Watch crown with combination locking mechanism
A compact combination locking mechanism for watches is integrated into the inner case, allowing secure operation without altering the watch movement, addressing bulkiness and applicability issues of existing mechanisms.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DE LA MFG DHORLOGERIE AUDEMARS PIGUET & CIE
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing watch mechanisms with combination locking mechanisms are bulky and require modification of the watch movement to incorporate the locking mechanism, limiting their applicability and increasing the watch's size.
A compact combination locking mechanism is integrated into the inner case of a watch, utilizing a lockable crown with a cavity that opens towards the crown-side, featuring a locking member and multiple combination elements, allowing the crown to be locked and unlocked via a specific combination sequence.
The solution provides a compact locking mechanism that can replace conventional crowns without modifying the watch movement, preventing unauthorized use and enhancing security by ensuring only authorized users can access watch functions.
Smart Images
Figure 2026523100000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a watch escapement provided with a combination locking mechanism, particularly a winding escapement. This mechanism is designed to prevent axial movement of the escapement when it is locked (made immovable). The present invention also relates to a watch device comprising a lockable escapement in which a hollow portion provided in the middle case faces a lateral opening of the middle case and the escapement mechanism is incorporated in this hollow portion.
[0002] There already exist watches (small timepieces) provided with a combination locking mechanism for preventing axial movement of the escapement. Therefore, to unlock the escapement, the user needs to operate according to procedures corresponding to a specific combination. Operations such as time setting, winding, date, day of the week, and moon age display correction usually cannot be performed without knowing the specific combination set for the watch. A notable advantage of this mechanism is that it invalidates stolen watches, especially expensive watches equipped with multiple complex mechanisms, and prevents such watches from circulating in the black market.
[0003] As an example, Patent Document 1 (CH716712) discloses a watch with a case having a removable back cover. This watch has a composite locking mechanism that locks the time setting mechanism and the winding mechanism on the one hand and prevents removal of the back cover to prevent unauthorized use of the watch on the other hand.
[0004] The main drawbacks of this mechanism are its bulkiness and the fact that it is incorporated, at least partially, within the watch case, i.e., within a dedicated movement space. As a result, the watch movement has to be developed in accordance with the characteristics of the locking mechanism.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a watch crown equipped with a compact combination locking mechanism.
[0007] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a crown equipped with a combination locking mechanism intended to be incorporated into a cavity that opens toward the crown-side of the watch's inner case. Preferably, this cavity does not press against the movement seat of the watch case. This has the advantage that the conventional crown of existing watches can be replaced simply by providing a cavity in the side of the inner case that houses the combination locking mechanism of the present invention.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch equipped with such a crown. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] These objectives are achieved, at least in part, by a lockable crown, particularly for watches. This crown has a cavity embedded in the inner case, which opens to the side of the inner case and communicates through the opening to a central space for the cage. This lockable crown comprises a crown body, a stem securely attached to the crown body, a cylinder mounted on the stem and fixed to the opening in the inner case, and a locking mechanism installed within the inner case cavity surrounding the cylinder. The locking mechanism comprises a locking member, an operating part, and a lock having multiple combination elements, these combination elements being rotatably mounted around the barrel, and rotatably operated via the crown when the crown is attached to the inner case and rotated in one direction and in other directions. The locking mechanism is designed so that the crown can assume a locked position and an unlocked position in a linear direction. The locking mechanism is intended to be operated from the locked position to the unlocked position by the operating part when all the combination elements are positioned at a predetermined angular position.
[0010] In one embodiment, the locking combination element is in the form of annular discs, each disc having a notch in its outer diameter. The actuation part of the locking member is an elastic member. The locking member includes contact bumps (projections) intended to interact with the outer diameter of at least one of the combination discs in the locked position. The contact bumps are designed to engage with the notches of the combination discs under the action of the elastic member when the notches are aligned. This causes the locking member to move to the released position.
[0011] In one embodiment, the lock combination element comprises at least a first disc connected to the crown, a second disc mounted on a cylinder, and a third disc. The second disc is located between the first disc and the third disc.
