Clutch device for a system for controlling a timepiece movement

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a control system (1) of a watch movement comprising a clutch device (40) configured to control at least one function of this movement by comprising a control device (2) and a support piece (3) intended to be fixed relative to the watch movement and in which piece (3) this control device (2) is mounted movable, the control device (2) comprising a gripping element (7) capable of being driven in a rotational movement, a first drive element (31) including the first coupling end (32) and the first drive zone (36) and a second drive element (8) mounted integrally with the gripping element (7), this second drive element (8) including the second coupling end (33) and the second drive zone (37).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the field of watchmaking, and in particular the control systems of a watch movement comprising a clutch device. Technological background

[0002] In the current state of the art, we know of control systems 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 come in different 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 system that allows the functions of the watch to be controlled without the need to use an actuation tool.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a control system for a watch movement comprising a clutch device having first and second coupling ends and first and second drive zones, said clutch device being configured to control at least one function of this movement by comprising a control device and a support piece intended to be fixed relative to the watch movement and in which piece this control device is mounted movably, the control device comprising: a gripping element capable of being driven in a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of the clutch device; a first drive element including the first coupling end and the first drive zone; a second drive element mounted integrally with the gripping element, this second drive element including the second coupling end and the second drive zone, said second zone being capable of being joined to the first drive zone to drive the first drive element in the rotational movement; said elements being configured to transmit this rotational movement to a functional movement organ when said gripping element is arranged in an axial position to control said function.

[0008] In other embodiments: The body of the first drive element is arranged within the hollow body of the second drive element; a portion of the body of the first drive element, equipped with the first coupling end, protrudes from an opening formed in the second coupling end of the hollow body of the second drive element; the first and second drive elements are coaxial; the first coupling end of the first drive element is configured to be arranged within the watch movement in all axial positions of the grasping element; the second coupling end of the second drive element is configured to be arranged outside the watch movement in all axial positions of the grasping element;the first coupling end is configured to transmit said rotational movement to an actuation member of a manual winding mechanism of said system, capable of storing mechanical energy when said gripping element is arranged in a first axial control position of a first function of the watch during which first position the first and second drive zones are joined together; the first coupling end is configured to transmit said rotational movement to a time-setting member of said system when said gripping element is arranged in a second axial control position of a second function of the watch during which second position the first and second drive zones are joined together;the second coupling end is configured to transmit said rotational movement to a control member of said system when said gripping element is arranged in a third axial position for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch, in which third position the first and second drive zones are disjoint from each other; the first drive element is movable in axial translation and in rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis relative to the second drive element; the first drive zone is formed on an external surface of the first drive element and the second drive zone is formed on an internal surface of the second drive element; the first and second drive zones are arranged opposite each other in the clutch device;The first and second drive zones are configured to cooperate with each other during frictional contact so as to transmit the rotational movement of the gripping element to the first drive element via the second drive element.

[0009] The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a control system. 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 3represent different views of the control system of a watch movement comprising a clutch device having two coupling ends and two drive zones capable of participating in the control / command / piloting of functions of said movement, according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 4 represents a view of the clutch device comprising a control device including first and second drive elements mounted integrally with a gripping element of this device, this gripping element being configured 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 clutch device comprising the control device including the first and second drive elements mounted integrally with a gripping element of this device, this gripping element being configured 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 clutch device comprising the control device including the first and second drive elements mounted integrally with a gripping element of this device, this gripping element being configured in a third axial position for controlling a third function of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the figure 7represents a view of the clutch device comprising the control device including the first and second drive elements mounted integrally with a gripping element of this device, this gripping element being configured in the third axial control position of a fourth function of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the figures 8a and 8b represent views of a portion of an external peripheral wall of a casing circle of a control element of the control system, said portion comprising a through hole having at least one passage zone for the second coupling end of the second drive element of the control device for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch, according to the embodiment of the invention; the figure 9represents 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 10 represents a view of the control device comprising the gripping element configured in the third axial control position after a rotation of this gripping 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 device comprising the gripping element configured in the third axial control position after the gripping element has been driven into a rotational movement for the control of the fourth function, according to the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0011] With reference to figures 1 to 11 The present invention relates to a watch, also called a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, comprising a control system 1 for a watch movement, including a clutch device 40 having first and second coupling ends 32, 33, and first and second drive zones 36, 37. This clutch device 40 is configured to control at least one function of this movement. For a better understanding of the invention, the embodiment described herein relates to a control system 1 that is configured to implement, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, four functions, namely: first, second, third, and fourth functions.

