Control device for timepiece

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control device (10) for a timepiece, comprising a first rod (12) extending along a first axis, an actuator (14) fixed to the first rod (12), a second rod (22) extending along a second axis parallel to said first axis, and a transmission block (30) connecting said first and second rods (12, 22). The transmission block comprises a frame (32, 40) and a gear train (46, 47, 48) mounted in the frame and kinematically connecting the first rod (12) to the second rod (22). The control device (10) further comprises a pusher (18) associated with the actuator (14) and a control member (13) connected to the pusher (18) and configured to move along the first rod (12) when the pusher (18) is actuated.The transmission block (30) is further associated with a rocker (50) arranged to cooperate with the control member (13) and configured to control at least one mechanism of the timepiece.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a timepiece. The control device is particularly well suited to fulfill the functions of a control element, typically comparable to a winding stem, comprising two parallel rods kinematically connected by a transmission block and capable of further actuating a timepiece mechanism via a pusher mounted partly in the crown. State of the art

[0002] Winding stem control devices already exist that consist of two parallel stems kinematically linked by a transmission block. This transmission block is designed to transmit rotational and translational movements applied to the crown stem to the movement side of the stem. This type of control device allows greater freedom in the positioning of the crown on the winding stem within the watch case band. This has the advantage of allowing the crown to be positioned independently of the movement's position within the watch case. Document EP1134628B1 discloses such a control device.

[0003] We also know of watch crowns equipped with an integrated pusher. This type of crown is not limited to the classic functions of setting the time and winding the movement. Thanks to this pusher, the crown can also activate other functions, which can include, for example, starting, stopping, and resetting a chronograph mechanism by the action of a control lever acting on the chronograph's column wheel via a ratchet. The integration of a pusher into the crown is often found in high-end watches to improve the crown's versatility and the watch's aesthetics, while maintaining intuitive operation for the user.

[0004] The pusher is thus partially integrated into the crown and is connected to a tube mounted coaxially with the winding stem. When pressure is applied to the pusher, this tube actuates a rocker positioned on the periphery of the watch movement, for example, the aforementioned control rocker used to operate the various functions of a chronograph.

[0005] However, pushers integrated into the crowns cannot be used with control devices featuring two parallel rods connected by a transmission block such as the one mentioned previously. The size and positioning of such a transmission block prevent the rocker arm from being placed at the periphery of the movement, making it impossible to actuate it via the coaxial tube. Brief summary of the invention

[0006] One aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a control device for a watch part, comprising two parallel rods controlled by an actuator to which is further associated a push button for the actuation of a mechanism.

[0007] According to the invention, this objective is achieved in particular by means of a control device for a timepiece, comprising a first rod extending along a first axis, an actuator fixed to the first rod, a second rod extending along a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a transmission block connecting the first and second rods. The transmission block comprises a frame and a gear train mounted in the frame and kinematically connecting the first rod to the second rod. The control device further comprises a pusher associated with the actuator and a control member connected to the pusher and configured to move along the first rod when the pusher is actuated. The transmission block is further associated with a rocker arranged to cooperate with the control member and configured to control at least one mechanism of the timepiece.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the rocker comprises an actuable part and an actuating part arranged on either side of the transmission block so that the actuable part can cooperate with the control member when the pusher is actuated to control the clockwork mechanism by the actuating part.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the rocker is mounted pivotally within the frame.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the rocker arm is mounted to pivot in a plane orthogonal to the general plane of the gear train.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the rocker comprises a central part with a pivot having an upper part and a lower part mounted pivotally in a housing of the frame.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the frame comprises a first and second plate arranged on either side of the gear train. The housing is located, at least in part, in one of said first and second plates.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a main part and two secondary parts arranged on either side of the main part. The main part has lower and upper portions bearing against a shoulder located on a surface that is respectively lower and upper on the central part of the rocker. Each secondary part of the housing has two opposing portions against which the upper and lower parts of the rocker pivot bear.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first and second plates each have a groove through which the actuable and actuating parts of the rocker pass respectively.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the frame has at least four edges and an open slot on one of the edges to allow the second rod to be inserted.

