CH717664A2 - 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, one function of which must be able to be activated by an actuation member (5) mounted on said movement. The timepiece comprises a latch (4) capable of sliding relative to the case between a rest position and an activated position against the action of at least one elastic return means (13a, 13b), said latch ( 4) cooperating with a transmission module (6) to activate said function. The transmission module (6) comprises a rod (7) rotatable about an axis (A), said rod (7) carrying: a first mechanical transmission member located outside the sealed volume, a second transmission member mechanism located inside said sealed volume, and at least one circular seal (10) arranged between said first and second mechanical transmission members. When the lock (4) slides from its rest position to its activated position, it drives the transmission module (6) in rotation in a first direction so as to activate said function. The invention also relates to a control device comprising the control lock and the transmission module of such a timepiece.

Description

The present invention relates to a timepiece such as a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a clock 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 actuating member mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a control latch, capable of sliding relative to the case between a rest position and an activated position and cooperating with a transmission module to activate said function of the movement.

[0002] Some 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 case actuates an element passing through the case, which itself actuates, directly or indirectly, an actuating member mounted on the movement. Among the external control members of a watch, there are pressure-type members such as pushers, and translation-type members, such as control locks. The pushbuttons are designed to control simple functions such as correction or ON/OFF type functions; the control locks are suitable for functions whose activation requires a large amplitude, typically because it requires the winding of a spring. Such locks are generally slidably mounted on the outer side face of a watch case. They are mounted integral with an element, such as a rod, passing through the box through an oblong opening formed therein. The traversing element is generally secured to a part mounted to slide inside the box and intended to actuate a lever cooperating with a movement.

[0003] Such sliding locks pose sealing problems. Indeed, it is impossible to seal, with the aid of an O-ring, the oblong opening in which the traversing element moves. It is generally chosen to seal the device between the inner surfaces of the lock and the outer surfaces of the box, respectively. However, it is difficult to achieve a good seal between two substantially planar surfaces, movable in translation relative to each other, 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 arranged outside the box, between the lock and the outer surface of the box, or inside, between the slide mount and the inner surface of the box. In both cases, the device has a sealed position in which the gasket 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. As a result, the watertightness is not achieved permanently, and the handling of such a watch requires certain precautions.

The manual control device described in patent application CH 696 504 overcomes this difficulty. This device comprises a movable winding latch in translation opening onto the outside of a watch case and cooperating via a transmission member with a rack-and-pinion actuating member to actuate a winding lever of a repeater striking mechanism located in a watertight inner 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 lock and a second toothed wheel meshing with a rack whose movement allows actuate the winding lever. The translational movement of the winding bolt is transformed into a rotational movement of the crossing element so that a circular joint, known to those skilled in the art, can be used to seal.

[0006] The gears located in a non-sealed area of the watch are liable to receive dirt which could seize up or even completely block the transmission member.

[0007] In addition, the actuation of the winding bolt of this device is done against the action of two helical springs which make it possible, on the one hand, to make the activation of the ringing voluntary and, on the other hand, to bring the latch and the actuating member in their initial positions after this activation. The restoring force of this type of springs evolving in a linear way, their use in this context contributes to increase the force necessary to arm the lock during its travel which can be unpleasant for the user, this force being already made increasing by the winding of the spring of the striking barrel.

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks at least in part. To this end, it relates to a timepiece comprising a case defining at least one sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement, one function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a control latch capable of sliding relative to the box between a rest position and an activated position against the action of at least one elastic return means and cooperating with a transmission module to activate said function, said transmission module comprising a rod movable in rotation about an axis (A), said rod carrying: a first mechanical transmission member located outside the sealed volume, integral in rotation with the rod and cooperating with the lock, a second mechanical transmission member located inside said sealed volume, integral in rotation with the rod and cooperating directly or indirectly with the actuating member to activate said function, and at least one circular joint arranged between said first and second mechanical transmission members, the whole being arranged so that, when the control lock slides from its rest position to its activated position, it drives the transmission module in rotation in a first direction called "activation direction" so as to activate said function.

According to the invention, the first mechanical transmission member comprises a finger and the control lock comprises a bearing surface intended to push this finger so that, when it slides from its rest position to its position activated, the control lock drives the transmission module in rotation in its activation direction to activate said function.

[0010] The axis (A) is typically perpendicular to the movement plate.

