Device for controlling several functions of a watch

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a watch control device (1) comprising a control member (2) movably mounted in a support piece (3) of this device (1), said piece (2) being intended to be fixed relative to the watch movement, said control member (2) comprising a gripping element (7), a drive element (8) mounted integrally with said gripping element (7) and a transmission member (31) capable of being driven in rotation by said drive element (8), said transmission member (31) being configured to cooperate with an actuation member of a manual winding mechanism of the device (1), capable of storing mechanical energy to control a first function of the watch and with a time-setting member of the device (1) to control a second function of the watch,and said drive element (8) being configured to cooperate with a control organ (4) of said device (1) to control the third and fourth functions of the watch.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the field of watchmaking, and in particular devices for controlling several functions of a watch from a single control organ such as a crown. Technological background

[0002] In the current state of the art, we know of control devices such as push-buttons, which are found on certain watches, particularly those with grand complications that can have a large number of functions. These push-buttons are of various types, including miniature push-buttons that are typically recessed into the watch case.

[0003] Such miniature push-buttons are typically very small, saving space, particularly within the watch cases. Furthermore, they do not protrude from the case and therefore are less likely to be accidentally activated.

[0004] However, one drawback of such push-buttons is that they require the use of a sharp tool to operate any function of the watch, such as setting the time, date, moon phase, or date. Indeed, such use carries a significant risk of damaging the watch case and thus altering its aesthetic appearance.

[0005] Under these conditions, it is therefore understandable that there is a need to find a solution aimed at overcoming these drawbacks of the state of the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is to provide a watch control device that allows the functions of the watch to be controlled without the need to use an actuation tool.

[0007] The invention relates to a watch control device comprising a control member mounted movably in a support piece of this device, said piece being intended to be fixed relative to the watch movement, said control member comprising a gripping element, a drive element mounted integrally with said gripping element and a transmission member capable of being driven in rotation by said drive element, said transmission member being configured to cooperate with an actuation member of a manual winding mechanism of the device, capable of storing mechanical energy to control a first function of the watch and with a time-setting member of the device to control a second function of the watch, and said drive element being configured to cooperate with a control member of said device to control third and fourth functions of the watch.

[0008] In other embodiments: The control member is configured to be moved axially relative to its longitudinal axis between first, second and third control positions for the realization of the first, second, third and fourth functions of the watch; the control member is configured in a first control position in which a mechanical link is established between one end of the transmission member and the actuating member for the transmission to said actuating member of a rotational movement of the control member for the implementation of the first function of the watch; the control member is configured in a second control position in which a mechanical link is established between one end of the transmission member and the time-setting member for the transmission to said time-setting member of a rotational movement of the control member for the implementation of the second function of the watch;drive zones of the drive element and transmission member respectively are joined together to transmit a rotational movement from the gripping element to the transmission member when the control member is configured in the first and second control positions; the control member is configured in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between a free end of the drive element of the control member and a ring mounted movable in a casing circle of the control member of said device, for the transmission to said ring of a rotational movement of the control member for the implementation of the third or fourth function of the watch;the drive zones of the drive element and the transmission member respectively are disjoint from each other preventing the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element to the transmission member when the control member is configured in the third control position; the ring of the control member is configured to actuate mechanisms of a watch movement implementing said third and fourth functions; the circle includes on its inner peripheral wall a cooperation zone between the ring and the free end of the drive element, said zone including stop elements defining a displacement stroke of this ring mounted movable in the circle; the circle includes a through hole connecting the inner and outer peripheral walls of said circle, the hole having a passage zone for an actuating part of the drive element;The passage zone comprises a central part configured for the arrangement of a main portion of an actuating part of the drive element in said hole and an eccentric part forming a passage allowing a coupling element of this actuating part to pass through the body of said circle; the ring comprises an actuating element of a pivoting element of the control member configured to actuate the mechanism implementing the third or fourth function of the watch; the control member comprises a first elastic return element configured to automatically return the ring to a rest position; the first control position is between the second and third positions; the drive zone is formed on an internal surface of the drive element and the drive zone is formed on an external surface of the transmission member.

