Device for remote control of a timepiece movement of a watch and watch comprising said control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote control device (10) of a watch movement (100) characterized in that it comprises an input control member (11) intended to be activated by a user and kinematically connected, by means of a linking member (13), to an output control member (12) intended to act on the watch movement (100) of said watch, the linking member (13) being intended to be arranged in a mobility in rotation around the watch movement (100) and being configured so as to be driven in rotation by the input control member (11) when the latter is activated, and to cause, during this rotation, the displacement of the output control member (12).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the field of watchmaking, and relates in particular to a remote control device for a watch movement and a watch comprising said control device. Technological background

[0002] A control element, such as a pusher, corrector, crown, etc., is arranged in a watch case, usually opposite a watch movement mechanism which it is intended to activate following a request from a user.

[0003] For example, the control mechanisms for chronographs, alarms, time zone changes, date corrections, etc., are frequently arranged in the immediate vicinity of the watch movement mechanisms they are intended to operate.

[0004] Thus, often the architecture of watch movements is determined according to the arrangement of the control organ(s) in the case, or vice versa.

[0005] However, in some cases, it may be desirable to arrange the control elements remotely from the mechanisms they are intended to operate. For example, in order to reduce the development and production costs of a watch, it may be particularly advantageous to design a watch with a pre-existing watch movement and a pre-existing watch case.

[0006] One of the solutions developed to address this need is described in document CH689570. This solution takes the form of a control device comprising a set of levers allowing the remote control element of the mechanism to be actuated to be arranged. Other known mechanisms, such as those disclosed in application EP3396469, also disclose such remote control devices.

[0007] However, this solution has the drawback of significantly increasing the dimensions of the watch case in which it is used. Furthermore, it only allows for a limited offset of the control mechanism relative to the movement it is intended to operate.

[0008] Another drawback of existing solutions is that their design must be adapted extensively for each case, particularly according to the dimensions and geometry of the case, and according to the distance between the control unit and the mechanism it is intended to operate. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention solves the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a remote control device for a watch movement allowing a control element to actuate a mechanism of the watch movement without their position relative to each other being a constraint.

[0010] More specifically, the present invention makes it possible to kinematically link a control element with a mechanism of a watch movement to be operated, regardless of their respective positions relative to each other, and regardless of the dimensions and geometry of the case.

[0011] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a remote control device for a watch movement as claimed in attached claim 1.

[0012] In particular embodiments, the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the control device includes a supporting structure to which the input and output control elements are attached, said supporting structure forming an annular housing receiving the connecting element.

[0014] In particular embodiments, the connecting element forms a ring.

[0015] In particular embodiments, the input control member includes a cooperation profile configured to cooperate with a led cooperation element of the linking member, so as to cause the rotation of said linking member when said input control member is aroused.

[0016] According to the invention, the cooperation profile and the conducted cooperation element are respectively shaped into bevels of complementary shapes.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the input control member is formed by a lever extending between a first end by which it is fixed to the supporting structure in a movably rotational manner, at the level of a first end, said lever having at a second end, the cooperation profile.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the input control member is arranged movably in sliding relative to the supporting structure and is configured to cooperate, via the cooperation profile, with a transmission element fixed movably in rotation to the supporting structure and cooperating with the linking member, so that the sliding of said input control member causes the rotation of the linking member.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the output control member has a cooperation profile configured to cooperate with a leading cooperation element of the linking member, such that the rotation of said linking member causes the displacement of said output control member.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the output control member is formed by a lever fixed to the supporting structure in a movably rotational manner, at a first end, said lever having a bevel at a second end, constituting the cooperation profile, said output control member being intended to act on the watch movement by an internal flank opposite to the cooperation profile.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the output control member is connected by a pivot joint, on the one hand to the connecting member, and on the other hand to the supporting structure, said output control member having a support arm intended to be arranged to bear against a balance wheel of the watch movement in order to perform a balance wheel stop function when the input control member is activated.

[0022] In particular embodiments, the leading cooperation element is constituted by a spur.

[0023] In particular embodiments, the control device includes a spring connected to the linking member and tending to move it into a rest position in which said linking member is able to cooperate with the input control member.

[0024] In particular embodiments, the control device comprises a second input control member and a second output control member kinematically connected to each other via the linking member and configured respectively to cooperate with a driven cooperation member and a driving cooperation member, the input control members being configured so that, depending on whether one or the other is stressed, the linking member is driven in a different direction of rotation and causes the displacement respectively of one or the other output control member.

[0025] In particular embodiments, the linking member includes a locking element arranged to constitute a stop preventing any movement of one of the input control members when the other is activated.