[0012] In one embodiment, the first and second discs are each equipped with drive elements on their opposing sides. As a result, the rotation of the first disc, caused by the operation of the crown, rotates the second disc. The second and third discs are each equipped with drive elements on their opposing sides. As a result, the rotation of the second disc rotates the third disc.
[0013] According to one embodiment, the second and third discs each have n indicator means distributed on their circumferences. The locking mechanism further includes an indicator component positioned between the second and third discs and fixed to the cylinder. This indicator component has complementary indicator means on its two opposing sides, arranged to engage with the n indicator means of the second and third discs, thereby positioning the second and third discs at n indicator angular positions corresponding to the indicators of the locking combination.
[0014] In one embodiment, multiple indicators corresponding to combination indicators are arranged on the side of the inner case, around the cavity.
[0015] In one embodiment, the n indicator means of the second and third discs are preferably in the form of partially spherical depressions. The indicator parts are generally annular in shape and comprise two diametrically opposed balls arranged in two flexible portions to engage with the depressions of the second and third discs, respectively.
[0016] In one embodiment, the indicator part has internal teeth that mesh with the toothed portion of the cylinder, thereby preventing the indicator part from rotating.
[0017] In one embodiment, the locking member comprises a body surrounding a hollow portion, and a lock having multiple combination elements is attached to this hollow portion. The locking member further comprises a central opening through which a cylinder passes.
[0018] In one embodiment, the opening in the inner case of the watch is a tapped hole. The cylinder has a threaded portion that is screwed into the tapped hole in the inner case.
[0019] In one embodiment, the watch crown has a circular groove concentric with the stem. The locking member has a tab-shaped (preferably partially circular) locking element that fits into the groove in the locked position.
[0020] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is intended to be fully integrated within the cavity of the inner case.
[0021] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a watch including a cavity in the inner case. This cavity opens toward the side of the inner case and communicates through the opening with a central space for a cage. The watch further includes a lockable crown according to any of the embodiments described above. The locking mechanism for the crown is provided within the cavity and the crown barrel is fixed to the opening.
[0022] In one embodiment, the width of the cavity in the general plane of the middle case is substantially the same as the width of the locking member. The height of the cavity is greater than the height of the locking member in a direction orthogonal to the general plane of the middle case. Thereby, the locking member can move from the locking position to the release position while being guided by the side walls of the cavity.
[0023] In one embodiment, the actuating part is mounted inside the cavity between the locking member and the upper wall of the cavity and is adapted to interact with the upper wall and one side of the locking member.
[0024] Multiple examples of embodiments of the present invention are provided in the following description illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a middle case of a clock showing an exploded view of a dragon head with a combination lock mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a watch dragon head with a combination lock attached around the cylinder. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a dragon head having one of the components of the combination lock of the locking mechanism. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b shows a front view of the dragon head of FIG. 2 (view from the side of the dragon head axis). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a cylinder intended to be screwed into the middle case. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of both sides of another component of the combination lock of the locking mechanism. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of both sides of another component of the combination lock of the locking mechanism. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a perspective view showing both side faces of another component of the combination lock of the locking mechanism. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a perspective view showing both side faces of another component of the combination lock of the locking mechanism. [Figure 7a] Figure 7a is a perspective view showing both sides of the indicator member that engages with the two combined elements shown in Figures 5a and 5b. [Figure 7b] Figure 7b is a perspective view showing both sides of the indicator member that engages with the two combined elements shown in Figures 6a and 6b. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the locking member of the locking mechanism. [Figure 9a] Figure 9a shows a plan view of a watch equipped with a crown (in the first axial position and locked). [Figure 9b] Figure 9b shows a side view of a watch equipped with a crown (in the first axial position and locked). [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 9a. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 10. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a top view of a watch equipped with a crown (in the second axial position and unlocked). [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view along the DD line in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view along the EE line in Figure 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0026] Referring to a preferred embodiment and Figures 1 to 8, the watch comprises a central case 100 and a lockable crown 10. The lockable crown 10 essentially comprises a watch crown 12 (particularly a winding crown), a cylinder 20, and a locking mechanism 30. The watch crown is configured to be rotatable and axially movable. The locking mechanism 30 is mounted around the cylinder 20 in a cavity 102 that opens to a side 101 of the central case on the crown 12 side. The latter comprises a pivot or stem 14 and an annular cavity 18 surrounding the stem. The stem is mounted to pivot inside the cylinder 20, while the crown 12 is rotatably mounted around a first portion 28 of the cylinder 20 via the cylindrical wall 19 of the cavity 18. This first portion 28 functions as a bearing for the cylindrical wall 19 of the crown 12.