[0009] The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a control device. Brief description of the figures

[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying figures, among which: THE figures 1 to 3 represent different views of the control device for a plurality of functions of a watch, consisting of a control element and at least one functional element such as a control element, according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 4 represents a view of the control organ of this control device arranged in a first axial position for controlling a first function of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the Figure 5represents a view of the control organ of this control device arranged in a second axial position for controlling a second function of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the figure 6 represents a view of the control organ of this control device arranged in a third axial position for controlling a third function of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the figure 7 represents a view of the control organ of this control device arranged in the third axial control position of a fourth function of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the figures 8a and 8brepresent views of a portion of an external peripheral wall of a casing circle of the control member of the control device, said portion comprising a through hole having at least one passage zone for a free end of a drive element of the control member for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the figure 9 represents a view of the portion of the outer peripheral wall of the casing circle when the free end of the rotating drive element is inserted into the corresponding passage area of ​​the through hole for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the Figure 10represents a view of the control element configured in the third axial control position after a rotation of this control element for the control of the third function, according to the embodiment of the invention; and the figure 11 represents a view of the control element configured in the third axial control position after a rotation of this control element has been carried out for the control of the fourth function, according to the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0011] In reference to the figures 1 to 11The present invention relates to a watch, also called a timepiece, such as a wristwatch comprising a control device 1 for a plurality of functions which are implemented by a watch movement included in this watch. In the present embodiment, this control device 1 is configured to implement four functions, namely first, second, third, and fourth functions, as will be seen in the remainder of this description.

[0012] Such a watch classically comprises a case 5 formed of a case 6 preferably of circular shape, defining an internal central housing intended to receive the watch movement whose outer contour follows the internal shape of a casing circle 29. This watch may provide screws or flanges to ensure the retention of the movement in this circle 29 and also the retention of this circle 29 in the case 6 of the watch case 5.

[0013] Such a watch movement can be mechanical or quartz. As previously discussed, this movement is configured to perform watch functions, and in this embodiment, four watch functions. These functions are controlled from the control device 1 for the purpose of setting, correcting, or activating mechanisms of this movement. It should be noted that such functions are preferably controlled independently of one another by a user from this control device 1 of the watch. In this context, this device 1 can be considered a control device for a mechanism of the movement, implementing a function of the watch.

[0014] It is understood that this movement is adapted to perform functions, notably through the use of distinct mechanisms and / or functional components of the movement that can be kinematically linked. For example, each mechanism or component can, in practice, lead to a distinct display on the watch, such as the current time on the one hand and a date or moon phase on the other. This mechanism or component may also include a manual winding mechanism capable of storing mechanical energy. The movement and its functions are commanded and / or controlled via the control device 1.

[0015] To achieve this, this motion function control device 1 includes: a support piece 3; a control element 2 such as, for example, a push button with a rotating head or a crown or a push-button crown, a winding crown or any crown which acts on the watch movement; and functional elements such as a control element 4, a time-setting element and an actuation element for a manual winding mechanism.

[0016] In this device 1, the support piece 3, which can also be called " support and guide piece This is preferably a tube with a through-hole configured to provide sliding guidance. This tube is designed to be fixedly engaged in a through-hole extending radially through the case 6 of the watch. Thus, in this configuration, this part 3 is then fixedly positioned relative to the watch movement.

[0017] As for the control element 2, it is movably mounted within the opening in the support piece 3. This control element 2 is designed to be engaged through the case 6 of the watch case 5 by means of the support piece 3. This control element 2 comprises a gripping element 7 and a rotating drive element 8, which is formed by a tubular extension integral with this gripping element 7, as well as a transmission element 31 forming one end of this control element 2. In this control element 2, and as we shall see later, this transmission element 31 is driven in a rotational movement by said drive element 8 when the gripping element 7 is actuated to perform such a rotational movement. It should be noted that in this configuration, the gripping element 7 can be, for example, a crown head when the control element is a crown.

