Timepiece control device

Abstract

To provide a timepiece control device which is simple and reliable and the overall size of which, within the thickness of the timepiece movement, is limited.SOLUTION: The timepiece control device for a timepiece movement has: a frame; a control stem 1 having an axis; a first pinion 4 that can be actuated in rotation by the control stem 1 and is adapted to be connected to at least one first mechanism, in particular to at least one first mechanism for correction of an indicator member; and a second pinion 6 that can be actuated in rotation by the control stem 1 and is adapted to be moved axially both relative to the control stem 1 and relative to the frame and to be connected to a second mechanism, in particular to a winding mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism operable by a control stem mounted with a single sliding pinion constrained to rotate with the control stem and a winding pinion mounted freely rotatably on the control stem. In a first axial position, the control stem operates the winding mechanism using the rear teeth of the sliding pinion acting on the front teeth of the winding pinion. In a second axial position, the control stem drives the date and day corrector mechanism using the rear teeth of the sliding pinion acting on the front teeth of the winding pinion. In a third axial position, the control stem operates the hour corrector mechanism using the front teeth of the sliding pinion. This mechanism eliminates the risk of unintentional date or day correction during the stem's movement from the first axial position to the second. However, it has the disadvantage of not eliminating the risk of jamming during the stem's passage from the first axial position to the second axial position if the winding chain is under tension.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a mechanism operable by a control stem, which is equipped with a single sliding pinion constrained to rotate with the control stem and a winding pinion also constrained to rotate with the control stem. The switching device enabling the transition from the winding function to the indicator member correction function is made possible here by the use of two separate horizontal clutch devices. In particular, the first clutch is dedicated to the winding mechanism, while the second is adapted to control the translation of the sliding pinion to activate or deactivate the time-setting kinematic chain. Each clutch includes a bistable lever arranged in a plane parallel to the plane of the timepiece frame and directly operated by a pull-out piece. The first position of one or the other of the two levers corresponds to the activation position of the associated function, while the second position corresponds to the deactivation position. This makes it impossible to add a third function for correcting the second indicator member, such as one that provides a time-derived display, without installing an additional clutch device.

[0004] Patent document 3 also discloses a mechanism operable by a control stem, which is mounted with a single sliding pinion constrained to rotate with the control stem and a winding pinion also constrained to rotate with the control stem. The mechanism has the particular feature of including a winding mechanism actuated by a vertical clutch, in particular a vertical clutch perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the control stem, while a correction mechanism of at least one indicator member is actuated by the sliding pinion.

[0005] As such, the patent is particularly directed to preserving the specific kinematics of a sliding pinion that is translationally movable relative to the frame in two opposite directions for the same sense of actuation of the control true, in order to allow for the correction of at least two separate indicator members. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 1152303 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 432389 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2724199 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3339967 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece control device which allows an improvement over the devices known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a timepiece control device which is simple and reliable and whose overall dimensions are limited within the thickness of the timepiece movement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The clock control device according to the present invention is defined in claim 1.

[0009] Embodiments of the clock control device are defined in claims 2 to 14.

[0010] The clock movement according to the invention is defined in claim 15.

[0011] The timepiece according to the invention is defined in claim 16.

[0012] A method of operation according to the invention is defined in claim 17.

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, an embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, with the control device viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention, with the control device viewed from below. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a view of the control device, cross-sectional on the true longitudinal axis, with the control device in a first configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the control device in a first configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the control device in a second configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of the control device in a second configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the control device, cross-section on the true longitudinal axis, with the control device in a second configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the control device in a third configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottom of the control device in a third configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the control device, cross-section on the true longitudinal axis, with the control device in a third configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] One embodiment of the watch 300 is described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0016] The timepiece 300 is for example a small timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, and includes a timepiece movement 200 that is intended to be mounted in a watch case to protect it from the external environment.

[0017] The watch movement 200 is a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement, or an electronic movement.

[0018] The clock movement 200 - Select different clock functions, and - adjusting or modifying any clock function or the operation of any clock function; The clock includes a clock control device 100 that enables the clock to be controlled by the clock.

[0019] The clock control device 100 - Frame 99, and - Control True 1, Includes.

[0020] Control true 1 is along its own longitudinal axis A1 and relative to frame 99, - In rotation, and - In translation, It is movable.

