EP3418813A1 - Push-crown control device for a compact portable object - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a crown-push control device for a portable object of small dimensions. This device comprises a pivoting rod (4) axially movable between at least a first fugitive position ("TO") and a stable second position ("T1"), a position indexing plate (58) arranged to be integral in translation with the control rod, while keeping the same orientation relative to the frame (2, 36), and further comprising a cam follower (78) arranged to cooperate with a longitudinal cam path (72) formed in the position indexing plate (58). The cam path includes a recess (74a) defining the stable position of the control rod (4), and a profile portion forming a ramp (114, 118) rising from the recess toward the fugitive position.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a thrust-crown control device for a portable object of small dimensions comprising a frame, a control rod pivotally mounted about a longitudinal axis and axially movable relative to the frame between at least a first position ("T0 Which is fugitive (or otherwise unstable), and a second position ("T1") which is stable. The controller further includes a cam path having a longitudinal cam profile and a cam follower arranged to cooperate with the longitudinal cam profile. The cam path is arranged to move concomitantly with the control rod when the latter is moved axially. The cam follower is mounted in the frame and is arranged to be resiliently biased against the cam path. The cam path includes a recess that defines the stable position of the control rod, and a ramp-shaped profile portion that rises from the recess toward the fugitive position.

Technological background of the invention

We already know control devices crown-push. The patent document EP 1 930 794 for example describes a magnetic control device crown-push for timepiece. According to this document, the control rod of the crown-push has a profiled section which is essentially formed of two grooves and an inclined portion. The profiled section is intended to cooperate with both branches of a split elastic ring to index the position of the push-rod control rod by holding or recalling it in a selected axial position. The control rod, which is symmetrical with respect to a given plane passing through a longitudinal axis, is free to rotate between the two branches of the split elastic ring. By pressing or pulling on the push crown, the wearer of the watch can cause the control rod to selectively occupy three different predefined positions. A first stable position, called the rest position, in which the branches of the split elastic ring are engaged in a first groove, a second stable position, called the pulled position, in which the branches of the split elastic ring are engaged in a second groove, and finally a fugitive position, said pushed position, in which the branches of the split elastic ring cooperate with the inclined portion of the profiled section, so that, under the combined action of the pressure of the branches of the ring elastic slit on the inclined portion of the inclined section and the return force exerted by a spring, the control rod returns to the rest position as soon as the wearer of the watch releases its pressure on the thrust ring.

The implementation of a thrust-type control device such as that just described above, however, does not go without a number of problems. In particular, a disadvantage lies in the fact that, in order to be able to machine the cam path in a section of the control rod, the diameter of the control rod must be relatively large, which makes the use of a such a control rod quite difficult or impossible, especially in the field of wristwatches where it is not desired, to be able to pass a control rod, to machine holes of large diameters in the middle part, in particular for questions of thickness of the middle part.

Another example of such a control rod is illustrated in FIG. figure 22 attached to this patent application. Designated in his together with the general reference numeral 200, this control rod comprises a cylindrical portion 202 terminated at its end located outside the portable object (not shown) which is equipped with a push-rod 204. To its opposite end at the pusher crown 204, the cylindrical portion 202 of the control rod 200 is provided with a cam path 206 formed of three successive annular grooves 208a, 208b and 208c separated from each other by two beads 210a and 210b to the profiles substantially rounded. The dimensions of the annular grooves 208a-208c are adapted to those of the elastic arms 212 of a spring 214 for example U-shaped protruding for example in the annular groove 208a of the cam path 206. It is understood that to pass the elastic arms 212 of the spring 214 of the annular groove 208a in the annular groove 208b, it is necessary that the user exerts on the control rod 200 a tensile force greater than the force required for these elastic arms 212 to move and slide on the bead 210a before closing on the annular groove 208b. Conversely, if it is desired to pass the elastic arms 212 of the spring 214 of the annular groove 208b in the annular groove 208a, it is necessary to exert on the control rod 200 a sufficient thrust to allow these elastic arms 212 to deform to cross the bead 210a and fall into the annular groove 208a. The same applies for the transition of the elastic arms 212 of the spring 214 of the annular groove 208b in the annular groove 208c and vice versa.

Thus, by cooperation between the elastic arms of a spring and a cam path which comes from the cylindrical portion of a control rod, it is advantageously possible to define, for example, three stable positions of the control rod which correspond to each at the setting of a given function. The disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that, in order to be able to machine the cam path in the cylindrical portion of the control rod, the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the control rod must be relatively large, which means that makes the use of such a control rod quite difficult, even impossible, especially in the field of wristwatches where one does not wish to have to machine holes of large diameters in the case, especially for matters of thickness of the caseband.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is intended in particular to remedy the problem of the prior art mentioned above by providing a thrust-crown control device according to the definition given in the preamble and in which the pressure of the cam follower on the portion of profile forming a ramp is sufficient to reliably return the rod in the stable position from the fugitive position, even with a rod whose diameter is small enough to be suitable for use in the field of horology for example.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a thrust-crown control device according to the appended claim 1.

According to the invention, the cam path with which the cam follower cooperates is formed in a position indexing plate which is arranged to be integral in translation with the control rod, but which remains fixed when pivoted. the stem. It will be understood that this characteristic amounts to transferring the cam path which makes it possible to index the position of the control rod from the control rod itself to a position indexing plate which is machined separately from the control rod. Such an indexing plate is relatively thin and constantly keeps the same orientation, whereas, when the cam path is formed on the control rod, it forces to increase the diameter of the control rod and therefore the height of the middle part of the portable object, so that the portable object is thicker, which is to be avoided especially in the field of timepieces.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, when the push ring is pressed from the stable position, the reaction force which must be overcome in order to drive the push-piece is large until the follower cam passes on a transition point. Beyond this point, the reaction force that must be overcome is considerably smaller. The sudden fall of the effort at the passage of the transition point gives a feeling of click. It will be understood that such a click can not be obtained with a thrust ring of known type arranged to be returned to the rest position by the force exerted by a return spring. Indeed, the force exerted by a spring can only grow monotonically as the spring is compressed and can not pass through a point after which this force would drop brutally. On the other hand, with a pusher crown according to the invention, the reaction force which must be overcome in order to make the profile portion forming a ramp climb by the cam follower is determined by the slope of the ramp. Thus, according to the present advantageous variant, the profile portion forming a ramp comprises a first portion which extends between the hollow and a transition point, and whose slope is steep. The profile portion further includes a second portion which extends at a slower slope than the first portion of the transition point toward the fugitive position.

