Device for operating multiple functions of watch

Abstract

To provide an operating device that allows the functions of the watch to be operated without the need for an actuating tool.SOLUTION: An operating device 1 for a watch comprises a control member 2 mounted movably in a support piece 3 of the device 1, wherein the support piece 3 is intended not to move relative to a horological movement of the watch, and the control member 2 includes a gripping element 7, a driving element 8 mounted so as to be rigidly connected to the gripping element 7, and a transmission member 31 capable of being rotated by the driving element 8, transmission member 31 being configured to cooperate with a member for actuating a manual winding mechanism of the device 1 and for storing mechanical energy, in order to operate a first function of the watch, and to cooperate with a hand-setting member of the device 1 in order to control a second function of the watch, the driving element 8 being configured to cooperate with an operating member 4 of the device 1 in order to operate a third function and a fourth function of the watch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and in particular to a device for operating several functions of a watch using a single control member, such as a crown. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known in the prior art that operating devices such as push buttons are fitted to certain timepieces, particularly those 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 timepiece.

[0003] These kinds of miniature push buttons are usually very small, which saves space, especially in 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 device for a timepiece, which makes it possible to operate the functions of the timepiece without the need for an actuation tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to an operating device for a timepiece, comprising a control member movably mounted in a support piece of the device, the support piece being intended to be immobile relative to the timepiece movement of the timepiece, the control member comprising a grip element, a drive element mounted so as to be rigidly joined to the grip element, and a transmission member rotatable by the drive element, the transmission member being configured to cooperate with a member for actuating a manual winding mechanism of the device capable of storing mechanical energy in order to operate a first function of the timepiece, and with a hand setting member of the device to control a second function of the timepiece, the drive element being configured to cooperate with an operating member of the device to operate a third function and a fourth function of the timepiece.

[0008] In another embodiment, The control member is configured to move axially relative to its longitudinal axis between first, second and third control positions for performing first, second, third and fourth functions of the watch. The control member is placed in a first control position in which a mechanical link is established between one end of the transmission member and the actuating member for transmitting rotational movement of the control member to said actuating member to perform a first function of the timepiece. the control member is arranged in a second control position in which a mechanical link is established between one end of the transmission member and the hand setting member for transmitting rotational movement of the control member to said hand setting member to perform a second function of the timepiece. The drive element and the drive zones of the transmission member are coupled to each other so as to transmit a rotational movement from the grip element to the transmission member when the control member is arranged in the first control position and in the second control position, respectively. the control member is arranged in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element of the control member and a ring movably mounted within a casing ring of an operating member of said device for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member to said ring in order to perform a third or a fourth function of the watch. The drive zones of the drive element and the transmission member, respectively, are separated from one another to prevent the transmission of rotational motion from the grip element to the transmission member when the control member is arranged in the third control position. The control member ring is configured to activate a mechanism of a timepiece movement of the timepiece which performs said third and fourth functions. The casing ring is provided on its inner circumferential wall with a cooperation zone for cooperation of the ring with the free end of the drive element, said cooperation zone comprising stop elements defining a movement path of said ring movably mounted within the casing ring. The casing ring is provided with a through hole connecting the inner and outer peripheral walls of said casing ring, the through hole including a zone for passing the working part of the drive element. The passage zone comprises a central portion configured to place a main part of the working part of the drive element in said hole and an eccentric portion forming a passage allowing a connecting element of this working part to pass through the body of the casing ring. The ring comprises an element for activating a pivoting element of a control member arranged to activate a mechanism implementing a third or fourth function of the watch. The control member comprises a first elastic return element configured to automatically return the ring to the rest position. The first control position is between the second and third positions. A drive zone is formed on the inner surface of the drive element and a drive zone is formed on the outer surface of the transmission member.