[0011] In addition to avoiding the risk of seizing, the rotational drive of the rod of the mechanical transmission module by the bais of cooperation of a bearing surface of the lock with a rotary finger integral with this rod , makes it possible to obtain a large angle of rotation of the transmission module. This is particularly advantageous for controlling functions whose activation requires the winding of a spring, typically a mainspring.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, when the control lock slides from its rest position to its activated position, the transmission module is rotated by its finger by at least 60°, preferably by at least 80°, more preferably at least 100° in its direction of activation, to activate said function.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second mechanical transmission member comprises a cam intended to push a bearing surface of the actuating member or of an intermediate transmission member cooperating directly or indirectly with the actuator to activate said function.

[0014] By adapting the shape of this cam, more particularly of its active surface, the person skilled in the art can change the lever arm between the center of pivoting of this cam (corresponding to the center of rotation of the mechanical transmission module) and the bearing point of this cam on said bearing surface to modify the force profile necessary to cause the control latch to slide from its rest position to its activated position. It is thus possible to obtain a lock whose force necessary to make it slide from its rest position to its activated position is not necessarily increasing. The designer may want this force to evolve in an increasing way, linear or not, or on the contrary that it be decreasing or even decreasing only at the end of the stroke so that the user feels that he has correctly armed the lock... producing a second mechanical transmission member in the form of a cam, the designer of the timepiece according to the invention can adapt its shape so as to obtain the desired force profile.

In the context of the present invention, the term "active surface of the cam" means the surface of the cam which comes into contact with the bearing surface of the actuating member or of the transmission member. intermediary on which it pushes during the trajectory of the control latch from its rest position to its activated position.

[0016] Preferably, the transmission module is in one piece.

[0017] Advantageously, said cam is arranged to push on a bearing surface of a pivoting intermediate transmission member so as to make it pivot, this member comprising at least one toothed sector and being kinematically connected to the actuation, to activate said function. Said bearing surface is preferably a roller.

[0018] Preferably, said actuating member comprises a pivoting toothed member meshing with said intermediate transmission member.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the function according to the invention is a function whose activation requires the winding of a spring, typically a mainspring, said function being for example a minute repeater chime, an automaton type animation, a chronograph with its own mainspring, music from a music box or gramophone integrated into the timepiece or even the display of information such as the hour or the date. The actuation member then arms the spring associated with this function. Preferably, said spring is a barrel spring whose shaft carries a pinion meshing with the actuating member. It may be the mainspring of the going train or an additional spring.

The function according to the invention is for example a minute repeater chime and the pinion meshing with the actuating member is a rack pinion integral with the associated spindle shaft.

[0021] Preferably, the transmission module of the timepiece according to the invention comprises a return lever integral in rotation with the rod of the mechanical transmission module and subjected to the action of said at least one elastic return means .

[0022] Preferably, said return lever comprises first and second bearing surfaces, subjected to the action of a first and a second pre-armed spring blades, said blades exerting forces in opposite directions to the rotation of the return lever in the same direction of rotation, opposite to said direction of activation. Said first and second bearing surfaces are typically diametrically opposed.

[0023] Such pre-armed blades have several advantages. Their length makes it possible to have a low stiffness k and their pre-winding makes it possible to choose the restoring force range in which each of them will work so as to regulate in particular the force necessary to initiate the sliding of the control bolt on the external side face of the watch case. These leaf springs are advantageously arranged in the caseband so that their length is not a constraint in terms of size.

As indicated above, the timepiece according to the invention comprises a box defining a sealed interior 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. such as a lock.

[0025] It has the advantage of guaranteeing the tightness of this internal volume at all times, regardless of the position of the control lock. In addition, it avoids the use of gears in its non-sealed part and thus reduces the risk of the control blocking by dirt.

The timepiece according to the invention and in particular its transmission module has a simple structure, typically in one piece, and thus has improved reliability. In addition, its condensed structure allows it to limit the size.

[0027] In addition, when the second mechanical transmission member is a cam arranged to push on a support surface, it is possible to choose the profile of the useful surface of this cam to adjust the force necessary for the user to the activation of the function to be activated. Its use can thus be improved from a sensory point of view.

