CH717245A2 - Timepiece comprising a waterproof control device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case defining at least one sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement, a function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member (5) mounted on said movement, said part. timepiece comprising a control member (4) capable of sliding relative to the box between a rest position and a position activated against the elastic return action of at least one spring (11) and cooperating with a transmission module for activate said function of the movement, in particular the winding of a barrel. The transmission module comprises a pivoting threaded rod carrying: a first nut (8) guided in translation along a first portion (P1) of the rod (7a) located outside said sealed volume, said first nut (8) cooperating with the control unit (4); a second nut (9) guided in translation along a second portion (P2) of the rod (7b) located inside said sealed volume, said second nut (9) cooperating with the actuating member (5) ) to activate said function; and at least one circular seal (10) arranged between said first (P1) and second (P2) portions.

Description

The present invention relates to a timepiece such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch comprising a box defining at least one sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement, a function of which must be able to be activated by an organ of 'actuation mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a control member accessible from outside the box and actuable by a user, able to slide relative to the box between a rest position and a position activated against the 'elastic return action of at least one spring and cooperating with a transmission module to activate said function of movement.

[0002] Certain mechanical watches, in particular watches comprising complications, have functions that must be activated from outside the box. The operating principle is generally as follows: an external control member mounted on the box actuates an element passing through the box, which itself actuates, directly or indirectly, an actuator mounted on the movement. Among the external control members of a watch, there are pressure-type members, such as the push-pieces of a chronograph, and translation-type members intended to actuate an actuating member of the lever type, movable angularly. in the plane of the watch. The translational type control members are, for example, bolts for winding a striking motor spring. Such locks are generally mounted to slide on the outer side face of a watch case. They are mounted integral with an element, such as a rod, passing through the box via an oblong opening formed in the latter. The through element is also integral with a part mounted to slide inside the box and intended to actuate a lever cooperating with a movement.

[0003] Such devices pose sealing problems. Indeed, it is impossible to seal, using an O-ring, the oblong opening in which the through element moves. It is generally chosen to seal the device between the internal surfaces of the lock and the external surfaces of the box, respectively. However, it is difficult to achieve a good seal between two substantially flat surfaces, movable in translation with respect to one another, such as these two surfaces. Solutions to this difficulty are proposed in patent CH 672 868 and application EP 0 952 499. These documents disclose devices comprising a flat seal disposed outside the box, between the lock and the outer surface of the box, or inside, between the sliding mounted part and the internal surface of the box. In both cases, the device has a sealed position in which the seal is compressed all around the oblong opening by the two surfaces between which it is caught, and a non-sealed position in which it is released. In the sealed position, the lock is immobilized, and in the non-sealed position, it is free to move. It follows that the seal is not carried out permanently, and that the handling of such a watch requires certain precautions.

The manual control device described in patent application CH 696 504 A5 overcomes this difficulty. This device comprises a winding lock movable in translation opening onto the outside of a watch case and cooperating via a transmission member with an actuating member for actuating a winding lever of a repeating chime mechanism located in a sealed interior volume of the watch case. In this device, the transmission member is formed of a rod integral in rotation with a first toothed wheel meshing with a rack integral with said winding lock and a second toothed wheel meshing with a rack whose movement allows to 'actuate the actuator. The translational movement of the winding lock is transformed into a rotational movement of the through element so that a circular seal, known to those skilled in the art, can be used for sealing.

In this device, the use of gears is not ideal, especially in the event of an impact, because it could be deindexed.

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a timepiece which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

The invention provides for this purpose a timepiece such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch comprising a box defining at least one sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement whose function must be able to be activated by an actuator mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a control member accessible from outside the case and actuable by a user, able to slide relative to the case between a rest position and a position activated against the elastic return action of at least one spring and cooperating with a transmission module to activate said movement function, said timepiece being characterized in that the transmission module comprises a pivoting threaded rod carrying: a first nut guided in translation along a first portion of the rod located outside said sealed volume, said first nut cooperating with the control member; a second nut guided in translation along a second portion of the rod located inside said sealed volume, said second nut cooperating with the actuator to activate said function; and at least one circular seal arranged between said first and second portions.

As indicated above, the timepiece according to the invention comprises a box defining a sealed internal volume in which is mounted a movement, a function of which can be activated by acting on an external control member of the translation type .

[0009] It has the advantage of guaranteeing the tightness of this internal volume at all times, regardless of the position of the control member. In addition, the absence of gears in the transmission module of the timepiece according to the invention is also advantageous in the event of impacts since it cannot be subject to deindexing.

Unlike the flat gaskets used in the aforementioned mechanisms of the prior art, the circular gasket of the transmission module of the timepiece according to the invention has the advantage of not being compressed and of not being subjected to constraints than in rotation, which it supports very well.