[0027] The locking mechanism 30 comprises a locking member 40 and a lock 50. Referring to Figure 2, the lock 50 comprises a plurality of combination elements 60, 70, and 80 that are rotatably mounted around the cylinder 20. In this example, the combination elements of the lock 50 are three, taking the form of three roughly annular discs. It will be understood that different numbers of discs are possible, especially more than three. For simplicity, this description mainly deals with three discs, but this number is illustrative and not limiting.
[0028] In particular, as clearly shown in Figure 3b, the first disc 60 of these three discs has a notch 62 on its outer circumference. This notch has, for example, an arc-shaped outer form. As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the first disc 60 is fixed to the crown 12. This first disc is fixable to the crown 12. Alternatively, the disc and the crown may form a single component. In this case, the rotation of the crown 12 drives the first disc 60 in one or the other direction around the bearing portion 28 of the cylinder 20.
[0029] Of these three discs, the second disc 70 and the third disc 80 are in contact with the cylinder 20. More specifically, the second disc 70 is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable around the second portion 23 of the cylinder 20. The third disc 80 is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable around the third portion 26 of the cylinder 20 (Figure 4). The second disc 70 and the third disc 80 each have notches 72 and 82 that are the same or similar in shape to the notch 62 of the first disc 60, and preferably have an arc-shaped outer shape.
[0030] The second disc 70 is mounted between the first disc 60 and the third disc 80. These three discs have drive elements on one or both sides that extend axially from the crown. As a result, the rotation of the crown 12 causes each disc to rotate in one or other directions around the cylinder 20. In other words, two adjacent discs form a pair and have drive elements on their opposing sides. As a result, when one disc of this pair rotates, the other disc also rotates through the rotational action of the crown 12. This makes it possible to guide each disc to a predetermined angular position so that the notches of the three discs are aligned with each other, i.e., overlap.
[0031] More specifically, referring to Figures 3a and 3b, the first disc 60 is provided with a drive element 64 on the disc side facing the second disc 70. This drive element is, for example, a boss-shaped projection 64. As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the second disc 70 is provided with a first drive element 74a and a second drive element 74b, which are arranged on the first and second surfaces of the disc, respectively.
[0032] These two drive elements are provided with boss-shaped projections 74a, 74b. As shown in Figure 6a, the third disc 80 is provided with a single drive element 84 located on the disc side facing the second disc 70. In the illustrated example, the shape of the bosses on the three discs is identical, preferably elongated and slightly curved, typically extending along an arc of less than 45°.
[0033] In this way, the rotation of the crown 12 causes the second disk 70 to rotate in both directions through contact with the drive element 64 of the first disk and the drive element 74a of the second disk. On the other hand, the rotation of the second disk 70 causes the third disk 80 to rotate in both directions through contact with the drive element 74b (of the second disk 70) and the drive element 84 (of the third disk 80). The same principle is applied sequentially when the number of disks is greater than 3.
[0034] Referring to Figures 5a to 7a, the locking mechanism includes an indexing system that allows the second disc 70 and the third disc 80 to be positioned at multiple angular positions designated as indicators (scales, marks). In the example shown in Figures 1 and 9b, the 10 indicator positions correspond to 10 indicators 104 located on the side surface 101 of the inner case 100. These indicators are located around the opening of the cavity 102 and the crown 12.
[0035] These indicators or markers allow the angular positions of the two discs 70 and 80 to correspond to a combination of locks 50. Some of these indicators or markers may typically be numbers or numerals, or other alphanumeric characters or symbols. For this purpose, in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the two discs 70 and 80 are provided with 10 indicator means 76 and 86 arranged at equal intervals around their entire circumference on their opposing sides. These indicator means 76 and 86 are preferably provided, for example, in the form of partially spherical cavities. The number of positioning means may differ from 10, but is naturally an integer n.
