EP2639656B1 - Control device for a diving watch - Google Patents

Control device for a diving watch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2639656B1
EP2639656B1 EP12159349.5A EP12159349A EP2639656B1 EP 2639656 B1 EP2639656 B1 EP 2639656B1 EP 12159349 A EP12159349 A EP 12159349A EP 2639656 B1 EP2639656 B1 EP 2639656B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
case
control lever
user
pushbutton
lever
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP12159349.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2639656A1 (en
Inventor
Christophe Robert
Julien Bernard
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.)
Graham SA
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Graham SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Graham SA filed Critical Graham SA
Priority to EP12159349.5A priority Critical patent/EP2639656B1/en
Publication of EP2639656A1 publication Critical patent/EP2639656A1/en
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Publication of EP2639656B1 publication Critical patent/EP2639656B1/en
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    • 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
    • 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
    • G04B37/04—Mounting the clockwork in the case; Shock absorbing mountings
    • G04B37/049—Mountings for sound-damping
    • 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
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G04B47/06—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass
    • G04B47/066—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass with a pressure sensor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle part and a device for controlling a timepiece mechanism comprising a pusher, arranged through an adapted opening of the middle part and, intended to act on a lever for controlling the timepiece mechanism, in response to a user action.
  • the significant pressure that a pusher can undergo at a depth of 600 meters, for example or even more, may be sufficient for it to activates the mechanism it controls, involuntarily, if no special precautions are taken.
  • control levers for watch mechanisms generally have a minimum value of the force that must be applied to them to actuate the corresponding mechanism.
  • the surrounding pressure in great depths acts on a push-piece to move it towards the inside of the watch case, possibly to the point that it activates the watch mechanism. This risk is linked to the fact that the pressure in the watch case remains close to atmospheric pressure, giving rise to a significant pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the case.
  • the patent application EP 1818734 A1 describes a watch with a chronograph function comprising a lever arranged between the two pushers of the chronograph function to improve the ergonomics of actuation of these pushers, in particular by presenting an actuation surface extended to the user in association with each of the pushers.
  • a main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the control devices known from the prior art, by proposing an alternative watch case construction, the control members of which have improved reliability, even under difficult conditions such as diving.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to a watch case of the type indicated above, in which the control device comprises an intermediate rocker intended to be interposed between the pusher and the control lever of the watch mechanism, the intermediate rocker being arranged to present a rotary movement of axis X1 and, comprising an actuating finger intended to act on the control lever of the clock mechanism in response to the action of the user.
  • the intermediate lever has a bearing surface arranged opposite the pusher and on which the latter exerts pressure in response to the action of the user, this bearing surface being located between the axis of rotation X1 and the actuating finger.
  • a lever arm is implemented between the pusher and the control lever of the timepiece mechanism, such that the force which it is necessary to apply to the plunger to actuate the timepiece mechanism is greater than the force necessary for the direct actuation of its control lever.
  • control device comprises an external control member, arranged to act on the pusher in response to the action of the user, and preferably at least one return spring arranged between the middle part and the external control member.
  • the control member comprises a control lever pivotally mounted on the middle along an axis of rotation X2.
  • the pusher may have a surface subjected to external pressure of small dimensions, while the control lever may have an extended gripping surface, to facilitate its handling, the force undergone by an object bathed in a certain pressure being proportional to its surface which undergoes this pressure.
  • the gripping surface of the control lever intended to receive the pressure exerted by a user, and the axis of rotation X2 of the control lever are located on either side of an actuation surface. of the latter arranged opposite the pusher to act on it in response to the action of the user.
  • a second lever arm is implemented, whereby the force transmitted to the pusher by the control lever is greater than the force undergone by the control lever when a user exerts pressure on it.
  • the external control lever has its own return spring and is thus decoupled from the pusher, which means that its angular position is not dependent on the external pressure. Furthermore, it can be provided, without limitation, that the return spring of the control lever cooperates with a portion of the control lever located between the axis of rotation X2 and the actuation surface.
  • the pusher comprises a tube integral with the middle part and inside which is arranged a rod movable in translation.
  • the rod comprises two parts, one of which has a free end located on the side of the outside of the box and the second has a free end located inside the box and defining a stop for retaining the rod inside the tube, a spring being arranged in the tube so as to act on the rod and push it back towards the outside of the box.
  • At least one packing is preferably arranged between an inner wall of the tube and the rod.
  • the tube can advantageously be screwed, and optionally additionally glued, into the corresponding opening of the middle part.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a case meeting the characteristics which have just been stated.
  • the figure 1 shows a general simplified front view of a watch case 1 comprising a control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the box 1 illustrated is intended for the production of a diving watch. It has a middle part 2 comprising two pairs of horns 4 intended to each carry a rod 6 for fixing one end of a bracelet (not shown).