The invention further relates to a control device comprising the control lock and the transmission module of the timepiece according to the invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description given with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a minute repeater watch according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose striking is operable via a winding lock; FIGS. 2a and 2b are views in longitudinal section from above of a part of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1 including in particular a device for manual control of said chime in two successive states during its actuation; FIGS. 3a and 3b are views in longitudinal section from above of a part of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1 in two successive states corresponding respectively to the states illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b; FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of part of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1 along the axis I-I represented in FIG. 3a; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of part of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1 along the axis II-II represented in FIG. 3a; FIGS. 7a and 7b are views from below of part of the watch illustrated in FIG. 1 in two successive states when its chime is activated.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, a minute repeater wristwatch 1 according to the invention conventionally comprises a case comprising in particular a bezel 2 and a middle part 3 on which a winding lock 4 slides.

The case of the watch 1 according to the invention defines a sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement comprising a striking function, the activation of which requires the winding of a spring 20 of the barrel. By acting on lock 4, the user typically acts on a rake, called actuating rake 5, illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 4 and mounted on the movement. This rake 5 actuates said chime by winding said spring 20.

As illustrated in the figures, the lock 4 is able to slide relative to the box between a rest position illustrated in Figures 1, 2a, 3a, 4 and 7a and an activated position illustrated in Figures 2b, 3b and 7b in sliding against the caseband 3 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. It cooperates with a transmission module 6 to actuate the actuating rack 5 constituting the actuating member of the ringing function. The transmission module 6 therefore constitutes a force transmission means between the lock 4 located in a non-waterproof part of the watch and the actuation rack 5 located in a watertight part of the watch 1.

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

As illustrated in the figures, in particular in Figures 4 and 5, the transmission module 6 comprises a rod 7 carrying a finger 8, a cam 9, a return lever 10 subjected to the action of a pair of blades spring 13a, 13b, a first circular seal 11 providing the seal between the finger 8 and the cam 9 and a second circular seal 12 providing the seal between the finger 8 and the return lever 10. The rod 7 is pivotally mounted around of a virtual axis of rotation (A). Finger 8, cam 9 and return lever 10 are integral in rotation with rod 7 in both directions of rotation.

The finger 8 is located in a non-sealed part of the box and cooperates with the lock 4. The cam 9 and the return lever 10 are in turn located in the sealed volume defined above. Sealing is carried out permanently, whatever the position of the lock 4.

[0036] With reference to Figures 3a and 3b, part 4a of lock 4 located inside the box includes a pin 14 arranged to cooperate with finger 8.

As illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, when the user arms the lock 4, that is to say when he slides it from its rest position (Figures 1, 2a, 3a and 7a) to its activated position (FIGS. 2b, 3b and 7b), the pin 14 pushes on the finger 8 and drives the latter as well as the whole of the transmission module 6 to which it belongs in rotation. The direction of rotation of the transmission module 6 around the axis (A) generated by the sliding of the lock 4 from its rest position to its activated position is called “direction of activation”. In the example shown, this is counterclockwise when viewed from above. It is illustrated by an arrow (S) in FIG. 4. By analogy, we can speak of “direction of activation” for each of the components of the transmission module 6. In the following description, in the absence of precision, the indicated directions of rotation are seen from above.

As illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b and 4, the cam 9 is arranged so that, when it pivots in the direction of activation, it pushes on a support surface, typically a roller 15, carried by a rake 16, the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of the actuating rake 5. Thus, the winding of the lock 4 causes the rotation of the actuating rake 5 and therefore the activation of the bell. The shaft 18 of this barrel is integral in rotation with a rack pinion 19 meshing with the teeth of the actuating rack 5. Thus, by causing the winding bolt 4 to slide from its rest position to its activated position, the user arms the mainspring 20 and therefore activates the striking function.

The rake 16 constitutes an intermediate transmission member between the transmission module 6 and the actuation rake 5. It is pivotally mounted around a virtual axis of rotation (B) parallel to the axis (A).

When the lock 4 is at the end of its travel, the elements of the ringing manual control device are in a position called the activated position, illustrated in FIGS. 2b, 3b and 7b. Actuation rake 5 is also in the so-called activated position, mainspring 20 is armed.

When the user of the watch 1 releases the lock 4 from its activated position, the spring blades 13a and 13b cooperating with the return lever 10 cause it to pivot with the entire transmission module 6 in the direction schedule until each of the elements of the transmission module 6 returns to its rest position, as illustrated in Figures 2a, 3a and 7a. During this pivoting, the finger 8 pushes on the pin 14 and brings the lock 4 back to its initial position.