[0036] The positioning system further includes an annular index component 90 (Figure 7a), which is positioned between the second disc 70 and the third disc 80 and is rotationally fixed relative to the cylinder 20. The index component 90 may include, for example, an internal toothed portion 93. The cylinder 20 may have a toothed portion 24 with a complementary tooth profile to mesh with the index component 90. During assembly, the index component is positioned around the cylinder 20 and then moved relative to the cylinder to mesh with its toothed portion 24.
[0037] This part 90 is thus locked in rotation. If the lock 50 includes a fourth disc, a second indicator part similar to or identical to the indicator part 90 is positioned between the third and fourth discs. Generally, an indicator system typically has a number of indicator parts equal to the number of discs minus one, with each indicator part positioned between two discs but not adjacent to the first disc 60.
[0038] The indicator component 90 has corresponding indicator means 96 on each side, arranged to interact with 10 indicator means 76 and 86 provided on the second disc 70 and the third disc 80, respectively. These complementary indicator means (positioning means) are, for example, in the form of at least two diametrically opposed balls 97, each ball attached to a flexible part 98 so as to interact with the cavities 76 and 86 of the second disc 70 and the third disc 80, respectively. The flexible part 98 is arranged to deform in the axial direction of the cylinder 20 and functions as a ratchet.
[0039] As shown in Figure 8, the locking member 40 comprises a body 42 having two sides 42a, 42b, an upper side 42c, and a lower side 42d surrounding a hollow portion 44. A central opening 45 is provided at the bottom of the hollow portion 44. The body 42 of the locking member further comprises a contact bump 43 at the top and a locking element 46 at the bottom. The contact bump 43 has a shape complementary to the contours of the notches 62, 72, and 82 of the three discs 60, 70, and 80 of the lock, for example, a partially circular shape. The notches of the three discs may have other types of contours to accommodate the complementary contours of the contact bumps of the locking member.
[0040] The locking element 46 of the locking member 40 is, for example, tab-shaped, preferably partially circular. This tab 46 fits into a circular groove 16 provided in the crown 12, as shown in particular in Figure 3a, and is intended to lock (prevent movement from moving) the axial movement of the crown 12 independently of its angular position.
[0041] The locking member body 42 is preferably fitted into a cavity 102 of the inner case 100. As shown in Figures 11 and 14, this cavity 102 is demarcated by two side walls 102a, 102b, an upper side wall 102c, and a lower side wall 102d. In the example shown in Figure 11, the cavity 102 is substantially elongated, and the width of the inner case 100 in the general plane is substantially the same as the width of the locking member body. However, since the height of the cavity 102 in the direction perpendicular to the general plane of the inner case 100 is greater than the height of the locking member body, the locking member body can move from the locked position to the unlocked position. There is a gap between the sides 42a, 42b of the body 42 and the corresponding side walls 102a, 102b of the cavity 102, which allows the locking member 40 to slide along these walls between the locked and unlocked positions.
[0042] The locking mechanism 30 of the lockable crown 10 has the advantage of being compact in size and can replace conventional crowns in existing watches. Specifically, it is not necessary to modify the inside of the watch case that houses the movement, but only to create a space such as a cavity 102 on the side of the inner case on the crown side to house the locking mechanism.
[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the entire locking mechanism 30 is preferably housed within the thickness of the vertical section of the middle case located between the case band and the movement seat or the flange of the middle case. Therefore, it is desirable that the locking mechanism 30 does not intrude into the central space 103 normally reserved for the movement, or only slightly intrudes into this space.
[0044] Referring particularly to Figure 10, the lock, which includes the three discs 60, 70, and 80 described as an example, is mounted within the hollow portion 44 of the locking member. Meanwhile, the cylinder 20 passes through the central opening 45, and its threaded portion 22 is screwed into a tapped hole 106 provided in the inner case 100. This tapped hole 106 opens into a cavity 102. The upper side 42c of the main body 42 is provided with a recess 47 (Figure 8), in which an actuation part 48 is positioned. The actuation part 48 is typically an elastic member, which may be, for example, a spring plate.