  • the middle part 2 also carries a rotating bezel 8, well known in the field of diving watches.
  • a conventional winding and time setting crown 10 is arranged at ten o'clock.
  • the construction of the crown and of its winding stem (not visible) will not be described in detail here since it has no direct relationship with the present invention.
  • the case 1 is intended to house a timepiece movement comprising a timepiece mechanism requiring the implementation of an additional control member, of the pusher type, such as for example a chronograph mechanism, without limitation.
  • the pusher (visible on the figures 2a and 2b ) is actuable by means of a control lever 12, pivotally mounted along an axis of rotation X2 on an extension 14 of the middle part 2, located here at nine o'clock by way of non-limiting illustration.
  • the control lever 12 has a gripping surface 16, advantageously striated here, intended to be actuated by a user to control the operation of the chronograph mechanism (here of the mono-push type).
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b show simplified, similar section views, illustrating the construction of the control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective first and second configurations.
  • the middle part 2 is provided with a substantially cylindrical opening 20 in which the pusher 22 is housed.
  • the pusher 22 comprises a tube 24 advantageously screwed into the opening 20 and optionally additionally glued, to ensure good sealing of the corresponding connection.
  • a rod 26 is housed inside the tube 24 so as to be able to move in translation in a substantially radial direction, between a rest position, illustrated on the figure 2a , and an active position, illustrated on the figure 2b .
  • the latter is also in a rest position on the figure 2a , in which it is held under the effect of the action of a return spring 30, arranged between the middle part 2 and a portion 32 of the control lever, located between the axis of rotation X2 and the actuation surface 28.
  • the stroke of the control lever 12 towards the outside is preferably limited by a stop of the middle part which is not visible.
  • the internal end of the rod 26 is arranged in abutment against a bearing surface 34 of an intermediate lever 36 pivotally mounted, along an axis of rotation X1, on a shoulder 38 formed in the internal wall of the middle 2.
  • the intermediate lever 36 carries a finger 40, at its free end, arranged so as to be able to actuate a control lever (not visible) of the chronograph mechanism assembled on the watch movement 42.
  • the return of the intermediate lever to its rest position can be achieved by a return spring of the watch mechanism only or, alternatively, by an additional specific spring (not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • control lever When the control lever is pressed by a user, to move from its rest position, illustrated on the figure 2a , in its active position, illustrated on the figure 2b , it moves the rod 26 of the pusher, towards the inside of the middle part, by exerting pressure on it.
  • the rod 26 then acts in turn on the intermediate lever 36, via its bearing surface 34, the finger 40 of the lever in turn exerting pressure on the control lever of the chronograph mechanism.
  • the figure 3 shows a simplified sectional view of the structure of the pusher 22, according to a preferred but not limiting embodiment.
  • the rod 26 is made in two parts 44, 46, assembled by screwing, for obvious mounting reasons, the second part 46 having a larger diameter than the internal diameter of the tube 24.
  • the second part 46 defines a stop retaining the rod 26 in the tube 24 so that it cannot come out on the outside.
  • Two O-ring seals 48 are arranged between the internal wall of the tube 24 and the second part 46 of the rod, against the end wall 48 of the tube 24, to seal the assembly.
  • a washer 50 rests on the O-ring seals to define a bearing surface for a first end of a helical spring 52, the second end of which is arranged to bear against a shoulder 54 formed in the first part 44 of the rod 26
  • the spring 52 acts permanently on the rod 26 to push it towards the outside and, therefore, place the pusher 22 in its rest configuration.
  • Such levers for controlling watch mechanisms are typically subjected to a restoring force, exerted by a spring housed in the watch movement, which can be of the order of approximately 10 to 40 Newtons.
  • a first possible measure to avoid this risk consists in reducing the surface of the pusher subjected to external pressure.
  • this measurement is limited by the fact that the pusher must remain operable by the user, all the more so when the latter is wearing a diving suit having a certain flexibility, making the manipulation of the pusher even more difficult.
  • the reduction in dimensions of the pusher makes the measures necessary to ensure its tightness more complex.
  • the present invention consists of an alternative solution residing in the implementation of a lever arm, making it possible to reduce the impact of the external pressure on the control lever of the watch mechanism, by interposing the intermediate lever 36 between the pusher 22 and the control lever of the watch mechanism.
  • control lever 12 combined with the pusher and the intermediate lever makes it possible to facilitate the actuation of the clock mechanism when the watch is subjected to an ordinary external pressure, for example atmospheric pressure.
  • an ordinary external pressure for example atmospheric pressure.
  • a watch case comprising a control device, of the push button type, intended to actuate a control lever for a watch mechanism housed in the box, with the interposition of an intermediate rocker allowing the implementation of a lever arm aimed at reducing the force undergone by the control lever of the watch mechanism in reference to the force exerted by the pusher on the intermediate scale, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne une boîte de montre comportant une carrure et un dispositif de commande d'un mécanisme horloger comprenant un poussoir, agencé au travers d'une ouverture adaptée de la carrure et, destiné à agir sur un levier de commande du mécanisme horloger, en réponse à une action d'un utilisateur.The present invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle part and a device for controlling a timepiece mechanism comprising a pusher, arranged through an adapted opening of the middle part and, intended to act on a lever for controlling the timepiece mechanism, in response to a user action.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