• le dispositif de commande comprend deux suiveurs de came rappelés respectivement contre deux chemins de came longitudinaux agencés dans la plaque d'indexation de position symétriquement par rapport à un plan de symétrie contenant l'axe de la tige ;
• les deux suiveurs de came sont constitués par les extrémités de deux bras d'un ressort de positionnement monté dans le bâti ;
• les deux chemins de came longitudinaux sont agencés symétriquement par rapport à un plan vertical de symétrie ;
• les suiveurs de came sont rappelés élastiquement contre les deux chemins de came avec des forces qui s'exercent sensiblement dans un même plan horizontal, perpendiculairement à l'axe de la tige ;
• la plaque d'indexation de position est logée dans une section cylindrique de diamètre réduit de la tige de commande, la section cylindrique de diamètre réduit forme une rainure délimitée par deux épaulements de la tige.

According to other features of the invention also subject of dependent claims:

• the control device comprises two cam followers respectively biased against two longitudinal cam paths arranged in the position indexing plate symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry containing the axis of the rod;
• the two cam followers are constituted by the ends of two arms of a positioning spring mounted in the frame;
• the two longitudinal cam paths are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane of symmetry;
• the cam followers are elastically biased against the two cam paths with forces which are exerted substantially in the same horizontal plane, perpendicular to the axis of the rod;
• the position indexing plate is housed in a cylindrical section of reduced diameter of the control rod, the cylindrical section of reduced diameter forms a groove delimited by two shoulders of the rod.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective à l'état dissocié d'un dispositif de commande d'au moins une fonction électronique d'un objet portable de petites dimensions ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus en perspective du bâti inférieur ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la tige de commande qui, de droite à gauche, s'étend depuis son extrémité arrière vers son extrémité avant ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective et à l'état dissocié de l'équipage magnétique formé d'une bague support et d'un anneau aimanté et du palier lisse ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon un plan vertical d'un dispositif de commande à l'intérieur duquel sont notamment agencés le palier lisse et l'équipage magnétique formé de la bague support et de l'anneau aimanté ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessous en perspective du bâti supérieur ;
• la figure 7A est une vue de dessus en perspective de la plaque d'indexation de position de la tige de commande ;
• la figure 7B est une vue à plus grande échelle de la zone entourée d'un cercle sur la figure 7A ;
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective du ressort de positionnement agencé pour coopérer avec la plaque d'indexation de la position de la tige de commande ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de dessus en perspective du ressort de limitation du déplacement de la plaque d'indexation de la position de la tige de commande ;
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective de la plaque de déboîtement ;
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une partie du dispositif de commande sur laquelle est visible le trou dans lequel est introduit un outil pointu pour libérer la tige de commande de la plaque d'indexation de position ;
• la figure 12A est une vue en perspective sur laquelle est visible la tige de commande coopérant avec la plaque d'indexation de la position et le ressort de positionnement, la tige de commande étant en position stable T1 ;
• la figure 12B est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 12A, la tige de commande étant en position poussée instable T0 ;
• la figure 12C est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 12A, la tige de commande étant en position tirée stable T2 ;
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective des ressorts de contact T0 et T2 ;
• les figures 14A et 14B sont des vues schématiques qui illustrent la coopération entre les doigts de la plaque d'indexation de la position de la tige de commande et les ressorts de contact T2 ;
• la figure 15 est une vue partielle en perspective de la feuille de circuit imprimé flexible sur laquelle sont ménagées les plages de contact des ressorts de contact T0 et T2 ;
• la figure 16 est une vue en perspective de la portion libre de la feuille de circuit imprimé flexible sur laquelle sont fixés les capteurs inductifs ;
• la figure 17A est une vue en perspective du dispositif de commande sur une face arrière duquel la portion libre de la feuille de circuit imprimé flexible est repliée ;
• la figure 17B est une vue en perspective du dispositif de commande sur une face arrière duquel la portion libre de circuit imprimé flexible est repliée et maintenue au moyen d'une plaque de maintien fixée par des vis sur le dispositif de commande ;
• la figure 18 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de commande installé dans un objet portable ;
• la figure 19 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 18, la tige de commande étant extraite de l'objet portable ;
• la figure 20A est une vue de dessus en perspective de la plaque d'indexation de position de la tige de commande qui définit deux positions stables seulement ;
• la figure 20B est une vue à plus grande échelle de la zone entourée d'un cercle sur la figure 20A ;
• la figure 21A est une vue de dessus en perspective de la plaque d'indexation de position de la tige de commande qui définit une position stable et une position instable poussée seulement ;
• la figure 21B est une vue à plus grande échelle de la zone entourée d'un cercle sur la figure 21A, et
• la figure 22, déjà citée, est une vue en perspective d'une tige de commande selon l'art antérieur.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of an exemplary embodiment of a control device according to the invention, this example being given purely by way of illustration and not limiting only in connection with the attached drawing in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view in the dissociated state of a device for controlling at least one electronic function of a portable object of small dimensions;
• the figure 2 is a perspective top view of the lower frame;
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the control rod which, from right to left, extends from its rear end towards its front end;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view in the dissociated state of the magnetic unit formed of a support ring and a magnetic ring and the plain bearing;
• the figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view along a vertical plane of a control device inside which are arranged in particular the sliding bearing and the magnetic assembly formed of the support ring and the magnetic ring;
• the figure 6 is a perspective bottom view of the upper frame;
• the Figure 7A is a perspective view from above of the position indexing plate of the control rod;
• the Figure 7B is a larger-scale view of the area surrounded by a circle on the Figure 7A ;
• the figure 8 is a perspective view of the positioning spring arranged to cooperate with the index plate of the position of the control rod;
• the figure 9 is a top view in perspective of the limitation spring of the displacement of the indexing plate of the position of the control rod;
• the figure 10 is a perspective view of the dislocation plate;
• the figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the control device on which is visible the hole in which is introduced a sharp tool to release the control rod of the position indexing plate;
• the figure 12A is a perspective view on which is visible the control rod cooperating with the indexing plate of the position and the positioning spring, the control rod being in a stable position T1;
• the figure 12B is a view similar to that of the figure 12A , the control rod being in the unstable thrust position T0;
• the figure 12C is a view similar to that of the figure 12A , the control rod being in the stable pulled position T2;
• the figure 13 is a perspective view of the contact springs T0 and T2;
• the Figures 14A and 14B are schematic views which illustrate the cooperation between the fingers of the indexing plate of the position of the control rod and the contact springs T2;
• the figure 15 is a partial perspective view of the flexible printed circuit sheet on which are formed the contact pads of contact springs T0 and T2;
• the figure 16 is a perspective view of the free portion of the flexible printed circuit sheet to which the inductive sensors are attached;
• the Figure 17A is a perspective view of the control device on a rear side of which the free portion of the flexible printed circuit sheet is folded;
• the Figure 17B is a perspective view of the control device on a rear side of which the flexible printed circuit free portion is folded and held by means of a holding plate fixed by screws on the control device;
• the figure 18 is a perspective view of the control device installed in a portable object;
• the figure 19 is a view similar to that of the figure 18 the control rod being extracted from the portable object;
• the figure 20A is a perspective top view of the position indexing plate of the control rod which defines two stable positions only;
• the figure 20B is a larger-scale view of the area surrounded by a circle on the figure 20A ;
• the figure 21A is a perspective top view of the control rod position indexing plate which defines a stable position and a unstable thrust position only;
• the figure 21B is a larger-scale view of the area surrounded by a circle on the figure 21A , and
• the figure 22 , already cited, is a perspective view of a control rod according to the prior art.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of transferring an indexing mechanism of the position of a control rod of at least two electronic and / or mechanical functions of a portable object of small dimensions such as a timepiece from this control rod to a plate machined separately from said control rod. By proceeding in this way, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the control rod and therefore reduce concomitantly the thickness of the middle part of the portable object such as a timepiece. This result is achieved by the fact that the indexing mechanism which is typically in the form of two cam paths cooperating with an elastic member, instead of being structured directly on the control rod, is made in a thin plate which constitutes a separate part of the control rod and which is mechanically coupled with the latter. As the control rod is devoid of its indexing mechanism, its diameter can be decreased, and the position indexing plate according to the invention, because of its small thickness, does not cause a significant increase in Congestion of the control rod according to the invention.

