Timepiece comprising a device for selecting positions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case (1) having a base (4) defining a principal plane (XY) and an axis (Z) perpendicular to the principal plane (XY), a case middle (2) and a bezel, a device for selecting a position of a functional element of the timepiece arranged to be able to be in at least a first and a second position defined by its function, said selection device comprising a position selection member (86) accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved along an outer edge (2b) of the case middle (2),rotating in a plane parallel to the principal plane (XY) around the axis (Z) constituting a central axis of rotation of the box (1) when the box (1) is curved or in translation in a plane perpendicular to the principal plane (XY) perpendicular to the axis (Z) when the box is polygonal when it is operated by the user between at least a first stable position in which the functional member is in its first position and a second stable position in which the functional member is in its second position, at least one linking element between the selection member and the functional member,carried by the selection member (86) and arranged to interact with the functional member according to the first or second stable position of the selection member (86) selected, such that the functional member is in at least the corresponding first or second selected position. Said selection device includes an elastic guide device comprising at least one elastic blade (106) and arranged to cooperate at least indirectly with the selection member (86) and guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to maintain it in its at least two stable positions.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a base defining a principal plane (XY) and an axis (Z) perpendicular to the principal plane (XY), a case middle and a bezel, a device for selecting a position of a functional element of the timepiece arranged to be able to be in at least a first and a second position defined by its function, said selection device comprising a position selection member accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved along an outer edge of the case middle,rotating in a plane parallel to the principal plane (XY) around the axis (Z) constituting a central axis of rotation of the box when the box is curved or translating in a plane perpendicular to the principal plane (XY) perpendicular to the axis (Z) when the box is polygonal when it is operated by the user between at least a first stable position in which the functional organ is in its first position and a second stable position in which the functional organ is in its second position, at least one linking element between the selection organ and the functional organ, carried by the selection organ and arranged to interact with the functional organ according to the first or second stable position of the selected selection organ so that the functional organ is in at least the corresponding first or second selected position,said selection device comprising an elastic guide device including at least one elastic blade and arranged to cooperate at least mediately (i.e. indirectly or directly) with the selection member and to guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to maintain it in its at least two stable positions. State of the art

[0002] Such selection devices are known, for example, in the form of a chime selector mounted to slide around the circumference of the case to select the type of chime. Selection devices comprising a rotating bezel are also known; its rotation in one direction or the other allows the selection of one or more different functions. To ensure stable positions for the rotating bezel, mechanisms such as notching systems, helical springs, or toothed elements held in position by a jumper are used. For example, patent EP 2012199 describes the use of a rotating bezel to select a time indication to be set. The rotating bezel is arranged to control a selector kinematically linked to a selection cam, which is itself fixed to a positioning cam.The positioning cam engages with a positioning jumper, which holds the selector cam in the position corresponding to the selected function or time display setting, thus ensuring stable positions for the rotating bezel. The construction of these mechanisms is complex. Depending on the specific mechanisms used, rotation in both directions is not always possible.

[0003] We are also familiar with publication WO 2023 / 025630 which describes in particular a device for selecting the open or closed position of a shutter, said selection device comprising an elastic guide device including at least one elastic blade and cooperating with the control or selection member to guide it during its movement between its two stable positions and to maintain it in said two stable positions.

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a device for selecting a position of a functional organ of a timepiece, which can guarantee two stable positions using a simple construction mechanism, which can be bidirectional. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a base defining a principal plane (XY) and an axis (Z) perpendicular to the principal plane (XY), a case middle and a bezel, a device for selecting a position of a functional element of the timepiece arranged to be able to be in at least a first and a second position defined by its function, said selection device comprising a position selection element accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved along an outer edge of the case middle,rotating in a plane parallel to the principal plane (XY) around the axis (Z) constituting a central axis of rotation of the box when the box is curved or translating in a plane perpendicular to the principal plane (XY) perpendicular to the axis (Z) when the box is polygonal when it is operated by the user between at least a first stable position in which the functional organ is in its first position and a second stable position in which the functional organ is in its second position, at least one linking element between the selection organ and the functional organ carried by the selection organ and arranged to interact with the functional organ according to the first or second stable position of the selected selection organ so that the functional organ is in at least the corresponding first or second selected position,said selection device comprising an elastic guide device including at least one elastic blade and arranged to cooperate at least mediately (i.e. indirectly or directly) with the selection member and to guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to maintain it in its at least two stable positions.

[0006] According to a first solution, the elastic guidance device comprises a single elastic blade, one end of which is attached to a frame of said timepiece and the other end has two inclined planes arranged to cooperate with two corresponding inclined planes provided on the connecting element of the selection device.

[0007] According to a second solution, the elastic guidance device comprises at least two elastic blades joined at one of their respective ends to form two inclined planes, the other end of each blade being mounted freely in a frame, the selection member having on its surface opposite the blades a protrusion formed of two inclined planes arranged to form support surfaces for the inclined planes of the blades, said blades being arranged on the path of the protrusion.

[0008] According to a third solution, the elastic guide device comprises two elastic blades arranged on either side of the linking element of the selection device, said blades being joined at one of their respective ends in a central eyelet mounted pivotally on said linking element, the other end of each blade being mounted freely in a frame of the watch part.

[0009] The various proposed solutions for elastic guidance devices advantageously guarantee at least two stable positions of the position selection element, while allowing for a simple construction selection element that can be bidirectional.

[0010] Depending on the embodiment, the outer edge of the case can be an edge parallel to the principal plane (XY) opposite the case back or the bezel, or can be constituted by the case band perpendicular to the principal plane (XY).

[0011] If the box is polygonal in shape, the selection element is arranged so that it can be moved in translation along a straight outer edge of the case.

[0012] If the case is curved, the selector is arranged so that it can be moved between a first and a second stable angular positions along a curved outer edge of the case.

[0013] Depending on the embodiment, the selection element may be in the form of a rotating ring mounted between the base and a curved outer edge of the case parallel to the main plane (XY) or between a curved outer edge of the case parallel to the main plane (XY) and the bezel of the case or in the form of a selector mounted to slide in rotation or translation on the case band.