The intermediate rake 16 and the actuation rake 5 are not impacted by these movements and return to their respective rest positions at their own pace. In fact, once the spring 20 is charged, the bell that it causes sounds and the actuation rake 5 as well as the intermediate rake 16 return to their initial position at their own rhythm. The fact of decoupling the cam 9 from the rake 16 (and therefore from the actuating rake 5) when the lock 4 is released makes it possible to avoid blocking of the ringing function in the event of blocking of the lock 4 for example by dust and above all makes it possible to avoid tensions or even ruptures within the mechanism. More specifically, in the absence of uncoupling between the transmission module 6 and the intermediate rack 16, the pair of spring blades 13a, 13b acting on the return lever 10 would risk forcing the ringing function, at the risk of damage and if we remove the elastic return means (blades 13a, 13b) acting directly on the transmission module 6 to solve this problem, the striking barrel should have enough force to bring back the whole of the transmission module 6 and the lock 4 in the rest position; the lock 4 would return to the rest position only slowly, as the bell sounded and the user would thus lose the feeling of having correctly armed the function.

In the example shown, the return lever 10, visible in Figures 7a and 7b, comprises two protuberances 10a, 10b forming stops, diametrically opposed with respect to the axis of rotation (A), and respectively subjected to the action of the first 13a and second 13b leaf springs mentioned above. These blades 13a, 13b are pre-armed and exert, even when the lock 4 is in the rest position, forces in opposite directions on the return lever 10, these forces contributing to the rotation of the return lever 10 in the direction opposed to the direction of activation which will be qualified in the remainder of the description as “return direction”. In the example shown, it is clockwise (counterclockwise when viewed from below, as shown in Figures 7a, 7b). Thus, the sliding of the lock 4 from its rest position to its activated position takes place against the elastic return action of the leaf springs 13a, 13b and contributes to arming them further.

The blades 13a, 13b are chosen to be long and of small section so that their stiffness constant k is as low as possible. Thus, the torque they exert during the winding of the lock 4 varies little. Their pre-winding makes it possible to adjust the force necessary to initiate the sliding of the lock 4. This force is important to avoid involuntary actuation of the lock 4.

[0045] If the use of long leaf springs in a watch mechanism is generally not recommended because of the space constraints associated with this field of application, in the particular case of the invention, the transmission module 6 is located outside the movement, at the level of the caseband 3, the blades 13a, 13b can therefore be arranged in the caseband 3, that is to say in a space which is not generally used. Their length is therefore not a constraint. In addition, the rotary device comprising the return lever 10 and the blades 13a, 13b represents a space saving in thickness and in width compared to a helical spring for example. It should be noted that this device can be used for pivoting members whose stroke is limited. In watch 1, return lever 10 has a stroke of 120°.

The fact of using two springs exerting forces in opposite directions on separate stops makes it possible to reduce the pressures on these stops. This makes it possible to optimize the dimensioning of the springs 13a, 13b by distributing their load.

Alternatively, the stops 10a, 10b could be superimposed.

When the lock 4 slides towards its activated position, the pin 14 approaches then moves away from the axis of rotation (A) of the transmission module 6, thus varying the lever arm exerted by the finger 8 on the pin 14. At the same time, the winding of the spring blades 13a, 13b continues. Moreover, the more the spring 20 is armed, the greater the elastic return force that it exerts. Thus, the force that the user must provide to arm the lock 4 should theoretically vary during the arming.

As indicated above, the shape of the leaf springs 13a, 13b and their particular arrangement makes it possible to limit the variation in force due to the winding of the leaf springs 13a, 13b. However, the other sources of variation in force (evolution of the lever arm and winding of the striking barrel spring in particular) persist.

One way to modify the profile of the force necessary to bring the lock 4 from its rest position to its activated position consists in acting on the shape of the useful surface of the cam 9. As illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the radius of curvature of the part of the cam 9 which cooperates with the roller 15 increases as the transmission module 6 pivots in the direction of activation. This makes it possible to vary the distance between the point of application of the force exerted by the cam 9 on the roller 15 and the center of pivoting (axis of rotation A) of the cam 9 during winding of the bolt 4 and thus to vary the lever arm exerted by the cam 9 on the roller 15 during the stroke of the lock 4. In this way, it is possible to compensate for the variations in forces resulting from the winding of the leaf springs 13a, 13b ( negligible in the present case), to the variation of the lever arm at the level of the finger 8 and to the winding of the spring 17 during the winding of the lock 4. It is thus possible to choose the profile of force that will have to provide the user to move the lock 4 from its rest position to its activated position. Those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the shape of the cam 9 to obtain the desired force profile.

