EP3816733A1 - Lockable push-button for a timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

Lockable pusher (1), for a timepiece, comprisinga tube (2) intended to be made integral with a case (40) of the timepiece, a head (8) movable in translation between a rest position and a pushed position, as well as in rotation to change from a locked state to an unlocked state and vice versa, the head (8) being intended to actuate a watch mechanism in its pushed position, a return mechanism (30, 34) arranged to exert a return force on the head (8) tending to bring it back to its rest position, the head (8) comprising a barrel (14) having crenellations (18), the tube (2) comprising a collar ( 4) in which are formed recesses (6) dimensioned and positioned so that at least one of the slots (18) is located opposite the collar (4) in the locked state, and that the slots (18) are capable of engaging in the recesses (6) in response to pressure exerted by a user in the state unlocked, to allow the head (8) to occupy its pushed position.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a lockable pusher, for a timepiece, that is to say a pusher having at least one unlocked state in which it is capable of actuating a timepiece mechanism in response to pressure from a user, and a locked state in which it cannot operate the clockwork mechanism despite the exertion of pressure by the user.

• un tube d'axe X, destiné à être rendu solidaire d'une boite de la pièce d'horlogerie,
• une tête reliée au tube de manière à pouvoir présenter un mouvement de translation relativement à celui-ci, suivant la direction de l'axe X, entre au moins une position de repos et une position poussée, ainsi qu'un mouvement de rotation d'axe X, pour faire passer la tête d'un état verrouillé à un état déverrouillé et inversement, la tête portant une tige destinée à actionner un mécanisme horloger dans la boite de la pièce d'horlogerie lorsque la tête est déplacée vers sa position poussée,
• un mécanisme de rappel agencé entre le tube et la tête et susceptible d'exercer sur cette dernière une force de rappel tendant à la maintenir ou à la ramener dans sa position de repos.

More precisely, the invention relates to such a pusher comprising

• an X axis tube, intended to be made integral with a case of the timepiece,
• a head connected to the tube so as to be able to present a translational movement relative to the latter, in the direction of the X axis, between at least a rest position and a pushed position, as well as a rotational movement of X axis, to change the head from a locked state to an unlocked state and vice versa, the head carrying a rod intended to actuate a watch mechanism in the case of the timepiece when the head is moved to its pushed position,
• a return mechanism arranged between the tube and the head and capable of exerting on the latter a return force tending to maintain it or bring it back to its rest position.

State of the art

A pusher meeting the above characteristics is presented in the patent application CH 675809 G A3 .

Indeed, this document describes and illustrates a lockable pusher comprising a tube integral with a watch case and provided with two longitudinal slots, diametrically opposed and having different respective lengths. A first slot is associated with a locked state of the pusher while the other, longer slot is associated with its unlocked state. The slots are intended to cooperate with a radial fin arranged on the head of the pusher, to house it, one in the locked state and the other in the unlocked state, and thus define the possible stroke of the head. in the axial direction in each of the states. To change the state of the pusher, the user must extract the vane from the slot in which it is located, by exerting a traction on the head, before turning the latter by 180 degrees to move the vane into the slot. 'other slot. The long slot is such that the head can be moved to a pushed position in which the pusher acts on a watch mechanism. A first return spring acts on the head to return it to the rest position when it is moved to its pushed position. A second return spring acts on the head to bring the fin completely inside each of the slots when it is located opposite one of them. The fin of this pusher fulfills two additional functions: firstly it offers a gripping surface to the user to allow him to turn the head 180 degrees more easily during changes of state of the pusher, and its position with reference to the watch case offers a visual indication of the state in which the push-piece is, locked or unlocked.

Disclosure of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to provide an alternative construction of a lockable pusher for a timepiece having great ease of handling without its ability to be locked having a significant impact on its aesthetic appearance and its size, that is, that is, its appearance remains close to that of a standard pusher.

• que sa tête comporte un canon de diamètre interne supérieur au diamètre externe du tube et dont l'extrémité libre présente au moins deux découpes définissant autant de créneaux, et
• que le tube comporte une collerette radiale, présentant un diamètre externe supérieur au diamètre interne du canon, dans laquelle sont ménagés au moins autant d'évidements que le canon comporte de créneaux, les évidements étant dimensionnés et positionnés de telle manière
• qu'au moins l'un des créneaux soit situé au moins partiellement en regard de la collerette dans l'état verrouillé, de manière à empêcher toute translation sensible de la tête en direction de sa position poussée, et
• que les créneaux soient susceptibles de s'engager dans les évidements en réponse à une pression exercée par un utilisateur dans l'état déverrouillé, pour permettre à la tête d'occuper sa position poussée.

