Abstract: A crown-push-button (3) provided with a spring (10) disposed within a cage (11) integral in rotation with the movement of the head (4) of the crown-push-button (3), the spring (10) being arranged within the cage (11) so as to be rotated with the cage. The base (13c) of the spring cage is provided with cells (18) cooperating with protuberances (17) formed in a washer (14) disposed on the seat (6a) of the tube (6) of the crown-push-button, the rotation of the crown-push-button being then accompanied by a click as the protuberances (17) pass in the cells (18), which allows the user to ensure that the desired functions have been activated.

Abstract: A shock-proof device (200) for a movement configured to allow the movement of the horological movement (210) along at least three degrees of freedom. The shock-proof device (200) includes at least one damping element (230) configured to damp the shocks of the horological movement (210) and a crown (100) configured to move between a first position (101) wherein the horological movement (210) is free along at least three degrees of freedom and a second position (102) wherein the horological movement (210) is rigidly connected to the crown (100).

Abstract: A shock-proof device (200) for a movement configured to allow the movement of the horological movement (210) along at least three degrees of freedom. The shock-proof device (200) includes at least one damping element (230) configured to damp the shocks of the horological movement (210) and a crown (100) configured to move between a first position (101) wherein the horological movement (210) is free along at least three degrees of freedom and a second position (102) wherein the horological movement (210) is rigidly connected to the crown (100).

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes an exterior case; an electronic module housed in the exterior case; a winding stem projecting from the electronic module to the exterior case; and a conductive earth member having a plate-like portion and an elastic portion extending from the plate-like portion to a winding stem side, in which the winding stem has a flange disposed between the electronic module and the exterior case, and the elastic portion is brought into contact with a surface of the flange on an electronic module side in a state where the winding stem is pushed into the electronic module.

Abstract: Provision of a waterproof device capable of improving waterproof property in a push-in operation portion formed by including an extensible member, a holding member and an operation shaft. A wrist watch (portable device) 11 includes an outer case (device outer housing) 12, an extensible member 32 with waterproof property, a holding member 41 attached to the case 12 and an operation shaft 51. The case 12 includes a seating portion 29 and a hole 30. The extensible member 32 includes a cylindrical portion 33 which can be extended/retracted in an axial direction, closing one end as well as opening the other end, and inserted into the hole 30, and a flange 35 projecting integrally from an outer periphery of the other end portion of the cylindrical portion and seated on the seating portion 29.

Abstract: A switch device of the present invention includes a cylindrical member fitted into a through hole of a wristwatch case, an operating member having an operation shaft section to be inserted into the cylindrical member and an operation head section, and a lock member fixed inside the operation head section. The cylindrical member includes engaging projections, and the lock member includes resilient support sections which have a space with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the operation head section and are resiliently deformed in a radial direction, and lock sections with which the engaging projections are resiliently engaged. Accordingly, when the operating member is pushed inward and rotated, the engaging projections resiliently deform the resilient support sections and are engaged with the lock sections. Also, only by the operating member being rotated against the regulating force of the lock section, the lock sections are disengaged from the engaging projections.

Abstract: Push button for a timepiece for correcting the time display associated with a decompression valve within a single control device. It essentially includes a first push button return spring (10) followed by a second spring (13) arranged to bend and act as a valve spring.

Abstract: A switch device of the present invention includes a cylindrical member attached to a through hole of a wristwatch case, an operation member having an operation shaft section inserted into the cylindrical member and an operation head section provided at the outer end of the operation member, a cushioning member attached to the operation head section of the operation member to cover the operation head section, and an exterior member fixed to the operation head section to cover the cushioning member and from which a plurality of portions of the cushioning member project outwardly. Therefore, when the exterior member receives an external impact, the impact can be mitigated by the cushioning member projecting outwardly from the exterior member. As a result, the operation member and the cylindrical member can be prevented from being damaged by the external impact, whereby the impact resistance can be increased.