[0018] In this control member 2, the drive element 8 is essentially arranged within the support piece 3 and is also configured to be moved or even slid within the opening provided in this piece 3. More specifically, the drive element 8 comprises a hollow body consisting of two parts: a fixing part 9a through which this element 8 is connected to the gripping element 7 of the control member 2, and an actuating part 9b of the control member 4, the latter part 9b comprising the end of this drive element 8. This actuating part 9b is capable of participating in the control of the third and fourth functions of the watch movement via a coupling element 9c with which it is provided. In the body of this drive element 8, the actuating part 9b is arranged successively with the fixing part 9a.These two parts 9a, 9b are also connected to each other by a shoulder 16 formed on the external surface of the body of this training element 8 as can be seen on the . figures 4 to 7 The actuation part 9b consists of a main portion 23a and a terminal portion 23b, the latter portion 23b comprising the coupling element 9c mentioned previously. In this configuration, the main portion 23a is located between the shoulder 16 and the terminal portion 23b.

[0019] In this drive element 8, the coupling element 9c extends perpendicularly to an external surface of the actuating part 9b. More specifically, this coupling element 9c extends substantially perpendicularly to an area of ​​this surface contained within the terminal portion 23b of this actuating part 9b. In other words, this coupling element 9c extends substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A of the control member 2.

[0020] As we mentioned earlier, the actuation part 9b, formed by the main and terminal portions 23a, constitutes the end of the drive element 8. We can thus specify that the coupling element 9c of this actuation part 9b, therefore extends substantially perpendicularly to the surface of this end.

[0021] Furthermore, the fastening part 9a of the drive element 8 can be driven into the gripping element 7 of the control member 2 or come off as part of the material with the latter. As mentioned previously, this drive element 8 includes a shoulder referenced 16 on the figures 4 to 7 , which connects the fixing and actuating parts 9a, 9b. Such a shoulder 16 preferably has a flat surface. It should be noted that such a surface is also substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the control member 2.

[0022] Furthermore, this drive element 8 also includes a drive zone 33 formed in its internal surface. More precisely, this drive zone 33 is formed in a portion of the internal surface located in the mounting part 9a of this drive element 8. This drive zone 33 includes a contact face that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0023] As we have mentioned, the control member 2 also includes the transmission member 31 of a rotational movement to at least one functional member of the control device 1. This transmission member 31 includes a spring 19 which is freely mounted in the hollow body of the drive element 8 and in particular in a cylindrical housing defined in the fixing part 9a of this drive element 8 fixed to the gripping element 7 of the control member 2. This transmission member 31 also includes a compression piece 20 of this spring 19 bearing on a rod 21 whose end forms one end of this transmission member 31 but also that of the control member 2.This compression piece 20 includes a shoulder 22 forming a bearing area for a first end of the spring 19, the shoulder 22 being located opposite the gripping element 7 of the control member, this element 7 then comprising the other bearing area capable of cooperating with the second end of this spring 19.

[0024] This transmission element 31 includes a drive zone 34 which is formed in its external surface. This drive zone 34 includes a contact face which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0025] It should be noted that the drive zones 33, 34 of the drive element 8 and of the transmission member 31, in particular the contact faces of the latter, are arranged opposite each other in the control member 2. Moreover, these drive zones 33, 34, in particular the contact faces of the latter, are configured to cooperate with each other during a contact by friction so as to transmit the rotational movement of the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31 via the drive element 8.

[0026] Such a transmission unit 31 is configured in particular for: to communicate / transmit a rotational movement applied to the gripping element 7 of the control member 2 by coupling: to the actuating member of the manual winding mechanism when implementing the first function of the watch; to the time-setting member to control the second function of the watch; to improve the cooperation between the coupling element 9c of the actuating part 9b with a coupling element 13 of the control member 4 in order to ensure optimal movement of a ring 10 of this member 4 as we will specify later.

[0027] As we have mentioned, the control device 1 is capable of implementing a plurality of functions of the watch movement and this according to different axial positions of the control organ 2 relative to the movement or to an external surface 32 of the case 6 of this watch and also according to the direction of rotation of this control organ 2 in the selected axial position.

[0028] Indeed, the control member 2 of this device 1 is mounted movably in the support piece 3, being actuable in rotation, and in traction or in push with respect to its longitudinal axis A and this relative to this support piece 3. Indeed, this control member 2 is configured to be moved axially with respect to its longitudinal axis A between the first, second and third axial control positions for the realization of the first, second, third and fourth functions of the watch.