[0021] The clock function is preferably selected by translation along its longitudinal axis A1 relative to the frame 99 of the control stalk, and / or adjustment of the clock function or correction of the clock function or operation of the clock function is performed by rotation about its longitudinal axis A1 relative to the frame 99 of the control stalk.

[0022] The clock control device 100 further a first pinion 4, the rotation of which can be actuated by the control stem 1 and which is adapted to be connected to at least one first mechanism 80, 70, in particular to a first mechanism 80, 70 for correcting at least one indicator member; a second pinion 6, the rotation of which is actuable by the control stem 1, adapted to be moved axially both relative to the control stem 1 and relative to the frame 99, and adapted to be connected to a second mechanism 90, in particular to a winding mechanism 90; Includes.

[0023] The first pinion 4 may be a sliding pinion actuated in translation by a first lever 5, which in turn is actuated by a pull-out piece 3 driven by the translation of the control stem 1. The second pinion 6 is advantageously a sliding pinion actuated in translation by a second lever 8, which in turn is actuated by the same pull-out piece 3 that actuates the first lever 5.

[0024] The watch control is operated by a control stem 1 adapted to be positioned in three axial positions P1, P2, P3. These positions are defined thanks to a spring 2 which acts on the positioning of a pull-out piece 3 which pivots about an axis A3 relative to the frame 99. In particular, the spring 2 includes a beak 2a which cooperates with a pin 31 of the pull-out piece. The beak 2a is adapted to define three notches. The pull-out piece 3 is connected to the control stem 1 by means of a post 3a which is engaged in a groove 1a of the control stem 1.

[0025] 1 and 2 are views from above and below, respectively, of the clock control device 100, with the control stem 1 in position P1.

[0026] In the described embodiment, the watch control device 100 is adapted to allow winding of the movement 200 and to allow correction of the first indicator member and at least one second indicator member depending on the true position. 1 to 4, in position P1, the control stem 1 is adapted to be kinematically connected to the winding mechanism 90 of the movement 200. In particular, rotation of the control stem 1 in a predetermined direction winds the barrel of the movement 200. 5 to 7, in position P2, the control stem 1 is kinematically connected to a mechanism 80 for correcting a first indicator member, such as a calendar disc, in particular a date disc driven by the movement 200. Rotation of the control stem 1 thus allows for the correction, in particular the incremental correction, of the date disc. 8 to 10, in position P3, the control stem 1 is kinematically connected to a mechanism 70 for correcting a second indicator member, such as the hour and minute hands, driven by the movement 200. Thus, rotation of the control stem 1 adjusts the hour and minute hands.

[0027] The control stem 1 performs these various correcting or adjusting functions by means of a first sliding pinion 4 constrained to rotate with the control stem. Advantageously, the first pinion 4 is mounted on the control stem 1, in particular directly on the control stem. The pinion 4 has, for this purpose, an axial opening 40 with a non-circular shape (non-circular cross-section) mounted on a complementary-shaped portion 10 of the control stem (additional non-circular cross-section). In particular, here the opening 40 of the pinion 4 has a square shape adapted to cooperate with a square 10 formed on the control stem 1. The pinion 4 pivots about an axis A5 and has sets of teeth 4a, 4b adapted to actuate the correcting mechanisms 80 and 70, respectively, depending on the position of a first lever 5, one end of which engages in a groove 4c of the pinion 4.

[0028] As such, the winding function may be performed by means of a second sliding pinion 6, which pivots about an axis A8 and is constrained to rotate with the stem, adapted to mesh with a winding pinion 7 freely mounted on the control stem 1, depending on the position of a second lever 8, one end of which engages in a groove 6b of the pinion 6. Advantageously, the second pinion 6 is mounted on the control stem 1, in particular the second pinion 6 is mounted directly on the control stem. Like the pinion 4, said pinion 6 advantageously has a non-circular axial opening 60 (non-circular cross section) mounted on a complementary-shaped portion 10 (additional non-circular cross section) of the control stem 1. In particular, here the opening 60 of the pinion 6 has a square shape adapted to cooperate with the square 10 formed on the control stem.

[0029] More specifically, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 9, levers 5 and 8 are now arranged in two separate and parallel planes. In particular, lever 5 takes the form of a planar part, while lever 8 is zigzag at one end which cooperates with groove 6a on pinion 6. The ends of levers 5 and 8 which cooperate with grooves 4c and 6b of pinions 4 and 6, respectively, which are arranged coaxially with the true, are therefore arranged in the same plane.

