Clock control device

Abstract

Clock control device (100) for clock movement (200) comprising: - a frame (99), - a control stem (1) having an axis (A1), - a first pinion (4) rotatable by the control stem (1) and capable of coming into connection with at least one first mechanism (80, 70), in particular at least one first mechanism (80, 70) for correcting an indicator member, and - a second pinion (6) rotatable by the control stem (1), capable of being axially displaced both relative to the control stem (1) and relative to the frame (99) and capable of coming into connection with a second mechanism (90), in particular a winding mechanism (90).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clockwork control device for a clock movement. The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising such a clockwork control device. The invention further relates to a timepiece comprising such a clockwork movement or such a clockwork control device. The invention finally relates to a method for operating such a clockwork movement or such a timepiece or such a clockwork control device.

[0002] Patent application EP1152303 describes a mechanism actuated by a control stem, on which are mounted a single sliding pinion integral in rotation with the control stem and a winding pinion mounted free to rotate on said control stem. In the first of the axial positions, the control stem actuates the winding mechanism by means of a rear toothing of the sliding pinion which acts on a front toothing of the winding pinion. In its second axial position, the control stem drives the mechanism for correcting the date and day, also by means of the rear toothing of the sliding pinion which acts on the front toothing of the winding pinion. In its third axial position, the control stem actuates the time correction mechanism by means of a front toothing of the sliding pinion.This mechanism eliminates the risk of involuntary correction of the date or day of the week when moving from the first to the second axial position of the stem. However, it has the disadvantage of leaving the risk of a blockage when moving from the first to the second axial position of the stem when the winding chain is under tension.

[0003] Patent application CH432389 describes a mechanism actuated by a control stem, on which are mounted a single sliding pinion integral in rotation with the control stem and a winding pinion also integral in rotation with said control stem. The switching device for switching from a winding function to a function of correcting an indicator member is made possible here by the implementation of two separate horizontal clutch devices. In particular, the first clutch is dedicated to the winding function, and the second is provided to control the translation of the sliding pinion so as to activate or deactivate the time-setting kinematic chain. Each clutch is provided with a lever with bistable behavior which is arranged in a plane parallel to that of the frame of the timepiece and which is controlled directly by the pull-out.A first position of either of the two rockers corresponds to an activation position of the function associated with it while a second position corresponds to a deactivation position. Thus, it is not possible to add a third correction function of a second indicator such as a derived time indication without installing an additional clutch device.

[0004] Patent EP2724199B1 also describes a mechanism actuated by a control stem, on which are mounted a single sliding pinion integral in rotation with the control stem and a winding pinion also integral in rotation with said control stem. This mechanism has the particularity of comprising a winding mechanism actuated by a vertical clutch, in particular by a vertical clutch perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the control stem, while the correction mechanism of at least one indicator member is actuated by the sliding pinion.

[0005] Application EP3339967A1 aims, for its part, to specifically protect a particular kinematics of the sliding pinion, which is capable of moving in translation relative to the frame in two opposite directions for the same direction of actuation of the control rod, in order to allow the correction of at least two distinct indicator members.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a watch control device making it possible to improve the devices known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a simple and reliable watch control device whose size, in the thickness of the watch movement, is limited.

[0007] According to the invention, a clock control device is defined by claim 1.

[0008] Embodiments of the clock control device are defined by claims 2 to 14.

[0009] According to the invention, a watch movement is defined by claim 15.

[0010] According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 16.

[0011] According to the invention, an operating method is defined by claim 17.

[0012] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention. There figure 1 is a view of an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, a control device being seen from the above side. The figure 2 is a view of the embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention, the drive device being seen from the underside. The figure 3 is a view of the control device in section along the longitudinal axis of the rod, the control device being in a first configuration. figure 4 is a side view below of the control device in the first configuration. The Figure 5 is a top side view of the control device in a second configuration. The figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the control device in the second configuration. The figure 7is a view of the control device in section along the longitudinal axis of the rod, the control device being in the second configuration. figure 8 is a top side view of the control device in a third configuration. The rod figure 9 is a perspective view from below of the control device in the third configuration. The figure 10 is a view of the control device in section along the longitudinal axis of the rod, the control device being in the third configuration.

[0013] An embodiment of a timepiece 300 is described below in detail with reference to figures 1 to 10 .

[0014] The timepiece 300 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece 300 comprises a watch movement 200 intended to be mounted in a timepiece case or box in order to protect it from the external environment.

[0015] The 200 watch movement is a mechanical movement, notably an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement or an electronic movement.