[0029] More specifically, when this control member 2 is configured in the first control position to operate the first function of this watch, its end is mechanically connected to the actuating member. This end of the control member 2 is formed by a coupling end of the rod 21 of the transmission member 31 of this control member 2. It is therefore understood that in this configuration, such an end is coupled to the actuating member to transmit to said actuating member a rotational movement of the control member 2 and in particular of its gripping element 7.

[0030] In this context, this first control position can also be called the reassembly position. It should be noted that such a first position can also be called the neutral axial position or initial axial position because it can be the default, rest, or initial position of the control element 2.

[0031] This first control position is preferably located between the second and third axial control positions. In other words, to configure control element 2 in: the second control position from the first position, this control member 2 is then moved axially along the longitudinal axis A of this first control position in a direction opposite to that oriented towards the movement or the external surface 32 case 6 of the watch, that is to say in a direction tending to move the control member 2 away from the movement or the external surface 32 of the case 6 of the watch; the third control position from the first position, this control member 2 is then moved axially along the longitudinal axis A of this first control position in a direction which is oriented towards the movement or the external surface 32 of the case 6 of the watch.

[0032] When this control element 2 is configured in the second control position to operate the second function of this watch, its end is then mechanically linked to the time-setting element. In this configuration, this end of the control element 2, here the coupling end of the stem 21, is coupled to the time-setting element to transmit to said setting element a rotational movement of the control element 2.

[0033] It should be noted that in this configuration where the control member 2 is configured in the first and second control positions, the drive zones 33, 34 of respectively the drive element 8 and the transmission member 31 are joined together to transmit a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31.

[0034] Finally, when this control member 2 is configured in the third control position, a mechanical link is established between the actuating part 9b of the drive element 8 and the ring 10 of the control member 4, for the transmission to said ring 10 of a rotational movement of this control member 2 to implement said third or fourth function of the watch. In this configuration, the drive zones 33, 34 are disjoint, i.e., they are no longer in contact, so that the rotational movement of the gripping element 7 is not transmitted to the first drive element 31.

[0035] In this context, it is understood that the drive element 8 is capable of cooperating with the control member 4. Such a member 4 is preferably configured to be connected to the watch movement, particularly when activating a mechanism of this movement to perform the third and fourth functions of the watch. To this end, this member 4 comprises the casing ring 29, the ring 10, at least one first elastic return element 18, and at least one movable actuating element 30.

[0036] In this component 4, the casing ring 29, also called the cage ring, can have various shapes insofar as it surrounds the watch movement and is located inside the case 6 of the box 5. In the present embodiment, this ring 29 is preferably essentially circular in shape. Such a ring 29 comprises upper and lower faces as well as external and internal peripheral walls 15a, 15b connecting these two faces.

[0037] In this configuration, the upper face of the circle 29 includes a support area designed to accommodate or receive the ring 10 within its arrangement in the circle 29. This support area comprises a flat surface whose lateral edges are wholly or partially raised along its entire length to ensure the retention and guidance of the ring 10 on this surface, particularly when the ring 10 is moving. This surface of the support area also includes an open recess configured to receive the first elastic return element 18 of this component 4. In this configuration, the first elastic return element 18, which may be a helical spring, is then arranged below the ring 10.As we will see later, the first elastic return element 18 aims to automatically place the ring 10 in its rest position after it has been used in the operation of the third and fourth functions of the watch.

[0038] The mounting circle 29 of this component 4 also includes a through hole 12 connecting its outer and inner peripheral walls 15a, 15b. This hole 12 includes a central axis B that coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the control component 2. In this configuration, the geometry of this hole 12 and its location within the circle 29 are defined so that the drive element 8 can pass through it. This hole 12 includes at least one passage zone 24a, 24b for the free end of the drive element 8 for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch.

