A device for operating several functions of a 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 multiple 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 said to have multiple complications which may include multiple functions. These push buttons are of various types, including miniature 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. Furthermore, they do not protrude from the middle, making them less likely to be activated unintentionally.

[0004] However, one drawback of such push buttons is that their operation necessarily requires the use of a pointed actuating tool to operate a watch function such as setting the time, date, moon phase or a specific day of the month, and more specifically, such use carries 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 present 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 intended to be immobile relative to the timepiece movement of the timepiece, the control member comprising a grip element, a drive element rigidly mounted on the grip element, and a transmission member rotatable by the drive element, the transmission member being configured to cooperate with a member capable of storing mechanical energy to operate a first function of the timepiece, for actuating a manual winding mechanism of the device, 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 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 timepiece. 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 placed 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 zone 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 placed 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 the casing ring of the operating member of said device for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member to said ring in order to perform the third or fourth function of the timepiece. The drive zones of the drive element and the transmission member, respectively, are separated from one another to prevent transmission of rotational motion from the gripping element to the transmission member when the control member is arranged in the third control position. The control member ring is configured to activate mechanisms of the timepiece movement that perform said third and fourth functions. The casing ring has, on its inner peripheral wall, a cooperation zone for cooperation between the ring and the free end of the drive element, said cooperation zone having stop elements that define the movement path of this 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 part configured to place the main part of the working part of the drive element in said hole and an eccentric part forming a passage allowing the connecting element of this working part to pass through the body of said casing ring. The ring comprises an element for actuating a pivoting element of a control member adapted to actuate a mechanism for carrying out a third or fourth function of the timepiece. The control member comprises a first elastic return element configured to automatically return the ring to its 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0010] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood on reading the following description of particular, 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 one embodiment of the present invention, the device being formed by a control member and at least one function member, such as an operating member; [Figure 2] 1 shows different views of a device for operating several functions of a timepiece according to one embodiment of the present invention, the device being formed by a control member and at least one function member, such as an operating member; [Figure 3] 1 shows different views of a device for operating several functions of a timepiece according to one embodiment of the present invention, the device being formed by a control member and at least one function member, such as an operating member; [Figure 4] 1 shows a view of the 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 present invention. [Figure 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 present 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] 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 the free end of a drive element of a control member for operating the third and fourth functions of the timepiece. [Figure 9] 1 shows a view of a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the casing ring when the free ends of the rotary drive elements are inserted into the corresponding passage zones of the through holes to operate the third and fourth functions of the timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 illustrates a control member in a third axial control position after being rotated to operate a third function, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 illustrates a control member in a third axial control position after being rotated to operate a fourth function, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[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 the functions performed by a timepiece movement contained in the timepiece. In this embodiment, this control device 1 is configured to perform four functions, namely a first, second, third and fourth function, as will be seen in the remainder of this specification.

[0012] Such a watch typically comprises a case 5 formed 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 internal shape of a casing ring 29. The watch may be fitted with screws or clamps to hold the movement within this casing ring 29 and to hold this casing ring 29 within the middle 6 of the watch case 5.

[0013] Such a timepiece movement can be a mechanical or quartz movement. As mentioned above, the movement is configured to perform a number of timepiece functions, four in this embodiment. These functions are controlled from an operating device 1 for the purpose of adjusting, correcting or activating the mechanisms of the movement. It should be noted that such functions are preferably operated independently of one another by a user using the operating device 1 of the timepiece. In this context, the device 1 can be considered as an operating device 1 for operating the mechanisms of the movement that perform the timepiece 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 components of the movement, which may be kinematically coupled to one another. By way of example, each mechanism or component may in fact provide a separate display on the watch, such as the current time on the one hand and the date or the moon phase on the other. The mechanism or component may further 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, this device 1 for operating 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 that allows the watch movement to be operated; 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 a "support guide piece", is preferably a tube provided with a through opening configured to provide a sliding guide. This tube is intended to be fixedly engaged 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] The control member 2 is movably mounted in this opening of the support piece 3. Such control member 2 is intended to be engaged with the support piece 3 through the middle 6 of the case 5 of the watch. The control member 2 comprises a grip element 7, a rotary drive element 8 formed by a tubular extension rigidly connected to the grip element 7, and a transmission member 31 forming one end of the control member 2. In the control member 2, as will be explained below, the transmission member 31 is rotated by the drive element 8 when the grip element 7 is actuated to perform such a rotational movement. It should be noted that in this configuration the grip element 7 could be, for example, the crown head if the control member is a crown.