In all that follows, the direction from back to front is a rectilinear direction that extends horizontally along the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod from the outer thrust-pushing crown to the inside. of the portable object equipped with the control device. Thus, the control rod will be pushed from the back to the front, and will be pulled from the front to the back. Moreover, the vertical direction z is a direction extending perpendicularly to the plane in which the control rod extends.

The figure 1 is a perspective view in the dissociated state of a device for controlling at least one electronic function of a small portable object such as a wristwatch. Designated as a whole by the general reference numeral 1, this control device comprises (see figure 2 ) a lower frame 2 for example made of an injected plastic material or a non-magnetic metallic material such as brass. This lower frame 2 serves as a cradle for a control rod 4 of preferentially elongate and substantially cylindrical shape, provided with a longitudinal axis of symmetry XX (see FIG. figure 3 ). This control rod 4 is arranged to slide back and forth forwards along its longitudinal axis of symmetry XX , and / or to rotate about the same longitudinal axis of symmetry XX in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. .

At a rear end 6 which will be located outside of the portable object once it is equipped with a control device 1, the control rod 4 will receive an actuator crown 8 (see FIG. figure 18 ).

At a front end 10 which will be located inside the control device 1 once it is assembled, the control rod 4 has a section 12, for example square, and successively receives a magnetic unit 14 and a plain bearing 16.

The magnetic assembly 14 comprises a bipolar or multipole magnetic ring 18 and a support ring 20 on which the magnetic ring 18 is fixed typically by gluing (see FIG. figure 4 ). The support ring 20 is a generally cylindrical piece. As visible on the figure 5 , the support ring 20 has, from the rear towards the front, a first section 22a of a first outer diameter D1 on which is engaged the magnetic ring 18, and a second section 22b of a second outer diameter D2 greater than the first outer diameter D1 and which delimits a shoulder 24 against which the magnetic ring 18 bears. The first section 22a of the support ring 20 is pierced with a square hole 26 which is adapted in shape and size to the square section 12 of the control rod 4 and forms with this control rod 4 a pinion type system flowing. In other words, the support ring 20 and the magnetic ring 18 remain motionless when the control rod 4 is slid axially. On the other hand, the control rod 4 drives the support ring 20 and the ring magnet 18 rotating when rotating the control rod 4. It is understood from the foregoing that the magnetic ring 18, carried by the support ring 20, is not in contact with the control rod 4, this which makes it possible to protect it in the event of shocks applied to the portable object equipped with a control device 1.

The plain bearing 16 defines (see figure 5 ) a cylindrical housing 28 whose first inner diameter D3 is very slightly greater than the diameter of the circle in which the square section 12 of the control rod 4 fits in order to allow this control rod 4 to slide axially and / or to rotate inside this cylindrical housing 28. The sliding bearing 16 thus ensures the perfect axial guidance of the control rod 4.