[0016] The watch movement 200 includes a watch control device 100 allowing: to select different watch functions, and to adjust these watch functions or to correct these watch functions or to act on these watch functions.

[0017] The control clock device 100 comprises: a frame 99, and a control rod 1.

[0018] Control rod 1 is movable: in rotation, and in translation along its longitudinal axis A1 and relative to frame 99.

[0019] Preferably, the selection of the clock functions is carried out by translation of the control stem along its longitudinal axis A1 and relative to the frame 99 and / or the adjustment of these clock functions or the correction of these clock functions or the action on these clock functions is carried out by rotation of the control stem along its longitudinal axis A1 and relative to the frame 99.

[0020] The control clock device 100 further comprises: a first pinion 4 rotatable by the control rod 1 and capable of coming into connection with at least one first mechanism 80, 70, in particular at least one first mechanism 80, 70 for correcting an indicator member, and a second pinion 6 rotatable by the control rod 1, capable of being moved axially both relative to the control rod 1 and relative to the frame 99 and capable of coming into connection with a second mechanism 90, in particular a winding mechanism 90.

[0021] The first pinion 4 may be a sliding pinion actuated in translation by a first lever 5, itself actuated by a pull rod 3 controlled under the effect of the translation of the control rod 1. Advantageously, the second pinion 6 is a sliding pinion actuated in translation by a second lever 8, itself actuated by the same pull rod 3 which actuates the first lever 5.

[0022] The control clockwork device is controlled by the control stem 1 which can be arranged in three axial positions P1, P2, P3. These positions are defined by a spring 2 which acts on the positioning of the pull-piece 3 pivoted along an axis A3 relative to the frame 99. In particular, the spring 2 is provided with a beak 2a which cooperates with a pin 31 of the pull-piece. The beak 2a is shaped to define three notches. The pull-piece 3 is connected to the control stem 1 by means of a tenon 3a engaged within a groove 1a of the control stem 1.

[0023] THE figures 1 And 2 respectively illustrate top and bottom views of the control clock device 100, with a control stem 1 arranged in position P1.

[0024] According to the embodiment described, the control watch device 100 is provided to allow the winding of the movement 200 and to allow the correction of a first indicator member and at least one second indicator member as a function of the position of the stem. In particular: In position P1, as shown in the figures 1 to 4 , the control stem 1 is capable of being kinematically linked to a winding mechanism 90 of the movement 200. In particular, a rotation of the control stem 1, in a given direction of rotation, induces the winding of the barrel of the movement 200. In position P2, as shown in the figures 5 to 7, the control stem 1 is kinematically linked to a correction mechanism 80 of a first indicator member, such as a calendar disc, in particular a date disc driven by the movement 200. Thus, a rotation of the control stem 1 allows the correction of a date disc, in particular by increments. In position P3, as shown in the figures 8 to 10 , the control stem 1 is kinematically linked to a correction mechanism 70 of a second indicator member, such as a set of hour and minute hands driven by the movement 200. Thus, a rotation of the control stem 1 induces the adjustment of the hour and minute hands.

[0025] The control rod 1 performs these various correction or adjustment functions by means of the first sliding pinion 4 which is integral with it in rotation. Advantageously, the first pinion 4 is mounted on the control rod 1, in particular the first pinion 4 is mounted directly on the control rod. This pinion 4 has for this purpose an axial opening with non-circular geometry 40 (non-circular cross section) mounted on a portion of complementary geometry 10 of the control rod (complementary non-circular cross section). In particular, the opening 40 of the pinion 4 here has a square shape, intended to cooperate with a square 10 formed on the control rod 1. This pinion 4 is provided with teeth 4a, 4b which are respectively intended to actuate the correction mechanisms 80 and 70 according to the position of the first rocker 5 pivoted about an axis A5 and one end of which is engaged in a groove 4c of the pinion 4.

[0026] The winding function can be operated by means of the second sliding pinion 6 integral in rotation with the stem, which is designed to mesh with a winding pinion 7, freely mounted on the control stem 1, according to the position of the second lever 8 pivoted about an axis A8 and one end of which is engaged in a groove 6b of the pinion 6. Advantageously, the second pinion 6 is mounted on the control stem 1, in particular the second pinion 6 is mounted directly on the control stem. Like the pinion 4, this pinion 6 advantageously has a non-circular axial opening 60 (non-circular cross-section) mounted on the complementary cross-section portion 10 of the control stem 1 (complementary non-circular cross-section). In particular, the opening 60 of the pinion 6 here has a square shape, designed to cooperate with the square 10 formed on the control stem.