[0014] According to the embodiments, the functional element may be a bracelet fixing element intended to be fixed to the case arranged to be able to be in a first unlocked position from the case and in a second locked position on the case, or a pusher mounted on the case capable of being movable in translation about an axis of actuating the pusher and arranged to be able to be in a first locked position and in a second unlocked position, or a shutter flap for at least one window provided on the dial of the timepiece capable of being movable in rotation about the central axis of the case and arranged to be able to be in a first closed position and in a second open position. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, viewed from above, in which the functional element is a fastening element for a bracelet intended to be attached to the case, the bracelet being separate from the case; figure 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment according to the figure 1 , seen from below; the figures 3 and 4 are axial cross-sectional views of the elastic guide device when the fastening member is in its first unlocked position, respectively in its second locked position; figures 5 to 8are cross-sectional views of the timepiece according to the first embodiment, viewed from below, representing the different stages of assembling a bracelet according to the first embodiment; Figures 9 and 10 are views from below of the timepiece according to the first embodiment, when the rotating ring is in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first unlocked position of the fastening member, respectively in its second stable angular position corresponding to the second locked position of the fastening member; the Figures 11 and 12 are axial cross-sectional views of the timepiece according to the first embodiment, when the rotating ring is in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first unlocked position of the fastening member, respectively in its second stable angular position corresponding to the second locked position of the fastening member; the figure 13 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention, viewed from below, in which the functional element is a set of pushbuttons; the Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views of the timepiece selection device according to the second embodiment, when the rotating ring is in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first locked position of the pushers, respectively in its second stable angular position corresponding to the second unlocked position of the pushers; the figures 16 to 18 are axial cross-sectional views of the timepiece according to the second embodiment, when the rotating ring is respectively in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first locked position of the pushers, in an intermediate angular position, and in its second stable angular position corresponding to the second unlocked position of the pushers; Figures 19 and 20are cross-sectional views of the timepiece according to the second embodiment, viewed from below, when the rotating ring is respectively in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first locked position of the pushers, and in its second stable angular position corresponding to the second unlocked position of the pushers; the figure 21 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, seen from below, in which the functional element is a shutter; the Figures 22 and 23 are top views of the dial of the timepiece according to the third embodiment when the selecting member is respectively in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first closed position of the cover, and in its second stable angular position corresponding to the second open position of the cover; the figure 24is an axial cross-sectional view of the timepiece according to the third embodiment according to the figure 21 , when the selection organ is in an intermediate position; the figure 25 is an exploded view of the timepiece according to the third embodiment according to the figure 21 , view from below; the Figures 26 and 27 are top views of the elastic guiding device of the timepiece according to the third embodiment, when the rotating ring is respectively in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first closing position of the cover, and in an intermediate angular position; Figures 28 and 29are views from below of the elastic guiding device of the timepiece according to the third embodiment, when the rotating ring is respectively in its first stable angular position corresponding to the first closing position of the cover, and in an intermediate angular position; the figure 30 is an isometric view of a selection device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which the functional element is a shutter flap, with an elastic guide device different from that of the third embodiment; the figure 31 is an isometric view of a selection device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the functional element is a shutter flap, and the figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the timepiece according to the fifth embodiment. Embodiments of the invention

[0016] With reference to the figures, the timepiece according to the invention comprises a case 1 having a base 4 defining a principal plane XY and an axis Z perpendicular to the principal plane XY, a case middle 2 having a case band 2a and a bezel 6, a device for selecting a position of a functional element of the timepiece arranged to be able to be in at least a first and a second position defined by its function, said selection device comprising a position selection member accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved, along an outer edge of the case middle 2, either, when the case 1 is curved, in rotation in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY around the axis Z which then constitutes a central axis of rotation of the case 1, or, when the case 1 is polygonal, in translation in a plane perpendicular to the principal plane XY perpendicular to the axis Z,When operated by the user, it enters at least one stable first position in which the functional organ is in its first position and a stable second position in which the functional organ is in its second position.

[0017] Depending on the embodiment, the outer edge of the case 2 is an edge parallel to the principal plane (XY) opposite the case back 4 or the bezel 6, or the outer edge of the case 2 is constituted by the case band 2a perpendicular to the principal plane (XY).

[0018] Thus, the position selection organ is arranged so that it can be moved perpendicularly to the Z axis by following the peripheral contours of box 1 according to a translational or rotational movement.

[0019] In particular, when the box 1 is polygonal in shape, for example rectangular, the selection member is arranged so that it can be moved in translation along a straight outer edge of the case in a plane perpendicular to the principal plane (XY) perpendicular to the Z axis. Advantageously, the selection member can be in the form of a selector mounted to slide in translation along the case band 2a.

[0020] When the case 1 is curved, for example round, the selector is arranged so that it can be rotated along a curved or circular outer edge of the case 2, in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY, around the Z axis, which then constitutes a central axis of rotation of the case 1, between a first and a second stable angular position. Advantageously, the selector can be in the form of a rotating ring mounted between the case back 4 and a curved outer edge of the case 2 parallel to the principal plane (XY), or between a curved outer edge of the case 2 parallel to the principal plane (XY) and the bezel 6 of the case 1, or in the form of a selector mounted to slide in rotation around the case band 2a.

[0021] In the following examples, the watch case is round and the selector is arranged to be rotated along a curved or circular outer edge of the case 2, said outer edge being an outer edge of the case 2 parallel to the principal XY plane opposite the case back 4, or said outer edge being formed by the case band 2a perpendicular to the principal XY plane. However, it is quite clear that these embodiments can be transposed by those skilled in the art to a polygonal case, the selector then being arranged to be translated along the contours of a straight outer edge of the case 2 perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0022] With reference to figures 1 to 12 , a timepiece is represented according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The timepiece conventionally comprises a case 1 with a case middle 2 in which a movement is fixed. The case middle 2 is closed, on the bridge side, by a case back 4 defining a principal plane XY and an axis Z perpendicular to the principal plane XY, and on the dial side, by a bezel 6 for holding a crystal. The case middle 2 has lugs 8 between which a strap 10 is mounted.

[0024] The case 1 has a central axis Z around which it exhibits general rotational symmetry. The central axis Z is therefore a vertical axis, perpendicular to the XY plane of the case back 4, corresponding to a "horizontal" plane parallel to the dial or the plane formed by the user's wrist. The bracelet 10 includes a longitudinal axis L corresponding to the traditional 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis of a watch case.

[0025] In this first embodiment of the invention, the functional member is a fastening member 12 provided at the end 10a of the bracelet 10 to allow the bracelet 10 to be attached to the case 2. The fastening member 12 is arranged so that it can be in a first unlocked position of the case 2 of the case 1 as shown in the figure 11 for example, and in a second locked position on the frame 2 of the box 1, as shown on the figure 12 For example.

[0026] With particular reference to figures 2 , 5 , 11 and 12 , the fixing element 12 is presented for example in the form of an insert provided at the end 10a of the bracelet 10 intended to be mounted on the case 2 between two facing lugs 8.

[0027] The fastening member 12 comprises an inner base 14 extending across the entire width of the bracelet 10, within said bracelet 10. The lateral edges of the base 14, parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the bracelet 10, have lateral notches 16, the function of which will be explained below. The notches 16 are positioned so as to be able to make contact with the inner surface of the opposite lug 8.

[0028] The fastening member 12 also includes a hooking tab 18 centered on the axis L, and projecting from the inner base 14 outside the bracelet 10 towards the case 1, forming on each side two lateral empty spaces 20 whose role will be described below.

[0029] At the front, the attachment lug 18 has at least two rectangular studs 22 extending perpendicularly to the attachment lug 18 towards the lower face of the bracelet 10. The studs 22 are positioned on the attachment lug 18 in a non-centered manner with respect to the axis L and are dimensioned so as to be able to cooperate with the selection member, as will be described in more detail below.

