CH717664B1 - 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 a movement is mounted, a function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member (5) mounted on said movement. The timepiece comprises a lock (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 (13a, 13b), said lock ( 4) cooperating with a transmission module (6) to activate said function. The transmission module (6) comprises a rod (7) movable in rotation around an axis (A), said rod (7) carrying: – a first mechanical transmission member located outside the sealed volume, – a second member mechanical transmission located inside said sealed volume, and – at least one circular seal 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

[0001] 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 a movement is mounted, a function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a control lock, capable of sliding relative to the box between a rest position and an activated position and cooperating with a transmission module to activate said function of the movement.

[0002] Certain mechanical watches, in particular watches including complications, have functions that must be activated from outside the case. 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 member mounted on the movement. Among the external control members of a watch, we distinguish 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 for their part adapted for functions whose activation requires a large amplitude, typically because it requires the winding of a spring. Such locks are generally slidingly mounted on the external 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 through element is generally integral with a part mounted sliding inside the box and intended to actuate a lever cooperating with a movement.

[0003] Such sliding locks pose sealing problems. In fact, it is impossible to seal, using an O-ring, the oblong opening in which the through element moves. We generally choose to seal the device between the respectively internal surfaces of the lock and external surfaces of the box. However, it is difficult to achieve a good seal between two substantially flat 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 plane seal arranged outside the box, between the lock and the external surface of the box, or inside, between the sliding mount 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. As a result, waterproofing is not achieved permanently, and the handling of such a watch requires certain precautions.

[0004] The manual control device described in patent application CH 696 504 makes it possible to overcome this difficulty. This device comprises a winding lock movable in translation opening onto the exterior of a watch case and cooperating via a transmission member with a rack actuating member to actuate a winding lever of 'a repeating striking mechanism located in a waterproof interior volume of the watch case.

[0005] 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 'operate the cocking lever. The translation movement of the arming 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 to seal.

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

[0007] Furthermore, the actuation of the cocking lock 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 bell voluntary and, on the other hand, to bring back the lock and the actuating member in their initial positions after this activation. The restoring force of this type of spring evolves in a linear manner, their use in this context contributes to increasing the force necessary to arm the lock during its travel which can be unpleasant for the user, this force having already been released increasing by the winding of the spring of the striking barrel.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks at least in part. To this end, it relates to a timepiece comprising a box defining at least one sealed interior volume in which a movement is mounted, a function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a control lock 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 around 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 member of mechanical transmission 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 seal arranged between said first and second transmission members mechanical, 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.

[0009] 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 towards its position activated, the control lock drives the transmission module in rotation in its activation direction to activate said function.

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

[0011] In addition to avoiding the risk of seizure, the rotational drive of the rod of the mechanical transmission module through cooperation of a bearing surface of the lock with a rotating finger secured to 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 barrel spring.

[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 least 80°, more preferably at least 100° in its activation direction, to activate said function.

[0013] 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 cause the lever arm to move between the pivot center of this cam (corresponding to the center of rotation of the mechanical transmission module) and the point of support of this cam on said support surface to modify the force profile necessary to slide the control lock from its rest position to its activated position. It is thus possible to obtain a lock whose force necessary to slide it from its rest position to its activated position is not necessarily increasing. The designer may want this force to evolve in an increasing manner, linear or not, or on the contrary that it is decreasing or even decreasing only at the end of the stroke so that the user feels that he has properly 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.

[0015] 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 the transmission member intermediate on which it pushes during the trajectory of the control lock from its rest position to its activated position.

Preferably, the transmission module is in one piece.

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

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

[0019] 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 barrel spring, 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 time or date. The actuating 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. This may be the driving spring of the finishing gear or an additional spring.

The function according to the invention is for example a minute repeater strike and the pinion meshing with the actuating member is a rack pinion secured to the associated rocket shaft.

[0021] Preferably, the transmission module of the timepiece according to the invention comprises a return lever secured in rotation to 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 blade, said blades exerting forces in opposite directions concurrently 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-arming makes it possible to choose the range of return force in which each of them will work so as to adjust in particular the force necessary to initiate the sliding of the control lock on the external side face of the watch case. These spring blades are advantageously arranged in the middle part so that their length is not a constraint in terms of bulk.

[0024] As indicated above, the timepiece according to the invention comprises a box defining a sealed interior volume in which is mounted a movement whose function 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 sealing of this interior volume permanently, whatever 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 being blocked 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 bulk.

