stresses to the sliding block (202) when the second part (200) moves between the active and inactive positions.

2. Control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the activation module (120) exerts mechanical stresses on the sliding block (202) in response to the displacement of said sliding block (202) when the second part (200) moves between the active and inactive positions and releases the mechanical stresses when the second part (200) reaches the inactive position.

3. Control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve (125) and the sheath (121) respectively include at least one slot (123; 128) extending axially, intended to receive a radial rod (207) of the sliding block (202) when the second part (200) moves between the active and inactive positions.

4. Control device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the slot (128) of the sleeve (125) opens through an opening onto one end of said sleeve (125) and includes, at this opening, a guide profile (129) formed by an increase in the cross-section of the slot, the guide profile (129) being configured so that when the second part (200) moves from the inactive position into the active position, the radial rod (207) exerts forces against the guide profile (129) causing the sleeve (125) to move against the forces exerted by the resilient member (130).

5. Control device (10) according to one of claims 1, 3 or 4, wherein the sheath (121) includes a radial collar (124) at one of its ends in the continuation of the slot (123), said radial collar (124) being perforated so as to receive the radial rod (207) when the second part (200) is in the inactive position.

6. Control device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the sheath (121) and the guide tube (101) define an annular volume in which the sleeve (125) is arranged.

7. Control device (10) according to one of claims 1 or 4 to 6, wherein the sleeve (125) preferably includes at least one follower (126), extending radially towards the sheath (121), said sheath (121) including at least one helical aperture (127) arranged so as to receive said follower (126), and constituting a sliding path for said follower (126).

8. Control device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the guide tube (101) has the shape of a stepped cylinder, comprising a first cylindrical portion (102), a peripheral wall of which is translatably guided by a peripheral wall (206) of a blind cavity (204) of the head (203), and comprising a second cylindrical portion (103), a peripheral wall of which translatably guiding the adjustment rod (201), the activation module (120) being housed in the internal volume of the first cylindrical portion (102).

9. Control device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the guide tube (101) includes a bottom wall (105) forming a shoulder between its two cylindrical portions (102, 103), said bottom wall (105) bearingly receiving the resilient member (130).

10. Timepiece characterised in that it comprises a control device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, and a case in which a horological movement is housed, and through which said control device (10) is inserted, the adjustment rod (201) being connected to said horological movement.

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