[0030] In this first embodiment, the selection device allows the position of the fastening member 12 of the bracelet 10 to be selected so that it is either in its first unlocked position of the box 1 or in its second locked position on the box 1.

[0031] The selection member is in the form of a rotating ring 24 mounted freely for rotation between the base 4 and a curved outer edge 2b of the case 2, parallel to the principal plane XY, concentrically with them. The rotating ring 24 is arranged so that it can be rotated around the central axis Z of the case 1 in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY with respect to the center of said case 1, when actuated by a user, by sliding between the case 2 and the base 4, in order to select the locked or unlocked position of the fastening member 12. This means that the rotating ring is free to rotate in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY by a certain angle (for example, less than 45°), with each actuation by the user, between a first stable angular position in which the fastening member 12 is in its first unlocked position of the case 1, as shown in the figure. figure 9, and a second stable angular position in which the fastening member 12 is in its second locked position on the box 1, as shown in the Figure 10 .

[0032] The selection device used in the invention is therefore distinct from a traditional lock which has a single stable rest position and an unstable active position which is returned to the rest position by a spring.

[0033] The rotating ring 24 is a ring without peripheral teeth, made, for example, of a metallic material such as gold, titanium, or steel. The ring 24 is sized to have a diameter larger than that of the base 4 so that its outer face is visible around the base 4 when viewed from below the assembled box 1, thus being accessible to the user. The ring 24 may have a grooved portion 26 on its outer face to facilitate its gripping for movement from the outside by the user.

[0034] The connecting elements between the rotating ring 24 and the fixing member 12 consist of at least two rectangular locking studs 28, which are fixedly supported by the rotating ring 24 so that they can be rotated with the rotating ring 24. The locking studs 28 are arranged to interact with the studs 22 of the fixing member 12 according to the first or second angular position of the rotating ring 24 selected so that the fixing member 12 is in its corresponding first or second selected position, namely its first unlocked position from the box or its second locked position on the box 1.

[0035] For this purpose, the locking studs 28 extend on the inner face of the rotating ring 24, perpendicular to said rotating ring 24 in the direction of the case 2 which has, opposite the rotating ring 24, a through oblong opening 30 (cf. Fig. 2 allowing the two locking pins 28 to pass through when the rotating ring 24 is mounted on the case 2 and their movement when the rotating ring 24 is rotated. The locking pins 28 are therefore housed inside the case 1. They have a length substantially equal to the length of the pins 22 of the attachment lug 18 so as to be able to serve as an axial stop for the bracelet 10, as will be described below.

[0036] The locking studs 28 are positioned on the rotating ring 24 so as to be interposed between the studs 22 of the attachment lug 18 when the latter is inserted into the case 2 to fix the bracelet 10. For this purpose, the case 2 has in its case band 2a, that is to say its lateral wall parallel to the axis Z, between the two opposite lugs 8, a lateral opening 32 in which the ends of the locking studs 28, having passed through the opening 30, appear leaving, on the dial side, a free upper space in which the attachment lug 18 can engage, its studs 22 passing between the locking studs 28.

[0037] In order to eliminate angular displacements of the bracelet 10 relative to the longitudinal axis L of said bracelet 10, locking hooks 34 are provided on the box 1 arranged to cooperate with the lateral notches 16 provided on the base 14 of the fixing member 12.

[0038] More specifically, two locking hooks 34 are pivotally mounted at one end at each end of an edge of the lateral opening 32 and fit into recesses 36 provided on the inner face of each horn 8. The other end of each locking hook 34 is configured to engage in the lateral notches 16 of the fastening member 12 when its hooking tab 18 is inserted into the case 2. Each locking hook 34 is subjected to the action of a spring 38.

[0039] In order to ensure that the rotating ring 24 is maintained in its first stable angular position in which the fixing member 12 is in its first unlocked position of the gearbox 1, as shown in the figure 9 , or even separated from box 1, as shown on the figure 5, and in its second stable angular position in which the fastening member 12 is in its second locked position on the box 1, as shown in the Figure 10 The selection device includes an elastic guide device, shown more particularly on the figures 3 and 4 .

[0040] In this embodiment, the elastic guide device comprises two elastic blades 40 joined at one of their respective ends to form two inclined planes, the apex of which is directed towards the rotating ring 24. Such elastic blades can be made of steel, for example. The other end 40a of each blade 40 is freely mounted against the bottom of a housing 42 provided on the frame 2 opposite the rotating ring 24. The housing 42 is dimensioned to allow the ends 40a of the blades to move apart within the bottom of said housing 42 when the elastic blades 40 are deformed. The ends 40a can be thickened to ensure greater stability within the housing 42.

[0041] The rotating ring 24 has, on its inner face opposite the blades 40, a protrusion 44 formed by two inclined planes whose apex is directed towards the frame 2. The two inclined planes of the protrusion 44 are configured to form two bearing surfaces for the two inclined planes formed by the blades 40, which thus cooperate directly with the rotating ring 24. The blades 40 are positioned along the path of the protrusion 44 when the ring 24 is rotated by the user, ensuring its guidance. Stops may be provided to limit the angular displacement of the rotating ring 24.

[0042] It is of course possible to provide several similar elastic guide devices, distributed around the perimeter of the rotating ring and the case.

[0043] The operation of the position selection device according to the first embodiment is explained with particular reference to figures 5 to 8 .

[0044] When a user wishes to attach the bracelet 10 to the case 1, they bring the end 10a of the bracelet 10, which carries the fastening element 12, close between the lugs 8 of the case 1, as shown in the figure 5 The rotating ring 24 is in its first stable angular position maintained by the elastic guide device, the protrusion 44 being subjected to the action of the opposite blade 40, as shown in the figure 3 .

[0045] In the next step, the user positions the end 10a of the bracelet 10 to be attached by first engaging the fastening tab 18 in the lateral opening 32. The lugs 22 of the fastening tab 18 are positioned between the locking lugs 28 of the rotating ring 24, which is in its first stable angular position. The pivoting ends of the locking hooks 34 and the springs 38 are housed in the two lateral empty spaces 20, on each side of the fastening tab 18. The locking hooks 34, pushed by the first lateral notch 16 of the base 14 of the fastening member 12, extend to the bottom of their recesses 36, as shown in the figure. figure 6 .

[0046] In the next step, the user continues to engage the attachment tab 18 in the lateral opening 32 until the end 10a of the strap 10 is in contact with the case 2 between the lugs 8 so that the studs 22 of the attachment tab 18 pass beyond the opening 30, as shown in the figures 7 And 11The fastening member 12 is in its first unlocked position, the lugs 22 of the latch 18 being offset relative to the locking lugs 28 of the rotating ring 24, so that said lugs 22 are free to translate axially along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet 10 in the event of axial tension on said bracelet 10. The locking hooks 34 engage in the second lateral notch 16, subjected to the action of their springs 38, and prevent any angular displacement of the bracelet 10 relative to its axis L. The rotating ring 24 is always in its first stable angular position, held by the blades 40, as shown in the diagrams. figures 3 And 9 .

