Coupling device of system for operating horological movement

Abstract

To provide an operation system that allows the functions of the watch to be operated without the need for an actuating tool.SOLUTION: Provided is a system 1 for operating a horological movement of a watch, the system including a coupling device 40 configured to operate at least one function of the movement by including a control device 2 and a support piece 3 which is intended not to move relative to the horological movement of the watch and in which the control device 2 is movably mounted. The control device 2 includes a gripping element 7 capable of being driven in a rotational motion, a first driving element 31 including a first coupling end 32 and a first driving zone 36, and a second driving element mounted so as to be rigidly connected to the gripping element 7, the second driving element including the second coupling end and the second driving zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and in particular to a system for operating a clock movement of a clock, the system comprising a coupling device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known in the prior art that operating systems such as push buttons are fitted to certain watches, particularly watches that are said to have multiple complications that may include multiple functions. These push buttons are of various types, including small push buttons that are typically recessed into the middle of the watch.

[0003] Miniature push buttons of this kind are generally very small, which saves space, especially within the case of these watches, and because they do not protrude from the middle section, they are less likely to be activated unintentionally.

[0004] However, one drawback of such push buttons is that their operation necessarily requires the use of a sharp actuating tool to operate a watch function such as setting the time, the date, the phase of the moon or a particular day of the month. More specifically, such use entails a considerable risk of damaging the watch case and thus altering its aesthetic appearance.

[0005] In this context, it is clear that there is a need to find a solution to overcome these shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the objects of the invention is to provide an operating system for a timepiece, which makes it possible to operate the functions of this timepiece without the need for an actuation tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the invention provides a system for operating a clock movement of a timepiece, said system comprising a coupling device provided with a first and a second coupling end and with a first and a second drive zone, said coupling device being adapted to operate at least one function of said movement by comprising a control device and a support piece intended to be immobile relative to the clock movement of the timepiece, in which said control device is movably mounted, said control device comprising: a gripping element drivable in a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of the coupling device; a first drive element including a first connecting end and a first drive zone; a second drive element rigidly attached to the gripping element, the second drive element including a second coupling end and a second drive zone, the second zone being coupleable to the first drive zone to drive the first drive element in rotation; Equipped with The element relates to a system configured to transmit this rotational movement to a functional member of a movement when the grip element is placed in an axial position for operating the function.

[0008] In another embodiment, The body of the first drive element is disposed within the hollow body of the second drive element. The portion of the body of the first drive element that is provided with the first coupling end protrudes through 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 connection end of the first drive element is configured to be located within the movement of the timepiece when the grip element is in any of its axial positions. The second connection end of the second drive element is configured to be located outside the timepiece movement when the grip element is in any of its axial positions. the first coupling end is adapted to transmit said rotational movement to an actuating member of a manual winding mechanism of said system, which mechanism is capable of storing mechanical energy when said grip element is arranged in a first axial position for operating a first function of the timepiece, in which first position the first and second drive zones are coupled to each other; the first coupling end is adapted to transmit said rotational movement to a hand setting member of the system when said gripping element is arranged in a second axial position for operating a second function of the watch, in which second position the first and second drive zones are coupled to one another; The second connecting end is configured to transmit the rotational movement to an operating member of the system when the grip element is arranged in a third axial position for operating a third function and a fourth function of the watch, in which third position the first and second drive zones are separated from each other. The first drive element is capable of axial movement and rotation about a longitudinal axis relative to the second drive element. The first drive zone is formed on an outer surface of the first drive element and the second drive zone is formed on an inner surface of the second drive element. The first and second drive zones are arranged opposite each other in the coupling device. The first and second drive zones are configured to cooperate with each other in frictional contact to transmit a rotational movement of the gripping element via the second drive element to the first drive element.