Note that the square hole 26 formed in the first section 22a of the support ring 20 is extended towards the front of the control device 1 by an annular hole 30 whose second internal diameter D4 is adjusted to the third outer diameter D5 of the 16. The support ring 20 is thus threaded free to rotate on the plain bearing 16 and comes into axial abutment against this sliding bearing 16, which guarantees the perfect axial alignment of these two parts and makes it possible to correct the problems of concentricity. that a coupling of the sliding gear type can pose.

It is observed that, for its axial immobilization, the sliding bearing 16 is provided on its outer surface with a circular flange 32 which protrudes into a first groove 34a and a second groove 34b arranged respectively in the lower frame 2 (see figure 2 ) and in an upper frame 36 (see figure 6 ) arranged to cap the lower frame 2 and made for example of an injected plastic material or a non-magnetic metallic material such as brass. These two lower frames 2 and upper 36 will be described in detail later.

It is important to note that the magnetic assembly 14 and the plain bearing 16 described above are for illustrative purposes only. Indeed, the plain bearing 16, for example made of steel or brass, is provided to prevent the control rod 4, for example made of steel, from rubbing against the lower frame 2 and upper 36 and causes wear of the material plastic in which these two lower frames 2 and upper 36 are typically made. However, in a simplified mode, one can very well consider not using such a sliding bearing 16 and to provide that the control rod 4 is directly carried by the lower frame 2.

Similarly, the magnetic ring 18 and the support ring 20 on which the magnet ring 18 is fixed are provided for the case where the rotation of the control rod 4 is detected by a local variation of the magnetic field induced by the pivoting of the magnetic ring 18. However, it is quite possible to replace the magnetic assembly 14 for example by a sliding pinion which, according to its position, will for example control the winding of a mainspring or the setting at the time of a watch equipped with the control device 1.

It is also important to note that the example of the control rod 4 provided over a portion of its length with a square section is given for illustrative purposes only. Indeed, to drive the magnetic assembly 14 in rotation, the control rod 4 may have any type of section which deviates from a circular section, for example triangular or oval.

The lower frame 2 and the upper frame 36 whose assembly defines the external geometry of the control device 1 are for example of parallelepipedic general shape. The lower frame 2 forms a cradle which receives the control rod 4 (see figure 2 ). For this purpose, the lower frame 2 comprises forwards a first receiving surface 38 of semicircular profile which serves as a seat for the sliding bearing 16 and in which is formed the first groove 34a which receives the circular flange 32. immobilization of the sliding bearing 16 both axially and rotation is thus ensured.

The lower frame 2 further comprises a rearwardly a second receiving surface 40 whose semicircular profile is centered on the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4, but whose diameter is greater than that of this control rod 4. It is important to understand that the control rod 4 bears on the second receiving surface 40 only at the stage where the control device 1, assembled, is tested before being integrated into the portable object. At this stage of the assembly, the control rod 4 is introduced into the control device 1 for testing purposes and extends horizontally while being supported and guided axially by the sliding bearing 16 on the side of its front end 10 and by the second receiving surface 40 on the side of its rear end 6. By cons, once the control device 1 integrated in the portable object, the control rod 4 passes through a hole 42 formed in the middle 48 of the object notebook in which it is guided and supported (see figure 19 ).

Third and fourth clearance surfaces 44a and 46a of semicircular profile are also provided in the lower frame 2 and complementary release surfaces 44b and 46b (see figure 6 ) are provided in the upper frame 36 to receive the magnetic assembly 14 consisting of the magnetic ring 18 and its support ring 20. Note that the magnetic ring 18 and its support ring 20 are not in contact with the third and fourth clearance surfaces 44a, 46a and the complementary clearance surfaces 44b and 46b when the control device 1 is assembled and mounted in the portable object. It is also noted that the third clearance surface 44a and its complementary clearance 44b corresponding are delimited by a circular collar 50 for the axial locking of the magnetic assembly 14.

As visible on the figure 3 , behind the square section 12, the control rod 4 has a cylindrical section 52 whose diameter is between the diameter of the circle in which the square section 12 of the control rod 4 and the pitch diameter of a rear section 54 of the same control rod 4 at the end of which is fixed the thrust ring 8 of actuation. This cylindrical section 52 of reduced diameter extends between two shoulders 56a, 56b so as to form a groove 56 in which is placed a plate 58 for indexing the position of the control rod 4 (see Figures 7A and 7B ). For this purpose, the position indexing plate 58 has a curved portion 60 which matches the profile of the cylindrical section 52 of reduced diameter and which allows the position indexing plate 58 to extend substantially horizontally. The position indexing plate 58 may for example be obtained by stamping a thin metal sheet electrically conductive. But it is also conceivable to make this position indexing plate 58 for example by molding a hard plastic material loaded with conductive particles. The engagement of the position indexing plate 58 in the groove 56 ensures translation coupling back and forth forwards between the control rod 4 and the position indexing plate 58. , as will be better understood later, the position index plate 58 is free with respect to the control rod 4 in a vertical direction z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4.

As visible on the Figure 7A , the position indexing plate 58 is a substantially flat and generally U-shaped piece. This position indexing plate 58 comprises two substantially rectilinear guide arms 62 which extend parallel to each other and which are connected to one another. to one another by the curved portion 60. These two guide arms 62 are guided axially for example against two studs 64 formed in the lower frame 2. Guided by its two guide arms 62, the position indexing plate 58 slides along a flange 68 formed in the upper frame 36 and whose perimeter corresponds to that of the position index plate 58 (see figure 6 ). The position indexing plate 58 also comprises two fingers 66a, 66b which extend vertically downwards on either side of the two guide arms 62. By sliding along the flange 68, the indexing plate of Position 58 has the particular function of guiding the translation in translation of the control rod 4 from front to back and back to front. As for the fingers 66a, 66b, they make it possible in particular to prevent the position indexing plate 58 from bending when it moves in translation.