[0047] In the next step, the user rotates the rotating ring 24 clockwise as viewed from below, in order to move the rotating ring 24 into its second stable angular position, as shown in the Figure 10During this movement, the protrusion 44 follows, by its first inclined plane in the direction of rotation of the ring 24, the surface of the first blade 40 opposite it in the direction of rotation of the ring 24, as shown on the figure 3 The blades 40, under the pressure of the protrusion 44, deform by flattening, remaining in contact with the protrusion 44, the free ends 40a of the blades 40 being able to move within their housing 42. The protrusion 44 passes over the crest of the inclined planes formed by the blades 40 and follows, along its second inclined plane, the surface of the second blade 40. When the rotational movement of the ring 24 is complete, the protrusion 44 is in contact with the surface of the second blade 40 by its second inclined plane, the blades 40 returning to their initial shape, as shown in the diagram. figure 4 , which keeps the rotating ring 24 in its second stable angular position.

[0048] In this second stable angular position, the fastening member 12 is locked in its second position, the locking lugs 28 of the rotating ring 24 having moved clockwise with the rotating ring 24 to position themselves behind the lugs 22 of the attachment tab 18, as shown in the figures 8 And 12 , so as to constitute axial stops in order to block said pads 22 at least in axial translation along the longitudinal axis L of the bracelet 10 in case of axial traction of said bracelet 10.

[0049] Thus, the bracelet 10 is attached to the case 1 securely, simply, and quickly. The fastening element 12 is not visible once the bracelet 10 is attached, and the rotating ring 24, positioned on the case back, remains discreet.

[0050] With reference to Figures 13 to 20 , it represents a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The elements identical to the first embodiment are repeated with the same references.

[0052] In this second embodiment of the invention, the functional element is at least one push button 50 disposed in a housing 52 provided on the case band 2a or side wall of the case 2 of the case 1 so as to be accessible to a user. The push button 50 comprises a rod 54 passing through the housing 52 via an opening 56 and arranged to slide within the opening 56 to actuate a movement mechanism. The push button 50 is capable of translational movement about an actuating axis A passing through the case 2 parallel to the principal plane XY of the case back 4. A spring 58 is provided to keep the push button 50 away from the case 2. The push button 50 is arranged to be in a first locked position in which the user cannot actuate the push button 50, as shown in the Figures 14 And 19, and in a second unlocked position, in which the user can press the pusher along the actuation axis A to actuate the movement mechanism, as shown in the figure 15 And 20 .

[0053] The pusher 50 includes an inner bearing surface 60 parallel to the central axis Z of the box, for example the inner surface located under the spring 58, the role of which will be explained below.

[0054] In this second embodiment, the selection device allows the position of the pusher 50 to be selected so that it is either in its first locked position or in its second unlocked position.

[0055] As in the first embodiment, the selection element is in the form of a rotating ring 24 mounted freely for rotation between the case back 4 and the curved outer edge 2b of the case 2, parallel to the principal plane XY, concentrically to them. The rotating ring 24 is arranged so that it can be rotated about the central axis Z of the case 1 in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY of the case back 4 with respect to the center of said case 1, when actuated by a user, by sliding between the case 2 and the case back 4, in order to select the locked or unlocked position of the pusher 50. This means that the rotating ring 24 is free to rotate in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY by a certain angle (for example, less than 10°), with each actuation by the user, between a first stable angular position in which the pusher 50 is in its first locked position, as shown in the figure. figure 14 , and a second stable angular position in which pusher 50 is in its second unlocked position, as shown on the figure 15 The rotating ring 24 is a ring without peripheral teeth. The ring 24 is sized to have a diameter greater than that of the base 4 so that its outer face appears around the base 4 when viewed from below the assembled box 1, thus being accessible to the user. The ring 24 may have a grooved portion 26 on its outer face to facilitate its gripping for movement from the outside by the user.

[0056] The connecting element between the rotating ring 24 and the pusher 50 consists of at least one locking stud 62 with a rectangular cross-section, carried by the rotating ring 24 in a fixed manner so as to be able to be moved in rotation with the rotating ring 24. The locking stud 62 is arranged to interact with the inner bearing surface 60 of the pusher 50 according to the first or second angular position of the rotating ring 24 selected so that the pusher 50 is in its corresponding first or second selected position, namely its first locked position or its second unlocked position.

[0057] For this purpose, the locking pin 62 protrudes from the inner face of the rotating ring 24, perpendicular to said rotating ring 24 in the direction of the case 2 which has, opposite the rotating ring 24, a through oblong opening 30 (cf. Figures 19 and 20) opening into the housing 52 of the case 2, allowing the locking pin 62 to pass towards the bearing surface 60 of the pusher 50 when the rotating ring 24 is mounted on the case 2 and its movement when the rotating ring 24 is rotated. The locking pin 62 is therefore located in the housing 52 inside the box 1. The locking pin 62 has a height chosen so that its free end reaches the bearing surface 60, under the spring 58, so as to be in contact with said bearing surface 60 and serve as a stop for the pusher 50, as will be described below.

[0058] In order to ensure that the rotating ring 24 remains in its first stable angular position in which the pusher 50 is in its first locked position, as shown in the figure 14, and in its second stable angular position in which pusher 50 is in its second unlocked position, as shown on the figure 15 The selection device includes an elastic guide device, shown more particularly on the figures 16 to 18 .

[0059] This elastic guide device is identical to that of the first embodiment and comprises two elastic blades 40 forming two inclined planes, the free ends 40a of which are mounted freely, bearing against the bottom of a housing 42 provided on the case 2. The elastic blades 40 are positioned along the path of the protrusion 44 provided on the inner face of the rotating ring 24 to cooperate directly with said ring 24, ensuring its guidance. A stop 64 may be provided on the inner face of the rotating ring 24 to limit its angular displacement. For this purpose, the stop 64 travels within an oblong slot 66 provided on the case 2, dimensioned to correspond to the angular displacement of the rotating ring 24 between its two stable positions. It is, of course, possible to provide several similar elastic guide devices, distributed around the periphery of the rotating ring and the case.

[0060] The operation of the position selection device according to the second embodiment is as follows: When the pusher 50 is locked in its first position, the rotating ring 24 is positioned in its first stable angular position maintained by the elastic guide device, the protrusion 44 being subjected to the action of the opposite blade 40, as shown in the diagrams. figures 14, 16 And 19 In this configuration, the inner bearing surface 60 of the pusher 50 is blocked from translation along the actuation axis A by the locking pin 62 of the rotating ring 24 positioned opposite said bearing surface 60, said locking pin 62 acting as a stop. Consequently, the pusher 50 cannot be actuated.