[0009] The invention further relates to a timepiece equipped with such an operating system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood on reading the following description of specific, non-limiting embodiments of the invention, given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1]1 shows different views of a system for operating a watch movement according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprising a coupling device provided with two coupling ends and two drive zones that can be involved in operating / controlling / managing the functions of said movement; [Diagram 2] 1 shows different views of a system for operating a watch movement according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprising a coupling device provided with two coupling ends and two drive zones that can be involved in operating / controlling / managing the functions of said movement; [Diagram 3] 1 shows different views of a system for operating a watch movement according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprising a coupling device provided with two coupling ends and two drive zones that can be involved in operating / controlling / managing the functions of said movement; [Figure 4] A diagram of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a control device including first and second drive elements rigidly attached to a grip element of the device, the grip element being positioned in a first axial position for controlling a first function of the watch. [Diagram 5] A diagram of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a control device including first and second drive elements rigidly attached to a grip element of the device, the grip element being arranged at a second axial position for controlling a second function of the watch. [Figure 6] A diagram of a coupling device with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising first and second drive elements rigidly attached to a grip element of the device, the grip element being arranged in a third axial position for controlling a third function of the watch. [Figure 7] A diagram of a coupling device with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control device including first and second drive elements rigidly attached to a grip element of the device, the grip element being positioned at a third axial position for controlling a fourth function of the watch. [Figure 8a-8b]FIG. 1 shows a view of a portion of the outer peripheral wall of a casing ring of an operating member of an operating system according to an embodiment of the invention, said portion having a through hole with at least one zone for passing a second coupling end of a second drive element of the control device to operate a third function and a fourth function of the watch. [Figure 9] A view of a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the casing ring when the free ends of the rotary drive element are inserted into the corresponding passage zones of the through holes to operate the third and fourth functions of the watch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 shows a diagram of a control device with a gripping element according to an embodiment of the present invention, the gripping element being disposed in a third axial control position after the gripping element is rotated to operate a third function. [Figure 11] 1 shows a diagram of a control device with a gripping element according to an embodiment of the present invention, the gripping element being positioned in a third axial control position after the gripping element is driven in a rotational motion to operate a fourth function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] With reference to figures 1 to 11, the invention relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, also called a timepiece, comprising a system 1 for operating a timepiece movement of the timepiece, said system comprising a coupling device 40 provided with first and second coupling ends 32, 33 and with first and second drive zones 36, 37. This coupling device 40 is configured to operate at least one function of said movement. In order to better understand the invention, the embodiments described herein relate in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner to an operating system 1 configured to perform four functions, namely a first, a second, a third and a fourth function.

[0012] In a conventional manner, the watch comprises a case 5 defined by a preferably circular middle part 6 and defining a central internal recess intended to receive a watch movement, the external contour of which corresponds to the internal shape of a casing ring 29. The watch can be fitted with screws or clamps for holding the movement in this casing ring 29 and for holding this casing ring 29 in the middle part 6 of the watch case 5.

[0013] Such a timepiece movement can be a mechanical or quartz movement. As mentioned above, this movement is configured to perform at least one horological function, in the present embodiment four horological functions. These functions are controlled from a coupling device 40 with the purpose of adjusting, correcting or activating the mechanism of this movement or its functional members. It should be noted that such functions are preferably operated independently of each other by actuating the gripping elements 7 of the control device 2 contained in this coupling device 40. In this context, this coupling device 40 can be considered as a device 40 that allows involvement in the control or management of the mechanism of the movement or its functional members in order to perform the horological functions.

[0014] It is understood that the movement is adapted to perform a function, in particular by means of separate mechanisms and / or separate functional members of the movement, which can be kinematically coupled to one another. By way of example, each mechanism or member can in fact provide a separate display on the watch, such as an indication of the current time on the one hand and an indication of the date or the phase of the moon on the other hand. The mechanism or member can furthermore comprise a manual winding mechanism capable of storing mechanical energy. The movement and its functions are operated and / or controlled by an operating system, in particular by a coupling device 40.

[0015] For this purpose, the system 1 comprises a coupling device 40 and function members 4 making it possible to operate one or more functions of the timepiece. These function members include, for example, a member for activating a manual winding mechanism capable of storing mechanical energy, a hand setting member or an operating member 4, the operation of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0016] In this configuration, the coupling device 40 comprises a support piece 3 and a control device 2 which can be, for example, a push button with a rotating head or crown or a crown with a push button, a winding button or any crown making it possible to operate the clock movement.

[0017] In this coupling device 40, the support piece 3, which may also be called the "support guide piece", is preferably a tube provided with a through opening configured to provide a sliding guide. This tube is intended to engage fixedly in a radially extending through orifice in the middle part 6 of the watch. In this configuration, this support piece 3 is therefore arranged immovably relative to the watch movement.