[0045] The stationary shape of this spring plate may, for example, include a central V-shaped portion whose apex is located on the upper wall 102c of the cavity 102 (Figures 14 and 15). The two legs are positioned on either side of the central portion and are arranged to fit within the recess 47, so as to press the contact bump 43 of the locking member 40 against the three discs 60, 70, and 80 of the lock. Alternatively, this spring plate may be replaced by one or more compression springs or other elastic members. In any case, the force generated by such elastic members must be large enough to move the locking member 40 to the released position when all the notches in the discs are aligned.
[0046] Referring to Figures 9a to 12, when the crown 12 is in the axially locked position, the contact bump 43 of the locking member 40 maintains contact with the outer diameter of at least one of the discs 60, 70, and 80 in the locked position due to the action of the elastic member 48. As shown in Figure 10, the contact bump 43 extends almost the entire thickness of the locking member 40 so as to press against the outer diameters of the three discs 60, 70, and 80.
[0047] Therefore, the locking member 40 is held in the locked position by the outer diameters of the three discs. In this position, the upper side 42c of the locking member body 42 is in contact with the upper wall 102c of the cavity 102, and the spring plate 48 becomes flat. At this point, the locking tab 46 of the locking member 40 is located within the groove 16 on the crown 12. As a result, the crown's parallel movement is locked (it can no longer be moved parallel to the surface). Consequently, all watch functions that require axial movement of the crown become inaccessible. For example, functions such as setting the time, winding the mainspring, and correcting the date, day of the week, and moon phase in a multifunction watch cannot be selected and are therefore inoperable.
[0048] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, the three discs 60, 70, and 80 have been rotated by a series of operations on the crown 12 corresponding to the combination of locks 50. The purpose of this sequence of operations is to align the notches 62, 72, and 82 of the three discs with the contact bumps 43 of the locking member, as will be described later. Subsequently, the contact bumps are inserted into the three notches by the action of the spring plate 48. The legs of the spring plate apply pressure to the recesses 47 of the locking member, moving the locking member 40 to the released position. As a result, the lower side 42d of the locking member 40 contacts the lower wall 102d of the cavity 102, and the lock tab 46 is released from the groove 16 of the crown. This allows the crown to be pulled out to any axial position, enabling typical time setting, movement winding, and correction of the aforementioned functions in a watch with multiple complex mechanisms.
[0049] Referring to a preferred embodiment in Figure 1, the crown 12 further includes a marker or indicator 15. This allows the user to determine the angular position of the crown 12 relative to 10 indicators or displays (e.g., numbers 104) located on the side 101 of the inner case 100.
[0050] To unlock the crown 12, the user rotates it at least two times clockwise, for example. This causes the drive element 64 of the first disc 60 to contact the first drive element 74a of the second disc 70, and the second drive element 74b of the second disc 70 to contact the drive element 84 of the third disc 80. This allows all the discs to be positioned at a reference point via multiple drive elements for each disc. From this reference point, each disc is guided to a predetermined angular position based on the lock code required to unlock the crown.
[0051] Next, the crown is operated by a series of rotational operations. The first rotation is performed, for example, clockwise, and each subsequent rotation is typically performed in the opposite direction to the previous rotation. The purpose of this series of rotational operations is to sequentially associate the indicator 15 with the three parts of the code that sequentially form the three digits of the code, i.e., the three parts of the code that sequentially form the combined code.
[0052] In this case, after completing two clockwise rotations, the crown 12 is first rotated clockwise to align the indicator 15 with the index or number corresponding to the first digit of the code. This digit is typically associated with the disc furthest from the crown, i.e., the third disc 80 in this example. Since the angular position of the notch or drive element on each disc is associated with a part of the code (e.g., a number in the code), the rotation of the third disc 80 causes the second drive element 74b of the second disc 70 to act on the drive element 84 of the third disc 80, causing its notch 82 to align with the contact bump 43 of the locking member.
