CH709413B1 - Timepiece comprising an external sliding control member. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a box (2) housing a watch movement comprising at least one watch mechanism associated with a control device comprising an external control member (32) arranged on a lateral surface of the box (2), so as to slide along a slot (34) in the side surface in response to a user action, between a rest position and at least a first active position. The control device is capable of actuating the clock mechanism by means of a pusher housed in the box (2), and comprises a cam arranged to convert a sliding movement of the external control member (32) into an action on the pusher oriented in a substantially radial direction.

Description

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a box housing a watch movement comprising at least one watch mechanism associated with a control device comprising an external control member arranged on a lateral surface of the box, in such a way that slidable along a slot in the side surface in response to user action, between a rest position and at least a first active position.

More specifically, the control device according to the invention comprises in particular a pusher for actuating the clock mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, not limiting, the timepiece comprises a chronograph function actuatable with this control device.

State of the art [0004] In a conventional approach, a chronograph function includes mechanisms, on the one hand, start and stop and on the other hand, reset, a pushbutton being associated with each of these mechanisms. However, the integration of the two external control members for operating these mechanisms on a watch case is not obvious from the point of view of the harmony of the lines of the box, or even the ergonomics.

Thus, different solutions have been proposed to make more discreet and / or more ergonomic control device of the chronograph function.

In the first place, watches have been known for a long time using a control device having a different kinematics for using a single external control pushbutton, controlling the different mechanisms sequentially.

Other approaches have been proposed, some quite recently, such as the control device which is the subject of the patent application EP 1 818 734 A1. This control device comprises two pushers, located relatively close to each other in the corresponding watch case and which can be actuated by an external control member having the shape of a double rocker. This construction makes it possible to arrange the two pushers on the same side of the winding and setting crown and to have a single external control member visible to the user.

Timepieces meeting the characteristics set out above, that is to say with a sliding external control member, are already known but in the particular field of bell watches.

For example, the book entitled "Theorie d'horlogerie", of C.-A. Fteymondin et al., Published by the Federation of Technical Schools (Switzerland), ISBN 2-940025-10-X, describes and illustrates certain details of the operation of watches of the repeating minute type. In some models, an external sliding control member is provided on the box to actuate a rotating rack and engage the bell.

These control devices are specific and difficult to exploit when it comes to operate other clock mechanisms that ringtones, especially typically actuated mechanisms pushers, such as chronograph mechanisms.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0011] A main object of the present invention is to propose an alternative timepiece construction to constructions already known, from the point of view of the structure of a control device making it possible to actuate at least a clock mechanism, while presenting good aesthetic and ergonomic qualities.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a timepiece as mentioned above, characterized in that the control device is capable of actuating the clock mechanism via a lobed pusher in the box, and in that the control device comprises a cam arranged to convert a sliding movement of the external control member into an action on the pusher oriented in a substantially radial direction.

With these features, the movement to be performed by the user of the timepiece according to the invention, to actuate a mechanism, is more natural since it consists in following the curvature of the box. In addition, this type of construction makes it possible to approach differently the question of the implantation of the external control member from the point of view of the overall appearance of the timepiece.

Advantageously provided an elastic return member arranged to exert a force on the external control member tending to position it in its rest position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the external control member is arranged on the lateral surface so as to be able to slide towards a second active position to actuate an additional pusher, associated with an additional clock mechanism of the watch movement, the first and second active positions being located on either side of the rest position. In addition, the control device comprises an additional cam arranged to convert a sliding movement of the external control member between the rest position and the second active position into an action on the additional pusher oriented in a substantially radial direction.

Such a construction allows precisely to address the issues raised above in relation to chronograph function timepieces.

In this case, it can preferably be provided that the timepiece comprises an additional elastic member arranged substantially symmetrically with reference to the first elastic return member, to exert a force on the external control member tending to the position in its rest position.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment variant, provision may also be made for the control device to comprise first and second slides, each of which has substantially a general shape of a ring portion, the first and second slides being arranged between the box and the watch movement and substantially in the extension of one another, so that a first end of the first slide is located opposite a first end of the second slide and the second end of the first slide is located opposite the second end of the second slide. In addition, in this case, the first slide is advantageously secured to the external control member while the second slide carries the cams.

In a general manner, the box having a middle in which the watch movement is housed by means of a casing ring, it is possible that the middle part and the casing ring define between them a housing for them. first and second wings.