[0009] The invention further relates to a timepiece equipped with such an operating device. [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 device for operating several functions of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the invention, the device being formed by a control member and at least one functional member, such as an operating member. [Diagram 2] 1 shows different views of a device for operating several functions of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the invention, the device being formed by a control member and at least one functional member, such as an operating member. [Diagram 3] 1 shows different views of a device for operating several functions of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the invention, the device being formed by a control member and at least one functional member, such as an operating member. [Figure 4] 1 shows a view of a control member of this operating device arranged in a first axial position for controlling a first function of the timepiece according to an embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a view of the control member of this operating device arranged in a second axial position for controlling a second function of the timepiece according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows a view of the control member of this operating device arranged in a third axial position for controlling a third function of the timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 shows a view of the control member of this operating device arranged in a third axial position for controlling a fourth function of the timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. [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 device according to an embodiment of the invention, said portion having a through hole with at least one zone for passing a free end of a drive element of a control member for operating 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] 13 illustrates a control member in a third axial control position after being rotated to operate a third function, according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 11] 13 illustrates a control member in a third axial control position after it has been rotated to operate a fourth function, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 1 to 11, the present invention relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, also called a timepiece, comprising a device 1 for operating several functions performed by a clock movement contained in said timepiece. In this embodiment, this control device 1 is configured to perform four functions, namely a first, second, third and fourth function, as can be seen in the remainder of this specification.

[0012] Such a watch typically comprises a case 5 defined by a preferably circular middle 6 and defining a central internal recess intended to receive a watch movement, the outer shape of which corresponds to the inner shape of a casing ring 29. The watch may be fitted with screws or clamps for holding the movement within this casing ring 29 and for holding this casing ring 29 within the middle 6 of the watch case 5.

[0013] Such a watch movement can be a mechanical or quartz movement. As mentioned above, this movement is arranged to perform a number of horological functions, in this embodiment four horological functions. These functions are controlled from an operating device 1 with the purpose of adjusting, correcting or activating the mechanisms of this movement. It should be noted that such functions are preferably operated independently of each other by a user using the operating device 1 of this watch. In this context, this device 1 can be considered as an operating device 1 for operating the mechanisms of the movement performing 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 actually 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 device 1.

[0015] For this purpose, the device 1 for controlling the functions of the movement is Support piece 3; a control member 2 such as a push button with a rotating head, a crown, a crown with a push button, a winding button or any crown allowing to operate the watch movement; -Functional members such as the operating member 4, the hand setting member, and the operating member for the manual winding mechanism; Equipped with.

[0016] In this device 1, the support piece 3, which may also be called "support guide piece", is preferably a tube provided with a through opening configured to provide a sliding guide. This tube is intended to engage in a fixed manner 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.

[0017] A control member 2 is movably mounted in this opening of the support piece 3. Such control member 2 is intended to be engaged through the middle part 6 of the case 5 of the watch with the support piece 3. This control member 2 comprises a grip element 7, a rotary drive element 8 formed by a tubular extension rigidly connected to this grip element 7, and a transmission member 31 forming one end of this control member 2. In this control member 2, this transmission member 31 is rotated by said drive element 8 when the grip element 7 is actuated to perform such a rotary movement, as will be explained below. It should be noted that in this configuration, the grip element 7 can be, for example, a crown head in case the control member is a crown.

[0018] In this control member 2, the drive element 8 is arranged substantially in the support piece 3 and is arranged to move or slide in an opening provided in this support piece 3. More specifically, the drive element 8 comprises a hollow body consisting of two parts, namely a fastening part 9a for connecting this element 8 to the grip element 7 of the control member 2 and an actuating part 9b of the operating member 4, this actuating part 9b constituting the end of this drive element 8. This actuating part 9b can participate in the operation of the third and fourth functions of the clock movement by means of a connecting element 9c provided therein. In the body of this drive element 8, the actuating part 9b is arranged next to the fastening 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 drive element 8, as can be seen in Figs. 4 to 7. The actuating part 9b consists of a main part 23a and an end part 23b, the end part 23b being provided with the above-mentioned connecting element 9c. In this configuration, main portion 23a is between shoulder 16 and end portion 23b.

