Controller for timepiece

Abstract

To provide a compact and simple controller which is easy to use.SOLUTION: There is provided a controller 1 for a timepiece 200 that includes: an input 2 intended to be rotated in a first or second direction through a user's action; a first unidirectional connector 3 intended to mechanically connect the input 2 to a first mechanism 5 providing a first timepiece function; and a second unidirectional connector 4 intended to mechanically connect the input 2 to a second mechanism 6 providing a second timepiece function. The first unidirectional connector 3 is arranged and configured to exclusively drive the first mechanism 5 when the input 2 is operated in the first direction, the second unidirectional connector 4 is arranged and configured to exclusively drive the second mechanism 6 when the input 2 is operated in the second direction, and the first unidirectional connector 3 includes first tooth parts 321, 331 which irreversibly interact with each other, and / or the second unidirectional connector 4 includes second tooth parts 421, 431 which irreversibly interact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a timepiece. The present invention also relates to a timepiece movement including the control device. Finally, the present invention relates to a timepiece including the control device or the timepiece movement.

Background Art

[0002] A timepiece includes a control device that serves to operate a mechanism of the timepiece, such as a mechanism for winding a barrel, or a mechanism for adjusting time or other timepiece functions such as calendar display or moon phase. Conventionally, the control device includes a crown connected to a rod and operable by a user. Depending on the various axial positions of the rod-crown assembly, it is possible to define the selection of various timepiece functions, and by rotating the crown at each of those positions, it is possible to act on the timepiece functions. For example, - By rotating the crown in a first axial position, it is possible to wind the barrel, - By rotating the crown in a second axial position, it is possible to correct the date display, and - By rotating the crown in a third axial position, it is possible to correct the time display or set the time.

[0003] In a particular timepiece structure, the above-described solution is not feasible, and in that case, it is not desirable to implement the above-described solution.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that improves the above-described drawbacks and to improve a conventionally known control device. In particular, the present invention proposes a control device that is small, simple, and easy to use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The control device according to the present invention is defined in claim 1.

[0006] Embodiments of the control device are defined in claims 2 to 9.

[0007] The watch movement according to the present invention is defined in claim 10.

[0008] The clock according to the present invention is defined in claim 11.

[0009] The object, features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail below in the following detailed description illustrating one embodiment, which is non-limiting and illustrative, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a clock according to the present invention, and a circular partial cross-section is shown to visualize the planetary gears and the teeth of the sun gear that mesh with these planetary gears. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] One embodiment of the clock 200 will be described below with reference to Figure 1. The clock 200 is, for example, a small clock, and more particularly a wristwatch. The clock 200 includes a clock movement 100 that is intended to be mounted in a clock casing or case to protect itself from the external environment. The clock movement 100 may be a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement.

[0012] The movement is, - First mechanism 5 that provides the first clock function, - Second mechanism 6 that provides a second clock function, - A control device 1 that enables the user to interact with the first mechanism 5 and the second mechanism 6, Includes.

[0013] This action is advantageously performed by the user via a crown, knurling roller, or key that is mechanically connected to the control device, particularly to input 2 of the control device.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, the first mechanism 5 is a mechanism for setting the time. This first mechanism includes, for example, a drive train, and in particular a train of gears for correcting the time display. This first mechanism includes, for example, a minute gear train and / or minute plate wheel 5.

[0015] In the embodiment shown, the second mechanism 6 is a rewind mechanism. That is, the first mechanism includes a barrel 6 and optionally a drive train, in particular a train of gears that acts on the barrel 6, and in particular on the rake wheel 61 of the barrel. Mechanism 6 may also include a pawl 62 that prevents the rake wheel 61 from rotating counterclockwise.

[0016] In another embodiment, the first mechanism 5 has another function, among others. - Another modification function, for example, a function to modify the calendar display (day of the week, date, month, year, etc.) or a function to modify other displays (for example, moon phase), or - A function to rewind another barrel, and The second mechanism 6 can provide other functions, in particular - Additional modification functions, such as a function to modify the calendar display (day of the week, date, month, year, etc.) or other displays (e.g., moon phase), We can provide this.

[0017] Control device 1 is -Input 2 is intended to be rotated in either the first or second direction by user action, -A first unidirectional connector 3 is intended to mechanically connect input 2 to a first mechanism 5 that provides the first clock function, - A second unidirectional connector 4 is intended to mechanically connect input 2 to a second mechanism 6 that provides a second clock function, Includes.

[0018] The first unidirectional connector 3 is arranged and / or configured to drive the first mechanism 5 exclusively when the input is operated in the first direction, and the second unidirectional connector 4 is arranged and / or configured to drive the second mechanism 6 exclusively when the input is operated in the second direction. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as will be described in detail below, when the input is rotated in the clockwise direction about the axis A2, the input operation is transmitted exclusively to the second mechanism 6, and when the input is rotated in the counterclockwise direction about the axis A2, the input operation is transmitted exclusively to the first mechanism 5.