[0053] Next, the crown 12 is rotated counterclockwise to align the marker 15 with the index or number corresponding to the second digit of the code. This second digit is associated with the second disc 70. As a result, the drive element 64 of the first disc 60 acts on the first drive element 74a of the second disc 70, causing the notch 72 of the second disc 70 to align with the contact bump 43 of the locking member. Finally, the crown 12 is rotated clockwise to align the marker 15 with the index or number corresponding to the third digit of the code. As a result, the notch 62 of the first disc 60 aligns with the contact bump 43 of the locking member.
[0054] This series of operations aligns the notches on the three discs. As a result, the bump 43 engages with them under the action of the spring plate 48, moving the locking member 40 to the released position.
[0055] The procedure for unlocking the watch by operating the crown is typically defined by the manufacturer. These procedures correspond to a lock code, and each lock mechanism can be individually configured. Each part of the code, such as the number of digits, actually depends on the position of the notches relative to the drive element of the disc. Therefore, by selecting a unique combination of notch positions relative to the drive element of the disc, it is possible to design a watch with a unique code.
[0056] To relock the crown 12, simply push it into the axial locking position and then rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise. The user will feel resistance due to the force exerted by a portion of the notch 62 of the first disc 60 against the contact bump 43 of the locking member 40. This causes the contact bump 43 to disengage simultaneously from the three notches 62, 72, and 82 of each disc 60, 70, and 80. The locking member 40 then returns to the locking position. The user can then rotate the crown 12 one or more times clockwise and counterclockwise to position the different discs at various angles. This prevents accidental unlocking of the crown. [Explanation of symbols]
[0057] Lockable crown 10 Crown 12 true 14 Landmark 15 groove 16 Ring cavity 18 Cylindrical wall 19 tube 20 Threaded portion 22 2nd part 23 Toothed part 24 Part 3, section 26 (e.g., rib section) Part 1, 28 (Example: Bearings) Locking mechanism 30 Locking member 40 Main unit 42 Lateral side sections 42a, 42b Upper 42c, lower 42d Contact bump 43 Hollow part 44 Central opening 45 46 rock elements 47 depressions Actuating part 48 (e.g., elastic member) Combination Lock 50 Element 60 (e.g., disk) Notch 62 Drive element 64 (e.g., boss) Second element 70 Notch 72 Drive elements 74a, 74b Indicator means 76 Third element 80 Notch 82 Drive element 84 indicator means 86 Indicator part 90 Teeth 93 indicator means 96 Ball 97 Flexible part 98 Medium case 100 Side 101 Side portion 102 Side walls 102a, 102b Upper wall 102c, lower wall 102d central space 103 indicator 104 Opening 106 (e.g., tapped hole)
Claims
1. A lockable crown (10) for a watch, wherein the lockable crown comprises an inner case (100), the inner case is provided with a cavity (102) opening on its side (101), the cavity is in communication with a central space (103) for a cage via an opening (106), and the lockable crown (10) is, The crown (12) and, The crown (12) is connected to the tremolo (14), A cylinder (20) is attached to the aforementioned shaft (14) and is intended to be fixed to the opening (106) of the middle case (100), The aforementioned middle case (100) comprises a locking mechanism (30) intended to be provided around the cylinder (20) within the cavity (102) of the aforementioned middle case (100), wherein the locking mechanism (30) Locking member (40) and Operating part (48) and The device comprises a lock (50) having multiple combination elements (60, 70, 80), the combination elements being rotatably mounted around the cylinder (20), When the crown (12) is attached to the inner case (100) and rotated in one direction and in other directions, the lock can be operated to rotate via the crown (12). The locking member (40) is configured to take on a locking position that prevents the crown (12) from moving in the rotational direction, and a release position that releases the lock on the crown. The locking member (40) is intended to be operated by the actuation unit (48) from the locked position to the unlocked position when all the combination elements (60, 70, 80) are positioned at a predetermined angular position. Lockable crown (10).