[0061] To unlock the push button, the user turns the ring 24 clockwise (when viewed from the push button side), so that the locking pin 62 rotates with the ring 24 along the bearing surface 60 of the push button 50. Simultaneously, the protrusion 44 of the ring 24 follows, by its first inclined plane in the direction of rotation of the ring 24, the surface of the first blade 40 opposite it in the direction of rotation of the ring 24, as shown in the diagram. figure 16 The blades 40, under the pressure of said protuberance 44, deform by flattening, remaining in contact with the protuberance 44, the free ends 40a of the blades 40 being able to move in their housing 42. The protuberance 44 passes over the crest of the inclined planes formed by the blades 40 as shown in the figure 17Then the protrusion 44 follows, by its second inclined plane, the surface of the second blade 40. When the rotational movement of the ring 24 is complete, the protrusion 44 is in contact with the surface of the second blade 40 by its second inclined plane, the blades 40 returning to their initial shape, as shown in the diagram. figure 18 , which keeps the rotating ring 24 in its second stable angular position.

[0062] In this configuration, the rotating ring 24 rotated so that its locking pin 62 moved with the ring 24 to move away from and out of the bearing surface 60 of the pusher 50, as shown in the Figures 15 And 20 . Thus, said support surface 60 is free in translation along the actuation axis A, so that the pusher 50 is unlocked in its second position, and can be operated by the user.

[0063] Advantageously, two pushers 50, 50' are provided, arranged side by side in their respective housings 52, 52' on the side wall or band of the case 2. Pusher 50', like pusher 50, comprises a rod 54' passing through the housing 52' via an opening 56' and arranged to slide within said opening 56' to actuate a movement mechanism. Pusher 50' is capable of translational movement about an actuating axis A' passing through the case 2 parallel to the principal plane XY of the case back 4. A spring 58' is provided to keep pusher 50' away from the case 2.

[0064] Each pusher 50, 50' includes its inner bearing surface 60, respectively 60', parallel to the central axis Z of the box, for example the inner surface located under the spring 58, respectively the spring 58'.

[0065] The rotating ring 24 then has two parallel locking studs 62, 62', projecting from the inner face of the rotating ring 24, perpendicular to said rotating ring 24 in the direction of the case 2. The two locking studs 62, 62' pass through the opening 30 of the case 2 towards their respective bearing surfaces 60, 60'. The locking studs 62, 62' have a height chosen so that their free end reaches their respective bearing surfaces 60, 60', under the spring 58, respectively the spring 58', so as to be in contact with their respective bearing surfaces 60, 60' and serve as a stop.

[0066] The locking pins 62, 62' are arranged on the ring 24 such that each locking pin 62, 62' is located opposite the bearing surface 60, 60' of the corresponding pusher 50, 50' when the ring 24 is in its first stable position. The two pushers 50, 50' are then locked in their first position, in which the user cannot actuate either pusher 50 or pusher 50'. Each bearing surface 60, 60' is blocked from translation along its actuation axis A, A' against the opposing locking pin 62, 62', as shown in the diagrams. Figures 14 And 19and so that, when the ring 24 is in its second stable position, the two locking pins 62, 62' have moved sufficiently to move away and out of their respective bearing surfaces 60, 60', the pushers 50, 50' then being unlocked in their second position in which the user can press either of the pushers 50, 50' along their respective actuation axes A, A', to actuate a movement mechanism, as shown in the Figures 15 And 20 .

[0067] Furthermore, the first pusher in the direction of rotation of the ring 24, here pusher 50', has at its base an internal notch 68 configured to allow one of the locking pins, here pin 62', to engage in said notch 68 when the rotating ring 24 is in its second stable position and said first pusher 50' is actuated. In addition, the two pushers 50, 50' are separated from each other by a space 70 arranged to receive the other locking pin, here pin 62, when the rotating ring 24 is in its second stable position.

[0068] It is quite clear that the number of stable positions must be adapted according to the number of pushbuttons that can be unlocked at the same time or separately.

[0069] With reference to figures 21 to 29 , it is represented a timepiece according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0070] The elements identical to the first and second embodiments are repeated with the same references.

[0071] In this third embodiment, the functional element is, for example, a shutter 80 of at least one aperture 82 provided on the dial 84 of the timepiece, capable of rotationally rotating around the central axis Z of the case 1 in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY, parallel to the dial 84, and arranged to be in a first closed position, as shown in the figure 22 and in a second opening position, as shown on the figure 23 .

[0072] In this third embodiment, the selection device allows the position of the shutter 80 to be selected so that it is either in its first closed position or in its second open position.

[0073] In the example shown on the figures 21 to 29The selection element is a rotating ring 86 mounted freely for rotation between the base 4 and the curved outer edge 2b of the case 2, parallel to the principal plane XY, concentrically with them. The rotating ring 86 is arranged so that it can be rotated around the central axis Z of the case 1 in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY of the base 4 with respect to the center of said case 1, when actuated by a user, by sliding between the case 2 and the base 4, in order to select the closed or open position of the flap 80. This means that the rotating ring 86 is free to rotate in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY by a certain angle (for example, less than 45°), with each actuation by the user, between a first stable angular position in which the flap 80 is in its first closed position, as shown in the diagram. figure 22, and a second stable angular position in which the flap 80 is in its second opening position, as shown on the figure 23 The rotating ring 86 is a ring without peripheral teeth. The ring 86 is sized to have a diameter larger than that of the base 4 so that its outer face appears around the base 4 when viewed from below the assembled box 1, thus being accessible to the user. The ring 86 may have grooves 88 on its outer face to facilitate its gripping for removal from the outside by the user.

[0074] The linking element between the rotating ring 86 and the flap 80 comprises a transmission shaft 90 mounted articulated on the selection member, here on the inner face of the ring 86, a transmission lever 92 fixed to the transmission shaft 90 by one of its ends and kinematically linked by its other end to a control member (not shown) arranged to control the movement of the flap 80 between its first and second positions when the rotating ring 86 is moved in rotation.

[0075] More specifically, the transmission shaft 90 is mounted in an offset, articulated manner on the selector member, here the ring 86, parallel to the central axis Z of the gearbox 1, that is to say, perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the selector member parallel to the principal plane XY of the bottom 4, by means of a fork 94 extending perpendicularly to the transmission shaft 90 from the base of the transmission shaft 90 towards the selector member, here the ring 86. Said fork 94 is fixed to the transmission shaft 90 by means of a square mounted in an oblong orifice 95 provided at the base of the fork 94. Said base of the fork 94 extends outside the ring 86 towards the inside of the gearbox so that the transmission shaft 90 is not mounted on the ring 86 but is offset towards the inside of the gearbox.The fork 94 is pivotally mounted on a finger 96 fixed to the selection member, here the inner face of the ring 86, said finger 96 projecting perpendicularly to the ring 86 and being engaged between the teeth of the fork 94, so that the fork 94 can pivot around an axis coaxial with the transmission axis 90. A guide bridge 97 is provided, fixed to the inner face of the ring 86, said bridge 97 having an orifice 99 into which the end of the transmission axis 90 is inserted for its guidance.