Two openings 70 having a contour of approximately rectangular shape are formed in the guide arms 62 of the position indexing plate 58. These two openings 70 extend symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4. The sides of the two openings 70 closest to the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4 have a cam path 72 with a longitudinal cam profile 73 of substantially sinusoidal shape formed of a first and a second hollow 74a and 74b separated by a vertex 76.

The two openings 70 formed in the guide arms 62 are intended to receive a cam follower 78. According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the cam follower 78 is in the form of a spring. positioning 80 whose two ends 81 are received in the openings 70 of the guide arms 62 (see figure 8 ). More precisely, this positioning spring 80 has a generally U-shaped shape with two rods 82 which extend in a horizontal plane and which are interconnected by a base 84. At their free end, the two rods 82 are extended by two arm 86 noticeably rectilinear standing vertically. The positioning spring 80 is intended to be mounted in the control device 1 from below the lower frame 2, so that the ends 81 of the arms 86 protrude into the openings 70 of the position indexing plate 58. It will be seen below that the cooperation between the position indexing plate 58 and the positioning spring 80 makes it possible to index the position of the control rod 4 between an unstable thrust position T0 and two stable positions T1 and T2.

It has been mentioned above that the position indexing plate 58 is coupled in translation with the control rod 4, but that it is free with respect to the control rod 4 in the vertical direction z. It is therefore necessary to take measures to prevent the position indexing plate 58 from disengaging from the control rod 4 under normal conditions of use, for example under the effect of gravity. For this purpose (see figure 9 ), there is a spring 88 for limiting the displacement of the position index plate 58 in the vertical direction z above and at a short distance from this position indexing plate 58. The displacement limiting spring 88 is trapped between the lower frame 2 and the upper frame 36 of the control device 1, but is not, under normal conditions of use, in contact with the position indexing plate 58, which makes it possible to avoid that spurious friction forces exerted on the control rod 4 which would make its handling difficult and cause a phenomenon of wear. The displacement limiting spring 88 is however sufficiently close to the position indexing plate 58 so that it can not decouple from the control rod 4 inadvertently.

The displacement limiting spring 88 comprises a substantially rectilinear central portion 90 from the ends 81 of which two pairs of elastic arms 92 and 94 extend. These elastic arms 92 and 94 extend on either side of the central portion 90 of the displacement limiting spring 88, moving away from the top of the horizontal plane in which extends this central portion 90. These resilient arms 92 and 94, being compressed when the upper frame 36 is joined to the lower frame 2, give the displacement limiting spring 88 its elasticity in the vertical direction z . Between the pairs of elastic arms 92 and 94 are also provided a pair and, preferably, two pairs of rigid tabs 96 which extend perpendicularly downwards on either side of the central portion 90 of the displacement limitation spring 88 These rigid tabs 96 which bear on the lower frame 2 when the upper frame 36 is placed on the lower frame 2, ensure compliance with a minimum spacing between the position indexing plate 58 and the limiting spring of the displacement 88 under normal operating conditions of the control device 1.

The displacement limiting spring 88 guarantees the dismountability of the control device 1. In fact, in the absence of the displacement limiting spring 88, the position indexing plate 58 should be made integral with the control rod 4 and as a result, the control rod 4 could no longer be disassembled. However, if the control rod 4 can not be disassembled, the movement of the timepiece equipped with the control device 1 is also indémontable, which is not possible in particular in the case of a timepiece expensive. Thus, when the control device 1, formed by the reunion of the upper and lower racks 2 2, is mounted in the portable object and the control rod 4 is inserted in the control device 1 from the outside of the the portable object, the control rod 4 slightly raises the position index plate 58 against the elastic force of the displacement limitation spring 88. Continuing to push forward the control rod 4, arrives a when the position indexing plate 58 falls into the groove 56 under the effect of gravity. The control rod 4 and the position indexing plate 58 are then coupled in translation.

A disengagement plate 98 is provided to allow the disassembly of the control rod 4 (see figure 10 ). This disengagement plate 98 is generally H-shaped and comprises a straight segment 100 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4 and to which a first and a second transverse section 102 and 104 are attached. The first transverse section 102 is further provided at its two free ends with two tabs 106 folded at a substantially right angle. The disengagement plate 98 is received in a housing 108 formed in the lower frame 2 and located under the control rod 4. This housing 108 communicates with the outside of the control device 1 via a hole 110 which opens into a lower face 112 of the control device 1 (see figure 11 ). By introducing a pointed tool into the hole 110, it is possible to exert a thrust on the disengaging plate 98 which, via its two lugs 106, in turn pushes the position indexing plate 58 against the elastic force of the movement limiting spring 88. It is then sufficient to exert a slight traction on the control rod 4 in order to extract it from the control device 1.

From its stable rest position T1, the control rod 4 can be pushed forward in an unstable position T0 or pulled in a stable position T2. These three positions T0, T1 and T2 of the control rod 4 are indexed by cooperation between the position index plate 58 and the positioning spring 80. More precisely (see figure12A ), the stable rest position T1 corresponds to the position in which the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 protrude into the first recesses 74a of the two openings 70 formed in the guide arms 62 of the indexing plate of position 58. The stable position T1 may correspond to a position in which no command can be introduced into the portable object equipped with the control device 1 according to the invention. Nevertheless, it can also be envisaged that, in the stable position T1 of the control rod 4, it is possible to detect a rotation of the latter in one direction or the other for order a function. In this case, the rotation of the control rod 4 can be detected at any time, but it is then necessary that the electronic components are constantly supplied with electric current, which can be problematic in the case of a portable object small dimensions whose reserves of electrical energy are necessarily limited; or the rotation of the control rod in its stable position T1 is detected after having brought for a determined duration thereof in its unstable position T0.

From its stable rest position T1, the control rod 4 can be pushed forward into an unstable position T0 (see figure 12B ). During this movement, the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 leave the first recesses 74a and follow a first ramp profile 114 which progressively deviates from the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4 according to a first abrupt α slope. To force the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 to exit the first recesses 74a and to engage the first ramp profile 114 away from each other, the user must therefore overcome a significant resisting stress.