[0026] In particular embodiments, the locking element is formed by a tooth extending between two beveled radial flanks, each constituting a conducted cooperation element, the tooth further comprising an external flank connecting the radial flanks together and arranged so as to constitute a stop preventing any movement of one of the input control members when the other is activated.

[0027] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a watch comprising a watch movement and a control device as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1schematically represents a front view of a remote control device for a watch movement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; figures 2 and 3 schematically represent the control device of the figure 1 in which an input control device is activated; the figure 4 represents the control device in another embodiment that is not part of the invention; the figure 5 , which is not part of the invention, represents the control device of the figure 4 in which the control unit is activated. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] The present invention relates to a remote control device 10 for a watch movement 100, as shown in the figures 1 to 3 It should be noted that the 100 watch movement is represented by dashed lines in the figures, and that only a part of the watch is shown.

[0030] The control device 10 includes at least one input control element 11 intended to be activated by a user.

[0031] As shown by figures 1 to 5 , the input control member 11 is kinematically connected, via a linking member 13, to an output control member 12 intended to act on the clockwork movement 100 of said watch.

[0032] In the example implementation shown on the figures 1 to 3 , the control device 10 comprises two input control elements 11 and two output control elements 12, each of said input control elements 11 being kinematically connected to an output control element 12.

[0033] Alternatively, in the example implementation shown on the Figures 4 and 5, and which is not part of the invention, the control device 10 comprises a single input control member 11 and a single output control member 12.

[0034] To facilitate reading this text, the invention is described below in general terms, with a single input control member 11 and a single output control member 12.

[0035] As shown by figures 1 to 3 , the output control organ 12 may be intended to cooperate with a watchmaking component of the watch movement 100 by means of an actuator 101 of the watch movement 100, such as a corrector, a pusher, a lever, a rocker, a wheel, etc., of the movement for the realization of a function of said watch movement 100.

[0036] In the example of an embodiment of the invention shown on the Figures 4 and 5and which is not part of the invention, the output control member 12 is intended to cooperate directly with a watchmaking component of the watch movement 100, such as a balance wheel 102. Such a function is then a balance wheel stop function, also called a "stop-seconds" or "stop-balance."

[0037] In variant embodiments of the invention, such a function may be a chronograph function, a date correction, a moon phase, or a tourbillon cage or carousel stop function, etc.

[0038] The output control member 12 is thus intended to be interposed between the clockwork movement 100 and the connecting member 13, as can be seen in the figures 1 to 5 .

[0039] The connecting member 13 is designed to be arranged in a movable, rotational manner around the watch movement 100 within a supporting structure, for example, within the case of a watch (not visible in the figures). More precisely, the supporting structure forms an annular housing, such as a groove, intended to receive the connecting member 13.

[0040] The connecting member 13 preferably forms a closed ring. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the connecting member 13 can form an open ring extending over an angular sector dependent on the angular distance separating the input control member 11 and the output control member 12.

[0041] According to the invention, the linking member 13 is configured so as to be driven in rotation by the input control member 11 when the latter is activated, and to cause, during this rotation, the displacement of the output control member 12.

[0042] The connecting member 13 is defined between an inner peripheral wall 130 and an outer peripheral wall 131, the output control member 12 being arranged at the inner peripheral wall 130, inside the connecting member 13. All or part of the input control member 11 is arranged outside the connecting member 13, as shown in the figures 1 to 5 .

[0043] The input control elements 11 and output 12 are integral with the supporting structure.

[0044] According to the invention, in the embodiment shown in the figure 1 , the input control element 11 is formed by a lever fixed to the supporting structure in a movable rotational manner, at a first end, said lever comprising, at a second end, a cooperation profile 110.

[0045] The cooperation profile 110 of the input control member 11 is preferably beveled and is configured to cooperate directly with a driven cooperation element 132 of the linking member 13, so as to drive said linking member 13 in rotation when said input control member 11 is stressed.

[0046] In particular, as the figure 2 or the figure 3 , during the movement of the input control member 11, when the latter is requested by a user, its cooperation profile 110 applies a pressure on the led cooperation element 132 of the linking member 13 causing the pivoting of said linking member 13.

[0047] The cooperation element 132 of the linking member 13 is constituted, according to the invention, by a bevel of complementary shape to that of the bevel shape of the input control member 11.

[0048] Furthermore, the output control member 12 also includes a cooperation profile 120 configured to cooperate with the linking member 13, and more particularly with a leading cooperation element 133 of the latter, so that the rotation of said linking member 13 causes the displacement of said output control member 12.

[0049] According to the invention, as shown by figures 1 to 3 , the cooperation profile 120 of the output control element 12 is shaped in a bevel.