De tels dispositifs sont déjà connus de l'état de la technique, comme par exemple de l'ouvrage intitulé " Théorie d'horlogerie", de C.-A. Reymondin et al., édité par la Fédération des Ecoles Techniques (Suisse), ISBN 2-940025-10-X, qui présente, aux pages 232-233 , un mouvement de type chronographe ayant un levier de commande du mécanisme de chronographe actionné par un poussoir dont les déplacements sont commandés depuis l'extérieur de la boîte (non visible sur les illustrations). Les pages 262 et 264 de ce même ouvrage fournissent également des indications sur les structures de poussoirs et leur implantation dans une boîte de montre.Such devices are already known from the state of the art, such as for example from the work entitled " Clockmaking theory ", by C.-A. Reymondin et al., Edited by the Federation of Technical Schools (Switzerland), ISBN 2-940025-10-X, which presents, on pages 232-233 , a chronograph type movement having a lever for controlling the chronograph mechanism actuated by a push-piece whose movements are controlled from outside the case (not visible in the illustrations). Pages 262 and 264 of this same work also provide information on the structures of pushers and their installation in a watch case.

Toutefois, ces structures conventionnelles peuvent se révéler inadaptées dans certaines conditions d'utilisation des montres correspondantes.However, these conventional structures may prove to be unsuitable under certain conditions of use of the corresponding watches.

Ainsi, par exemple, le port d'une montre dans la pratique de la plongée en grandes profondeurs peut se révéler problématique en ce qui concerne la fiabilité de fonctionnement de ces dispositifs de commande.Thus, for example, the wearing of a watch in the practice of diving at great depths can prove to be problematic as regards the reliability of operation of these control devices.

En effet, la pression importante qui règne sous l'eau pose des problèmes d'étanchéité, ceux-ci étant particulièrement délicats à résoudre au niveau des organes de commande nécessitant la réalisation d'ouvertures dans la boîte.Indeed, the high pressure which reigns under water poses sealing problems, these being particularly difficult to solve at the level of the control members requiring the production of openings in the box.

De nombreux brevets sont déjà connus qui traitent de la structure de tels organes de commande présentant une étanchéité améliorée, comme par exemple le brevet CH 423638 .Many patents are already known which deal with the structure of such control members having improved sealing, such as for example the patent. CH 423638 .

Par ailleurs, la pression importante que peut subir un poussoir à 600 mètres de profondeur, par exemple voire plus, peut être suffisante pour que celui-ci actionne le mécanisme qu'il commande, de manière involontaire, si aucune précaution particulière n'est prise.Furthermore, the significant pressure that a pusher can undergo at a depth of 600 meters, for example or even more, may be sufficient for it to activates the mechanism it controls, involuntarily, if no special precautions are taken.

En effet, les leviers de commande de mécanismes horlogers présentent généralement une valeur minimale de la force qu'il faut leur appliquer pour actionner le mécanisme correspondant. Aussi, sans précaution particulière, il se peut que la pression environnante en grandes profondeurs agisse sur un poussoir pour le déplacer en direction de l'intérieur de la boîte de montre, éventuellement au point qu'il actionne le mécanisme horloger. Ce risque est lié au fait que la pression dans la boîte de montre reste proche de la pression atmosphérique, donnant lieu à un différentiel important de pression entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur de la boîte.In fact, the control levers for watch mechanisms generally have a minimum value of the force that must be applied to them to actuate the corresponding mechanism. Also, without special precautions, it is possible that the surrounding pressure in great depths acts on a push-piece to move it towards the inside of the watch case, possibly to the point that it activates the watch mechanism. This risk is linked to the fact that the pressure in the watch case remains close to atmospheric pressure, giving rise to a significant pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the case.

Certains poussoirs, comme celui décrit dans le brevet cité précédemment, sont vissés dans le but d'en améliorer l'étanchéité. Toutefois, ils deviennent alors inutilisables en cours de plongée.Some pushers, such as that described in the patent cited above, are screwed in order to improve the seal. However, they then become unusable during diving.

Dans un registre différent, la demande de brevet EP 1818734 A1 décrit une montre à fonction chronographe comportant une bascule agencée entre les deux poussoirs de la fonction chronographe pour améliorer l'ergonomie d'actionnement de ces poussoirs, notamment en présentant une surface d'actionnement étendue à l'utilisateur en association avec chacun des poussoirs.In a different register, the patent application EP 1818734 A1 describes a watch with a chronograph function comprising a lever arranged between the two pushers of the chronograph function to improve the ergonomics of actuation of these pushers, in particular by presenting an actuation surface extended to the user in association with each of the pushers.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of invention