[0018] In the control member 2, the drive element 8 is substantially disposed within the support piece 3 and is adapted to move or slide within an opening in the support piece 3. More specifically, the drive element 8 comprises a hollow body consisting of two parts: a fastening part 9a for connecting the element 8 to the grip element 7 of the control member 2, and an actuating part 9b of the operating member 4, which constitutes the end of the drive element 8. The actuating part 9b can be involved in the operation of the third and fourth functions of the timepiece movement by means of a connecting element 9c. In the body of the drive element 8, the actuating part 9b is disposed adjacent 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 the drive element 8, as can be seen in Figures 4 to 7. The actuating part 9b comprises a main part 23a and an end part 23b, which is provided with the connecting element 9c. In this configuration, main portion 23a is between shoulder 16 and distal 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, the connecting element 9c extends substantially perpendicular to the zone of this surface that is included in the terminal portion 23b of this actuating part 9b. In other words, the 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, designated 16 in Figures 4 to 7, which connects the fastening portion 9a and the actuation portion 9b to each other. Such shoulder 16 preferably has a flat surface. It should be noted that such surface is also substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the control member 2.

[0022] The drive element 8 further comprises a drive zone 33 formed on its inner surface, more specifically, on a portion of the inner surface located at the fastening portion 9a of the drive element 8. The drive zone 33 comprises a contact surface 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 one end of this transmission member 31 as well as one end of the control member 2. This compression piece 20 comprises a shoulder 22 forming a bearing zone for a first end of the spring 19, the shoulder 22 being arranged facing the grip element 7 of the control member, which therefore comprises another bearing zone capable of cooperating with a second end of the spring 19.

[0024] The transmission member 31 has a drive zone 34 formed on its outer surface, the drive zone 34 having 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 within 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 in order to transmit the rotational movement of the gripping 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, * configured to communicate by coupling to an actuating member of the manual winding mechanism when a first function of the timepiece is performed; * configured to communicate by coupling to the hand setting member to operate a second function of the timepiece; It is configured to improve the cooperation between the coupling element 9c of the actuation part 9b and the coupling element 13 of the operating member 4 in order to ensure 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 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, the 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 the control member 2 is placed in a first control position to operate a first function of the timepiece, 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 the control member 2. It is therefore understood that in this configuration, such 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 a winding position. It should be noted that such a first position may be a default or rest position or initial position of the control member 2, and therefore may also be called a neutral axial position or initial axial position.

[0031] In such a case, this first control position is preferably between the second and third axial control positions. Starting from the first position, in order to place it in the 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 middle 6 of the timepiece, i.e. in a direction that moves the control member 2 away from the movement or the outer surface 32 of the middle 6 of the timepiece; Starting from the first position, in order to place the control member 2 in the third control position, the control member 2 moves 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 the second function of the timepiece, 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 arranged 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 movement 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 carry out the third or fourth function of the timepiece. 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 activated, in particular to perform 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 operating element 30.

[0036] In this component 4, the casing ring 29, also called the containing ring, can have various shapes as long as it surrounds the watch movement and is located inside the middle part 6 of the case 5. In this embodiment, this casing ring 29 is preferably substantially circular. Such a casing ring 29 has an upper surface and a lower surface, as well as inner and outer peripheral walls 15a, 15b connecting these two surfaces 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 the 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 the ring 10 is moved. This surface of the support zone further comprises an open recess adapted to receive the respective first elastic return element 18 of the member 4. In this configuration, the first elastic return element 18, which may be a helical spring, is thus arranged below 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 activated for the operation of the third and fourth functions of the timepiece.

[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 within the casing ring 29 are determined 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 the timepiece.

[0039] 8a, 8b and 9, this through-hole 12 includes first and second passage zones 24a, 24b, respectively, configured to operate the third and fourth functions of the watch. In other words, these two passage zones 24a, 24b allow the structural configuration of such through-hole 12 to operate the third and fourth functions of the watch. In this regard, each passage zone 24a, 24b comprises a central portion 26 configured to position the main part 23a of the actuation part 9b in the through-hole 12, and an eccentric portion 25a, 25b configured to pass a coupling element 9c through this through-hole 12. The eccentric portions 25a, 25b form a passage that allows the coupling element 9c to pass through the body of the casing ring 29 to a cooperating zone 11 defined in the inner circumferential wall 15b, which will be described later. In this regard, it will be understood that the two passage zones 24a, 24b share the same central portion 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, that can be actuated by the ring 10 to interact with a mechanism of the movement that performs a third or fourth function. The casing ring 29 comprises a second elastic return and retention element arranged in the recess and intended to cooperate with the pivoting element 14, in particular to position the pivoting element in an initial rest position. The pivoting element 14 thereby alternates between an initial position and an active position in which a part of the element 14 protrudes from the inner peripheral wall 15b of the casing ring 29 to interact with a mechanism that performs the third or fourth function to be operated. The positioning of the pivoting element 14 in the active position is controlled by the ring 10, in particular by an actuating element 30 of the 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 between the rotary drive element 8 and the operating member 4. More specifically, this zone 11 is the location where the connecting elements 9c of the actuating part 9b cooperate with the connecting elements 13 of the ring 10 in order to move the ring 10 within the casing ring 29. Such a zone 11 is included 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-holes 12 open. In this configuration, the zone 11 comprises stop elements 28 that can cooperate with the connecting elements 13 of the ring 10 to define a movement path for the movable ring 10 within the casing ring 29.