To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a pusher of the type indicated above, characterized by the fact

• that its head has a barrel with an internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the tube and the free end of which has at least two cutouts defining as many crenellations, and
• that the tube comprises a radial flange, having an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the barrel, in which are formed at least as many recesses as the barrel comprises crenellations, the recesses being dimensioned and positioned in such a way
• that at least one of the crenellations is located at least partially opposite the collar in the locked state, so as to prevent any appreciable translation of the head in the direction of its pushed position, and
• that the slots are capable of engaging in the recesses in response to pressure exerted by a user in the unlocked state, to allow the head to occupy its pushed position.

Thanks to these characteristics, the external visual appearance of the pusher is similar to that of a standard pusher, in particular its radial size at its head.

• que le tube comporte au moins un organe de blocage agencé pour coopérer avec au moins l'un des créneaux et empêcher un changement d'état de la tête par une simple rotation de cette dernière lorsqu'elle se trouve dans sa position de repos, et
• que la tête soit agencée pour pouvoir en outre se déplacer en translation suivant la direction de l'axe X, jusqu'à une position tirée, en réponse à une action adaptée de l'utilisateur, la tête étant susceptible de tourner en référence au tube pour changer d'état dans cette position tirée.

Preferably, it is possible to provide

• that the tube comprises at least one locking member arranged to cooperate with at least one of the crenellations and prevent a change of state of the head by a simple rotation of the latter when it is in its rest position, and
• that the head is arranged so as to be able, moreover, to move in translation in the direction of the X axis, to a pulled position, in response to an appropriate action by the user, the head being capable of rotating with reference to the tube to change state in this pulled position.

In this case, provision can also be made for the pusher to include a plurality of locking members, each of which is defined by a substantially radial extra thickness and arranged on the collar in the vicinity of each of the recesses.

Provision can then be made more particularly for the collar to have an extra thickness defining one of the locking members on either side of each of the recesses or even, optionally, for the extra thicknesses to have two different thicknesses alternately to promote a direction of rotation of the head relative to the other, or even to limit the relative rotation between the head and the tube.

More generally, provision can be made for each of the crenellations to have a chamfer to promote a direction of rotation of the head relative to the other.

• un premier organe élastique de rappel agencé entre le tube et la tête en étant susceptible d'exercer sur cette dernière une première force de rappel tendant à la ramener depuis la position poussée vers la position de repos,
• un deuxième organe élastique de rappel agencé entre le tube et la tête en étant susceptible d'exercer sur cette dernière une deuxième force de rappel tendant à la ramener depuis la position tirée vers la position de repos.

According to a preferred embodiment, provision can be made for the return mechanism to include

• a first elastic return member arranged between the tube and the head by being able to exert on the latter a first return force tending to bring it back from the pushed position towards the rest position,
• a second elastic return member arranged between the tube and the head while being able to exert on the latter a second return force tending to bring it back from the pulled position to the rest position.

In this case, provision can advantageously be made for the distance between the rest position and the pulled position to be at least two times less, preferably at least four times less, than the distance between the rest position and the pushed position.

Thus, the manipulation making it possible to effect a change of state of the pusher does not require excessive dexterity on the part of the user.

In addition, provision can be made for the second elastic return member to have substantially the shape of a spring washer having an amplitude of deformation, in the direction of the X axis, at least 4 times less than the distance between the rest position and the pushed position.

Thanks to these characteristics, the size of the return mechanism, and therefore more generally of the pusher, remains measured.

In a particular variant embodiment, provision can be made for the head and the tube to be arranged in such a way that at least one slot is maintained in abutment against the collar in the locked state under the effect of the action of the second member. elastic return, the head being in a position close to the rest position in this state.

The invention also relates to a timepiece case and a timepiece comprising a lockable pusher having all or some of the characteristics which have just been described.