[0050] In the example implementation shown on the figures 1 to 3 The output control member 12 is formed by a lever fixed to the supporting structure in a movable rotational manner, at a first end, said lever comprising, at a second end, the cooperation profile 120. Advantageously, the output control member 12 is intended to act on the watch movement 100 by an internal flank opposite to the cooperation profile 120.

[0051] Furthermore, in the example embodiment of the invention shown on the figures 1 to 3 , the cooperation element leading 133 is constituted by a lug, for example formed by a pin driven into the linking member 13.

[0052] In other embodiments of the invention not shown in the figures, the driven cooperation elements 132 and 133 may be formed interchangeably by notches made on the inner peripheral wall 130 and / or outer peripheral wall 131 of the connecting member 13, by lugs, bevels, or by any other protrusion extending from the connecting member 13. It is understood that, depending on the embodiment of the driven cooperation element 132 or 133, the input control member 11 or, respectively, the control member exit 12 are arranged in planes parallel to or coinciding with the plane in which the connecting organ 13 extends.

[0053] Advantageously, the control device 10 may include a spring (not shown in the figures) connected to the linking member 13 and tending to move it into a rest position in which said linking member 13 is able to cooperate with the input control member 11. The term "spring" means any component capable of elastic deformation.

[0054] In particular, when the connecting member 13 is in the rest position, the input control member 11 is also in a rest position, i.e., it is not being activated by a user and is stationary, and consequently, the output control member 12 is also in a rest position, as can be seen in the figure 1 .

[0055] For its maintenance in its rest position, the input control member 11 can advantageously be constrained by a spring 111, for example consisting of an elastic blade extending from the first end of said input control member 11 and arranged as a stop against the supporting structure.

[0056] In the example implementation shown on the figures 1 to 3 The input control elements 11 are configured so that, depending on which one is activated, the connecting element 13 is driven in a different direction of rotation and causes the displacement of one or the other output control element 12 respectively, as shown respectively by the figures 2 and 3 .

[0057] The two input control elements 11 conform to the description of the input control element 11 given above and are preferably identical, as illustrated in the figures 1 to 3Furthermore, the input control elements 11 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to each other, along a diametrical plane of the connecting element 13.

[0058] Similarly, the two output control elements 12 conform to the description of the output control element 12 given above and are preferably identical, as shown by the figures 1 to 3 Furthermore, the output control elements 12 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to each other, along a diametrical plane of the connecting element 13.

[0059] In the example of an embodiment of the invention shown on the figures 1 to 3 , the linking member 13 comprises two cooperation elements led 132, each intended to cooperate with one of the input control members 11, and comprises two cooperation elements led 133, each intended to cooperate with one of the output control members 12.

[0060] As depicted on the figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member 13 further preferably includes a locking element 134 arranged to constitute a stop preventing any movement of one of the input control members 11 when the other is activated.

[0061] In particular, the locking element 134 can advantageously be formed by a tooth extending between two beveled radial flanks, each constituting a driven cooperation element 132 intended to cooperate with one of the input control members 11. The tooth further comprises an inner flank opposed to an outer flank connecting the radial flanks to each other. The outer flank is curved, as is the inner flank, and is arranged to constitute a stop preventing any movement of one of the input control members 11 when the other is activated, as illustrated in the figures 2 and 3 .

[0062] As seen on the figures 1 to 3 , the beveled radial flanks constituting the cooperation elements conducted 132, the external flank extends over a smaller angular sector than that over which the internal flank extends.

[0063] In the example of an embodiment of the invention shown on the Figures 4 and 5 The input control member 11 is formed by a rod, in particular a time-setting rod, arranged to slide movably relative to the supporting structure. The input control member 11 is arranged to extend through the connecting member 13 and to open from the inner peripheral wall 130 by an internal portion and from the outer peripheral wall 131 by an external portion, as shown in the diagrams. Figures 4 and 5 .

[0064] The input control member 11 is intended to be stressed in tension along its longitudinal axis, from its external portion by a user, and is configured to cooperate from its internal portion, via a transmission element, with a conducted cooperation element 132 of the linking member 13.

[0065] In particular, the input control member 11 is configured to cooperate, via a cooperation profile 110, with a transmission rocker 14. The transmission rocker 14 is fixed in a movably rotational manner to the supporting structure and cooperates with the linking member 13, so that the sliding of said input control member 11 causes the rotation of said transmission rocker 14, which causes the rotation of the linking member 13.

[0066] Preferably, the cooperation profile 110 has the form of a radial groove with which a first end of the transmission rocker 14 cooperates in the form of a finger. Furthermore, the driven cooperation element 132 cooperates via a pivot joint with a second end of the transmission rocker 14.

