EP4047423A1 - Watch provided with a device for locking an external control member - Google Patents

Watch provided with a device for locking an external control member Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4047423A1
EP4047423A1 EP21158506.2A EP21158506A EP4047423A1 EP 4047423 A1 EP4047423 A1 EP 4047423A1 EP 21158506 A EP21158506 A EP 21158506A EP 4047423 A1 EP4047423 A1 EP 4047423A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
locking
locking member
angular
rotating bezel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21158506.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe Loetscher
Christophe Plancherel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Omega SA
Original Assignee
Omega SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Omega SA filed Critical Omega SA
Priority to US17/555,824 priority Critical patent/US11822291B2/en
Priority to JP2022005437A priority patent/JP7295981B2/en
Priority to CN202210141689.4A priority patent/CN114942578A/en
Publication of EP4047423A1 publication Critical patent/EP4047423A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/001—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously by push button
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G04B3/043—Locking of the operating element, also by mounting in a concealed place
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G04B3/046—Operation by rotation and axial movement with extra function of axial shift of operating element, e.g. crown combined with push button
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G04B3/048—Operation exclusively by axial movement of a push-button, e.g. for chronographs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/06—Dials
    • G04B19/18—Graduations on the crystal or glass, on the bezel, or on the rim
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G04B19/283—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/10—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems
    • G04B37/106—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems of push buttons
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F7/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means
    • G04F7/04—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means using a mechanical oscillator
    • G04F7/08—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph
    • G04F7/0866—Special arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch provided with a device for locking a control member that can be actuated by a user of the watch, in particular a pusher associated with a chronograph mechanism.
  • the patent application JP 2005-337792 describes a watch fitted with a chronograph mechanism, associated with two push-pieces which can be actuated in a conventional manner by a user from outside the case, and with a device for locking these two push-pieces which comprises a locking ring arranged in a groove top of the caseband of the watch so as to form a bezel surrounding the display area defined by the dial of the watch.
  • the groove has at least one lateral opening to allow the gripping of the locking ring and its actuation in rotation, so as to be able to drive the locking ring between at least one angular locking position and at least one angular unlocking position .
  • the locking ring has distinct lower parts which extend over a plurality of angular sectors, leaving between them empty sectors, that is to say without material.
  • one of the lower parts is located in a groove of the control or behind an inner lateral surface of this control member, so as to block, respectively stop a translational movement in a corresponding radial direction and thus prevent activation of a corresponding function.
  • the control member is then located angularly opposite an empty sector, so that this control member is free to move in the corresponding radial direction and its actuation in translation in this radial direction is then possible to activate the corresponding function.
  • the locking ring forms a bezel of the watch and no other rotating bezel, in particular associated with the chronograph mechanism, is provided. Note that the arrangement of the locking ring is such that it actually prevents the watch from being fitted with another rotating bezel which can be associated with a function other than the locking of at least one of the order this watch.
  • two lateral openings are provided in the middle part to allow a gripping of the locking ring by a user and its rotational actuation. These two openings are unsightly and give a complex shape to the case, which increases its manufacturing cost.
  • the two lateral openings of the case middle are opposed to a harmonious shape of the case in its upper part, the case presenting a kind of step on its two lateral sides, and in addition this realization exposes, in a top view, control devices.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a watch of the type described above with a device for locking at least one external control member, the arrangement of which is discreet, while allowing a user to operate it easily.
  • the invention aims to providing such a watch with a case provided with a rotating bezel which is associated with a function of the watch other than the locking described above.
  • the subject of the present invention is a watch comprising a watch movement and a case incorporating this watch movement and provided with a control member making it possible to activate a function of the watch movement, this control member being movable in a radial direction and operable by a user from outside the housing, this housing being further provided with a device for locking the control member.
  • the locking device comprises a locking member which is rotatably mounted around a central axis of the case and which is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position, in which the control member is stopped or blocked by the locking device so that said function cannot be activated by actuation of this control member in said radial direction, and at least one angular unlocking position in which the control member is released and can be actuated in said radial direction so as to allow activation of said function.
  • the watch further comprises a rotating bezel around said central axis, this rotating bezel and the locking member thus being coaxial.
  • the rotating bezel and the locking member form two separate members and are arranged so that they can each be actuated in rotation, by a user, independently of the other.
  • the locking member comprises an annular part, centered on said central axis, which is arranged between the rotating bezel and a middle part supporting this rotating bezel.
  • the locking device does not take the place of a rotating bezel conventionally associated with the chronograph mechanism.
  • the device lock is, in the preferred variant, particularly discreet and not very visible from the top of the watch.
  • the rotating bezel is associated with the chronograph mechanism.
  • the watch is provided for diving.
  • the locking member comprises a gripping element secured to its annular part and located outside the middle of the case so as to allow it to be gripped by a user, in order to be able to easily rotate the locking member at least between the angular locking position and the angular unlocking position, and this obviously in both directions.
  • the control member is either a stem-crown allowing in particular a time setting of the watch, or a pusher associated with at least one function of the watch.
  • the locking device can be used to lock only one of the two push-pieces, in particular the one serving to engage and then end the measurement of a time interval (a time), or both buttons, simultaneously or separately.
  • the locking device can be arranged so as to make it possible to lock, depending on the angular position of the locking member, only the first pusher, only the second pusher and the two pushers.
  • the locking device can even be used to lock the stem-crown, in particular in its winding position (that is to say not pulled out) in addition to that of at least one of the two pushers when the locking member is in a certain angular position.
  • the locking device can be used to lock the valve in a screwed closed position, at least when the locking member is in a specific angular position .
  • the locking device comprises a locking member which is rotatably mounted around a central axis of the case and which is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position, in which the valve is blocked by the locking in a screwed closed position, and at least one angular unlocking position in which the valve is released and can be unscrewed and actuated in said radial direction so as to allow its opening.
  • the locking device can also be used to lock a control member, as mentioned above, when the locking member is in said specific angular position or in at least one other angular position.
  • the locking member comprises a lower part, in particular formed of several annular sectors separated by empty zones, which is integral with the annular part or formed by the latter, this lower part being extending globally in an angular zone less than 360° and forming an abutment for a part of the valve movable in radial translation, this lower part being configured so as to block the valve, in said radial direction, in said screwed closing position, and thus preventing this valve from opening when the locking member is in said angular locking position and leaving the valve free in its mobility in said radial direction when the locking member is in said angular unlocking position.
  • Watch 2 is, in the variant represented, a diver's watch.
  • the watch 2 comprises a watch movement 4 and a case 6 which incorporates this watch movement, which comprises a chronograph mechanism.
  • the case 6 is provided with several control members, namely two pushers 8, 9 and a stem-crown 10, which make it possible respectively to activate different functions of the watch movement.
  • the case is provided with a valve 7 because the watch shown is a diver's watch.
  • the valve and each of the control members is movable in a radial direction, 12 and 13 respectively for the pushers 8 and 9, and can be actuated by a user from outside the housing.
  • valve 7 is screwed into its closed position.
  • we will consider more particularly the pusher 8 which is conventionally used for the 'chrono' function of the chronograph mechanism, more precisely to start the measurement of a time interval and then to put an end to this measurement.
  • the housing 6 is provided with a locking device 14 provided to be able to lock at least for the pusher 8.
  • This locking device comprises a locking member 16 which is rotatably mounted around a central axis 18 of the housing and which is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position a1 (state shown in Fig. 1 ), in which the pusher 8 is stopped or blocked by the locking device so that its function cannot be activated by actuation of this control member in the radial direction mentioned, and at least one angular unlocking position ⁇ 2 ( state shown in Fig.
  • the watch further comprises a rotating bezel 20 around the central axis 18, this rotating bezel and the locking member 16 thus being coaxial.
  • the rotating bezel and the locking member are arranged so that they can each be actuated in rotation by the user independently of the other, that is to say be actuated in rotation independently of one another. the other.
  • the rotating bezel 20 is associated with a useful function for diving.
  • the locking member 16 comprises an annular part 22, centered on the central axis 18, which is arranged between the rotating bezel 20 and the middle part 40 of the case 6, more generally between the rotating bezel and a radial rod 24 of the pusher 8.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to incorporate the locking member 16 for the most part inside the case 6, in particular the entirety of said annular part, thus allowing the locking device to be discreet and not very visible from above the watch, that is to say from the side of the analog display device.
  • the rotating bezel 20 comprises internal toothing 26 conventionally associated with a pawl spring 28 for the angular positioning of this rotating bezel.
  • the internal toothing 26 is located in a cylindrical space inside the locking member 16, in particular its annular part 22.
  • the internal toothing is located substantially at the same level than the locking member 16, which makes it possible to obtain a housing whose height is not or only slightly increased by the incorporation of the locking device.
  • the concentric arrangement of the annular part 22 and of the device for angular positioning of the rotating bezel 20 makes it possible to reduce the size of the locking device.
  • annular spacer 30 is arranged in an annular cavity defined by the rotating bezel and the annular part of the locking member, between them.
  • This annular spacer has at least one sliding surface in contact with a lower surface 32 of the rotating bezel or with an upper surface 34 of the annular part, this sliding surface having a low coefficient of friction with this lower surface, respectively this surface superior.
  • the spacer 30 is mounted free to rotate, that is to say it is not fixed to the annular part or to the lower part of the rotating bezel.
  • the spacer has a lower sliding surface in contact with the upper surface 34 and an upper sliding surface in contact with the lower surface 32.
  • the spacer 30 is formed by polyoxymethylene (POM), in particular Delrin ® .
  • the coefficient of friction is located approximately in the range of values 0.20-0.35.
  • the locking member 16 comprises a gripping element 36 which is integral with the annular part 22 and is located outside the middle part 40 of the case so as to allow it to be easily gripped by a user, in order to be able to rotate the locking member between the angular locking position ⁇ 1 and the angular unlocking position ⁇ 2.
  • This gripping element is elegant and gives an additional technical character to the diving chronograph watch. It will be noted that in the variant shown in the figures, the annular part 22 of the locking member has a cylindrical side face which is laterally visible over its entire periphery.
  • the annular part in another variant, it is possible to provide for the annular part to be located entirely inside the casing and therefore not visible from the outside, except possibly at the two ends of an angular zone traversed by a connecting part between the gripping element and the annular part.
  • the gripping element 36 is advantageously located in an angular sector between 220° and 290°, calculated clockwise from the '12 o'clock position, corresponding to 0°, on a '12 o'clock hour rotation.
  • the angular locking position a1 is approximately between 240° and 250°
  • the angular unlocking position ⁇ 2 is equal to 270°.
  • the gripping element 36 is situated in an angular sector comprised between 150° and 300°.
  • the locking member 16 comprises a lower part 44 which is integral with the annular part or which is formed by the latter (that is to say made in one piece with this annular part according to the variant shown), this lower part s extending globally in an angular zone which is less than 360° and having an outer lateral surface 46 which forms an abutment for a part 50 of the pusher 8 movable in radial translation. It will be noted that the lower part 44 is generally formed of several distinct annular sectors which are separated by empty zones.
  • the lower part 44 is configured so as to stop, according to the variant shown, or to block, according to another variant in which the lower part penetrates a circular groove machined in the body 52 of the pusher 8, this pusher 8 in the radial direction 12 , to thus prevent activation of the 'chrono' function, when the locking member 16 is in the angular locking position ( Fig. 1A, 1B and Fig. 2 ) and to leave the control member free in its mobility in said radial direction when the locking member is in the angular unlocking position ( Fig. 3A, 3B and Fig. 4 ).
  • the movable part 50 can move in an interior cavity of the casing 6, which is partially defined by an aforementioned empty sector, without being stopped or blocked in its movement of radial translation up to a terminal position, as represented to the Figure 5 .
  • the 'chrono' function is performed, namely either the clutch of the chronograph mechanism for triggering the measurement of a time interval, or the disengagement of this chronograph mechanism to complete this measurement.
  • the movable part 50 of the control member 8 is formed by an upper projecting part which rises above the body 52 of this control member to which it is fixed, in particular screwed, this body 52 coming out of the middle part 40 of the case 6 and being arranged in this middle part in a sliding manner along the radial direction 12.
  • the upper projecting part is arranged at the level of the lower part 44 of the locking member 16 and it is advantageously housed in an internal cavity of the case , that is to say that it is located inside this case.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