[0030] In position P1, the second lever 8 presses the Breguet teeth 6a of the sliding pinion 6 against the Breguet teeth 7a of the winding pinion 7 due to the influence of a return spring 8a, here made integral with the lever 8, which biases the second lever 8 against the pull-out piece 3. To this end, the control device may comprise a second element 8a biasing the second lever 8. Said biasing element 8a may in particular form part of the lever 8.

[0031] As a result, rotation of the control arbour 1 in the first direction winds up the barrel 96 via a winding mechanism 90 of the winding train type. In particular, the winding train - winding crown 91, which engages with winding pinion 7; - Gear 92, - Pinion 93, and - 95 ratchet wheels, Includes. Gear 92 and pinion 93 preferably pivot on a conventional winding lever 94 .

[0032] In position P1, the pull-out piece 3 has no effect on the lever 8, which is positioned exclusively by its return spring 8a, which weights the frame 99 of the timepiece movement. In that same position P1, the pinion 4 is outside the range of the gears forming part of the correction mechanisms 80 and 70, thanks to the lever 5, which is positioned by the pull-out piece 3, and in particular by the flank 3b of the pull-out piece 3 acting on a part 5b of the lever 5 opposite the action of the return spring 5a, which weights the frame 99. To this end, the control device may comprise a first element 5a biasing the first lever 5 against the pull-out piece 3. Said return element 5a may in particular form part of the lever 5.

[0033] Pulling the control stem 1 from position P1 towards the outside of the watch movement (in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. 5) moves it to position P2. During this operation, the stud 3c or any other feature protruding from the pull-out piece 3 acts against the flank 8c of the lever 8 until it reaches the apex 8d, which causes the pinion 6 to move away from the winding pinion 7. During this same operation, the flank 3b of the pull-out piece 3 is released from the portion 5b of the lever 5 and is accommodated in the recess 5c formed by the walls 51c and 52c (shown in bold in FIG. 5). The lever 5 is thus biased by its spring 5a in the direction of arrow F, which causes the tooth 4a of the pinion 4 to mesh with the tooth 81a of the date correction ring 81, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0034] Thus, in position P2, pinion 6 is outside the range of winding pinion 7, and rotation of regulating stem 1 has no effect on the winding mechanism. In this same position, teeth 4a of pinion 4 engage teeth 81a of ring 81, so that rotation of regulating stem 1 corrects the date. To this end, ring 81 engages with a corrector moving part 83 by means of intermediate gear 82. In particular, here, moving part 83 includes a corrector 83a whose teeth 831a are adapted to act on teeth 84a of a date disc 84 due to rotation of regulating stem 1. Here, said correction is effected in both directions thanks to moving part 83 pivoting on frame 99. Of course, other correction modes are entirely conceivable. For example, the corrector moving part could pivot on a lever or, in particular, in an oblong recess formed in the frame of the watch movement, so as to allow correction in only one direction of rotation of regulating stem 1. Additionally or alternatively, the collector movement may allow for the modification of other information, for example day of the week information.

[0035] Pulling the control stem 1 from position P2 toward the outside of the movement (in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 8) moves it to position P3. During this operation, the stud 3c acts against the side 8e of the lever 8, which is shaped to hold the lever 8 in the same axial position and thus keep the pinion 6 out of the range of the winding pinion 7. During this same operation, the side 3b of the pull-out piece 3 is released from the recess 5c and moves along the wall 52c until it reaches the apex 5d, which causes the pinion 4 to translate toward the inside of the movement (in the direction of arrow F' in FIG. 8) until it can engage the pinion teeth 4b with the time-setting intermediate gear 71. The intermediate gear 71 engages the hour wheel 73 and the cannon pinion (not shown) by means of the intermediate movable part 72. Thus, rotation of the control stem 1 in position P3 causes the rotation of the hour hand 74 and the minute hand 75, which are fixed to the hour wheel and the cannon pinion, respectively.

[0036] As a result of the above, the first pinion 4 is advantageously adapted to be actuated by the translation of a first lever 5 , the lever 5 being actuated by a pull-out piece 3 driven by the translation of the control stem 1 .

[0037] As a result of the above, the second pinion 6 is advantageously adapted to be actuated by the translation of a second lever 8, which in turn is actuated by a pull-out piece 3 driven by the translation of the control stem 1.