[0016] In one embodiment, the transmission block further includes a rocker support. The rocker is pivotally mounted on this support.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the tilting support is arranged against a lateral side of the frame or forms a single piece with it.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rocker is traversed by a pivot fixed to said support. The pivot is preferably a screw.

[0019] In one embodiment, the actuator is a crown on a winding stem. The pusher is mounted, at least partially, within the crown. The control element is a tube arranged coaxially with the first stem.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece comprising the control device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0021] In one embodiment, the timepiece comprises a case with a housing. The transmission mechanism is mounted in the housing so that it can move within it in translation.

[0022] In one embodiment, the timepiece's mechanism is a chronograph, for example, a split-seconds chronograph. The function associated with the pusher is chosen from among starting, stopping, resetting, and activating the chronograph's split-seconds function. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Examples of implementation of the invention are shown in the description illustrated by the accompanying figures, in which: there figure 1illustrates a perspective view of the control device according to a preferred embodiment in which the device is adapted to, on the one hand, fulfill the functions of a winding stem and, on the other hand, actuate a watch mechanism via the pusher mounted in the crown. figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the transmission block of the control device of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a crown stem of the control device of the figure 1 with the crown pusher disassembled; the figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a winding stem of the control device of the figure 1 including a pinion from the transmission block; the figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the transmission block in the plane of the gear train; the figure 6 illustrates a side view of the control device of the figure 1with the crown stem in a nominal position; the figure 7 illustrates a view similar to the figure 6 when the pusher is pressed to trigger a clockwork mechanism; figures 8 to 10 illustrate cross-sectional views of the control device of the figure 1 mounted in the case of a timepiece in a position respectively for setting the time, nominal and nominal with the pusher activated to trigger the mechanism, and the figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the control device, according to another embodiment. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0024] According to a preferred form of realization and with reference to the figure 1The control device 10 is adapted to perform the conventional functions of a winding stem, namely winding and setting the time, and optionally correcting the date for a timepiece equipped with a calendar mechanism. The control device 10 comprises a first stem 12, called the control stem, a crown 14 attached to one end of the control stem 12, a second stem 22, called the winding stem, extending along a second axis parallel to the axis of the control stem 12 and adapted to perform, in particular, the aforementioned winding and time-setting functions, as well as a transmission block 30 configured to kinematically connect the control stem 12 to the winding stem 22.

[0025] More specifically, the transmission joint 30 is arranged to transmit to the winding stem 22 the rotational and translational movements exerted on the control stem 12 via the crown 14. The control device 10 further comprises a control member which, in the illustrated example, is in the form of a tube 13 mounted coaxially on the control stem 12, and a pusher 18 mounted partly in the crown 14.

[0026] In view of the figure 2The transmission block 30 comprises a frame enclosing a gear train 46, 47, 48 for transmitting to the winding stem 22 the rotational movements applied to the control stem 12 via the crown 14. A rocker 50 is also partially mounted within the frame to control a clockwork mechanism, as will be seen later. The frame may, for example, include two plates 32, 40 fixed against each other to enclose the gear train 46, 47, 48 and, in part, the rocker 50.

[0027] The two plates 32, 40 can be fastened together, for example, by means of four fastening systems mounted at the four corners of each plate. Each fastening system can, for example, comprise a screw 57 mounted in a hole in the first plate 32 and a socket nut 58 mounted in a corresponding hole in the second plate 40, into which the screw 57 is screwed.

[0028] The rocker 50 is arranged to cooperate with the tube 13 and an actuation member 70 of the clockwork mechanism (cf. figures 8 to 10 ). The end of the tube 13 intended to act on the rocker 50 and the actuation member 70 are arranged respectively on either side of the transmission block 30 of the control device 10.