[0042] In this device 1, the ring 10, also called the "movable ring", has a shape configured 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 has upper and lower surfaces and inner and outer lateral surfaces.

[0043] As mentioned above, the ring 10 comprises the 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 includes 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 the ring 10, the actuating element 30 of the pivot element 14 is included on the outer side of the ring 10. The actuating element 30 is configured to extend toward an area 27 of the recess that receives the pivot element 14, said area being located near the pivot element 14 to be actuated. In other words, the actuating element 30 extends substantially perpendicularly toward this area 27 on the opposite side of the pivot element 14. It will be appreciated that the position of the actuating element 30 in this area 27 of the recess allows the actuating element 30 to be positioned in close proximity to the pivot element 14. Such a positioning allows the actuating element 30 to actuate the pivot element 14 so that the pivot element 14 moves from its initial position to its actuated position. The actuating element 30, protruding from the outer side of the ring 10, is formed from a first portion substantially perpendicular to this surface and a second portion substantially parallel to this same surface, and, due to the portions being substantially perpendicular to each other, has a shape substantially similar to that of the letter "L."

[0045] The ring 10 further comprises an element for connecting to a first elastic return element 18 disposed in a recess included in the support zone of the casing ring 29. The connection element is included in the lower surface of the ring 10. It extends substantially perpendicularly from this lower surface to the bottom of the corresponding recess that comprises the first elastic return element. In other words, the connection element is partially disposed 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 exert a stress on the first end with which it is in contact, while the second end of the first return element 18 can abut or be supported on a support wall of the recess that is located opposite the connection element. In this configuration, it is understood that the connection element, which is partially disposed in the recess, can move within the confines 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 surface 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 actuating part 9b.

[0047] As mentioned above, the device 1 further comprises a transmission member 31 configured to improve the cooperation of the coupling element 9c with the coupling element 13 in order to ensure optimal movement of the ring 10 in the support zone of the casing ring 29. More specifically, such transmission member 31 serves to ensure that the contact established between the coupling element 9c and the inner side of the ring 10, and thus the surface of the cooperation zone 11, is maintained in order to guarantee that this coupling between the coupling element 9c and the coupling 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 rotational direction 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 regard, this movement of the ring 10 causes the actuation of the pivoting element 14, which thus interacts with the mechanism of the movement that performs the third function.

[0049] Similarly, when the 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 the rotational direction intended to operate the fourth function of the timepiece, 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 the ring 10 to move the ring 10. In this regard, this movement of the ring 10 triggers the actuation of a corresponding pivoting element 14, which interacts with the mechanism of the movement that performs the fourth function.