[0039] In reference to the figures 8a, 8b And 9This hole 12 has first and second passage zones 24a, 24b, each configured for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch. In other words, these two passage zones 24a, 24b allow such a through hole 12 to be structurally configured for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch. In this context, each passage zone 24a, 24b comprises a central portion 26 configured for the arrangement of the main portion 23a of the actuating part 9b within the through hole 12, and an eccentric portion 25a, 25b configured for the passage of the coupling element 9c through this hole 12. This eccentric portion 25a, 25b forms a passage allowing the coupling element 9c to traverse the body of the circle 29 to a cooperation zone 11 defined in the inner peripheral wall 15b, which will be discussed later.In this context, it is understood that the two passage zones 24a, 24b share the same central part 26. In other words, the central parts 26 of these two zones 24a, 24b coincide. In this configuration, the central part 26 extends over a distance from the outer peripheral wall 15a to the inner peripheral wall 15b of the circle 29, this distance being substantially less than the length of the main portion 23a of the actuation part 9b. A distance is understood to be ". significantly lower that this distance is strictly inferior " Or " essentially inferior » to the length of the main portion 23a.

[0040] The casing ring 29 also includes a through opening 17 forming a housing for receiving at least one pivoting element 14, such as a rocker, which can be actuated by the ring 10 in order to interact with the movement mechanism implementing the third or fourth function. This ring 29 includes a second elastic return element and a retaining element, which are disposed within this housing and are designed to cooperate with the pivoting element 14, in particular to configure it in an initial rest position. This pivoting element 14 then alternates between the initial position and an activation position in which a portion of this element 14 protrudes from the inner peripheral wall 15b of the ring 29 in order to interact with the mechanism implementing the third or fourth function to be controlled.The arrangement of this pivoting element 14 in the activation position is controlled by the ring 10 and in particular by an actuating element 30 of this ring 10. It should be noted that this pivoting element 14 passes from the activation position to the initial position under the action of the second elastic return element which causes the displacement of this pivoting element 14 in a direction opposite to that which aims to bring it to its activation position and this until this element 14 comes to rest against the retaining element.

[0041] As previously mentioned, the circle 29 includes a cooperation zone 11 between the rotating drive element 8 and the control member 4. More precisely, this zone 11 is the location of the interaction between the coupling element 9c of the actuating part 9b and a coupling element 13 of the ring 10, in order to cause the ring 10 to move within the circle 29. This zone 11 is located on the inner peripheral wall 15b of the circle 29. This zone 11 includes, in particular, a portion of this peripheral wall 15b into which the through hole 12 opens. In this configuration, the zone 11 includes stop elements 28 capable of interacting with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10 so as to define the stroke of this movable ring 10 within the circle 29.

[0042] In this device 1, the ring 10 otherwise called " movable ring» has a shape that is configured to ensure its arrangement and movement within the support area of ​​circle 29. In the present embodiment, this ring 10 has a shape that is essentially circular. This ring 10 comprises upper and lower faces and internal and external lateral faces.

[0043] As previously mentioned, the ring 10 comprises at least one actuating element 30, the coupling element 13, and at least one connecting element to the first elastic return element 18. This ring 10 has as many actuating elements 30 and connecting elements as there are functions to be controlled. In the present embodiment, this ring 10 comprises two actuating elements 30, a single coupling element 13, and two connecting elements capable of cooperating with two different first elastic return elements 18, as illustrated by the figures 1 to 3and this in order to ensure the command or control of the third and fourth functions.

[0044] In this ring 10, the actuating element 30 of the pivoting element 14 is located on the outer lateral face of the ring 10. This actuating element 30 is configured to extend towards a region 27 of the housing containing the pivoting element 14, said region being located near the pivoting element 14 to be actuated. In other words, this actuating element 30 extends substantially vertically towards this region 27 and opposite the pivoting element 14. It is understood that the location of the actuating element 30 in this region 27 of the housing allows this actuating element 30 to be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the pivoting element 14. Such an arrangement allows the pivoting element 14 to be activated by this actuating element 30 so that it moves from its initial position to its activated position.This actuation element 30, protruding from the external lateral face of the ring 10, has a shape substantially similar to that of the letter "L", being formed of a first sensitive part perpendicular to this face and a second part which is substantially parallel to this same face, said parts being substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0045] This ring 10 also includes a connecting element to the first elastic return element 18 arranged in a housing within the support area of ​​the circle 29. This connecting element is located on the underside of this ring 10. This element extends substantially perpendicularly from this underside towards the bottom of the corresponding housing containing this first elastic return element. In other words, this connecting element is partially arranged within this housing in the support area, between a first end of the first elastic return element 18 and a wall of this housing. This connecting element has a shape configured to apply or exert a constraint force on this first end with which it is in contact, the second end of this first return element 18 being able to bear against, or bear against, a support wall of this housing arranged opposite this connecting element.It is understood that in this configuration, the linking element, being partly located in the housing, is therefore likely to be moved within the housing to compress this return element 18 when the ring 10 is in motion.