Un but principal de la présente invention est de pallier les inconvénients des dispositifs de commande connus de l'art antérieur, en proposant une construction de boîte de montre alternative, dont les organes de commande présentent une fiabilité améliorée, y compris dans des conditions difficiles comme en plongée.A main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the control devices known from the prior art, by proposing an alternative watch case construction, the control members of which have improved reliability, even under difficult conditions such as diving.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne plus particulièrement une boîte de montre du type indiqué plus haut, dans laquelle le dispositif de commande comporte une bascule intermédiaire destinée à être interposée entre le poussoir et le levier de commande du mécanisme horloger, la bascule intermédiaire étant agencée pour présenter un mouvement rotatif d'axe X1 et, comprenant un doigt d'actionnement destiné à agir sur le levier de commande du mécanisme horloger en réponse à l'action de l'utilisateur. En outre, la bascule intermédiaire présente une surface d'appui agencée en regard du poussoir et sur laquelle ce dernier exerce une pression en réponse à l'action de l'utilisateur, cette surface d'appui étant située entre l'axe de rotation X1 et le doigt d'actionnement.To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a watch case of the type indicated above, in which the control device comprises an intermediate rocker intended to be interposed between the pusher and the control lever of the watch mechanism, the intermediate rocker being arranged to present a rotary movement of axis X1 and, comprising an actuating finger intended to act on the control lever of the clock mechanism in response to the action of the user. In addition, the intermediate lever has a bearing surface arranged opposite the pusher and on which the latter exerts pressure in response to the action of the user, this bearing surface being located between the axis of rotation X1 and the actuating finger.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, un bras de levier est mis en œuvre, entre le poussoir et le levier de commande du mécanisme horloger, tel que la force qu'il est nécessaire d'appliquer sur le poussoir pour actionner le mécanisme horloger est supérieure à la force nécessaire à l'actionnement direct de son levier de commande. Ainsi, il est possible d'ajuster la valeur de ce bras de levier en fonction de la profondeur maximale pour laquelle l'étanchéité de la montre concernée sera garantie, afin d'éviter un déclenchement du mécanisme horloger du seul fait de la pression environnante à laquelle serait soumis le poussoir à une telle profondeur.Thanks to these characteristics, a lever arm is implemented between the pusher and the control lever of the timepiece mechanism, such that the force which it is necessary to apply to the plunger to actuate the timepiece mechanism is greater than the force necessary for the direct actuation of its control lever. Thus, it is possible to adjust the value of this lever arm as a function of the maximum depth for which the watertightness of the watch concerned will be guaranteed, in order to avoid triggering of the timepiece mechanism solely because of the surrounding pressure at which would subject the pusher to such a depth.

De plus, le dispositif de commande comprend un organe de commande externe, agencé pour agir sur le poussoir en réponse à l'action de l'utilisateur, et préférablement au moins un ressort de rappel agencé entre la carrure et l'organe de commande externe.In addition, the control device comprises an external control member, arranged to act on the pusher in response to the action of the user, and preferably at least one return spring arranged between the middle part and the external control member. .

L'organe de commande comporte un levier de commande monté pivotant sur la carrure suivant un axe de rotation X2.The control member comprises a control lever pivotally mounted on the middle along an axis of rotation X2.

Ainsi, le poussoir peut présenter une surface soumise à la pression extérieure de faibles dimensions, tandis que le levier de commande peut présenter une surface de préhension étendue, pour faciliter sa manipulation, la force subie par un objet baignant dans une certaine pression étant proportionnelle à sa surface qui subit cette pression.Thus, the pusher may have a surface subjected to external pressure of small dimensions, while the control lever may have an extended gripping surface, to facilitate its handling, the force undergone by an object bathed in a certain pressure being proportional to its surface which undergoes this pressure.

Selon la présente invention, la surface de préhension du levier de commande, destinée à recevoir la pression exercée par un utilisateur, et l'axe de rotation X2 du levier de commande sont situés de part et d'autre d'une surface d'actionnement de ce dernier agencée en regard du poussoir pour agir sur lui en réponse à l'action de l'utilisateur.According to the present invention, the gripping surface of the control lever, intended to receive the pressure exerted by a user, and the axis of rotation X2 of the control lever are located on either side of an actuation surface. of the latter arranged opposite the pusher to act on it in response to the action of the user.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques supplémentaires, un second bras de levier est mis en œuvre, par lequel la force transmise au poussoir par le levier de commande est supérieure à la force subie par le levier de commande lorsqu'un utilisateur exerce une pression sur lui.Thanks to these additional characteristics, a second lever arm is implemented, whereby the force transmitted to the pusher by the control lever is greater than the force undergone by the control lever when a user exerts pressure on it.

Le levier de commande externe dispose de son propre ressort de rappel et est ainsi découplé du poussoir, ce qui implique que sa position angulaire n'est pas dépendante de la pression extérieure. Par ailleurs, on peut prévoir, de manière non limitative, que le ressort de rappel du levier de commande coopère avec une portion du levier de commande située entre l'axe de rotation X2 et la surface d'actionnement.The external control lever has its own return spring and is thus decoupled from the pusher, which means that its angular position is not dependent on the external pressure. Furthermore, it can be provided, without limitation, that the return spring of the control lever cooperates with a portion of the control lever located between the axis of rotation X2 and the actuation surface.

Selon une variante de réalisation préférée, le poussoir comporte un tube solidaire de la carrure et à l'intérieur duquel est agencée une tige mobile en translation. Plus précisément, on peut prévoir que la tige comprend deux parties dont une première présente une extrémité libre située du côté de l'extérieur de la boîte et la seconde présente une extrémité libre située à l'intérieur de la boîte et définissant une butée pour retenir la tige à l'intérieur du tube, un ressort étant agencé dans le tube de manière à agir sur la tige et la repousser en direction de l'extérieur de la boîte. Une garniture d'étanchéité, au moins, est préférablement agencée entre une paroi interne du tube et la tige.According to a preferred embodiment, the pusher comprises a tube integral with the middle part and inside which is arranged a rod movable in translation. More specifically, it can be provided that the rod comprises two parts, one of which has a free end located on the side of the outside of the box and the second has a free end located inside the box and defining a stop for retaining the rod inside the tube, a spring being arranged in the tube so as to act on the rod and push it back towards the outside of the box. At least one packing is preferably arranged between an inner wall of the tube and the rod.