[0076] Thus, when the selection member, here the ring 86, is moved in rotation between its first stable angular position in which the flap is in its first closed position, and its second stable angular position in which the flap is in its second open position, the linking element between the rotating ring 86 and the flap 80, comprising the fork 94, the transmission shaft 90 and the transmission lever 92, is driven by the selection member to move the control member of the flap 80 and control the movement of said flap 80 between its first closed position and its second open position.

[0077] The housing 2 has on its outer edge 2b a recess 98 at the bottom of which is provided an orifice 100 passing through the housing 2 in order to communicate with the inside of the gearbox 1. The recess 98 is arranged to receive the fork 94. The transmission shaft 90 is mounted in the orifice 100 such that the part of the transmission shaft 90 attached to the fork 94 exits the orifice 100 on the side of the recess 98 and the fork 94, and the part of the transmission shaft 90 attached to the transmission lever 92 exits the orifice 100 on the side of the inside of the gearbox 1. Thus, the transmission lever 92 is entirely housed inside the gearbox 1.

[0078] In a particularly advantageous way, a sealing gasket 102 is positioned around the transmission shaft 90, between the fork 94 and the transmission lever 92, thus ensuring the seal between the selection element, here the ring 86, and the inside of the gearbox 1.

[0079] The transmission lever 92 can be fixed to the transmission shaft 90 or can be integral with said transmission shaft 90. It is mounted on the transmission shaft 90 on the side diametrically opposite the fork 94. The transmission lever 92 can comprise several elements perpendicular to each other, depending on the distance between the transmission shaft 90 and the flap control member 80. Element 92a of the transmission lever 92 fixed to the transmission shaft 90 is perpendicular to the transmission shaft 90, and therefore parallel to the fork 94. Element 92b of the transmission lever 92, kinematically linked to the flap control member 80 to interact with said flap 80 when the ring 86 is moved, is parallel to the transmission shaft 90.

[0080] Element 92a of the transmission lever 92 has on its bottom face a tenon 104 extending parallel to the transmission axis 90 and whose role will be described below.

[0081] In order to ensure that the rotating ring 86 remains in its first stable angular position in which the flap 80 is in its first closed position, as shown in the figure 22 , and in its second stable angular position in which the flap 80 is in its second open position, as shown on the figure 23 The selection device includes an elastic guide device, shown more particularly on the figures 25 , 26 and 27 .

[0082] In this embodiment, the elastic guide device may comprise two elastic blades 106 arranged on either side of the connecting element of the selection device, which is more particularly here the first element 92a of the transmission lever 92. Said blades 106 are joined at one of their respective ends in a central eyelet 108 pivotally mounted on said connecting element, and more particularly here on the tenon 104 of the first element 92a of the transmission lever 92. The other end 106a of each blade 106 is freely mounted bearing against a wall of a housing in a frame of the timepiece, for example a housing 110 provided in the case 2. A stop 112 (cf. Figures 28 and 29) can be provided on the inner face of the rotating ring 86 to limit the angular displacement of said rotating ring 86. For this purpose, the stop 112 travels in an oblong slot 114 provided on the case 2 dimensioned to correspond to the angular displacement of the rotating ring 86 between its two stable positions.

[0083] The operation of the position selection device according to the third embodiment is as follows: When the flap 80 is closed in its first position as shown in the figure 22 The rotating ring 86 is positioned in its first stable angular position maintained by the elastic guide device, as shown in the figures 26 and 28The stop 112 abuts against the rear of the slot 114. In this configuration, the fork 94 is mounted on the finger 96, which is pivoted so that the gap between the teeth is oriented to the left when viewed from below, while the element 92a of the transmission lever 92, carrying the central eyelet 108, is oriented to the right when viewed from above. The elastic blades 106 are positioned in the housing 110, their ends 106a bearing against the wall of said housing 110 in an off-center manner to the right when viewed from above. These elastic blades 106 are configured to act on the ring 86 indirectly, via the transmission lever 92, the transmission shaft 90, and the fork 94, in order to guide said rotating ring 86 during its rotation and to maintain said ring 86 in its initial stable position.

[0084] To move flap 80 into its open position as shown on the figure 23The user rotates the ring 86 clockwise (viewed from the bottom), so that the finger 96 rotates with the ring 86. The fork 94, fixed to the transmission shaft 90, cannot move with the ring 86, but pivots around the finger 96 clockwise (viewed from below). This causes the transmission shaft 90 to pivot counterclockwise (viewed from above), resulting in the transmission lever 92 pivoting counterclockwise (viewed from above), following the inclination of the fork 94, as shown in the diagrams. figures 27 and 29 , for which the ring 86 has been rotated into an intermediate position. The element 92b of the transmission lever 92 then drives the control member of the flap 80 to control the rotation of the flap 80. The stop 112 is positioned in the middle of the slot 114.

[0085] During the pivoting of the transmission lever 92, the central eyelet 108 of the blades 106, carried by the element 92a of the transmission lever 92, is also driven counterclockwise, viewed from above, which moves the blades 106 and their ends 106a into the housing 110, the eyelet 108 pivoting on the tenon 104. In the intermediate position of the figure 27 , the blades 106 are centered in their housing 110.

[0086] When the user has completed the rotation of the ring 86, the fork 94 and the transmission lever 92 have completed their clockwise rotation as viewed from below, so that the element 92b of the transmission lever 92 has moved the control member of the shutter 80 to the position corresponding to the movement of said shutter 80 in its open position. The blades 106, driven by the tenon 104 carried by the transmission lever 92, have moved within their housing 110, their ends 106a moving along the wall of the housing 110, to reach the final position, offset to the left as viewed from above. The elastic blades 106 act on the ring 86 via the transmission lever 92, the transmission shaft 90, and the fork 94 to maintain the rotating ring 86 in its second stable position. The stop 112 is abutted against the front of the slot 114.

[0087] With reference to the figure 30A fourth embodiment, similar to that of the third embodiment, is shown. The identical elements are reproduced with the same references.

[0088] In this fourth embodiment, the functional member, the selection member, and the connecting element are identical to those of the third embodiment described above. The functional member is the flap 80, which is rotatably mounted under the dial 84, and the selection member is the rotating ring 86, which carries the finger 96 on which the fork 94, fixed to the transmission shaft 90, is pivotally mounted. The transmission lever 92 is fixed at one end to the transmission shaft 90, its other end 92b being kinematically linked to the control member 120 of the flap 80 by being engaged in a groove provided on said control member 120.

[0089] The elastic guide device described above in connection with the third embodiment is replaced by an elastic guide device comprising a single elastic blade 122, one end of which is fixed to a frame of the timepiece. The other end 122a of the elastic blade 122 has two inclined planes arranged to cooperate with two corresponding inclined planes provided on the connecting element of the selection device in order to guide the ring 86 during its rotational movement and to maintain it in its two stable angular positions. Advantageously, the transmission lever 92 comprises the two inclined planes cooperating with the two corresponding inclined planes of the elastic blade 122. These inclined planes of the connecting element are preferably provided at the base of the transmission lever 92, which is fixed to the transmission shaft 90.