La montre comprend un boîtier (6) muni d'un poussoir (8), mobile selon une direction radiale, et d'un dispositif de verrouillage (14) de ce poussoir, ce dispositif de verrouillage comprenant un organe de verrouillage (16) monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe central du boîtier et agencé de manière à pouvoir être actionné entre une position de verrouillage, dans laquelle le poussoir est stoppé ou bloqué par le dispositif de verrouillage de sorte que ladite fonction ne puisse pas être activée par un actionnement de cet organe de commande, et une position de déverrouillage dans laquelle le poussoir est libéré et peut alors être actionné selon ladite direction radiale de sorte à permettre une activation de ladite fonction. La montre comprend en outre une lunette tournante (20), cette lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage étant coaxiaux et agencés de manière qu'ils puissent être chacun actionnés en rotation par l'utilisateur de manière indépendante de l'autre. Ainsi, la lunette tournante est indépendante de la fonction de verrouillage et peut ainsi être dédiée au mécanisme de chronographe et être notamment utile à la plongée.The watch comprises a case (6) provided with a pusher (8), movable in a radial direction, and with a locking device (14) for this pusher, this locking device comprising a locking member (16) mounted mobile in rotation around a central axis of the housing and arranged so as to be able to be actuated between a locking position, in which the pusher is stopped or blocked by the locking device so that said function cannot be activated by a actuation of this control member, and an unlocking position in which the pusher is released and can then be actuated in said radial direction so as to allow activation of said function. The watch further comprises a rotating bezel (20), this rotating bezel and the locking member being coaxial and arranged so that they can each be actuated in rotation by the user independently of the other. Thus, the rotating bezel is independent of the locking function and can thus be dedicated to the chronograph mechanism and be particularly useful for diving.

Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

La présente invention concerne une montre munie d'un dispositif de verrouillage d'un organe de commande pouvant être actionné par un utilisateur de la montre, notamment d'un poussoir associé à un mécanisme de chronographe.The present invention relates to a watch provided with a device for locking a control member that can be actuated by a user of the watch, in particular a pusher associated with a chronograph mechanism.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnology background

La demande de brevet JP 2005-337792 décrit une montre munie d'un mécanisme de chronographe, associé à deux poussoirs actionnables de manière classique par un utilisateur depuis l'extérieur du boîtier, et d'un dispositif de verrouillage de ces deux poussoirs qui comprend un anneau de verrouillage agencé dans une gorge supérieure de la carrure de la montre de manière à former une lunette entourant la zone d'affichage définie par le cadran de la montre. La gorge présente au moins une ouverture latérale pour permettre la préhension de l'anneau de verrouillage et son actionnement en rotation, de sorte à pouvoir entraîner l'anneau de verrouillage entre au moins une position angulaire de verrouillage et au moins une position angulaire de déverrouillage. L'anneau de verrouillage présente des parties inférieures distinctes qui s'étendent sur une pluralité de secteurs angulaires, en laissant entre elles des secteurs vides, c'est-à-dire sans matière.The patent application JP 2005-337792 describes a watch fitted with a chronograph mechanism, associated with two push-pieces which can be actuated in a conventional manner by a user from outside the case, and with a device for locking these two push-pieces which comprises a locking ring arranged in a groove top of the caseband of the watch so as to form a bezel surrounding the display area defined by the dial of the watch. The groove has at least one lateral opening to allow the gripping of the locking ring and its actuation in rotation, so as to be able to drive the locking ring between at least one angular locking position and at least one angular unlocking position . The locking ring has distinct lower parts which extend over a plurality of angular sectors, leaving between them empty sectors, that is to say without material.