[0018] The control device 2 is movably mounted in this through opening of the support piece 3. Such a control device 2 is intended to be engaged by means of this support piece 3 through the middle part 6 of the case 5 of the watch. a gripping element 7, a first rotary drive element 31 with a first coupling end 32 of a coupling device 40 and a first drive zone 36; a second rotary drive element 8 formed by a hollow body consisting of a tubular extension rigidly connected to said gripping element 7 and comprising a second coupling end 33 of the coupling device 40 and a second drive zone 37; Includes.

[0019] In this control device 2 , the second drive element 8 is arranged substantially within the support piece 3 and is adapted to move or slide within an opening provided in this support piece 3 .

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

[0021] In this second drive element 8, the connecting portion 9c extends perpendicularly to the outer surface of the insertable part 9b. More precisely, this connecting portion 9c extends substantially perpendicularly to a zone of this surface that is included in the terminal portion 23b of the insertable part 9b. In other words, this connecting portion 9c extends substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A of the control device 2. Such longitudinal axis A is also the central axis of the coupling device 40 and thus also of the control device 2 and the support piece 3.

[0022] The insertable portion 9b and the connecting portion 9c thus together form a second connecting end 33 of the second drive element 8. In other words, this second connecting end 33 is formed by the main portion 23a and the end portion 23b and by the connecting portion 9c. In this regard, the connecting portion 9c extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of this second connecting end 33.

[0023] It should further be noted that the fixed part 9a of the second drive element 8 can be hammered into or integrally formed with the gripping element 7. In this configuration, it is understood that this second drive element 8 translates or rotates axially under the thrust / actuation of the gripping element 7. As mentioned above, this second drive element 8 comprises a shoulder, indicated by reference 16 in Figs. 4 to 7, which connects the fixed part 9a and the insertable part 9b to each other. Such shoulder 16 preferably has a flat surface. It should be noted that such surface is also substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0024] Furthermore, as mentioned above, this second drive element 8 comprises a second drive zone 37 formed on its inner surface. More specifically, this second drive zone 37 is formed on a part of the inner surface that is located at the fixed part 9a of the second drive element 8. This second drive zone 37 comprises a contact surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0025] In this control device 2, a first drive element 31 comprises a first connecting end 32 of a coupling device 40, said first connecting end 32 being rigidly attached to the grip element 7. This first connecting end 32 is one end of a rod 21 contained in this first drive element 31.

[0026] Such a first drive element 31 further comprises a spring 19 freely mounted in a cylindrical recess defined in the hollow body of the second drive element 8, in particular in a fixing part 9a fixed to the grip element 7 of the control device 2. This first drive element 31 further comprises a compression piece 20 for compressing this spring 19, which compression piece is supported on a rod 21. This compression piece 20 comprises a shoulder 22 forming a bearing zone for a first end of the spring 19, which is arranged facing the grip element 7, which forms the other bearing zone capable of cooperating with the second end of the spring 19. It should be noted that the shoulder 22 is arranged facing the inner surface of the grip element 7, which forms the other bearing zone capable of cooperating with the second end of the spring 19.

[0027] In this configuration, the first drive element 31 is partially disposed within the hollow body of the second drive element 8. More specifically, in this configuration, a part of the body of the first drive element 31 provided with the first connecting end 32 protrudes through an opening 34 formed in the second connecting end 33 of the hollow body of the second drive element 8.

[0028] Furthermore, as mentioned above, this first drive element 31 comprises a first drive zone 36 formed on its outer surface. This first drive zone 36 comprises a contact surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0029] It should be noted that the first and second drive zones 36, 37, in particular their contact surfaces, are arranged opposite each other in the coupling device 40. Furthermore, these first and second drive zones 36, 37, in particular their contact surfaces, are configured to cooperate with each other in frictional contact for transmitting a rotational movement of the gripping element 7 via the second drive element 8 to the first drive element 31.

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

[0031] In this connection, the first connecting end 32 is configured to be arranged inside the movement of the watch when the grip element 7 is in any of the axial positions it can occupy, and the second connecting end 33 is configured to be arranged outside the movement of the watch when the grip element 7 is in any of the axial positions it can occupy. Finally, it should be noted that the first drive element 31 can translate axially relative to the second drive element 8 and can rotate about a longitudinal axis A. Similarly, the first connecting end 32 can translate axially relative to the second connecting end 33 and can rotate about a longitudinal axis A.