It is then advantageous to provide further that each of the elastic members is supported on the one hand on a fixed bearing surface of the box or said casing ring and, on the other hand, on the first slide for tending to bring the latter into a position associated with the rest position of the external control member. In addition, the timepiece may then comprise at least one additional elastic member, arranged to act on the second slide and tend to move it towards a position associated with the rest position of the external control member.

Furthermore, when the timepiece comprises a winding rod and setting time, wearing a winding crown and time setting at its free end located outside the box, the ring being arranged on a first side of the box, the external control member is preferably arranged on the opposite side of the box to the first side, the second slide having a longitudinal opening defining a passage for the winding rod and setting time.

Thus, the present invention allows to deport an external control member with respect to one or two pushers implanted in the box with which it is associated, for the purpose of actuating them.

As noted above, the watch movement comprises a chronograph function in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the watch mechanism being associated with the start and stop of the chronograph function, the additional clock mechanism being associated with the reset the chronograph function.

Of course, the present invention also relates to the implementation of the above characteristics in relation to another function as the chronograph function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples. in which: FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a timepiece according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; fig. 2 is a simplified and exploded perspective view of the timepiece of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3a and 3b are similar simplified sectional views of the timepiece of FIG. 1.

Embodiment (s) of the Invention [0026] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a timepiece 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the timepiece 1 to better illustrate certain details of its construction.

The timepiece 1 here has the shape of a wristwatch comprising a box 2 comprising a middle 4 provided with horns 6 to allow the attachment of a bracelet (not shown).

The box 2 is closed on its upper face by a bezel 8 carrying an ice 10 and, on its underside, by a bottom 12, in a conventional manner.

The box 2 contains a watch movement 14 of the chronograph function type, preferably but not limited to. The watch movement 14 is put in place in the box 2 by means of a casing ring 16 and an optional additional support 18.

In a non-limiting manner, the casing ring 16 is made in one piece with the bezel 8.

Furthermore, the support 18 is not absolutely necessary for the implementation of the present invention but here fulfills the function of shockproof support to protect the watch movement 14. For this purpose, the support 18 may advantageously be realized by the combination of two metal cylinders between which is arranged a cylinder of elastically deformable material. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the watch movement 14 is placed directly in the casing ring 16 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The watch movement 14 is surmounted by a dial 20 bearing various indications in relation to which the display needles 22, 24 and 26 (for the central hands, the other decentered needles not being referenced in the figures) are susceptible to move.

In addition, a flange 28 is placed on the dial 20 for illustrative purposes.

The timepiece 1 according to the present preferred embodiment of the invention comprises two external control members.

A winding crown 30 and setting time is conventionally positioned a first side of the box 2, in the three o'clock position.

Furthermore, a sliding control member 32 is provided for controlling the operation of the chronograph of the watch movement 14. This sliding control member 32 is arranged in a slot 34, formed in a side surface of the box 2 located on the side opposite to that of the ring 30. More specifically, the slot 34 extends along the lateral surface of the box 2 substantially between the eight o'clock and ten o'clock positions. Of course, the skilled person can adapt the location and length of the slot according to his own needs, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The sliding control member 32 is shown in a central rest position in FIG. 1, at nine o'clock, and it will be clear from the explanations that will follow that it can be actuated by a user to slide along the slot 34, between first and second active positions (respectively around ten o'clock and towards eight o'clock) located on both sides of the rest position.

Some construction details of the control device which is the subject of the present invention are more particularly visible in FIG. 2.

In particular, it appears that the sliding control member 32 is secured to a first slide 36 arranged inside the box 2 and substantially having a general shape of ring portion.

The control device also comprises a second slide 38 disposed inside the box 2. The two slides 36 and 38 are arranged in the extension of one another, so that a first end 40 of the first slide 36 is located opposite a first end 42 of the second slide 38 and the second end 44 of the first slide is located opposite the second end 46 of the second slide. The second slide 38 is here longer than the first slide 36, by way of nonlimiting illustration, but their angular extent is preferably such that their sum must be close to 360 degrees, or even equal to this value.

The two slides 36, 38 are positioned on a shoulder 48 of the middle part 4, between the inner wall of the middle part 4 and the casing ring 16, a space being preserved between these two components to define a housing adapted to they.