[0019] In this drive element 8, the connecting element 9c extends perpendicular to the outer surface of the actuating part 9b. More precisely, this connecting element 9c extends substantially perpendicular to a zone of this surface that is included in the terminal portion 23b of this actuating part 9b. In other words, this connecting element 9c extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the control member 2.

[0020] As mentioned above, the actuating part 9b formed by the main part 23a and the end part constitutes the end of the drive element 8. It can therefore be defined that the connecting element 9c of this actuating part 9b extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of this end.

[0021] Furthermore, the fastening portion 9a of the drive element 8 can be hammered into or made integral with the gripping element 7 of the control member 2. As mentioned above, this drive element 8 comprises a shoulder, indicated by the reference 16 in Figs. 4 to 7, which connects the fastening portion 9a and the actuation portion 9b to each other. Such a shoulder 16 preferably has a flat surface. It should be noted that such a surface is also substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the control member 2.

[0022] The drive element 8 further comprises a drive zone 33 formed on its inner surface. More specifically, the drive zone 33 is formed on a part of the inner surface that is located at the fastening portion 9a of the drive element 8. The drive zone 33 comprises a contact surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0023] As mentioned above, the control member 2 further comprises a member 31 for transmitting a rotary movement to at least one functional member of the operating device 1. This transmission member 31 comprises a spring 19 freely mounted in a cylindrical recess defined in the hollow body of the drive element 8, in particular in a fastening part 9a of this drive element 8 fastened to the grip element 7 of the control member 2. This transmission member 31 further comprises a compression piece 20 compressing this spring 19, the compression piece being supported on a rod 21, the end of which forms not only one end of this transmission member 31 but also one end of the control member 2. This compression piece 20 comprises a shoulder 22 forming a bearing zone of a first end of the spring 19, the shoulder 22 being arranged facing the grip element 7 of the control member, so that this element 7 comprises the other bearing zone capable of cooperating with a second end of this spring 19.

[0024] The transmission member 31 has a drive zone 34 formed on its outer surface. The drive zone 34 has a contact surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0025] It should be noted that the drive zones 33, 34 of the drive element 8 and the transmission member 31, in particular their contact surfaces, are arranged opposite each other in the control member 2. Furthermore, these drive zones 33, 34, in particular their contact surfaces, are configured to cooperate with each other in frictional contact for transmitting the rotational movement of the grip element 7 via the drive element 8 to the transmission member 31.

[0026] Such a transmission member 31 is particularly The rotational movement applied to the gripping element 7 of the control member 2, * adapted to communicate by coupling to an actuating member of the manual winding mechanism when a first function of the timepiece is executed; a second function of the timepiece, configured to communicate by coupling to the hand setting member for operating the second function of the timepiece; It is configured to improve the cooperation between the connecting element 9c of the actuation part 9b and the connecting element 13 of the operating member 4 in order to ensure an optimal movement of the ring 10 of the operating member 4, as will be explained below.

[0027] As mentioned above, the operating device 1 can perform several functions of the movement depending on different axial positions of the control member 2 relative to the outer surface 32 of the movement or middle part 6 of the watch, and also depending on the direction of rotation of this control member 2 at the selected axial position.

[0028] More specifically, a control member 2 of the device 1 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 the support piece 3. Indeed, the control member 2 is configured to move axially relative to its longitudinal axis A between first, second and third axial control positions for carrying out first, second, third and fourth functions of the timepiece.

[0029] More specifically, when this control member 2 is placed in a first control position for operating a first function of the watch, its end is mechanically connected to the actuating member. This end of the control member 2 is formed by the connecting end of the rod 21 of the transmission member 31 of this control member 2. It is therefore understood that in this configuration, such an end is connected to the actuating member in order to transmit the rotational movement of the control member 2, in particular of its grip element 7, to the actuating member.