[0032] In the coupling device 40, the first coupling end 32 is particularly The rotational movement applied to the gripping element 7 of the control device 2, * configured to transmit to an actuating member of a manual winding mechanism when the grip element 7 is placed in a first axial position for operating a first function of the timepiece, in which the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are coupled to one another and participate in the transmission of this rotational movement, or * configured to transmit to the hand setting member when the grip element 7 is arranged in a second axial position for operating a second function of the timepiece, in which the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are coupled to each other and participate in the transmission of this rotational movement; It is configured to improve the cooperation of the connecting portion 9c with the connecting element 13 in order to ensure optimal movement of the ring 10 in the support zone of the casing ring 29.

[0033] In this context, this first connecting end 32 may be referred to as the winding and / or hand-setting end of the watch.

[0034] The second coupling end 33 of the first drive element 31 is in particular configured to transmit a rotational movement of the grip element 7 to the operating member 4 of said system 1 when the grip element 7 is placed in a third axial position for operating a third or a fourth function of the watch. In this third position of the grip element 7, the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are spaced apart. In other words, in this configuration, when the grip element 7 is rotatably actuated, only the second drive element 8 performs this rotational movement, both because this element 8 is rigidly attached to this grip element 7 and because the first and second zones 36, 37 are spaced apart from each other, i.e. are not in contact with each other.

[0035] As mentioned above, the operating system 1 can perform several functions of the movement depending on different axial positions of the grip element 7 relative to the movement or relative to the outer surface 35 of the middle part 6 of the watch, and also depending on the rotational direction of this grip element 7 at the selected axial position.

[0036] More specifically, the control device 2 with its grip element 7 is mounted so as to be movable within the support piece 3 by being rotationally actuated and by being pulled away from or pushed towards its longitudinal axis A relative to this support piece 3. In this context, the grip element 7 is configured to move axially relative to its longitudinal axis A between first, second and third axial control positions for carrying out respectively the first, second, third and fourth functions of the watch.

[0037] More specifically, when the grip element 7 is placed in a first control position to operate a first function of the watch, the first coupling end 32 is mechanically connected to the actuating member and the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are coupled to each other. In this configuration, the first coupling end 32 transmits the rotational movement of the grip element 7 to the actuating member through the mutual cooperation of the first and second drive zones 36, 37.

[0038] This first control position is also called the winding position. It should be noted that such a first position may be a default or rest or initial position of the gripping element 7 or the control device 2, and therefore may also be called a neutral axial position or an initial axial position.

[0039] In such a case, this first control position is preferably between the second and third axial control positions. Starting from the first position, in order to place the grip element 7 and thus the control device 2 in the second control position, the grip element 7 and thus the control device 2 are moved axially along the longitudinal axis A of this first control position in a direction opposite to the direction towards the outer surface 35 of the movement or watch middle part 6, i.e. in a direction moving the grip element 7 away from the outer surface 35 of the movement or watch middle part 6, during which axial movement the first and second drive zones 36, 37 remain coupled to each other. Starting from the first position, in order to place it in the third control position, this gripping element 7 and thus the control device 2 is moved axially along the longitudinal axis A of this first control position in a direction towards the outer surface 35 of the movement or watch middle 6, during which axial movement the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are moved away from each other.

[0040] When the grip element 7 is placed in a second control position for operating a second function of the timepiece, the first coupling end 32 is mechanically connected to the hand setting member and the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are coupled to each other. In this configuration, the first coupling end 32 transmits the rotational movement of the grip element 7 to the hand setting member through the mutual cooperation of the first and second drive zones 36, 37.

[0041] Finally, when this grip element 7 and thus the control device 2 are placed in the third control position, a mechanical link is established between the second connecting end 33 and the ring 10 of the operating member 4, transmitting the rotational movement of the grip element 7 to said ring 10 in order to execute the third or fourth function of the timepiece. In this configuration, the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are separated, i.e. they are no longer in contact, so that the rotational movement of the grip element 7 is not transmitted to the first drive element 31.

[0042] This operating member 4 is preferably configured to be connected to the timepiece movement when the mechanism of this movement is activated, in particular to perform the third or fourth function of the timepiece. For this purpose, this member 4 comprises a 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 part 4, the casing ring 29, also called the containing ring, can have various shapes, as long as it surrounds the watch movement and is placed inside the middle part 6 of the case 5. In the present embodiment, this casing ring 29 is preferably substantially circular. Such a casing ring 29 comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, as well as inner and outer peripheral walls connecting these two surfaces to each other.