[0038] The first pinion does not necessarily have to be a sliding pinion. It may, for example, have a single axial position (relative to the frame 99) regardless of the axial position of the control arbour 1. Assuming this is the case, the first pinion has a single axial position relative to the frame, while various auxiliary levers allow clutch engagement and de-clutching of various functions for correcting or adjusting the movement. Assuming this is the case, or assumable as a sliding pinion, the first pinion is permanently constrained to rotate with the arbour. Furthermore, the first pinion 4 is rotationally driven directly by the control arbour, i.e., without the intermediary of auxiliary parts. In particular, the first pinion 4 may be connected to the control arbour 1 by a sliding connection.

[0039] As a further alternative, the first pinion may be fixed or connected by mounting to the control stem 1. Assuming this is the case, translational movement of the control stem allows engagement or disengagement of the teeth of the first pinion with the teeth of at least one first mechanism 80, 70, in particular of the first mechanism 80, 70 of the correction of at least one indicator member, in particular engagement or disengagement of the teeth of the first pinion with the teeth of the first mechanism and engagement or disengagement of the teeth of the first pinion with the teeth of the second mechanism.

[0040] As a further alternative, the pull-out piece 3 may take the form of an assembly of two parts adapted to be movable relative to one another, for example, in particular to facilitate insertion into or removal from the movement of the stem 1.

[0041] Whatever the embodiment or variant, the second pinion 6 is advantageously constrained to rotate permanently with the control axle. Furthermore, the second pinion 6 is rotationally driven directly by the control axle, i.e. without the interposition of auxiliary parts. In particular, the second pinion 6 may be connected to the control axle 1 by a sliding connection.

[0042] Whatever the embodiment or variant, the first shape 3b of the pull-out piece 3 and the first lever 5 are preferably arranged in the same first plane PA, and the second shape 3c of the pull-out piece 3 and the second lever 8 are preferably arranged in a second plane PB parallel to the first plane.

[0043] In the above description, the pinions 4 and 6 are arranged coaxially. This embodiment is particularly advantageous, but it is of course also possible to envisage an embodiment in which the pinions are parallel, for example in the case of an offset control stem 1 mechanism.

[0044] In this specification, "sliding pinion" means a pinion that is movable in translation both relative to the arbour and relative to the frame of the movement.

[0045] A method for implementing the above-described clock control device 100 and / or the above-described clock movement 200 and / or the above-described clock 300 operation method will be described in detail below.

[0046] The method is: - in a first position P1 of the control stem 1, activation of the second pinion 6 as a function of the axial position of the second pinion along the axis A1 and deactivation of the first pinion 4 as a function of the axial position of the first pinion along the axis A1, - a first stop of the second pinion 6 in response to the axial position of the second pinion along the axis A1 and a first activation of the first pinion 4 in response to the axial position of the first pinion along the axis A1, in a second position P2 of the control stem 1; - in a third position P3 of the control stem 1, a stop of the second pinion 6 as a function of the axial position of the second pinion along the axis A1 and a second activation of the first pinion 4 as a function of the axial position of the first pinion along the axis A1; Includes.

[0047] "Pinion actuation" means that the pinion is configured to transmit motion to a mechanism (in particular a correcting, regulating or winding mechanism) as a result of rotation of the control stem 1.

[0048] "Pinion stop" means that the pinion is configured so that it does not transmit motion to the mechanism (in particular the correcting, adjusting or winding mechanism) as a result of rotation of the control stem 1.

[0049] The second position P2 and the third position P3 of the control stem are different. At the second position P2 and the third position P3 of the control stem 1, the axial position of the first pinion 4 is different.

[0050] The above-mentioned solution is distinguished in particular by the use of a clutch that allows for planar winding of the movement, made possible by a second sliding pinion, which can advantageously replace the vertical clutch. Such a design has the advantage of proposing a compact mechanism that can be integrated into particularly thin timepiece movements, while maintaining the operational advantage of a timepiece control device that is free from jamming or accidental adjustments during operation of the control stem, in particular during movement of the control stem from one of its various axial positions to another.