[0019] To provide such a function, the first unidirectional connector 3 includes first tooth portions 321, 331 that interact irreversibly, and / or the second unidirectional connector 4 includes second tooth portions 421, 431 that interact irreversibly.

[0020] Preferably, the input is a disk that pivots about the axis A2 on the frame 99 of the clock movement. The input 2 may be a shaft, a rod, a pinion or a gear. The input has tooth portions 21 that transmit the movement received from the user via a ryuuzu or a knurling roller or a key.

[0021] In the embodiment shown, the first unidirectional connector 3 - a first planetary gear carrier 31, - a first planetary gear 32 pivoted on the first planetary gear carrier 31, - a first sun gear 33 that meshes with the first planetary gear 32 and is held, in particular rotatably fixed, with respect to the input 2, and includes.

[0022] The first planetary gear carrier 31 is pivoted about the axis A3 on the frame 99. The first planetary gear carrier 31 includes tooth portions 311 that fix the first connector to the first mechanism 5. The first planetary gear 32 is pivoted about an axis A32 parallel to the axis A3 on the plate of the planetary gear carrier 31. The first satellite 32 includes one of the tooth portions 321 of the first tooth portions. The first sun gear 33 is also pivoted about the axis A3 on the frame 99. The first sun gear -The teeth 332 that mesh with the teeth 21 of input 2, and -Another first tooth 331 that interacts with the first tooth 321 by engaging with it, Includes.

[0023] The sun gear 33 consists, for example, of a pinion that supports the teeth 331, which is fixed to a gear that supports the teeth 332, and in particular, riveted to it.

[0024] Just as the first teeth 321 and 331 interlock irreversibly, the first teeth 321 and 331 interact irreversibly.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, the second unidirectional connector 4 is - Second planetary gear carrier 41, - The second planetary gear 42 rotates on the second planetary gear carrier 41, -The second sun gear 43 meshes with the second planetary gear 42, is held against input 2, and is rotatably fixed in particular, Includes.

[0026] The second planetary gear carrier 41 is pivoted on the frame 99 around axis A4. The second planetary gear carrier 41 includes teeth 411 for attaching the second connector to the second mechanism. The second planetary gear 42 is pivoted on the plate of the planetary gear carrier 41 around axis A42, which is parallel to axis A4. The second satellite 42 includes one tooth 421 of the second teeth. The second sun gear 43 is also pivoted on the frame 99 around axis A4. The second sun gear is, -The tooth portion 432 that meshes with the tooth portion 21 of input 2, -Another second tooth 431 interacts with the second tooth 421 by engaging with it, Includes.

[0027] The sun gear 43 consists, for example, of a pinion that supports the teeth 431, which is fixed to a gear that supports the teeth 432, and in particular, riveted to it.

[0028] Just as the second teeth 421 and 431 interlock irreversibly, the second teeth 421 and 431 interact irreversibly.

[0029] When input 2 is rotated counterclockwise around axis A2, the interaction of teeth 21 and 332 causes the sun gear 33 to rotate clockwise around axis A3. When the first teeth 321 and 331 are locked and the planetary gear 32 is also rotated around axis A3, the planetary gear carrier 31 is consequently driven clockwise around axis A3. In this way, the interaction of teeth 311 and 51 causes the planetary gear carrier 31 to drive the gear of the first mechanism 5 counterclockwise.

[0030] When input 2 is rotated counterclockwise around axis A2, the interaction of teeth 21 and 432 causes the sun gear 43 to rotate clockwise around axis A4. The planetary gear 42 rotates clockwise around axis A42, and the second teeth 421 and 431 mesh freely. As a result, the planetary gear carrier 41 does not rotate around axis A4. Consequently, the planetary gear carrier 41 does not drive the gear 61 of the second mechanism 6.

[0031] When input 2 is rotated clockwise around axis A2, the interaction of teeth 21 and 432 causes the sun gear 43 to rotate counterclockwise around axis A4. The second teeth 421 and 431 are locked, and the planetary gear 42 is similarly rotated around axis A4, resulting in the planetary gear carrier 41 rotating counterclockwise around axis A4. In this way, the planetary gear carrier 41 drives the gear 61 (particularly the ratchet wheel 61) of the second mechanism 6 in a clockwise direction via the interaction of teeth 411 and 611.

[0032] When input 2 is rotated clockwise around axis A2, the interaction of teeth 21 and 332 causes the sun gear 33 to rotate counterclockwise around axis A3. The planetary gear 32 rotates counterclockwise around axis A32, and the second teeth 321 and 331 mesh freely. As a result, the planetary gear carrier 31 does not rotate around axis A3. Consequently, the planetary gear carrier 31 does not drive the gear 51 of the first mechanism 5.