[0046] In reference to the figures 2 , 10 and 11 The coupling element 13 of the ring 10 is located on the inner lateral face of this ring 10. This element 13, which is preferably formed from the same material as the body of the ring 10, creates a raised feature on this face that is essentially polygonal in shape. This shape is particularly well-suited for achieving optimal coupling with the coupling element 9c of the actuating part 9b.

[0047] As previously mentioned, the device 1 also includes the transmission member 31, which is configured to improve the cooperation between the coupling element 9c and the coupling element 13, in order to ensure optimal movement of the ring 10 in the support area of ​​the circle 29. More specifically, such a transmission member 31 helps to maintain the contact established between the coupling element 9c and the inner lateral face of the ring 10, and therefore of the surface of the cooperation area 11, in order to guarantee the coupling between the coupling element 9c and the coupling element 13 during the movement of the ring 10 in the circle 29.

[0048] To summarize, when this control element 2 is configured in the third control position for controlling the third function, the end of the drive element 8 is then inserted into the opening 24a visible on the figure 8aIn this configuration, the control element 2 is then set in motion in a direction of rotation intended to control this third function of the watch. During this rotational movement, the coupling element 9c of the drive element 8 cooperates with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10 in order to generate a displacement of this ring 10. In this context, such a displacement of this ring 10 will then cause the pivoting element 14 to be actuated, which will thus interact with the movement mechanism implementing this third function.

[0049] Similarly, when this control member 2 is configured in the third control position for the control of the fourth function, the end of the drive element 8 is then inserted into the other opening 24b visible on the Figure 8bIn this configuration, the control element 2 is set in motion in a direction of rotation designed to control this fourth function of the watch. This direction of rotation is opposite to the direction of rotation used to control the third function. During this rotational movement, the coupling element 9c of the drive element 8 cooperates with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10 to generate a displacement of this ring 10. In this context, such a displacement of this ring 10 will then cause the corresponding pivoting element 14 to be actuated, which will thus interact with the movement mechanism implementing this fourth function.

[0050] In this embodiment, it is understood that such a control device 1 allows the implementation of a method for controlling the watch and in particular for controlling a plurality of functions of the watch, notably four functions of this watch.

[0051] To achieve this, the method involves activating device 1 to control the first, second, third, or fourth function of the watch. During this process, control element 2 is manipulated to configure it in the axial control position corresponding to the function to be controlled, namely: the first axial control position for the first function, in this first position, the drive zones 33, 34 are joined together to participate in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31; the second axial control position for the second function, in this second position, the drive zones 33, 34 are joined together to participate in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31; the third axial control position for the third or fourth function, in this third position, the drive zones 33, 34 are disjointed from each other to avoid / prohibit / deactivate the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31.

[0052] This manipulation of the control element 2 allows switching from one control position to another for selecting one of the watch's functions. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the control element 2 is initially configured in the first axial control position, which corresponds to the manual winding function.

[0053] As previously mentioned, when the control member 2 is manipulated to be arranged in the first and second control positions, the end of this member 2 is then coupled respectively with the actuating member of the manual winding mechanism and the time-setting member. Once the manual winding function is complete, this process may include a deactivation process for device 1 during which the control member 2 remains configured in this first control position. In the case of the time-setting function, the deactivation process for device 1 in this method may involve the control member 2 being pushed axially towards the external surface 32 of the case 6, or of the movement, moving from the second control position to the first position.