Abstract: Push button for a timepiece for correcting the time display associated with a decompression valve within a single control device. It essentially includes a first push button return spring (10) followed by a second spring (13) arranged to bend and act as a valve spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece component (1) that has an aperture (7) for receiving a support element (3) and includes a clamping system (13) for exerting radial force, allowing said timepiece component to be secured to said support element. According to the invention, the clamping system (13) includes a radial clamping device (15) that has a crown (6) for exerting said radial force and a concentric, blind recess (8) spaced apart from said aperture, for allowing said crown to travel. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.

Abstract: A portable timepiece has a timepiece movement disposed in a case band. A pipe extends through and is attached to the case band and has a male screw portion on a part of the pipe that extends outside the case band. A crown has a crown head and a crown shaft, and the crown head has a female screw portion threadedly engaged with the male screw portion and disengageable therefrom in response to rotation of the crown head in a loosening direction accompanied by axial movement of the crown head in a direction away from the case band. The crown shaft has one end portion that extends into the pipe and is connected to a hand setting stem of the timepiece movement and another end portion that extends outside the case band beyond the pipe and slidably contacts an inner peripheral surface of the crown head to support the crown head and guide the axial movement thereof.

Abstract: The push-button control device for a watch includes a push-button stem (28) inserted via a bottom end into an orifice (22, 23) of a watchcase and a button (29) mounted on a top part (28a) of the stem (28) outside the watchcase. The stem can slide axially between a rest position and an active position against a return member (35) to control at least one function of the watch. The control device is characterized in that the top part (28a) of the stem includes an annular groove delimited by two parallel shoulders (44, 46) perpendicular to the axis of the stem, and in that the button (29) includes an annular base (27) that is engaged in the groove so as to be held between the two shoulders (44, 46) in the axial direction and centred with some play by the bottom of the groove such that the button (29) is free to move off-centre relative to the axis of the stem (28) while remaining secured thereto.

Abstract: A contact component, including: a sliding part that contacts with an other component and slides on the other component, or a switching part at which a contact state with the other component is switched, in which a composite plating including a metal plating and graphite particles is formed on the sliding part or the switching part.

Abstract: The device includes a support pipe driven into a bore of a watchcase, a push-piece crown consisting of a head and an extension mounted into the pipe in mobile manner, a part entraining rotation that is integral with the winding and setting stem of the watch, coupling elements causing the extension and the entraining part to move together in rotation as well as in translation in the direction of pulling, a first axial spring arranged between the crown's head and the entraining part, and a second axial spring arranged between the crown's head and the pipe. The first spring exerts a force that is high enough to overcome the resistance offered by stem during the change from the setting position to the winding position of the crown. The second spring exerts the principal restoring force bringing the crown back from its pushed position to its winding position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable electronic instrument (1) including a case (2), at least one electronic unit (72, 74) housed inside the case, and at least a first input and/or output terminal (A; B) accessible from the exterior of the case and including an electrically conductive element (100) which is mounted so as to be mobile with respect to the case. The input and/or output terminal is adapted to be electrically connected to an input and/or output terminal (72A, 74A; 72B, 74B) of said electronic unit via a transmission line (I/OA; I/OB) and for allowing transmission of electric signals on the transmission line through the connecting element. The connecting element can occupy a first or second position in which the input and/or output terminal is respectively uncoupled from or coupled to the input and/or output terminal of the electronic unit.

Abstract: A watch has a switch mechanism 10 supported by a base 11 and a lid 13 that houses a generally conventional electric watch arrangement (not shown). The mechanism includes a semi-circular disc shaped finger tip engagable pusher 16 that can be rotated in either direction from a mean position, and also pushed radially inwards. Such movement of the pusher 16 produces radial movements of biassed plungers 23, 26 and 30 that are urged through respective apertures 24, 27 and 31 in a wall 12 of the base 11. As a result respective electrical circuits of the watch arrangement are closed to change watch functions. The mechanism 10 serves the same purpose as push buttons conventionally used in the prior art but is much easier for the user, especially if the watch is being worn on a wrist when watch functions need to be changed.