[0012] The 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 mentioned, this movement is configured to perform at least one watch function, and in this embodiment, four watch functions. These functions are controlled from the clutch device 40 for the purpose of adjusting, correcting, or activating mechanisms of this movement or its functional components. It should be noted that these functions are preferably controlled independently of one another by actuating a gripping element 7 of a control device 2 included in this clutch device 40. In this context, this clutch device 40 can be considered as a device 40 that participates in the control or steering of a mechanism of the movement or a functional component thereof in order to perform 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 by the control system, and in particular by the clutch device 40.

[0015] To achieve this, system 1 comprises the clutch device 40 and the functional components 4, which control the watch's function(s). These functional components include, for example, an actuating element for a manual winding mechanism capable of storing mechanical energy, a time-setting element, and a control element 4, the operation of which will be described in more detail later.

[0016] In this configuration, the clutch device 40 includes a support piece 3 and the control device 2 which can be, for example, a push button with a rotating head or a crown or a push-button crown, a winding crown or any crown that allows action on the watch movement.

[0017] In this clutch device 40, the support piece 3, which can also be called " support and guide pieceThis 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.

[0018] As for the control device 2, it is mounted movably within this through-opening in the support piece 3. Such a control device 2 is intended to be engaged through the case 6 of the watch case 5 by means of this support piece 3. This control device 2 comprises: the gripping element 7; a first rotating drive element 31 which includes the first coupling end 32 and the first drive zone 36 of the clutch device 40; a second rotating drive element 8 which is formed of a hollow body consisting of a tubular extension integral with this gripping element 7 and which includes the second coupling end 33 and the second drive zone 37 of the clutch device 40.

[0019] In this control device 2, the second drive element 8 is arranged essentially in the support piece 3 and is also configured to be moved or even slid in the opening provided in this piece 3.

[0020] The hollow body of this second drive element 8 comprises three parts: a fixing portion 9a connected to the gripping element 7, an insertable portion 9b that can be inserted into the through hole 12, and a coupling portion 9c configured to cooperate with the control member 4 in order to participate in the operation of the third or fourth function of the watch. It should be noted that this coupling portion 9c is included in the second coupling end 33 of this second drive element 8 of the clutch device 40. In the body of this second drive element 8, the insertable portion 9b is arranged successively with the fixing portion 9a. These two parts 9a and 9b are also connected to each other by a shoulder 16 formed on the external surface of the body of this second drive element 8, as can be seen in the figures 4 to 7The insertable part 9b consists of a main portion 23a and a terminal portion 23b. In this configuration, the main portion 23a is located between the shoulder 16 and the terminal portion 23b.

[0021] In this second drive element 8, the coupling portion 9c extends perpendicularly to an external surface of the insertable part 9b. More specifically, this coupling portion 9c extends substantially perpendicularly to an area of ​​this surface contained within the terminal portion 23b of the insertable part 9b. In other words, this coupling portion 9c extends substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A of the control device 2. Such a longitudinal axis A is also a central axis of the clutch device 40 and therefore of the control device 2 and the support piece 3.

[0022] Thus, the insertable part 9b and the coupling portion 9c together form the second coupling end 33 of the second drive element 8. In other words, such a second end 33 is then formed from the main and terminal portions 23a, 23b and also from the coupling portion 9c. In this context, the coupling portion 9c therefore extends substantially perpendicularly to the surface of this second end 33.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that the fixing part 9a of the second drive element 8 can be driven into the gripping element 7 or be attached to the material along with this gripping element 7. In this configuration, it is understood that this second drive element 8 is driven in axial translation or rotation under the impulse / actuation of the gripping element 7. As mentioned previously, this second drive element 8 includes a shoulder referenced 16 on the figures 4 to 7, which connects the fixing and insertable parts 9a, 9b to each other. 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.

[0024] Furthermore, as we have mentioned, this second drive element 8 includes the second drive zone 37, which is formed in its internal surface. More precisely, this second drive zone 37 is formed in a portion of the internal surface located in the mounting part 9a of the second drive element 8. This second drive zone 37 includes a contact face that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0025] In this control device 2, the first drive element 31 includes the first coupling end 32 of the clutch device 40, said first end 32 being mounted integrally with the gripping element 7. This first end 32 is an end of a rod 21 which is included in this first drive element 31.