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

[0051] To this end, the method provides a process for 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 the control member 2 in an axial control position corresponding 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 transmitting 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 transmitting 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 member and the needle setting member, respectively, of the manual winding mechanism. Once the manual winding function is completed, the method can include stopping the device 1 while the control member 2 remains disposed in the first control position. For the needle setting function, the method stops the device 1 by causing the control member 2 to be pushed axially toward 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 positioned 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 included in the control member 2. When the actuating part 9b of the drive element 8 of the 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 third and fourth different functions of the timepiece. 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 15 a of the casing ring 29 in order to select the passage zone 24 a, 24 b associated with the third or fourth function to be operated and to insert this actuating part 9 b into it. When this shoulder 16 abuts against the outer peripheral wall 15 a, the control member 2 is operated 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 9 c of the actuating part 9 b can cooperate with the connecting element 13 of the ring 10. It should be noted that in this third control position, the connecting element 9 c is held in abutment against the inner peripheral wall 15 b of the casing ring 29 under the action of the spring 19, which exerts 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] If the control member 2 is subsequently operated in a second rotational direction, cooperation between the coupling element 9c and the coupling element 13 of the ring 10 causes a movement of the ring 10 within the support zone of the casing ring 29. This movement continues until the coupling 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 below said ring 10, to be stressed by said connecting element. During this movement, the actuating element 30 of the ring 10 actuates the corresponding swivel element 14, changing its position and moving it into an actuated position, where a part of this swivel element 14 protrudes from the inner circumferential wall 15b of the casing ring 29 and interacts with a corresponding mechanism of the movement to perform the operated 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 regains 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 include 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 portion 25a, 25b of the corresponding passage zone 24a, 24b of the through-hole 12 of the casing ring 29. In this 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 portion 9b of the drive element 8 is withdrawn from this passage zone 24a, 24b, and the 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 will be 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-holes 12 are provided with three or more zones for the passage of the actuating portions 9b of the drive elements 8 of the control member 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Operating device 2 Control member 3 Support piece 4 Operating member 5. Watch Case 6 Middle section 7. Control member gripping element 8 Driving Elements 9a Fastening part 9b Operating part 9c Actuating part connecting element 10 Rings 11 Collaboration Zone 12 through holes 13 Ring connecting elements 14 Swirling 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-holes located near the pivoting element 28 Collaboration Zone Stop 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 operating device (1), said support piece (3) 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) rigidly mounted on said grip element (7), and a transmission member (31) rotatable by said drive element (8), said transmission member (31) configured to cooperate with an actuating member for actuating a manual winding mechanism of said operating device (1) capable of storing mechanical energy to operate a first function of the timepiece, and with a hand setting member of said operating device (1) to control a second function of the timepiece; and said drive element (8) configured to cooperate with an operating member (4) of said operating device (1) to operate a third and a fourth function of the timepiece.

2. 2. An operating 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 performing first, second, third and fourth functions of the timepiece.

3. 2. The operating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (2) is placed 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 the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the actuating member in order to perform a first function of the timepiece.

4. 2. The operating 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 the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the hand setting member in order to perform a second function of the timepiece.

5. 2. An operating 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 operating 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 within a casing ring (29) of the operating member (4) of the operating device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to perform a third or fourth function of the timepiece.

7. 2. The operating 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 the operating member (4) of the operating device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third or fourth function of the timepiece, and wherein when the control member (2) is placed in the third control position, the drive zones (33, 34) of the drive element (8) and the transmission member (31), respectively, are separated from each other so as to prevent the transmission of rotational movement from the grip element (7) to the transmission member (31).

8. 2. The operating 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 operating device (1) for transmitting the 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, and the ring (10) of the operating member (4) is configured to operate a mechanism of a timepiece movement of the timepiece that performs the third function and the fourth function.

9. 2. The operating 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 the operating member (4) of the operating device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third or fourth function of the timepiece, the casing ring (29) comprising on its inner peripheral wall (15b) a cooperation zone (11) for cooperation between the ring (10) and the free end of the drive element (8), the cooperation zone (11) comprising stop elements (28) that define a movement path of the 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 the operating member (4) of the operating device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third or fourth function of the timepiece, the casing ring (29) comprising a through hole (12) connecting the inner and outer peripheral walls (15a, 15b) of the casing ring (29) to one another, the through hole (12) comprising passage zones (24a, 24b) for the passage of an actuating part (9b) of the drive element (8). An operating device (1) according to claim 1.

11. An operating device (1) as described in Claim 10, wherein the passing zone (24a, 24b) comprises a central portion (26) configured to position a main part (23a) of an actuating part (9b) of the drive element (8) in the through hole (12), and an eccentric portion (25a, 25b) forming a passage that allows a connecting element (9c) of the actuating part (9b) to pass through the body of the casing ring (29).

12. 2. An operating 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 operating device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to perform a third or fourth function of the timepiece, the ring (10) comprising an element (30) for actuating a pivoting element (14) of the operating member (4) configured to actuate a mechanism for performing the third or fourth function of the timepiece.

13. 2. The operating 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 operating device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to execute a third or fourth function of the timepiece, the operating member (4) comprising a first elastic return element (18) configured to automatically return the ring (10) to its rest position.

14. 6. The operating device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first control position is between the second control position and the third control position.

15. 6. An operating device (1) according to claim 5, 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 operating device (1) for transmitting the rotational movement of the control member (2) to the ring (10) in order to perform a third or fourth function of the timepiece, the drive zone (33) being formed on the inner surface of the drive element (8) and the drive zone (34) being formed on the outer surface of the transmission member (31).

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

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