Abstract: A control device with a snap function includes a support (10), a push-button (12) mounted so as to move in translation along an axis on the support, and a spring element (14) which is not secured to the support or to the push-button. The spring element (14) is formed of an elongated sheet made of resilient material, inserted between the push-button (12) and the support (10), and includes a pair of support zones (36) located at its ends and at least a median support zone arranged in its central portion. These support zones cooperate respectively with the head (28) of the push-button and with a raised surface (24c) of the support. In the rest position, the sheet has a bent or V-shaped cross section, which can deform to create a snap action during the travel of the push-button which tends to bend the spring element longitudinally. Such a device can be applied to control a mechanical or electrical function of a watch or another apparatus of small size.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wristwatch type of watch. More specifically, the watch comprises a display (11), an electronic circuit (12) controlling the display, a time set stem (13), and at least two electrical contact elements (14, 14″). The time set stem (13) can be placed in different axial positions and the stem comprises a crown (16) accessible from outside the watch and a helicoidal zone (19) which may have three helicoidal elements (20, 20′, 20″). When the time set stem is placed in a position such that the contact elements (14, 14″) are facing the helicoidal zone (19), rotating the time set stem causes an electrical connection on the electronic circuit (12) to alternately open and close. This generates at least two electrical impulse signals which are transmitted to the electronic control circuit. These signals are used to regulate different watch functions, such as time correction or controlling the time belt or the date.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chronograph watch made of precious metal including a case (1), closed by a crystal (12) and a back cover (13) resting on a rigid middle part-bezel (20) having a recess (19) opening towards the center of the case and wherein are provided through passages (3, 25) for a time-setting stem (4) and for guide sleeves (50) for at least two push buttons (2), and a chronograph movement (5) with its display device (6, 7, 8) positioned in said case by a casing ring (40) arranged between said movement (5) and said middle part-bezel (20), characterized in that the guide sleeves (50) include a tube (55) threaded on the outside and which ends in a collar (56) and in that at least two separated segments (30) shaped substantially like the recess (19) and pierced with a threaded hole (35) are arranged facing the push button (2) sleeves (50) to assure, by screwing from the exterior, both that said segments (30) are firmly positioned and that said sleeves (50) are sealed by crushing a metal ring (26) of t

Abstract: The push-button mechanism includes a lever (11) which pivots on a plane support (2), and includes two other pins (14, 16) arranged in a triangle with respect to the stud (12), and a second member (20) including a substantially U shaped cut-out portion (21) delimiting a base (22), and first and second arms (28, 32). The base (22) supports guide means (23) which slide along a guide ramp (3) and at least one control means (24) for a function to be activated (5, 6). The first rigid arm (28) is rotatably mounted on a first pin (14) of the lever (11) and the second flexible arm (32) has at its free end (33) a notch (34) acting as support for the second pin (16) in the inactive position, said notch (34) being extended by a beak shaped tip (36) having an external edge (38) oriented towards the exterior of the U shaped cut-out portion (21) against which the second pin (16) slides compressing the flexible arm (32) and producing a clicking by passing from one position to the other.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is provided for a multimode electronic timepiece having a casing, a device for indicating a time-of-day and an integrated circuit operable in a plurality of modes. The switching mechanism includes a setting stem mounted for rotational movement and positionable in a plurality of axial setting positions. The setting stem includes at least one tooth. The switching mechanism also includes a switch arm having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion engages the tooth of the setting stem. The switching mechanism further includes a first and a second electrical contact.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manual control device for a watch including a bolt sliding on the external surface of a watch case, in particular to set a repeater mechanism, said bolt being connected through an opening arranged in said watch case to a sliding block controlling the desired function, said device further including a sealing gasket arranged around said opening and control means associated with said bolt, said control means allowing said device to pass from a first state, called the rest state, in which the bolt is locked with respect to the case and said gasket is compressed, to a second state, called the setting state, in which the bolt is unlocked and said gasket is not compressed, characterised in that said sealing gasket is arranged to be applied around said opening between said bolt and the external surface of the case and in that the control means include an articulated lever provided with an eccentric portion, said lever allowing said device to pass from the setting state to the rest state and v

Abstract: A combination crown and pushbutton for an illuminated analog watch having a manual actuator on the setting stem external to the watchcase for pulling out the stem and manually rotating it to set the hands. The watch has an electroluminescent dial which lights up when a switch is closed. An axially elongated detent recess in the stem allows the stem to move inward when the actuator is pushed. A spring switching arm maintains the actuator in the normal run position and closes a switch when the actuator is pushed. Thus a separate pushbutton is not needed.