Arrived at a transition point 116, the ends 81 of the arms 86 engage on a second ramp profile 118 which extends the first ramp profile 114 with a second slope β less than the first slope α of the first ramp profile 114. At the instant when the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 cross the transition point 116 and engage on the second ramp profile 118, the effort that the user must provide to continue to advance the rod control 4 drops sharply and the user feels a click that indicates the transition of the control rod 4 between its position T1 and its position T0. By following the second ramp profile 118, the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 continue to move slightly away from their rest position and tend to want to come closer to one another under the effect of their force. springback that opposes the thrust force exerted by the user on the control rod 4. As soon as the user releases its pressure on the control rod 4, the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 will spontaneously descend along the first ramp profile 114 and come back to lodge again in the first recesses 74a of the two openings 70 formed in the guide arms 62 of the position indexing plate 58. The control rod 4 is thus automatically recalled from its unstable position T0 to its first stable position T1.

First and second contact springs 120a and 120b which partly contribute to the return of the control rod 4 from its unstable position T0 to its first stable position T1, are accommodated compressed in a first and a second cavity 122a and 122b in the lower frame 2. These first and second contact springs 120a and 120b may be the choice of helical contact springs, leaf springs or the like. The two cavities 122a, 122b extend preferentially but not necessarily horizontally. Because the two contact springs 120a, 120b are installed in the compressed state, the accuracy of their positioning is conditioned by the tolerance with which the lower frame 2 is manufactured. However, the precision with which the lower frame 2 is manufactured is is greater than the manufacturing accuracy of these two first and second contact springs 120a, 120b. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the position T0 of the control rod 4 is high.

As visible on figures 13 and 15 , one of the ends of the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b is bent so as to form two contact tabs 124 which will come to bear on two corresponding first contact pads 126 provided on the surface of a sheet of flexible circuit board 128. The moment when the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 engage on the second ramp profile 118 of the two openings 70 formed in the position indexing plate 58 coincides with the moment when the The fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 come into contact with the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b. Since this position indexing plate 58 is electrically conductive, when the fingers 66a, 66b contact the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b, the electrical current passes through the position indexing plate 58 and the the closing of the electrical contact between the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b is detected.

The first and second contact springs 120a, 120b are of the same length. However, preferably, one of the first and second cavities 122a, 122b will be longer than the other in particular to take account of tolerance problems (the difference in length between the two cavities 122a, 122b is a few tenths of a millimeter ). In this way, when pushing the control rod 4 forward to its position T0, the finger 66a of the position indexing plate 58 which is in correspondence with the first contact spring 120a housed in the first cavity 122a the longest will come in contact with it and start compressing it. The control rod 4 will continue to advance and the second finger 66b of the position indexing plate 58 will come into contact with the second contact spring 120b housed in the second cavity 122b the shortest. At this time, the position indexing plate 58 will be in contact with the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b and the electric current will pass through the position index plate 58, allowing detecting the closing of the electrical contact between the two first contact springs 120a, 120b. Note that the fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 come into abutting contact with the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b. There is therefore no friction or wear when the control rod 4 is pushed forward in position T0 and closes the circuit between the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b. It is also noted that, due to the different length of the first and second cavities 122a and 122b, it is ensured that the closing of the electrical contact and the introduction of the corresponding command in the portable object equipped with the control device 1 intervenes only after the feeling of the click.

When the two fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 are in contact with the first and second contact springs 120a, 120b, the first contact spring 120a housed in the longest first cavity 122a is at the same time. compressed state. Therefore, when the user releases the pressure on the control rod 4, this first contact spring 120a relaxes and forces the return of the control rod 4 from its unstable thrust position T0 to its first stable position T1. The first and second contact springs 120a, 120b thus simultaneously play the role of electrical contact parts and elastic return means of the control rod 4 in its first stable position T1.

Since the first stable position T1, it is possible to pull the control rod 4 back into a second stable position T2 (see figure 12C ). During this movement, the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 will pass by elastically deforming the first hollow 74a to the second hollow 74b crossing the vertices 76 of the two openings 70 formed in the guide arms 62 of the plate 58. When the control rod 4 reaches its second stable position T2, the two fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 abut against third and fourth contact springs 130a, 130b (FIG. see figure 13 ) which are housed in third and fourth cavities 132a, 132b formed in the lower frame 2. These third and fourth contact springs 130a and 130b can be the choice of helical contact springs, leaf springs or other. The third and fourth cavities 132a, 132b preferably extend vertically for dimensions of the control device 1. As the position indexing plate 58 is electrically conductive, when the fingers 66a, 66b come into contact with the third and fourth contact springs 130a, 130b, the electric current passes through the position index plate 58 and the closure of the electrical contact T2 is detected between these contact springs 130a, 130b.

It will be noted that, in the case of the stable position T2, the fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 also come into abutting contact with the third and fourth contact springs 130a, 130b, so that any risk frictional wear is avoided. On the other hand, the third and fourth contact springs 130a, 130b are capable of flexing when the fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 strike them, and thus of absorbing a possible lack of precision in the positioning of the position index plate 58.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the third and fourth contact springs 130a, 130b are arranged to work in bending. Indeed, with contact springs 130a, 130b whose diameter is constant, the fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 come into contact with the contact springs 130a, 130b according to a large surface close to their points anchoring in the lower frame 2 and the upper frame 36. The proximity of the contact surface with the anchor points of the contact springs 130a, 130b induces in these contact springs 130a, 130b shear stresses which can lead to premature wear and breakage of these. To solve this problem, the contact springs 130a, 130b are preferably substantially half-way up in diameter 134 with which the fingers 66a, 66b of the position indexing plate 58 come into contact when the control rod 4 is pulled into its stable T2 position (see Figures 14A and 14B ). At their upper end, the third and fourth contact springs 130a, 130b are guided in two holes 136 formed in the upper frame 36 and come into contact with each other. with second contact pads 138 provided on the surface of the flexible printed circuit sheet 128. It is understood that when the control rod 4 is pulled back into its stable position T2, the fingers 66a, 66b of the plate Position indexing pins 58 engage a reduced surface with the third and fourth contact springs 130a and 130b at their largest diameter 134, thereby allowing these contact springs 130a, 130b to flex between their two points. anchoring in the lower frame 2 and the upper frame 36.