Par ailleurs, le tube peut avantageusement être vissé, et éventuellement collé en plus, dans l'ouverture correspondante de la carrure.Furthermore, the tube can advantageously be screwed, and optionally additionally glued, into the corresponding opening of the middle part.

L'invention concerne également une pièce d'horlogerie comportant une boîte répondant aux caractéristiques qui viennent d'être énoncées.The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a case meeting the characteristics which have just been stated.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préféré qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 représente une vue générale de face simplifiée d'une boîte de montre comportant un dispositif de commande selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention;
  • la figure 2a représente une vue en coupe simplifiée d'un premier détail de construction de la boîte illustrée sur la figure 1, dans une première configuration;
  • la figure 2b représente une vue en coupe simplifiée du détail de construction de la figure 2a, dans une seconde configuration, et
  • la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe simplifiée d'un second détail de construction de la boîte illustrée sur la figure 1.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:
  • the figure 1 shows a general simplified front view of a watch case comprising a control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 2a shows a simplified sectional view of a first construction detail of the box illustrated on the figure 1 , in a first configuration;
  • the figure 2b shows a simplified sectional view of the construction detail of the figure 2a , in a second configuration, and
  • the figure 3 shows a simplified sectional view of a second construction detail of the box illustrated on the figure 1 .

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of Carrying Out the Invention

La figure 1 représente une vue générale de face simplifiée d'une boîte 1 de montre comportant un dispositif de commande selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention.The figure 1 shows a general simplified front view of a watch case 1 comprising a control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Plus précisément, la boîte 1 illustrée est destinée à la réalisation d'une montre de plongée. Elle comporte une carrure 2 comprenant deux paires de cornes 4 destinées à porter, chacune, une tige 6 de fixation d'une extrémité d'un bracelet (non représenté). La carrure 2 porte également une lunette tournante 8, bien connue dans le domaine des montres de plongée.More specifically, the box 1 illustrated is intended for the production of a diving watch. It has a middle part 2 comprising two pairs of horns 4 intended to each carry a rod 6 for fixing one end of a bracelet (not shown). The middle part 2 also carries a rotating bezel 8, well known in the field of diving watches.

Une couronne 10 conventionnelle de remontage et de mise à l'heure est agencée à dix heures. La construction de la couronne et de sa tige de remontoir (non visible) ne sera pas décrite en détail ici puisqu'elle ne présente pas de rapport direct avec la présente invention.A conventional winding and time setting crown 10 is arranged at ten o'clock. The construction of the crown and of its winding stem (not visible) will not be described in detail here since it has no direct relationship with the present invention.

De manière préférée, la boîte 1 est destinée à loger un mouvement horloger comportant un mécanisme horloger nécessitant la mise en œuvre d'un organe de commande supplémentaire, du type poussoir, comme par exemple un mécanisme de chronographe, à titre non limitatif.Preferably, the case 1 is intended to house a timepiece movement comprising a timepiece mechanism requiring the implementation of an additional control member, of the pusher type, such as for example a chronograph mechanism, without limitation.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré du dispositif de commande selon la présente invention, le poussoir (visible sur les figures 2a et 2b) est actionnable par l'intermédiaire d'un levier de commande 12, monté pivotant suivant un axe de rotation X2 sur une extension 14 de la carrure 2, située ici à neuf heures à titre illustratif non limitatif.According to a preferred embodiment of the control device according to the present invention, the pusher (visible on the figures 2a and 2b ) is actuable by means of a control lever 12, pivotally mounted along an axis of rotation X2 on an extension 14 of the middle part 2, located here at nine o'clock by way of non-limiting illustration.

Le levier de commande 12 présente une surface de préhension 16, avantageusement striée ici, destinée à être actionnée par un utilisateur pour commander le fonctionnement du mécanisme de chronographe (ici de type mono-poussoir).The control lever 12 has a gripping surface 16, advantageously striated here, intended to be actuated by a user to control the operation of the chronograph mechanism (here of the mono-push type).

Les figures 2a et 2b représentent des vues en coupe simplifiées, similaires, illustrant la construction du dispositif de commande selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, dans des première et seconde configurations respectives.The figures 2a and 2b show simplified, similar section views, illustrating the construction of the control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective first and second configurations.

Il ressort de ces figures que la carrure 2 est pourvue d'une ouverture 20 sensiblement cylindrique dans laquelle est logé le poussoir 22.It appears from these figures that the middle part 2 is provided with a substantially cylindrical opening 20 in which the pusher 22 is housed.

Plus précisément, le poussoir 22 comporte un tube 24 avantageusement vissé dans l'ouverture 20 et éventuellement collé en plus, pour assurer une bonne étanchéité de la liaison correspondante.More specifically, the pusher 22 comprises a tube 24 advantageously screwed into the opening 20 and optionally additionally glued, to ensure good sealing of the corresponding connection.

Une tige 26 est logée à l'intérieur du tube 24 de manière à pouvoir se déplacer en translation suivant une direction sensiblement radiale, entre une position de repos, illustrée sur la figure 2a, et une position active, illustrée sur la figure 2b.A rod 26 is housed inside the tube 24 so as to be able to move in translation in a substantially radial direction, between a rest position, illustrated on the figure 2a , and an active position, illustrated on the figure 2b .