Abstract: This pushpiece (1) for a timepiece includes a movable head (3) slidingly mounted on a tube (4), said head partially enveloping such tube. The head exhibits a central cylindrical core (5) which penetrates into the tube, at least one O ring seal (6) being located between the tube and the core. A return spring (7) urges the head towards the exterior. The core (5) is extended by a stem (8), the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the core, the spring being arranged between the stem and the tube. In this manner the spring is located in a sealed zone of the pushpiece and the mean diameter of the O ring seal is less than the mean diameter of the spring.

Abstract: The sealed control arrangement for a timepiece is lodged in a case (20) and includes a crown (46) rotating around a tube. The crown includes an integrally formed head (10), central portion (23) and lateral skirt (12). The internal wall (11) of the skirt exhibits a cylindrical surface over its entire height. A packing (13) having the form of an annular bandage surrounding the tube exhibits an annular projection (16) on its internal portion corporating with an annular groove (15) formed in the tube. The external portion of said bandage is shaped in a manner such that whatever be the axial position of the crown (46), the lower edge (24) of the internal wall of the skirt is always in contact with said external portion of the bandage. The arrangement allows correction of data displayed by the timepiece while exhibiting excellent reliability in respect of the sealing which it assures.

Abstract: A compact electronic apparatus comprises a casing of a wrist watch shape, a push button switch installed on the casing, waterproof packing being provided between the casing and the push button switch, a metal pipe mounted in the casing with its portion being extending out from the casing and including the push button switch therein, the metal pipe provided with a flange at its extending portion so as to form a recess, which recess is adapted to receive a mounting pipe of a release switch. The construction of the electronic apparatus allows a direct switching operation of the push button switch as well as a switching operation through the release switch. In either events, the casing of the present electronic apparatus is protected from water penetration with an extremely simple construct.

Abstract: A wristwatch having a switching crown to effectuate an electrical switch function. The switching crown comprises a crown element constructed from electrically conductive material. The crown is in contact with a first conductor element connected to one side of a battery. A second conductor element extends in a portion of the crown and electrically isolated therefrom. A peripheral inner end portion of the crown is disposed closely spaced to the second conductor element. The peripheral inner end portion is placed in contact with the second conductor element by maintaining a side pressure on the crown element to effectuate a switch closure.

Abstract: A crown switch actuator in a solid state analog wristwatch rotates in either direction and is movable axially. The actuator stem has a flat portion which rotatably operates a rocker contact spring against contact pads on a printed circuit board to alternately close first and second switches. The rocker contact spring also detents the switch actuator in one of two axial positions and retains the crown actuator in the watch case. Third and fourth switches are alternately closed by axial movement of the crown actuator stem. In a first detented axial position, the third switch is closed. In a second detected axial position, the third and fourth switches are open. In a third axial position, the fourth switch is closed. An extension arm on the detent rocker contact spring provides for releasing the crown actuator from the watch case.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece movement includes a control stem slidably guided in a radial passage of a base plate. Pulling on this control stem brings a return spring acting on the stem into contact with a stud which is carried by the substrate of an electronic circuit module of the movement. This connects a conductive lead to ground, which controls an operation function of the timepiece. The pull-out control stem and associated return spring can be replaced by a push-in member and by a return coil spring located in said passage. The stud is then positioned in a hole of the substrate of the electronic circuit, which hole is situated opposite to the longitudinal axis of the passage. Pressure exerted on this push-in member places a portion thereof into electrical contact with the stud and this connects the lead to ground, as before. Thus, the movement can according to choice be completed for operation either by a push-in control movement or by a pull-out control stem movement.

Abstract: A medical timer apparatus being suitable for use with both integral and non-integral medication containers, and having a magnetically responsive switch for resetting the time measurement function. The magnetically responsive switch responds to magnets positioned such that the magnets will be brought into operable range of the magnetically responsive switch by activities that are consistent with administration of the medicine.