Brief description of the drawings

• les figures 1a à 1f représentent une même vue en perspective simplifiée d'un poussoir pour pièce d'horlogerie selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, dans différentes configurations qu'il est susceptible de présenter en cours d'utilisation;
• les figure 2a à 2f représentent une même vue en coupe simplifiée du poussoir des figures 1a à 1f, dans les mêmes configurations respectives que celles des figures 1a à 1f;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée d'un poussoir pour pièce d'horlogerie selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 4 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée d'un poussoir pour pièce d'horlogerie selon une variante de réalisation supplémentaire de l'invention, et
• les figures 5a et 5b sont des vues respectivement en perspective et en coupe, partielles et simplifiées, illustrant l'implantation du poussoir des figures 1a à 1f dans une boite de pièce d'horlogerie.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings given by way of non-limiting example and in which:

• the figures 1a to 1f represent the same simplified perspective view of a pusher for a timepiece according to a mode of preferred embodiment of the invention, in different configurations that it is likely to have during use;
• the figure 2a to 2f represent the same simplified sectional view of the push-button figures 1a to 1f , in the same respective configurations as those of the figures 1a to 1f ;
• the figure 3 represents a simplified perspective view of a pusher for a timepiece according to an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 4 shows a simplified perspective view of a pusher for a timepiece according to a further variant embodiment of the invention, and
• the figures 5a and 5b are views respectively in perspective and in section, partial and simplified, illustrating the installation of the pusher of the figures 1a to 1f in a timepiece box.

Mode (s) for carrying out the invention

The figures 1a to 1f show the same simplified perspective view of a pusher 1 for a timepiece according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in different configurations that it is likely to have during use. The figures 2a to 2f show the same simplified sectional view of the pusher 1, in the same respective configurations as those of the figures 1a to 1f , in order to complete the information available and to facilitate understanding of the operation of the pusher 1 according to this preferred embodiment of the invention.

The pusher 1 comprises a tube 2 intended to be made integral with a timepiece case, as will be explained below. The tube 2 has a generally cylindrical shape, of axis X, and is provided with a radial flange 4 in the region of its end intended to be located on the outer side of the box.

The collar 4 has here three recesses 6 by way of non-limiting illustration, these recesses 6 being regularly distributed along the circumference of the collar 4 and all having substantially the same angular extent.

Furthermore, the pusher 1 comprises a head 8 arranged in the extension of the tube 2, along the axis X. The head 8 has a crown 10 notched to ensure a good grip during handling by a user. Three arrows 12 have been shown by way of non-limiting illustration on the crown 10, the function of which will be presented below.

The head 8 comprises a cylindrical barrel 14 provided here with three cutouts 16, by way of non-limiting illustration, defining three slots 18 arranged facing the tube 2.

In the configuration shown on the figures 1a and 2a , each of the cutouts 16 of the barrel 14 is arranged facing a recess 6 of the collar 4, such that the three crenellations 18 are arranged opposite the collar 4. It is in fact observed that the collar 4 has a diameter external greater than the internal diameter of the barrel 14, while the latter has an internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the cylindrical portion of the tube 2, as will appear more clearly from the remainder of the present description.

As emerges more particularly from the figure 2a , the head 8 also comprises a central tenon 20, threaded, in which is engaged a threaded rod 22 carrying a bolt 24 at its free end, in a conventional manner. Thus, the bolt 24 is intended to ensure the axial retention of the head 8 on the tube 2, and to actuate a watch mechanism in the case of the timepiece in response to a pressure from a user on the head 8 of the timepiece. pusher 1.

Two O-rings 26 are arranged here between the tube 2 and the rod 22, being surmounted by a washer 28 defining a first support for a first elastic return member 30 also bearing against the internal face of the crown 10. , around the tenon 20. The joints 26 are retained axially by being placed in abutment against an internal shoulder 32 formed inside the tube 2. The first elastic return member 30 here takes the form of a helical spring, so non-limiting illustrative.

A second elastic return member 34 is provided between the head 8 and the tube 2, more precisely between the head of the bolt 24 and the inner end of the tube 2. The second elastic return member 34 has here preferably the shape of an elastic washer in general, that is to say any type of washer exhibiting elastic properties along its axial direction, such as for example a deformed washer, open or not, or a serrated washer such as easily found in the trade.

The operation of the pusher 1 will now be presented in relation to the following figures.

We understand figures 1a and 2a that the slots 18 bear lightly against the collar 4 and that a pressure exerted by a user on the head 8 of the pusher 1 in this configuration would remain inoperative. Indeed, the head 8 is here in a locked state.

It is clearer from the figure 1b that the collar 4 is provided with radial extra thicknesses 36 adjacent to each of the recesses 6, each of these extra thicknesses 36 fulfilling the function of a locking member of the head 8 to prevent it from rotating along the X axis when its slots 18 are resting against the collar 4.