[0027] The rockers 5 and 8 are here arranged in two distinct and parallel planes as is more particularly visible on the figures 6 And 9 . In particular, the rocker 5 is in the form of a flat component, while the rocker 8 has a step at its end cooperating with the groove 6b of the pinion 6. Thus, the ends of the rockers 5 and 8 cooperating respectively with the grooves 4c and 6b of the pinions 4 and 6, arranged coaxially with the rod, are arranged in the same plane.

[0028] In position P1, the second lever 8 presses a Breguet toothing 6a of the sliding pinion 6 against a Breguet toothing 7a of the winding pinion 7 under the effect of a return spring 8a here made from the material of the lever 8, the return spring 8a returning the second lever 8 against the pull-out 3. The control device can thus comprise a second element 8a for returning the second lever 8. This return element 8a can in particular be part of the lever 8.

[0029] Consequently, rotating the control stem 1 in a first direction of rotation causes the barrel 96 to be wound up by means of the winding mechanism 90 of the winding chain type. In particular, this winding chain is composed of: of a winding crown 91 meshing with the winding pinion 7, of a wheel 92, of a pinion 93, and of a ratchet 95.

[0030] Preferably, wheel 92 and pinion 93 are pivoted on a conventional winding lever 94.

[0031] In position P1, the pull-out piece 3 has no effect on the lever 8 which is positioned exclusively by its return spring 8a bearing on the frame 99 of the watch movement. In this same position P1, the pinion 4 is out of reach of the gears taking part in the correction mechanisms 80 and 70 thanks to the lever 5, itself positioned by the pull-out piece 3, in particular by a flank 3b of the pull-out piece 3 which acts on a portion 5b of the lever 5 against a return spring 5a bearing against the frame 99. The control device can thus comprise a first element 5a for returning the first lever 5 against the pull-out piece 3. This return element 5a can in particular be part of the lever 5.

[0032] Pulling the control stem 1 towards the outside of the watch movement from position P1 (in the direction of arrow F shown on the Figure 5 ) induces the latter to move into position P2. During this manipulation, a stud 3c or any other conformation projecting from the pull 3 acts against a flank 8c of the lever 8, until it reaches its summit 8d, which causes the pinion 6 to move away from the winding pinion 7. During this same manipulation, the flank 3b of the pull 3 is released from the portion 5b of the lever 5 to be housed in a recess 5c formed by walls 51c and 52c (in bold on the Figure 5 ). Thus, the lever 5 is returned in the direction of the arrow F under the effect of the restitution of its spring 5a and thus causes the meshing of the teeth 4a of the pinion 4 with a toothing 81a of a crown 81 for correcting the dates, as shown in the figure 7 .

[0033] Thus, in position P2, pinion 6 is out of range of winding pinion 7 so that rotation of control stem 1 has no effect on the winding mechanism. In this same position, toothing 4a of pinion 4 is engaged with toothing 81a of crown 81, so that rotation of control stem 1 induces correction of the date. To do this, the crown 81 is engaged with a corrector wheel set 83 via a setting wheel 82. In particular, the wheel set 83 here comprises a corrector 83a whose toothing 831a is designed to act on the toothing 84a of a date disc 84 under the effect of the rotation of the control stem 1. This correction is carried out here in both directions thanks to a wheel set 83 pivoted on the frame 99. Naturally, it is entirely possible to imagine other correction methods.For example, the correcting wheel could be pivoted on a rocker or within an oblong cutout, in particular formed on the frame of the watch movement, so as to allow correction in a single direction of rotation of the control stem 1. Additionally or alternatively, the correcting wheel could allow the correction of other information such as information on the days of the week.

[0034] Pulling the control rod 1 outwards from the movement from position P2 (in the direction of the arrow F shown on the figure 8) induces the latter to move into position P3. During this manipulation, the stud 3c acts against a flank 8e of the lever 8 which is shaped so as to maintain said lever 8 in the same axial position, and thus keep the pinion 6 out of reach of the winding pinion 7. During this same manipulation, the flank 3b of the pull-out 3 emerges from the recess 5c along the wall 52c until reaching its apex 5d, which causes the translation of the pinion 4 towards the inside of the movement (in the direction of the arrow F' illustrated on the figure 8 ) until its teeth 4b mesh with the time-setting wheel 71. This wheel 71 is engaged with an hour wheel 73 and a cannon-pinion (not shown) by means of an intermediate wheel 72. Thus, a rotation of the control stem 1 in position P3 induces a rotation of the hour hands 74 and the minute hands 75 respectively secured to the hour wheel and the cannon-pinion.