[0090] The operation of this selection device is identical to that of the third embodiment, the two stable positions of the ring 86, corresponding to the closing or opening positions of the flap 80, being obtained thanks to the two inclined planes of the elastic blade 122 bearing on the two inclined planes of the transmission lever 92.

[0091] With reference to figures 31 And 32 A fifth embodiment is also shown, similar to that of the third embodiment. The identical elements are reproduced with the same references.

[0092] In this fifth embodiment, the functional member and the connecting element are identical to those of the third embodiment described above. The functional member is the flap 80 rotatably mounted under the dial 84, and the connecting element comprises the fork 94 pivotally mounted on the selection member, the transmission shaft 90 integral with the fork 94, and the transmission lever 92 integral at one end with the transmission shaft 90, its other end 92b being kinematically linked to the control member 120 for opening or closing the flap 80 by being engaged in a groove 124 provided on said control member 120.

[0093] In this fifth embodiment, the selection mechanism is a selector 126 extending along the outer edge of the case 2, formed by the case band 2a (or lateral wall of the case 2 perpendicular to the principal plane XY), on which it is mounted, sliding in rotation around the axis Z in a plane parallel to the principal plane XY of the case back 4, like a striking selector. The finger 96 is replaced by a shaft 128 parallel to the axis Z, mounted in the internal volume of the selector 126 between two bearings, and around which the fork 94 pivots, the shaft 128 being engaged between its teeth.

[0094] As described above in connection with the third embodiment, a seal 102 is arranged around the transmission shaft 90 to ensure the sealing of the gearbox.

[0095] The elastic guide device described above in connection with the third embodiment is replaced by an elastic guide device similar to that of the fourth embodiment, comprising a single elastic blade 122, one end of which is fixed to a frame of the timepiece. The other end 122a of the elastic blade 122 has two inclined planes 130 arranged to cooperate with two corresponding inclined planes 132 provided on the connecting element of the selection device in order to guide the selector 126 during its rotational movement and to maintain it in its two stable angular positions. The inclined planes 132 may be provided, for example, at the base of the transmission lever 92, which is fixed to the transmission shaft 90.

[0096] The operation of this selection device is identical to that of the third embodiment, the two stable positions of the selector 126, corresponding to the closing or opening positions of the flap 80, being obtained thanks to the two inclined planes 130 of the elastic blade 122 in support of the two inclined planes 132 of the transmission lever 92.

[0097] It is quite clear that the functional part kinematically linked to the transmission lever can be any other functional part of the piece capable of evolving between at least two stable positions corresponding to two different states.

[0098] The watch component, according to the third through fifth embodiments, ensures the case's water resistance. The use of a ring allows for a discreet selection mechanism, positioned on the case back, and maintains the cleanest possible case band. The use of a selector provides a selection mechanism with the same aesthetic as, for example, alarm selectors.

[0099] The elastic guide device with the two spring blades connected by a central eyelet allows the functional organ to rotate over larger angles.

[0100] The examples concerning the rotating ring described above depict a rotating ring positioned between the case and the case back. It is quite clear that, depending on the function of the moving part between two positions corresponding to two different states, the rotating ring could also be located between the case and the bezel.

[0101] The choice of the selection element in the form of a ring or selector, in translation or rotation, and the configuration of the elastic guide device depend on the functional element to be moved.

Claims

1. A timepiece comprising a case (1) including a back (4) defining a main plane (XY) and an axis (Z) perpendicular to the main plane (XY), a middle (2) and a bezel (6), a device for selecting a position of a functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) of the timepiece arranged to be able to be located in at least one first and one second positions defined by its function, said selecting device comprising a position selecting member (24, 86, 126) accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved, along an outer edge (2a, 2b) of the middle (2), in rotation in a plane parallel to the main plane (XY) about the axis (Z) constituting a central rotational axis of the case (1) when the case (1) has a curved shape or in translation in a plane perpendicular to the main plane (XY) perpendicularly to the axis (Z) when the case has a polygonal shape when it is actuated by the user between at least one first stable position in which the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in its first position and a second stable position in which the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in its second position, at least one connecting element between the selecting member and the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80), carried by the selecting member (24, 86, 126) and arranged to interact with the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) depending on the first or second stable position of the selecting member (24, 86, 126) selected such that the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in at least the corresponding first or second selected position, said selecting device comprising an elastic guiding device comprising at least one elastic strip (40, 106, 122) and arranged to cooperate at least indirectly with the selecting member (24, 86, 126) and to guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to hold it in its at least two stable positions, characterised in that the elastic guiding device comprises a single elastic strip (122), one end of which is integral with a frame of said timepiece and the other end (122a) has two inclined planes (130) arranged to cooperate with two corresponding inclined planes (132) provided on the connecting element of the selecting device.

2. A timepiece comprising a case (1) including a back (4) defining a main plane (XY) and an axis (Z) perpendicular to the main plane (XY), a middle (2) and a bezel (6), a device for selecting a position of a functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) of the timepiece arranged to be able to be located in at least one first and one second positions defined by its function, said selecting device comprising a position selecting member (24, 86, 126) accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved, along an outer edge (2a, 2b) of the middle (2), in rotation in a plane parallel to the main plane (XY) about the axis (Z) constituting a central rotational axis of the case (1) when the case (1) has a curved shape or in translation in a plane perpendicular to the main plane (XY) perpendicularly to the axis (Z) when the case has a polygonal shape when it is actuated by the user between at least one first stable position in which the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in its first position and a second stable position in which the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in its second position, at least one connecting element between the selecting member and the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80), carried by the selecting member (24, 86, 126) and arranged to interact with the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) depending on the first or second stable position of the selecting member (24, 86, 126) selected such that the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in at least the corresponding first or second selected position, said selecting device comprising an elastic guiding device comprising at least one elastic strip (40, 106, 122) and arranged to cooperate at least indirectly with the selecting member (24, 86, 126) and to guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to hold it in its at least two stable positions, characterised in that the elastic guiding device comprises at least two elastic strips (40) linked by one of their respective ends to form two inclined planes, the other end (40a) of each strip (40) being mounted freely in a frame, and in that the selecting member has, on its surface facing the strips (40), a protrusion (44) formed of two inclined planes arranged to form support surfaces for the inclined planes of the strips, said strips (40) being located on the trajectory of the protrusion (44).