On constate sur la figure 2a que, dans la position de repos du poussoir, sa tige 26 est agencée vers l'extérieur de la boîte, contre une surface d'actionnement 28 du levier de commande 12.We see on the figure 2a that, in the rest position of the pusher, its rod 26 is arranged towards the outside of the box, against an actuating surface 28 of the control lever 12.

Ce dernier est également dans une position de repos sur la figure 2a, dans laquelle il est maintenu sous l'effet de l'action d'un ressort de rappel 30, agencé entre la carrure 2 et une portion 32 du levier de commande, située entre l'axe de rotation X2 et la surface d'actionnement 28. La course du levier de commande 12 en direction de l'extérieur est préférablement limitée par une butée de la carrure non visible.The latter is also in a rest position on the figure 2a , in which it is held under the effect of the action of a return spring 30, arranged between the middle part 2 and a portion 32 of the control lever, located between the axis of rotation X2 and the actuation surface 28. The stroke of the control lever 12 towards the outside is preferably limited by a stop of the middle part which is not visible.

On peut également prévoir une butée 33 supplémentaire, sur la carrure, pour coopérer avec le levier de commande dans sa position active.One can also provide an additional stop 33, on the middle part, to cooperate with the control lever in its active position.

Par ailleurs, l'extrémité interne de la tige 26 est agencée en butée contre une surface d'appui 34 d'une bascule intermédiaire 36 montée à pivot, suivant un axe de rotation X1, sur un épaulement 38 ménagé dans la paroi interne de la carrure 2.Furthermore, the internal end of the rod 26 is arranged in abutment against a bearing surface 34 of an intermediate lever 36 pivotally mounted, along an axis of rotation X1, on a shoulder 38 formed in the internal wall of the middle 2.

La bascule intermédiaire 36 porte un doigt 40, à son extrémité libre, agencé de manière à pouvoir actionner un levier de commande (non visible) du mécanisme de chronographe assemblé sur le mouvement horloger 42. Le retour de la bascule intermédiaire dans sa position de repos peut être réalisé par un ressort de rappel du mécanisme horloger uniquement ou, en alternative, par un ressort spécifique supplémentaire (non illustré) sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.The intermediate lever 36 carries a finger 40, at its free end, arranged so as to be able to actuate a control lever (not visible) of the chronograph mechanism assembled on the watch movement 42. The return of the intermediate lever to its rest position can be achieved by a return spring of the watch mechanism only or, alternatively, by an additional specific spring (not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Lorsque le levier de commande est pressé par un utilisateur, pour passer de sa position de repos, illustrée sur la figure 2a, à sa position active, illustrée sur la figure 2b, il déplace la tige 26 du poussoir, en direction de l'intérieur de la carrure, en exerçant une pression sur elle.When the control lever is pressed by a user, to move from its rest position, illustrated on the figure 2a , in its active position, illustrated on the figure 2b , it moves the rod 26 of the pusher, towards the inside of the middle part, by exerting pressure on it.

La tige 26 agit alors à son tour sur la bascule intermédiaire 36, via sa surface d'appui 34, le doigt 40 de la bascule exerçant à son tour une pression sur le levier de commande du mécanisme de chronographe.The rod 26 then acts in turn on the intermediate lever 36, via its bearing surface 34, the finger 40 of the lever in turn exerting pressure on the control lever of the chronograph mechanism.

La figure 3 représente une vue en coupe simplifiée de la structure du poussoir 22, selon un mode de réalisation préféré mais non limitatif.The figure 3 shows a simplified sectional view of the structure of the pusher 22, according to a preferred but not limiting embodiment.

La tige 26 est réalisée en deux parties 44, 46, assemblées par vissage, pour des raisons évidentes de montage, la seconde partie 46 présentant un diamètre plus important que le diamètre interne du tube 24. Ainsi, outre le fait qu'elle coopère avec la bascule intermédiaire 36, la seconde partie 46 définit une butée retenant la tige 26 dans le tube 24 pour qu'elle ne puisse pas sortir du côté extérieur.The rod 26 is made in two parts 44, 46, assembled by screwing, for obvious mounting reasons, the second part 46 having a larger diameter than the internal diameter of the tube 24. Thus, in addition to the fact that it cooperates with the intermediate lever 36, the second part 46 defines a stop retaining the rod 26 in the tube 24 so that it cannot come out on the outside.

Deux joints O-ring 48 sont disposés entre la paroi interne du tube 24 et la seconde partie 46 de la tige, contre la paroi d'extrémité 48 du tube 24, pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'assemblage.Two O-ring seals 48 are arranged between the internal wall of the tube 24 and the second part 46 of the rod, against the end wall 48 of the tube 24, to seal the assembly.

Une rondelle 50 repose sur les joints O-ring pour définir une surface d'appui pour une première extrémité d'un ressort hélicoïdal 52, dont la seconde extrémité est agencée en appui contre un épaulement 54 ménagé dans la première partie 44 de la tige 26. Le ressort 52 agit en permanence sur la tige 26 pour la repousser en direction de l'extérieur et, donc, placer le poussoir 22 dans sa configuration de repos.A washer 50 rests on the O-ring seals to define a bearing surface for a first end of a helical spring 52, the second end of which is arranged to bear against a shoulder 54 formed in the first part 44 of the rod 26 The spring 52 acts permanently on the rod 26 to push it towards the outside and, therefore, place the pusher 22 in its rest configuration.

