Abstract:
A mechanism and a timepiece module independent of the bottom plate of a movement, of a simple and compact design. The timepiece mechanism includes a control stem ( 3 ) mounted in a pivoting manner and movable between at least two axial positions, a control pinion ( 11; 13 ) mounted so as to rotate with the control stem ( 3 ), and at least one actuating member ( 15, 24; 30 ) configured to engage with the control pinion ( 11; 13 ) when the control stem is occupying one of the axial positions. The control pinion ( 11; 13 ) is also coupled translationally to the control stem ( 3 ) when the latter moves from one to the other of the two positions. The module includes a case ( 2 ) containing the mechanism.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention concerns a timepiece mechanism comprising a control stem mounted in a pivoting manner and movable between at least two axial positions, a control pinion mounted so as to rotate with said control stem, and at least one actuating organ configured to engage with said control pinion when the control stem is occupying one of the axial positions. The invention also concerns a module comprising such a mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This type of mechanism is for example a winding and setting mechanism that traditionally comprises a winding stem on which a castle wheel, rotating with the winding stem, can slide between a winding position and a setting position. In the winding position, the castle wheel engages with a first actuating organ formed by a winding pinion and in the setting position, the castle wheel engages with an appropriate intermediate wheel that constitutes a second actuating organ. The different parts are positioned on the winding stem, from the outside towards the center of the movement in the following order: winding pinion, castle wheel, intermediate wheel for setting. The transition from one position to the other is done using a pull-out piece engaging with the winding stem and a lever whereof the end is housed in a notch provided on the castle wheel. The pull-out piece and the lever have the drawback of complicating the construction and operation of the mechanism. 
     It is known to produce this winding and setting mechanism in the form of an independent module that can be separated from the frame of a timepiece movement. Such a module is for example described in Swiss patent CH 81927, which presents a winding and setting mechanism whereof all of the components are fastened between two plates, forming a removable module. Swiss patent CH 17991 also describes a module made up of a removable bridge fastened on the plate of a watch, on which all of the pieces making up the winding and setting mechanisms are placed. However, these modules have the same drawbacks as those encountered by the traditional winding and setting mechanisms, due to the presence of the pull-out piece and lever. 
     Also known from patent CH 609 516 is a timepiece mechanism comprising a stem that can move between three axial positions and two pinions rotating with the rod and integral in translation during movements of the rod, each of these pinions engaging with a single actuating organ to perform a single function, i.e. the setting and actuating of the date. The control stem is mounted in a bracket fastened directly to the plate of the movement. The positioning of the stem must be precise so that the control pinions mounted on the stem engage correctly with their actuating organs positioned around the stem. Moreover, if one wishes to modify the position of the stem on the frame of the movement, it is also necessary to revise the position of the actuating organs that engage with the control pinions positioned on the stem. It is therefore necessary generally to revise the entire design of the movement. 
     One aim of the present invention is therefore to offset these drawbacks, by proposing a module comprising a setting and winding mechanism, and more generally for actuating a function of a timepiece movement, allowing a simplified construction and operation. 
     Another aim of the present invention is to propose a timepiece module independent of the frame of a movement, with a simple and compact design, easily removable to be able to be used on any type of movement, without having to revise the design of the movement. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     To that end, and according to the present invention, proposed is a module for actuating an element of a timepiece movement, intended to be mounted on a frame of said movement, said module containing a mechanism comprising a control stem mounted in a pivoting manner and movable between at least two axial positions, a control pinion mounted so as to rotate with said control stem, and at least one actuating organ configured to engage with said control pinion when the control stem is occupying one of the axial positions, said control pinion also being translationally secured to said control stem when the latter moves from one to the other of said two positions. According to the invention, said module also comprises an independent case in which said mechanism is contained, and connecting means leaving the case and configured to be able to kinematically connect the actuating organ to the element of the movement to be actuated, such that said actuating organ can actuate said element regardless of the position of the module on the frame of the movement. 