[0044] In this configuration, the upper surface of the casing ring 29 comprises a support zone intended to accommodate or receive the ring 10 as part of its arrangement in this casing ring 29. This support zone comprises a flat surface, the side edges of which are wholly or partly raised over the entire length of this zone in order to ensure that the ring 10 is held and guided on this surface, in particular when this ring 10 is moved. Such surface of the support zone further comprises an open recess adapted to receive a respective first elastic return element 18 of this member 4. In this configuration, the first elastic return element 18, which may be a helical spring, is thus arranged under the ring 10. As will be seen below, the first elastic return element 18 is intended to automatically return the ring 10 to its rest position after it has been energised for the operation of the third or fourth function of the watch.

[0045] The casing ring 29 of this component 4 further comprises a through hole 12 connecting its inner peripheral wall 15a and its outer peripheral wall 15b to one another. Such hole 12 has a central axis B coinciding with the longitudinal axis A of the coupling device 40. In this configuration, the geometry of this hole 12 and its position in the casing ring 29 are determined so that a second coupling end 33 can pass through this hole 12. This hole 12 comprises zones 24a, 24b for the passage of this second coupling end 33 to operate a third and a fourth function of the watch.

[0046] With reference to figures 8a to 11, this hole 12 comprises a first and a second passage zone 24a, 24b respectively configured to operate a third and a fourth function of the watch. In other words, these two passage zones 24a, 24b make it possible to structurally configure such a through hole 12 to operate a third and a fourth function of the watch. In this context, each passage zone 24a, 24b comprises a central part 26 configured to place the main part 23a of the insertable part 9b, and thus the second coupling end 33, in the through hole 12, and an eccentric part 25a, 25b configured to pass the coupling part 9c through this hole 12. This eccentric part 25a, 25b forms a passage that allows the coupling part 9c to pass through the body of said casing ring 29 up to a cooperating zone 11 defined in the inner circumferential wall 15b, which will be described later. In this context, it is understood that the two passage zones 24a, 24b share the same central part 26. In other words, the central portions 26 of the 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 casing ring 29, which distance is substantially shorter than the length of the main portion 23a of the insertable portion 9b. A "substantially shorter" distance is understood to mean that this distance is "strictly shorter" or "much shorter" than the length of the main portion 23a.

[0047] The casing ring 29 further comprises a through opening 17 forming a recess for receiving at least one pivoting element 14, such as a lever, which can be actuated by the ring 10 to interact with a mechanism of the movement performing a third or fourth function. This casing ring 29 comprises a second elastic return and retaining element arranged in this recess and intended to cooperate with the pivoting element 14 in particular to place the pivoting element 14 in an initial rest position. This pivoting element 14 thereby alternates between an initial position and an operating position in which a part of this element 14 protrudes from the inner circumferential wall 15b of the casing ring 29 to interact with a mechanism performing the third or fourth function to be operated. The positioning of this pivoting element 14 in the operating position is controlled by the ring 10, in particular by an actuating element 30 of this ring 10. It should be noted that the pivoting element 14 moves from the operating position to the initial position under the action of the second elastic return element, whereby the pivoting element 14 moves in a direction opposite to the direction intended to bring the pivoting element 14 into its operating position until the element 14 abuts against the retaining element.

[0048] As mentioned above, the casing ring 29 comprises a cooperation zone 11 for cooperation of the second connecting end 33 with the operating member 4. More specifically, this zone 11 is the place where the connecting portion 9c of this second connecting end 32 cooperates with the connecting element 13 of this ring 10 in order to move the ring 10 inside the casing ring 29. Such a zone 11 is comprised in the inner peripheral wall 15b of the casing ring 29. In particular, this zone 11 comprises the part of this peripheral wall 15b in which the through hole 12 opens. In this configuration, the zone 11 comprises a stop element 28 which is able to cooperate with the connecting element 13 of this ring 10 in order to define a movement path of the ring 10 movable inside the casing ring 29.

[0049] In this device 1, the ring 10, also called "mobile ring", has a shape adapted to ensure its positioning and movement within the support zone of the casing ring 29. In this embodiment, this ring 10 has a substantially circular shape. This ring 10 comprises upper and lower surfaces and inner and outer lateral surfaces.

[0050] As mentioned above, the ring 10 comprises said at least one actuating element 30, a connecting element 13 and at least one element for connecting to the first elastic return element 18. The ring 10 comprises as many actuating elements and connecting elements 30 as there are functions to be operated. In this embodiment, the ring 10 comprises two actuating elements 30, a single connecting element 13 and two connecting elements capable of cooperating with two different first elastic return elements 18, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, to operate or control the third and fourth functions.