On the figure 15 , the lower 2 and higher 36 frames were deliberately omitted to facilitate the understanding of the drawing. As represented on this figure 15 , the flexible printed circuit sheet 128 is fixed on a plate 140 located on the side of a dial of the portable object. It has in particular a cut 142 adapted in shape and size to receive the upper frame 36. A portion 144 of the flexible printed circuit sheet 128 remains free (see figure 16 ). This free portion 144 of the flexible printed circuit sheet 128 carries a plurality of electronic components 146 as well as third contact pads 148 on which two inductive sensors 150 are fixed. By inductive sensor is meant a sensor which transforms a magnetic field which the crossbar in electrical voltage thanks to the phenomenon of induction defined by the law of Lenz-Faraday. For example, it may be a Hall effect sensor or a magnetoresistive component type AMR (Anisostropic Magnetoresistance), GMR (Giant Magnetoresistance) or TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance).

The free portion 144 of the flexible printed circuit sheet 128 is connected to the remainder of the flexible printed circuit sheet 128 by two strips 152 which allow the free portion 144 to be folded around the assembly of the upper frame 36 and the lower frame 2 and then fold the free portion 144 against a lower surface 112 of the lower frame 2, so that the inductive sensors 150 enter two housings 156 formed in the lower surface 112 of the lower frame 2. Thus positioned in their housings 156, the inductive sensors 150 are precisely located under the magnetic ring 18, which ensures reliable detection of the direction of rotation of the control rod 4. Once the free portion 144 of the printed circuit sheet flexible 128 folded against the lower frame 2 (see Figure 17A ), the assembly is covered by a holding plate 158 provided with one or even two elastic fingers 160 which plate the inductive sensors 150 at the bottom of their housings 156 (see FIG. Figure 17B ). The holding plate 158 is fixed to the plate 140 for example by means of two screws 162.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, the dimensions of the magnetized ring can be extended to match a hollow cylinder. It will be understood in particular that the position indexing plate 58 can define only two distinct positions, namely two stable positions or a stable position and an unstable position, or it can define three distinct positions or more, namely at least three stable positions or at least two stable positions and an unstable position.

The figure 20A illustrates the case where the position indexing plate 58 defines two stable positions only. In such a case, two openings 70-1 having a contour of approximately rectangular shape are formed in the guide arms 62 of the position indexing plate 58. These two openings 70-1 extend symmetrically from both sides. other of the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4. The sides of the two openings 70-1 closest to the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4 have a cam path 72-1 of substantially sinusoidal shape formed of a first and a second hollow 74a-1 and 74b-1 separated by a vertex 76-1. The two openings 70-1 formed in the arms of guide 62 are intended to receive the two ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 so as to index the position of the control rod 4 between a first and a second stable position T1-1 and T2-1.

More precisely, the first stable position T1-1 corresponds to the position in which the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 protrude into the first recesses 74a-1 of the two openings 70-1 formed in the guide arms 62 of the position index plate 58. From this first stable position T1-1, the control rod 4 can be pulled back into a second stable position T2-1. During this movement, the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 will pass elastically deforming the first hollow 74a-1 to the second hollow 74b-1 crossing the vertices 76-1 of the two openings 70-1 formed in the guide arms 62 of the position indexing plate 58.

The figure 21A illustrates the case where the indexing plate 58 defines a stable position T1-2 and an unstable position T0-2 only. In such a case, two openings 70-2 having a contour of approximately rectangular shape are formed in the guide arms 62 of the position indexing plate 58. These two openings 70-2 extend symmetrically on both sides. other of the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4. The sides of the two openings 70-2 closest to the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4 have a cam path 72-2 formed a hollow 74a-2 followed by a ramp profile 114-2 which progressively deviates from the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control rod 4 according to a steep first α-2 slope. To force the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 to exit the recesses 74a-2 and to engage the ramp profile 114-2 away from each other, the user must therefore overcome a significant resisting effort. Arrived at a transition point 116-2, the ends 81 of the arms 86 engage on a second 118-2 ramp profile which extends the first ramp 114-2 profile with a second slope β-2 lower than the first slope α-2 of the first ramp profile 114-2. At the instant when the ends 81 of the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 cross the transition point 116-2 and engage on the second ramp 118-2 profile, the effort that the user must provide to continue to advance the control rod 4 drops sharply and the user feels a click that indicates the transition of the control rod 4 between its stable position T1-2 and its unstable position T0-2. By following the second ramp profile 118-2, the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 continue to move slightly away from their rest position and tend to want to come closer to one another again under the effect of their elastic return force opposing the pushing force exerted by the user on the control rod 4. As soon as the user releases its pressure on the control rod 4, the arms 86 of the positioning spring 80 will spontaneously go down again. along the first ramp profile 114-2 and come to be housed again in the recesses 74a-2 of the two openings 70-2 formed in the guide arms 62 of the position index plate 58. The control rod 4 is thus automatically recalled from its unstable position T0-2 to its stable position T1-2.