Pour chacun des organes de commande de la montre, à savoir les deux poussoirs et une tige-couronne, lorsque l'anneau de verrouillage est dans la position angulaire de verrouillage correspondante, une des parties inférieures est située dans une rainure de l'organe de commande ou derrière une surface latérale intérieure de cet organe de commande, de sorte à bloquer, respectivement stopper un mouvement de translation selon une direction radiale correspondante et ainsi empêcher une activation d'une fonction correspondante. Pour chacun des organes de commande de la montre, lorsque l'anneau de verrouillage est situé dans la position angulaire de déverrouillage correspondante, l'organe de commande est alors situé angulairement en regard d'un secteur vide, de sorte que cet organe de commande est libre de se mouvoir selon la direction radiale correspondante et que son actionnement en translation selon cette direction radiale est alors possible pour activer la fonction correspondante.For each of the control members of the watch, namely the two pushers and a stem-crown, when the locking ring is in the corresponding angular locking position, one of the lower parts is located in a groove of the control or behind an inner lateral surface of this control member, so as to block, respectively stop a translational movement in a corresponding radial direction and thus prevent activation of a corresponding function. For each of the control members of the watch, when the locking ring is located in the corresponding angular unlocking position, the control member is then located angularly opposite an empty sector, so that this control member is free to move in the corresponding radial direction and its actuation in translation in this radial direction is then possible to activate the corresponding function.

La montre décrite ci-avant présente divers inconvénients. Premièrement, l'anneau de verrouillage forme une lunette de la montre et aucune autre lunette tournante, notamment associée au mécanisme de chronographe, n'est prévue. On remarque que l'agencement de l'anneau de verrouillage est tel qu'il empêche de fait d'équiper la montre d'une autre lunette tournante qui puisse être associée à une autre fonction que le verrouillage d'au moins un des organes de commande de cette montre.The watch described above has various drawbacks. Firstly, the locking ring forms a bezel of the watch and no other rotating bezel, in particular associated with the chronograph mechanism, is provided. Note that the arrangement of the locking ring is such that it actually prevents the watch from being fitted with another rotating bezel which can be associated with a function other than the locking of at least one of the order this watch.

Ensuite, deux ouvertures latérales sont prévues dans la carrure pour permettre une préhension de l'anneau de verrouillage par un utilisateur et son actionnement en rotation. Ces deux ouvertures sont inesthétiques et confèrent une forme complexe au boîtier, ce qui augmente son coût de fabrication. En tous les cas, les deux ouvertures latérales de la carrure s'opposent à une forme harmonieuse du boîtier dans sa partie supérieure, le boîtier présentant une sorte de marche sur ses deux côtés latéraux, et en plus cette réalisation met à découvert, dans une vue de dessus, les organes de commande.Then, two lateral openings are provided in the middle part to allow a gripping of the locking ring by a user and its rotational actuation. These two openings are unsightly and give a complex shape to the case, which increases its manufacturing cost. In any case, the two lateral openings of the case middle are opposed to a harmonious shape of the case in its upper part, the case presenting a kind of step on its two lateral sides, and in addition this realization exposes, in a top view, control devices.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention a pour but de proposer une montre du type décrit précédemment avec un dispositif de verrouillage d'au moins un organe de commande extérieur dont l'agencement est discret, tout en permettant à un utilisateur de l'actionner aisément. De plus, l'invention a pour objectif de fournir une telle montre avec un boîtier muni d'une lunette tournante qui est associée à une fonction de la montre autre que le verrouillage décrit ci-avant.The object of the present invention is to provide a watch of the type described above with a device for locking at least one external control member, the arrangement of which is discreet, while allowing a user to operate it easily. In addition, the invention aims to providing such a watch with a case provided with a rotating bezel which is associated with a function of the watch other than the locking described above.

Ainsi, la présente invention a pour objet une montre comprenant un mouvement horloger et un boîtier incorporant ce mouvement horloger et muni d'un organe de commande permettant d'activer une fonction du mouvement horloger, cet organe de commande étant mobile selon une direction radiale et actionnable par un utilisateur depuis l'extérieur du boîtier, ce boîtier étant muni en outre d'un dispositif de verrouillage de l'organe de commande. Le dispositif de verrouillage comprend un organe de verrouillage qui est monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe central du boîtier et qui est agencé de manière à pouvoir être actionné par l'utilisateur de la montre entre au moins une position angulaire de verrouillage, dans laquelle l'organe de commande est stoppé ou bloqué par le dispositif de verrouillage de sorte que ladite fonction ne puisse pas être activée par un actionnement de cet organe de commande selon ladite direction radiale, et au moins une position angulaire de déverrouillage dans laquelle l'organe de commande est libéré et peut être actionné selon ladite direction radiale de sorte à permettre une activation de ladite fonction. La montre comprend en outre une lunette tournante autour dudit axe central, cette lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage étant ainsi coaxiaux. La lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage forment deux organes distincts et sont agencés de manière qu'ils puissent être chacun actionnés en rotation, par un utilisateur, de manière indépendante de l'autre.Thus, the subject of the present invention is a watch comprising a watch movement and a case incorporating this watch movement and provided with a control member making it possible to activate a function of the watch movement, this control member being movable in a radial direction and operable by a user from outside the housing, this housing being further provided with a device for locking the control member. The locking device comprises a locking member which is rotatably mounted around a central axis of the case and which is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position, in which the control member is stopped or blocked by the locking device so that said function cannot be activated by actuation of this control member in said radial direction, and at least one angular unlocking position in which the control member is released and can be actuated in said radial direction so as to allow activation of said function. The watch further comprises a rotating bezel around said central axis, this rotating bezel and the locking member thus being coaxial. The rotating bezel and the locking member form two separate members and are arranged so that they can each be actuated in rotation, by a user, independently of the other.

De préférence, l'organe de verrouillage comprend une partie annulaire, centrée sur ledit axe central, qui est agencée entre la lunette tournante et une carrure supportant cette lunette tournante.Preferably, the locking member comprises an annular part, centered on said central axis, which is arranged between the rotating bezel and a middle part supporting this rotating bezel.

Grâce aux caractéristiques de l'invention, le dispositif de verrouillage ne prend pas la place d'une lunette tournante classiquement associée au mécanisme de chronographe. De plus, le dispositif de verrouillage est, dans la variante préférée, particulièrement discret et peu visible depuis le dessus de la montre.Thanks to the characteristics of the invention, the locking device does not take the place of a rotating bezel conventionally associated with the chronograph mechanism. In addition, the device lock is, in the preferred variant, particularly discreet and not very visible from the top of the watch.