[0051] In this operating member 4, this actuating element 30 of the pivoting element 14 is included on the outer side of the ring 10. This actuating element 30 is configured to extend towards the area 27 of the recess that receives the pivoting element 14, said area being located close to the pivoting element 14 to be actuated. In other words, this actuating element 30 extends substantially perpendicularly towards this area 27 on the opposite side of the pivoting element 14. It is understood that the position of the actuating element 30 in this area 27 of the recess allows this actuating element 30 to be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the pivoting element 14. Such an arrangement allows this actuating element 30 to actuate this pivoting element 14 so that it moves from its initial position to its actuated position. This actuating element 30, which projects from the outer side of the ring 10, is formed from a first part substantially perpendicular to this plane and a second part substantially parallel to this same plane, and has a shape substantially similar to that of the letter "L" due to said parts being substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0052] This ring 10 further comprises an element for connection to a first elastic return element 18 arranged in a recess comprised in a support zone of a casing ring 29. This connection element is comprised in the underside of this ring 10. It extends from this underside substantially vertically towards the bottom of the corresponding recess comprising this first elastic return element.

[0053] In other words, the connecting element is partially located in the recess of the support zone between a first end of the first elastic return element 18 and the wall of the recess. The connecting element has a shape configured to apply or stress to the first end with which it is in contact, and a second end of the first return element 18 can abut or be supported by a support wall of the recess arranged opposite the connecting element. In this configuration, it is understood that the connecting element located partially in the recess can move within the enclosure of the recess so as to compress the return element 18 when the ring 10 is moving.

[0054] 2, 9 and 10, the connecting element 13 of the ring 10 is included on the inner side of said ring 10. This element 13, which is preferably made integral with the body of the ring 10, forms on this side a raised portion that is substantially polygonal in shape, this shape being particularly suitable for achieving an optimal connection of the second connecting end 33 with the connecting portion 9c.

[0055] As mentioned above, the control device 2 further comprises a first drive element 31 configured to improve the cooperation of the second coupling end 33 comprising the coupling portion 9c with the coupling element 13 in order to ensure an optimal movement of the ring 10 in the support zone of the casing ring 29. More specifically, such a first drive element 31 serves to ensure that the contact established between the coupling portion 9c of the second coupling end 33 and the inner side surface of the ring 10, and thus the surface of the cooperation zone 11, is maintained in order to ensure that the coupling of this coupling portion 9c with the coupling element 13 is achieved for the movement of the ring 10 within the casing ring 29.

[0056] In this embodiment, it is understood that such a system 1 enables the implementation of a method of operating a clock movement of a watch, in particular a method of operating at least one function of this watch, such as the first, second, third or fourth function mentioned above.

[0057] To this end, the method provides a process of actuating the coupling device 40 to operate a first, second, third or fourth function of the watch. During this process, the first or second coupling end 32, 33 is mechanically connected to a functional member corresponding to the function to be operated. This is done by manipulating the grip element 7 to place it in an axial control position that allows a mechanical connection with this functional member, i.e. in the following positions: a first axial control position for establishing a mechanical connection between the first connecting end 32 and an actuating member of the manual winding mechanism to perform a first function, in which the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are coupled to each other and are involved in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the first drive element 31; a second axial control position for establishing a mechanical connection between the first connecting end 33 and the needle setting member in order to perform a second function, in which the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are coupled to each other and are involved in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the first drive element 31. a third axial control position for establishing a mechanical connection between the second connecting end 33 and the operating member 4 to perform a third or fourth function, in which the first and second drive zones 36, 37 are separated from each other and prevent / block / stop the transmission of rotational motion from the gripping element 7 to the first drive element 31.

[0058] Manipulation of the grip element 7 and thus the control device 2 makes it possible to move from one control position to another in order to select the functional member involved in carrying out one of the functions of the timepiece. It should be noted that in the present embodiment the grip element 7 is initially placed in a first axial control position, which corresponds to the position in which the first coupling end 32 is mechanically connected to an actuating member of the winding mechanism in order to carry out the first function.

[0059] As described above, when the grip element 7 is manipulated to be disposed in the first and second control positions, the first connecting end 32 is mechanically connected to the actuation member and the needle setting member of the manual winding mechanism, respectively.