     The module according to the invention is particularly compact, removable and easily interchangeable. The control pinion and its actuating organ being mounted together in the case, their engagement is always guaranteed, regardless of the position of the module. The connection between the element to be actuated and the module can be ensured directly by the connecting means present on the module or by simply adding other intermediate wheels, simply and precisely guaranteeing the transmission of the information coming from the control pinion and its actuating organ via the connecting means incorporated in the module, regardless of the module&#39;s position. 
     Particularly advantageously, the connecting means can be mounted on the housing so that they can be oriented. 
     According to a first alternative embodiment, the element to be actuated can be made up of display organs, and the corresponding actuating organ can comprise a setting wheel mounted freely rotating on the control stem, the control pinion comprising, on its face opposite the setting wheel, a toothing able to engage with the toothing of the setting wheel to correct the time. The connecting means between the setting wheel and the display organs can comprise at least one intermediate wheel mounted freely rotating on the case. 
     According to another alternative embodiment, the element to be actuated can be a barrel spring, and the corresponding actuating organ can comprise a winding pinion configured to be able to be kinematically and at least temporarily connected to said barrel spring by the connecting means, said winding pinion being mounted freely rotating on the control stem, the control pinion comprising, on its face opposite the winding pinion, a toothing able to engage with said winding pinion for the winding of said movement. The connecting means between the winding pinion and the barrel spring can comprise a tongue protruding from the case and mounted rotationally mobile on said case, said tongue supporting at least one intermediate wheel configured on one hand to mesh with the winding pinion and on the other hand to be able to be kinematically and at least temporarily connected to said barrel spring. 
     According to another alternative embodiment, the mechanism can comprise at least two actuating organs, one to correct the time and the other for winding, like those described above, and the control pinion is then positioned such that, on the control stem, from the outside towards the center, are the setting wheel, the control pinion and the winding pinion. 
     According to another alternative embodiment, the actuating organ can comprise a rack able to move perpendicularly to the control stem in a bidirectional movement, said rack comprising the connecting means configured to engage with the element to be actuated, and the control pinion can comprise a toothing able to engage with the toothing of the rack so as to move said rack and its connecting means. 
     Preferably, the toothing of the rack is chosen such that, in one position, the control pinion engages with the rack, and the control pinion can pass through the toothing of the rack to reach the other position. 
     According to another alternative embodiment, the mechanism can comprise a first control pinion for setting and winding and a second control pinion configured to engage with a rack to actuate another element of the timepiece movement like those described above, the first and second control pinions being positioned such that, on the control stem, from the outside towards the center, are the second control pinion, the setting wheel, the first control pinion and the winding pinion, and the control stem can move between three axial positions, a first position according to which the first control pinion meshes with the winding pinion, a second position according to which the second control pinion meshes with the rack, and a third position according to which the first control pinion meshes with the setting wheel, the second control pinion having passed through the toothing of the rack. 
     Preferably, the mechanism also comprises a selector spring engaging with the control stem and with a positioning organ to define the positions of the control stem. 
     Advantageously, the control stem can comprise a first removable element and a second element housed inside the case. 
     The present invention also concerns a timepiece movement mechanism usable in the actuating module as described above, comprising a control stem mounted in a pivoting manner and movable between at least two axial positions, a control pinion mounted so as to rotate with said control stem, and at least one actuating organ configured to engage with said control pinion when the control stem is occupying one of the axial positions, said control pinion also being secured in translation with said control stem when the latter moves from one to the other of said two positions. The actuating organ is configured to be kinematically connected to display organs of a timepiece movement, and comprises a setting wheel mounted freely rotating on the control stem, the control pinion comprising, on its face opposite the setting wheel, a toothing able to engage with the toothing of the setting wheel to correct the time. 
     The present invention also concerns a timepiece movement mechanism usable in the module as defined above, comprising a control stem mounted in a pivoting manner and movable between at least two axial positions, a control pinion mounted so as to rotate with said control stem, and at least one actuating organ configured to engage with said control pinion when the control stem is occupying one of the axial positions, said control pinion also being translationally secured to said control stem when the latter moves from one to the other of said two positions. The actuating organ comprises a winding pinion configured to be able to be kinematically and at least temporarily connected to a barrel spring of a timepiece movement, said winding pinion being mounted freely rotating on the control stem, the control pinion comprising, on its face opposite the winding pinion, a toothing able to engage with said winding pinion to wind said movement. 