[0029] The gear train includes, as is known, three pinions 46, 47, 48 so that the direction of rotation applied to the crown 14 corresponds to the direction of rotation transmitted to the winding stem 22. The first pinion 46 has a hexagonal hole inside which is fixed a distal portion 12a of the control stem 12 (cf. figure 3 ), of hexagonal section, for example by pressing or by fitting the pinion onto the hexagonal section of the control rod and locking this assembly with a screw 39 at the end of this rod as illustrated in particular by the figures 8 to 10. For this purpose, the second plate 40 has a first hole 44a receiving a portion of the control rod 12 while the first plate 32 has a first hole 38a coaxial with the first hole 44a of the second plate 40 and through which the screw 39 passes.

[0030] The second pinion 47 has a pivot comprising two parts 47a mounted pivotally in a second hole 38b, 44b made in each plate 32, 40 of the frame of the transmission block 30. The second holes 38b, 44b are positioned so that the second pinion 47 meshes with the first pinion 46. The third pinion 48 is fixed to the winding stem 22 as illustrated in the figure 4 .

[0031] Each plate 32, 40 of the frame has a slot 37, 43 extending from an upper edge of each plate in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the movement when the transmission block 30 is mounted in the case of a timepiece, as will be seen later. Two portions of the winding stem 22 according to the figure 4 rest against the bottom of the respective slots so that the third pinion 48 is in contact with the second pinion 47.

[0032] The rocker 50 is mounted in a housing 34 formed, at least in part, on the first plate 32. The rocker 50 comprises, on the one hand, a central part 51 equipped with a pivot having an upper part 56a and a lower part 56b and, on the other hand, an actuating part 52 and an actuating part 54 located on either side of the central part. According to the figure 5, the housing 34 comprises a main part 35a receiving the central part 51 of the rocker 50 and two secondary parts 35b, typically semi-oblong in shape, arranged on either side of the main part 35a, in the direction of the height of the transmission block and each receiving the upper and lower parts 56a, 56b of the pivot of the rocker 50.

[0033] We will note according to the figure 2 that the central part 51 of the rocker 50 has a shoulder 51a on an upper and lower face (not visible). Each shoulder 51a is preferably annular in shape, arranged around the upper and lower parts 56a, 56b of the pivot of the rocker 50. With regard to the figure 5, the main part 35a of the housing has lower and upper portions bearing against the shoulders of the upper and lower faces respectively of the central part of the rocker 50 in order to limit friction when it is pivoted under the action of the tube 13.

[0034] Each secondary part 35b comprises two opposing flat portions against which the flanks of the respective upper and lower parts 56a and 56b of the pivot of the rocker 50 bear. These different support areas ensure that the rocker 50 is held in the housing 34 while allowing the rocker to pivot in the general plane of movement.

[0035] According to one variant, the rocker can be without a pivot and mounted in a housing of the frame, for example located in at least one of the plates, and attached to the frame via a screw, a pin or any other means of assembly allowing the rocker to be fixed to the frame while ensuring the function of a pivot.

[0036] By referring to the figure 2 , each plate 32, 40 also has a straight groove 36, 42 intended to be arranged in the general plane of the watch movement when the transmission block 30 is integrated into the case of a watch part according to the description below.

[0037] According to the figure 6The actuating part 52 of the rocker thus protrudes from the second plate 40 on the crown side, passing through the straight groove 42 when the control device 10 is in its nominal position. In this configuration, the actuating part 54 of the rocker is housed in the straight groove 36 of the first plate 32 without necessarily protruding from the first plate 32 on the movement side.

[0038] The actuating part 54 of the rocker can nevertheless protrude slightly from the first plate 36 as shown in the figure 6 without actually activating the clockwork mechanism. Still according to the figure 6 The end of the tube 13 is positioned against the actuating part 54 of the rocker without actuating it, or it may be a few tens of millimeters away from the actuating part when the pusher 18 is not actuated.