Dans un mode de réalisation général, la lunette tournante est associée au mécanisme de chronographe. Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, la montre est prévue pour la plongée.In a general embodiment, the rotating bezel is associated with the chronograph mechanism. In a particular embodiment, the watch is provided for diving.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, l'organe de verrouillage comprend un élément de préhension solidaire de sa partie annulaire et situé à l'extérieur de la carrure du boîtier de manière à permettre sa préhension par un utilisateur, pour pouvoir entraîner aisément en rotation l'organe de verrouillage au moins entre la position angulaire de verrouillage et la position angulaire de déverrouillage, et ceci évidemment dans les deux sens.In a preferred embodiment, the locking member comprises a gripping element secured to its annular part and located outside the middle of the case so as to allow it to be gripped by a user, in order to be able to easily rotate the locking member at least between the angular locking position and the angular unlocking position, and this obviously in both directions.

L'organe de commande est soit une tige-couronne permettant notamment une mise à l'heure de la montre, soit un poussoir associé à au moins une fonction de la montre. Dans le cas d'une montre chronographe classique munie de deux poussoirs, le dispositif de verrouillage peut servir à ne verrouiller qu'un seul des deux poussoirs, en particulier celui servant à enclencher et ensuite terminé la mesure d'un intervalle de temps (une durée), ou les deux poussoirs, simultanément ou séparément. Dans une variante évoluée, le dispositif de verrouillage peut être agencé de sorte à permettre de verrouiller, en fonction de la position angulaire de l'organe de verrouillage, seulement le premier poussoir, seulement le second poussoir et les deux poussoirs. Le dispositif de verrouillage peut même servir au verrouillage de la tige-couronne, notamment dans sa position de remontage (c'est-à-dire non tirée) en plus de celui d'au moins un des deux poussoirs lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans une certaine position angulaire.The control member is either a stem-crown allowing in particular a time setting of the watch, or a pusher associated with at least one function of the watch. In the case of a conventional chronograph watch provided with two push-pieces, the locking device can be used to lock only one of the two push-pieces, in particular the one serving to engage and then end the measurement of a time interval (a time), or both buttons, simultaneously or separately. In an advanced variant, the locking device can be arranged so as to make it possible to lock, depending on the angular position of the locking member, only the first pusher, only the second pusher and the two pushers. The locking device can even be used to lock the stem-crown, in particular in its winding position (that is to say not pulled out) in addition to that of at least one of the two pushers when the locking member is in a certain angular position.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier relatif à une montre de plongée munie d'une soupape, le dispositif de verrouillage peut servir au verrouillage de la soupape dans une position de fermeture vissée, au moins lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans une position angulaire spécifique. Dans ce cas, le dispositif de verrouillage comprend un organe de verrouillage qui est monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe central du boîtier et qui est agencé de manière à pouvoir être actionné par l'utilisateur de la montre entre au moins une position angulaire de verrouillage, dans laquelle la soupape est bloquée par le dispositif de verrouillage dans une position de fermeture vissée, et au moins une position angulaire de déverrouillage dans laquelle la soupape est libérée et peut être dévissée et actionnée selon ladite direction radiale de sorte à permettre son ouverture. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le dispositif de verrouillage peut également servir au verrouillage d'un organe de commande, comme mentionné ci-avant, lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans ladite position angulaire spécifique ou dans au moins une autre position angulaire.In a particular embodiment relating to a diver's watch provided with a valve, the locking device can be used to lock the valve in a screwed closed position, at least when the locking member is in a specific angular position . In this case, the locking device comprises a locking member which is rotatably mounted around a central axis of the case and which is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position, in which the valve is blocked by the locking in a screwed closed position, and at least one angular unlocking position in which the valve is released and can be unscrewed and actuated in said radial direction so as to allow its opening. In this embodiment, the locking device can also be used to lock a control member, as mentioned above, when the locking member is in said specific angular position or in at least one other angular position.

Dans une variante avantageuse du mode de réalisation particulier, l'organe de verrouillage comprend une partie inférieure, notamment formée de plusieurs secteurs annulaires séparés par des zones vides, qui est solidaire de la partie annulaire ou formée par cette dernière, cette partie inférieure s'étendant globalement dans une zone angulaire inférieure à 360° et formant une butée pour une partie de la soupape mobile en translation radiale, cette partie inférieure étant configurée de manière à bloquer la soupape, selon ladite direction radiale, dans ladite position de fermeture vissée, et ainsi empêcher une ouverture de cette soupape, lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans ladite position angulaire de verrouillage et à laisser libre la soupape dans sa mobilité selon ladite direction radiale lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans ladite position angulaire de déverrouillage.In an advantageous variant of the particular embodiment, the locking member comprises a lower part, in particular formed of several annular sectors separated by empty zones, which is integral with the annular part or formed by the latter, this lower part being extending globally in an angular zone less than 360° and forming an abutment for a part of the valve movable in radial translation, this lower part being configured so as to block the valve, in said radial direction, in said screwed closing position, and thus preventing this valve from opening when the locking member is in said angular locking position and leaving the valve free in its mobility in said radial direction when the locking member is in said angular unlocking position.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of figures

L'invention sera décrite ci-après de manière plus détaillée à l'aide des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs, dans lesquels :

  • la Figure 1A est une vue de dessus d'une montre selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention dans lequel la montre est prévue pour la plongée, le dispositif de verrouillage des poussoirs étant dans une position angulaire de verrouillage ;
  • la Figure 1B est une vue de côté de la montre de la Figure 1A ;
  • la Figure 2 est une coupe transversale partielle de la montre de la Figure 1A selon la ligne de coupe II-II ;
  • la Figure 3A est une vue de dessus de la montre de la Figure 1A avec le dispositif de verrouillage des poussoirs dans une position angulaire de déverrouillage, et la Figure 3B est une vue de côté de la montre de la Figure 3A ;
  • la Figure 4 est une coupe transversale partielle de la montre de la Figure 3A selon la ligne de coupe IV-IV ; et
  • la Figure 5 est une coupe transversale partielle, similaire à celle de la Figure 4, de la montre de la Figure 3A où un poussoir libéré a été actionné par l'exercice d'une force radiale.
The invention will be described below in more detail using the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:
  • the Figure 1A is a top view of a watch according to one embodiment of the invention in which the watch is intended for diving, the pushpiece locking device being in an angular locking position;
  • the Figure 1B is a side view of the watch from the Figure 1A ;
  • the Figure 2 is a partial cross-section of the watch from the Figure 1A along section line II-II;
  • the Figure 3A is a top view of the watch from the Figure 1A with the push-button locking device in an angular unlocking position, and the Figure 3B is a side view of the watch from the Figure 3A ;
  • the Figure 4 is a partial cross-section of the watch from the Figure 3A along section line IV-IV; and
  • the Figure 5 is a partial cross-section, similar to that of the Figure 4 , from the watch of the Figure 3A where a released plunger was actuated by the exertion of a radial force.

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

En référence aux figures, on décrira ci-après un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, lequel intègre plusieurs caractéristiques de l'invention qui peuvent, dans d'autres mode de réalisation, n'être prises que partiellement. La montre 2 est dans la variante représentée une montre de plongée.With reference to the figures, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described below, which incorporates several features of the invention which can, in other embodiments, be taken only partially. Watch 2 is, in the variant represented, a diver's watch.