     Advantageously, the mechanism can comprise at least two actuating organs, one to correct the time and the other for winding, and the control pinion is positioned such that, on the control stem, from the outside towards the center, are the setting wheel, the control pinion and the winding pinion. 
     The present invention also concerns a timepiece movement mechanism usable in the module as defined above, comprising a control stem mounted in a pivoting manner and movable between at least two axial positions, a control pinion mounted so as to rotate with said control stem, and at least one actuating organ configured to engage with said control pinion when the control stem is occupying one of the axial positions, said control pinion also being integral in translation with said control stem when the latter part moves from one to the other of said two positions. The actuating organ comprises a rack able to move perpendicularly to the control stem in a bidirectional movement, said rack comprising the connecting means configured to engage with the element to be actuated, the control pinion comprising a toothing able to engage with the toothing of the rack so as to move said rack and its connecting means. 
     In one alternative embodiment, the mechanism can comprise a first control pinion for setting and winding and a second control pinion configured to engage with a rack to actuate another element of the timepiece movement, the first and second control pinions being positioned such that, on the control stem, from the outside towards the center, are the second control pinion, the setting wheel, the first control pinion and the winding pinion, and the control stem being movable between three axial positions, a first position according to which the first control pinion meshes with the winding pinion, a second position according to which the second control pinion meshes with the rack, and a third position according to which the first control pinion meshes with the setting wheel, the second control pinion having passed through the toothing of the rack. 
     The present invention also concerns a timepiece comprising a module as defined above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features of the present invention will appear more clearly upon reading the following description, done in reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views showing the top and bottom of a module according to the invention, respectively, 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are a cross-sectional and top view of the module of the invention, respectively, the control stem being in a first winding position, 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are a cross-sectional and top view of the module of the invention, respectively, the control stem being in a second position for actuating another function, 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are a cross-sectional and top view of the module of the invention, respectively, the control stem being in a third setting position, and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing the module according to the invention mounted in a housing provided on the plate of a movement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Described in reference to the figures is an embodiment of the mechanism and the timepiece module according to the invention, according to which the mechanism and the module comprise two control pinions and three actuating organs, i.e. a winding pinion, a setting wheel and a rack for actuating one other function, the control stem then being able to occupy three positions. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a module  1  according to the invention comprising a case  2  and a mechanism for actuating an element of a timepiece movement. 
     In  FIG. 5 , the mechanism according to the invention comprises a control stem  3  mounted, inside the case  2 , pivoting in the plane of the timepiece, and translationally movable between three axial positions. The control stem  3  comprises a first element  4  and a second element  5  essentially housed inside the case  2 . The first element  4  is configured removably inside the second element  5  so as to be easy to disassemble and so that it is easy to remove the movement from its case. The elements  4  and  5  of the stem are secured using a screw  6 . Obviously the elements  4  and  5  can be replaced by any other broken stem device. The second element  5  of the control stem  3  has a first cylindrical zone  7  comprising a circular slot  8  whereof the operation will be explained later. The element  5  then has a square  9 , then a second cylindrical zone  10 . On the square  9  is mounted a first control pinion  11 , which therefore rotates with the control stem  3 . Moreover, a ring  12  is provided driven onto the element  5  of the control stem  3  and a helical spring  44  configured to keep the control pinion  11  in contact with the ring  12  so as to make the control pinion  11  translationally secured with said control stem  3  when it moves between its three axial positions. Driven onto the cylindrical portion  7  of the element  5  of the control stem  3  is a toothed socket  13 , constituting a second control pinion rotating with and translationally secured to the control stem  3 . 