[0035] As a result of what is described above, the first pinion 4 is advantageously arranged so as to be actuated in translation by the first lever 5, itself actuated by the pull rod 3 controlled under the effect of the translation of the control rod 1.

[0036] As a result of what is described above, the second pinion 6 is advantageously arranged so as to be actuated in translation by the second rocker 8, itself actuated by the pull rod 3 controlled under the effect of the translation of the control rod 1.

[0037] The first pinion is not necessarily a sliding pinion. It may, for example, have a single axial position (relative to the frame 99) regardless of the axial position of the control rod 1. In such a case, various auxiliary levers and rockers enable the engagement and disengagement of the various correction or adjustment functions of the movement, while the first pinion has a single axial position relative to the frame. In this case or in the case of a sliding pinion, the first pinion is permanently integral in rotation with the rod. Furthermore, the first pinion 4 is directly driven in rotation by the control rod, i.e. without the intermediary of an auxiliary part. In particular, the first pinion 4 may be connected by a sliding connection to the control rod 1.

[0038] Alternatively, the first pinion may be fixed or connected by a built-in or complete connection to the control rod 1. In such a case, the translational movements of the control rod make it possible to engage or disengage a toothing of the first pinion to a toothing of at least one first mechanism 80, 70, in particular at least one first mechanism 80, 70 for correcting an indicator member, in particular to engage or disengage a toothing of the first pinion to a toothing of a first mechanism and to engage or disengage a toothing of the first pinion to a toothing of a second mechanism.

[0039] Alternatively, the pull tab 3 could, for example, be in the form of an assembly of two components capable of being relatively movable between them, in particular to facilitate the assembly or removal of the rod 1 within the movement.

[0040] Advantageously, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the second pinion 6 is permanently integral in rotation with the control rod. Furthermore, the second pinion 6 is directly driven in rotation by the control rod, that is to say without the intermediary of an ancillary part. In particular, the second pinion 6 can be connected by a sliding connection to the control rod 1.

[0041] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the first conformation 3b of pull tab 3 and the first rocker 5 are arranged in the same first plane PA and the second conformation 3c of pull tab 3 and the second rocker 8 are arranged in a second plane PB parallel to the first plane.

[0042] In the above description, the pinions 4 and 6 are arranged coaxially. While this embodiment is particularly advantageous, one could however imagine embodiments in which these pinions are arranged in parallel, for example in the case of a mechanism with a remote control rod 1.

[0043] In this document, by "sliding pinion" we mean a pinion that can move in translation both relative to the stem and relative to the movement frame.

[0044] A mode of execution of a method of operating the control clockwork device 100 described previously and / or the clockwork movement 200 described previously and / or the timepiece 300 described previously is detailed below.

[0045] The process includes: in a first position P1 of the control rod 1, an activation of the second pinion 6 according to the axial positioning of said second pinion along the axis A1 and a deactivation of the first pinion 4 according to the axial positioning of said first pinion along the axis A1, and in a second position P2 of the control rod 1, a deactivation of the second pinion 6 according to the axial positioning of said second pinion along the axis A1 and a first activation of the first pinion 4 according to the axial positioning of said first pinion along the axis A1, and in a third position P3 of the control rod 1, a deactivation of the second pinion 6 according to the axial positioning of said second pinion along the axis A1 and a second activation of the first pinion 4 according to the axial positioning of said first pinion along the axis A1.

[0046] By "activation of a pinion", we mean that the pinion is configured to transmit a movement to a mechanism (in particular correction, adjustment or winding) as a result of a rotation of the control rod 1.

[0047] By "deactivation of a pinion", we mean that the pinion is in a configuration such that it does not transmit movement to a mechanism (in particular correction, adjustment or winding) as a result of a rotation of the control rod 1.

[0048] The second position P2 and third position P3 of the control rod are different. In the second position P2 and third position P3 of the control rod 1, the axial positions of the first gear 4 are different.

[0049] The solutions described above are distinguished in particular by the implementation of a clutch in the plane of the movement allowing winding, made possible by a second sliding pinion, which can advantageously replace a vertical clutch. Such a design has the advantage of providing a compact mechanism, which can be integrated into a particularly fine watch movement, while retaining the operating advantages of a watch control device free from blockage or untimely adjustment when manipulating the control stem, in particular when changing from one to the other of the various axial positions of the control stem.