[0054] When the control member 2 is manipulated to move from the first or second control position to the third control position, the gripping element 7 is positioned as close as possible to the outer surface 32 of the case 6. During this manipulation, the control member 2 is moved axially towards the through hole 12, thereby compressing the spring 19 located between the gripping element 7 of the control member 2 and the compression piece 20 within this control member 2. When the actuating portion 9b of the drive element 8 of this control member 2 is located near or even in contact with the outer peripheral wall 15a of the circle 29 of the control member 4, the control member 2 is then rotated to introduce this actuating portion 9b into at least one passage 24a, 24b of the hole crossing 12.As previously mentioned, in this embodiment the through hole 12 may include two passage zones 24a, 24b for controlling the third and fourth different functions of the watch. In this context, the control member 2 is then rotated in a first direction to select the passage zone 24a, 24b corresponding to the third or fourth function to be controlled and to insert the actuating part 9b into it until the shoulder 16 of the drive element 8 abuts against the outer peripheral wall 15a of the circle 29. Once this shoulder 16 is abutted against the outer peripheral wall 15a, the control member 2 is then rotated in a second direction opposite to the first, to be configured in the third control position in order to cooperate with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10.In this last configuration, the coupling element 9c of the actuating part 9b can then cooperate with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10. It should be noted that in this third control position, the coupling element 9c is held against the inner peripheral wall 15b of the circle 29 by the action of the spring 19, which exerts an elastic restoring force on the control member 2. It should be noted that the third control position is that in which the actuating part 9b of the drive element 8 of the control member 2 is engaged in the through hole 12 and / or this part 9b cooperates with or is coupled to the ring 10. In other words, the third control position is that in which the main portion 23a of this actuating part 9b is arranged in the through hole 12.

[0055] Subsequently, manipulating the control member 2 in the second direction of rotation causes a displacement of the ring 10 in the support zone of the circle 29 as a result of the cooperation of the coupling element 9c with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10. This displacement occurs until the coupling element 13 is in contact with the corresponding stop element 28 of the cooperation zone 11. Such a displacement of the ring 10 causes, via its connecting element, a stress to be placed on the first elastic return element 18 arranged in the housing defined in the support zone below this ring 10.During this movement, the actuating element 30 of the ring 10 actuates the corresponding pivoting element 14, causing a change in position of this pivoting element 14 towards an activation position in which a part of this element 14 protrudes from the inner peripheral wall 15b of the circle 29 in order to interact with the corresponding movement mechanism for the implementation of the third or fourth controlled function.

[0056] Subsequently, once the manipulation of the control element 2 is complete, the ring 10 is automatically returned to its rest position by the action of the first elastic return element 18, which then resumes its rest shape. This return of the ring 10 to its rest position automatically returns the pivoting element 14 to its initial position, as it is no longer constrained by the actuating element 30 of the ring 10.

[0057] Next, the method may include a deactivation process for device 1, during which the control member 2 is manipulated by moving from the third control position to the first position. In this context, the control member 2 is then rotated in the first direction until the coupling element 9c is positioned opposite the eccentric portion 25a, 25b of the corresponding passage area 24a, 24b of the through hole 12 of the circle 29. In such a configuration, the spring 19 arranged in the control member 2 returns to its resting shape, causing an axial displacement of the control member 2, which results in the extraction of the actuating portion 9b of the drive element 8 from this passage area 24a, 24b and which automatically places this control member 2 in the first control position.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this description by " approximately perpendicular " Or " approximately perpendicular » , we hear " strictly perpendicular " Or " essentially perpendicular » .