[0030] In this connection, this first control position is also called the winding position. It should be noted that such a first position may be the default or rest or initial position of the control member 2, and therefore may also be called the neutral axial position or the initial axial position.

[0031] In such a case, this first control position is preferably between the second and third axial control positions. Starting from a first position, in order to place it in a second control position, this control member 2 is moved axially along the longitudinal axis A of this first control position in a direction opposite to the direction towards the outer surface 32 of the movement or of the middle part 6 of the watch, i.e. in a direction moving the control member 2 away from the movement or from the outer surface 32 of the middle part 6 of the watch; Starting from the first control position, in order to place it in the third control position, the control member 2 is moved axially along the longitudinal axis A of the first control position in a direction towards the outer surface 32 of the movement or watch middle 6.

[0032] When the control member 2 is placed in the second control position to operate a second function of the watch, its end is mechanically coupled to the hand setting member. In this configuration, this end of the control member 2, in this case the coupling end of the rod 21, is coupled to the hand setting member and transmits the rotational movement of the control member 2 to the hand setting member.

[0033] It should be noted that in this configuration in which the control member 2 is positioned in the first control position and the second control position, the drive element 8 and the drive zones 33, 34 of the transmission member 31, respectively, are coupled to each other so as to transmit rotational motion from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31.

[0034] Finally, when this control member 2 is placed in the third control position, a mechanical link is established between the actuating part 9b of the drive element 8 and the ring 10 of the operating member 4, transmitting the rotational movement of this control member 2 to said ring 10 in order to execute the third or fourth function of the watch. In this configuration, the drive zones 33, 34 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.

[0035] In this connection, it is understood that the drive element 8 can cooperate with an operating member 4. Such member 4 is preferably configured to be connected to the timepiece movement when the mechanism of this movement is actuated, in particular to carry out the third and fourth functions 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.

[0036] 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 face and a lower face, as well as inner and outer peripheral walls 15a, 15b connecting these two faces to each other.

[0037] In this configuration, the upper surface of the casing ring 29 comprises a support zone intended to house or receive the ring 10 as part of its placement on 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 and fourth functions of the watch.

[0038] The casing ring 29 of this member 4 further comprises a through hole 12 connecting its inner and outer peripheral walls 15a, 15b to one another. Such hole 12 has a central axis B coinciding with the longitudinal axis A of the control member 2. In this configuration, the geometry of this hole 12 and its position in the casing ring 29 are defined so that the drive element 8 can pass through this hole 12. This hole 12 comprises at least one zone 24a, 24b through which the free end of the drive element 8 passes in order to operate a third and a fourth function of said watch.

[0039] With reference to figures 8a, 8b and 9, this hole 12 comprises a first and a second passage zone 24a, 24b, each of which is 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 constructively 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 actuation part 9b in the through hole 12, and an eccentric part 25a, 25b configured to pass a coupling element 9c through this hole 12. This eccentric part 25a, 25b forms a passage that allows the coupling element 9c to pass through the body of said casing ring 29 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 these two zones 24a, 24b coincide. In this configuration, the central portion 26 extends over a distance from the outer peripheral wall 15a to the inner peripheral wall 15b of the casing ring 29, which distance is substantially shorter than the length of the main portion 23a of the working 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.

[0040] 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 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.

[0041] As mentioned above, the casing ring 29 comprises a cooperation zone 11 for cooperation of the rotary drive element 8 and the operating member 4. More specifically, this zone 11 is the place where the connecting element 9c of the actuating part 9b cooperates with the connecting element 13 of this ring 10 in order to move this ring 10 inside the casing ring 29. Such a zone 11 is comprised in the inner circumferential wall 15b of the casing ring 29. In particular, this zone 11 comprises the part of this circumferential 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In this ring 10, the actuating element 30 of the pivoting element 14 is included on the outer side of the ring 10. The 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, the 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 the actuating element 30 to be placed in close proximity to the pivoting element 14. Such a placement allows the actuating element 30 to actuate the pivoting element 14 so that it moves from its initial position to its actuated position. The 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.