The timepiece according to the invention also has advantages in terms of size, in particular in height, due to the low height of its transmission module.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a minute repeater watch according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 2a and 2b are perspective views from above of part of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1, including in particular a manual striking device, in two successive states when its striking mechanism is activated; FIGS. 3a and 3b are top longitudinal sectional views of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1, in two successive states during the activation of its striking mechanism.

Referring to Figure 1, a wristwatch 1 minute repeater according to the invention conventionally comprises a box including in particular a bezel 2 and a middle part 3 on which slides a winding lock 4.

The watch case 1 according to the invention defines a sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement comprising a repeating striking mechanism. Conventionally, by acting on the latch 4, the user typically acts on the arm 5 of a rack, the toothed sector of which makes it possible to arm the spring of the striking barrel. In the example illustrated, the arm 5 consists of two curved legs.

As illustrated in the figures, the latch 4 is able to slide relative to the box between a rest position illustrated in Figures 1, 2a and 3a and an activated position illustrated in Figures 2b and 3b. It cooperates with a transmission module 6 to actuate the arm 5 constituting the actuator of the striking mechanism.

The lock 4 and the transmission module 6 constitute a manual control device of the watch 1 according to the invention.

The transmission module 6 of the watch 1 comprises a threaded rod 7 comprising a first threaded part 7a carrying a first nut 8, a second threaded part 7b carrying a second nut 9 and a circular seal 10 sealing between said first 7a and second 7b parts.

The first part 7a and the second part 7b of the rod 7 extend in different directions, they are both pivoting and are integral in rotation with one another. They typically cooperate by means of a ball joint 12. The rotation of the threaded rod 7 is controlled by the nuts 8 and 9, as explained below.

The first nut 8 is guided in translation relative to the watch case. It is able to move along a portion P1 of the first part 7a of the rod 7, without pivoting, and cooperates with the lock 4 of the watch 1. The cooperation between the lock 4 and the first nut 8 takes place typically by means of a sliding system, the first nut 8 carrying two diametrically opposed studs sliding in grooves of the part 4a of the lock 4 located inside the watch case.

The second nut 9 is also guided in translation relative to the watch case. It is able to move along a portion P2 of the second part 7b of the rod 7, without pivoting, and is arranged to cooperate with the rack arm 5 in order to activate the ringing function. In the example illustrated, the second nut 9 is integrated in a shoe 13 in which it is fixed by means of a screw not shown, this screw making it possible to finely adjust the position of the second nut 9 relative to the second part 7b of the rod 7. The shoe 13 is typically integral with a pin 15 arranged to slide in a groove in the middle part of the watch 1 for guiding it in translation.

The operation of the manual control device of the watch 1 is explained below.

When the user arms the lock 4, that is to say when he slides it from its rest position (Figures 2a and 3a) to its activated position (Figures 2b and 3b), this causes the first nut 8 along the first part 7a of the rod 7 without it being able to pivot, which causes the entire rod 7 to rotate on itself. However, as the rotation of the second nut 9 is blocked by the cooperation of the pin 15 with the middle part, the rotation of the rod 7 causes the translation of the second nut 9 along the portion P2 of the rod 7.

The arrangement of the second nut 9 is such that it causes the movement of the actuator 5 when it moves along the rod 7 from its rest position, corresponding to that which it occupies when the control member 4 is in the rest position (Figures 2a and 3a), to its activated position, corresponding to that which it occupies when the control member 4 is in the activated position (Figures 2b and 3b). Indeed, the shoe 13 integral with the nut 9 comprises an inclined plane arranged to push on the tabs of the rack arm 5 during the cocking of the lock 4 so as to trigger the ringing function.

The winding of the latch 4 is against the elastic return action of a helical spring 11 carried by the second part 7b of the rod 7, as illustrated in Figures 2a to 3b. Thus, when the latch 4 is released, the spring 11 pushes on the shoe 13 and drives it, as well as the nut 9 of which it is integral, in translation along the second part 7b of the rod 7, to bring it back. in its rest position illustrated in Figures 2a and 3a. This causes the rotation of the rod 7 and the return of the first nut 8 in its rest position illustrated in Figures 2a and 3a. In the example illustrated, releasing the latch 4 has no effect on the rack arm 5. Thus, once the striking barrel has been reassembled, the striking occurs and the rack arm 5 returns to its rest position. rhythm, while the ringing occurs.

The seal 10 provides the seal between the first portion P1 of rod 7 on which moves the first nut 8 and the second portion P2 of rod 7 on which moves the second nut 9. It is typically housed in a groove circular threaded rod 7.