The casing ring 16 has a thickening 50 substantially T-shaped and positioned at noon. This extra thickness 50 defines two support surfaces, on its sides, for springs 52 and 54, each of which has one of its ends which is integral with one of the slides. A same extra thickness (not visible) is provided at six o'clock to define two additional bearing surfaces for two additional springs 56 and 58. These bearing surfaces also define stops to limit the angle of rotation of the first slide 36 in one way or the other. In addition, the extra thicknesses 50 can cooperate with the middle part to ensure proper angular positioning of the bezel and the casing ring in the middle part.

The height of each extra thickness is less than that of the casing ring, to release a passage between it and the shoulder 48 of the middle part 4 allowing the passage of the corresponding end of the second slide 38 towards the first slide 36.

By this construction, an action of a user on the outer sliding control member 32, in one direction or another, causes a rotation of the two slides 36 and 38 in the same direction. When the user releases the sliding control member 32, it resumes its rest position under the effect of the action of one of the springs 52 or 56, depending on the direction of rotation. At the same time, the second slide 38 also resumes a central position, associated with the rest position of the sliding control member 32, under the effect of the action of one of its two springs 54 or 58, depending on the direction of rotation.

Note that the second slide 38 has a longitudinal opening 60 to define a passage for the winding rod and setting time (reference numeral 62 in Figures 3a and 3b). The length of this longitudinal opening 60 is adapted to the angular travel of the sliding control member 32, so that the second slide 38 never comes into contact with the winding and setting rod, which whatever its angular position.

Furthermore, two pushers 64 and 66 are integrated in the casing ring 16, such that they are positioned correctly to allow the actuation of mechanisms arranged in the watch movement 14.

In the case of the preferred embodiment, as illustrated and described, the first pusher 64 typically has the function of acting on the chronograph mechanism for starting and stopping the chronograph, while the second pusher 66 has for the function of acting on an additional horological mechanism for resetting the chronograph.

The implantation of the pushers 64 and 66 in the casing circle is easily modifiable to adapt to the specifications of the watch movement used, thus providing great flexibility in the realization of the timepiece according to the invention.

Figs. 3a and 3b are cross-sectional views in the mean plane of the timepiece 1, to illustrate more particularly how the second slide 38 cooperates with the pushers 64 and 66 to actuate the mechanisms of the watch movement 14. FIG. . 3a represents the timepiece while the sliding control member 32 is in its rest position, while FIG. 3b represents it while the sliding control member 32 is in its first active position, so as to actuate the first pusher 64.

The second slide 38 comprises a cam 68, 70 formed on each side of the longitudinal opening 60, each of which is intended to cooperate with the pusher 64, 66 corresponding.

Each cam 68, 70 is defined by a gradual variation of the radius of the inner wall of the second slide 38 between a minimum value, associated with a maximum thickness of the second slide in the pusher region, and a maximum associated value. in the rest position, when the pusher is not engaged.

In addition to the gradual variation of the radius of the second slide 38, a small depression 72, 74 (numerical references only in FIG 3b) is formed in each cam 68, 70, optionally, to define a notch associated with the rest position of the sliding control member 32. A single hollow formed in one of the two cams would achieve a similar result.

In the idle configuration illustrated in FIG. 3a, each recess 72, 74 is positioned opposite the pusher 64, 66 corresponding. Both pushers are in extracted position.

Moving on to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b, a user acts on the sliding control member 32 to rotate it in the clockwise direction. The first slide 36 then exerts pressure on the second slide 38, by its first end 40, acting on that 42 of the second slide.

The recesses 72, 74 are offset relative to the pushers 64, 66. A region of maximum radius is positioned opposite the second pusher 66 which thus remains in its extracted position. The first pusher 64 is in turn pushed back to its depressed position, to actuate the corresponding clock mechanism, by gradually decreasing the radius that the second slide 38 presents. The displacement of the cam 68 in the clockwise direction therefore causes the actuation of the corresponding pusher. Thus, the cam makes it possible to convert the sliding movement of the sliding control member 32 into a translation of the pusher concerned in a substantially radial direction.