[0033] The first and second teeth are positioned and / or locked such that they engage when the sun gear 33 rotates clockwise around axis A3, and when the sun gear 43 rotates counterclockwise only around axis A4. The teeth are not locked when the planetary gears are driven in other directions. Furthermore, the teeth may be locked if it is possible for the teeth to be unlocked when the planetary gear carriers 31, 41 provide drive in one or two directions, or when the planetary gear carriers 33, 43 provide drive. However, this configuration may or may not be essential, and may or may not be preferred, depending on the nature of the driven mechanisms 5, 6. For example, if the driven mechanism 6 is a barrel, it is not relevant whether the teeth are locked or not. For example, if the driven mechanism 5 is a motion workpiece or a splitter, and there is no action in response to input 2, it is preferable that the teeth are not locked in order to limit the number of driven elements and limit energy loss.

[0034] To achieve these irreversible properties through tooth locking, one of the first and second tooth sections may include teeth having an asymmetrical shape, and / or the other of the first and second tooth sections may include teeth having an asymmetrical shape. "Asymmetrical" shape means that each tooth has a first side and a second side, and the first and second sides are not symmetrical with respect to the radius of the gear passing through the apex of the tooth.

[0035] The proposed solution allows the time to be adjusted by turning the crown in one direction and the watch to be rewound by turning the crown in the opposite direction. This is practical. Furthermore, this solution takes up very little space in the direction perpendicular to the plane in Figure 1.

[0036] In the shown embodiment, the first sun gear 33 is mounted to input 2 and is in particular intended to be rotatably fixed, the first planetary gear carrier 31 is mounted to the first mechanism 5 and is in particular intended to be rotatably fixed, the second sun gear 43 is mounted to input 2 and is in particular intended to be rotatably fixed, and the second planetary gear carrier is mounted to the second mechanism 6 and is in particular intended to be rotatably fixed. In a modified example, the first sun gear 33 may form input 2, thereby omitting shaft 2, and the sun gears 33 and 43 may mesh with each other. In another modified example, the second sun gear 43 may form input 2, thereby omitting shaft 2, and the sun gears 33 and 43 may mesh with each other. When the input shaft is omitted and the sun gears mesh directly with each other, the sun gears rotate in opposite directions, and other devices need to be adapted to their structure.

[0037] In another embodiment, - The first sun gear may be mounted to the first mechanism 5 and may be rotatably fixed in particular, the first planetary gear carrier may form an input, or be mounted to input 2 and may be rotatably fixed in particular, and - The second sun gear may be mounted to the second mechanism 6 and may be intended to be rotatably fixed in particular, and the second planetary gear carrier may form an input, or be mounted to input 2 and may be rotatably fixed in particular.

[0038] In another embodiment, - The first unidirectional connector includes two gears mounted coaxially with each other, the gears being returned to each other by springs, each meshing with the input and the first mechanism, each having Breguet teeth on the plate, and - The second unidirectional connector includes two gears mounted coaxially with each other, the gears being returned to each other by springs, each meshing with the input and the second mechanism, and each having Breguet teeth on a plate.

[0039] As a result, when the input is turned in the first direction, both gears of the first unidirectional connector rotate, as does the first mechanism. In contrast, only one of the gears of the second unidirectional connector rotates, and neither the other gear nor the second mechanism is driven. Similarly, when the input is turned in the second direction, both gears of the second unidirectional connector rotate, as does the second mechanism. In contrast, only one of the gears of the first unidirectional connector rotates, and neither the other gear nor the first mechanism is driven.

[0040] In another embodiment, - One of the unidirectional connectors is of the type that has a sun gear, planetary gear carrier and planetary gear, and - The other end of the unidirectional connector is the type with Breguet teeth, as described above.

[0041] In all of these embodiments, the input shaft can be omitted, as described with respect to the shown embodiments.

[0042] Regardless of the embodiments and modifications shown, the first unidirectional connector is centered on the first axis A3, and the second unidirectional connector is centered on the second axis A4, with the first and second axes being advantageously parallel and separate. However, regardless of the embodiments and modifications shown, the first and second axes may advantageously coincide. Such a configuration makes it possible to minimize the space occupied by the device in the plane of Figure 1.

[0043] When the first and second axes A3 and A4 coincide, the planetary gear carrier may form a single and identical part or a monoblock assembly, or the first and second sun gears may form a single and identical part or a monoblock assembly. In embodiments having Breguet teeth, a single and identical gear may be common to two unidirectional connectors, and on two faces of its plate, may support two Breguet teeth that interact with the Breguet teeth of two other gears.