[0026] Such a first drive element 31 also includes a spring 19 which is freely mounted in a cylindrical housing defined in the hollow body of the second drive element 8, in particular in the fixing portion 9a which is fixed to the gripping element 7 of the control device 2. This first drive element 31 also includes a compression piece 20 for this spring 19 bearing against the rod 21. This piece 20 includes a shoulder 22 forming a bearing area for one end of the spring 19, the shoulder 22 being located opposite the gripping element 7 which forms the other bearing area capable of cooperating with the second end of this spring 19. It should be noted that the shoulder 22 is located opposite an inner face of this gripping element 7, this face forming the other bearing area capable of cooperating with the second end of this spring 19.

[0027] In this configuration, the first drive element 31 is arranged partly in the hollow body of the second drive element 8. Indeed, in this configuration a part of the body of the first drive element 31 provided with the first coupling end 32 protrudes from the opening 34 formed in the second coupling end 33 of the hollow body of the second drive element 8.

[0028] Furthermore, as we have mentioned, this first training element 31 includes the first training zone 36, which is formed on its external surface. This first training zone 36 includes a contact face that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0029] It should be noted that the first and second drive zones 36, 37, in particular the contact faces of the latter, are arranged opposite each other in the clutch device 40. Moreover, these first and second drive zones 36, 37, 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 first drive element 31 via the second drive element (8).

[0030] In the clutch device 40, the first and second drive elements 31, 33 are coaxial. In other words, this first drive element 31 and this second drive element 8, as well as these first and second coupling ends 32, 33, have the same central axis which is the longitudinal axis A.

[0031] In this context, the first coupling end 32 is configured to be arranged within the watch movement in all axial positions that the gripping element 7 can occupy, and the second coupling end 33 is configured to be arranged outside the watch movement in all axial positions that this gripping element 7 can occupy. Finally, it should be noted that the first drive element 31 is movable in axial translation and rotation relative to the longitudinal axis A, relative to the second drive element 8. Similarly, the first coupling end 32 is movable in axial translation and rotation relative to the longitudinal axis A, relative to the second coupling end 33.

[0032] In the clutch device 40, the first coupling end 32 is configured in particular to: to communicate / transmit the rotational movement applied to gripping element 7 of the control device 2: to the actuating member of the manual winding mechanism when said gripping element 7 is arranged in the first axial control position of the first function of the watch, during which first position the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are joined together to participate in the transmission of this rotational movement; or to the time-setting member when said gripping element 7 is arranged in the second axial control position of the second function of the watch, during which second position the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are joined together to participate in the transmission of this rotational movement;to improve the cooperation between the coupling portion 9c and the coupling element 13 in order to ensure optimal movement of the ring 10 in the support area of ​​the circle 29. ;

[0033] Under these conditions, this first coupling end 32 can be called: winding and / or time-setting end of the watch.

[0034] As for the second coupling end 33 of the first drive element 31, it is configured in particular to transmit the rotational movement of the gripping element 7 to the control member 4 of said system 1 when said gripping element 7 is arranged in a third axial position for controlling the third or fourth function of the watch. In this third position of the gripping element 7, the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are disjoint. In other words, in this configuration, when the gripping element 7 is rotated, only the second drive element 8 performs this rotational movement because this element 8 is both fixed to this gripping element 7 and because the first and second zones 36, 37 are disjoint from each other, i.e., not in contact with each other.

[0035] As we have mentioned, the control system 1 is capable of implementing a plurality of functions of the watch movement and this according to different axial positions of the gripping element 7 relative to the movement or relative to an external surface 35 of the case 6 of this watch and also according to the direction of rotation of this gripping element 7 in the selected axial position.

[0036] Indeed, the control device 2, which includes the gripping element 7, is mounted movably in the support piece 3, being actuable in rotation, and in tension or in thrust relative to its longitudinal axis A and relative to this support piece 3. Under these conditions, the gripping element 7 is configured to be moved axially relative to its longitudinal axis A between the first, second and third axial control positions for the realization respectively of the first, second, third and fourth functions of the watch.

[0037] More specifically, when this gripping element 7 is configured in the first control position to operate the first function of this watch, the first coupling end 32 is mechanically linked to the actuating member, and the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are joined together. In this configuration, this first end 32 then transmits the rotational movement of the gripping element 7 to the actuating member, resulting from the interaction of the first and second drive zones 36, 37.

[0038] This first control position can also be called the reassembly position. Note 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 gripping element 7 or the control device 2.