     A first actuating organ is formed by a winding pinion  15 . Said winding pinion  15  is mounted freely rotating on the element  5  of the control stem  3  on the side of a timepiece movement (not shown) and is blocked in translation using a bearing  45  having a suitable shape and driven onto the case  2 . The winding pinion  15  is configured to be able to be kinematically and at least temporarily connected to a barrel spring (not shown) of said movement. To that end, as shown by  FIG. 1  or  2 , provided on one side of the winding pinion  15  is a tongue  16  protruding from the case  2  and mounted freely rotating about a pivot  17  on the case  2 . Said tongue  16  supports two intermediate wheels, a first intermediate wheel  18  configured to mesh with the toothing  19  of the winding pinion  15 , and a second intermediate wheel  20  configured to be able to be kinematically and at least temporarily connected to the barrel spring. In an automating winding movement, the tongue  16  can tilt and release the intermediate wheel  20  from the ratchet of the barrel so as to disengage and avoid rotating the control stem  3  during the automatic winding. 
     On their opposite faces, the winding pinion  15  and the control pinion  11  comprise a Breguet toothing  21  allowing the control pinion  11  to engage with the winding pinion  15  to wind the movement when the control stem  3  is in the winding position. Owing to the Breguet toothing, the meshing between the control pinion  11  and the winding pinion  15  only occurs when the control stem  3  is turned in the winding direction. In the other direction, the control pinion  11  can rotate without driving the winding pinion  15 . 
     On its other face, the control pinion  11  comprises a contrate toothing  22  opposite and able to engage with a contrate toothing  23  of a setting wheel  24 . Said setting wheel  24  is mounted freely rotating on the toothed socket  13  of the element  5  of the control stem  3  and constitutes a second actuating organ to correct the time. To do this, the setting wheel  24  comprises a toothing  25  and is positioned so that the toothing  25  meshes with an intermediate wheel  26  mounted freely rotating on the case  2 , itself meshing with an intermediate wheel  27  mounted freely rotating on the case  2  and kinematically connected to display organs (not shown) of the timepiece movement. 
     In this alternative, the module  1  comprises a third actuating organ formed by a rack  30 , generally cylindrical. Said rack  30  is able to move perpendicularly to the control stem  3  in a front-to-back bidirectional movement, and is maintained by two strip springs  31  fastened on either side of the case  2  (cf.  FIG. 2 ). The rack comprises a toothing  32  able to engage with the toothing  33  of the toothed socket  13 . The toothing  32  of the rack is pyramid-shaped such that it can be passed through by the toothing  33  of the toothed socket  13  while avoiding any collision, when the control stem  3  is moved to occupy the third position, as will be seen later. 
     In the illustrated alternative, the actuating means of the rack  30  are formed by two actuating fingers  34  provided on the cylindrical body of the rack. These actuating fingers  34  protrude from the case  2 , which comprises two channels  35  in which said actuating fingers  34  can circulate. The actuating fingers  34  are configured to engage with a mechanism (not shown) of the timepiece movement, which can for example be a date correction mechanism of a calendar, a mechanism for activating a minute repeater, a triggering mechanism for a chronograph, etc. 
     Obviously the actuating means of the rack can also be made up of an inverse system, i.e. a slot provided on the body of the rack configured to be able to move pins engaging with a mechanism of the timepiece movement. 
     The control pinion  11  and the toothed socket  13  are positioned on the control stem  3  such that, on the control stem  3 , from the outside towards the center, are the toothed socket  13 , the setting wheel  24 , the control pinion  11  and the winding pinion  15 , and such that the rack  30  is located before the toothed socket  13  when the control stem  3  occupies the first winding position and between the setting wheel  24  and the toothed socket  13 , when the control stem  3  occupies the third setting position. 
     To define the different positions of the control stem  3 , a selector spring  40  is provided secured to two pins  41  that plunge into the slot  8  of the element  5  of the control stem  3 , such that the selector spring  40  follows the translational movements of the control stem  3 . The ends  43  of the selector spring  40  are configured to engage with a positioning organ  42  that comprises three indexing elements on which the ends  43  of the selector spring  40  can engage, thereby defining the three positions of the control stem  3 . 
     All of the elements of the mechanism are dimensioned and positioned to be able to contain in the case  2  and constitute a particularly compact mechanism and module. 
     All of the elements of the mechanism being grouped together in a same module, this module  1  is independent of the rest of the timepiece movement and can be easily removed to be replaced. 