[0051] In particular, according to the above-mentioned solution, a sliding pinion is exclusively used for the engagement of the winding mechanism, in particular with a winding pinion mounted freely rotatable about the control stem, the engagement of the winding mechanism therefore being carried out in the plane of the movement about the longitudinal axis of the control stem or about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the control stem. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Control True 3 Pull-out piece 4 First pinion 5 First Lever 6 Second pinion 7 Winding pinion 8 Second Lever 10 Complementary Shape Parts 70 First Organization 80 First Organization 90 Second mechanism 99 frames 100 Clock control device 200 clock movements 300 Clock

Claims

1. A clock control device (100) for a clock movement (200), comprising: Frame (99), Control true (1) having axis (A1); a first pinion (4) rotatably actuatable by said control stem (1) and adapted to be connected to at least one first mechanism (80, 70), in particular to a first mechanism (80, 70) for correcting at least one indicator member; a second pinion (6) that is rotationally actuatable by the control stem (1) and that is adapted to be moved axially both relative to the control stem (1) and relative to the frame (99) and to be connected to a second mechanism (90), in particular a winding mechanism (90); Including, Clock control device (100).

2. the first pinion (4) is a pinion adapted to be moved axially both relative to the control stem (1) and relative to the frame (99); The clock control device (100) of claim 1.

3. The timepiece control device (100) comprises a first lever (5) and a pull-out piece (3), the first pinion (4) being translationally actuated by the first lever (5), the first lever being actuated by the pull-out piece (3) being manipulated by the influence of the translation of the control stem (1); The clock control device (100) according to claim 2.

4. the pull-out piece (3) comprises a first shape (3b) adapted to act by contact on the first lever (5), in particular on a side surface (5b) of the first lever (5); The clock control device (100) according to claim 3.

5. The device comprises a first element (5a) biasing the first lever (5) against the pull-out piece (3), A clock control device (100) according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The timepiece control device (100) comprises a second lever (8) and a pull-out piece (3), the second pinion (6) being adapted to be translated by the second lever (8), the second lever being actuated by the pull-out piece (3) being manipulated under the influence of the translation of the control stem (1); A clock control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the pull-out piece (3) comprises a second shape (3c) adapted to act by contact on the second lever (8), in particular on a side surface of the second lever (8); The clock control device (100) according to claim 6.

8. The device includes a second element (8a) that biases the second lever (8) against the pull-out piece (3). A clock control device (100) according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the first shape (3b) of the pull-out piece (3) and the first lever (5) are arranged in the same first plane (PA), and the second shape (3c) of the pull-out piece (3) and the second lever (8) are arranged in a second plane (PB) parallel to the first plane; A clock control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and claims 3 and 6.

10. the first or second pinion, in particular the first pinion (4), comprises a first tooth (4a) and a second tooth (4b), the first tooth (4a) being adapted to actuate a first correcting mechanism (80) and the second tooth (4b) being adapted to actuate a second correcting mechanism (70); A clock control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the second pinion (6) includes teeth (6a) adapted to actuate a third mechanism (90), in particular a winding mechanism, by means of a winding pinion (7) rotatably mounted on the control stem (1); A clock control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The device is configured such that the control true (1) is a first winding position (P1); a second position (P2) of the correction of at least one display, such as a calendar display, in particular of the bidirectional correction of said at least one display depending on the direction of rotation of said control stem (1), or of the correction of two separate displays depending on the direction of rotation of said control stem (1); a third time setting position (P3); , which has three stable positions relative to said frame (99), A clock control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first pinion (4) and / or the second pinion (6) are mounted on the control stem (1); A clock control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the first pinion (4) has a non-circular, in particular square, opening (40) which cooperates with the complementary shape (10) of the control true (1), in particular with a complementary square shape, and / or the second pinion (6) has a non-circular, in particular square, opening (60) which cooperates with the complementary shape (10) of the control true (1), in particular with a square shape, A clock control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A timepiece movement (200) comprising a timepiece control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A timepiece (300), in particular a wristwatch, comprising a timepiece control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and / or a timepiece movement (200) according to claim 15.

17. A method for operating a timepiece control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and / or a timepiece movement (200) according to claim 15, and / or a timepiece (300) according to claim 16, comprising: at a first position (P1) of the control stem (1), activation of the second pinion (6) depending on the axial position of the second pinion along the axis (A1) and deactivation of the first pinion (4) depending on the axial position of the first pinion along the axis (A1); a stop of the second pinion (6) in response to the axial position of the second pinion along the axis (A1) and a first activation of the first pinion (4) in response to the axial position of the first pinion along the axis (A1) at a second position (P2) of the control stem (1); a stop of the second pinion (6) in response to the axial position of the second pinion along the axis (A1) and a second activation of the first pinion (4) in response to the axial position of the first pinion along the axis (A1), at a third position (P3) of the control stem (1); A method comprising:

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