[0039] When the push button 18 is actuated according to the figure 7 The end of the tube 13 pushes the actuating part 52 of the rocker so that it pivots within the transmission block 30, causing the actuating part 54 to move away from the first plate 32 on the movement side in order to actuate the actuating member of the clock mechanism. The straight grooves 36 and 42 of the first and second plates 32 and 40 of the transmission block 30, respectively, could also guide the pivoting of the rocker 50 in the plane of the movement or contribute to guiding this pivoting.

[0040] With reference to figures 8 to 10 The transmission block 30 is mounted in a housing 102 made in the case 100 of the timepiece. This housing is sized to allow translational movement of the transmission block 30. The tube 13 has an extension 13a passing through the crown 14, also illustrated in the figure 3, the end of which is integral with the pusher 18. The latter is mounted partly in an annular cavity 16 of the crown 14 (cg. Figure 3 ) and incorporates a spring 20, for example a compression spring. One end of this spring bears against one end of the control rod 12 while the other end bears against the pusher 18.

[0041] According to the figure 8 The control device is in the time-setting position. In this position, the transmission block 30 is located against one side of the housing 102 in the case. The end of the tube 13 is situated at a distance from the actuating part 52 of the rocker. The actuating part 54 of the rocker is, in turn, situated at a distance from the actuating member 70 of the clockwork mechanism. The rotation of the control rod 12 via the crown 14 allows the dial to be operated via the time-setting gear train, which meshes with the pinion 48 of the transmission block.

[0042] According to the figure 9 The control device is in its nominal position. In this position, the transmission housing 30 is against an opposite side of the housing 102 of the case 100. The end of the tube 13, which is integral with the pusher 18, is close to or against the actuating part 52 of the rocker without actually actuating it. Similarly, the actuating part 54 of the rocker is close to or against the actuating member 70 without actually actuating the clockwork mechanism.

[0043] Finally, when the control device is in its nominal position, actuation of the push button 18 causes the rocker to pivot under the action of the end of the tube 13. This allows the actuating part 54 to actuate the actuator 70 of the mechanism, thereby activating or deactivating it. The actuator 70 cooperates with a return element (not shown) to return it to its initial position. Thus, the rocker 50 is pivoted into its initial position as illustrated in the diagrams. figures 6 And 9 when the actuating member 70 is returned to its initial position under the action of the return member.

[0044] The watch mechanism can be, in particular, a conventional chronograph. In this case, the actuation element 70 is a control rocker arranged to act on the chronograph's column wheel via a ratchet mechanism, successively triggering the chronograph's start, stop, and reset functions with three successive presses of the pusher. The watch mechanism can also be a split-seconds chronograph, where pressing the pusher 18 stops the split-seconds hand, while the split-seconds function is performed when the pusher 18 is released. Other types of mechanisms can be actuated by the rocker, notably a function selector where pressing the pusher allows, for example, switching between setting a second time zone, a date, an alarm, or other functions.

[0045] According to another form of realization illustrated by the figure 11The rocker arm 50 is not located within the frame of the transmission block 30 but alongside it. In this example, the rocker arm 50 is pivotally mounted on a support 60 which, together with the frame, forms a single piece. The rocker arm 50 can be fixed to the support 60, for example, by a screw 60 which acts as a pivot. However, the rocker arm 50 can also be attached to the frame without its support being an integral part of the frame.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the actuating part 52 and the (non-visible) actuating part of the rocker 50 are arranged, as in the first embodiment, on either side of the transmission block 30 in order to actuate a control element of a mechanism located on the movement side. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the rocker to be mounted last and facilitating its replacement in case of wear.