Thus, the transmission module 6 of the wristwatch 1 according to the invention makes it possible to transmit the force applied by the user on the lock 4 accessible from the outside of the watch case to the rack arm 5 located in a waterproof area of the watch 1.

The wristwatch 1 according to the invention guarantees the tightness of the interior volume in which the movement is mounted regardless of the position of the lock 4. In addition, it avoids the use of gears, its impact resistance s 'thus finds improved.

As emerges from the above description, the threads of the first 7a and second 7b parts of the rod 7 as well as the threads of the first 8 and second 9 nuts, in particular their angles and their shapes, are such that each of the "threaded rod - nut" systems are reversible, that is to say that for each of them, the rotation of the screw 7a, 7b causes the translation of the nut 8, 9 and the translation of the nut 8 , 9 causes the rotation of the screw 7a, 7b.

The foregoing description is attached to describing a particular embodiment of the invention by way of nonlimiting illustration, and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which come from 'be described, such as for example the choice of the winding direction of the elements of the transmission module or the shapes shown for the different members. Indeed, it is obvious that the shape of the various organs can vary infinitely as long as their functions are assured.

The rod 7 is in two parts 7a, 7b integral in rotation with one another and extending in different directions in order to adapt to different shapes of middle part but it could be straight, of a one piece. The seal 10 would then be positioned on the rod 7 somewhere between the portions P1 and P2 of the rod 7.

In addition, it is clear that other means for guiding in translation the nuts 8 and 9 than those described are possible. It is the same for the drive system of the first nut 8 by the lock 4.

The present invention is also not limited to a timepiece whose function to be activated is a minute repeater bell. Thus, the lock 4 of the watch 1 could be replaced by any other sliding control member. Likewise, the rack arm 5 could be replaced by any other actuator such as a lever, a wheel or any other element capable of activating a function of a watch movement. By way of non-limiting illustration, the control member 4 of the timepiece according to the invention could allow the winding of a barrel, typically an auxiliary barrel, or the triggering of a countdown.

Depending on the type of function to be activated, those skilled in the art can adapt the timepiece according to the invention and make the actuator integral with the second nut both during its translation in the direction of winding and during its translation to return to its rest position after release of the control member.

In addition, the coil spring 11 could be replaced by another type of spring also having the function of returning the nuts 8, 9 and the latch 4 to their rest position.

Finally, the timepiece according to the invention could for example be a pocket watch.

Claims (12)

1. Timepiece (1) such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch comprising a case defining at least one sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement, a function of which must be able to be activated by an actuator ( 5) mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a control member (4) accessible from outside the box and actuated by a user, able to slide relative to the box between a rest position and a position activated against the elastic return action of at least one spring (11) and cooperating with a transmission module (6) to activate said movement function, said timepiece being characterized in that the transmission module (6 ) comprises a pivoting threaded rod (7) carrying: - a first nut (8) guided in translation along a first portion (P1) of the rod (7) located outside said sealed volume, said first nut (8) cooperating with the control member (4); - a second nut (9) guided in translation along a second portion (P2) of the rod (7) located inside said sealed volume, said second nut (9) cooperating with the actuating member ( 5) to activate said function; and - at least one circular seal (10) arranged between said first (P1) and second (P2) portions. 2. Timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second nut (9) is arranged to cause the movement of the actuator (5) only when it moves along the rod (7) from its rest position, corresponding to that which it occupies when the control member (4) is in the rest position, to its activated position, corresponding to that which it occupies when the control member (4) is in the activated position. 3. Timepiece (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said spring (11) is a helical spring mounted on said second portion (P2) of the rod (7). 4. Timepiece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control member (4) cooperates with said first nut (8) by means of a sliding system. 5. Timepiece (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first nut (8) carries at least one protuberance, for example a stud, engaged in a recess (14), typically a slot or a groove, of the control member (4), said protuberance and said recess constituting said sliding system. 6. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rod (7) extends substantially parallel to the plate of the movement. 7. Timepiece (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded rod (7) comprises a first part (7a) comprising said first portion (P1) and a second part (7b) carrying said. second portion (P2), said first (7a) and second (7b) parts extending in different directions and being integral in rotation with one another. 8. Timepiece (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said first (7a) and second (7b) parts cooperate via a ball joint (12). 9. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angles of the threads of said first (P1) and second (P2) portions of the rod (7) and of the first (8) and second (9) nuts are such that each of the threaded rod - nut systems is reversible. 10. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said function consists in winding a barrel, typically auxiliary, or in triggering a countdown. 11. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control member (4) is a winding lock and in that said function consists of arming a striking barrel. 12. Device for manual control of a timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising said control member (4) and said transmission module (6).