Il ressort de la description qui précède que, dans le cas d'une construction selon l'état de la technique, c'est-à-dire lorsque le poussoir agit directement sur le levier de commande du mécanisme horloger, à partir d'une certaine valeur de pression extérieure, le poussoir peut être repoussé en direction du mouvement horloger au point d'actionner le mécanisme horloger de manière involontaire.It emerges from the above description that, in the case of a construction according to the state of the art, that is to say when the pusher acts directly on the control lever of the watch mechanism, from a certain external pressure value, the pusher can be pushed back in the direction of the watch movement to the point of actuating the watch mechanism involuntarily.

De tels leviers de commande de mécanismes horlogers sont typiquement soumis à une force de rappel, exercée par un ressort logé dans le mouvement horloger, qui peut être de l'ordre de 10 à 40 Newtons environ.Such levers for controlling watch mechanisms are typically subjected to a restoring force, exerted by a spring housed in the watch movement, which can be of the order of approximately 10 to 40 Newtons.

Une première mesure possible pour éviter ce risque consiste à réduire la surface du poussoir soumise à la pression extérieure. Toutefois, cette mesure est limitée par le fait que le poussoir doit rester actionnable par l'utilisateur et ce, d'autant plus lorsque celui-ci porte une combinaison de plongée présentant une certaine souplesse, rendant la manipulation du poussoir encore plus difficile. En outre, la réduction des dimensions du poussoir rend plus complexes les mesures nécessaires à assurer son étanchéité.A first possible measure to avoid this risk consists in reducing the surface of the pusher subjected to external pressure. However, this measurement is limited by the fact that the pusher must remain operable by the user, all the more so when the latter is wearing a diving suit having a certain flexibility, making the manipulation of the pusher even more difficult. In addition, the reduction in dimensions of the pusher makes the measures necessary to ensure its tightness more complex.

La présente invention consiste en une solution alternative résidant dans la mise en œuvre d'un bras de levier, permettant de réduire l'impact de la pression extérieure sur le levier de commande du mécanisme horloger, en interposant la bascule intermédiaire 36 entre le poussoir 22 et le levier de commande du mécanisme horloger.The present invention consists of an alternative solution residing in the implementation of a lever arm, making it possible to reduce the impact of the external pressure on the control lever of the watch mechanism, by interposing the intermediate lever 36 between the pusher 22 and the control lever of the watch mechanism.

En outre, dans une variante de réalisation préférée, la mise en œuvre du levier de commande 12 combinée au poussoir et à la bascule intermédiaire permet de faciliter l'actionnement du mécanisme horloger lorsque la montre est soumise à une pression extérieure ordinaire, par exemple à la pression atmosphérique. En effet, il ressort de ce qui précède que le levier de commande 12 est agencé, en référence au poussoir 22, de manière à mettre en œuvre un second bras de levier, visant cette fois à augmenter la force que subit le poussoir en référence à la force qu'exerce l'utilisateur sur le levier de commande 12.In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the implementation of the control lever 12 combined with the pusher and the intermediate lever makes it possible to facilitate the actuation of the clock mechanism when the watch is subjected to an ordinary external pressure, for example atmospheric pressure. Indeed, it emerges from the above that the control lever 12 is arranged, with reference to the pusher 22, so as to implement a second lever arm, this time aiming to increase the force which the pusher undergoes with reference to the force exerted by the user on the control lever 12.

Cette solution permet de plus d'offrir à l'utilisateur une surface de préhension 16 de dimensions importantes, sans que cela ait pour effet d'augmenter l'impact de la pression extérieure sur le poussoir 22, dans la mesure où la position du levier de commande n'est pas dépendante de la pression extérieure, de même que l'état de compression de son ressort de rappel.This solution also makes it possible to offer the user a gripping surface 16 of large dimensions, without this having the effect of increasing the impact of the external pressure on the pusher 22, insofar as the position of the lever control is not dependent on the external pressure, as is the state of compression of its return spring.

Il est ainsi possible de définir un compromis optimal sur la force que doit appliquer l'utilisateur, sur le levier de commande 12, pour actionner le mécanisme horloger, d'une part, lorsque la montre est soumise à la pression atmosphérique et, d'autre part, lorsqu'elle est soumise à une pression importante en plongée, en modifiant non seulement les valeurs respectives des deux bras de levier mais également la constante de raideur du ressort de rappel 52 logé dans le poussoir 22.It is thus possible to define an optimal compromise on the force which the user must apply, on the control lever 12, to activate the clock mechanism, on the one hand, when the watch is subjected to atmospheric pressure and, on the other hand, when it is subjected to a high diving pressure, by modifying not only the respective values of the two lever arms but also the stiffness constant of the return spring 52 housed in the pusher 22.

On obtient, grâce à la construction selon la présente invention, un dispositif de commande à la fiabilité améliorée tout en assurant un excellent niveau d'ergonomie dans sa manipulation.Thanks to the construction according to the present invention, a control device with improved reliability is obtained while ensuring an excellent level of ergonomics in its handling.