La montre 2 comprend un mouvement horloger 4 et un boîtier 6 qui incorpore ce mouvement horloger, lequel comprend un mécanisme de chronographe. Le boîtier 6 est muni de plusieurs organes de commande, à savoir de deux poussoirs 8, 9 et d'une tige-couronne 10, qui permettent d'activer respectivement des fonctions différentes du mouvement horloger. De plus, le boîtier est muni d'une soupape 7 car la montre représentée est une montre de plongée. La soupape et chacun des organes de commande est mobile selon une direction radiale, 12 et 13 respectivement pour les poussoirs 8 et 9, et est actionnable par un utilisateur depuis l'extérieur du boîtier. En particulier, la soupape 7 est vissée dans sa position de fermeture. Par la suite, on considérera plus particulièrement le poussoir 8 qui sert classiquement à la fonction 'chrono' du mécanisme de chronographe, plus précisément à débuter la mesure d'un intervalle de temps et ensuite à mettre un terme à cette mesure.The watch 2 comprises a watch movement 4 and a case 6 which incorporates this watch movement, which comprises a chronograph mechanism. The case 6 is provided with several control members, namely two pushers 8, 9 and a stem-crown 10, which make it possible respectively to activate different functions of the watch movement. In addition, the case is provided with a valve 7 because the watch shown is a diver's watch. The valve and each of the control members is movable in a radial direction, 12 and 13 respectively for the pushers 8 and 9, and can be actuated by a user from outside the housing. In particular, valve 7 is screwed into its closed position. Subsequently, we will consider more particularly the pusher 8 which is conventionally used for the 'chrono' function of the chronograph mechanism, more precisely to start the measurement of a time interval and then to put an end to this measurement.

Le boîtier 6 est muni d'un dispositif de verrouillage 14 prévu pour pouvoir verrouiller au moins pour le poussoir 8. Ce dispositif de verrouillage comprend un organe de verrouillage 16 qui est monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe central 18 du boîtier et qui est agencé de manière à pouvoir être actionné par l'utilisateur de la montre entre au moins une position angulaire de verrouillage a1 (état représenté à la Fig. 1), dans laquelle le poussoir 8 est stoppé ou bloqué par le dispositif de verrouillage de sorte que sa fonction ne puisse pas être activée par un actionnement de cet organe de commande selon la direction radiale mentionnée, et au moins une position angulaire de déverrouillage α2 (état représenté à la Fig. 2) dans laquelle le poussoir 8 est libéré et peut être actionné selon cette direction radiale de sorte à permettre une activation de la fonction 'chrono'. La montre comprend en outre une lunette tournante 20 autour de l'axe central 18, cette lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage 16 étant ainsi coaxiaux. La lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage sont agencés de manière qu'ils puissent être chacun actionnés en rotation par l'utilisateur de manière indépendante de l'autre, c'est-à-dire être actionnés en rotation indépendamment l'un de l'autre.The housing 6 is provided with a locking device 14 provided to be able to lock at least for the pusher 8. This locking device comprises a locking member 16 which is rotatably mounted around a central axis 18 of the housing and which is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position a1 (state shown in Fig. 1 ), in which the pusher 8 is stopped or blocked by the locking device so that its function cannot be activated by actuation of this control member in the radial direction mentioned, and at least one angular unlocking position α2 ( state shown in Fig. 2 ) in which the pusher 8 is released and can be actuated in this radial direction so as to allow activation of the 'chrono' function. The watch further comprises a rotating bezel 20 around the central axis 18, this rotating bezel and the locking member 16 thus being coaxial. The rotating bezel and the locking member are arranged so that they can each be actuated in rotation by the user independently of the other, that is to say be actuated in rotation independently of one another. the other.

Dans la variante décrite, la lunette tournante 20 est associée à une fonction utile à la plongée. De manière avantageuse, l'organe de verrouillage 16 comprend une partie annulaire 22, centrée sur l'axe central 18, qui est agencée entre la lunette tournante 20 et la carrure 40 du boîtier 6, plus généralement entre la lunette tournante et une tige radiale 24 du poussoir 8. Cet agencement permet d'incorporer l'organe de verrouillage 16 en majeure partie à l'intérieur du boîtier 6, notamment l'entier de ladite partie annulaire, permettant ainsi au dispositif de verrouillage d'être discret et peu visible depuis le dessus de la montre, c'est-à-dire du côté du dispositif d'affichage analogique.In the variant described, the rotating bezel 20 is associated with a useful function for diving. Advantageously, the locking member 16 comprises an annular part 22, centered on the central axis 18, which is arranged between the rotating bezel 20 and the middle part 40 of the case 6, more generally between the rotating bezel and a radial rod 24 of the pusher 8. This arrangement makes it possible to incorporate the locking member 16 for the most part inside the case 6, in particular the entirety of said annular part, thus allowing the locking device to be discreet and not very visible from above the watch, that is to say from the side of the analog display device.

La lunette tournante 20 comprend une denture interne 26 associée classiquement à un ressort à cliquet 28 pour le positionnement angulaire de cette lunette tournante. Selon un autre avantage de la construction proposée, la denture interne 26 est située dans un espace cylindrique à l'intérieur de l'organe de verrouillage 16, en particulier de sa partie annulaire 22. De plus, la denture interne est située sensiblement au même niveau que l'organe de verrouillage 16, ce qui permet d'obtenir un boîtier dont la hauteur n'est pas ou peu augmentée par l'incorporation du dispositif de verrouillage. En effet, l'agencement concentrique de la partie annulaire 22 et du dispositif de positionnement angulaire de la lunette tournante 20 permet de diminuer l'encombrement du dispositif de verrouillage.The rotating bezel 20 comprises internal toothing 26 conventionally associated with a pawl spring 28 for the angular positioning of this rotating bezel. According to another advantage of the proposed construction, the internal toothing 26 is located in a cylindrical space inside the locking member 16, in particular its annular part 22. In addition, the internal toothing is located substantially at the same level than the locking member 16, which makes it possible to obtain a housing whose height is not or only slightly increased by the incorporation of the locking device. Indeed, the concentric arrangement of the annular part 22 and of the device for angular positioning of the rotating bezel 20 makes it possible to reduce the size of the locking device.

Pour empêcher un frottement métal contre métal, notamment acier contre acier, entre la partie inférieure de la lunette tournante 20 et la partie annulaire 22, une entretoise annulaire 30 est agencée dans une cavité annulaire définie par la lunette tournante et la partie annulaire de l'organe de verrouillage, entre celles-ci. Cette entretoise annulaire présente au moins une surface de glissement en contact avec une surface inférieure 32 de la lunette tournante ou avec une surface supérieure 34 de la partie annulaire, cette surface de glissement ayant un faible coefficient de frottement avec cette surface inférieure, respectivement cette surface supérieure. De préférence, l'entretoise 30 est montée libre en rotation, c'est-à-dire qu'elle n'est pas fixée à la partie annulaire ou à la partie inférieure de la lunette tournante. Dans ce cas, l'entretoise présente une surface inférieure de glissement en contact avec la surface supérieure 34 et une surface supérieure de glissement en contact avec la surface inférieure 32. Avantageusement, l'entretoise 30 est formée par du polyoxyméthylène (POM), en particulier du Delrin ®. Le coefficient de frottement est situé environ dans la plage de valeurs 0,20-0,35.To prevent metal against metal, in particular steel against steel, friction between the lower part of the rotating bezel 20 and the annular part 22, an annular spacer 30 is arranged in an annular cavity defined by the rotating bezel and the annular part of the locking member, between them. This annular spacer has at least one sliding surface in contact with a lower surface 32 of the rotating bezel or with an upper surface 34 of the annular part, this sliding surface having a low coefficient of friction with this lower surface, respectively this surface superior. Preferably, the spacer 30 is mounted free to rotate, that is to say it is not fixed to the annular part or to the lower part of the rotating bezel. In this case, the spacer has a lower sliding surface in contact with the upper surface 34 and an upper sliding surface in contact with the lower surface 32. Advantageously, the spacer 30 is formed by polyoxymethylene (POM), in particular Delrin ® . The coefficient of friction is located approximately in the range of values 0.20-0.35.