[0039] This first control position is preferably located between the second and third axial control positions. In other words, to configure the gripping element 7 in: the second control position from the first position, the gripping element 7 and therefore the control device 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 35 of the case 6 of the watch, that is to say in a direction tending to move the gripping element 7 away from the movement or the external surface 35 of the case 6 of the watch, and during this axial movement the first and second drive zones 36, 37 remain joined to each other;the third control position from the first position, this gripping element 7 and therefore the control device 2, is then moved axially along the longitudinal axis A of this first control position in a direction oriented towards the movement or the external surface 35 of the case 6 of the watch, and during this axial movement the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are then separated from each other. ;

[0040] When this gripping element 7 is configured in the second control position to operate the second function of this watch, the first coupling end 32 is mechanically linked to the time-setting mechanism, and the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are joined together. In this configuration, this first end 32 transmits the rotational movement of the gripping element 7 to the time-setting mechanism, resulting from the interaction of the first and second drive zones 36, 37.

[0041] Finally, when this gripping element 7, and therefore the control device 2, is configured in the third control position, a mechanical link is established between the second coupling end 33 and the ring 10 of the control member 4. This link transmits a rotational movement of the gripping element 7 to the ring 10, thereby activating the third or fourth function of the watch. In this configuration, the first and second drive zones 36 and 37 are disjointed, meaning 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.

[0042] This control element 4 is preferably configured to be connected to the watch movement, particularly when activating a mechanism of this movement to perform the third or fourth function of the watch. To this end, this element 4 comprises the casing ring 29, a ring 10, at least one first elastic return element 18, and at least one movable actuating element 30.

[0043] 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 internal and external peripheral walls connecting these two faces.

[0044] In this configuration, the upper face of the circle 29 includes a support area designed to accommodate or receive the ring 10 as part of its arrangement within 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 stressed as part of the control of the third or fourth function of the watch.

[0045] The mounting circle 29 of this component 4 also includes a through hole 12 connecting its inner and outer peripheral walls 15a, 15b. This hole 12 includes a central axis B that coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the clutch device 40. In this configuration, the geometry of this hole 12 and its location within the circle 29 are defined so that the second coupling end 33 can pass through it. This hole 12 includes passage zones 24a, 24b for this second end 33 to control the third and fourth functions of the watch.

[0046] With reference to figures 8a to 11This hole 12 has first and second passage zones 24a, 24b configured for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch, respectively. In other words, these two passage zones 24a, 24b allow for the structural configuration of such a through hole 12 for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch. In this context, each passage zone 24a, 24b comprises a central part 26 configured for the arrangement of the main portion 23a of the insertable part 9b and therefore of the second coupling end 33 in the through hole 12, and an eccentric part 25a, 25b configured for the passage of the coupling portion 9c in this hole 12. This eccentric part 25a, 25b forms a passage allowing the coupling portion 9c to cross the body of said circle 29 to a cooperation zone 11 defined in the internal peripheral wall 15b which we will discuss later.In this context, it is understood that the two passage zones 24a, 24b share the same central portion 26. In other words, the central portions 26 of these two zones 24a, 24b coincide. In this configuration, the central portion 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 insertable part 9b. A distance is defined as... "significantly lower that this distance is strictly inferior Or " essentially inferior » to the length of the main portion 23a.

[0047] 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.

[0048] As previously mentioned, the circle 29 includes a cooperation zone 11 between the second coupling end 33 and the control member 4. More precisely, this zone 11 is the location of the cooperation between the coupling portion 9c of this second end 32 and a coupling element 13 of the ring 10, in order to generate a displacement of this ring 10 within the circle 29. Such a 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 cooperating with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10 so as to define the displacement stroke of this movable ring 10 within the circle 29.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In this control member 4, 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.

[0052] This ring 10 also includes a linking element to the first elastic return element 18 arranged in a housing included in the support area of ​​the circle 29. This linking element is included on the lower face of this ring 10. This element extends substantially perpendicularly from this lower face and in the direction of the bottom of the corresponding housing including this first elastic return element.

[0053] In other words, this connecting element is partially arranged within the housing of the support zone, 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 is likely to bear against, or be supported by, a wall of this housing arranged opposite this connecting element. It is understood that in this configuration, the connecting element, being partially located within the housing, is therefore likely to be displaced within the housing to compress this return element 18 when the ring 10 is in motion.

[0054] With reference to figures 2 , 9 and 10The 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 relief on this face that is essentially polygonal in shape. This shape is particularly well-suited for achieving optimal coupling with the coupling portion 9c of the second coupling end 33.

