CH718165B1 - Control assembly for a clockwork movement of a timepiece. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control assembly for a watch movement of a timepiece, comprising: - a control head (3), further comprising an external wall (43), intended to be connected to a control rod watch movement winder, extending along a longitudinal axis (6), – a ring (31), comprising an internal wall (41) at least partially covering the external wall (43) of said control head (3) when said ring (31) is assembled on said control head (3), – a system for fixing said ring (31) on said control head (3), movable alternately between a locking position according to which said ring (31) ) is integral in rotation with said control head (3), and an unlocking position according to which said ring (31) is not integral with said control head (3). According to the invention, the control assembly is remarkable in that the fixing system interfaces between said internal wall (41) of said ring (31) and between said external wall (43) of said control head (3 ), and/in that said fixing system is designed so that the passage from its locking position to its unlocking position is obtained by exerting, initially, a force on the ring (31), along the longitudinal axis (6) and in the direction of the clockwork movement, and then, in a second step, by rotating said ring (31) around the longitudinal axis (6), over a predetermined angle. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a control assembly according to the invention. Thanks to the invention, we obtain a control assembly such as a crown (1) whose ring is simply interchangeable.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control assembly for a timepiece movement of a timepiece and a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement controlled by such an assembly.

[0002] A control assembly for a watch movement typically designates a crown, intended to control the setting of the time or the winding of the watch movement, or a pusher, intended to control the starting or stopping of the chronograph function.

[0003] To do this, the crown or the pusher typically comprises a head, in particular cylindrical, projecting outside the watch case, engaging with the winding stem of the movement of the timepiece. Manual actuation of the crown or pusher by a user allows the clock movement to be wound, the time, the date, etc. to be set.

[0004] In addition to the technical functionality that the crown or pusher of a timepiece must ensure, they also constitute an aesthetic accessory, directly visible from outside the timepiece.

[0005] The crown or the pusher may for this purpose have an ornamental character. The person using the timepiece can then match their clothes with the timepiece they are wearing, depending on the color, shape or texture of the crown and/or the pusher. In this respect, the crown and the pusher constitute a major aesthetic accessory of a timepiece.

[0006] It may thus be desired to replace the crown or the pusher in order to match the timepiece, for example, with the clothing or jewelry worn.

[0007] However, the fact that the crown or the pusher controls the clockwork movement of the timepiece, the replacement of the crown or the pusher is complex and requires the intervention of a person with watchmaking skills in order to to avoid deterioration of the timepiece.

[0008] The invention described in document CH71454SA1 aims to overcome this drawback and describes a control device comprising a control member, a control rod and means for locking/unlocking the control member on the control rod . However, the positioning of the locking/unlocking means in this timepiece is such that it makes the mounting of such a control device in a screw crown equipped with a system for disengaging the winding stem incompatible.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome the above drawbacks, and to do so relates to a control assembly for a timepiece movement of a timepiece, comprising: – a control head, further comprising a wall external, intended to be connected to a winding stem of the watch movement, extending along a longitudinal axis, – a ring, comprising an internal wall covering at least partially the external wall of said control head when said ring is assembled on said control head, – a system for fixing said ring on said control head, movable alternately between a locking position according to which said ring is integral in rotation with said control head, and an unlocking position according to which said ring is not integral with said control head, said control assembly being remarkable in that the fixing system interfaces between said internal wall of said ring and between said external wall of said control head, and that said system fixing is designed so that the passage from its locking position to its unlocking position is obtained by exerting, initially, a force on the ring, along the longitudinal axis and in the direction of the watch movement then, in a second step, by rotating said ring around the longitudinal axis, over a predetermined angle.

[0010] Thus, thanks to the present invention, we obtain a control assembly whose ring is simply interchangeable, by anyone who does not have watchmaking skills.

[0011] According to the invention, the fixing system is similar to a “bayonet” type fixing which interfaces very advantageously between the ring and the control head, which makes it compatible with a device control in a screw crown equipped with a winding stem disengagement system.

[0012] According to optional characteristics of the control assembly of the invention: – the fixing system comprises: o a plurality of teeth, projecting from the external wall of the control head, o a plurality of fixing lugs , permanently fixed on the internal wall of the ring and adapted to cooperate with said teeth when the fixing system is in the locking position, o an elastic return means, arranged in said control assembly to exert a tending force on the ring to move said ring away from the watch movement; – the elastic return means is an annular spring and the internal wall of the ring has a circumferential groove inside which said annular spring is mounted; – the external wall of the control head comprises a cylindrical portion extending from an upper wall of said control head towards a lower edge of said head, extended in its lower part by a frustoconical portion extending such so that it opens radially from said cylindrical portion, said frustoconical portion being arranged so that the annular spring deviates along said frustoconical portion when a force is exerted on the ring along the longitudinal axis and in the direction of the clockwork; – the ring comprises a sleeve, permanently fixed on the internal wall of the ring, said sleeve comprising the fixing lugs of the fixing system; – the predetermined angle is between 45° and 135°, preferably 90°; – the control head has at least three teeth and in that the ring has at least three fixing lugs; – the teeth, respectively the fixing lugs, are distributed equidistant from each other on the circumference of the external wall of the control head, respectively on the circumference of the internal wall of the ring; – the control assembly is a crown.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a control assembly according to the invention, remarkable in that it comprises a timepiece movement controlled by said control assembly.