3. A timepiece comprising a case (1) including a back (4) defining a main plane (XY) and an axis (Z) perpendicular to the main plane (XY), a middle (2) and a bezel (6), a device for selecting a position of a functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) of the timepiece arranged to be able to be located in at least one first and one second positions defined by its function, said selecting device comprising a position selecting member (24, 86, 126) accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved, along an outer edge (2a, 2b) of the middle (2), in rotation in a plane parallel to the main plane (XY) about the axis (Z) constituting a central rotational axis of the case (1) when the case (1) has a curved shape or in translation in a plane perpendicular to the main plane (XY) perpendicularly to the axis (Z) when the case has a polygonal shape when it is actuated by the user between at least one first stable position in which the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in its first position and a second stable position in which the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in its second position, at least one connecting element between the selecting member and the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80), carried by the selecting member (24, 86, 126) and arranged to interact with the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) depending on the first or second stable position of the selecting member (24, 86, 126) selected such that the functional member (12, 50, 50', 80) is located in at least the corresponding first or second selected position, said selecting device comprising an elastic guiding device comprising at least one elastic strip (40, 106, 122) and arranged to cooperate at least indirectly with the selecting member (24, 86, 126) and to guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to hold it in its at least two stable positions, characterised in that the elastic guiding device comprises two elastic strips (106) located on each side of the connecting element of the selecting device, said strips (106) being linked by one of their respective ends in a central eyelet (108) pivotally mounted on said connecting element, the other end (106a) of each strip (106) being mounted freely in a frame of the timepiece.

4. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the outer edge (2b) of the middle (2) is an edge parallel to the main plane (XY) facing the back (4) or the bezel (6).

5. The timepiece according to Claim 1, characterised in that the outer edge of the middle (2) is constituted by the middle band (2a) perpendicular to the main plane (XY).

6. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the selecting member is in the form of a rotating ring (24, 86) mounted between the back (4) and an outer curved edge (2b) of the middle (2) parallel to the main plane (XY) or between an outer curved edge of the middle (2) parallel to the main plane (XY) and the bezel (6) of the case (1).

7. The timepiece according to Claim 5, characterised in that the selecting member is in the form of a selector (126) mounted slidingly in rotation or in translation on the middle band (2a).

8. The timepiece according to Claim 2, characterised in that the functional member is a fixing member (12) of a strap (10) intended to be fixed to the case (1) and arranged to be able to be located in a first unlocked position of the case (1) and in a second locked position on the case (1), said fixing member (12) comprising a hooking tab (18) comprising at least two studs (22), in that the selecting member is a rotating ring (24) mounted between the back (4) and an outer curved edge (2b) parallel to the main plane (XY) of the middle (2) of the case (1), and in that the connecting elements are constituted by at least two locking studs (28) integral with the ring (24), said ring (24) being arranged to be able to be moved in rotation with its locking studs (28) between its first stable angular position in which the fixing member (12) is located unlocked in its first position, the studs (22) of the hooking tab (18), shifted with respect to the locking studs (28) of the ring (24), being free in axial translation along the longitudinal axis (L) of the strap (10), and its second stable angular position in which the fixing member (12) is located locked in its second position, the locking studs (28) of the ring (24) being moved in order to be positioned so as to block the studs (22) of the hooking tab (18) at least in axial translation along the longitudinal axis (L) of the strap (10) in the event of axial traction of the strap (10).

9. The timepiece according to Claim 8, characterised in that locking hooks (34) are provided on the case (1), which are arranged to cooperate with lateral notches (16) provided on the fixing member (12) in order to eliminate the angular movements of the strap (10) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of said strap (10).

10. The timepiece according to Claim 2, characterised in that the functional member is a push button (50, 50') mounted on the case (1), which is capable of being mobile in translation along an actuating axis (A, A') of the push button (50,50') and arranged to be able to be located in a first locked position and in a second unlocked position, said push button (50, 50') comprising an inner support surface (60, 60'), in that the selecting member is a rotating ring (26) mounted between the back (4) and an outer curved edge (2b) parallel to the main plane (XY) of the middle (2) of the case (1), and in that the connecting element is constituted by at least one locking stud (62) which is integral with the ring (26), said ring (26) being arranged to be able to be moved in rotation with its locking stud (62) between its first stable angular position in which the push button (50, 50') is located locked in its first position, its support surface (60, 60') being blocked in translation along the actuating axis (A, A') by the locking stud (62, 62') of the ring (26) positioned facing the support surface (60, 60'), and its second stable angular position in which the push button (50, 50') is located unlocked in its second position, its support surface (60, 60') being free in translation along the actuating axis (A, A'), the locking stud (62, 62') of the ring (24) being moved in order to distance itself from the support surface (60, 60').

11. The timepiece according to Claim 10, characterised in that it comprises two push buttons (50, 50') each comprising an inner support surface (60, 60') and in that the ring (26) includes two locking studs (62, 62') located such that each locking stud (62, 62') is situated facing the support surface (60, 60') of the corresponding push button (50, 50') when the ring (26) is in its first stable position, the two push buttons (50, 50') being locked in their first position, and such that the two locking studs (62, 62') have moved in order to distance themselves from their respective support surface (60, 60') when the ring (26) is in its second stable position, the push buttons (50, 50') being unlocked in their second position.

12. The timepiece according to Claim 11, characterised in that the first push button (50') in the direction of rotation of the ring (26) has an inner notch (68) in which one of the locking studs (62') is housed when the ring (26) is in its second stable position and that said first push button (50') is actuated and in that the two push buttons (50, 50') are separated from one another by a space (70) arranged to receive the other locking stud (50) when the ring (26) is in its second stable position.

13. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 1 and 3, characterised in that the functional member is a shutter plate (80) of at least one aperture (82) provided on the dial (84) of the timepiece, which is capable of being mobile in rotation about the central axis (Z) of the case (1) and arranged to be able to be located in a first closing position and in a second opening position, and in that the connecting element comprises a transmission axis (90) mounted in an articulated manner on the selecting member (86, 126), a transmission lever (92) which is integral with the transmission axis (90) and kinematically linked to a control member (120) arranged to control the movement of the shutter (80) between its first and second positions, said selecting member (86, 126) being arranged, when it moves between its first stable position in which the shutter (80) is located in its first closing position, and its second stable position in which the shutter (80) is located in its second opening position, to drive the connecting element in order to move the control member (120) and to control the movement of the shutter (80) between its first closing position and its second opening position.

14. The timepiece according to Claim 13, characterised in that the transmission axis (90) is mounted articulated in an offset manner on the selecting member (86, 126) perpendicularly to the main plane (XY) by means of a fork (94) extending perpendicularly to the transmission axis (90) in the direction of the selecting member (86, 126), said fork (94) being integral with said transmission axis (90) and pivotally mounted on the selecting member (86, 126) about an axis parallel to the transmission axis (90).

15. The timepiece according to Claim 14, characterised in that a sealing joint (102) is positioned about the transmission axis (90) ensuring that the case (1) is sealed.

16. The timepiece according to Claim 1 and any one of Claims 13 and 15, characterised in that the transmission lever (92) comprises the two inclined planes (132) cooperating with the two corresponding inclined planes (130) of the elastic strip (122).

17. The timepiece according to Claim 3 and any one of Claims 13 and 15, characterised in that the central eyelet (108) is pivotally mounted on the transmission lever (92).

Images