[0059] The invention has been described above by way of example only. It is understood that modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. By way of example, it is understood that the control device 1 can be configured to implement more than the four functions described herein in this embodiment, notably by comprising a circle 29 whose through hole 12 includes more than two passage zones for the actuating portion 9b of the drive element 8 of the control member 2. Nomenclature

[0060] 1. Control device 2. Control organ 3. Support piece 4. Control organ 5. Watch case 6. Case middle 7. Control organ gripping element 8. Drive element 9a. Fixing part 9b. Actuating part 9c. Coupling element of the actuating part 10. Ring 11. Cooperation zone 12. Through hole 13. Ring coupling element 14. Swivel element 15a. Outer peripheral wall 15b. Inner peripheral wall 16. Shoulder included on the outer surface of the drive element 17. Through opening 18. First elastic return element 19. Spring 20. Compression piece 21. Stem 22. Shoulder formed on the compression piece 23a. Portion Main part of the actuation part 23b. Terminal portion of the actuation part 24a. First passage zone 24b. Second passage zone 25a. Eccentric part of the first passage zone 25b. Eccentric part of the second passage zone 26.Central part common to the first and second passage zones 27. Region of the through opening arranged near the pivoting element 28. Stop elements of the cooperation zone 29. Embossing circle 30. Actuating element of the ring 31. Transmission member 32. External surface of the case 33. A drive zone included in the transmission member 34. A drive zone included in the drive element.

Claims

1. Control device (1) for a watch comprising a control member (2) mounted movably in a support part (3) of this device (1), said part (2) being intended to be fixed relative to the watch movement of the watch, said control member (2) comprising a gripping element (7), a drive element (8) mounted integrally with said gripping element (7) and a transmission member (31) capable of being driven in rotation by said drive element (8), said transmission member (31) being configured to cooperate with an actuating member of a manual winding mechanism of the device (1), capable of storing mechanical energy to control a first function of the watch and with a time adjustment member of the device (1) to control a second function of the watch,and said drive element (8) being configured to cooperate with a control member (4) of said device (1) to control third and fourth functions of the watch., 2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the control member (2) is configured to be moved axially relative to its longitudinal axis (A) between first, second and third control positions for carrying out the first, second, third and fourth functions of the watch.

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the control member (2) is configured in a first control position in which a mechanical connection is established between one end of the transmission member (31) and the actuating member for the transmission to said actuating member of a rotational movement of the control member (2) for the implementation of the first function of the watch.

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, in which the control member (2) is configured in a second control position in which a mechanical connection is established between one end of the transmission member (31) and the time adjustment member for the transmission to said adjustment member of a rotational movement of the control member (2) for the implementation of the second function of the watch.

5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when the control member (2) is configured in the first and second control positions, drive zones (33, 34) of respectively the drive element (8) and the transmission member (31) are joined to each other to transmit a rotational movement of the gripping element (7) to the transmission member (31).

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, in which the control member (2) is configured in a third control position in which a mechanical connection is established between a free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) mounted movably in a casing circle (29) of the control member (4) of said device (1), for the transmission to said ring (10) of a rotational movement of the control member (2) for the implementation of the third or fourth function of the watch.

7. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein when the control member (2) is configured in the third control position, drive zones (33, 34) of respectively the drive element (8) and the transmission member (31) are separate from each other, preventing the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element (7) to the transmission member (31).

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, in which the ring (10) of the control member (4) is configured to actuate mechanisms of a clockwork movement of the watch implementing said third and fourth functions.

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the circle (29) comprises on its internal peripheral wall (15b) a cooperation zone (11) between the ring (10) and the free end of the drive element (8), said zone (11) comprising stop elements (28) defining a movement path of this ring (10) mounted movably in the circle (29).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, in which the circle (29) comprises a through hole (12) connecting together inner and outer peripheral walls (15a, 15b) of said circle (29), the hole (12) comprising a passage zone (24a, 24b) of an actuating part (9b) of the drive element (8).

11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the passage zone (24a, 24b) comprises a central part (26) configured for the arrangement of a main portion (23a) of an actuating part (9b) of the drive element (8) in said hole (12) and an eccentric part (25a, 25b) forming a passage allowing a coupling element (9c) of this actuating part (9b) to pass through the body of said circle (29).

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein the ring (10) comprises an actuating element (30) of a pivoting element (14) of the control member (4) configured to actuate the mechanism implementing the third or fourth function of the watch.

13. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the control member (4) comprises a first elastic return element (18) configured to automatically return the ring (10) to a rest position.

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first control position is between the second and third positions.

15. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the drive zone (33) is formed on an inner surface of the drive element (8) and the drive zone (34) is formed on an outer surface of the transmission member (31).

16. Watch comprising a control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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