[0014] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for an understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which: – Figure 1 is an isometric view of the control assembly according to the invention; – Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the control assembly of the invention; – Figure 3 shows the control assembly in front view, the ring having been removed; – Figure 4 shows the control assembly in top view, the ring having been removed; – Figure 5 shows the ring in isometric view, part of the internal cylinder and the external cap having been removed; – Figure 6 is an isometric view of the bushing of the ring; – Figures 7 to 9 illustrate the kinematics for removing the ring.

[0015] In all of the figures, identical or similar references represent identical or similar organs or sets of organs.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 illustrating a control assembly 1 for a clock movement, respectively in isometric view and in longitudinal section.

[0017] In the embodiment shown, the control assembly is a crown 1 intended to control the setting of the time or the winding of the watch movement.

[0018] According to an embodiment not shown, the control assembly according to the invention can be a pusher making it possible to control the starting or stopping of the chronograph function.

[0019] In the remainder of the description, the constituent elements of the control assembly when it is a crown apply identically when the control assembly is a pusher.

The crown 1 comprises a control head 3, more simply referred to as “head 3” in the remainder of the description, which may include a logo at its upper wall 4.

The head 3 is shown here in the screwed position on a threaded tube 5, corresponding to an inactive position of the crown. The head 3 and the tube 5 are concentric and extend along a longitudinal axis 6 of the crown 1.

The head 3 is screwed onto the threaded tube 5 by means of a suitable thread 7 in the head 3 and a corresponding thread 9 on the tube 5.

The threaded tube 5 is intended to be fixed to a middle part (not shown) of a watch case (not shown), mounted in the lower part of assembly 1.

The head 3 has a central tubular part 11 surrounded by a side skirt 13. The central part 11 delimits with the side skirt 13 an annular space intended to receive the threaded portion of the tube 5.

Conventionally, the head 3 is connected to a winding stem (not shown) of the watch movement. More precisely, the central part 11 is connected to the winding stem of the watch movement. The central part 11 is attached and fixed in a central housing 15 of the head 3 and comprises a sleeve 17 in which a piston 19 slides against a spring 21. The piston 19 is intended to be connected to the rod of winder (not shown).

Seals are in a known manner placed between the head 3 and the tube 5. For this purpose, a flat seal 23 is interposed between the bottom 25 of the sleeve 17 and the end wall 27 of the tube 5 threaded, which is compressed when screwing the head 3 onto the tube 5. Likewise, an O-ring 29 is mounted between the sleeve 17 and the threaded tube 5.

[0027] The crown 1 further comprises a ring 31, also called a “decor ring” which, according to the invention, is interchangeable by anyone who does not have any particular watchmaking skills.

The ring 31 defines a cylinder preferably extending over the entire circumference of the head 3 of the crown 1.

The ring 31 comprises a so-called “internal” cylinder 33 having an axis of revolution intended to coincide, when the ring 31 is mounted on the head 3 of the crown 1, with the longitudinal axis 6 of the crown 1.

[0030] In the description and in the claims, the terms “internal” and “external” are understood by reference to the radial distance of a member relative to the longitudinal axis 6 of the crown when all of the members which make up the crown are assembled together. Thus, a so-called “internal” member is radially closer to the longitudinal axis 6 compared to a so-called “external” member, which is radially further away from the longitudinal axis 6 relative to the internal member.

[0031] Likewise, the terms “upper” and “lower” are understood in the description and in the claims by reference to the axial distance of a member relative to the middle of the watch case. Thus, a so-called “lower” organ is axially closer to the middle of the watch case (that is to say towards the bottom of the assembly in Figures 1 and 2) compared to a so-called “upper” organ. “, which is axially further away from said middle part, relative to the lower organ.

The ring 31 comprises an ornamental external cap 35, permanently fixed to the internal cylinder 33 of the ring 31, for example by welding, crimping, gluing, etc.

[0033] The external cap 35 has an external ornamental surface 37, intended to give the ornamental character to the ring 31. Thus, the color, shape and material of the ornamental surface 37 gives the ring 31 its aesthetic properties visible from the outside, and may vary from one ring to another. Also, the shape of the ornamental surface 37 is given in the figures by way of example only.