[0060] It should be noted that once the grip element 7 is placed in the first control position and the manual winding function performed during the rotational movement of the grip element 7 in this position is completed, the method can include a process of stopping the coupling device 40 while the grip element 7 remains placed in this first control position. Once the grip element 7 is placed in the second control position and the hand setting function performed during the rotational movement of the grip element 7 in this position is completed, the method can include a process of stopping the coupling device 40. During this process, the grip element 7 is pushed axially towards the outer surface 35 of the middle 6 or of the movement, moving from the second position to the first control position.

[0061] Furthermore, when the grip element 7 is operated to be placed in the third control position, the second coupling end 33 is mechanically connected to the operating member 4 by moving from the first position to the third control position, which is the position in which the grip element 7 is placed closest to the outer surface 35 of the middle part 6. During this operation, this grip element 7 moves axially from this first position towards the through hole 12 by compressing the spring 19 arranged between the grip element 7 and a compression piece 20 included in the control device 2. When the second coupling end 33 is close to or in contact with the outer peripheral wall 15a of the casing ring 29 of the operating member 4, the grip element 7 is rotated to insert this second coupling end 33 provided with the coupling portion 9c into the passage zones 24a, 24b of the through hole 12, depending on whether the third or fourth function is to be operated. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the through hole 12 can be provided with two passage zones 24a, 24b for operating the third and fourth functions of the watch. In this connection, the gripping element 7 is rotated in a first direction until the shoulder 16 connecting the fixed part 9a and the insertable part 9b of the second drive element 8 abuts against the outer peripheral wall 15a of the casing ring 29 in order to select the passing zone 24a, 24b related to the function to be operated and to insert this second connecting end 33 into it. When this shoulder 16 abuts against the outer peripheral wall 15a, the gripping element 7 is operated in a second direction opposite / reverse to the first direction and is placed in a third control position for cooperation with the connecting element 13 of the ring 10. In this last configuration, when the gripping element 7 is in the third control position, the second connecting end 33 can cooperate with the connecting element 13 of the ring 10 via the connecting part 9c. It should be noted that in this third control position, the connecting part 9c is held in abutment against the inner peripheral wall 15b of the casing ring 29 under the action of the spring 19 exerting an elastic restoring force on the gripping element 7. It should be noted that the third control position is the position in which the second connecting end 33 engages in the through hole 12 and / or in which this second connecting end 33 cooperates with or is connected to the ring 10. In other words, it is the position in which the main portion 23a of the insertable part 9b is located in the through hole 12.

[0062] Thereafter, when the gripping element 7 is operated in a second direction of rotation, a movement of the ring 10 occurs in the support zone of the casing ring 29 as a result of the cooperation of the connecting portion 9c of the second connecting end 33 with the connecting element 13 of the ring 10. This movement continues until the connecting element 13 comes into contact with the corresponding stop element 28 of the cooperation zone 11. Due to this movement of the ring 10, the first elastic return element 18, which is arranged in a recess defined in the support zone under said ring 10, is stressed by said connecting element. During this movement, the actuating element 30 of the ring 10 actuates the corresponding pivoting element 14, changing the position of said pivoting element 14 and moving it into an actuating position, in which a part of said pivoting element 14 protrudes from the inner circumferential wall 15b of the casing ring 29 and interacts with the corresponding mechanism of the movement to perform the operated function. Thereafter, when the manipulation of the gripping element 7 is completed, the ring 10 is automatically placed in its rest position under the action of the first elastic return element 18, which recovers its rest shape. When the ring 10 is placed in its rest position, the pivoting element 14 is automatically placed in its initial position, since it is no longer subjected to stress by the actuating element 30 of the ring 10.

[0063] The method can then comprise a process of stopping the coupling device 40, during which the gripping element 7 is operated and moved from the third position to the first control position. In this connection, the gripping element 7 is rotated in a first direction until the coupling portion 9c of the second coupling end 33 is arranged facing the eccentric portion 25a, 25b of the corresponding passage zone 24a, 24b of the through hole 12 of the casing ring 29. In such a configuration, the spring 19 arranged on the first drive element 31 returns to its rest shape, causing an axial movement of the gripping element 7, whereby the second coupling end 33 is withdrawn from this passage zone 24a, 24b, and this gripping element 7 is automatically arranged in the first control position.

[0064] It should also be noted that in this specification, "substantially vertical" or "substantially vertically" is understood to mean "strictly vertical" or "fairly vertical".