[0067] In the example implementation shown on the Figures 4 and 5 , the output control member 12 also includes a cooperation profile 120 configured to cooperate with a leading cooperation element 133 of the linking member 13, so that the rotation of said linking member 13 causes the displacement of said output control member 12.

[0068] The output control member 12 is, in this example of an embodiment of the invention, formed by a lever fixed in a movably rotational manner, on the one hand to the supporting structure, and on the other hand to the connecting member 13.

[0069] In particular, as shown by Figures 4 and 5 The cooperation profile 120 and the leading cooperation element 133 can be formed interchangeably by a pin and a bore, respectively. The pivot joint between the output control member 12 and the supporting structure can advantageously be made in a similar manner.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, the output control member 12 includes a support arm 121 intended to bear against the balance wheel of the watch movement 100 in order to perform the balance wheel stop function when the input control member 11 is activated, as shown in the figure 5 .

[0071] More generally, it should be noted that the implementation and realization methods considered above have been described as non-limiting examples, and that other variants are therefore conceivable.

[0072] In particular, the input control member 11 and / or the output control member 12 are formed by flip-flops in this description but can be formed by any type of control, such as pull tabs, push buttons, crown, wheel, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, cooperation profiles 110 and 120 can be formed by toothed portions in interlocking relationship with respectively the cooperation elements led 132 and led 133.

Claims

1. A remote control device (10) for a horology movement (100) in a watch comprising an input control organ (11) designed to be acted on by a user and kinematically connected, by means of a connecting organ (13), to an output control organ (12) designed to act on the horology movement (100) in said watch, the connecting organ (13) being designed to be arranged such that it can rotate about the horology movement (100) and being configured so as to be rotated by the input control organ (11) when the latter is actuated, and to cause the output control organ (12) to move during this rotation, the input control organ (11) comprising an engagement profile (110) configured to engage with a driven engagement element (132) on the connecting organ (13), so as to rotate said connecting organ (13) when said input control organ (11) is acted upon, said device being characterised in that 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 carrier structure to which the input control organ (11) and output control organ (12) are attached, said carrier structure forming an annular bed for holding the connecting organ (13).

3. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the connecting organ (13) forms a bow.

4. The control device (10) according to claims 1 and 2, in which the input control organ (11) is formed by a lever extending between a first end by which it is attached to the carrier structure such that it can rotate, at a first end, said lever comprising the engagement profile (110) at a second end.

5. The control device according to claims 1 and 2, in which the input control organ (11) is arranged such that it can slide relative to the carrier structure and is configured to engage, via the engagement profile (110), with a transmission element attached to the carrier structure such that it can rotate and engaging with the connecting organ (13), such that the sliding of said input control organ (11) causes the connecting organ (13) to rotate.

6. The control device (10) according to claim 2, in which the output control organ (12) comprises an engagement profile (120) configured to engage with a driving engagement element (133) on the connecting organ (13), such that the rotation of said connecting organ (13) causes said output control organ (12) to move.

7. The control device (10) according to claim 6, in which the output control organ (12) is formed by a lever attached to the carrier structure such that it can rotate, at a first end, said lever comprising a bevel at a second end, constituting the engagement profile (120), said output control organ (12) being designed to act on the horology movement (100) via an internal flank opposite the engagement profile (120).

8. The control device (10) according to claim 6, in which the output control organ (12) is connected by a pivot link, on one hand to the connecting organ (13), and on the other hand to the carrier structure, said output control organ (12) comprising a bearing arm (121) designed to be arranged such that it bears against a balance on the horology movement (100) in order to stop the balance when the input control organ (11) is acted upon.

9. The control device (10) according to claim 6, in which the driving engagement element (133) is a catch.

10. The control device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, 6 and 7, comprising a spring connected to the connecting organ (13) for moving it into a lock position in which said connecting organ (13) can engage with the input control organ (11).

11. The control device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising a second input control organ (11) and a second output control organ (12) kinematically connected to one another via the connecting organ (13) and respectively configured to engage with a driven engagement organ (132) and a driving engagement organ (133), the input control organs (11) being configured such that, depending on which one is acted upon, the connecting organ (13) is driven in a different direction of rotation and respectively causes one or the other output control organ (12) to move.

12. The control device (10) according to claim 11, in which the connecting organ (13) comprises a bolting element (134) arranged to constitute a stop preventing any movement of one of the input control organs (11) when the other is acted upon.

13. The control device (10) according to claims 1 and 12, in which the bolting element (134) is formed by a tooth extending between two bevelled radial flanks each constituting a driven engagement element (132), the tooth further comprising an outer flank connecting the radial flanks and being arranged so as to constitute a stop preventing any movement of one of the input control organs (11), when the other is acted upon.

14. A watch comprising a horology movement (100), characterised in that it comprises a remote-control device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13.

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