La description qui précède s'attache à décrire un mode de réalisation particulier à titre d'illustration non limitative et, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la mise en œuvre de certaines caractéristiques particulières qui viennent d'être décrites, comme par exemple la forme de la boîte illustrée, le nombre de poussoirs qu'elle comprend et le ou les emplacements du ou des organes de commande, la structure du poussoir, voire le mode de rappel du levier de commande dans sa position de repos. De même, le mode d'implantation illustré et décrit pour la bascule intermédiaire n'est pas limitatif.The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of nonlimiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, such as for example the shape of the illustrated box, the number of pushers it includes and the location (s) of the control member (s), the structure of the pushbutton, or even the mode of returning the control lever to its rest position. Similarly, the layout method illustrated and described for the intermediate scale is not limiting.

L'homme du métier ne rencontrera pas de difficulté particulière pour adapter le contenu de la présente divulgation à ses propres besoins et mettre en œuvre une boîte de montre comportant un dispositif de commande, de type poussoir, destiné à actionner un levier de commande d'un mécanisme horloger logé dans la boîte, avec l'interposition d'une bascule intermédiaire permettant de mettre en œuvre un bras de levier visant à réduire la force subie par le levier de commande du mécanisme horloger en référence à la force exercée par le poussoir sur la bascule intermédiaire, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the content of the present disclosure to their own needs and implementing a watch case comprising a control device, of the push button type, intended to actuate a control lever for a watch mechanism housed in the box, with the interposition of an intermediate rocker allowing the implementation of a lever arm aimed at reducing the force undergone by the control lever of the watch mechanism in reference to the force exerted by the pusher on the intermediate scale, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (7)

  1. Watch case (1) comprising a middle (2) and a control device for a clockwork mechanism comprising a pushbutton (22) that is arranged through a suitable opening (20) of said middle (2) and is intended to act on a control lever of the clockwork mechanism in response to an action of a user, said control device comprising an intermediate rocker (36) that is intended to be interposed between said pushbutton (22) and the control lever of the clockwork mechanism, said intermediate rocker (36) being arranged so as to have a rotary movement about an axis X1 and comprising an actuation finger (40) that is intended to act on the control lever of the clockwork mechanism in response to the action of the user,
    said intermediate rocker (36) having a contact surface (34) which is arranged facing said pushbutton (22) and on which the latter exerts a pressure in response to the action of the user, said contact surface (34) being located between said axis of rotation X1 and said actuation finger (40),
    said control device comprising an external control member (12) that is arranged to act on said pushbutton (22) in response to the action of the user,
    said external control member comprising an external control lever (12) that is mounted so as to be able to pivot on said middle (2) about an axis of rotation X2, and having a grip surface (16) that is intended to receive the pressure from the user, said grip surface (16) and said axis of rotation X2 being respectively located on either side of an actuation surface (28) of said external control lever (12) arranged facing said pushbutton (22) so as to act thereon in response to the action of the user, said grip surface (16) being arranged so as to effect a lever arm the purpose of which is to increase the force applied to said pushbutton (22) compared to the force exerted by the user on said external control lever (12),
    said control device comprising at least one return spring (30) arranged between said middle (2) and said external control lever (12).
  2. Case (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that said return spring (30) cooperates with said external control lever (12) on a portion (32) of the latter, this portion being located between said axis of rotation X2 and said actuation surface (28).
  3. Case (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pushbutton (22) comprises a tube (24) which is secured to said middle (2) and inside which there is arranged a stem (26) that is able to move in translation.
  4. Case (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that said stem (26) comprises two portions (44, 46), of which a first (44) has a free end located on the side of the exterior of the case and the second (46) has a free end located inside the case and defining an end stop to retain said stem (26) inside said tube (24), a spring (52) being arranged in said tube (24) so as to act on said stem (26) and urge it in the direction of the exterior of the case.
  5. Case (1) according to either one of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said tube (24) has a threaded portion that screws into a tapped portion created in said opening (20).
  6. Case (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that at least one sealing gasket (48) is arranged between an internal wall of said tube (24) and said stem (26).
  7. Timepiece comprising a case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP12159349.5A 2012-03-13 2012-03-13 Control device for a diving watch Active EP2639656B1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12159349.5A EP2639656B1 (en) 2012-03-13 2012-03-13 Control device for a diving watch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12159349.5A EP2639656B1 (en) 2012-03-13 2012-03-13 Control device for a diving watch

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EP2639656B1 true EP2639656B1 (en) 2020-01-01

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3537231B1 (en) * 2018-03-06 2021-04-07 Patek Philippe SA Genève Watch comprising correctors accessible on an attachment link of the strap
EP4105736A1 (en) * 2021-06-18 2022-12-21 Omega SA Dewar device for timepiece comprising an operable device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH764464A4 (en) 1964-06-11 1966-07-15
CH691633A5 (en) * 1997-04-04 2001-08-31 Kelek S A tight slide to watch.
EP1818734A1 (en) * 2006-02-08 2007-08-15 Montres Journe S.A. Push-button device for controlling a function from the outside of a watch case
CH698943B1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2009-12-15 Richemont Int Sa Push button device for watch, particularly for wrist watch, has push button head fitted outside on watch case, which has actuator slidable in direction of watch case interior
CH702803B1 (en) * 2010-03-09 2014-11-28 Demonaco Sam Atel correction mechanism with at least two other information displayed as the current time, to watch movement.

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