CH706232A2 - Adjustment and control device for activating different features of watch, has push-button arranged coaxially in crown, and including actuation head accessible from outside case and axially displaceable to enable switching functions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control and adjustment device (7) comprising means for mounting it on a timepiece box, an adjusting ring (8) axially displaceable relative to the box between a rest position and the less an active position in which functionalities internal to the box can be activated, a pusher (9) arranged coaxially in the ring by having an actuating head accessible from the outside of the box and movable axially to activate functions switching device, characterized in that the active position of the ring gear (8) is an unstable position obtained by an axial displacement of said ring gear towards the box and against a restoring force of a spring bearing on said ring and on said box or on a piece integral with said box.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the general technical field of watchmaking and more particularly to the field of watches or chronographs having a push button system and an adjusting ring accessible from the outside of a box.

This kind of push button system, widely used in the field of watchmaking, is generally used to activate and / or deactivate one or more features of a watch, for example commutations. The crown is generally arranged to make adjustments for example date or time and / or winding.

The present invention relates to an adjusting device comprising a pusher and a ring arranged coaxially on a box. The pusher and the crown make it possible to activate different functionalities and / or to actuate different organs of a timepiece.

State of the art

For example, there is known a control and adjustment device comprising a crown and a pusher arranged coaxially on a watch case. For example, DE 4318 758 discloses a crown for a watch, movable between three axial positions. A first axial and neutral position is used for winding the watch, an active axial position for setting the date and another active axial position for setting the time. The ring is also associated with a pusher coaxially mounted in the ring to activate switching functions. Such an adjustment device, however, has a number of disadvantages. Indeed, the device described in this document, has limitations related to the fact that certain switches are accessible only for particular axial positions of the crown. In addition, the device described in this document does not optimize the sealing means between the box and the crown. Furthermore, each axial or radial displacement of the ring, mechanically stresses the sealing means, thereby promoting premature degradation of said sealing means. In addition, the crown can inadvertently remain in an active position and thus promote unintentional adjustment.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new control device and adjustment, also called crown-push, whose use is particularly simple and ergonomic. Another object of the present invention is to provide a new control and adjustment device or crown-push, whose mounting on the box has improved sealing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new control and adjustment device which has the ability to easily deposit a single component.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a control and adjustment device comprising means for mounting it on a timepiece box, a control ring axially displaceable relative to the box between a rest position and at least one active position in which functions internal to the box can be activated, a pusher arranged coaxially in the ring by having an actuating head accessible from the outside of the box and movable axially for activating switching functions, characterized in that the active position of the ring is an unstable position obtained by an axial displacement of said ring towards the box and against a restoring force of a spring bearing on said crown and on said box or on a part integral with said box.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, the pusher is movable axially between a neutral position and at least one switching position for each axial position of the ring.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, the pusher comprises a sliding rod against a restoring force of a spring bearing on the head of said pusher with one of its ends. and on a sliding tube in which the sliding rod moves.

According to an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the head is assembled to the sliding rod by screwing.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sliding tube is rotatably mounted in an inner tube integral with the box, cooperation means of the kind of teeth to transmit a rotational movement of the disposed ring in its active position in said sliding tube.

According to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the control and adjustment device comprises sealing means mounted between the sliding tube and the inner tube.

According to an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sealing means comprise at least two seals.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, the seals are housed partially in peripheral grooves formed in the outer face of the sliding tube, the projecting portion of the seals on the outer face to achieve sealing with the inner tube.

According to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the device comprises complementary sealing means, of the kind attached, mounted between an inner face of the sliding tube and an outer face of the sliding rod.

According to an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the ring is used to adjust a rotating bezel arranged under an ice of the watch.

The objects assigned to the present invention are also achieved with a timepiece, of the watch type, comprising at least one control device and adjustment as presented above.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved with the aid of a timepiece comprising at least one control and adjustment device as defined in the claims.

The control device and adjustment according to the invention has the advantage that it allows to operate functional organs of a movement housed in a box, using a push independently of the position and the state of actuation of the crown.

Another advantage of the control device and adjustment according to the invention lies in obtaining improved sealing with the use of several joints. In addition, the fact of implanting several seals in the control and adjustment device contributes to improving the guidance of the moving parts.

Another advantage of the control device and adjustment according to the invention lies in great simplicity of assembly and use.

Another advantage of the control device and adjustment according to the invention resides in the automatic return of the crown in its neutral position when the user no longer acts on said ring. There is no risk of inadvertent adjustment.