[0044] Each described planetary gear carrier supports one planetary gear. Advantageously, each planetary gear carrier may support two or more planetary gears, for example, three or four planetary gears.

[0045] Throughout this specification, “two mounted parts” should be understood to mean that every movement of one part is accompanied by the movement of the other part. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1. Control device 2 inputs 3. First unidirectional connector 4. Second unidirectional connector 5 First Organization 6 Second mechanism 31 First planetary gear carrier 32 First planetary gear 33 First Sun Gear 41 Second planetary gear carrier 42 Second Planetary Gear 43 Second Sun Gear 100 watch movements 200 clocks 321, 331 First tooth part 421, 431 Second tooth part

Claims

1. an input (2) intended to be rotated in a first or second direction by a user action; a first unidirectional connector (3) intended to mechanically couple said input (2) to a first mechanism (5) providing a first timepiece function; a second unidirectional connector (4) intended to mechanically couple said input (2) to a second mechanism (6) providing a second timepiece function; A control device (1) for a watch (200), comprising: the first unidirectional connector (3) is arranged and / or configured to exclusively drive the first mechanism (5) when the input is operated in the first direction; the second unidirectional connector (4) is arranged and / or configured to exclusively drive the second mechanism (6) when the input is operated in the second direction; the first unidirectional connector (3) comprises first teeth (321, 331) that interact irreversibly, and / or the second unidirectional connector (4) comprises second teeth (421, 431) that interact irreversibly; A control device (1) for a clock (200).

2. The first unidirectional connector (3) a first planetary gear carrier (31); a first planetary gear (32) pivoted on the first planetary gear carrier (31); a first sun gear (33) that meshes with the first planetary gear (32); Including, the first teeth portion irreversibly meshes with the first planetary gear and the first sun gear at a boundary surface between the first planetary gear and the first sun gear; A control device (1) according to claim 1.

3. the first planetary gear carrier forms the input or is attached to the input, and the first sun gear is intended to be attached to the first mechanism, or the first planetary gear carrier (31) is intended to be attached to the first mechanism (5), and the first sun gear (33) forms the input or is attached to the input (2); A control device (1) according to claim 1.

4. The second unidirectional connector (4) a second planetary gear carrier (41); a second planetary gear (42) pivoted on the second planetary gear carrier (41); a second sun gear (43) meshing with the second planetary gear (42); Including, the second teeth portion irreversibly meshes with the second planetary gear and the second sun gear at a boundary surface between the second planetary gear and the second sun gear, A control device (1) according to claim 1.

5. the second planetary gear carrier forms the input or is attached to the input, and the second sun gear is intended to be attached to the second mechanism, or the second planetary gear carrier (41) is intended to be attached to the second mechanism, and the second sun gear (43) forms the input or is attached to the input (2); A control device (1) according to claim 1.

6. the first toothing is Breguet toothing, and / or the second toothing is Breguet toothing; A control device (1) according to claim 1.

7. the first unidirectional connector is centered on a first axis (A3) and the second unidirectional connector is centered on a second axis (A4), the first and second axes being parallel and distinct; A control device (1) according to claim 1.

8. the first unidirectional connector is centered on a first axis (A3), and the second unidirectional connector is centered on a second axis (A4), the first and second axes being single and identical; A control device (1) according to claim 1.

9. the first and second planet gear carriers form a single and identical part or are a monoblock assembly, or the first and second sun gears form a single and identical part or are a monoblock assembly; A control device (1) according to claim 2.

10. A timepiece movement (100) comprising a control device (1) according to claim 1.

11. A watch (200) including a watch movement (100) as described in claim 10.

12. A wristwatch. A watch (200) according to claim 11.

13. A clock (200) including a control device (1) as described in claim 1.

14. A wristwatch. A watch (200) according to claim 13.

15. The first and second planetary gear carriers form a single and identical part or are a monoblock assembly, or the first and second sun gears form a single and identical part or are a monoblock assembly. A control device (1) according to claim 4.

16. The first and second planetary gear carriers form a single and identical part or are a monoblock assembly, or the first and second sun gears form a single and identical part or are a monoblock assembly. A control device (1) according to claim 8.

17. The first planetary gear carrier forms the input or is attached to the input, and the first sun gear is intended to be attached to the first mechanism, or the first planetary gear carrier (31) is intended to be attached to the first mechanism (5), and the first sun gear (33) forms the input or is attached to the input (2), A control device (1) according to claim 2.

18. The second unidirectional connector (4) is a second planetary gear carrier (41); a second planetary gear (42) pivoted on the second planetary gear carrier (41); a second sun gear (43) meshing with the second planetary gear (42); Including, the second teeth portion irreversibly meshes with the second planetary gear and the second sun gear at a boundary surface between the second planetary gear and the second sun gear, A control device (1) according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 17.

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