[0045] The ring 10 further comprises an element for connecting to a first elastic return element 18 arranged in a recess included in a support zone of the casing ring 29. The connection element is included in the lower surface of the ring 10. It extends from this lower surface substantially perpendicularly towards the bottom of the corresponding recess comprising the first elastic return element. In other words, the connection element is partially arranged 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 connection element has a shape configured to apply or stress the first end with which it is in contact, while the second end of the first return element 18 can abut or be supported by a support wall of the recess arranged opposite the connection element. In this configuration, it is understood that the connection 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.

[0046] 2, 10 and 11, 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 ridge that is substantially polygonal in shape, this shape being particularly suitable for achieving an optimal coupling with the connecting element 9c of the working part 9b.

[0047] As mentioned above, the device 1 further comprises a transmission member 31 configured to improve the cooperation of the connecting element 9c with the connecting 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 transmission member 31 serves to ensure that the contact established between the connecting element 9c 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 connection between this connecting element 9c and the connecting element 13 is achieved for the movement of the ring 10 within the casing ring 29.

[0048] Thus, in summary, when the control member 2 is placed in the third control position for operating the third function, the end of the drive element 8 is inserted into the opening 24a visible in FIG. 8a. In this configuration, the control member 2 thus operates in the direction of rotation intended to operate the third function of the watch. During this rotational movement, the coupling element 9c of the drive element 8 cooperates with the coupling element 13 of the ring 10 to move the ring 10. In this context, such movement of the ring 10 thus causes the actuation of a pivoting element 14 which interacts with the mechanism of the movement performing the third function.

[0049] Likewise, when this control member 2 is placed in the third control position to operate the fourth function, the end of the drive element 8 is inserted into another opening 24b visible in FIG. 8b. In this configuration, the control member 2 thus operates in a rotational direction intended to operate this fourth function of the watch, which is opposite to the rotational direction used to operate the third function. During this rotational movement, the coupling element 9c of the drive element 8 cooperates with the coupling element 13 of this ring 10 to move the ring 10. In this context, such movement of this ring 10 thus causes the actuation of a corresponding pivoting element 14 which interacts with the mechanism of the movement performing this fourth function.

[0050] In this embodiment, it is understood that such an operating device 1 allows the implementation of a method for operating a watch, in particular a method for operating several functions of the watch, in particular four functions of this watch.

[0051] To this end, the method provides a process of operating the device 1 to operate a first, second, third or fourth function of the timepiece, during which the control member 2 is operated to place it in an axial control position which corresponds to the function to be operated, i.e. A first axial control position for a first function, in which the drive zones 33, 34 are coupled to one another and are involved in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31. A second axial control position for a second function, in which the drive zones 33, 34 are coupled to one another and are involved in the transmission of a rotational movement from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31. A third axial control position for the third or fourth function, in which the drive zones 33, 34 are separated from each other and prevent / block / stop the transmission of rotational motion from the gripping element 7 to the transmission member 31.

[0052] By manipulating the control member 2 it is possible to move it from one control position to another in order to select one of the functions of the watch. It should be noted that in this embodiment the control member 2 is initially placed in a first axial control position which corresponds to the manual winding function.

[0053] As described above, when the control member 2 is manipulated to be disposed in the first and second control positions, the ends of the member 2 are coupled to the actuating and needle setting members of the manual winding mechanism, respectively. Once the manual winding function is completed, the method may include the process of stopping the device 1 while the control member 2 remains disposed in the first control position. For the needle setting function, the process of stopping the device 1 of the method includes causing the control member 2 to be pushed axially towards the outer surface 32 of the middle section 6 as it moves from the second control position to the first position.