[0055] As previously mentioned, the control device 2 also includes the first drive element 31, which is configured to improve cooperation between the second coupling end 33, comprising the coupling portion 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 first drive element 31 helps to maintain the contact established between the coupling portion 9c of the second coupling end 33 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 this coupling portion 9c and the coupling element 13 during the movement of the ring 10 in the circle 29.

[0056] In this embodiment, it is understood that such a system 1 allows the implementation of a method for controlling the watch movement and in particular for controlling at least one function of this watch such as the first, second, third or fourth function mentioned previously.

[0057] To achieve this, the method involves activating the clutch device 40 to control the first, second, third, or fourth function of the watch. During this process, the first or second coupling end 32, 33 is mechanically connected to the functional component corresponding to the function to be controlled by manipulating the gripping element 7 to configure it in the axial control position that ensures the mechanical connection with this functional component, namely: the first axial control position for establishing a mechanical link between the first coupling end 32 and the actuating member of the manual winding mechanism for the performance of the first function, during this first position the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are joined together to participate in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the first drive element 31; the second axial control position for establishing a mechanical link between the first coupling end 33 and the time-setting member for the performance of the second function, during this second position the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are joined together to participate in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the first drive element 31;the third axial control position for establishing a mechanical link between the second coupling end 33 and the control member 4 for the performance of the third or fourth function, during this third position the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are disjointed from each other to avoid / prohibit / deactivate the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the first drive element 31. ;

[0058] Such manipulation of the gripping element 7, and therefore of the control device 2, allows switching from one control position to another for selecting the functional component involved in performing one of the watch's functions. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the gripping element 7 is initially configured in the first axial control position, which corresponds to the position where the first coupling end 32 is mechanically connected to the winding mechanism's actuating member for performing the first function.

[0059] As we mentioned earlier, when the gripping element 7 is manipulated to be arranged in the first and second control positions, the first coupling end 32 is then mechanically connected respectively to the actuating member of the manual winding mechanism and the time-setting member.

[0060] It should be noted that when the gripping element 7 is configured in the first control position and the manual winding function performed during a rotation of this gripping element 7 in this position is completed, then the method may include a process for deactivating the clutch device 40 during which the gripping element 7 remains configured in this first control position. When the gripping element 7 is configured in the second control position and the time-setting function performed during a rotation of this gripping element 7 in this position is completed, then the method may include a process for deactivating the clutch device 40.During this process the gripping element 7 is pushed axially towards the external surface 35 of the frame 6, or the movement, passing from the second position to the first control position.

[0061] Furthermore, when the gripping element 7 is manipulated to be arranged in the third control position, the second coupling end 33 is then mechanically connected to the control member 4 by moving from the first position to the third control position, which is the position where the gripping element 7 is arranged closest to the external surface 35 of the frame 6. During this manipulation, this gripping element 7 is moved axially from this first position towards the through hole 12, thereby generating a compression of the spring 19 arranged between the gripping element 7 and the compression piece 20 included in the control device 2.When the second coupling end 33 is located near or even in contact with the outer peripheral wall 15a of the circle 29 of the control member 4, the gripping element 7 is then rotated to introduce this second coupling end 33, provided with the coupling portion 9c, into the passage zone 24a, 24b of the through hole 12 according to the third or fourth function to be controlled. As previously mentioned, in this embodiment the through hole 12 may include two passage zones 24a, 24b, intended for controlling the third and fourth functions of the watch.In this context, the gripping element 7 is then manipulated in rotation in a first direction in order to select the passage zone 24a, 24b relating to the function to be controlled and to insert this second coupling end 33 until the shoulder 16 connecting the fixing and insertable parts 9a, 9b of the second drive element 8, comes to rest against the outer peripheral wall 15a of the circle 29. Once this shoulder 16 is abutted against the outer peripheral wall 15a, the gripping element 7 is then manipulated 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, where the gripping element 7 is in the third control position, the second coupling end 33 can then cooperate with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10 via the coupling portion 9c. It should be noted that in this third control position, the coupling portion 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 gripping element 7. It should be noted that the third control position is that in which the second coupling end 33 is engaged in the through hole 12 and / or this second end 33 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 the insertable part 9b is arranged in the through hole 12.

[0062] Subsequently, manipulating the gripping element 7 in the second direction of rotation causes a displacement of the ring 10 in the support area of ​​the circle 29 as a result of the cooperation of the coupling portion 9c of the second coupling end 33 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 area 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 area 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 the position of this pivoting element 14 towards an activation position in which a portion of this element 14 protrudes from the inner peripheral wall 15b of the circle 29 in order to interact with the corresponding movement mechanism to implement the controlled function. Subsequently, once the manipulation of the gripping element 7 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.