Abstract: A static pick-up may comprise a sapphire substrate of which the upper sure bears at least two metallic electrodes and a dielectric and the lower surface is metallized in a manner to receive directly an electronic circuit adapted to detect the position of a finger placed on the pick-up. The electrodes are coupled to the lower surface metallization by means of metallized passages. The pick-up may be employed as a control means for introducing and correcting data as displayed by a timepiece.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece assembly interposed between a module and an exteriorly operable member and comprising a switch lower base including a plurality of electrically conductive portions connected to a contact pattern formed on the module and a switch upper plate including a plurality of terminal portions formed in correspondence with the conductive portions and a plurality of projections operable by means of the exteriorly operable member so as to be resiliently deformed and connect the terminal portions through the electrically conductive portions to the contact pattern formed on the module.

Abstract: A pushbutton device comprises a pipe or tubular member for being affixed to a casing as of an electronic watch, a pushbutton body axially movably disposed in the pipe, resilient structure for returning the pushbutton body to an original position, structure for retaining the pushbutton body in the pipe, and a plurality of contacts selectively actuatable by the pushbutton body into and out of mutual electrical contact. Either the pushbutton body or the pipe has at least one step on its upper surface remote from the contacts to provide a plurality of stepped strokes of depressed movement of the pushbutton body with respect to the pipe for selective actuation of the contacts. The resilient structure may be a coil spring or a resilient leaf spring.

Abstract: The alarm control button of the alarm clock with a snooze mechanism is operable in two modes; a lateral sliding mode and a vertical pushing mode. The alarm setting and the permanent stopping of the buzzer are controlled by the sliding mode, while the temporary stopping of the buzzer is controlled by the vertical pushing mode.

Abstract: The correction device of the invention makes it possible to activate, in the same axial position of the crown, two different modes of correction of the data displayed by the watch, it being possible to make those corrections in both directions, depending on the direction of rotation of the crown.The second correction mode is activated only after a reversal of direction of the correction made according to the first mode.This device contains, notably, memory means 11, 12, associated with each direction of rotation of the crown, and selection means 21, 31, 22, 32, for choosing the mode and the direction of correction activated in accordance with the direction of rotation of the crown, on the one hand, and a possible reversal of that direction, on the other.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece assembly interposed between a module and an exteriorly operable member and comprising a switch lower base including a plurality of electrically conductive portions connected to a contact pattern formed on the module and a switch upper plate including a plurality of terminal portions formed in correspondence with the conductive portions and a plurality of projections operable by means of the exteriorly operable member so as to be resiliently deformed and connect the terminal portions through the electrically conductive portions to the contact pattern formed on the module.

Abstract: A recessed push button in the back of an electronic watch is sealed and returned to its normal position by a resilient O-ring gasket, and retained in a recessed opening in the watch case by a spring retaining clip. The clip has a keyhole slot transversely slidable around a groove in the push button stem, with a retaining tab locking the clip in position. A first conductive member maintains contact with the clip, holding it in position, and a second conductive member is spaced from and contacted by the clip when the push button is depressed.

Abstract: An electronic calculator watch which comprises timekeeping means composed of an oscillator, a frequency divider connected to the oscillator, a counter circuit connected to the frequency divider, and a driver circuit connected to the counter circuit for providing an output signal indicative of time information, and calculating means composed of an oscillator circuit and a calculation circuit responsive to perform calculations under control of numerical inputs furnished by external operation device provided on a watch case. The watch also comprises a display including a first display section connected to the driver circuit of the timekeeping means to display the output signal delivered therefrom, and a second display section connected to the calculating means to display the result of calculations, each of the first and second display sections having a plurality of digit electrodes and a plurality of segment electrodes arranged in a matrix configuration.

Abstract: In order to simplify the production of electronic watches, there is provided a family of standardized movements whose members can be housed within a variety of watch cases of different size and shape. All movements in the family are identical but for their mounting plates which differ in size, and in some instances also in shape, to render the movements receivable in differently-configured cases. The standardized movements in the family include batteries of different size which take advantage of the space made available by the plates of different size to afford optimum battery life.