The external cap 35 extends over the entire circumference of an external wall 39 of the internal cylinder 33 of the ring or, according to a variant not illustrated, over only part of its circumference.

The ring 31 comprises an internal wall 41 covering at least partially an external wall 43 of said head 3 when the ring 31 is assembled on the head 3.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 representing the crown 1 on which the ring 31 has been removed for better visibility, respectively in front view and in top view.

The external wall 43 of the control head 3 comprises a cylindrical portion 45 extending from the upper wall 4 of the head 3 towards a lower edge 47 of the head 3, receiving a base 49.

The cylindrical portion 45 is extended at its lower part by a frustoconical portion 51. The frustoconical portion 51 opens radially from the cylindrical portion 45, that is to say it deviates radially towards the outside, relative to the longitudinal axis 6, from the cylindrical portion 45.

The outer wall 43 of the head 3 has a plurality of teeth 53 projecting from the outer wall 43. In one embodiment, the outer wall 43 of the head 3 has three teeth 53. In the embodiment of the figure 4, the head 3 has for example four teeth 53.

The teeth 53 are for example distributed equidistant from each other on the circumference of the external wall 43 of the head 3.

According to a variant not shown, the teeth can be distributed not equidistant from each other on the circumference of the external wall. According to another variant not shown, the head has more than four teeth. However, the invention can also operate as long as the head comprises at least two teeth, preferably but not limited to, diametrically opposed.

[0042] We now refer to Figure 5 in which the ring 31 is shown in isometric view, part of the internal cylinder 33 and the external cap 35 having been removed for better visibility. The ring 31 comprises a sleeve 55, permanently fixed on the internal wall 41 of the ring, for example by welding, crimping, gluing, etc.

The ring 31 comprises at its internal wall 41 a circumferential groove 57, preferably extending over the entire internal wall 41 of the ring 31. The circumferential groove 57 is preferably made above an upper edge 59 of the sleeve 55. The circumferential groove 57 houses an elastic return means, produced for example by an annular spring 61.

Referring to Figure 6 representing the socket 55 in isometric view. Socket 55 is a generally cylindrical part. The socket 55 is for example obtained from a metallic material capable of withstanding significant contact pressures.

The socket 55 comprises a cylindrical wall 63 extending from an upper end wall 65 towards a lower part of the socket. The cylindrical wall 63 is extended in its lower part by a plurality of fixing lugs 67.

The fixing lugs 67 are thus permanently fixed, via the socket 55, on the internal wall 41 of the ring 31. The fixing lugs 67 are adapted to cooperate with the teeth of the control head.

According to the mode of execution given in the figures, the socket 55 comprises four fixing lugs 67. The fixing lugs 67 are for example distributed equidistant from each other on the circumference of the internal wall of the ring. According to a variant not shown, the fixing lugs can be distributed not equidistant from each other on the circumference of the internal wall of the ring. According to another variant not shown, the socket has more than four fixing lugs. However, the invention can also operate as long as the socket comprises at least two fixing lugs, preferably but not limited to, diametrically opposed. In any case, the number of fixing lugs is identical to the number of teeth on the control head.

The fixing lugs 67 each comprise a fixing portion 69 intended for fixing the fixing lug 67 on a corresponding tooth of the head. The fixing portion 69 is connected to the cylindrical wall 63 via a connecting portion 71. The fixing portion 69 comprises a receiving portion 73 of the corresponding tooth, of length substantially equal to that of the corresponding tooth , and at the end of which a curved portion 75 is mounted.

[0049] Due to the geometry of the sleeve 55, which cannot be directly machined in the ring 31, the sleeve 55 is attached to the ring 31.

The teeth 53, the fixing lugs 67 and the elastic return means constituted by the annular spring 61 thus define a system for fixing the ring 31 on the control head 3.

Referring to Figure 7, which shows the crown 1 in isometric view, the ornamental surface 37 and the internal wall 41 of the ring 31 being shown in transparency for better visibility. In this figure, the fixing system is in a locking position.

[0052] In this locking position, the fixing lugs 67 of the internal wall 41 of the ring 31 cooperate with the teeth 53 of the head 3. The ring 31 is thus integral in rotation with the control head 3. When crown 1 is screwed onto threaded tube 5, the crown is in the inactive position. When the crown is placed in the active position, by means known to those skilled in the art which are not the subject of the present invention, the ring 31 can be grasped and rotated to rotate the head 3 crown 1, for example in order to set the time of the clock movement.

[0053] This locking position is maintained thanks to the elastic return means, constituted by the annular spring 61, which is arranged in the crown 1 to exert on the ring 31 a force tending to move the ring 31 away from the movement of watchmaking, that is to say the lower part of the crown 1.