[0065] The invention has been described above by way of example only. It goes without saying that modifications can be made while remaining within the scope of the claimed invention. By way of example, it will be understood that the system 1 can be configured to perform more than the four functions described herein in this embodiment, in particular by including a casing ring 29 whose through hole 12 has three or more zones for the passage of the second connecting end 33. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. A system that operates the clock movement of a watch 2. Control device 3 Support piece 4 Operation member 5. Watch Case 6 Middle Section 7 Grip element of coupling device 8 Second driving element 9a Fixed part 9b Insertable part 9c Connecting part 10. Ring 11 Collaboration Zone 12 Through holes 13 Elements for connecting rings 14 Pivoting element of operating member 15a Outer wall of casing ring 15b Inner wall of casing ring 16 Shoulder included on the outer surface of the second driving element 17 Through opening 18 First elastic return element 19 Spring 20 Compressed Pieces 21 Rod 22 Shoulder formed on compressed piece 23a Main part of insertable part 23b End portion of insertable part 24a First Passing Zone 24b Second Passing Zone 25a Eccentric part of the first passing zone 25b Eccentric part of the second passing zone 26 Central area common to the first and second passing zones 27 Area of ​​through openings located near the pivoting element 28 Collaborative Zone Stopping Elements 29 Casing Ring 30 Ring actuation elements 31 First driving element 32 First connecting end 33 Second connecting end 34 Opening of hollow body of second drive element 35 Outer surface of middle part of watch 36 First drive zone of the first drive element 37 Second drive zone of the second drive element 40 Coupling device

Claims

1. A system (1) for operating a clock movement of a timepiece, comprising a coupling device (40) provided with first and second coupling ends (32, 33) and with first and second drive zones (36, 37), said coupling device (40) being configured to operate at least one function of said movement by comprising a control device (2) and a support piece (3) intended to be immobile relative to the clock movement of the timepiece, in which said control device (2) is movably mounted, said control device (2) being: a gripping element (7) drivable in a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis (A) of said coupling device (40), a first drive element (31) including said first connecting end (32) and said first drive zone (36); a second drive element (8) rigidly attached to the gripping element (7), the second drive element (8) comprising the second connection end (33) and the second drive zone (37), the second zone (37) being coupleable to the first drive zone (36) for driving the first drive element (31) in rotation; Equipped with The elements (31, 8) are configured to transmit this rotational movement to a functional member of the movement when the grip element (7) is placed in an axial position for operating the function.

2. 2. The operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the body of the first drive element (31) is arranged within the hollow body of the second drive element (8).

3. 2. The operating system (1) of claim 1, wherein a portion of the body of the first drive element (31) provided with the first connecting end (32) protrudes from an opening (34) formed in the second connecting end (33) of the hollow body of the second drive element (8).

4. 2. The operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second drive elements (31, 33) are coaxial.

5. 2. An operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting end (32) of the first drive element (31) is configured to be located within the movement of the timepiece when the grip element (7) is in any of its axial positions.

6. 2. An operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting end (33) of the second drive element (8) is configured to be arranged outside the movement of the timepiece in any of its axial positions of the grip element (7).

7. the first coupling end (32) is adapted to transmit the rotational movement to an actuating member of a manual winding mechanism of the system (1), the manual winding mechanism being capable of storing mechanical energy when the grip element (7) is arranged in a first axial position for operating a first function of the timepiece, in which in the first position the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are coupled to one another; The operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting end (32) is configured to transmit the rotational movement to a hand setting member of the system (1) when the grip element (7) is arranged in a second axial position for operating a second function of the timepiece, and in the second position the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are coupled to each other.

8. 2. An operating system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second connecting end (33) is configured to transmit the rotational movement to an operating member (4) of the system when the grip element (7) is arranged in a third axial position for operating a third function and a fourth function of the timepiece, and in the third position the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are separated from each other.

9. 2. An operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first drive element (31) is axially translatable relative to the second drive element (8) and rotatable about the longitudinal axis (A).

10. 2. The operating system (1) according to claim 1, 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. 2. The operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are arranged opposite each other in the coupling device (40).

12. 2. The operating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second drive zones (36, 37) are configured to cooperate with each other in frictional contact to transmit a rotational movement of the gripping element (7) via the second drive element (8) to the first drive element (31).

13. A watch equipped with an operating system (1) according to claim 1.

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