Nomenclature

• 1. Control device
• 2. Lower frame
• 4. Control rod
• XX. Longitudinal axis of symmetry
• 6. Rear end
• 8. Crown-push
• 10. Front end
• 12. Square section
• 14. Magnetic crew
• 16. Bearing
• 18. Magnetic ring
• 20. Support ring
• 22a. First section
• D1. First outside diameter
• 22b. Second section
• D2. Second outer diameter
• 24. Shoulder
• 26. Square hole
• 28. Cylindrical housing
• D3. First internal diameter
• 30. Annular hole
• D4. Second internal diameter
• D5. Third outer diameter
• 32. Circular collar
• 34a. First throat
• 34b. Second throat
• 36. Upper building
• 38. First reception area
• 40. Second receiving surface
• 42. Hole
• 44a, 46a. Third and fourth clearance area
• 44b, 46b. Complementary clearance surfaces
• 48. Carrure
• 50. Rectangular collar
• 52. Cylindrical section
• 54. Back section
• 56. Groove
• 56a, 56b. shoulders
• 58. Position indexing plate
• 60. Curved portion
• 62. Guide arm
• 64. Plots
• 66a, 66b. fingers
• 68. Edge
• 70. Openings
• 70-1. overtures
• 70-2. overtures
• 72. Cam path
• 72-1. Cam path
• 72-2. Cam path
• 73. Longitudinal cam profile
• 74a. First hollow
• 74a-1. First hollow
• 74a-2. Hollow
• 74b. Second hollow
• 74b-1. Second hollow
• 76. Summit
• 78. Cam follower
• 80. Positioning spring
• 81. Ends
• 82. Stems
• 84. Base
• 86. Arms
• 88. Travel limitation spring
• 90. Central portion
• 92. Pair of elastic arms
• 94. Pair of elastic arms
• 96. Rigid legs
• 98. Plate of dislocation
• 100. Right segment
• 102. First cross section
• 104. Second cross section
• 106. Legs
• 108. Housing
• 110. Hole
• 112. Bottom face
• 114. First ramp profile
• 114-2. First ramp profile
• α. First slope
• α-2. First slope
• 116. Transition point
• 116-2. Transition point
• 118. Second ramp profile
• 118-2. Second profile on the ramp
• β. Second slope
• β-2. Second slope
• 120a, 120b. First and second contact spring
• 122a, 122b. First and second cavity
• 124. Contact tabs
• 126. First contact areas
• 128. Flexible printed circuit board
• 130a, 130b. Third and fourth contact spring
• 132a, 132b. Third and fourth cavity
• 134. Increase in diameter
• 136. Holes
• 138. Second contact areas
• 140. Platinum
• 142. Cutting
• 144. Free portion
• 146. Electronic components
• 148. Third contact areas
• 150. Inductive sensors
• 152. Bands
• 156. Cavities
• 158. Holding plate
• 160. Elastic fingers
• 162. Screw
• 200. Control rod
• 202. Cylindrical portion
• 204. Pusher crown
• 206. Cam paths
• 208a, 208b. Hollow
• 210. Summit
• 212. Elastic arms
• 214. Spring

Claims (11)

Control device (1) with a crown-push (8) for a portable object of small dimensions, comprising a frame (2, 36), a control rod (4) pivotally mounted about a longitudinal axis (XX) and movable axially relative to the frame (2, 36) between at least two positions, including a first position ("T0") fugitive and a second position ("T1") stable, the control device (1) having a cam path (72 ) having a longitudinal cam profile (73) and a cam follower (78) arranged to cooperate with the longitudinal cam profile (73), the cam path (72) being arranged to move concomitantly with the control rod (4) when the latter is moved axially, and the cam follower (78), mounted in the frame (2, 36), being arranged to be resiliently biased against the cam path (72), the cam path ( 72) comprising a first depression (74a) defining the stable position ("T1") of the control rod (4), and a a profile portion forming a ramp (114, 118) which rises from the first depression (74a) towards the fugitive position ("T0"), characterized in that the control device (1) comprises a plate position indexing device (58) in which the cam path (72) is formed with which the cam follower (78) cooperates, said position indexing plate (58) being arranged, on the one hand, to be coupled in translation with the control rod (4) when it is moved in one direction or the other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (XX) and, on the other hand, to remain stationary when rotates the control rod (4) in one direction or the other. Pusher-type control device (1) (8) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged in such a way that when the push ring (8) is pressed from the stable position ("T1"), the reaction force to be defeated to drive the pusher crown (8) is greater than the pressure force required exerting on the pusher-pusher crown (8) when the cam follower (78) passes beyond a transition point (116) of the profile portion forming the ramp (114, 118), the reaction force falling abruptly as the transition point passes (116). Control device (1) with crown-push (8) according to claim 2, characterized in that the profile portion forming the ramp (114, 118) comprises a first portion (114) which extends between the hollow (74a ) and the transition point (116) and whose slope is steep, and a second portion (118) extending from the transition point (116) towards the fugitive position ("T0"). Control device (1) with a crown-push (8) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cam follower (78) is resiliently biased against the cam path (72) with a force which exerts substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the control rod (4). Control device (1) with a crown-push (8) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the position indexing plate (58) comprises two longitudinal cam paths (72) disposed symmetrically with respect to each other. a plane of symmetry containing the longitudinal axis (XX) of the control rod (4), and two cam followers (78) mounted in the frame (2, 36) and arranged to be elastically biased against the two paths of cam (72). Control device (1) with crown-push (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that the two cam followers (78) consist of the ends (81) of two arms (86) of a positioning spring (80) mounted in the frame (2, 36). Control device (1) with crown-push (8) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the plane of symmetry containing the longitudinal axis (XX) of the control rod (4) is a plane vertical. Control device (1) with a crown-push (8) according to one of claims 4 and 7, characterized in that the force which recalls the cam follower (78) elastically against the cam path (72) is exerted substantially in a horizontal plane. Control device (1) with crown-push (8) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the two cam paths (72) arranged symmetrically define a second stable position ("2"), said position pulled from the push-crown (8). A crown-push control device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the two cam paths (72) comprise a first depression (74a) and a second depression (74b) separated by a vertex (76). ), the two cam followers (78) passing from the first stable position ("T1") to the second stable position ("2") and vice versa crossing the top (76). Control device (1) with crown-push (8) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that , for its axial immobilization, the position indexing plate (58) is arranged to cooperate with two shoulders radial (56a, 56b) of the control rod (4).

Images