[0054] We refer to Figure 8 which shows the crown 1 being unlocked.

[0055] When it is desired to replace the ring 31 with another ring, in order to give a new ornamental character to the timepiece, a force is first exerted on the ring 31 along the longitudinal axis. 6, in the direction of the clockwork movement, that is to say towards the lower part of the crown 1, as illustrated by the arrow 77. The elastic return means, constituted by the annular spring 61, moves along of the frustoconical portion 51 (visible in Figures 2 and 3) of the external wall 43 of the head 3, thus distancing the annular spring 61 from the longitudinal axis 6 and thus tending to return the ring 31 to the position of Figure 7 The force is exerted until the lower wall 78 of the cylindrical wall 63 of the sleeve 55 comes into abutment with the teeth 53.

[0056] In a second step, the ring 31 is rotated, for example in a clockwise direction according to the execution shown in the figures, around the longitudinal axis 6 and as represented by the arrow 79.

[0057] The rotation takes place over a predetermined angle, until the curved portions 75 of the fixing tabs 67 emerge from the teeth 53. For example, the predetermined angle is between 45° and 135°. °, preferably 90°.

[0058] Once the fixing lugs 67 no longer cooperate with the teeth 53, the ring 31 is then in an unlocking position authorizing the separation of the ring 31 relative to the head 3, as illustrated in Figure 9. The ring 31 can then be completely removed from the head 3, as represented by the arrow 81 in order to be replaced by a new ring.

[0059] The fixing system according to the invention is similar to a “bayonet” type fixing. It interfaces very advantageously between the internal wall 41 of the ring 31 and between the external wall 43 of the control head 3, which makes it compatible with a control device in a screw crown equipped with a winding stem disengagement system.

According to a variant not shown, the ring 31 can be replaced by a cover identical to the ring 31 except that it includes a cover covering the upper wall 4 of the control head 3.

[0061] As it goes without saying, the present invention is not limited solely to the embodiments of this control assembly and this timepiece, described above solely by way of illustrative examples, but it embraces at least On the contrary, all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. Control assembly for a clockwork movement of a timepiece, comprising: – a control head (3), further comprising an external wall (43), intended to be connected to a winding stem of the watch movement, extending along a longitudinal axis (6), – a ring (31), comprising an internal wall (41) at least partially covering the external wall (43) of said control head (3) when said ring (31) is assembled on said control head (3), – a system for fixing said ring (31) on said control head (3), movable alternately between a locking position according to which said ring (31) is integral in rotation with said control head (3), and a position unlocking according to which said ring (31) is not integral with said control head (3), said control assembly being characterized in that the fixing system interfaces between said internal wall (41) of said ring (31) and said external wall (43) of said control head (3), and that said system fixing is designed so that the passage from its locking position to its unlocking position is obtained by exerting, initially, a force on the ring (31), along the longitudinal axis (6) and in direction of the clockwork movement then, in a second step, by rotating said ring (31) around the longitudinal axis (6), over a predetermined angle. 2. Control assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing system comprises: – a plurality of teeth (53), projecting from the external wall (43) of the control head (3), – a plurality of fixing lugs (67), permanently fixed on the internal wall (41) of the ring (31) and adapted to cooperate with said teeth (53) when the fixing system is in the locking position, – an elastic return means, arranged in said control assembly to exert on the ring (31) a force tending to move said ring (31) away from the watch movement. 3. Control assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic return means is an annular spring (61) and in that the internal wall (41) of the ring (31) has a circumferential groove (57) to the interior of which said annular spring (61) is mounted. 4. Control assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the external wall (43) of the control head (3) comprises a cylindrical portion (45) extending from an upper wall (4) of said control head (3) towards a lower edge (47) of said control head (3), extended in its lower part by a frustoconical portion (51) extending such that it opens radially from said portion cylindrical (45), said frustoconical portion (51) being arranged so that the annular spring (61) deviates along said frustoconical portion (51) when a force is exerted on ring (31) along the longitudinal axis (6) and in the direction of the clockwork movement. 5. Control assembly according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the ring (31) comprises a socket (55), permanently fixed on the internal wall (41) of the ring (31), said socket (55) comprising the fixing lugs (67) of the fixing system. 6. Control assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the predetermined angle is between 45° and 135°, preferably 90°. 7. Control assembly according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the control head (3) has at least three teeth (53) and in that the ring (31) has at least three fixing lugs (67). 8. Control assembly according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the teeth (53), respectively the fixing lugs (67), are distributed equidistant from each other on the circumference of the external wall (43) of the control head (3), respectively on the circumference of the internal wall (41) of the ring (31). 9. Control assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said control assembly is a crown (1). 10. Timepiece comprising a control assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a timepiece movement controlled by said control assembly.