Another advantage of the control device and adjustment according to the invention lies in a large contact surface between the guide parts and the middle, thus generating a reduced cantilever.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: <tb> fig. 1 <sep> represents an exemplary watch comprising an exemplary embodiment of a control and adjustment device according to the invention, <tb> figs. 2, 3 and 4 <sep> represent a detail of FIG. 1, illustrating different positions of a pusher and a ring, constituting the control device and adjustment according to the invention, <tb> fig. 5 <sep> is a partial sectional view of a control device and adjustment according to the invention in a state at rest, <tb> fig. 6 <sep> is a partial sectional view of a control and adjustment device according to the invention in a first activation position, <tb> fig. 7 <sep> is a partial sectional view of a control and adjustment device according to the invention in a second activation position, and <tb> fig. 8 <sep> is a partial sectional view of a control device and adjustment according to the invention in a third activation position.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

The structurally and functionally identical elements and present in several separate figures, are assigned a same numerical or alphanumeric reference.

Fig. 3 1 shows a watch 1 comprising a box 2, a dial 3 associated with the display means of the kind needles, push buttons 4 and 5 and a winding crown 6. The watch 1 also comprises a control device and setting 7 according to the invention, which is accessible from outside the box 2.

The control and adjustment device comprises a ring gear 8 arranged coaxially around a pusher 9.

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 show a detail of FIG. 1, illustrating different positions of the pusher 9 and the crown 8 constituting the control and adjustment device 7.

Fig. 2 thus illustrates the control and setting device 7 in a state at rest in which the pusher 9 does not actuate any switching and wherein the ring 8 is in a neutral position. The neutral position of the crown 8 does not allow to activate a function by turning said crown 8.

FIG. 3 illustrates the control and adjustment device 7 in an active state in which the ring 8 is moved axially towards the box 2 by exerting a pressure P1 on said ring 8. The ring 8 is thus in an active position allowing it activate a feature when it is rotated. The pusher 9, on the other hand, is in a neutral position.

FIG. 4 illustrates the control and adjustment device 7 in another active state in which the ring 8 is in its neutral position and in which the pusher 9 is moved axially in the direction of the box 2 by exerting a pressure P2 on said pusher 9. The pusher 9 is thus in an active position enabling it to actuate a switch. Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of a control and adjustment device 7 according to the invention in its idle state. The watch 1 also comprises a movement 1a housed in the box 2 and an ice 10, associated with a telescope 11. The box 2 comprises a bottom 12 fixed on a middle part 2a.

An inner tube 13 is inserted and fixed on the middle part 2a. The inner tube 13 serves to guide in rotation a sliding tube 14 engaged in said inner tube 13. The latter advantageously has an inner and peripheral shoulder 13a to constitute an axial engagement abutment for the sliding tube 14.

The slide tube 14 has an axial bore 15 in which slides a rod 9b of the pusher 9. The latter also comprises a handling head 9a screwed onto the rod 9b.

The sliding tube 14 also has an external toothing 16 located outside the inner tube 13. The external toothing 16 is intended to cooperate with an internal toothing 17 of a ring 18 coaxial with the sliding tube 14. The ring 18 is integral with the ring 8 and therefore displaceable in axial translation and in rotation with said ring 8. The displacement of the ring 18 is advantageously guided by a guide ring 19 integral with the middle part 2a. The ring 18 has an axial extension portion 18a engaged at least partially in the guide ring 19 and a radial extension portion 18b provided with the internal toothing 17 at its radial end.

A first coil spring 20 bears on the middle part 2a with one end, while the other end of said coil spring 20 bears on the radial extension portion 18b. The axial displacement of the ring 8 in the direction of the box 2, illustrated by the arrow P1, is therefore against the return force of the first coil spring 20. The slide tube 14 also has a cylindrical end 14a enlarged. The outer face of this cylindrical end 14a serves for the axial guidance and rotation of the ring 8 and the ring 18 which are mounted with clearance on said outer face. The inner face of this cylindrical end 14a serves for axial guidance of the head 9a of the pusher 9 during its sliding.

The portion of the sliding tube 14 engaged in the inner tube 13 advantageously has two peripheral grooves 21 formed in its outer face. A first seal 22 is housed in each peripheral groove 21. The dimensions of this first seal 22 are such that said seal 22 protrudes out of the peripheral groove 21 in its uncompressed state. The seal thus makes it possible to seal with the inner face of the inner tube 13 when the sliding tube 14 is inserted into said inner tube 13. The control and adjustment device comprises a second coil spring 23 bearing on the head 9a and on the sliding tube 14. The actuation of the pusher 9 is therefore against the restoring force of the second coil spring 23.

At least one second seal 24 allows sealing between the rod 9b and the sliding tube 14. According to an advantageous construction, the sliding tube 14 has an axial portion whose inner diameter is increased to housing the second seal 24. The latter is for example sandwiched between a shoulder formed by the larger inner diameter portion and a washer-like bearing ring 24a on which bears the second coil spring 23. The restoring force exerted by the second helical spring 23 on the second seal 24 also improves the sealing of the control and adjustment device 7.