It is also noted that each notch 18 has a chamfer 38 intended to cooperate with one of the extra thicknesses 36 when the head 8 is rotated in the direction of the arrows 12.

In this case, the figures 1b and 2b represent a configuration in which a user has acted on the head 8 to make it rotate slightly in the direction indicated by the arrows 12, or even possibly by exerting a slight traction on it to position it in a pulled position, by opposing the force generated by the second elastic return member 34 which is thereby compressed.

The figures 1c and 2c show a configuration corresponding to a rotation of the head 8 about halfway through the travel necessary for the slots 18 to be positioned opposite the recesses 6 of the collar 4.

The figures 1d and 2d show a configuration corresponding to the last moment before the slots 18 leave the collar 4 and are positioned facing the recesses 6, as shown in the figures 1e and 2e .

It appears figures 1e and 2e that the head 8, which then happens to be in an unlocked state, occupies a rest position close to the initial position illustrated on the figures 1a and 2a , in which the second elastic return member 34 can take its shape at rest, inducing a slight penetration of the crenellations 18 into the recesses 6.

It can be deduced from this that, in a nonlimiting illustrative manner, in the configuration of the figures 1a and 2a , the second elastic return member 34 is slightly pre-stressed to ensure that the slots 18 are held in support against the collar 4.

It is then clear that, in this unlocked state, pressure exerted by the user on the head 8 causes it to move in the direction of the case of the timepiece, as illustrated in the figures. figures 1f and 2f , to allow actuation of the watch mechanism concerned.

The head 8 then moves to a pushed position which can be defined in several different ways without significant impact on the implementation of the present invention. Thus, for example, the pushed position can be defined by the arrival in abutment of the bottom of the cutouts 16 against the collar 4, or even by a stop (not visible) provided in the case of the timepiece, in particular at the level of the watch mechanism actuated by push-button 1.

In the pushed position, the elastic return member 30 is in a compressed state and acts on the tube 2 and the head 8 to push the latter back to its rest position as soon as the user ceases the application of the pressure. pressure on it.

It emerges from the foregoing explanations that the construction of the push-button 1 according to the present invention makes it possible to give it an ability to be locked in order to guarantee the safety of the watch mechanism concerned, with an excellent compromise between reliability and the difficulty of changing state. between its locked and unlocked states, this without aesthetic impact with reference to conventional push buttons.

It will be noted that the distance between the rest position and the pulled position is at least two times less, preferably at least four times less, than the distance between the rest position and the pushed position, thus conferring a certain ease in the manipulations making it possible to change state. In the same order of ideas, the second elastic member 34 preferably has an amplitude of deformation, in the direction of the X axis, at least 4 times less than the distance between the rest position and the pushed position, thus guaranteeing a good compactness in the construction of the pusher 1.

It will also be noted that in the first embodiment which has just been presented, the presence of a chamfer 38 on each slot 18 makes it possible to define a predefined preferred direction of rotation for effecting the changes of state of the head 8, which is that indicated by the arrows 12. It remains however possible for the user to exert a simple traction on the head 8, until its pulled position, before turning it in the direction of rotation opposite to that indicated by arrows 12.

The figure 3 represents a simplified perspective view of a pusher 100 for a timepiece according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. According to this variant embodiment, each slot 18 is provided with two chamfers 38 such that there is no preferential direction of rotation to cause the head 8 to change state.

The figure 4 represents a simplified perspective view of a pusher 200 for a timepiece according to a further variant embodiment of the invention. According to this variant embodiment, each slot 18 is provided with two chamfers 38 but the extra thicknesses 202 and 204 located on either side of the same recess 6 have different thicknesses. More precisely, the extra thickness 202 has a thickness such that the slot 18 cannot cross it even when the head 8 is in its pulled position. Thus, according to this variant embodiment, the user must perform round trips in rotation with the head 8 in order to make it pass from one state to the other.

The figures 5a and 5b are views respectively in perspective and in section, partial and simplified, illustrating the installation of the pusher 1 of the figures 1a to 1f in a box 40 of a timepiece. The configuration illustrated corresponds to the rest position of the head 8, that is to say to the configuration illustrated on the figures 1e and 2e .

It can be seen that the tube 2 is here retained in the box 40 by the placement of a ring 42 acting on a rim 44 formed at the periphery of the collar 4, by way of non-limiting illustration.

In general, one can provide visual indication means of the state in which the pusher is located to help the user to know what manipulation he must perform.