When the sliding control member 32 is released, the springs 52 and 58 respectively act on the first slide 36 and the second slide 38, to replace them in their position associated with the rest position of the body of sliding control 32, as shown in FIG. 3a. The pusher 64 is free to resume its extracted position when the cam 68 rotates in the opposite direction, that is to say in the direction of rotation anti-clockwise. Typically, a spring is provided to ensure the return of the pusher, either directly in the watch movement, or here in the casing circle, and the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the construction according to its own. without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is of course understood that when the sliding control member 32 is driven in the opposite direction, that is to say in the anticlockwise direction of rotation, it is the pusher 66 which is actuated to take its depressed position. while the pusher 64 remains in the extracted position.

Thus, thanks to the construction that has just been described, a two-button chronograph mechanism can be actuated by sliding a single sliding control member on one side or the other, depending on the desired action, start / stop or reset.

The operation of the control device which has just been described is intuitive, improving ergonomics with reference to conventional control devices, and allows to draw the box of the timepiece according to the present invention with good harmony as regards the implantation of the sliding control member.

Claims (10)

Note in particular that the control device according to the present invention theoretically allows to implant the external control member in almost any position on the middle part. Then simply adapt the shape of the first and second slides to take into account the relative position between the external control member and the pushers. The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, as for example some particular details of construction of the box does not come directly into play in the implementation of the present invention. The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and implement a timepiece responding in part to the features that have just been presented without departing from the of the present invention. Thus, it will be mentioned for example the possibility of providing a sliding control member in a single direction of rotation, the latter then being associated with a single pusher. Moreover, the timepiece according to the preferred embodiment which has just been described is of the chronograph function type, but it is of course possible to apply the teaching above to the actuation of pushers associated with other types of watch mechanisms without departing from the scope of the invention. claims 1. Timepiece (1) comprising a box (2) housing a watch movement (14) comprising at least one watch mechanism associated with a control device comprising an external control member (32) arranged on a lateral surface of said box (2), so as to slide along a slot (34) formed in said lateral surface in response to an action of a user, between a rest position and at least a first active position, characterized in that said control device is capable of actuating said clock mechanism via a pusher (64) housed in said box (2), and in that said control device comprises a cam (68) arranged to convert a sliding movement of said external control member (32) into an action on said pusher (64) oriented in a substantially radial direction. 2. Timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an elastic return member (52) arranged to exert a force on said external control member (32) tending to position it in its position rest. 3. Timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said external control member (32) is arranged on said lateral surface so as to be slidable to a second active position to actuate an additional pusher (66). associated with an additional clock mechanism of said watch movement (14), said first and second active positions being located on either side of said rest position, and in that said control device comprises an additional cam (70) arranged for converting a sliding movement of said external control member (32) between said rest position and said second active position into an action on said further plunger (66) oriented in a substantially radial direction. 4. Timepiece (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises an additional elastic member (56), arranged substantially symmetrically with reference to said elastic return member (52), to exert a force on said external control member (32) tending to position it in its rest position. 5. Timepiece (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said control device comprises first and second slides (36, 38), each of which has substantially a general shape of ring portion, said first and second slides (36, 38) being arranged between said box (2) and said watch movement (14) and substantially in line with one another, so that a first end (40) of said first slide (36) is located facing a first end (42) of said second slide (38) and that the second end (44) of said first slide (36) is located opposite the second end (46) said second slide (38), in that said first slide (36) is integral with said external control member (32), and in that said second slide (38) carries said cams (68, 70). 6. Timepiece (1) according to claim 5, said box (2) having a caseband (4) in which said watch movement (14) is housed by means of a casing ring (16), characterized in that said middle (4) and said casing ring (16) define therebetween a housing for said first and second slides (36, 38). 7. Timepiece (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each of said elastic members (52, 56) is supported on the one hand on a fixed bearing surface (50) of said box (2). ) or said casing ring (16) and, secondly, on said first slide (36) to tend to bring it down to a position associated with the rest position of said external control member (32). 8. Timepiece (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional elastic member (54, 58) arranged to act on said second slide (38) and tend to move in the direction of a position associated with the rest position of said external control member (32). 9. Timepiece (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, comprising a winding and setting rod (62) carrying a winding crown and setting time (30) to its free end located outside said box (2), said ring (30) being arranged on a first side of said box (2), characterized in that said external control member (32) is arranged on the side of said box (2) opposite said first side, and said second slide (38) has a longitudinal opening (60) defining a passage for said winding and setting rod (62). 10. Timepiece (1) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that said watch movement (14) comprises a chronograph function, said watch mechanism being associated with the start and stop of said chronograph function , said additional clock mechanism being associated with resetting said chronograph function.