The control and adjustment device 7 illustrated in FIG. 5 is in a state of rest. The pusher 9 is not actuated and the ring 8 is not moved towards the middle part 2a. In such a configuration the external toothing 16 and the internal toothing 17 are not in engagement and the crown 8 can thus rotate freely without activating any functionality.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of a control and adjustment device 7 according to the invention in a first activation position. In this position, a pressure P2 on the head 9a makes it possible to slide the rod 9b in the sliding tube 14 by compressing the second spring 23. The end of the rod 9b extending into the box 2 can then actuate at least a switch. In addition, the ring 8 remains in its initial neutral position and can rotate freely without actuating any functionality.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of a control and adjustment device 7 according to the invention in a second activation position. In this position a pressure P1 on the ring 8 makes it possible to slide said ring 8 into the guide ring 19 by compressing the first spring 20. The internal toothing 17 then engages with the external toothing 16 and a rotation of the crown 8 rotates the slide tube 14. The latter then allows, thanks to an end 14b extending in the box 2, to cooperate with the gear system like organs, to activate at least one functionality of the watch 1 In addition, the pusher 9 remains in its initial neutral position and does not actuate any switching.

Means for axially retaining the slide tube 14 are advantageously provided, for example at the cooperation members housed in the box 2. For example, in the configurations illustrated in the figures, the slide tube 14 is retained by means of a nut 14d screwed and glued, which has the advantage of being easily removable. This makes it possible to deposit the assembly, for example after-sales, to replace only one component of the device, while other constructions may require replacing a set of components, even if only one of them is failed.

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of a control and adjustment device 7 according to the invention in a third activation position. In this position a pressure P1 on the ring 8 makes it possible to slide said ring 8 into the guide ring 19 by compressing the first spring 20. The internal toothing 17 then engages with the external toothing 16 and a rotation of the crown 8 rotates the slide tube 14. The latter then allows, thanks to its end 14b extending in the box 2 to cooperate with members of the genus gear systems to activate at least one functionality of the watch 1. In this same position, a pressure P2 on the head 9a, exerted simultaneously with the pressure P1 on the ring 8, makes it possible to slide the rod 9b in the sliding tube 14 by compressing the second spring 23. The end of the rod 9b extending in the box 2 can then actuate at least one switching.

This switching may advantageously be identical to that actuated when no pressure is exerted on the ring 8. Alternatively, it is possible to envisage with the control device and setting 7 according to the invention, that the pressure P1 exerted on the ring 8 engenders a tilting on another switch that can be actuated by the pusher 9.

The control and adjustment device 7 according to the invention therefore allows access to localized switches in the box 2 independently of the actuation or the position of the ring 8 with respect to said box 2. In FIG. in addition, the manipulation of the pusher 9 and / or the ring 8 does not affect the seal provided by the control device 7 according to the invention. The seal obtained is, moreover, only very slightly sensitive to phenomena of wear or degradation of the joints because of their multiplicity.

It is obvious that the present description is not limited to the examples explicitly described, but also includes other embodiments and / or implementation. Thus, a described technical feature can be replaced by an equivalent characteristic without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

1. Control and adjustment device (7) comprising means for mounting it on a timepiece box (2), an adjusting ring (8) axially movable relative to the box (2) between a position of rest and at least one active position in which functionalities internal to the box (2) can be activated, a pusher (9) arranged coaxially in the ring (8) having an actuating head (9a) accessible from the outside the box (2) and axially displaceable to activate switching functions, characterized in that the active position of the ring gear (8) is an unstable position obtained by an axial displacement of said ring gear (8) in the direction of the box (2) and against a restoring force of a spring (20) bearing on said ring (8) and on said box (2) or on a part integral with said box (2). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pusher (9) is axially movable between a neutral position and at least one switching position for each axial position of the ring (8). 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the pusher (9) comprises a sliding rod (9b) against a restoring force of a spring (23) bearing on the head (9a) of said pusher (9) with one of its ends and on a sliding tube (14) in which the sliding rod (9b) moves. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the head (9a) is assembled to the sliding rod (9b) by screwing. 5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the sliding tube (9b) is rotatably mounted in an inner tube (13) integral with the box (2), means of cooperation of the kind teeth (16.17 ) for transmitting a rotational movement of the ring (8) disposed in its active position to said sliding tube (14). 6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises sealing means mounted between the sliding tube (14) and the inner tube (13). 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the sealing means comprise at least two seals (22). 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the seals (22) are partially housed in peripheral grooves (21) formed in the outer face of the sliding tube (14), the projecting portion of the seals (22) on the outer face for sealing with the inner tube (13). 9. Device according to claims 3 and 6, characterized in that it comprises complementary sealing means, like seals (24), mounted between an inner face of the sliding tube (14) and an outer face of the rod sliding (9b). 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the ring (8) allows to adjust a rotating bezel arranged under an ice (10) of the watch (1). Timepiece, of the watch type, comprising at least one control and adjustment device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.