     In reference to  FIG. 9 , the module  1  is then positioned on the frame, for example the plate  48 , at the appropriate location to be able to engage with the element(s) of the movement to be actuated. 
     Most of the time, the mechanism is in the first winding position, shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In this first position, the control stem  3  is pushed back to the bottom of the case  2  and the control pinion  11  is pressed against the winding pinion  15 . The control pinion  11  does not engage with the setting wheel  24  and the toothed socket  13  does not engage with the rack  30 . The ends  43  of the selector spring  40  are engaged in the first indexing element of the positioning organ  42  to keep the control stem in its first position. By making the control stem  3  rotate clockwise, the control pinion  11  secured to the control stem  3  rotates while driving the winding pinion  15  through the Breguet toothing  21 . The toothing  19  of the winding pinion  15  then meshes with the intermediate wheel  18 , which itself meshes with the intermediate wheel  20  that is kinematically connected to the ratchet fastened on the barrel arbor for winding. The rotationally movable tongue  16  makes it possible to make the module  1  best engage with the ratchet and allows disengagement in case of automatic winding, so that the control stem is not driven in rotation. If the control stem  3  is rotated in the opposite direction, the control pinion  11  disengages from the winding pinion  15 . 
     In reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the control stem  3  is pulled, the selector spring  40 , driven by the pins  41  housed in the slot  8  of the control stem, moves in the same way until its ends  43  engage in the second indexing element of the positioning organ  42 , thereby defining the second position corresponding to the actuation of a mechanism of the movement. During the translational movement of the control stem  3 , the control pinion  11 , stressed by the helical spring  44  and pushed by the ring  12 , and the toothed socket  13 , also translationally secured to the control stem, move in the same way until they occupy the second position. In this second position, the control pinion  11  is inactive and does not engage with the winding pinion  15  or the setting wheel  24 . The toothing  33  of the toothed socket  13  engages with the toothing  32  of the rack  30 . By rotating the control stem  3  in an alternating movement, the rack  30  and the actuating fingers  34  move perpendicularly to the control stem  3 , in an alternating movement, to actuate an appropriate mechanism. By choosing the number of teeth, it is possible to impart a more or less long movement to the rack  30  and the actuating fingers  34 . The strip springs  31  act like return springs. Moreover, a Person skilled in the art will know how to choose a suitable rack, so as to be able to make the control stem  3  rotate in a continuous movement instead of an alternating movement. 
     In references to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , when the control stem  3  is pulled again, the selector spring  40 , driven by the pins  41  housed in the slot  8  of the control stem, moves in the same way until its ends  43  engage in the third indexing element of the positioning organ  42 , thereby defining the third time correction position. During the translational movement of the control stem  3 , the control pinion  11 , stressed by the helical spring  44  and pushed by the ring  12 , and the toothed socket  13 , also translationally secured to the control stem  3 , move in the same way until they occupy the third time correction position. In this third position, the control pinion  11  does not engage with the winding pinion  15  and the toothing  33  of the toothed socket  13  has passed through the toothing of the rack  30  so that the control pinion  11  engages with the setting wheel  24 . By making the control stem  3  turn, the control pinion  11  integral with the control stem  3  rotates while driving the setting wheel  24  through the contrate toothings  22  and  23 . The toothing  25  of the setting wheel  24  then meshes with the intermediate wheel  26  that itself meshes with the intermediate wheel  27 , itself kinematically connected to display organs, to correct the time. 
     The positioning organ  42  is configured to allow the mechanism to be returned to the first position by pushing the control stem  3  without going through the second intermediate position. 
     Obviously the mechanism and the module according to the invention can comprise different combinations of control pinions and actuating organs, as described above. For example, it is possible to provide a mechanism and its module comprising one or several toothed sockets integral with the control stem configured to engage with different racks each actuating a different element of the movement. This mechanism may or may not comprise the control pinion able to engage with the winding pinion and/or the setting wheel. It is also possible to provide a winding and setting mechanism and its module, similar to that described above, but only comprising the control pinion able to engage with the winding pinion and/or the setting wheel. It is for example possible to provide a single control pinion engaging with two actuating organs, one to correct the time and the other for winding, or two racks each actuating a different element of the movement.