2. The multiple combination elements (60, 70, 80) of the locking member are in the form of annular discs, and each annular disc has notches (62, 72, 82) on its outer circumference. The actuation portion (48) of the locking member (40) is an elastic member, and the locking member (40) includes a contact bump (43) intended to interact with the outer circumference of at least one of the plurality of combination discs (60, 70, 80) in the locked position. The contact bump (43) is designed to enter the notches (62, 72, 82) of the combination disc (60, 70, 80) when the notches align under the action of the elastic member (48), thereby causing the locking member to move into the release position. The lockable crown (10) according to claim 1.
3. The combination elements of the lock (50) each include at least a first disc (60) connected to the crown (12), and a second disc and a third disc (70, 80) placed on the cylinder (20), The lockable crown (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second disc (70) is located between the first disc and the third discs (60, 80).
4. Since each of the first disk and the second disk (60, 70) is equipped with a drive element (64a, 74a) on its opposing side, the rotation of the first disk (60) can drive the second disk (70) to rotate through the operation of the crown (12). Since the second disk and the third disk (70, 80) each have drive elements (74a, 80) on their opposing sides, the rotation of the second disk (70) can drive the third disk (80) to rotate. The lockable crown (10) according to claim 3.
5. Each of the second disk and the third disk (70, 80) is equipped with n indicator means (76, 86) distributed on the outer circumference of the disk, The locking mechanism further comprises an indicator component (90) positioned between the second disc and the third disc (70, 80) and fixed to the cylinder (20), In order to position the second disc and the third disc (70, 80) at n index angular positions corresponding to the index of the lock combination, the index component (90) is provided with complementary index means (96) on two opposing sides, which are provided to engage with the n index means (76, 86) of the second disc and the third disc (70, 80), respectively. The lockable crown (10) according to claim 3 or 4.
6. A lockable crown (10) according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of indicators (104) corresponding to the indicators of the aforementioned combination are provided on the side surface (101) of the middle case (10) around the cavity (102).
7. The n indicator means (76, 86) of the second and third disks (70, 80) are in the form of a cavity, preferably partially spherical, and the indicator part (90) is generally annular in shape and comprises two diametrically opposed balls (97) placed on two flexible parts (98) to engage with the cavities (76, 86) of the second and third disks, respectively. A lockable crown (10) according to claim 5 or 6.
8. The indicator part (90) is provided with an inner toothed portion (93) that engages with the toothed portion (24) of the cylinder (20) to lock the indicator part (90) in rotation. The lockable crown (10) according to claim 7.
9. The locking member (40) comprises a main body (42) surrounding a hollow portion (44), and the lock (50) having a plurality of combination elements (60, 70, 80) is installed inside the hollow portion (44). The locking member further comprises a central opening (45) through which the cylinder (20) is intended to pass. A lockable crown (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. The opening (106) of the watch's middle case (100) is a tapped hole. The cylinder (20) has a threaded portion (22) that is intended to be screwed into the tapped hole (106) of the inner case (100). The lockable crown (10) according to claim 9.
11. The watch crown (12) is provided with a circular groove (16) that is concentric with respect to the stem (14), The locking member (40) comprises a locking element (46) which is tab-shaped, preferably partially circular, and is intended to be engaged with the groove (16) in the locked position. A lockable crown (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. A lockable crown (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the locking mechanism (30) is intended to be mounted overall inside the cavity (102) of the inner case (100).
13. A clock comprising an inner case (100) having a cavity (102) that opens toward the side (101) of the inner case (100) and communicates with a central space (103) in which a cage is intended, via the opening (106), The watch further comprises a lockable crown as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, A clock in which the locking mechanism (30) is installed inside the cavity (102) and the cylinder (20) is fixed to the opening (106).
14. The width of the cavity (102) in the general plane of the middle case (100) is substantially equal to the width of the locking member (40). The clock according to claim 13, wherein the height of the cavity (102) in the direction perpendicular to the general plane of the middle case (100) is greater than the height of the locking member (40), so that the locking member (40) can move from the locked position to the unlocked position while being guided by the side walls (102a, 102b) of the cavity (102).
15. The clock according to claim 14, wherein the actuation part (48) is mounted inside the cavity (102) between the locking member (40) and the upper wall (102c) of the cavity (102), and the actuation part (48) interacts with the upper wall (102c) and one side (42c) of the locking member (40).