[0054] When the control member 2 is operated to move from the first or second control position to the third control position, the gripping element 7 is located as close as possible to the outer surface 32 of the middle part 6. During this operation, the control member 2 is moved axially towards the through hole 12 by compressing the spring 19 arranged between the gripping element 7 of the control member 2 and a compression piece 20 contained in this control member 2. When the actuating part 9b of the drive element 8 of this control member 2 is close to or in contact with the outer peripheral wall 15a of the casing ring 29 of the control member 4, the control member 2 is rotated to insert this actuating part 9b into at least one of the passage zones 24a, 24b of the through hole 12. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the through hole 12 can be provided with two passage zones 24a, 24b for operating a third and a fourth different function of the watch. In this connection, the control member 2 is rotated in a first direction until the shoulder 16 of the drive element 8 abuts against the outer peripheral wall 15a of the casing ring 29 in order to select the passing zone 24a, 24b associated with the third or fourth function to be operated and to insert this actuating part 9b into it. When this shoulder 16 abuts against the outer peripheral wall 15a, the control member 2 is actuated in a second direction opposite 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 latter configuration, the connecting element 9c of the actuating part 9b can cooperate with the connecting element 13 of the ring 10. It should be noted that in this third control position, the connecting element 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 return force on the control member 2. It should be noted that the third control position is the position in which the actuating part 9b of the drive element 8 of the control member 2 engages in the through hole 12 and / or this part 9b cooperates with or is connected to the ring 10. In other words, the third control position is the position in which the main part 23a of this actuating part 9b is located in the through hole 12.

[0055] Thereafter, when the control member 2 is actuated in a second direction of rotation, the cooperation of the connecting element 9c with the connecting element 13 of the ring 10 causes a movement of the ring 10 in the support zone of the casing ring 29. This movement continues until the connecting element 13 comes into contact with a corresponding stop element 28 of the cooperation area 11. This movement of the ring 10 causes the first elastic return element 18, which is arranged in a recess defined in the support zone under said ring 10, to be 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 actuated 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 actuated third or fourth function.

[0056] Thereafter, when the operation of the control member 2 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.

[0057] The method can then comprise a process of stopping the device 1, during which the control member 2 is operated by passing from the third control position to the first position. In this connection, the control member 2 is rotated in a first direction until the connecting element 9c is arranged facing the eccentric part 25a, 25b of the corresponding passing zone 24a, 24b of the through hole 12 of the casing ring 29. In such a configuration, the spring 19 arranged on the control member 2 returns to its rest shape, causing an axial movement of the control member 2, whereby the actuating part 9b of the drive element 8 is withdrawn from this passing zone 24a, 24b, and this control member 2 is automatically arranged in the first control position.

[0058] It should also be noted that in this specification, "substantially vertical" or "substantially vertically" is understood to mean "strictly vertical" or "fairly vertical".

[0059] The invention has been described above by way of example only. It goes without saying that modifications can be made whilst remaining within the scope of the claimed invention. By way of example, it is understood that the operating device 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-bore 12 comprises three or more zones for the passage of the actuating portion 9b of the drive element 8 of the control member 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Operating device 2 Control member 3 Support piece 4 Operation member 5. Watch Case 6 Middle Section 7 Grip element of control member 8 Driving Elements 9a Fastening part 9b Actuating part 9c Actuating part connecting element 10. Ring 11 Collaboration Zone 12 Through hole 13 Ring connecting elements 14 Swivel Elements 15a Outer wall 15b Inner wall 16 Shoulder included on the outer surface of the 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 parts of the operating unit 23b End portion of the operating 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 Transmission components 32 Outer surface of middle section 33 Drive zone included in transmission member 34 Drive zone included in the drive element

Claims

1. 1. An operating device (1) for a timepiece, comprising a control member (2) movably mounted in a support piece (3) of said device (1), said piece (2) intended to be immobile relative to a timepiece movement of said timepiece, said control member (2) comprising a grip element (7), a drive element (8) mounted in a rigidly connected manner on said grip element (7), and a transmission member (31) rotatable by said drive element (8), said transmission member (31) configured to cooperate with a member for actuating a manual winding mechanism of said device (1) capable of storing mechanical energy in order to operate a first function of said timepiece and with a hand setting member of said device (1) to control a second function of said timepiece, said drive element (8) configured to cooperate with an operating member (4) of said device (1) to operate a third and a fourth function of said timepiece.