[0063] Next, the method may include a deactivation process for the clutch device 40, during which the gripping element 7 is manipulated by moving from the third position to the first control position. In this context, the gripping element 7 is then rotated in the first direction until the coupling portion 9c of the second coupling end 33 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 first drive element 31 returns to its resting shape, causing an axial displacement of the gripping element 7, which results in the extraction of the second coupling end 33 from this passage area 24a, 24b and automatically places this gripping element 7 in the first control position.

[0064] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this description by " approximately perpendicular " Or " roughly perpendicularly", we hear " strictly perpendicular " Or " essentially perpendicular "

[0065] 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 system 1 can be configured to implement more than four of the functions described herein in this embodiment, notably by comprising a circle 29 whose through hole 12 includes more than two passage zones for the second coupling end 33. Nomenclature

[0066] 1. Watch movement control system 2. Control device 3. Support piece 4. Control element 5. Watch case 6. Case body 7. Clutch device gripping element 8. Second drive element 9a. Fixing part 9b. Insertable part 9c. Coupling portion 10. Ring 11. Cooperation area 12. Through hole 13. Coupling element of a ring 14. Swivel element of the control element 15a. Outer peripheral wall of a casing ring 15b. Inner peripheral wall of the socket circle 16 Shoulder included on the outer surface of the second drive element 17. Through opening 18. First elastic return element 19. Spring 20. Compression piece 21. Rod 22. Shoulder formed on the compression piece 23a. Main portion of the insertable part 23b. Terminal portion of the insertable part 24a. First passage zone 24b. Second passage zone 25a.Off-center part of the first passage zone 25b. Off-center 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. Casing circle 30. Ring actuation element 31. First drive element 32. First coupling end 33. Second coupling end 34. Opening of the hollow body of the second drive element 35. External surface of the watch case 36. First drive zone of the first drive element 37. Second drive zone of the second drive element 40. Clutch device.

Claims

1. Control system (1) of a watch movement of a watch comprising a clutch device (40) provided with first and second coupling ends (32, 33) and first and second drive zones (36, 37), said clutch device (40) being configured to control at least one function of this movement by comprising a control device (2) and a support part (3) intended to be fixed relative to the watch movement of the watch and in which part (3) this control device (2) is movably mounted, the control device (2) comprising: - a gripping element (7) capable of being driven in a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis (A) of the clutch device (40); - a first drive element (31) including the first coupling end (32) and the first drive zone (36);- a second drive element (8) mounted integrally with the gripping element (7), this second drive element (8) including the second coupling end (33) and the second drive zone (37), said second zone (37) being capable of being joined to the first drive zone (36) to drive the first drive element (31) in the rotational movement; these said elements (31, 8) being configured to transmit this rotational movement to a functional member of the movement when said gripping element (7) is arranged in an axial position for controlling said function.; 2. Control system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body of the first drive element (31) is arranged in the hollow body of the second drive element (8).

3. Control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a part of the body of the first drive element (31) provided with the first coupling end (32) projects from an opening (34) formed in the second coupling end (33) of the hollow body of the second drive element (8).

4. Control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second drive elements (31, 33) are coaxial.

5. Control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling end (32) of the first drive element (31) is configured to be arranged in the watch movement in all axial positions of the gripping element (7).

6. Control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling end (33) of the second drive element (8) is configured to be arranged outside the watch movement in all axial positions of the gripping element (7).

7. Control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling end (32) is configured to transmit said rotational movement to: - an actuating member of a manual winding mechanism of said system (1), capable of storing mechanical energy when said gripping element (7) is arranged in a first axial position for controlling a first function of the watch in which first position the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are joined together; - a time adjustment member of said system (1) when said gripping element (7) is arranged in a second axial position for controlling a second function of the watch in which second position the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are joined together.

8. Control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling end (33) is configured to transmit said rotational movement to a control member (4) of said system when said gripping element (7) is arranged in a third axial position for controlling third and fourth functions of the watch, during which third position the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are separate from each other.

9. Control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first drive element (31) is movable in axial translation and in rotation relative to the longitudinal axis (A) relative to the second drive element (8).

10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first drive zone (36) is formed on an outer surface of the first drive element (31) and the second drive zone (37) is formed on an inner surface of the second drive element (8).

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are arranged opposite each other in the clutch device (40).

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are configured to cooperate with each other during frictional contact so as to transmit the rotational movement of the gripping element (7) to the first drive element (31) via the second drive element (8).

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

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