[0051] In variants of the invention, the person skilled in the art can use an elastic return device different from the pair of blades 13a, 13b, for example a helical spring carried by the rod 7 and fixed on the one hand to the return lever 10 and on the other hand on middle part 3. Such a spring would theoretically introduce more variations in the force to be exerted by the user when winding lock 4. The person skilled in the art could then modify the profile of the useful surface of the cam 9 to compensate for these variations. The bulk associated with such a spring would also be significant.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the means for fixing the lock 4 on the caseband 3 comprises a steel rod 21, one end of which is made integral with the caseband 3, typically by means of a screw 22, and whose the second end is integral with a guide shoe 23 arranged to slide in a housing 24 of the lock 4 forming a guide rail. The shoe 23 slides in the housing 24 of the lock 4 when the latter moves from its rest position to its activated position and from its activated position to its rest position. The assembly comprising the pad 23, the steel rod 21 and the screw 22 constitutes both a means of fixing and a means of guiding the lock 4 on the middle part 3.

[0053] More specifically, the middle part 3 comprises a hole extending radially from the outer side face of the middle part and opening into an internal housing of the middle part 3. The rod 21 passes through this hole and the head of the screw 22, aimed in this rod 21, is located in this housing. It carries a circular seal to ensure sealing on either side of this hole.

The pin 14 carried by the part 4a of the lock 4 is intended to slide in an oblong slot 25 in the form of an arc of a circle of the middle part 3. This sliding system constitutes a second means for guiding the lock 4 against the box watch and also makes it possible to redirect the force exerted by the finger 8 on the pin 14 during the pivoting of the transmission module 6 in its return direction.

The foregoing description sets out to describe a particular embodiment of the invention by way of non-limiting illustration, and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which come from be described, such as for example the presence of an intermediate transmission member such as the intermediate rack 16 between the transmission module 6 and the actuation rack 5, the choice of the winding direction of the elements of the transmission module 6 or the shapes represented for the different organs. Indeed, it is obvious that the shape of the different organs can vary ad infinitum as long as their functions are ensured.

Alternatively, it is possible to arrange the elements carried by the rod 7 otherwise, typically the finger 8 could be positioned on one end of the rod 7, so that a single circular joint would be sufficient to isolate the cam 9 and the return lever 10 of the non-sealed area in which the finger 8 is located.

Although the cam 9 has a particularly advantageous shape for the reasons mentioned above, it could take the form of a simple finger or be replaced by a second mechanical transmission member integral with the rod 7 different from a cam, optionally toothed, to directly or indirectly actuate the actuating member 5. The shape of the actuating member would typically be adapted according to that of said second mechanical transmission member.

As a variant, the rotary device comprising the return lever 10 and the blades 13a, 13b could comprise a higher number n of blades, for example n=3, these n blades acting respectively on n protrusions, typically uniformly distributed over a circle whose center corresponds to the center of rotation of the return lever 10. However, in the context of the present invention, a device with two blades is preferred because it is more suitable for being housed in the middle part 3 of a watch case. Note that such a rotary device, regardless of the number n of blades it comprises, could be used as an elastic return means for any kind of pivoting member and is obviously not only suitable for elastic return. of a rod such as that 7 of the transmission module 6 according to the invention.

The present invention is not limited to a timepiece whose function to be activated is a minute repeater chime. It can be any kind of function to activate. Thus, winding lock 4 of watch 1 can be replaced by any other sliding control lock. However, the function to be activated in the context of the present invention is preferably a function conventionally controlled by a sliding lock, or even by a winding crown, typically a function the activation of which requires the winding of a spring.

The present invention is also not limited to a timepiece such as a wristwatch and could for example be a pocket watch or a clock. It is particularly advantageous in the case of a wristwatch or a pocket watch for reasons of dimensions.

Whatever the embodiment, the transmission module of the timepiece according to the invention makes it possible to transmit the force applied by the user to the control lock accessible from outside the watch case. , on the actuating member located in a sealed zone of the timepiece, and this in a sealed manner. The timepiece according to the invention guarantees the tightness of the interior volume in which the movement is mounted regardless of the position of the control lock.