[0027] Furthermore, 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 activation of the function to be activated. Its use can thus be improved from a sensory point of view.

[0028] The invention further relates to a control device according to claim 14.

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description made with reference to the appended drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a minute repeater watch in one mode particular embodiment of the invention whose ringing can be activated via a cocking lock; – Figures 2a and 2b are longitudinal sectional views from above of a part of the watch illustrated in Figure 1 including in particular a device for manually controlling said striker in two successive states during its actuation; – Figures 3a and 3b are longitudinal sectional views from above of a part of the watch illustrated in Figure 1 in two successive states corresponding respectively to the states illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b; – Figure 4 is a top perspective view of part of the watch illustrated in Figure 1; – Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the watch illustrated in Figure 1 along the axis I-I shown in Figure 3a; – Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the watch illustrated in Figure 1 along the axis II-II shown in Figure 3a; – Figures 7a and 7b are bottom views of a part of the watch illustrated in Figure 1 in two successive states when its ringing is activated.

[0030] With reference 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 whose activation requires the winding of a barrel spring 20. By acting on the lock 4, the user typically acts on a rake, called actuation rake 5, illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b and 4 and mounted on the movement. This rake 5 activates said bell by arming said spring 20.

[0032] 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 middle part 3 in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. It cooperates with a transmission module 6 to actuate the actuation rake 5 constituting the actuation member of the ringing function. The transmission module 6 therefore constitutes a means of transmitting force between the lock 4 located in a non-watertight part of the watch and the actuation rake 5 located in a watertight part of the watch 1.

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

[0034] 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 ensuring the seal between the finger 8 and the cam 9 and a second circular seal 12 ensuring 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). The finger 8, the cam 9 and the return lever 10 are integral in rotation with the 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 for their part located in the watertight volume defined previously. The seal is permanently achieved, regardless of the position of lock 4.

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.

[0037] 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) towards its activated position (Figures 2b, 3b and 7b), the pin 14 pushes on the finger 8 and drives the latter as well as the entire 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 “activation direction”. In the example shown this is counterclockwise when viewed from above. It is illustrated by an arrow (S) in Figure 4. By analogy, we can speak of “direction of activation” for each of the elements of the transmission module 6. In the remainder of the description, in the absence of precision, the indicated directions of rotation are considered in top view.

[0038] 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 whose teeth mesh with the teeth of the actuation rake 5. Thus, the cocking of the lock 4 generates the rotation of the actuation rake 5 and therefore the activation of the ringing. The shaft 18 of this barrel is integral in rotation with a rack pinion 19 meshing with the teeth of the actuation rake 5. Thus, by sliding the cocking lock 4 from its rest position to its activated position, the user arms the barrel spring 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 manual bell control device are in a position called the activated position, illustrated in Figures 2b, 3b and 7b. The actuating rake 5 is also in the so-called activated position, the barrel spring 20 is armed.

[0041] 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 hourly 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, finger 8 pushes on pin 14 and returns lock 4 to its initial position.

The intermediate rake 16 and the actuating rake 5 are not impacted by these movements and return to their respective rest positions at their own pace. Indeed, once the spring 20 is armed, the bell it causes sounds and the actuating 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 releasing the lock 4 makes it possible to avoid blocking the ringing function in the event of blocking of the lock 4 for example by dust and Above all, it helps to avoid tensions or even ruptures within the mechanism. More precisely, in the absence of uncoupling between the transmission module 6 and the intermediate rake 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 removed the elastic return means (blades 13a, 13b) acting directly on the transmission module 6 to resolve this problem, the striking barrel should have sufficient force to bring back the entire transmission module 6 and the lock 4 in the rest position; the lock 4 would only return to the rest position slowly, as the bell rang and the user would thus lose the feeling of having correctly armed the function.

[0043] In the example illustrated, the return lever 10, visible in Figures 7a and 7b, comprises two protuberances 10a, 10b forming stops, diametrically opposed to the axis of rotation (A), and respectively subject to the action of the first 13a and second 13b leaf springs mentioned previously. 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 opposite to the direction of activation which will be described in the following description as “return direction”. In the example shown, this 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 spring blades 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 that they exert during the cocking of the lock 4 varies little. Their pre-cocking 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 spring blades in a watch mechanism is generally not recommended due to 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 middle part 3, the blades 13a, 13b can therefore be arranged in the middle part 3, that is to say in a space which is generally not used. Their length therefore does not represent a constraint. In addition, the rotating device comprising the return lever 10 and the blades 13a, 13b represents a saving of space in thickness and width compared to a helical spring for example. Note that this device can be used for pivoting members whose travel is limited. In watch 1, the return lever 10 has a travel of 120°.