Selon une variante préférée de l'invention, l'organe de verrouillage 16 comprend un élément de préhension 36 qui est solidaire de la partie annulaire 22 et est situé à l'extérieur de la carrure 40 du boîtier de manière à permettre aisément sa préhension par un utilisateur, pour pouvoir entraîner en rotation l'organe de verrouillage entre la position angulaire de verrouillage α1 et la position angulaire de déverrouillage α2. Cet élément de préhension est élégant et confère un caractère technique supplémentaire à la montre chronographe de plongée. On remarquera que dans la variante représentée aux figures, la partie annulaire 22 de l'organe de verrouillage présente une face latérale cylindrique qui est visible latéralement sur tout son pourtour.According to a preferred variant of the invention, the locking member 16 comprises a gripping element 36 which is integral with the annular part 22 and is located outside the middle part 40 of the case so as to allow it to be easily gripped by a user, in order to be able to rotate the locking member between the angular locking position α1 and the angular unlocking position α2. This gripping element is elegant and gives an additional technical character to the diving chronograph watch. It will be noted that in the variant shown in the figures, the annular part 22 of the locking member has a cylindrical side face which is laterally visible over its entire periphery.

Dans une autre variante, il est possible de prévoir que la partie annulaire soit entièrement située à l'intérieur du boîtier et donc non visible de l'extérieur, sauf éventuellement aux deux extrémités d'une zone angulaire parcourue par une partie de liaison entre l'élément de préhension et la partie annulaire. Dans cette dernière variante, pour masquer en tout temps la cavité débouchante dans laquelle est située et se meut la partie de liaison, on peut prévoir avantageusement un parcours angulaire relativement court pour l'élément de préhension entre la position angulaire de verrouillage α1 et la position angulaire de déverrouillage α2 de l'organe de verrouillage, ainsi qu'une étendue angulaire de l'élément de préhension telle que ce dernier couvre ladite cavité débouchante quelle que soit la position angulaire de l'organe de verrouillage dans la plage de positions angulaires définies par ces positions angulaires de verrouillage et de déverrouillage. Selon la variante représentée, laquelle permet un actionnement aisé du dispositif de verrouillage avec le pouce de l'utilisateur, l'élément de préhension 36 est avantageusement situé dans un secteur angulaire compris entre 220° et 290°, calculé dans le sens horaire depuis la position '12 heures', correspondant à 0°, sur un tour d'heures de '12 heures'. De préférence, la position angulaire de verrouillage a1 est située environ entre 240° et 250°, et la position angulaire de déverrouillage α2 est égale à 270°. Selon une variante plus générale, l'élément de préhension 36 est situé dans un secteur angulaire compris entre 150° et 300°.In another variant, it is possible to provide for the annular part to be located entirely inside the casing and therefore not visible from the outside, except possibly at the two ends of an angular zone traversed by a connecting part between the gripping element and the annular part. In this last variant, in order to mask at all times the emerging cavity in which the connecting part is located and moves, it is possible advantageously to provide a relatively short angular path for the gripping element between the angular locking position α1 and the position unlocking angle α2 of the locking member, as well as an angular extent of the gripping element such that the latter covers the said open cavity regardless of the angular position of the locking member in the range of defined angular positions by these angular locking and unlocking positions. According to the variant shown, which allows easy actuation of the locking device with the thumb of the user, the gripping element 36 is advantageously located in an angular sector between 220° and 290°, calculated clockwise from the '12 o'clock position, corresponding to 0°, on a '12 o'clock hour rotation. Preferably, the angular locking position a1 is approximately between 240° and 250°, and the angular unlocking position α2 is equal to 270°. According to a more general variant, the gripping element 36 is situated in an angular sector comprised between 150° and 300°.

On décrira ci-après plus précisément la manière dont le verrouillage et le déverrouillage du poussoir 8, mais de préférence des deux poussoirs 8 et 9 et éventuellement aussi de la soupape 7 et de la tige-couronne 10, est obtenu avec le dispositif de verrouillage 14 selon le mode de réalisation préféré décrit en référence aux figures. L'organe de verrouillage 16 comprend une partie inférieure 44 qui est solidaire de la partie annulaire ou qui est formée par cette dernière (c'est-à-dire venue de matière avec cette partie annulaire selon la variante représentée), cette partie inférieure s'étendant globalement dans une zone angulaire qui est inférieure à 360° et présentant une surface latérale extérieure 46 qui forme une butée pour une partie 50 du poussoir 8 mobile en translation radiale. On notera que la partie inférieure 44 est généralement formée de plusieurs secteurs annulaires distincts qui sont séparés par des zones vides. La partie inférieure 44 est configurée de manière à stopper, selon la variante représentée, ou à bloquer, selon une autre variante dans laquelle la partie inférieure pénètre une rainure circulaire usinée dans le corps 52 du poussoir 8, ce poussoir 8 selon la direction radiale 12, pour ainsi empêcher une activation de la fonction 'chrono', lorsque l'organe de verrouillage 16 est dans la position angulaire de verrouillage (Fig. 1A, 1B et Fig. 2) et à laisser libre l'organe de commande dans sa mobilité selon ladite direction radiale lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans la position angulaire de déverrouillage (Fig. 3A, 3B et Fig. 4). Dans cette dernière position, la partie mobile 50 peut se déplacer dans une cavité intérieure du boîtier 6, laquelle est définie partiellement par un secteur vide susmentionné, sans être stoppée ou bloquée dans son mouvement de translation radiale jusqu'à une position terminale, comme représenté à la Figure 5. Dans le mouvement du poussoir entre l'état donné à la Figure 4 et l'état donné à la Figure 5, effectué classiquement grâce à une force radiale exercée par un utilisateur sur le poussoir 8, la fonction 'chrono' est réalisée, à savoir soit l'embrayage du mécanisme de chronographe pour le déclenchement de la mesure d'un intervalle de temps, soit le débrayage de ce mécanisme de chronographe pour terminer cette mesure.The way in which the locking and unlocking of the pusher 8, but preferably of the two pushers 8 and 9 and possibly also of the valve 7 and of the stem-crown 10, is obtained with the locking device will be described more precisely below. 14 according to the preferred embodiment described with reference to the figures. The locking member 16 comprises a lower part 44 which is integral with the annular part or which is formed by the latter (that is to say made in one piece with this annular part according to the variant shown), this lower part s extending globally in an angular zone which is less than 360° and having an outer lateral surface 46 which forms an abutment for a part 50 of the pusher 8 movable in radial translation. It will be noted that the lower part 44 is generally formed of several distinct annular sectors which are separated by empty zones. The lower part 44 is configured so as to stop, according to the variant shown, or to block, according to another variant in which the lower part penetrates a circular groove machined in the body 52 of the pusher 8, this pusher 8 in the radial direction 12 , to thus prevent activation of the 'chrono' function, when the locking member 16 is in the angular locking position ( Fig. 1A, 1B and Fig. 2 ) and to leave the control member free in its mobility in said radial direction when the locking member is in the angular unlocking position ( Fig. 3A, 3B and Fig. 4 ). In this last position, the movable part 50 can move in an interior cavity of the casing 6, which is partially defined by an aforementioned empty sector, without being stopped or blocked in its movement of radial translation up to a terminal position, as represented to the Figure 5 . In the movement of the pusher between the state given to the Figure 4 and the state given to the Figure 5 , performed conventionally thanks to a radial force exerted by a user on the pusher 8, the 'chrono' function is performed, namely either the clutch of the chronograph mechanism for triggering the measurement of a time interval, or the disengagement of this chronograph mechanism to complete this measurement.