[0050] In particular, according to solutions described above, a sliding pinion is dedicated exclusively to the engagement of the winding mechanism, in particular by means of a winding pinion mounted to rotate freely around the control stem. Thus, the engagement of the winding mechanism is carried out along the longitudinal axis of the control stem or along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the control stem in the plane of the movement.

Claims

1. A clockwork control device (100) for a clockwork movement (200) comprising: - a frame (99), - a control stem (1) having an axis (A1), - a first pinion (4) rotatable by the control stem (1) and capable of coming into connection with at least one first mechanism (80, 70), in particular at least one first mechanism (80, 70) for correcting an indicator member, and - a second pinion (6) rotatable by the control stem (1), capable of being axially displaced both relative to the control stem (1) and relative to the frame (99) and capable of coming into connection with a second mechanism (90), in particular a winding mechanism (90).

2. A clock control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first pinion (4) is a pinion capable of being axially displaced both relative to the control rod (1) and relative to the frame (99).

3. A clock control device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control clock device (100) comprises a first rocker (5) and a puller (3) and in that the first pinion (4) is arranged so as to be actuated in translation by the first rocker (5), itself actuated by the pull rod (3) controlled under the effect of the translation of the control rod (1).

4. Clock control device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pull tab (3) comprises a first conformation (3b) arranged to act by contact on the first rocker (5), in particular on a side (5b) of the first rocker (5).

5. Clock control device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the device comprises a first element (5a) for returning the first rocker (5) against the pull tab (3).

6. Clock control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe control clock device (100) comprises a second rocker (8) and a pull rod (3) and in that the second pinion (6) is arranged so as to be actuated in translation by the second rocker (8), itself actuated by the pull rod (3) controlled under the effect of the translation of the control rod (1).

7. Clock control device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pull tab (3) comprises a second conformation (3c) arranged to act by contact on the second rocker (8), in particular on a side of the second rocker (8).

8. Clock control device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the device comprises a second element (8a) for returning the second rocker (8) against the pull tab (3).

9. Clock control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims and according to claims 3 and 6, characterized in thatthe first conformation (3b) of pull tab (3) and the first rocker (5) are arranged according to the same first plane (PA) and in that the second conformation (3c) of pull tab (3) and the second rocker (8) are arranged in a second plane (PB) parallel to the first plane.

10. Clock control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the first and second pinions, in particular the first pinion (4), comprises a first toothing (4a) and a second toothing (4b), the first toothing (4a) being capable of actuating a first correction mechanism (80) and the second toothing (4b) being capable of actuating a second correction mechanism (70).

11. Clock control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe second pinion (6) comprises a toothing (6a) capable of actuating a third mechanism (90), in particular a winding mechanism, by means of a winding pinion (7) mounted freely rotatable on the control stem (1).

12. Clock control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is arranged so that the control stem (1) has three stable positions relative to the frame (99): - a first winding position (P1), - a second position (P2) for correcting at least one indication, such as a calendar indication, in particular a bidirectional correction of the at least one indication according to the direction of rotation of the control stem (1) or a correction of two separate indications according to the direction of rotation of the control stem (1), and - a third position (P3) for setting the time.

13. Clock control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pinion (4) and / or the second pinion are mounted on the control rod (1).

14. Clock control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pinion (4) has a non-circular, in particular square, opening (40), cooperating with a complementary conformation (10), in particular square, of the control rod (1) and / or in that the second pinion (6) has a non-circular, in particular square, opening (60), cooperating with a complementary conformation (10), in particular square, of the control rod (1).

15. Watch movement (200) comprising a watch control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

16. Timepiece (300), in particular wristwatch, comprising a watch control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and / or a watch movement (200) according to the preceding claim.

17. Method of operating a control clockwork device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and / or a clockwork movement (200) according to claim 15 and / or a timepiece (300) according to claim 16, characterized in thatit comprises: - in a first position (P1) of the control rod (1), an activation of the second pinion (6) according to the axial positioning of said second pinion along the axis (A1) and a deactivation of the first pinion (4) according to the axial positioning of said first pinion along the axis (A1), and - in a second position (P2) of the control rod (1), a deactivation of the second pinion (6) according to the axial positioning of said second pinion along the axis (A1) and a first activation of the first pinion (4) according to the axial positioning of said first pinion along the axis (A1), and - in a third position (P3) of the control rod (1), a deactivation of the second pinion (6) according to the axial positioning of said second pinion along the axis (A1) and a second activation of the first pinion (4) according to the axial positioning of said first pinion along the axis (A1).

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