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is configured to move axially relative to its longitudinal axis (A) between first, second and third control positions for executing first, second, third and fourth functions of the timepiece.

3. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is positioned in a first control position in which a mechanical link is established between one end of the transmission member (31) and the actuating member for transmitting rotational movement of the control member (2) to the actuating member in order to perform a first function of the timepiece.

4. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is arranged in a second control position in which a mechanical link is established between one end of the transmission member (31) and the hand setting member for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the hand setting member in order to perform a second function of the timepiece.

5. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is configured to move axially relative to its longitudinal axis (A) between first, second and third control positions for executing first, second, third and fourth functions of the timepiece, and wherein, when the control member (2) is arranged in the first control position and in the second control position, the drive element (8) and the drive zones (33, 34) of the transmission member (31) are coupled to each other so as to transmit a rotational movement from the grip element (7) to the transmission member (31), respectively.

6. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is arranged in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted within a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to perform a third or a fourth function of the timepiece.

7. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is placed in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted in a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third function or a fourth function of the timepiece, and wherein when the control member (2) is placed in the third control position, the drive element (8) and the drive zones (33, 34) of the transmission member (31) are separated from each other so as to transmit a rotational movement from the grip element (7) to the transmission member (31), respectively.

8. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is arranged in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted within a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to perform a third function or a fourth function of the timepiece, the ring (10) of the control member (4) being configured to operate a mechanism of a clock movement of the timepiece which performs the third and fourth functions.

9. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is arranged in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted in a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third or a fourth function of the timepiece, the casing ring (29) comprising on its inner circumferential wall (15b) a cooperation zone (11) for cooperation of the ring (10) with the free end of the drive element (8), the zone (11) comprising stop elements (28) defining a path of movement of this ring (10) movably mounted in the casing ring (29).

10. The control member (2) is placed in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted in a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third function or a fourth function of the timepiece, the casing ring (29) comprising a through hole (12) connecting the inner and outer circumferential walls (15a, 15b) of the casing ring (29) to one another, the hole (12) comprising zones (24a, 24b) for the passage of an actuating part (9b) of the drive element (8).

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

11. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is placed in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted in a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third or a fourth function of the timepiece, and wherein the passage zone (24a, 24b) comprises a central portion (26) configured to place a main part (23a) of an actuating part (9b) of the drive element (8) in the hole (12) and an eccentric portion (25a, 25b) forming a passage allowing a connecting element (9c) of this actuating part (9b) to pass through the body of the casing ring (29).

12. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is arranged in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted in a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) for executing a third function or a fourth function of the timepiece, the ring (10) comprising an element (30) for actuating a pivoting element (14) of the control member (4) configured to actuate a mechanism for executing a third function or a fourth function of the timepiece.

13. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is arranged in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted in a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third or a fourth function of the timepiece, the control member (4) comprising a first elastic return element (18) configured to automatically return the ring (10) to its rest position.

14. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first control position is between the second position and the third position.

15. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is arranged in a third control position in which a mechanical link is established between the free end of the drive element (8) of the control member (2) and a ring (10) movably mounted in a casing ring (29) of an operating member (4) of the device (1) for transmitting a rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to perform a third or a fourth function of the timepiece, the drive zone (33) being formed on an inner surface of the drive element (8) and the drive zone (34) being formed on an outer surface of the transmission member (31).

16. A timepiece comprising an operating device (1) according to claim 1.

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