La partie mobile 50 de l'organe de commande 8 est formée par une partie saillante supérieure qui s'élève au-dessus du corps 52 de cet organe de commande auquel elle est fixée, notamment vissée, ce corps 52 sortant de la carrure 40 du boîtier 6 et étant agencé dans cette carrure de manière coulissante le long de la direction radiale 12. La partie saillante supérieure est agencée au niveau de la partie inférieure 44 de l'organe de verrouillage 16 et elle est logée avantageusement dans une cavité interne du boîtier, c'est-à-dire qu'elle est située à l'intérieur de ce boîtier.The movable part 50 of the control member 8 is formed by an upper projecting part which rises above the body 52 of this control member to which it is fixed, in particular screwed, this body 52 coming out of the middle part 40 of the case 6 and being arranged in this middle part in a sliding manner along the radial direction 12. The upper projecting part is arranged at the level of the lower part 44 of the locking member 16 and it is advantageously housed in an internal cavity of the case , that is to say that it is located inside this case.

Claims (14)

Montre (2) comprenant un mouvement horloger (4) et un boîtier (6) incorporant ce mouvement horloger et muni d'un organe de commande (8 ; 9 ; 10) permettant d'activer une fonction du mouvement horloger, cet organe de commande étant mobile selon une direction radiale (12 ; 13) et actionnable par un utilisateur depuis l'extérieur du boîtier, ce boîtier étant muni en outre d'un dispositif (14) de verrouillage de l'organe de commande, ce dispositif de verrouillage comprenant un organe de verrouillage (16) qui est monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe central (18) du boîtier et qui est agencé de manière à pouvoir être actionné par l'utilisateur de la montre entre au moins une position angulaire de verrouillage (α1), dans laquelle l'organe de commande est stoppé ou bloqué par le dispositif de verrouillage de sorte que ladite fonction ne puisse pas être activée par un actionnement de cet organe de commande selon ladite direction radiale, et au moins une position angulaire de déverrouillage (α2) dans laquelle l'organe de commande est libéré et peut être actionné selon ladite direction radiale de sorte à permettre une activation de ladite fonction ; caractérisée en ce que cette montre comprend en outre une lunette tournante (20) autour dudit axe central, cette lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage étant ainsi coaxiaux, la lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage étant agencés de manière qu'ils puissent être chacun actionnés en rotation par l'utilisateur de manière indépendante de l'autre.Watch (2) comprising a watch movement (4) and a case (6) incorporating this watch movement and provided with a control member (8; 9; 10) enabling a function of the watch movement to be activated, this control member being movable in a radial direction (12; 13) and operable by a user from outside the housing, this housing being further provided with a device (14) for locking the control member, this locking device comprising a locking member (16) which is rotatably mounted around a central axis (18) of the case and which is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position ( α1), in which the control member is stopped or blocked by the locking device so that said function cannot be activated by actuation of this control member in said radial direction, and at least one angular unlocking position (α2) in which the control member is released and can be actuated in said radial direction so as to allow activation of said function; characterized in that this watch further comprises a rotating bezel (20) about said central axis, this rotating bezel and the locking member thus being coaxial, the rotating bezel and the locking member being arranged so that they can each be actuated in rotation by the user independently of the other. Montre selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que l'organe de verrouillage comprend une partie annulaire (22), centrée sur ledit axe central (18), qui est agencée entre la lunette tournante (20) et une carrure (40) supportant cette lunette tournante.Watch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the locking member comprises an annular part (22), centered on the said central axis (18), which is arranged between the rotating bezel (20) and a middle part (40) supporting this rotating bezel. Montre selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que la lunette tournante (20) comprend une denture interne (26) associée à un ressort à cliquet (28) pour le positionnement angulaire de cette lunette tournante, la denture interne étant située dans un espace cylindrique situé à l'intérieur de l'organe de verrouillage (16), en particulier de sa partie annulaire (22).Watch according to Claim 2, characterized in that the rotating bezel (20) comprises internal toothing (26) associated with a spring ratchet (28) for the angular positioning of this rotating bezel, the internal toothing being located in a cylindrical space located inside the locking member (16), in particular its annular part (22). Montre selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisée en ce que cette montre comprend une entretoise annulaire (30) qui est agencée dans une cavité annulaire définie par la lunette tournante (20) et la partie annulaire (22) de l'organe de verrouillage, cette entretoise annulaire présentant au moins une surface de glissement en contact avec une surface inférieure (32) de la lunette tournante ou avec une surface supérieure (34) de ladite partie annulaire, cette surface de glissement ayant un faible coefficient de frottement avec cette surface inférieure, respectivement avec cette surface supérieure.Watch according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that this watch comprises an annular spacer (30) which is arranged in an annular cavity defined by the rotating bezel (20) and the annular part (22) of the locking member, this annular spacer having at least one sliding surface in contact with a lower surface (32) of the rotating bezel or with an upper surface (34) of the said annular part, this sliding surface having a low coefficient of friction with this lower surface , respectively with this upper surface. Montre selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l'organe de verrouillage (16) comprend un élément de préhension (36) qui est solidaire de ladite partie annulaire (22) et situé à l'extérieur de la carrure (40) du boîtier de manière à permettre sa préhension par un utilisateur pour pouvoir entraîner en rotation l'organe de verrouillage au moins entre ladite position angulaire de verrouillage (α1) et ladite position angulaire de déverrouillage (α2).Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (16) comprises a gripping element (36) which is integral with the said annular part (22) and located outside the middle part (40) of the housing so as to allow it to be gripped by a user in order to be able to rotate the locking member at least between said angular locking position (α1) and said angular unlocking position (α2). Montre selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que l'élément de préhension (36) est situé dans un secteur angulaire compris entre 220° et 290° calculé dans le sens horaire depuis la position '12 heures' (0°) sur un tour d'heures de '12 heures'.Watch according to Claim 5, characterized in that the gripping element (36) is situated in an angular sector comprised between 220° and 290° calculated in the clockwise direction from the '12 o'clock position' (0°) over one revolution hours of '12 hours'. Montre selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l'organe de verrouillage (16) comprend une partie inférieure (44), notamment formée de plusieurs secteurs annulaires séparés par des zones vides, qui est solidaire de la partie annulaire (22) ou formée par cette dernière, cette partie inférieure s'étendant globalement dans une zone angulaire inférieure à 360° et présentant une surface latérale extérieure (46) qui forme une butée pour une partie (50) de l'organe de commande mobile en translation radiale, cette partie inférieure (44) étant configurée de manière à stopper ou bloquer l'organe de commande selon ladite direction radiale, et ainsi empêcher une activation de ladite fonction, lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans ladite position angulaire de verrouillage (α1) et à laisser libre l'organe de commande dans sa mobilité selon ladite direction radiale lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans ladite position angulaire de déverrouillage (α2).Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (16) comprises a lower part (44), in particular formed of several annular sectors separated by empty zones, which is integral with the annular part (22) or formed by the latter, this lower part extending globally in an angular zone less than 360° and having an outer lateral surface (46) which forms an abutment for a part (50) of the control member movable in radial translation, this lower part (44) being configured so as to stop or block the control member in said radial direction, and thus prevent activation of said function, when the locking member is in said angular locking position (α1) and to leave the control member free in its mobility in said radial direction when the locking member is in said angular unlocking position (α2). Montre selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie mobile en translation radiale est une partie saillante supérieure (50) qui s'élève au-dessus d'un corps (52) de cet organe de commande auquel elle est fixée, notamment par vissage, ce corps sortant de la carrure (40) du boîtier et étant agencé dans cette carrure de manière coulissante le long de ladite direction radiale (12), la partie saillante supérieure étant agencée au niveau de ladite partie inférieure de l'organe de verrouillage et logée dans une cavité située à l'intérieur de la carrure.Watch according to Claim 7, characterized in that the said part movable in radial translation is an upper projecting part (50) which rises above a body (52) of this control member to which it is fixed, in particular by screwing, this body emerging from the middle part (40) of the case and being arranged in this middle part in a sliding manner along the said radial direction (12), the upper projecting part being arranged at the level of the said lower part of the locking member and housed in a cavity located inside the caseband. Montre selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le mouvement horloger (4) comprend un mécanisme de chronographe, ladite fonction étant une fonction 'chrono' du mécanisme de chronographe et ledit organe de commande formant un poussoir (8) associé à ce mécanisme chronographe.Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the watch movement (4) comprises a chronograph mechanism, the said function being a 'chrono' function of the chronograph mechanism and the said control member forming a pusher (8) associated with this chronograph mechanism. Montre selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que cette montre est une montre de plongée, ladite lunette tournante (20) étant associée notamment à une fonction utile à la plongée.Watch according to Claim 9, characterized in that this watch is a diving watch, the said rotating bezel (20) being associated in particular with a useful function for diving. Montre (2) comprenant un mouvement horloger (4) et un boîtier (6) incorporant ce mouvement horloger et muni d'une soupape (7), cette soupape étant mobile selon une direction radiale (12) et actionnable par un utilisateur depuis l'extérieur du boîtier, ce boîtier étant muni en outre d'un dispositif (14) de verrouillage de la soupape, ce dispositif de verrouillage comprenant un organe de verrouillage (16) qui est monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe central (18) du boîtier et qui est agencé de manière à pouvoir être actionné par l'utilisateur de la montre entre au moins une position angulaire de verrouillage, dans laquelle la soupape est bloquée par le dispositif de verrouillage dans une position de fermeture vissée, et au moins une position angulaire de déverrouillage dans laquelle la soupape est libérée et peut être dévissée et actionnée selon ladite direction radiale de sorte à permettre son ouverture ; cette montre comprenant en outre une lunette tournante (20) autour dudit axe central, cette lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage étant ainsi coaxiaux, la lunette tournante et l'organe de verrouillage étant agencés de manière qu'ils puissent être chacun actionnés en rotation par l'utilisateur de manière indépendante de l'autre.Watch (2) comprising a watch movement (4) and a case (6) incorporating this watch movement and provided with a valve (7), this valve being movable in a radial direction (12) and operable by a user from outside the housing, this housing being further provided with a device (14) for locking the valve, this locking device comprising a locking member (16) which is rotatably mounted around a central axis (18) of the case and which is arranged so as to be operable by the user of the watch between at least one angular locking position, in which the valve is locked by the locking device in a screwed closed position , and at least one angular unlocking position in which the valve is released and can be unscrewed and actuated in said radial direction so as to allow its opening; this watch further comprising a rotating bezel (20) around said central axis, this rotating bezel and the locking member thus being coaxial, the rotating bezel and the locking member being arranged so that they can each be actuated by rotation by the user independently of each other. Montre selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage comprend une partie annulaire (22), centrée sur ledit axe central (18), qui est agencée entre la lunette tournante (20) et une carrure (40) supportant cette lunette tournante.Watch according to Claim 11, in which the locking member comprises an annular part (22), centered on the said central axis (18), which is arranged between the rotating bezel (20) and a middle part (40) supporting this rotating bezel . Montre selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage (16) comprend un élément de préhension (36) qui est solidaire de ladite partie annulaire (22) et situé à l'extérieur de la carrure (40) du boîtier de manière à permettre sa préhension par un utilisateur pour pouvoir entraîner en rotation l'organe de verrouillage au moins entre ladite position angulaire de verrouillage et ladite position angulaire de déverrouillage.Watch according to Claim 11 or 12, in which the locking member (16) comprises a gripping element (36) which is integral with the said annular part (22) and located outside the middle part (40) of the case so as to allow it to be gripped by a user in order to be able to rotate the locking member at least between said angular locking position and said angular unlocking position. Montre selon une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage (16) comprend une partie inférieure (44), notamment formée de plusieurs secteurs annulaires séparés par des zones vides, qui est solidaire de la partie annulaire (22) ou formée par cette dernière, cette partie inférieure s'étendant globalement dans une zone angulaire inférieure à 360° et formant une butée pour une partie de la soupape mobile en translation radiale, cette partie inférieure (44) étant configurée de manière à bloquer la soupape, selon ladite direction radiale, dans ladite position de fermeture vissée, et ainsi empêcher une ouverture de cette soupape, lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans ladite position angulaire de verrouillage et à laisser libre la soupape dans sa mobilité selon ladite direction radiale lorsque l'organe de verrouillage est dans ladite position angulaire de déverrouillage.Watch according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, in which the locking member (16) comprises a lower part (44), in particular formed of several annular sectors separated by empty zones, which is integral with the annular part (22) or formed by the latter, this lower part extending overall in an angular zone less than 360° and forming an abutment for a part of the valve movable in radial translation, this lower part (44) being configured so as to lock the valve, in said radial direction, in said screwed closed position, and thus prevent opening of this valve, when the locking member is in said angular locking position and to leave the valve free in its mobility in said radial direction when the locking member is in said angular unlocking position.
EP21158506.2A 2021-02-17 2021-02-22 Watch provided with a device for locking an external control member Pending EP4047423A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/555,824 US11822291B2 (en) 2021-02-17 2021-12-20 Watch equipped with a device for locking an external control unit
JP2022005437A JP7295981B2 (en) 2021-02-17 2022-01-18 watch with a device for locking an external control unit
CN202210141689.4A CN114942578A (en) 2021-02-17 2022-02-16 Watch equipped with a locking device for locking an external control unit