[0062] Moreover, in addition to avoiding the risk of seizing, the rotational drive of the rod of the mechanical transmission module by the bais of a cooperation of a support surface of the lock with an integral rotary finger of this rod, makes it possible to obtain a large angle of rotation of the transmission module. This is particularly advantageous for controlling functions whose activation requires the winding of a spring, typically a mainspring.

Furthermore, the timepiece control device according to the invention and in particular its transmission module has a simple and reliable structure. It is compact, typically one-piece, and saves space.

[0064] When the second mechanical transmission member is a cam arranged to push on a support surface, it is possible to choose the profile of its useful surface to adjust the force necessary for the user to activate the function. to activate. The use of the timepiece according to the invention could thus be improved from a sensory point of view.

Claims (14)

1. Timepiece comprising a box defining at least one sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement, one function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member (5) mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a latch (4) capable of sliding relative to the box between a rest position and an activated position against the action of at least one elastic return means and cooperating with a transmission module (6) to activate said function, said transmission module (6) comprising a rod (7) movable in rotation about an axis (A), said rod (7) bearing a first mechanical transmission member located outside the sealed volume, integral in rotation with the rod (7) and cooperating with the lock (4), a second mechanical transmission member located inside said sealed volume, integral in rotation with the rod (7) and cooperating directly or indirectly with the actuating member (5) to activate said function and at least one circular joint (10) arranged between said first and second mechanical transmission members, the whole being arranged so that, when the lock (4) slides from its rest position to its activated position, it drives the transmission module (6) in rotation in a first direction called "direction of activation" so as to activate this function, said timepiece being characterized in that said first mechanical transmission member comprises a finger (8) and in that the lock (4) comprises a bearing surface (14) intended to push this finger (8) so that, when it slides from its rest position to its activated position, the lock (8) pushes the finger (8) and causes the transmission module to rotate in its activation direction to activate said function. 2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that, when said latch (4) slides from its rest position to its activated position, the transmission module (6) is driven in rotation by its finger (8 ) by at least 60°, preferably by at least 80°, more preferably by at least 100° in its direction of activation, to activate said function. 3. Timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second mechanical transmission member comprises a cam (9) intended to push a bearing surface of the actuating member or of a intermediate transmission cooperating directly or indirectly with the actuating member to activate said function. 4. Timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that said cam (9) is arranged to push on a support surface such as a roller (15) of an intermediate transmission member (16) pivoting comprising at least one toothed sector and kinematically connected to the actuating member (5), to activate said function. 5. Timepiece according to claim 4, characterized in that said actuating member (5) comprises a pivoting toothed member meshing with said intermediate transmission member (16). 6. Timepiece according to claim 5, characterized in that the activation of said function requires the winding of a spring (20), said function typically being a minute repeater chime, an automaton-type animation, a chronograph having its own mainspring, music from a music box or a gramophone integrated into said timepiece, or the display of information, and in that said actuating member (5) allows the winding of said spring. 7. Timepiece according to claim 6, characterized in that said spring is a barrel spring (20) whose shaft (18) carries a pinion (19) meshing with the actuating member (5). 8. Timepiece according to claim 7, characterized in that said function is a minute repeater strike and in that said pinion is a rack pinion integral with the shaft of the strike barrel. 9. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said transmission module (6) comprises a return lever integral in rotation with the rod (7) and subjected to the action of said at least an elastic return means. 10. Timepiece according to claim 9, characterized in that said return lever comprises first (10a) and second (10b) bearing surfaces respectively subjected to the action of a first (13a) and a second (13b) pre-charged spring blades, said blades (13a, 13b) exerting forces in opposite directions contributing to the rotation of said return lever (10) in the same direction of rotation, opposite to said direction of activation. 11. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rod (7) of the transmission module (6) carries a second circular seal providing sealing between the cam (9) and the return lever. 12. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the axis (A) is perpendicular to the plate of the movement. 13. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said latch (4) comprises in its part opposite the middle part (3) a housing (24) forming a guide rail in which slides a guide (23) carried by a first end of a rod, the second end of which is integral with the middle part (3). 14. Manual control device for a function located in a sealed zone of a timepiece comprising the latch (4) and the transmission module (6) of the timepiece (1) according to any previous claims.