[0046] The fact of using two springs exerting forces in opposite directions on separate stops makes it possible to reduce the pressure on these stops. This makes it possible to optimize the sizing of the springs 13a, 13b by distributing their load.

[0047] In a variant, the stops 10a, 10b could be superimposed.

When sliding the lock 4 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. In addition, the more the spring 20 is armed, the greater the elastic return force it exerts. Thus, the force that the user must provide to arm the lock 4 should theoretically vary during arming.

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

[0050] One way to modify the profile of the force necessary to move the lock 4 from its rest position to its activated position consists of acting on the shape of the useful surface of the cam 9. As illustrated in Figures 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 pivot center (axis of rotation A) of the cam 9 when cocking the lock 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. We can thus choose the force profile that the user to move the lock 4 from its rest position to its activated position. A person 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, those 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 the middle part 3. Such a spring would theoretically introduce more variations in the force to be exerted by the user when cocking the lock 4. Those 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.

[0052] As illustrated in Figure 6, the means for fixing the lock 4 on the middle part 3 comprises a steel rod 21, a first end of which is secured to the middle part 3, typically by means of a screw 22, and of which 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 pad 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 fixing means and a means of guiding the lock 4 on the middle part 3.

[0053] More precisely, 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 has 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 shape of an arc of the middle 3. This sliding system constitutes a second means of 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.

[0055] The preceding description attempts 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 rake 16 between the transmission module 6 and the actuation rake 5, the choice of the direction of winding 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 infinitely as long as their functions are ensured.

[0056] Alternatively, it is possible to arrange the elements carried by the rod 7 differently, typically the finger 8 could be positioned on one end of the rod 7, so that a single circular seal would be sufficient to isolate the cam 9 and the return lever 10 of the non-sealed zone in which the finger 8 is located.

[0057] 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 secured to the rod 7 other than a cam, possibly 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.

[0058] Alternatively, 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 protuberances, 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 rotating device, regardless of the number n of blades it comprises, could be used as a means of elastic return of 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 strike. This can be any sort of function to enable. Thus, the winding lock 4 of the 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 whose activation requires the winding of a spring.

[0060] 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 size.

Whatever the embodiment, the transmission module of the timepiece according to the invention makes it possible to transmit the force applied by the user on 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 waterproof manner. The timepiece according to the invention guarantees the sealing of the interior volume in which the movement is mounted whatever the position of the control lock.

[0062] Furthermore, in addition to avoiding the risk of seizure, the rotational drive of the rod of the mechanical transmission module through cooperation of a bearing surface of the lock with an integral rotating 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 barrel spring.

[0063] Furthermore, the control device of the timepiece 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 can 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 a movement is mounted, a function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member (5) mounted on said movement, said timepiece comprising a lock (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 around an axis (A), said rod (7) carrying 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 actuator member (5) to activate said function and at least one circular seal (11) 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 “activation direction” so as to activate said 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 (4) pushes the finger (8) and drives the transmission module in rotation in its activation direction to activate said function. 2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that, when said lock (4) slides from its rest position to its activated position, the transmission module (6) is rotated by its finger (8). ) of at least 60°, preferably of at least 80°, more preferably of 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 control member. 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 bearing surface such as a roller (15) of a pivoting intermediate transmission member (16) comprising at least one toothed sector 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 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 secured to 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-armed spring blade, 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 claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the rod (7) of the transmission module (6) carries a second circular seal (12) ensuring sealing between the finger (8) and the lever back (10). 12. Timepiece according to 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 lock (4) comprises in its part facing the middle part (3) a housing (24) forming a guide rail in which a slide slides guide (23) carried by a second end of a rod (21) whose first end is integral with the middle part (3). 14. Manual control device for a timepiece comprising a box defining at least one sealed interior volume in which a movement is mounted, a function of which must be able to be activated by an actuating member (5) mounted on said movement, said manual control device comprising a lock (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 a transmission module (6), the lock (4) cooperating with the transmission module (6) to activate said function, said transmission module (6) comprising a rod (7) movable in rotation around an axis (A), said rod (7) carrying: 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 actuator member (5) to activate said function and at least one circular seal (11) 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 “activation direction” so as to activate said function, the manual control device 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 (4) pushes the finger (8) and drives the transmission module (6) in rotation in its activation direction to activate said function.