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EP21157706 2021-02-17

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EP4047423A1 true EP4047423A1 (en) 2022-08-24

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EP (1) EP4047423A1 (en)
JP (1) JP7295981B2 (en)
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005337792A (en) 2004-05-25 2005-12-08 Seiko Epson Corp Portable electronic device
EP3407144A2 (en) * 2017-05-24 2018-11-28 Omega SA Timepiece comprising a device for locking a pusher
EP3557336A1 (en) * 2018-04-20 2019-10-23 Rolex Sa System for locking a control element of a timepiece
EP3650951A1 (en) * 2018-11-09 2020-05-13 Omega SA Timepiece comprising a device for locking a valve or a crown

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5437875B2 (en) * 2010-03-26 2014-03-12 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Cell phone clock
EP3282323B1 (en) * 2016-08-12 2023-07-19 Omega SA Timepiece with retractable push button

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005337792A (en) 2004-05-25 2005-12-08 Seiko Epson Corp Portable electronic device
EP3407144A2 (en) * 2017-05-24 2018-11-28 Omega SA Timepiece comprising a device for locking a pusher
EP3557336A1 (en) * 2018-04-20 2019-10-23 Rolex Sa System for locking a control element of a timepiece
EP3650951A1 (en) * 2018-11-09 2020-05-13 Omega SA Timepiece comprising a device for locking a valve or a crown

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US11822291B2 (en) 2023-11-21
JP7295981B2 (en) 2023-06-21
US20220260954A1 (en) 2022-08-18
JP2022125968A (en) 2022-08-29
CN114942578A (en) 2022-08-26

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