It emerges in particular from the figure 5a that the barrel 14 is provided with such indicators 46, two of which are visible to the user when he is wearing the timepiece on his wrist and when the pusher 1 is in its unlocked state. Provision can thus be made, for example, for only one of the indicators 46 to be visible to the user when the push-button 1 is in its locked state.

This type of solution makes it possible to provide assistance to the user while having a minimal impact on the aesthetics of the pusher 1 and no impact on its bulk.

The implementation of the present invention is not limited to certain characteristics specifically described and / or illustrated, in particular the number of recesses formed in the collar or the number of slots formed on the barrel of the pusher head. The number of recesses can in particular be different from the number of slots without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, the relative dimensions between the crenellations and the recesses can be changed without departing from the scope of the invention as long as the crenellations can at least partially penetrate into the recesses of the tube. Thus, it is also possible to provide different lengths (or angular extents) for the different recesses or for the slots. In fact, those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the present teaching to the implementation of a lockable pusher in accordance with the present invention, that is to say in which the members ensuring the definition of the states. locked and unlocked are oriented in an axial direction.

Claims (12)

Lockable pusher (1), for timepiece, comprising a tube (2) of axis X, intended to be made integral with a case (40) of the timepiece, a head (8) connected to said tube (2) so as to be able to present a translational movement relative to the latter, in the direction of said axis X, between at least a rest position and a pushed position, as well as a movement of rotation of axis X, to change said head (8) from a locked state to an unlocked state and vice versa, said head (8) carrying a rod (22) intended to actuate a clock mechanism in the box (40) of the timepiece when said head (8) is moved to its pushed position, a return mechanism (30, 34) arranged between said tube (2) and said head (8) and capable of exerting on the latter a return force tending to maintain it or bring it back to its rest position, characterized in that said head (8) comprises a barrel (14) of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of said tube (2) and the free end of which has at least two cutouts (16) defining as many crenellations (18), and in that said tube (2) comprises a radial flange (4), having an external diameter greater than said internal diameter of said barrel (14), in which are formed at least as many recesses (6) as said barrel (14) comprises of crenellations (18), said recesses (6) being dimensioned and positioned in such a way at least one of said crenellations (18) is located at least partially opposite said collar (4) in said locked state, so as to prevent any appreciable translation of said head (8) in the direction of its pushed position, and that said slots (18) are capable of engaging in said recesses (6) in response to a pressure exerted by a user in said unlocked state, to allow said head (8) to occupy its pushed position. Pusher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said tube (2) comprises at least one locking member arranged to cooperate with at least one of said crenellations (18) and prevent a change of state of said head (8) by a simple rotation of the latter when it is in its rest position, and in that said head (8) is arranged to further be able to move in translation in the direction of said X axis, to a pulled position, in response to an appropriate action from the user, said head (8) being capable of to turn with reference to said tube (2) to change state in this pulled position. Pusher (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of locking members each of which is defined by a substantially radial extra thickness (36) and arranged on said collar (4) in the vicinity of each of said recesses ( 6). Pusher (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said collar (4) has an extra thickness (36) defining one of said locking members on either side of each of said recesses (6). Pusher according to Claim 4, characterized in that said extra thicknesses have two different thicknesses alternately to promote a direction of rotation of said head with respect to the other or to limit the relative rotation between said tube (2) and said head (8 ). Pusher (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each of said crenellations (18) has a chamfer (38) to promote a direction of rotation of said head (8) relative to the other. Pusher (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said return mechanism comprises a first elastic return member (30) arranged between said tube (2) and said head (8) while being capable of exerting on the latter a first return force tending to bring it back from said pushed position towards said rest position, a second elastic return member (34) arranged between said tube (2) and said head (8) while being capable of exerting on the latter a second return force tending to bring it back from said pulled position towards said rest position. Pusher (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the distance between said rest position and said pulled position is at least two times less, preferably at least four times less than the distance between said rest position and said pushed position. Pusher (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said second elastic return member (34) has substantially the shape of a spring washer having an amplitude of deformation, in the direction of said axis X, at least 4 times less than said distance between said rest position and said pushed position. Pusher (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said head (8) and said tube (2) are arranged such that at least one slot (18) is held in abutment against said collar ( 4) in said locked state under the effect of the action of said second elastic return member (34), said head (8) being in a position close to said rest position in this state. Timepiece case (40) comprising a lockable pusher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10. Timepiece comprising a lockable pusher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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