[0047] Although the control device 10 is suitable for fulfilling the conventional functions of a winding stem, namely the functions of setting the time and winding, according to the above description, it will be understood that modifications obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the device to fulfill another function without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

[0048] The control mechanism can indeed be mounted in a watch component not at 3 o'clock but in another location to perform functions in addition to those of the winding stem, while also allowing greater flexibility in the placement of the pusher on the case. The rotation of the control stem by an actuator, which can also be in the form of a crown, can, for example, activate two different functions depending on the direction of rotation, while the translation of the tube allows for the activation of a third function via the rocker switch, as described above. Reference list

[0049] Control stem 10 Crown stem 12 Distal portion 12a Control member 13 (e.g., tube, button) Extension 13a Actuator 14 Crown Annular cavity 16 Pusher 18 Spring 20 Winding stem 22 Transmission block 30 First plate 32 Housing 34 Main part 35a Secondary parts 35b Groove 36 Slot 37 First and second holes 38a, 38b Screw 39 Second plate 40 Groove 42 Slot 43 First and second holes 44a, 44b First pinion 46 Second pinion 47 Pivot 47a Third pinion 48 Rocker 50 Central part 51 Shoulder 51a Actuating part 52 Actuating part 54 Upper pivot 56a Lower pivot 56b Screw 57 Socket nut 58 Rocker support 60 (alternative) Pivot screw 62 (alternative) Actuating member 70 Body 100 Housing 102

Claims

1. Control device (10) for a watch part, comprising a first rod (12) extending along a first axis, an actuator (14) fixed to the first rod (12), a second rod (22) extending along a second axis parallel to said first axis and a transmission block (30) connecting said first and second rods (12, 22), the transmission block comprising a frame (32, 40) and a gear train (46, 47, 48) mounted in the frame and kinematically connecting the first rod (12) to the second rod (22), characterized in that it further comprises a pusher (18) associated with the actuator (14) and a control member (13) connected to the pusher (18) and configured to move along said first rod (12) when the pusher (18) is actuated and in that the transmission block (30) is further associated with a rocker (50) arranged to cooperate with the control member (13) and configured to control at least one mechanism of said timepiece.

2. Control device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rocker (50) has an actuable part (52) and an actuating part (54) arranged on either side of the transmission block (30) so that the actuable part (52) can cooperate with the control member (13) when the pusher (18) is actuated to control the clock mechanism by the actuating part (54).

3. Control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rocker (50) is mounted pivotally within the frame (32, 42).

4. Control device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rocker (50) is mounted to pivot in a plane orthogonal to the general plane of the gear train (46, 47, 48).

5. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe rocker (50) has a central part (51) with a pivot having an upper part (56a) and a lower part (56b) mounted pivotally in a housing (34) of the frame (32, 40).

6. Control device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame comprises a first and second plate (32, 40) arranged on either side of the gear train (46, 47, 48), said housing (34) being located, at least in part, in one of said first and second plates (32, 40).

7. Control device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatsaid housing (34) comprises a main part (35a) and two secondary parts (35b) arranged on either side of the main part (35a), the main part (35a) having lower and upper portions bearing against a shoulder (51a) located on a lower and upper surface respectively of the central part (51) of the rocker (50), each secondary part of the housing (34) having two opposing portions against which the upper and lower parts (56a, 56b) of the pivot of the rocker (50) are bearing.

8. Control device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first and second plates (32, 40) each have a groove (36, 42) through which respectively the actuable and actuating parts (52, 54) of the rocker (50) are crossed.

9. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe frame has at least four edges and an open slot on one of said edges to allow the second rod (22) to be inserted.

10. Control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission block (30) further includes a rocker support (60), the rocker (50) being pivotally mounted on said support (60).

11. Control device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said rocker (50) is crossed by a pivot (62) fixed on said support (60), the pivot preferably being a screw.

12. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator is a crown (14) of a winding stem, the pusher (18) being mounted, at least in part, in the crown (14), and in that the control element is a tube (13) arranged coaxially to the first rod (12).

13. Timepiece comprising the control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. A timepiece according to the preceding claim, further comprising a case (100) having a housing (102), the transmission joint (30) being mounted in the housing (102) so as to be able to move in translation within it.

15. Timepiece according to claim 13 or 14, said mechanism being a chronograph, for example a split-seconds chronograph, a function associated with the pusher (18) being selected from the starting, stopping, resetting and split-seconds function of the chronograph.

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